On the Eddy Line
                                         August 2001
                            Idaho Whitewater Association
P. O. Box 6135
                                                                   Boise, ID 83707
 
 

People die boating.

  It’s a fact, our sport has dangers.  I began musing over this article after reading the American Whitewater Association’s (AWA) report on boating accidents from the last half of last year.  I also read the Ph. D. written piece that followed on the causes of deaths over a longer period.  I was struck by the initial report that showed a) very experienced kayakers running hairy stuff die (pins and collapsed boats) and b) the inexperienced die in a variety of ways (including no PFD, foot traps, head injuries, and asthma attacks).  Wow, ‘we’ (ordinary, experienced locals) aren’t dying.

 Then the two deaths on the South Fork of the Boise sent us all for a loop.  My heart goes out to the families.  Here were apparently (by all accounts, anyway) ordinary boaters, experienced, well equipped with helmets, wet suits, and PFD’s, on a river they knew in a place we all enjoy.  Much has been written (see the Etlinger Statesman article posted on Vince’s website (idahowhitewater.net)), but answers are few.

 In speaking with people familiar with the tragedy, there may be a lesson for everyone.  All things considered, save yourself.  There ain’t been a boat built worth a person’s life.  Staying with the boat may not be a good policy, especially in the cold of the South Fork.  Save yourself first, save everybody else next, go look for the boat and gear.

 IWA President Mike Cooper had the idea to include the AWA Safety Code with this issue.  Read it.  For next year, too.

President’s Pitch
  Enclosed in your newsletter this month you will find the  “Safety Code of American Whitewater.”  Please take a few minutes to read it.  Share it with friends.  It could save your life or that of a friend. With the two fatalities on the South Fork of the Boise, more boaters hitting the water earlier due to lower water levels, safety should be at the top of everybody’s list. Lower water can mean more technical rapids. That rapid that is a straight shot down the middle during a good water years may have a few twists and turns during low water. Too many accidents or fatalities will just invite government intervention.

Michael E. Cooper, President


 

IWA Used Equipment Swap—Whatta Success!

This year’s event, again held in the parking lot adjacent to Lucky 13, was an unqualified success for our organization!  Total sales doubled from last year’s $ 20,860, and tallied over $ 54,140. The total number of sellers increased and the number of items for sale also doubled to nearly 900.  The average sales amount for sellers went from $ 93 to $ 165.

These items ranged from used and closeout outfitter items to member’s paddling gear, life jackets, helmets, coolers, rafts, trailers and nearly 100 kayaks.  The number and condition of the equipment clearly was the best ever seen in one location.  One could come in and leave with virtually all their boating gear needs met whether they are a rafter, canoeist or kayaker.  An excellent array and condition of equipment was present with many great deals to be had.

Needless to say, with the ever-increasing number of sellers and items available, the lot we use is becoming exceedingly crowded.  We are looking to make some changes for next year’s sales event to hopefully free up some space and allow a little more relaxed looking and buying experience.  If you have any thoughts or suggestions, we would be happy to hear from you, either by mailing your comments to our post office box or by e-mail to our hot-mail address: idahowhitewater@hotmail.com.

Many thanks are also due to the organization’s board, officer’s, and helpful volunteers who contributed their time and efforts to oversee the entire process.  Their help with check in equipment, record sales, security and answering questions is invaluable.  And Thanks to all of YOU who either brought gear for sale or bought gear in making this event a huge success.

Mel Johnson, Treasurer

Bill Clark married

 The inventor of the system by which we run the Used Equipment Swap, long time member (but now a resident of Stuttgart, Germany) Bill Clark, late of Kuna, ID, returned home to friends and family for his marriage to **&* on June ??.  Boater friends attending included….,  and the IWA bought him a wedding present of ***.

FOR SALE

AIRE Tiger cataraft, 19', grey 21" main tubes with red 11" dual sponsons, fully adjustable steel frame, includes combination of large dry box, large
cooler, and padded seats.  $2900, Boise, day (208)332-8640, eves
(208)343-8088, e-mail davidmeredith@sprintmail.com.
 

  6 brand new 10 FOOT CLAVEY OARS(SPAR VARNISH)thick throat stout oars $125 each.
  12 near new 10 foot Clavey oars( Spar Varnish)with nylon wrap and oar stops which are coated with West Systems Epoxy(harder than the back of God's head).Cost is $75 each.
  12 used with affection, 10 foot white ash oars, painted, nylon wrap, nylon oar stop. For Sale at $50 each
 Can be delivered to Boise free of charge. Call our Salmon, Idaho boathouse for details. 208-756-4808.
Dave and Sheila Mills

Riot Glide.
Used 12 times.  Includes special Snapdragon spray skirt and ratchet-style backband. $450.  208-232-7863 or looze@gemstate.net


 

Board actions

 At the meeting of June 5, the Board voted in favor of joining the American Whitewater Association as a club.  Separately, they also voted a donation to the Payette Whitewater Roundup.

Coming Events
2001-
September-better date for picnic TBA (maybe!)
October-safety talk
November-open (member slide shows?)
December-famous Christmas party and gift exchange

2002-
January-sea kayaking presentation
February-Butch’s Dutch Oven dinner
March-open
April-AIRE meeting, board elections
July-picnic, planned and announced in advance.


 

Membership list-

Everybody paid for the year is listed here.  This is not being distributed electronically so you won’t be on anybody’s mailing list except ours (and very few select other friends).


Ideas wanted!

Seen a good film?  Heard a good speaker?  We’re trolling for Ideas for the Fall series of meetings.  If you have suggestions, tell us.  Also, since we all like to go and many of us take slides, if there is enough interest we’ll do a member based meeting:  bring in a slide carousel (80, but 140 it they’re all really good) and tell us about your trip.  We figure we can do 4 or 5 trays from members, if there are enough of you out there who want to share.

 Communications? Use:
idahowhitewater@hotmail.com