I vote knot tying session/roll session combo since i am assuming most folks might want to practice rolls in case of opportunities to boat on the lI-III section of the russellfork....

we could start tomorrow night and have 3 sessions before the training....whereas there is only one opportunity if we have it before the meeting on tuesday....that way, if you can't go to one, you have other opportunities

You know that is another good point Hanley and Jason about the trucker's hitch - my favorite knot. You can do about anything with it when it comes to cranking down on something tight! Every boater should learn that one (and shuttle bunnies too!).
Brent

Cool.

Let's do both. We'll catch more people that way. 7:00 PM on Wednesday, July 2nd and 6:30 PM on Tuesday, July 8th. See y'all there!

Hanley

I was wondering if there will be a low water release at the Russell Fork
this weekend during the SWR course.
Please respond with good news if possible.

lol, Mark. Yeah, I wanna know too!
Brent

Dale said tonight that the release is going to happen.

Fred

There will be an extra release given to us by the corps for the purpose of teaching the Swiftwater class for 14 BWA members and 2 rescue/fire personnel from Elkhorn city. We are getting a supplimental release to get the level to 200+ at Bartlick from 9AM till 2 PM. It takes the water about 2.5 hours to get to the gorge from Bartlick.

With that said I will paraphrase another instructor who taught at this spot recently:
The corp agreed to the request since the course was being taught non-profit for a non-profit organization. If a lot of people show up and boat to the take-out, this will prevent us from completing the course. We will have a lot of people swimming in the take-out rapid and have ropes across the river all day. This will be a hazard for boaters coming to the take-out. Please respect and take any river signals from shore seriously as these will be given for your safety (i.e., If we give you the stop signal, get to shore immediately and do not run the last drop before the take-out).

A solution to this problem would be to take-out at the upstream access about 200 feet from the normal take-out. I ask that any boaters take-out upstream this weekend to avoid conflicting with the SWR course drills and scenarios. The best way to handle may be to park in the normal lot and hike to your vehicle. This is a very short and flat hike. One paddler could come back and get a vehicle for the boats. This would keep things less congested at the upstream access.

Here are some directions via Steve Ruth (russellfork) regarding taking out upstream of the normal takeout:
"it's very easy to take out at the top of the rock bar on river right that starts the sluicy thing that makes the surfing wave.
don't get tore up about not being able to surf, there's no wave at 200 anyway.
and by the way, 200cfs is a great level for first time gorge runners. very forgiving. BUT you can still run the double boof at Tower and the Box at Climax if you want. 3rd drop is the hardest move at this level.
if there's 200, there'll be a handful of locals around all weekend. more information at www.russellfork.info if you want it."

I appreciate boaters doing everything possible to ensure safety of our class location and these folks get the best class possible.

Regards,
Jason Foley

Cool Jason, will do. Anyone want to shuttle with me over there Sat. a.m.? Gorge will be gorgeous.
Brent

Guys, do me a favor and keep this thread about SWR.

Friends don't let friends thread hijack :^).

Soooo.... next year we can ask for a 200 release on the first weekend of June, July, Aug, for the BWA introduction to creeking course ... right?

Wes