Tyler Burns on Cave Man -Photo Daniel Rucker

Two Jackson Kayaks, Two Bikes, and a Station Wagon

Just before Spring Break, it hit me: I will never experience the wonders of Spring Break ever again. With this being noted, I immediately started brainstorming how to close out these beloved breaks in a respectful and epic way. My conclusion came to what I know best: whitewater kayaking! I set out in my station wagon to travel the east coast in search of the best possible whitewater kayaking I could find. I am no stranger to runs on the east coast, but to link all of these rivers together in a one week period is an adventure to say the least.

Notes from Spring Break:

• Car camping can become quite interesting when most National Forest Areas are still winterized.
• Not having set plans adds an extra sense of freedom!
• Running old and new runs in the Super Hero and Villain made the trip just awesome!

Flying Super Hero -Photo Ky Hart

My original itinerary involved a direct drive to Fayetteville, WV where I could base camp and tackle personal new runs in a new area. However, this itinerary was quickly discarded when rain started pouring over the state of North Carolina. Here is a break down of my last and best spring break ever:

Southeast Whitewater Kayaking

• Friday: Upper Cullesaja (Super Hero)
• Saturday: Raven Fork / Lower Cheoah x5 (Super Hero / Villain)
• Sunday: Green River Narrows (Super Hero)
• Monday: Watauga (Villain)
• Tuesday: Cranberry and Lower Meadow (Villain)
• Wednesday: Russell Fork (Super Hero)
• Thursday: Russell Fork (Super Hero)
• Friday: Cohutta First D Scout (5.10 Canyoneer Boots)
• Saturday: Ocoee River (Villain / Super Hero)

Jackson Super Hero:

Entering Raven Fork in the Super Hero -Photo Daniel Rucker

Spring Break was my first time trying the Jackson Super Hero on more difficult creeks and rivers. My first impression = awesome! Tight moves and turns become even easier with the length only being 7’9″, boofs become huge with the shorter stern, down river and hole play have never been better in a creekboat/river-runner, and 90 gallons of volume keep you floating high and extraordinarily stable. For being only 7’9″ I was amazed at the amount of speed the Super Hero carries. Great boat for the tight moves on the infamous micro-creek Cullesaja, dynamic and in control on the classic Raven Fork, transformation of the Green River Narrows in to a large playground, responsive in heavy water on the Russell Fork, and extremely playful in larger holes on the Ocoee.

Jackson Kayak Villain

Brink on Lower Meadow

The boat that I have trusted for years. The Jackson Kayak Villain is fast due to its length of 8’8″, responsive at carving down stream and in/out of eddies due to its advanced rear chime design, rocker designed to boof (yet very responsive mid-flight), volume (92.5 gallons) that punches holes and floats high over rocks. Whether I am charging downstream or trying to minimize my strokes, the Villain consistently delivers responsive handling and great control.

2012 Spring Break Whitewater Kayaking Video

See you on the River,

Zach Fraysier