SMARTER Goal

by crystalgustin | Mar 21, 2018 | Instructional, Whitewater, Whitewater Instruction

I recently finished my basketball season as a head varsity girls coach and for my little school, we made a run in state. Preparing for state, I took a risk and held a practice unlike any other practice I’ve had. Instead of physically preparing my girls, I took...

Antix Love

by crystalgustin | Aug 1, 2017 | Antix, Creeking, Internationalisation, Reviews, United States, Video, Whitewater, WW Disciplines

For some, it might be hard to trust a review by a team member. I get it. I can wholeheartedly tell you that I love the Antix but probably not for the reasons that first spring to mind. When this boat was in the works, far before production, I was so excited to have...

Confidence Series Recap: Year Three on the Pigeon

by crystalgustin | Jul 7, 2017 | 2016 Rock Star Competition, Accessories, Event Coverage, Events, Internationalisation, Playboating, rivers, United States, Whitewater, Wrap Ups, WW Disciplines

On June 24th, 18 women gathered at the Pigeon River to get their play on. This year marked 3 years of Paddle in Pink putting on this event and every year things seem to get better. Groups this year were split into smaller numbers so there was more one-on-one...

Back To The Start

by crystalgustin | May 2, 2017 | Karma, River Running, Whitewater, WW Disciplines

As a kayaker who has paddled for over 10 years, it can be easy to forget about the times when we were first figuring this sport out. Recently, one of my spring break days were spent taking one of my basketball players out to experience her first whitewater trip. I was...

Combining Two Passions

by crystalgustin | Apr 17, 2017 | Clinics, Instructional, Video, Whitewater

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs If you know me, you would know that when I speak about coaching girls basketball, or about being on the river, my love is hard to disguise. Being able to combine these two is something truly...

Dirty Bird: Confidence Series 2017

by crystalgustin | Apr 14, 2017 | Event Coverage, Events, Media, Whitewater

Mark your calendars ladies, this year Paddle In Pink’s Confidence Series on the Dirty Bird (Pigeon River, TN) is set for June 24th. Last year was a big success with over 20 women learning how to get vertical and throw about in a playboat. This year the format...

First Snow of 2017

by crystalgustin | Jan 12, 2017 | Family Zone, Internationalisation, Team JK, United States, Video, Whitewater

Seeing that I am from Wisconsin, snow isn’t a new thing to me. However, living in the Southeast, snow turns everyone into a child again. So with the new snow that just hit the area, I thought I would get my fill of playing in the snow. Not only did I have a...

Back To The Basics: Kelly’s Whitewater Park

by crystalgustin | Aug 4, 2014 | Whitewater

Being new to team JK, it takes some time to adjust to a new boat. I have to sometimes remind myself to slow down, remember the basics, and get in touch with a new boat. Kelly’s whitewater park is a perfect place for that. With three different features, it offers...