On the Road to Recovery by Maddie Kimmel | Dec 22, 2020 | Featured Post, JAdventures Main Banner, River Running, Whitewater Feature, WW DisciplinesOn October 16, 2020, I went to Moab with a friend from school over fall break. On my very first-day of dirt biking, I had a major crash that sent me flying off the bike. I ended up dislocating and fracturing my hip. I first went to the hospital in Grand Junction and...
Lower Salmon Trip Report by Maddie Kimmel | Dec 19, 2020 | 2014 Karma Unlimited, Exploration Feature, River Running, WW Disciplines, ZenIn our first quarter at World Class Academy, we were lucky enough to receive a permit for the Lower Salmon. The Lower Salmon consists of 60 miles of a pristine river, weaving in and out of deep gorges. It wasn’t the most challenging section of river as it consisted of...
Jackson Antix 2.0 Review! by Maddie Kimmel | Nov 27, 2020 | Antix, Whitewater, Whitewater FeatureIn recent years slice boating has made a comeback and exploded in popularity among the kayaking community. Half slices in particular have become ever more popular, with every kayaking brand producing their own take on a half slice. The beauty of the half slice is that...
Zen 3.0 Upper Palguin Style! by Maddie Kimmel | Aug 10, 2020 | Chile, JAdventures Main Banner, River Running, Whitewater, Whitewater Feature, WW Disciplines, ZenPhoto Credit : Kalob Grady Crystal-clear water, scenic views, and quality whitewater, are only a few aspects that make the Upper Palguin a true Chilian classic. For my first trip to Chile, I was ecstatic to paddle this spectacular river after seeing it countless times...
Growing Up World Class by Maddie Kimmel | May 16, 2020 | Creeking, River Running, Whitewater, Whitewater Feature, WW DisciplinesDespite ending in the middle of a pandemic, my past year at World Class Academy has been incredible. The memories, life lessons, and friendships that I have forged over the last six months, will be everlasting. As perfect as things may seem, the unexpected is always...
2019 Year in Review by Maddie Kimmel | Jan 9, 2020 | Nirvana, Playboating, Rockstar, RockStar 2019, Rockstar 4.0This year was by far my best year for paddling so far! I’ve paddled countless new rivers and most notably ran my first waterfall! Overall, I’ve done a lot more creeking this year than in the past, and I’m stoked to get a better grasp on my boof. Additionally, I...
El Cacique del Reventazon Race by Maddie Kimmel | Nov 20, 2019 | Costa Rica, Event Coverage, Nirvana, PlayboatingPhoto Credits: Jack Shalin Nestled in the jungle of Costa Rica lies the Reventazon, a big water class IV section of whitewater, with whopping waves and holes. The El Cacique del Reventazon race is a two-part race: a time trial and a head to head race held on a...
5 Steps to Repairing Wrist Gaskets by Maddie Kimmel | Oct 23, 2019 | Creeking, Instructional, Internationalisation, Playboating, River Running, Whitewater, WW DisciplinesRepairing Gaskets is an easy and useful skill to know. In most circumstances, sending your dry tops off to be fixed by someone else, as it is expensive and time consuming. You can buy the supplies online through Immersion Research or any other kayak outfitter. No need...
Montreal Eau Vive 2019! by Maddie Kimmel | Sep 1, 2019 | Event Coverage, Events, Playboating, Rockstar 4.0, Whitewater, Wrap Ups, WW DisciplinesJetskis, world class whitewater, poutine, Montreal Eau Vive has it all! Montreal Eau Vive is a two day competition held on the Lachine rapids of the St. Lawrence. The event entails both a freestyle and boater cross event. This year was my second time attending...
Prepare for Liftoff in the Rockstar 4.0! by Maddie Kimmel | Apr 24, 2019 | Internationalisation, Playboating, Rockstar 4.0, Whitewater, WW DisciplinesThe Rockstar 4.0 is very different than Jackson’s past playboats. The Rockstar 4.0 features more volume, higher knee placement, more leg room, and a narrower haul, resulting in bigger tricks and infinite amounts of river play! When I first sat in the Small Rockstar...
Paddling with My Little Sister by Maddie Kimmel | Jan 23, 2019 | Family Zone, Kid's Kayaks, WhitewaterPhoto Credits: Brooke Hess Jackie has been paddling for 4 years now. I am amazed by how quickly she is improves every year. Jackie was always small, and we waited for her to be strong enough to pull her skirt and tall enough to reach the feet bags. She was seven when...
A Year in Review: 2018 by Maddie Kimmel | Jan 17, 2019 | Event Coverage, Events, Whitewater, Wrap UpsHard to believe it will soon be 2019! This year I competed in more competitions, ran new rivers, and learned some new tricks! This year I learned to blunt, flatwater loop, flatwater cartwheel, and am starting to get my Mcnasty. I have a total of 10 personal first...
