contact:  Dan Skinner - 343-7481 - dskinner@idahorivers.org

The winter calendar
January 17, 7 pm
Idaho River Sports
“The Middle Fork after the fires”
Statesman outdoor writer Pete Zimowsky will be the feature at the January IWA meeting.  He'll expand on his late season (post fires) Middle Fork of the Salmon trip and share his slides.  He has a lot more than what we saw in the paper.

February 7th, 7pm
Idaho River Sports,
"Are Your Ready for Low Water Wraps?"
Les Bechdel, Canyons Incorporated, safety guru.  Les reviews unpinning techniques for canoe, kayak and rafts.  From strong arm ideas to mechanical advantage systems, now is the time to do
your homework.
 

March 7,  7pm FREE FOOD!  Cascade/Maravia will host a Dutch Oven Dinner.  IWA is buying the ingredients and charcoal, but members get to do the work!  Bring your ovens and a recipe.  We’ll fill in the details next newsletter.

April AIRE (details tba)  Board elections.

May 5   IWA Used Equipment sale

Someone asked an anonymous boater about his class IV comfort level and he answered something  along the lines of "I'm comfortable that I can usually find an eddy to  swim to." Thus, the interviewer was inspired to offer this International Scale of River Difficulty:

Class I: Easy
Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Swimming is pleasant, shore easily reached. Almost all gear and equipment is recovered. Boat is just slightly scratched.

Class II: Novice
Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident  without scouting. Swimming to eddies requires moderate effort. Climbing out of river may involve slippery rocks and shrub induced lacerations. Paddles travel great distance downstream requiring lengthy walk. Something unimportant is missing. Boat hits submerged rock leaving visible dent on frame or new gash in plastic.

Class III: Intermediate
Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid. Water is swallowed. Legs are ground repeatedly against sharp, pointy rocks. Several eddies are missed while swimming. Difficult decision to stay with boat results in moment of terror when swimmer realizes they are downstream of boat. Paddle is recirculated in small hole way upstream. All personal possessions are removed from boat and floated in different directions. Paddling partners run along river bank shouting helpful instructions. Boat is munched against large boulder hard enough to leave series of deep gouges. Sunglasses fall off.

Class IV: Advanced
Water is generally lots colder that Class III. Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise swimming in turbulent water. Swimming may require 'must' moves above dangerous hazards. 'Must' moves are downgraded to 'strongly recommended' after they are missed.  Sensation of disbelief experienced while about to swim large drops. Frantic swimming towards shore is alternated with frantic swimming away from shore to avoid strainers. Rocks are clung to with death grip. Paddle is completely forgotten. One shoe is removed. Hydraulic pressure permanently removes waterproof box with all the really important stuff. Paddle partners running along stream look genuinely concerned while lofting throw ropes 20 feet behind swimmer. Paddle partners stare slack-jawed and point in amazement at boat which is finally pinned by major feature. Climbing up river bank involves inverted tree. One of those spring loaded pins that attaches watch to wristband is missing. Contact lenses are moved to rear of eyeballs.

Class VI: Expert
Not recommended for swimming.

For members:  It’s time to pay your dues!
Send us your name and address with a check for $15.
Dues will get you this marvelous newsletter almost monthly, access to our
fantastic meetings and lots of great friends to go boating with.

send to:
Idaho Whitewater Association
P.O. Box 6135
Boise, ID  83707
 
 
 

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