In the News
September 2017
A selection of paddling-related news stories.
"I canoed into Harvey. I've never been more afraid." (Houston, TX)
"Cypress Creek came to my neighborhood last Monday morning. It came, even after long-time neighbors told me it never had, it never would. It rose as we slept, creeping up the street, filling my yard on every side, trapping us there — me, my wife, my three kids and a family of eight who had come to shelter with us. Now we faced a decision, one debated in tens of thousands of homes across Houston last week: Do we stay, or do we go?..."
"Skin Infections most common ailment linked to Houston floodwaters" (Houston, TX)
"Amid concern about floodwaters brimming with contaminants, Houston-area hospitals, emergency departments and clinics are reporting an influx of patients with symptoms related to Tropical Storm Harvey..."
"Houston’s Floodwaters Are Tainted With Toxins, Testing Shows" (Houston, TX)
"Floodwaters in two Houston neighborhoods have been contaminated with bacteria and toxins that can make people sick, testing organized by The New York Times has found. Residents will need to take precautions to return safely to their homes, public health experts said..."
"Confluence Helps Harvey Victims" (Greenville, SC)
"When Confluence CEO Rich Krause saw unprecedented flooding in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, he knew the paddlesports company had to do something to help. It didn’t take any convincing to get the whole team on board. By Wednesday morning, they had packed a semi-truck with 150 kayaks along with 175 paddles and 175 life vests. After receiving special authorization and instructions, two drivers set off for Harris County..."
"Read the ACA's 'Paddle' eMagazine"
"The September issue of 'Paddle' has been released. This month features some of the new faces at the ACA, the 2017 International Whitewater Hall of Fame Inductees, and the ACA's continued focus on growing paddlesports in China. In addition, an ancient Caddo Indian canoe found in the Red River near Shreveport LA, and Bunny Johns is inducted into the paddler hall of fame."
| Complete story: Paddle |
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Entry contributed by Natalie Wiest |
"Hurricane Irma Reveals Dugout Canoe That Could Be Hundreds of Years Old" (FL)
"A Florida photographer on an early-morning bike ride the day after Hurricane Irma ravaged the coast stumbled upon an exciting find: a dugout canoe that may be hundreds of years old, according to officials. “As soon as I saw it, I knew exactly what it was,” said Randy Lathrop, a self-proclaimed history buff..."
"Angle Oar Versa Paddle"
"Angle Oar brought their adaptive kayak paddle, the Versa, to Paddlesports Retailer 2017. The “Versa” stands for versatile and that is exactly what it is. The paddle is supported by a mount that attaches to sit-in kayaks. The mount supports the weight of the paddle, reducing the stress on your arms and shoulders, and eliminating your torso rotation when paddling. This paddle is great for paddlers with upper body disabilities, such as rotator cuff injuries. It’s so easy to paddle that you can paddle with one hand..."
"From NYC To Mexico—In A Canoe"
"Many people travel from New York City to Mexico each day, but it’s pretty certain none are travelling by canoe. Pat Daley is a little more than one month into a canoeing expedition from New York City to Mexico. Starting in mid-August, Daley departed Manhattan for this estimated ten-month trip. The route totals 2,600 miles and follows the Intracoastal Waterway, ending at the Texas/Mexico border..."
"Get Paddling" (Texas)
"What do you wish you could do more often? What would you like to try for the first time? For many people, the answer is paddling, and your state parks are here to help. You can rent canoes and kayaks (and other watercraft) or even come to a special event to get started..."
"Overcoming worry to chase adventure"
"It was the best of paddles. It was the worst of paddles. Our canoe trips sometimes seem to be a reminder of our mortality ("Oh, no, I'm going to die") and other times a reminder of how much we're really capable of ("Oh, good, we survived.")..."
"Circumnavigating Manhattan in a kayak" (New York City)
"Manhattan seemed less an island than a moored raft covered with concrete, asphalt, steel and well-tended plants. So when I eased myself into a kayak one day this summer to start a paddle around Manhattan Island, I was surprised to see a little beach nearby. Water came up from depths onto a patch of sand, with weeds just beyond. It was the geological past sticking its nose out from under 400 years of human occupation..."
"As kayaking catches big wave, authorities cite rookie risks"
"Kayaking has boomed in popularity, with sales of the small narrow boats increasing by 55 percent in the U.S. since 2009, according to a trade group. While more people are choosing a relatively inexpensive way of enjoying the outdoors, many aren't taking the proper precautions, say law enforcers, who are rescuing rookies who underestimate the risks of paddling..."
"Final days of British kayaker killed in Brazil"
"Posting on social media on 10 September, Emma Kelty joked about a warning she had been given about the stretch of the Amazon river she was about to enter. The following day, as she neared an Amazon tributary, Kelty triggered a distress signal. She has been missing ever since. On Tuesday, police said they had arrested three males on suspicion of her murder..."