Extreme kayaking
My extreme kayaking this summer may not be defined like most paddler's extreme kayaking. I did not run huge waterfalls, I did not paddle any first descent, I did not participate in any of the extreme races in the circuit . . . my extreme kayaking consisted of days on the water class II-III style ~ over 100+ days in my kayak in just a few short months! And most of all . . . I was totally WINNING!
My journey during this busy work season provided me with many amazing experiences ~ Costa Rica, First Descents (4 weeks of it), Multi-day Kayak instruction on the Lower Salmon, private kayak instruction on the White Salmon River and program/event organization, hosting Canoe & Kayak Awards show in Salt Lake City ~ all of these things made for one of my busiest, but best summers yet!
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Interviewing Rafa Ortiz at the C & K Awards Show[/caption]
One of my biggest quests over the last 11 months was planning, organizing and implementing the National Whitewater Symposium. The White Salmon River is hosting this annual event and we couldn't be more excited. To me, organizing an event of this magnitude is by far one of the most extreme things I've done! The event happens on October 12-14 . . . I really hope to see a few of you there!
With the close of the season just a reach away I feel this bittersweet emotion. The end of a season meeting amazing people and introducing the sport to over hundreds of new paddlers mixed with the excitement and anxiety to get back in my creek boat and start going vertical once again is overwhelming.
I do, however, have this crazy little feeling that this winter is going to ROCK!
See you on the river,
Heather Herbeck
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This is what I do![/caption]
