What a fantastic time we had on the Nanty this past weekend with Ben and Gary (from TRR Nashville). We had solid boating support from Jeff Frazier (a new BWA member by virtue of his generosity for the Sat night cook-out), Mark Stuber (I think we have all been separated at birth from Mark), Joe Wheatley, Britt Lindstrom & Fred Coates. We were joined by Nathan Elliott, Jeremy Peavie, and Deb Coates.
Ben literally styled the entire river that day. We put in above Pattons' and he was on his mark all day. He really has such intuitive balance it's fun to watch him. He was off the line through the falls and went right into the meat of the top hole. Fortunately, he pulled himself through that and also the hole right below it. He celebrate a little too soon and flipped on the eddy line below the falls, but then cranked a roll. It was the only roll he needed prior to that. He later gave Mark a little excitement when he flipped in the NOC surfing wave and had a swim, but all was good.
We enjoyed Jeff's hospitality for a cookout at his cabin...what a great group.
The group paddled from Ferebee's down on Sunday. Ben's run was clean until the falls and he now knows what the riverbed looks like through all those holes again! He bow rescued and called it a day.
Gary had an injured shoulder and had to pull out at Ferebee's on Saturday, but paddled a 2 man raft with Britt on Sunday.
It was a truly phenomenal trip for all of us and I do hope you all can join us on our next outing. Ben said he really felt like all the instruction he's been given by BWA members prior to this trip really jelled on the Nanty....I would agree and his form really showed that he's been given good guidance by everyone. Thanks to all of you who provided support. Ben said it really took his jitters away by having such solid boaters shadowing him.

Awesome! I am sorry that I had to miss this.

Allen

I'm so bummed that I missed this. I knew that Ben would kick ass. And I knew if he had trouble in a few spots that he'd have the right attitude to deal with it. I've already gotten a trip report from him and he is totally stoked!

I'm so glad this happened and can't wait to be on the next trip. Big props to everyone who was able to go and help out. And big props to Ben for stepping it up.

bethany

Excellent! We're going to have to try to set up a New River trip for Bridge Day weekend (Oct. 17th). Could be a lot of fun.

Hanley