Joel St. John

Equinox Staff

 

After covering the whitewater races this past weekend I was given the unique opportunity to ride the rapids with the club president and “whitewater wizard” Charlie Brackett.  Brackett, a southeastern N.H. local, has been canoeing the rivers in this area for many years.

He was the only person brave enough to take a complete noobie (me) down the river where the race was just held.

Although I’m a good swimmer and have been around water all my life, I was a little nervous.

The water was only slightly above freezing and I was not wearing a wetsuit. After putting on two pairs of long underwear, running pants, an Under Armor top, a fleece, a life jacket, and a helmet I was ready to push off…or at least I thought.

Charlie gave me instructions on how to paddle and what directions he would be yelling out as we went down the river.

The first few hundred yards were a little hectic as I felt like I was fumbling around inside the boat. After a few more minutes I relaxed and the fun began.

While I’m sure most of you reading have been canoeing I’m pretty sure very few, if any of you, have ever been down whitewater. While canoeing is relaxing and calming, whitewater is a whole other ball game. It’s hard work and requires quick thinking, agility, and tons of balance.

After completing the sprint course, the water leveled out and I had a few minutes to relax. Being in the front of the canoe I had a great look as to what was ahead in the course. It was about to get gnarly.

While the photos make the drop look like a small little rapid from water level, when you’re going down, it seems like an abyss.

Taking the drop requires skill and at that point I was really glad that I was not steering. We almost ended up in the drink, but with some quick paddles and some incredible balance we managed to make it though.

Soaking wet from the splash at the bottom we cruised down the river bailing out the water that washed into the boat. A few more sketchy sections and a few bumps against the rocks later we made it safely to the bottom.

Steaming from the heat coming off my body, I got out of the canoe pumped and ready for my next adventure.

For anyone who is an adrenaline junkie or just a sports enthusiast, you have to try white water. Whether it’s canoeing, kayaking, or rafting, it’s a hell of a good time.

 

Joel St. John can be contacted at jst.john@keeneequinox.com

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