Finding clarity – A Weekend on the North Fork of the Lewis

by janekoopman | Jun 15, 2019 | Creeking, Nirvana, Whitewater, WW Disciplines

This spring I have paddled the least of any spring in the last 8 years. Not by choice, just work, snow, love, geography and it makes me a little sad. It has also made me consider a little bit my identity as a paddler. How can I be a “good boater” if its already June...

The Magic of T-Rescues

by janekoopman | Mar 11, 2019 | Instructional, Whitewater, Whitewater Instruction

You have probably heard it said that we are all between swims. Truth! Whether you are Dane Jackson or just got in a boat for the first time yesterday it is just a matter of time before we all will find ourselves having another out of boat experience. The thing is,...

Summer PNWs (Personal New Waves)

by janekoopman | Jul 23, 2018 | 2016 Rock Star Competition, Playboating, Whitewater, WW Disciplines

I cannot think of anything much better than warm summer afternoons spent with friends takings turns with surfs that make you giggle, basking on the rocks, cheering each other on, making new friends, eating snacks and not wanting to stop but also being exhausted by the...

High Water at the Futaleufu

by janekoopman | Dec 18, 2017 | Creeking, rivers, Trip Reports, Trips, Whitewater, WW Disciplines

It snowed a lot in the Andes this winter and now that means high water for the paddling season in Chile! I write from the Futaleufu. It is mid December and the river is still fluctuating around 130 on the bridge to bridge put in visual gauge. (However when we put it...

5 Tips for Getting on a Surf Wave

by janekoopman | Aug 10, 2017 | 2016 Rock Star Competition, Instructional, Playboating, Whitewater, WW Disciplines

Some eddy serviced waves you can paddle onto without barely a paddle stroke. Others take a lot of effort and finesse to work across a current for a sweet surf. While eddy serviced surfing is certainly a luxury, some surf spots have unique idiosyncrasies that,...

An intro to self support kayaking on the the Wild and Scenic Jarbidge Bruneau

by janekoopman | Jun 7, 2017 | 2015 Zen, Creeking, rivers, Trip Reports, Trips, Whitewater, WW Disciplines

This spring I padded my first self support kayak trip! I am just a little embarrassed to admit that it took so long, but better late than never. I have only been inspired now to do more. Nestled in the seemingly flat BLM lands of south western Idaho are two incisions...

Winter Boating in Jackson Hole!

by janekoopman | Mar 18, 2017 | 2016 Rock Star Competition, Clinics, Event Coverage, Events, Family Zone, Instructional, Playboating, Uncategorized, Video, Whitewater, WW Disciplines

We may still be skiing deep snow in the Tetons but we we have not forgotten about boating either! Each week the Jackson Hole Community Center opens up a section of its pool for kayakers to get in their boats, or those provided by the Jackson Hole Kayak School, and...