Kayaking Journal Home : Kayaking News Home : February 2005
February 3, 2005 09:10 - Water wars: Can't we all just get along?
There seems to be an ongoing battle between small mountain towns who want to build whitewater parks, and water developers who would export the same water to other parts of the state. Here in Colorado, the battle is raging as several new parks are either under construction, or are being considered for the near future.For small mountain towns like Salida, Gunnison, Buena Vista, and others, these whitewter parks bring more than just kayakers to the area. They also bring out of state tourist dollars, in state recreation dollars, and a lot of welcome traffic to local businesses. And paddlers from all over the country get to enjoy some of the best whitewater kayaking around.
All all of these benefits come without a lot of damage to the ecosystem. Kayaks don't pollute like motorcycles or snowmobiles, they're not noisy, they don't leave a trail of toxic waste in their wake. So paddlers are understandably dismayed when developers stand against the whitewater parks under consideration. Sure, getting water to farmers and others is important, but so is keeping this valuable resource for kayakers today and for generations to come.
February 8, 2005 21:10 - Draught in Western US no friend to kayakers
If your're fortunate to live out here in the Western US, you already know about the great whitewater kayaking opportunities. You're also no-doubt aware that the region is undergoing a five-year draught that has left water levels in many lakes way below average. Lake Powell, one of the West's great boating and paddling venues, is at less than 40% capacity. This means water levels that are 130 feet below normal in many places. And river levels on the Upper Colorado River and elsewhere are about half of normal, making some smaller creeks and rivers unsafe to paddle.
This is understandably bad news for kayakers and inland boaters of all types. This current draught is already ranked as one of the most severe in the last century. And the ongoing draught is not expected to let up anytime soon. Some weather experts are predicting we could be in for several more dry years, and with the aspect of global warming, who knows what the future holds.
So hit the water often and enjoy your kayaking adventures while you can.
February 22, 2005 10:11 - Upcoming Events for March
Here are some upcoming events for March 2005:What: Canoeopia
When: Mar 11-13
Where: Madison, WI
This is a consumer paddlesports show sponsored by Rutabaga
call 1-800-I-Paddle for more info
What: US Open Slalom and Wildwater Races
When: Mar 12-13
Where: Wesser NC
This event also serves as a qualifier for the US Slalom Team
828-488-1276 ext 108
What: Paddlesport 2005
When: Mar 18-20
Where: Somerset, NJ
This s a consumer paddlesport show sponsored by Jersey Paddler
1-888-22-KAYAK
What: Santa Cruz Kayak Surf Festival
When: Mar 18-20
Where: Santa Cruz, CA
In this event, elite kayakers from around the world compete in both men's and women's comps
1-831-425-4886
