Superior Creekin
(Mark Hattendorf on Conglomerate Falls, Black River)
Well, this year was a bust for me with the exception of one weekend hitting up the south shore of lake superior. For those who haven't traveled up to this area.....I highly suggest it! You should also check out the "late, great, paddling legend of the Northwood" Jim Rada's book aptly titled "Northwoods Whitewater". It is one of the best guidebooks out there in my opinion.
(Kevin Hickson running Manabezho Falls)
During the Memorial "Jim Rada Race" set up by John Kiffmeyer one of my best buddies in my paddling crew came off the falls a bit funky, corkscrewed and hit rock at the bottom. He did major, major damage breaking his leg in multiple spots and crushing his ankle to the point of no return. He wants to give props to the crew and everyone who helped get him out of the canyon and to the hospital quickly and safely! We all wish you the best of luck "OZ" Regardless, the reason I was out of commission was b/c a new little baby girl paddler "Grace Naomi Royer" entered the world. She has been here for a month now but the season for the Superior region is short and I wasn't going to miss her being born! I didn't want to post old pics from previous years and since I only had a few from this year. Heather and Nate Herbeck were kind enough to let me use a couple of their pics and throw up a link to their blog which is broken up into 2 parts of Superior Creekin! They are GREAT write-ups on creeking in the area and there are a whole LOT more pics to make you put creeking in the Lake Superior region high on your list of MUST HIT destinations! Their website http://www.liquidkayak.com/ is updated often and is always has good paddling news/pics/trips. http://www.liquidkayak.com/midwestcreeking.html & www.liquidkayak.com/midwestcreeking1.html (This is either Nate Herbeck or Taylor on the Presque Isle's final mile) (John Kiffmeyer downstream of Conglomerate running Potowatomi Falls) (Heather Herbeck firing up the big one "Rainbow Falls" on the Black River) (Taylor running Interstate Falls) I am heading out to Montucky for a couple weeks in June to hit some of the classics like "Big Timber Creek", "Kootenai" and such. Then I am spending a week with the AMAZING kayaking cancer camp known as "First Descents" started by Brad Ludden about 5 or 6 years ago now. This will be my 4th year helping as a counselor for the camp....in fact it sounds like I may have to run a bit of the show (do all the organizing) this year! I will throw up some pics from the camp and Big Timber too once I get back. Until then....once again MAKE SURE YOU GET YOUR BUTT OVER TO CKS and try out the new ultralight but 30% stronger WaveDog Paddle along with all of their other pimpin good gear.

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