Adam Barron SSV Creek scrape 'n' race 2012
Words by Kyle McCutchen
Photos by Tina Swan

A scorching hot 97 degree day melted away what was left of our plastic kayaks after we banged them down the Narrows section of South Saint Vrain Creek, just outside of Lyons, Colorado for the annual Lyons Outdoor Games' Adam Barron Memorial Creek Race on Saturday, June 9th. Despite depressingly low flows, the race still happened, and the wet rocks course provided an entirely new challenge to kayakers looking to cash in on some nice prizes.

Dave Fusili exits the entrance rapids to the Narrows. Lot's of mank and low water pin potential influenced times in this upper section... not really the type of thing any of us would normally run.

Seventeen year-old Spencer Huff made a proud showing as the only Lyons local to race. Shown here entering the crux section.

And I gave it a go, executing two spectacular piton's on my first lap. Fortunately, I was pleased to pull things together my second lap and finish with a time I was pleased with, but damn those pros are fast!
Jeremy Laucks in the crux.
Dave Fusili negotiating one of the more interesting sections.
EJ in route to a win.
Craig Kleckner airs out one of the best drops of the run.
The same drop as seen from below. Paul Palmer was the only other Colorado local to race this year.
The double drop can make or break a time. Clay Wright sticks it.
Brian Kirk finding the delicate balance between hitting the fast cross-current left line for a winning time, and pitoning his brains out, as a handful of us (myself included) did.
And just when you think it's over, one must negotiate Jihad! Mike Patterson finds the low water line.
So... I know it looks like I just wrote my name in... pretty sure Kyle McKlusky from Wisconsin was actually me. And given the field of competitors that came out for the race, I'm pleased to claim a 9th place finish!

What do you think? Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published

About Us

We're a group of whitewater kayak, raft, and stand up paddleboard enthusiasts committed to stocking the highest-quality gear and deliver it to you as quickly as possible.

Learn more about us

Don't Forget About These

What else are we up to?

View all
First Impressions: Finding Her Flow in the Jackson Kayak Flow Whitewater Kayak

First Impressions: Finding Her Flow in the Jackson Kayak Flow Whitewater Kayak

Jonny Ortiz
A quick run down of the new Swiss Army Knife of Kayaks, the Jackson Kayak Flow from CKS customer Halie Orr! I was just taking off the river the day...
Gear Up for Fall Releases

Gear Up for Fall Releases

Jonny Ortiz
As the crisp air settles in for Fall Paddling season with popular events such as Beaverfest, Gorefest, Gauley Fest and Russell Fork Rendevous, make sure you are prepared with the gear you’ll need to have to stay comfortable and support your team on the river! Here are a few recommendations from CKS Online's Lead Buyer, Jonny Ortiz.
Jackson Kayak Rockstar V - Why We Still Love it in 2023

Jackson Kayak Rockstar V - Why We Still Love it in 2023

Jonny Ortiz
As water levels gradually drop, we find ourselves praying for rain and anticipating fall releases to alleviate the low water blues. My focus has s...