Experience Bliss-Stick

Tino Specht and Stephen Forster- Rio Palguin's 70 ft Waterfall

2009-12-17T07:10:00.005-05:00

Seth Stoenner- Hood River, Little White Salmon

2009-12-16T19:52:00.003-05:00

Last weekend me and a few friends drove out to Hood River again to run the Little White Salmon. The Little White Salmon is one of my favorite creeks to run. The creek is super fast and super continuous. With the speed and intense boulder gardens, this run can get very technical, especially if no one really knows the lines. Me and Mike had ran it once before but couldn't remember any of the lines, Jeff and Cliff had never ran it. With the continuous nature of the creek scouting can take along time. It took us about 4 hours to finish the run. We took out in the dark and then hitched a ride.

The first pic is of me on Spirit falls.
The Second pic is of Cliff Mailloux airing it out on Boulder Sluice.

Seth Stoenner
Team Bliss-Stick

Adam Swett Checking in from Maine

2009-12-09T06:23:00.002-05:00

Bliss-Stick Smoothy on the Hudson River

2009-12-08T08:36:00.003-05:00

Hello Michael

The snow is starting to fall in the northeast and the water is getting a little on the cold side, but rivers are running. So it’s not quite time yet to pack away the boats and break out the snowboard.

We have a great play-spot just 5 minutes away from my apartment and is good 7 months out of the year. It is located on the Hudson River about a mile upstream from the dam in Hudson Falls. From 8500-13500 cfs the feature is a pretty solid hole and from 19500-27000 cfs some pretty nice waves come in; great for boards and boats.

For those who live around the Lake George and Saratoga area this is a must to check out. I worked out parking arrangements with a local business owner, which allows boaters access to the eddy right by the waves. This is a perfect spot for beginners and experts alike. The eddy is huge and super easy to get to in case of a swim.

I’ve tried a number of playboats here and without a doubt the Smoothy is the easiest and most fun kayak I’ve used here. Let me explain my reasoning. The Smoothy is fast for its length (6’1”), it is retentive and super easy to adjust angles while cartwheeling—this simply helps you stay in a small non-retentive feature--, and it loops effortlessly. I’m 190lbs and was almost able to go completely aerial is this very small hole. I cannot wait to get back out there at a better level and really see what the Smoothy can do!

These pics are from a couple of days ago and the level was a bit low (around 9000cfs).

Team Bliss-Stick Member
Jason LaSelva

Rio Claro Update

2009-12-07T08:04:00.002-05:00

Stephen Forster- Arriving in Pucon, Chile, South America

2009-12-03T08:46:00.004-05:00

Hey Michael,

I hope you are doing well, here is a blog update...

I just made it to the epicenter of whitewater kayaking in South America, Pucon. So far I have ran the Ojos del Caburgua which is a set of clean waterfalls, and a 30 meter slide on the Rio Nevatos.

Here are some pictures of the slide! I am in the lime Mystic and Tino is in the red Mystic.

Stephen Forster

Welcoming Dustin Stoenner to Team Bliss-Stick USA

2009-12-02T09:01:00.001-05:00

So basically I really like kayaking. Luckily my mom birthed me in the Boise area and my dad kayaked,so at a young age I lit the fire for my passion of being in the outdoors and using a kayak to paint my picture. The Payette was, and still is an untouchable training ground which has given me the experience to take my kayak to other destinations.

I have paddled in Argentina, Chile, all over the western half of the United States, eastern Canada, and today heading to Uganda to bring in 2010. Traveling and experiencing new cultures is one of my favorite parts of kayaking because it gives me different perspectives that I can apply to life choices.

I look forward to continually progressing in kayaking, pushing my self to run bigger waterfalls, and linking up combos on waves. I'm super excited to be paddling Bliss-Stick boats and to be working with such friendly people. I hope to get some updates soon.

Can't wait to see everyone on the water.

Peace,

Dustin Stoenner
Team Bliss-Stick

Low Water Russell Fork 11/29/09- Jason Bordwine, Dan Pettingill and Gene

2009-12-01T09:49:00.005-05:00

Tino Specht- Traveling Through Chile

2009-11-30T09:24:00.004-05:00

More amazing photos taken of his travels through Chile. Tino is down there coaching with New River Academy and showing the students some of the goods. Pictures are taken by Melina Coogan, Zoe Ross and most of them are by Matt Smink.

Update from South America- Maipo River

2009-11-29T12:12:00.004-05:00

US Crazy Christmas Recession Special Double Deal!

2009-11-27T10:27:00.006-05:00

Here it is US Paddlers, back by popular demand, a kayak deal too good to be true!

Purchase a new 2009 model Mystic or Mini Mystic kayak at our US price of $1049, from November 27th, 2009 through January 1st, 2010, and pay just $650 for either a Rad 175, Super Rad 180, Rad 185, Rad 195. And this time the Specialist 5'9 and Smoothy 6'1 are included.

The above prices exclude shipping and taxes, where applicable. Limited time offer, that is only available through WakaWai. Valid only if a Mystic or Mini Mystic and play boat of your choice are both purchased at the same time, between now and before January 1, 2010. Offer applies to US customers only. Double deal kayaks are Export grade kayaks in the color combination of your choice. Here is the current inventory that is available on a first come, first serve basis.

It is as easy as that, simply contact us directly for further details on this fantastic festive season offer, and to secure your boats today.

Chile Update- Rio Claro, Siete Tazas Section

2009-11-20T16:50:00.005-05:00

New River Academy Student Stephen Forster

I have spent the last week at the Rio Claro and it has been epic. This river is renowned for its Siete Tazas section, which is a series of seven basalt pool drops that are some of the cleanest waterfalls I have ever seen. What many people do not now is there are two other sections known as the Entres Saltos and the Veintidos Saltos sections. The Veintidos Saltos consists of mostly clean waterfalls ranging from 10- 30 feet. The section is completely gorged in and hiking out is not an option.

The Entres Saltos is a longer section that consists of three parts the Upper, Cinco Tazas, and the Garganta del Diablo canyon. the first section is class 3-5 with possible portages for the less experienced boater

Then comes the Cinco Tazas. This section is a set of waterfalls, easier than the Sieta Tazas, but offers a fighting chnce to be more pristine than its sister section , the Siete Tazas.

Lastly, the most notorious section the Garganta del Diable begins with a 15 foot slide that banks 180 degrees off a wall and into a 25 foot free fall. Its stout but fully epic. This drop leads into a committed canyon with a 20 meter slide and a few other sick drops

Here are some pictures....

Well I am off to the Achibueno to do a possible multi day

Money Drop on Rock Creek in Hood River, Oregon

2009-11-18T08:28:00.005-05:00

Hey Michael,

This past weekend my brother and I decided to rally out to Hood River, Oregon for some snowboarding and huckin. On Saturday we rode at Meadows resort which was super good.. They had like 16 new inches of snow and it was about 12 degrees so the snow was nice.

On Sunday morning we woke up, got some breakfast, and decided to go check out Money Drop on Rock Creek. When we got there the flows looked really good and me and my brother both decided to give 'er. It was a super fun drop. I can't wait to go back out to Hood again soon.

Take care,

Seth Stoenner
Team Bliss-Stick

Seth...

Dustin...

Sam Fullbright on the Green Race 2009

2009-11-16T10:58:00.006-05:00

After all the hype and fuss of the Green race mania, the fateful day finally arrived. The week prior to the race it was all anyone would talk about, which lines were fastest, who crashed that day, and the constant thought of how your race run will go. Needless to say, I was ready for race day to arrive.

I woke up early that morning and did a few mental runs in my head and was ready to get this thing started. Unfortunately though it was my first race so I would be in the back of the starting order. I waited anxiously in the put-in parking lot for my time to come around.

Finally it was time to hike down to the put-in and paddle down to the start of the course, just above the first rapid, Frankenstien. I got down after nervously paddling the warm up section of the river. After reaching the start line I hopped out of my boat to watch a few racers take off downstream. The atmosphere at the start line was very excited as we we’re all stoked to begin the race down the Green. I started to feel relaxed as my time came up. Finally I was up. I backed into the starting rock, calmly physcing myself up.

Go time! Off around the corner of Frankenstien and the river is to yourself. It was quite peaceful to have it be just me and the river. I had good lines in the top section of small slots and boofs. I rolled into Go Left and it was the first time the crowd started to appear. People were yelling as I came through Go Left nice and clean. From here the course is packed with people. I rolled through Zwicks and Chiefs with good lines and was feeling good paddling towards Gorilla. Its quite impressive to be at that rapid with hundreds of people there screaming at you. I kept focused and didn’t allow myself to look up at the crowd. I subbed out a bit coming through the notch, but was just were I wanted to be coming off Gorilla. I took a small little ride in Speed Trap, killing my time just a bit, but rolled up and came through the rest of the slides with good lines. Paddling hard into the finish line rock. I was breathing hard, tired, and STOKED! First Green race was done, I could hardly believe it.

After such a long build up and being constantly in my thoughts the race was over, just as quickly as it began. I’m definitely excited that I was able to race this year. I can’t wait until next year when I know the course a little better and won’t have the first timer nerves. What a great event. A big thanks to everyone who helps put the race together and all of the photographers who took some incredible shots that day!

Sam Fullbright
Team Bliss-Stick

First two shots are of Sam about to go off the launch pad at Gorilla. These photos are copyrighted by Chris Bell and Boatingbeta.com. We are using them with his permission. Thanks Chris!

Sam spanking the monkey. Thanks to Randy for this shot!

Bliss-Stick Mini Mystic, Tellico Ledges, Angie Williamson

2009-11-16T10:43:00.002-05:00

Chile Update: Stephen Forster, 30 Footer, Yesso River

2009-11-13T09:26:00.004-05:00

This is Stephen Forster here coming from Chile. Today, David Hughes, Tino Specht, and I ran a 30 footer on the Yesso River by Santiago. This drop had a class 5 entrance and a cave at the bottom. The waterfall was a lot of fun even though I broke my paddle. Now I am off to the Rio Claro to run some more, big drops. Here are some pictures fro the Yesso

November in West Virginia

2009-11-09T09:13:00.004-05:00

Ahh...November in Fayetteville. Most everyone has left for the season, and the rain goes directly into the river instead of being sucked up by the trees. I've been waiting for one of the best wave features anywhere to run, and today it finally did. 5 Boat hole is known to most as a wide, shallow surf during Gauley Season, but with higher flows in the riverbed, it becomes a sweet wave that gives up almost every wave trick. Here's some photos to give you an idea. Hopefully some rain tonight and creeking tomorrow!

Brian Jennings
Team Bliss-Stick

Northeast Update- Jason LaSelva

2009-11-03T11:21:00.004-05:00

Northeast Update...

The northeast has received some rain and with temperatures in the 50's we have had some perfect weather for boating. I ventured to some of our regular runs and tried my best to get some quality photos for Bliss-Stick. With most of my paddling companions retiring for the year--this is usually the case after Moosefest--I ventured off to paddle the Poultney Creek at flood(see my previous post) and the famous Mettawee Creek.

The Mettawee is a rather new find. Some of my friends, including the late Chris Wolski, completed the first descent in 1997. It can be paddled at various levels for about 8 months out of the year and is often compared to the Bottom Moose, but in my opinion can be way more fun at higher levels.

Thanks to Daylight savings and shorter days I was unable to get to all of the drops today, but fear not, I will have more photos in the next few days.

Cheers,

Team Bliss-Stick
Jason LaSelva

Team Bliss-Stick- Jason LaSelva- Poultney Creek, NY

2009-11-02T10:59:00.003-05:00

I checked out Poultney creek, which is usually run from 200-1100cfs and today we found it at 2300cfs. I've sent a pic from the first rapid and I have to say that it +2000 is the way to go.

More to come!

Jason LaSelva
Team Bliss-Stick

Bliss-Stick Agent, Jason Bordwine Getting Exposure

2009-11-02T10:50:00.003-05:00

This is a website that gives you information on what to see and experience in Damascus, Virginia. Scroll down the page and see Jason running Big Rock on the White Top Laurel!

CLICK HERE!

Russell Fork Race Update- Brian Jennings

2009-10-30T09:05:00.003-05:00

After a Gauley Season of too much work, and not enough boating, I was stoked to get back to one of my favorite, and one of the most beautiful rivers anywhere...the Russell Fork. I love this run, and the scene is one of the best on the whitewater circuit....super friendly locals, and lots of familiar faces.

While I usually race my longboat for the race, my WS Momentum was stolen out of my yard this summer, so I decided to try and beat Tyler Fox's short boat record (in a Bliss-Stick MAC) in my trusty Mystic. I'm stoked that I succeeded in beating it by 2 seconds, but ended up second in the unoffical short boat category as my buddy Adam Johnson laid down a blistering time to set the new record in under 12 mins. Well done AJ!!

After a practice and race runs on Sat, I shredded with my girlfriend Eileen, and did a session on the take out wave in the afternoon. Here's a few pics..

Next up: lots of playboating on the New and Gauley and creek season begins!!! 'Till next time.

Brian Jennings
Team Bliss-Stick

Stephen Forster- Fall Break Update

2009-10-28T12:01:00.002-05:00

Hey this is Stephen Forster checking in. I am currently getting ready for my 5-month trip to Chile. The past few weeks I lead a trip down the Moose River in New York, and Fall Creek in Massachusetts. Both easy class 4+ creeks with some really fun lines. During November and December the Airborn Athletics team will be heading down to Chile to run some big drops and take footage for a new and upcoming video. This movie, so far, has two sections planned out, a spring Canada section and a Chile section. Hopefully there will be some Colorado footage in there to. Here are some pictures from the Moose River and Fall Creek.

Knifes Edge, Moose River...

Fall Creek...

New Backband Buckles for 2010 on Bliss-Stick Designs

2009-10-27T07:41:00.004-05:00

We are pleased to let Bliss-Stick paddlers know that we have replaced the old style cast metal buckles that we used on our backbands, to a new specificly designed Stainless Slider buckle, that will now make our backband buckle adjustment solid and secure enough to handle the extremes of modern whitewater kayaking.

Nolichucky River in the Fall 2009

2009-10-26T13:31:00.005-05:00

Thanks Jason Bordwine!

Moose River Festival 2009

2009-10-22T13:27:00.001-05:00

I don't think that the Moose Festival is what it use to be, but nonetheless it is still a good time. We met lots of great people, exposed people to Bliss-Stick kayaks, sold a few demos and hopefully made some lifelong friends. Really, what else could you ask for?

The whitewater and friends is what will keep you coming back. And for me, I will have to trek up there again to redeem myself. I managed to get the flu somewhere beween NC and NY. Even with the flu, it is a good time. There are enough adult beverages there to kill any kind of virus and they were to be had at Slickers!

For the others however, the weather cooperated and provided two days of sunshine, which I heard was a rarity during this festival. Here are a some pictures and video of the weekend. Good times had by all!

Serenading the sun... Chuck Gardner

Chuck Gardner, Alex Barham, Dan Burke, Jason LaSelva, Michael Briere, Pete May

Just past the crux on Fowlersville Falls...

Dan Burke

Jason LaSelva

Ager Falls...

Jason, Chuck, Dan

Alex

Pete

Dan

Pete and Alex

Jason

Run out below Ager Falls...

Center line @ Magilla

Stuck in cave at bottom of center line @ Magilla... She kept composure managed to fight her way out.

Cheers to an awesome weekend!