.

The Black

2009-09-30T10:09:00.000-07:00

The Black
location: upper peninsula of michigan
5-3-09

John McConville Rainbow Falls

Looking back through the photos of this spring i came across the photos from the Black! We had a big crew (being it was the day after the Rada Race) and the river was running at a great level... about 550cfs. It had been 2 year since i'd last been on the Black and was looking for some revenge.

The Birth Canal may not be the bigest or hardest rapid ever but man will it dish out a beat down. With a little inspiration from Andy McMurray and Joerg Steinbach i found myself lining back up to this nasty little pour over for another fight. Driving right to left with a strong righty stroke i boofed the pour over, losing all of my speed i pulled through the strong back wash for a successful a run... A few big breaths before going over Gorge Falls and one great start to the morning.

John McConville Gorge Falls

From Gorge Falls down, the Black river is compiled of a bunch of really fun rapids and low angle slides with Sandstone Falls tossed into the mix. Ending it off with a bang, Rainbow Falls brings you back down to lake level from about 80 feet up. I was super happy with my line here this year, 2 years ago i didn't tuck at the bottom so tucking hard into the seam provided a much softer landing with out having to roll. :) Chris Baer also improved his line from a few years past, from being ejected out a few years before he stomped a perfect boof and landing this round.

Chris Bar Rainbow Falls

Finishing up the river marked a changing point in the trip, the water was starting to drop out on the South Shore and many of the North shore runs were also falling. Most of the people from the Rada race had left or was about to leave... But for some this was just another day and the journey was still to continue, Canada was soon to come...

John Kiffmeyer's big swim

Another day in Paradise,

John McConville

Jim Rada Memorial Race

2009-09-16T16:31:00.000-07:00

Jim Rada Memorial Race
Location: Presque Isle river camping
Date: 5-2-09

The Rada Race is truly a special time of year. This race was started to remember a man who pioneered many of the rivers we paddle today. Jim Rada, a teacher who loved the outdoors and being on the water. His passion for paddling lives on still to this day through the paddlers of today, bringing together people from all over to celebrate the joy of paddling.

Rada Race competitors

This year was the largest turn out yet! With 11 competitors and many more spectators, there was plenty of entertainment to go around. Manabezho falls definitely served up some interesting entertainment, everything from an unintentional back deck roll off the lip to a Dynamic Duo run off the falls...

John McConville pitbike racing

Getting back to the races, there were 2 events. A timed race from the bottom of the first big slide down to the bottom of Manabezho falls. Top 5 from that did a head to head from the base of the falls down Zome flume and into Lake Superior. The Head to Head was definitely my favorite event, with Nate Herbeck, Jorge Stinebock, Andy McMurray, Chris Baer, Nathan Borth and myself all battling it out for 1st. Not even 1 second into the race Andy and I were both trying to pop each others skirts. Getting that out of our systems we charged over the first ledge... Making our way into Zome flume I went for the pass on Chris but took a bamboo paddle blade to the chest keeping me from moving up in the world. Before to long it was all over and Jorge was in the lead by a mile! I think he had a better start than most of us, congrads on the win Jorge. All said and done we started popping each others skirts and tipping each other over. Must have had 7 swimmers floating into Lake Superior at one point! After a lot of swimming and jumping into the river everyone made it back up for another group run down the last mile.

Nathan Borth and John McConville Dynamic Duo Manabezho Falls

Its days like this that will bring me back to these root beer colored rivers for years to come. As if the day shouldn't get any better, Nathan and I ran the entire last mile of the Press in a Dynamic Duo. Big thanks to Neal Schroeter at Whitecap Kayak for letting us borrow that amazing boat for the afternoon. I was super nervous about taking a 2 person kayak over a 22 foot waterfall. Definitely didn't want to land flat or pencil in due to the shallow landing. After running the first few rapids we both felt super comfortable and confident in the boats ability to handle the task at hand. So we fired it up and stomped her down with a perfect 45 degree entry. Talk about redefining the meaning of team work, both Nathan and I were ecstatic after our amazing run over the falls. Down through Zome flume and into the lake for another perfect day on the Presque Isle. Ending the night with storys from the day around a big warm fire, I sleep well looking forward to the next day to come... the Black

~John McConville

Fully Committed .... Superior Falls

2009-09-08T16:10:00.000-07:00

Chris Baer in deep thought

Montreal River (Superior falls)
Location: Presque Isle river camping
Date: 4-30-09

Chris Baer entry rapid

After a much needed night of rest in a super comfortable bed at Tommy's Hotel (thanks so much tommy) we pointed the posse East to Superior falls. No helicopters needed and with way less water than when Tao ran it, Chris Bear after 15 mins of scouting decided to fire up Superior Falls!!! 15 mins later Chris was in the water and paddling over the first 2 entry drops. Pausing only for a moment at the top of the Massive Superior falls, Chris turned his boat down stream and started to line up the drop. Straight down the big V and into the curler Chris charged. 45 mins after arriving at the falls, Chris Baer was back down to lake level. With a huge fist pump and a small scratch on his nose, Chris had styled his line over Superior Falls!

Chris Baer Superior Falls

After watching Chris run this drop made me really think about why "We" as kayakers do the things we do. I think in the long run we're all here to just have fun, at whatever level/skill you personally believe in yourself to handle! Weather its class 3 or border line class 6, that moment in which you believe 100% in yourself that you can do something and go out there and just do it!!! The amount of courage to do that at any level is why we do what we do. Because that feeling of accomplishment after looking back up at what "you" just did is the absolute Truest/Purest moment in life!

So get out there and GET SOME!!!!

Chris Baer Smiles :)

Paradise at the Press,
John McConville

PS: I ending my day off with a great run down the Press with Andy McMurray and Nathan Borth. We Paddled out into Lake Superior to end an amazing day with a perfect sunset over the lake...

The Onion

2009-09-07T10:58:00.000-07:00

John McConville Tears for Fears 1st slide

The Onion (Tears for Fears)
Location: Poplar River camping
Date: 4-28-09

Andy McMurray Tears for Fears 2nd slide

So i'm really enjoying sleeping under the stars every night in my bivy sack. Just crawled in for the night, zipping up both sleeping bags! Great stuff, i'm loving it!

Heather Herbeck catchin air 3rd slide

Looking back on the day i find memories of big similes :) and great friends. Opening up the morning with a bang, Chris Baer, Nathan Borth and I fired up The Encampment River with great lines all around. Perfect way to introduce Nathan to North Shore creekin only to follow it up with a run down the Onion River.

Nathan Borth Tears for Fears 1st slide

Meeting up with Nate & Heather Herbeck, John Kiffmeyer, and Andy MuMurray we loaded up and drove north to the Onion. Arriving in the parking lot it was great to see all of my friends super amped to run this Huge slide. John Kiffmeyer the man who first ran this slide and appropriately named it "Tears for Fears" was standing there suited up and ready to go. As everyone made it to the top we ro sham bowed to see who got to go first. Andy won and went 1st with everyone else soon to follow. Ending in the lake we all did a quick roll in the icy cold waters of lake superior keeping the "roll in the lake" tradition alive. Capping off another epic day on the shore we ate 2 for 1 burgers at the ski hill and watched the head cam footage from the day. Its felt good to have the whole crew back together laughing and joking at the dinner table. Its late and cold and everyone is asleep, tomorrow is another day...

Chris Baer and John Kiffmeyer Tears for Fears 3rd slide

Sleeping under the Stars,
John McConville

The Forbidden Fruit

2009-09-06T15:59:00.000-07:00

The Forbidden Fruit
Location: Superior Hiking Trail next to the Crow River
Date: 4-27-09

John McConville Encampment falls

Here I am, a week and a half into my trip here in the Midwest and what an experience its been. From the South Shore Falls and Slate Rivers to the North Shore Forbidden Fruit. The Encampment river was once referred to as the Forbidden Fruit of the North Shore and truly lives up to its reputation!

Alon Coppens on the Falls river

Today Chris Baer and I meet up for a late afternoon run down the Encampment river around 3:30. Having been down the week before we knew what had to be done and drove straight into the first true rapid, which is also the lead in to the 30 foot waterfall. Getting rocketed out the hole at the bottom of the S-turn entry rapid I turned to watch Chris get stern endered as well. (Never fails, this wild ride enders you every time!) Turn and burn, out of the eddy and over the sweetest 30 foot waterfall ever! Beautifully walled in on both sides we proceeded into the next rapid called Toney's Touchdown, appropriately name after T-Bone's interesting line a few years back. A few more fun rapids and some sweet slides put Chris and I back in the frigid waters of Lake Superior.

Andy McMurray Encampment Entrance

Tomorrow we head back with Nathan Borth for his first run on this North Shore Gem. Followed up with the family reunion with Nate & Heather Herbeck, John Kiffmeyer, Andy McMurray and myself for an after huck fest. Looking forward to the crew all being back together and adding Chris Baer and Nathan Borth to the party. Its been a phenomenal trip so far up to this point and I'm sure it's going to get even better...

Nathan Borth Encampment falls

Camping at the Crow

Day 1 North Shore MN

2009-09-04T13:31:00.000-07:00

Day 1 Time to Huck
Location: Duluth MN, John Kiffmeyer's Hostel
Date: April 16 2009

Andy McMurray Gazebo Falls

After 2 days of driving and some minor vehicle repairs, Andy McMurray and I were back in town and ready to Huck. Already warmed up from our South Eastern "Boof or Die" kayaking mission, we suited up and zipped over to Gazebo Falls on Amity Creek. Clint Austin a reporter for the Duluth News Tribune, saw Andy and I suiting up and decided to join us to watch the spectacle.

John McConville Gazebo Falls

Getting back in the cold, root beer colored water was a great feeling for Andy and I. It had been a whole year since we had last been here boating the rivers of Lake Superior and I was excited to be Back. Around the time of our 3rd lap on the Gazebo, John Kiffmeyer showed up to join the fun. One more quick lap over the waterfall and the 3 of us were off to another river for a late afternoon treat, the Lester.

Andy McMurray Gazebo Falls

The Lester river is the Local Hot Spot! Located directly in the city of Duluth, if there's water in the river there will be boaters in the water. Being so, getting back to the parking lot for the Lester river after our run was like a family reunion. Everyone smiling from ear to ear, excited to be back on the water again. It had been a long, cold and snowy winter in Duluth MN, and the Spring Season was just beginning...

Chris Baer Allmost Allways

South East Warm Up Tour!!!

2009-04-26T18:59:00.000-07:00

Manns Creek

Mann's, Meadow, Mill my 3 favorite M's. After flying in from California, Andy McMurray and I loaded up and took off to West Virginia to nock off some of the rust built up from the winter.

John McConville Mill Creek Falls

7 days, 9 rivers, 11 sections... and on heck of a "Warm Up" for the Midwest creek season off the shores of Lake Superior! We arrived in WV with the levels primed from a storm the week before. A low water run on Mill creek, and an epic play level on the New river was more than entertaining for day 1. Day 2 put us back on the New for a perfect morning play session with Brian Kirk and Brian Jennings. After throwing down the play boats for a bit, Andy and I later met up with Todd Richendollar for some afternoon Lower Meadow action. The legendary Lower Meadow was flowing at a proper 1,200 cfs and packed quite a punch with plenty of big holes and pushy water. Reaching the takeout all excited and wet, the rain gods covered the sky's with dark clouds and started to Gush out water! With hopes and dreams of rising rivers, we slept well anticipating the day to come.

Andy McMurray Mill Creek Falls

Raining through the night, we woke the next morning to perfect WV conditions. Sunny and warm out, we arrived at Mill creek to find it still rising. Shane Grooves and Brian Kirk were both there at the puttin already half dressed and ready to creek. Within mins, the 4 of us were heading down the ultra classic WV creek with a great flow. Two laps later the gears had shifted and we we're relocating to another WV classic...

Andy McMurray Headless Horseman

Andy McMurray Boofing into Powerhouse

John McConville Mill Creek Falls

Mann's creek, from the words of Andy McMurray "Every Reason you should walk a rapid, then you go ahead and run it!" Shane Grooves, Andy and myself started down the creek, boofing pour overs, ducking logs, and missing sieves by inches. Mann's Creek is the true definition of "The Goods" when it comes to WV boating.

Manns Creek first rapid

Day 4, Dawn patrol with Todd Richendollar. Still itching for more Mann's Creek Todd and I boomed down for our early morning fix of whitewater. (Kind of like coffee but way better!) After working up an appetite from Mann's, Andy, Todd, and I decided to head North to the Blackwater for an afternoon serving of whitewater. The root beer colored water of the Blackwater reminded Andy and I of the weeks to come up North on the Shore's of Lake Superior. On the flip side of things, rivers up North were still frozen and we were getting wet and wild to the fullest in WV. As if things couldn't get any better, the next morning Todd, Andy and I ran down the Big Sandy. Another WV favorite of mine, the Big Sandy comes complete with 2 great waterfalls.

Todd Richendollar Big Splat

Andy McMurray Big Splat

Back on the road with new idea's and a full tank of gas, Andy and I headed South to Tennessee. Meeting up with Clay Wright and Justin Owen, our adventure continued with a group 1st decent of Clifty Creek. Owen had been spotting this one out for years, all he needed was some rain and a few friends. Lucky for us, it had just rained! Boofing our way down Clifty creek, we ended up flowing into the Canny Fork at a stomping level. Good stuff!!!

Clay Wright Clifty Creek

Justin Owen Clifty Creek

Andy McMurray Clifty Creek

Reaching the takeout of the Canny Fork marked the end of our South Eastern "Boof or Die" kayaking mission. The South East Rocked! Warmed up and ready to go, Andy and I drove North. Back to a place few have traveled, where the water is root Beer colored, and the soul of the shore flows deep in our blood. Duluth Minnesota, here we come...

Andy McMurray Rock Island

Upper Middle Cosumnes CA

2009-04-05T21:43:00.000-07:00

Got out for my first West Cost Cali paddle the other day with Stephen Wright and Darin McQuiod. Heading to WI the 7th to meet up with Andy McMurray to paddle the North Shore of Lake Superior. Spring time is a great time of year!

John McConville

Mexico part 3

2009-01-28T10:50:00.000-08:00

From tacos and oranges, to pinecones and ice sickles. I arrived in South Lake Tahoe few weeks ago, got a job with SharpShooters Images shooting photo on the Heavenly ski hill. My office is at 10,000 vertical feet and my briefcase has a Digital SLR in it. Fun place to live if you like outdoor winter sports. Looking back at the photos from Mexico I remember how exciting our trip was.

Adriene entering S-Turn

Rio Alseseca Road Side Section:

Meet Up with Adriene and Davis to boom down the road side section of the Rio Alseseca. Being led down this river by Adriene was one of the greatest days in whitewater ever. With descriptions like "go strait over that hump there, try to get a boof half way down, get your nose up and try not to piton,... your going to land in the vail of the waterfall coming in from the side. It looks nasty but it goes!" then she would peel out of the edie and disappear over the edge.

The Road side was a super fun, bang for your buck river. Being that the river bed is made up of Basalt, it makes really fun pool drop waterfalls. Running everything but the crack drop blind made the road side super entertaining for everyone (Lance, Chris, Davis, Adriene, and myself John) especially S-Turn!

Stopped off at El Tajin. Famous for the ball games once played there with the out come of human sacrifice. Abandoned in 1230 AD, El Tajin's mysteries are still being dug up and restored to this day.

Rio Alseseca Tomata 1, 2, and the 7 Sisters

Everyone took a long look at Tomata 1 and Tomata 2. By the end of the day everyone had different idea's of which one looked better too. Lots of talking but not much kayaking. Eventually we down climbed/rappelled to the base of Tomata 2 to run the 7 sisters below.

The 3rd sister was apropriatly named (John's Rapid) after having everyone run down after i quickly scouted it. Getting out to scout sucked so i gave a quick disruption..."Its going to look really crazy when you go over the lip BUT there's a toung down the middle and a huge launch ramp to boof off with about a 15 foot free fall after. Good to Go!" and walked over to the lip a pointed out where to enter with my paddle. Chris went first with a great line and Jake was close to follow. Lance next and I pulled up the rear by landing on my head. oh well

The 6th sister was this sweet ( Gorilla Pad ) looking launch ramp. The 7 rapids we found below Tomata 2 were definitely worth the rappel in. Most of which are scout able from the orange and banana fields above.

Rio Texolo

Finding our way 2 hours south Lance, Chris, Jake, Davis and myself stopped off in a rafting town called Jalcomulco. After getting some detailed directions to the put in and take out we were off to a tributary of the Pescados, the Rio Texolo!

Most of the river is bolder garden style until arriving to the 45ish footer. Entering the cave like tunnel before the lip is a bit intimidating seeing how the lip is mostly walled in.

Super fun waterfall that broke 2 paddles and left smiles on everyone. It was just what the group needed and was looking for. After having a few laughs and breaking out the break down paddles we were off once again.

Here i am hitting a huge boof on the last big rapid just before the take out at the 90 footer. Caution, its easy miss the last edie before the 90 footer, make sure there's always another edie to catch. We hiked out river right up the hill and out of the gorge.

Mexico... yet another place where the people talk a bit funny and the whitewater is amazing. As i move on to the next phase in my life here in Tahoe i look back and remember how lucky we were to be able to live in Mexico for a month. With nothing to worry about other than which taco stand to eat at and where to paddle the next day.

Live from South Lake Tahoe,

John McConville

Feliz Navidad

2008-12-25T21:59:00.000-08:00

Christmas in Mexico... No snow, but plenty of warm water. So what else would a bunch of class 5 kayakers do on christmas day. Head to the Micos, grab the inflatable innertube, and jump off the travertine waterfalls. We left the cameras behind and had a blast swimming, flipping, and tubing down the Rio Micos. It's amazing we were able to tube down a 400 foot per mile river and not get hurt. Even managed to get worked in the last hole on Bad Boy. Super fun Feliz Navidad that i'll never forget.

Hope everyone back home is enjoying there Christmas as well. Just got back in Cuidad Valles last night, and leaving for San Diego tomorrow for New Years. From there I'll make my way up to Tahoe to play in the snow, its been a few years since i last went snowboarding. Should be fun!

Mary Christmas everyone,

John McConville

Rio Alseseca... As Real As It Gets

2008-12-17T06:42:00.001-08:00

Continuing on with my Mexico adventures, I find myself at Adventurec in Tlapacoyan. When we first arrived here about a week ago we had heard of a section of the Rio Alsecesa called the BIG BANANA. The rumor was that a crew the week before found a way in without having to repel the 120 foot waterfall. After talking with a few locals, and a bit of luck, Lance Reif, Chris Baer, Jake Greenbaum, Davis Grove, and myself found a trail to the base of the 120 foot Big Banana waterfall.

photo by Chris Baer

Day 1,
After a great breakfast and a late start we were off to the river. The hike in took about 2 hrs, up and down ridge lines and even down a creek bed that would eventually take us to the base of the waterfall of the Big Banana. (since then we've found a much shorter and well defined path to the river, aprox 1 hr less hiking, great parking at a church on river left) The run starts off with a few bolder garden style rapids, one of which claimed two swimmers due to a log just under the surface. I think it was like the 5th rapid in, last slot on the right wall, big walled in pool just after.

photo by Chris Baer

Heading down from there are a few more bolder gardens until the first big horizon line, which is a 20 foot waterfall. Super fun and good to go, scout right. Directly after is a mandatory hallway, slide, drop thing with a big hole at the bottom. Looks scary but good to go right down the middle. I broke my paddle first time down, and stuck the line a few days later on the return trip. After pulling out the breakdown, it was time to get back to business and push on.

Another beautiful walled in gorge, and then a 35/40 foot waterfall. Easy scout on the right along with a great trail to portage down to a 15 foot seal launch. Due to time constancies, everyone walked and did the seal launch. Directly down stream from there are 3 very unique drops, good scout on the river left. 1st one feels weird but is really fun, 2nd could defiantly beat you down, and 3rd one boof down the middle.

photo by Chris Baer

photo by Chris Baer

Working down from there are a few more smaller fun rapids until arriving at the Meat Locker. SCOUT RIGHT AND DON'T RUN UNTIL YOU'VE FOUND A WAY OUT OF THE "LOCKER"!!! The DEATH HOLE is the next ledge! By the time we got to this point it was dark, and after a group decision we decided to leave our gear and hike out. Being that i was the only one with a headlamp, i lead the group up and out through the banana fields on river right. After about a 2 mile hike we found a farmer and got a ride back to town.

photo by Chris Baer

Day 2,
After a much needed night of rest and "early" breakfast we we're back off to the river. Arriving back at the meat locker we quickly set safety, and made sure there was no way someone could float over the DEATH LEDGE. Extremely good lines were had by all, super fun way to start off a new day. :)

photo by Chris Baer

Directly after that is a section of the river called Pezma. About 5 main drops, one of which we officially started calling 80 / 20 after the way EJ described it in No Big Names. 80% boof 20% plug. Really fun section and a short paddle to the take out at Tomata falls.

phot by Chris Baer

photo by Chris Baer

Round 2, Return to the Big Banana,
Heading back a few days later our run down went really well. Jake and I ran the 35/40 footer with great results and we even made the take out by 4pm. The Big Banana is defiantly AS REAL AS IT GETS. Beautiful steep walled in canyons that barley let any light in, super clear water, and a handful of amazing drops. No other place in the world like it, and i'm thankful to be one of the few that have been ably to experience it.

Live from Mexico,
John McConville

Mexico

2008-12-08T10:12:00.000-08:00

Hola Me Amego's!!! So here I am, reporting live from the warm warters of Mexico. Where the waterfalls are big and the traverntine is sticky. Curently i'm located in Ciudad Valles at Aventura Huastecae where Lance Reif, Chris Bear, Aaron Koch, and myself have been running some of the local rivers.

Day one started us off on the Mexican classic, the Rio Micos. Unlike anything i've seen, the Micos is made up of whats called Traverntine. Traverntine is formed from water thats high in calcium, it builds up on anything in the water... trees, rocks, lost paddles...exc As a result it makes really sticky pool drop waterfalls and slides that are over hung. interesting and fun...

Day 2 took us to the El Salto. More travertine... weird...

Lance playing the role of "Rodeo Superstar" good ride, cartweels on both sides

Chris Bear

Aaron Koch

John McConville photo by Chris Bear

The 5th Canyon of the Santa Maria

El Toro

Back to to Micos where Chris decided to run the big one, EL TORO (the bull). The bull is a beast, it hits hard and fast. To best explane i suggest checking out the video Chris put together after running the Bull.

El Toro video:

http://broadbandsports.com/node/22262

Rio Verde...An orange and a gun.

Today we picked up a mexican with an orange and a gun. He sat down in Aaron's Jeep, shared his orange and showed us the way to the river. Hiking down to the river i had a run in with a "jumping" cactice, it jumped up, scared me, bit me,i swated at it, it bit me again, and i was left with bit marks from the jumping cacti. oh well, down to the river we go.

The first Canyon we came to was amazing. It started with a 40 footer that Chris, Lance, and myself ran. Then went right into a 15 footer followed be another 15 footer. Cruisin down streem we found ourselves at the lip of a 100 foot waterfall called Llovinosa. We lowered the boats over the edge and walked down the class 5 goat path to the side.

The Rio Verde has been my faveroit run we've done so far. But the trip is just getting started, tomorrow we head South to Veracruze in hopes to find good water on the Alseseca...

Live from Mexico,

John McConville

Changing Seasions

2008-11-17T17:14:00.001-08:00

Back in WI now... spending some time with the folks before setting off on my next adventure. It's amazing how fast the summer always seems to come and go. Looking back, i find myself getting lost in the wake of the all the good times spent in WV. Worked 67 days on the water this year between the New and Gualey river. I love my job! Thats been the greatest part of my summer, loving my job and all the people i work with. Class VI had a great video staff this year, full of personality. :)

Chillin with the Class VI crew out at long point.

Gauley Season Rocked!! We were lucky enough to have a really warm fall with great fall colors. I learned righty phonix monkies and took 6th in the Animal Race. I also got really good at getting juiced at the bottom of Wood's Farry. Gotta love a good mystery...

Russel Fork...

Lance and I made it out for race weekend on the Russel. This was Lance's first time down and my first time seeing it at 1,000cfs. The race had a huge turnout of 52 competitors. Records were broken, swimmers were swimming, and respect was gained. I ended up with 23rd and a time of 11:30. I really liked the solo timed racing style compared to the Gauley's mass start. It becomes a personal battle with yourself, seeing just how hard you are willing to push yourself. One sec here, one sec there... I know where i lost time and i'm excited to push it harder next year.

Climbing...

This summer i became very involved with climbing. Wild Bill, Curt, and myself (both class VI videographers) spent many afternoons climbing till our fingers bleed or we til we couldn't see anymore. I'll never forget the first time climbing with Curt, we ended up climbing in the dark with our headlamps on. For me climbing has been another great way to stay in shape and push myself mentaly. Its amazing to see how far you are willing to push yourself mentally and physically before saying "let me down". There's nothing worse than being lowerd down after a vicious battle with the rock and losing... Then its back to square one and a rematch another day.

All in all, it's been an awesome year in WV and i miss it already. But like the fall colors, its time to change and move into winter. For me this means heading south of the boarder, Mexico here i come.....

The Animal Race

2008-09-26T14:23:00.000-07:00

The Animal race is nothing short of just that... an Animal race. If you want to win this one you better drop everything and just go.. never stop, not even to look back. The mass start reminded me of motocross racing, everyone charging forward for the hole shot. Tons of fun and great competition. I ended up with a time of 55:28 and 6th place in slalom.

One of the video boaters for Class VI (Sara Van Wesep) was filming when the racers came down. So i through a short video together with what she got. enjoy

Check it out here

Check out race results at... http://usawildwater.com/

Live from WV,

John McConville

Life in WV

2008-09-09T08:13:00.001-07:00

Gauley Season is upon us!!! Oh yeah. :) After paddling around 75 miles of whitewater on the Gauley river these past 4 days its nice have a day off. The first weekend was awesome and week 2 of Gauley is 3 days away.

Looking back through some of the photos of the summer it reminds me of why i love living here. I'm thank full to be living here in WV with the New river Gorge outside my back door. World class boating, climbing, biking, scenery, and people is what make this place so beautiful. I love every bit of it...

The week before Gauley a tropical storm dumped water in North Carolina and brought the New up to 6 feet. This was a great change of pace from the low water Weeks before. Owen and I both were getting some big air at Ender Waves. Upper railroad and Greyhound were stomping at a good level too.

Last week Monday i meet up with some really cool climbers from Kentucky. We hiked from Rodgers campground down to butchers buttress for 4 different climbs. I'm really starting to get into climbing, its another sport that's both mentally and physically demanding.

Mill creek has been my favorite place to take photos. There was a really cool mist in the air the day this photo was taken.

I find myself spending alot of time at the place i work. But with views like this from the overlook its hard not to love this place...

Live from WV,

John McConville

Midwest Freestyle Championships 2008

2008-08-19T12:10:00.000-07:00

After a long 15 hr. drive back to WV I've had plenty of time to reflect upon this past weekend. What i came up with is... I LOVE paddling! Especially when I get to paddle with all my friends in one place at the same time. This past weekend was more of a family reunion than a competition. I'd like to make a shout out to Team PBR and everyone involved that made this weekend possible. Thanks for a great weekend. :)

My week started off with helping teach a freestyle kayak clinic with Colin Kemp. There's nothing more rewarding than helping someone progress there own skills and push the limits of what they though was possible. Seeing someone land there first loop and come up with the biggest smile on there face. Its what keeps me coming back again and again. We all know that feeling of accomplishing after doing something new, that wave of energy that surges through your body. All in all, i really enjoyed helping teach this kayak clinic and watching all the progression that happened over the weekend.

Coming back to this event has been something I've been looking forward to since last year. Last year i placed 3rd with like 140 points, and the year before i scored 3 point. Year after year I've progressed my own skills and have pushed my own limits of what i thought was possible. This year the progression continued which lead to my first freestyle comp win and a score of 185 points. After 2 years of paddling and countless hours spent on the water I'm proud to take the name of Midwest freestyle champion. Whats next?.?.? maybe the world freestyle championships, EJ better watch out. lol making finals at the worlds has been a goal of mine since I've started kayaking. I know if i want to make this a reality that I have alot more countless hours of paddling and pushing myself even harder to get to that level. I think I'll take lots of small steps to bring myself to the top of the staircase instead of running to the top and talking the risk of falling back down. Anything is possible if the right steeps are taken.

In the end, the Midwest Freestyle Comp was once again a weekend to remember. Everything from the freestyle clinic, to Team PBR, 4 square, the night of the living donkey, and even having Pearl there to watch Jim Jensin take 2nd place. Everything that happened and the people that made it happen, thanks for a great weekend to remember. Speaking of the people that made it happen... thanks Cole Jacobsen, Chad Kehn, Colin Kemp, David Lemke, and Julie Walraven for making this weekend happen.

Live From WV,

John McConville

A New River Adventure 2008

2008-07-23T05:41:00.000-07:00

I put together a new video/intro for my New River movies here at class 6. All the footage is from the New River. Justin Kleberg (a new video boater to class 6) and I worked on the first 2 shots together, tons of fun and totally worth the time and effort.

Check it out here

Live from WV,

John McConville

Back in WV

2008-07-18T14:25:00.001-07:00

Wet and Wild WV, its good to be back... I've been kayaking just about every day of the week since I've been back. Working 5 to 6 days a week on the water and boating when i have off its hard to find time for my hammock. I love being able to paddle every day of the week. I've also been shooting lots of photos with my free time.

Last week the rain gods graced us with enough water to bring Mill Creek in. Mill creek is one of my favorite WV runs, its like the classic intro to creekin WV style with a sweet 20 footer on it. The rain also borough up the Gauley to about 7,ooo cfs. A few of us got to enjoy some good water on there too. OOOHHH YEEAAAHHHH!!!!

Sam England and I running the falls

Here's the falls at low water.

Headless Horseman is the next big drop right after the falls.

A few of us have been heading down to Canyon Doors at around 1,000cfs after work.

Looking down at double Z in the hart of the New River gorge from beautie mtn.

Its good to be back in beautiful wet and wild WV. I love every day of my life here, everything from the work to the mountains. I can't get enough of it and i never want to leave.

live from WV,
John McConville

North Shore Paddling Part 1

2008-05-12T13:28:00.000-07:00

Once again I’ve fallen in love with a place where the whitewater is amazing and the locals talk a bit funny. That’s right, up dar in da North woods... For a few weeks every year these cold woods become home to some of the most amazing people/paddlers in the country. The snow starts to melt, rivers start to flood, and boaters start driving.

When a group of people like this join together something amazing happens. Something that can only be explained by taking that first step and going there and experiencing the journey yourself. That’s what it’s all about... "The journey" Meeting new people with the same interest and working together to enjoy what matters most. Living in the moment, enjoying life to the fullest, and don't forget, firing up that 30 footer downstream!!! Oh yeah :)

There’s nothing better after a long day of paddling than hanging out with all your friends at Paradise Beach and talking about all the thrills and spills of the day. My favorite part of hanging out on the shore was getting to sleep on the beach at night and watch the sun come up in the morning. Good stuff

This is a very common site to see on your way up the North Shore. There’s one road that goes up the entire shore line on up to Canada. This photo of the Beaver was taken from the road on my way up the first day.

Day 1 on the water... The Manitou

Chad, Tony, and I all put on at a really high level for a warm up run and find this monster to be our first rapid/waterfall. I don't think this has ever been run before and none of us did it but there is definitely a line there.

Day 2 Encampment

The encampment is placed back in one of the few areas left of untouched forest on the North Shore. It’s also extremely private with no good way to take out. The river starts off pretty strait forward and then drops off a sweet 30 footer with a wild lead in.

Here is Ben running the lead in rapid to the 30 footer

Perfect 30 foot waterfall that everyone ran. Check out Chad firing it up

Just downstream of the waterfall Ben runs Tonys touchdown. From here on down you have 2 quick portages and some super fun slides just before dumping into the lake.

Due to the privet property issues we paddled about 2 miles north on Lake Superior to the Crow River for a short hike to the car.

Day 3 Split Rock and Lester

The Split Rock River is one of the best rivers I’ve ever done. If you like big slides than this is the place for you. I don't think this river could ever be paddled to high; more water makes for fast sliding adrenalin pumping fun.

Check out Ryan running the last big one called Under the log.

Here I am running down the last part of Under the Log.

Slide after slide, the Split Rock is awesome.... After all that fast sliding fun we packed it up and headed south to Duluth for a quick bomb run on the Lester. That night we stayed at a hotel, got hot food and showers, and a bed to sleep in... A great thing to have before heading farther north the next day....

Check out part 2 soon

Live from WI
John McConville

John McConville

2008-04-16T05:14:00.000-07:00

Here is the latest video I've put together.

Check it out here

Live from TN,
John McConville

Cow Pie Falls, Henderson Creek, Cain Creek

2008-04-08T21:32:00.000-07:00

Just another epic weekend in TN. In the past 4 days I've gone from a 30 foot waterfall, to class 5 creekin, and then brave wave at a perfect 7,500cfs. I can honestly say I've been enjoying myself and all the rain here in TN.

It all started with a great rain storm that came through Thursday night. Clay Wright, Boyd Ruppelt, Samantha Brunner, and I headed over to Pine Creek to a flooded creek and a sweet 30 foot waterfall called Cow Pie Falls.

Perfect learning waterfall, here I am fully Tucked

Clay testing his new Hero out

Boyd set up for impact

Here I am spotting my landing

Got 5 runs in before we decided to head out. All the photos were shot by Samantha Brunner. Great job with the photos Sam. Waking up the next day Clay, EJ, Dane, and I met up with Keith Yell and Mark Travis for a run down Henderson Creek. Henderson flows into Richland creek and starts off like a micro creek but picks up a few tributary's and doubles in volume to make an awesome whitewater run.

HENDERSON

Fire Escape is one of the coolest rapids around. Here's Clay boofing the first drop to Fire Escape.

Looking back upstream is the bottom 3 drops of Fire Escape. Such a fun rapid with sweet boofs... I love it!

EJ with a big smile after running one of the great rapids on Henderson

All in all, its been a epic weekend that hasn't ended yet. Its now Tuesday and Brave Wave is still kickin at an epic level and that's right where I'll be tomorrow. So I'm off to bed to rest up for the surf tomorrow... C you on the water!!!

Live from TN,
John McConville

West Prong / Raven Fork

2008-03-22T20:48:00.000-07:00

The past few days of boating were epic!!! Great Falls, West Prong, Raven Fork, Brave Wave.... I'm still coming out of shock after running the Raven Fork for the first time. It all started after a perfect storm on Wednesday. Rock island started spilling Wednesday morning so we got to huck the falls and play in the hole at about 7,500 cfs. Great fun but it was only the start to my epic weekend...

Waking up Thursday Clay and I decided to head over to the West Prong to meet up with Horward Tidwell. The West Prong is the Smokies classic steep creekin fun run. Its so continues that the entire river feels like one long rapid that drops off the mountain.

Howard is like a West Prong legend, chances are if you've paddled the Prong then you've paddled with him.

I'm not sure what or if this rapid had a name but much of the run looks simler to this.

Making our way down to the lower I ran into an open boater that I knew from WI. Its funny how you run into the same people all the time just in different places.

Had a great day on the West Prong with every one there. Spent the night at Horwards in Knoxville which was super cool. Thanks so much Horward for the great hospitality and the place to stay. :) After breakfast Clay and I loaded up and headed for the Raven Fork, THE MOST AMAZING RIVER EVER!!!

RAVEN FORK

Let me start off with saying the Raven Fork is a total adrenalin junkie run. Its a SUPER steep pool drop river with HUGE slides that will leave you screaming for your mommy and wanting more!!! Pictures and video can give you an idea of what this run is like but will do no justice for what its like to drop over the lip and be totally committed to whats down stream.

Depending how far you hike up, Anaconda may be your first rapid. Not much time for a warm up for one of the hardest rapids on the run.

Eddy out fast after Anaconda or you might drop into Headless Horseman without a scout. Bill Clipper starts off with a great boof to get through the first hole before the slide down past the Headless part of the rapid.

Razorback is the next rapid. Really fun slide but don't mess it up, stay far right and avoid EVERYTHING on the left.

Clay, Pat, Drew, Will, and myself all ran Big Boy, a 35 foot water fall about half way down the run. Clay had a perfect line off the falls but anything can happen when running a waterfall, even breaking your paddle. Pat was nice enough to loan his paddle to Clay for the rest of the run so he could work on his class 5+ hand paddling skills.

Caveman is by far the sweetest boof ever. If you miss the most amazing boof on the planet you may end up finding out why this rapid is called Caveman. So stay away from the cave on the right and enjoy the sweet boof.

The Mangler marks the end of the steepest part of the river. Don't worry, the run out is extremely fun just not as steep as everything upstream.

This river and the people that paddled it with me left an imprint on my soul that will never be forgotten. The people that you paddle rivers with become instant friends for life. Knowing that everyone there is willing to risk everything to insure the safety of a fellow paddler builds a bound that is unbreakable. That is what makes life long friends. We couldn't have asked for a better good Friday, clean lines, warm weather, and big smiles all around. A huge thanks to everyone that made this epic week happen. I can't wait to do it again....

Live from TN,
John McConville

I also took lots of video so I'll be putting together a short movie here in the near future...

Suck Creek

2008-03-18T19:25:00.000-07:00

I finally got down to Chattanooga to get on whats considered the "creek boating arena" Suck Creek. Forgetting my paddle at home wasn't the best way start off the day but thanks to Taylor Martin I was ably brow his and still get in 6 laps. Paddlers never seas to amaze me with how far they are willing go to help out a fellow paddler in need. Thanks Taylor.

Suck Creek is like 2 miles of pure creek boating fun. This is the main drop in Road Construction

Knucklehead is a drop that doesn't get ran much but is totally do able if you need a bit more excitement.

Welcome to the THUNDER DOME!!! Check out Will Pruett wave wheeling the final drop in a playboat.

We all had a lot of fun out on the water this weekend. Meet some really cool people and got to see a few good old friends. I can't wait to go back!!!!

Live from TN,
John McConville

Cane Creek TN

2008-03-10T18:53:00.000-07:00

Did Cane Creek the other day and shot some amazing video. Had a great day on one of Tennessee's most beautiful rivers I've ever paddled.

Check it out here

Live From TN,
John McConville

Caney Fork TN

2008-03-08T21:02:00.001-08:00

Got the TVF team together today for a cold run down the Caney Fork. Our team this year consists of Brad, Goat, Jase, Owen, Tom, and myself. This was the first run we all did together this year for TVF. (Total Vertical Feet)

I've always said it never to cold to paddle unless the water is frozen. I never said anything about frozen gear.

The hike in was beautifully and a nice way to warm up before getting in the water.

Great level today, about 2.2 on the Hwy 70 bridge which would make for a medium to high flow. Here I am running the entrance to Devils Kitchen.

The kitchen has two huge holes stacked right on top of each other making for a very intimidating rapid but totally good to go. All in all great day, it was good to get back on the water with most of the good old TVF team... We miss you D Mark!!

Live from TN,
John McConville