Apparently Kentucky is loaded. On Thursday, November 2, 2006 Governor Ernie Fletcher announced that General Fund revenue for the current fiscal year is coming in higher than originally projected and is expected to exceed budgeted levels at the end of the fiscal year.

The current estimate anticipates an extra $279 million. So, how should we spend it? I know how I would spend it.


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Tags: Whitewater Park

See what's happening right this moment down at the Truckee River Whitewater Park in Reno, Nevada.

Tags: Whitewater Park

From the Friday, December 15, 2006 Kentucky Standard

By Bob White

Bardstown will send a representative to Elizabethtown Thursday to learn more about grants to aid the Beech Fork whitewater park project and trail projects being considered for implementation.

During Tuesday's Bardstown City Council meeting City Administrator Larry Green informed city leaders of two federal grants being offered through the Governor's Office of Local Development.

The funds being offered could be used to improve the riverbank of Beech Fork at the old rock dam near U.U. 31E bridge where a whitewater feature has been proposed.

"It won't help with the rebuilding of the dam, but it may be useful in building a trail to the river," Green said.

Green said funding could also be used for a connector trail between Beech Fork and Bardstown Community Park.

More information about the Land and Water Conservation Funds and the Recreational Trails grants will be learned during a Thursday meeting at the Lincoln Trail Area Development District office in Elizabethtown, Green said.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund offers 50-50 matching grants of $5,000 to $50,000. The average amount awarded to applicant communities in Kentucky last year was $39,951, according to Samantha Cool, Public Information Officer for the Governor's Office of Local Development.Read More...

Tags: Whitewater Park

Some information has surfaced on one of two grants that have been discovered by Assistant City Administrator, Larry Green, which could be applied to the Bardstown Whitewater Park.Read More...

Tags: Whitewater Park

Bardstown's most outspoken proponent for outdoor recreational and environmental causes is moving on to a sister newspaper in Elizabethtown. Bob White has covered the Bardstown Boaters greatest accomplishments over the past 2 years in our local press, and in doing so has helped us grow our efforts more than we ever could have imagined.Read More...

Tags: Membership | Whitewater Park

The Bardstown Boaters Annual Paddle Pickup will be held on June 9th, 2007.Read More...

Tags: Paddle Pickup | River Cleanup

On Tuesday I attended a taping of The Oprah Winfrey Show where she had Al Gore as her guest. He was presenting information from his documentary An Inconvenient Truth. Now I don't know how much stock I take into this film and the way it portrays the Earth's climactic demise, but I do certainly believe we as human being need to reduce our carbon dioxide output.Read More...

Tags: Environment

Now in the final days of the 2006th year following the first Christmas I look back at the last 350+ days and remember the exciting, adventurous, and communal times spent on and around the waterways of the southern US. I recollect the joys of planning the logistics of a trip; the initial idea of when and where to go, who to bring along, what to pack, where to stay, how to get there, and what to expect.Read More...

Tags: Membership

We are getting close to our goal of raising $2200 so the process of getting a site assessment for the Beech Fork Bardstown Whitewater Park can begin. To find out more visit the Whitewater Park page.Read More...

Tags: Whitewater Park | Donate

Josh, Jay and I met up at the Canyon on Saturday for 2 great runs on a warm Saturday in November. Mike Goodman and Mike Brady ran the gorge and we saw them at the bridge, but other than that I was very surprised that no one else was out there paddling this day. We did have a crowd of 4-wheelers at the bridge to watch us run the last rapid of the day. The water was very cold, but it was around 65 degrees so it was a very nice day to be out there.Read More...

Tags: Big South Fork

The little-known stretch of the Rio Grande just downriver from Big Bend National Park in southwest Texas, showcases the riverine glories of the desert Southwest: twisting slot canyons, fortresslike bluffs, hot springs, and sporty rapids. Better still, expeditioners here can often paddle for a week to ten days without encountering another party. For more info visit National Geographic.Read More...

Tags: Rio Grande

From Paddler Magazine May/June 2005

Human beings are tinkerers. When something doesn’t fit our needs, it’s our nature to change it.

Whitewater paddlers are no different. And whitewater—in the form of man-made whitewater parks—is springing up in towns and cities across the nation, creating a new wave of whitewater enthusiasm in the most unlikely of places: downtown. People who would otherwise never be exposed to whitewater now find it right in their front yard.Read More...

Tags: Whitewater Park

The disappointment in the paddling community was thick last week when a study found the proposed white-water park on the Great Miami River was too expensive.

The Miami Conservancy District and Five Rivers MetroParks wanted to build a white-water play facility that would also give less experienced paddlers a safe way to get around the low dam near the Monument Avenue bridge.

But the study found the park cost would total close to $10 million. That was too much, the agencies decided, and the proposal has been scrapped.Read More...

Tags: Whitewater Park

Back in March of 2004 I spent some time in New Zealand. Our recent Red River Gorge hike got me thinking about some of my New Zealand adventures. Climbing Mt. Taranaki was one of them.Read More...

Tags: New Zealand | Hiking

Jay and I met up with his brothers, Bill and John and the four of us headed out into the gorge to try and hike all the way to the Red River narrows where the hardest rapids of the whitewater run are. We were unsure of any trails that existed past Clifty Creek, but we would try to stick to the river and see how close we could get.Read More...

Tags: Hiking | Red River Gorge

Bardstown Boaters, a group of local whitewater enthusiasts, first proposed the project and have since compiled a preliminary informational package for local officials to review.Read More...

Tags: Whitewater Park

Bardstown Mayor
• Dick Heaton - 1,528 Votes - 55%
Dixie Hibbs - 1,130 Votes - 40%
Steven Wimsatt - 152 Votes - 5%Read More...

Tags: Whitewater Park

I just ran across a very interesting website that I had not known existed. The Nelson County Gazette, an enhanced weblog that examines news, politics and life in and around Nelson County.Read More...

Tags: Bardstown | Environment

Even with GAF and the Rendezvous going on this weekend there was still a good crowd running the Elkhorn this day. The weather was pretty good and the Elkhorn was running so of course I had to get on it. I had never been on it this high. 3,500cfs was my high before this. It was actually pretty washed out at this level. The water moves fast, you don't even need to paddle.Read More...

Tags: Elkhorn Creek

This whitewater park is set to open the Spring of 2007 on the summit of Marsh Mountain in McHenry, Maryland. McHenry is 3 hours from the Washington, DC area, 2 hours from Pittsburgh, and within a 3 hour drive for over 26 million people.Read More...

Tags: Whitewater Park

SAMIRA JAFARI - Associated Press

ELKHORN CITY, Ky. - Gerald DeLong has paddled whitewater rapids across the country for nearly 30 years, but it's an eastern Kentucky river that courses through his veins.

Like the thousands of others who have kayaked, canoed and rafted their way down the Russell Fork River, a 15-mile stretch of water from Virginia to Kentucky, DeLong finds its rocky twists, turns and treacherous gorge irresistible.Read More...

Tags: Russell Fork

On this Saturday Jay and I finally made our long awaited run down the Red River Gorge. We were the only paddlers on this stretch this day as the level was a bit on the low side. But for our fist run this just what we wanted. A low level, so we could test the gorge and see what it is all about. And beauty is what it's all about. Read More...

Tags: Red River Gorge

What started out as a pleasant trip down the Salt River ended abruptly last Tuesday when several canoes tipped over spilling three adults and five children into the cold rushing water.Read More...

Tags: Salt River

First of all there is no alcohol allowed at Stone Cliff. Any drinking of alcohol at Stone Cliff is in violation of the law. The Bardstown Boaters had no trouble with this rule because we follow all rules and regulations. I'm just saying it to warn others who might think they can out wit the park ranger. So according to the signs at Stone Clif, there are bears and there is no drinking of alcohol.Read More...

Tags: New River

Please visit a new section of the Bardstown Boaters website and write a few words on why you would like to see a whitewater park built in bardstown. We need to gather up as much local support for the park we can and we can now document that support right here: CLICK HERE

Please give this link to family and friends or anyone you know who wants to support bringing this unique opportunity to Bardstown.

To learn more about the whitewater park idea, click here.

Tags: Whitewater Park

Enthusiasm seems to be building for a whitewater park on the Beech Fork in Bardstown.

Fundraising efforts are underway to pay for a visit and analysis by a whitewater park engineer, who will address issues such as water flow and structural feasibility.Read More...

Tags: Whitewater Park

1400cfs

What a great capper to the weekend, after having the Poker Run on Saturday I was able to catch the Elkhorn at a good level for Sunday. I paddled with a group of Vikings.

Lots of little play waves were in. The left side at Angioplasty was the better option of the two at this level. The run this day got me thinking about having an Elkhorn race. Beautiful day for paddling.

Tags: Elkhorn Creek

Beech Fork
2000cfs

Thank you to everyone who came out for the Poker Run this past Saturday. It was a great success. We raised over $800 to go towards bringing in the McLaughlin Whitewater Group to do a site assessment for a Bardstown Whitewater Park. This is our first step towards our goal of raising $2200.

The winning hand was three 9's beating out Kings and 6's. I had guessed trips would end up winning it. Emerson Ballard, a local paddler, played the winning hand and the winnings were donated back toward to the effort.

Even if you didn't get to come out for the Poker Run their will be more opportunities in the future. You can make a personal donation if you like on our whitewater park site:

http://www.bardstownboaters.com/whitewaterpark

And stayed tuned for our next fundraiser coming very soon... The Elkhorn Creek Race!

Thanks to these sponsors for helping us put on the 2006 Poker Run

Boone's Butcher Shop
Horizon Hoppers
Keene’s Depot
Bardstown Mills

Tags: Poker Run | Charity | Whitewater Park | Beech Fork

By MIKE WIGGINS

The Daily Sentinel: Thursday, September 21, 2006

The Grand Junction City Council unanimously agreed Wednesday night to pitch $100,000 into an effort to build a whitewater park on the Colorado River near Palisade.Read More...

Tags: Whitewater Park

Paddlers’ Poker Run planned for Saturday


Wednesday, September 27, 2006 8:21 AM EDT

BOB WHITE The Kentucky Standard

Funds being raised for whitewater park

Poker runs aren’t just for motorcyclists anymore.

Hoping to fund an engineer’s visit to Beech Fork and a design incorporating a whitewater feature into the rock dam near the New Haven Road bridge, Bardstown Boaters are hosting a paddlers’ poker run Saturday in which participants could win up to $500.

The local paddling club has been the main proponent of a push to convert a stone dam that cannot be safely navigated by canoes and kayaks into a safe chute and play wave for boaters to use.

Following a formal presentation of the concept to Bardstown City Council and some preliminary “homework” done on part of city officials, Assistant City Administrator Larry Green said the next step would be to draft a plan and design for the project.

For that, Bardstown Boaters president Spalding Hurst said an experienced whitewater park engineer would need to visit the site and compile a preliminary plan and cost estimate.

The cost of such a visit is expected to be $6,000-$7,000, depending on the engineering firm chosen.

Cost of constructing whitewater parks throughout the nation have ranged from $140,000 for a park along a stream in Colorado to $25 million for a park not on a river in North Carolina.

Hurst didn’t want to speculate the cost of creating a single wave and navigable chute at the Beech Fork dam. He said he would rely on the engineer to talk numbers to the public.

Green said he has identified a federal grant that could help fund the whitewater park. Additional funding may be available through the state if the city decides to increase the height of the dam to increase its raw water collection pool.

Before seeking grants for the project, Green said some engineering work should be done so a plan could be presented to state and federal stakeholders such as the Division of Water, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

The poker run is an attempt to fund the next step in the process of planning the whitewater park.

The fundraiser will begin noon Saturday at the KY 49 bridge across Beech Fork and will conclude about 5 p.m. at the New Haven Road (U.S. 31E) bridge.

Plans are to have paddlers collect five playing cards at locations along the river. Three of the cards received will be handed to participants by Bardstown Boaters stationed in boats along the route. The best hand at the end of the day wins half the pot collected, or a maximum of $500.

The cost of entering the poker run is $20. Participants are responsible for providing their own boats, canoes, kayaks or other watercraft. Horizon Hoppers Adventure Services will provide canoes and kayaks free of charge to anyone who does not own a boat and wants to participate in the event.

“I wanted to show I give this project my full support,” said Mike Hammons, owner of the Bardstown-based outfitter.

Hammons said no less than a dozen boats would be available at the start of the poker run on a first come, first serve basis.

The event is open to paddlers of all skill levels and food and drinks will be available for purchase at the beginning and end of the poker run.

Hurst said he expects about 50 people to attend, but hopes for more.

For more information on the poker run or the Bardstown Whitewater Park log on to the Bardstown Boater Web site at www.bardstownboaters.com. The club is also taking contributions online for the whitewater park.

Bob White can be reached at 348-9003 Ext. 116 or by e-mail at bwhite@kystandard.com.

Tags: Poker Run | Beech Fork | Whitewater Park | Donate

Fundraiser for the Bardstown Whitewater Park...Read More...

Tags: Poker RunBeech ForkWhitewater ParkDonate

Elkhorn Creek
2180cfs

Yesterday I played hooky and went kayaking on the Elkhorn instead of going to work. It was great. If retirement could be days spent paddling local rivers I would be in heaven.

The water was moving well this day as I paddled with a large group from the Viking Canoe Club. I caught one really great surf at the rapid just before the house on the river with the large cement landing blocks. I couldn't get on the big waves at surfers and Angioplasty left was washed out, should go right here in the future when the water is this high.

The weather was outstanding and I can't tell you how awesome it is to live 10 minutes from the whitewater destination. Sleep in, go kayaking, get home before dinner. It was perfect.

Tags: Elkhorn Creek

The Kentucky Standard
Wednesday, September 20, 2006 9:02 AM EDT

Our Views/Editorials

Work toward reconfiguring a rock dam into a safely navigable whitewater feature along Beech Fork River is moving fast and smooth thanks to the impressive efforts of the Bardstown Boaters paddling club.

The editorial board at The Kentucky Standard supports the group’s effort to add this new recreational feature to the county and we wish them well in their endeavor.

While the park is not planned to be a behemoth $25 million facility similar to what opened in Charlotte, N.C. earlier this year, the proposed Bardstown Whitewater Park would be an asset to sportsmen and youth of our community along with the economy as businesses look to support paddlers and their fans.

The park could be the light at the end of the tunnel for struggling business owners such as canoe outfitter Mike Hammons of Horizon Hoppers Adventure Services who has spent the past five years trying to rent kayaks to outdoor adventure seekers from his shop at the Bardstown-Nelson County Airport.

It could also be a boost for existing businesses such as Keene’s Depot which has already established itself as Bardstown’s sporting supplies store.

Most importantly, the proposed park would provide a good, clean, fun activity for people to enjoy, whether cartwheeling and splashing around on the wave themselves or spectating from the riverbank.

To take an eyesore rock dam that’s not safely navigable for boaters and turn it into a destination will open the river to all sorts of recreational opportunities for many generations to come.

Fishing, wading, tubing and picnicking will follow the kayaking.

We, at The Standard, hope the community, city government and state and federal officials jump on board with the boaters in pursuit of the Bardstown Whitewater Park.

Tags: Whitewater Park

Wednesday, September 20, 2006 8:59 AM EDT
BOB WHITE The Kentucky Standard

Fundraiser set for Sept. 30.

No great hurdles seen so far.

That’s what Bardstown Assistant City Administrator Larry Green told City Council following inquiries made with state and federal agencies about a proposed whitewater park for Bardstown.

Interest in the concept of reconstructing an old rock dam on Beech Fork for recreational purposes has grown since the idea was first announced a few months ago by members of Bardstown Boaters, a local paddling club.

Following a formal presentation of the group’s plan to construct a whitewater feature at the dam lying immediately west of the New Haven Road bridge across Beech Fork, Green said he began doing some “homework” by checking with agencies dealing with water and dams and looking for possible sources of funding.

“The talks were encouraging,” Green said of discussions with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “They said it’s not their dam and said it would be no big deal so long as (the whitewater feature) wasn’t causing erosion.”

Kentucky’s Division of Water expressed interest in the project, but Green said “no red flags” had been raised following talks with those officials.

While doing his homework, Green discovered Land and Water Conservation Fund grants available for recreational projects such as the proposed parks. Bloomfield was denied a $50,000 grant request from the federal fund earlier this year to help renovate its park system. The fund generally allocates about $400,000 annually to Kentucky cities for recreational projects in matching grants of $5,000 - $15,000.

The maximum allowable amount of Land and Water Conservation grants is $75,000, Green said.

With the possibility of obtaining additional funding for use in raising the dam for an increased raw water pool, Green said he was encouraged about the whitewater park idea.

No one at the city level has spoke against the whitewater project and few questions have arose relating to it since proponents provided the city with what many have considered an impressive amount of information.

“There’s no questioning the amount of legwork (proponents) have put into this,” Councilman Bobby Simpson said.

During the discussion phase, questions have risen relating to increased traffic associated with the proposed park along U.S. 31E.

Councilman John Royalty said the city needed to determine if the whitewater feature would increase traffic near the bridge and address those concerns with the state highway department early.

City Financial Officer Mike Abell doubted any traffic concerns to come as a result of the proposed park.

“I’ve seen four or five of these and it’s usually groups of four or five boaters that use them at any given time,” Abell said.

It is unclear if a single whitewater feature along the river would increase auto traffic in the area, but proponents aren’t discouraged with such concerns.

“I’m just glad the discussions continue and that people are beginning to research the idea for themselves,” Spalding Hurst, president of Bardstown Boaters, said.

Hurst said on Thursday that a special feature was added to the club’s Web site for people to comment on the park.

The feedback page, found at www.bardstownboaters.com, will enable proponents to keep track of concerns and log public opinion and support for the proposal.

Green said the next step necessary in the park project was to compile a plan and design for the park to submit to state and federal agencies for review.

Bardstown Boaters isn’t waiting for local government to hire an engineer.

In an attempt to raise funds for a preliminary whitewater park engineer’s visit, estimated at $7,000, the group is hosting a fundraiser Sept. 30 along the Beech Fork.

The paddling poker run is a 7-mile event in which paddlers contribute $20 to the pot, collect cards along the route and play the best poker hand in an attempt to win half the purse.

Hurst said he hopes with fundraisers such as the poker run, enough money can be raised to soon have an experienced whitewater park engineer visit Bardstown.

Hurst said preliminary talks with engineers have been encouraging.

“They said we couldn’t have a better site,” he said.

Information on the poker run can be found at the Bardstown Boater Web site.

Bob White can be reached at 348-9003 Ext. 116 or by e-mail at bwhite@kystandard.com.

Tags: Whitewater Park

Friday, September 8, 2006 8:26 AM EDT
BOB WHITE The Kentucky Standard


While questions arose over parking and possible trashing of the river, an overwhelming amount of support was apparent for the construction of a whitewater park at Beech Fork during a meeting of Bardstown City Council Tuesday night.

About 20 people in support of a proposal to reconstruct a rock dam near the New Haven Road bridge over Beech Fork into a navigable whitewater feature showed up for a formal presentation to City Council Tuesday.

The effort is being spearheaded by members of Bardstown Boaters, a group of paddling enthusiasts based in Bardstown.

With some discussion already having taken place on the possible raising of the rock dam to increase raw water supply for the city’s water treatment operations, Mayor Dixie Hibbs and proponents of the whitewater park feel it’s possible to incorporate the water feature into the dam-raising project.

Hibbs said she would consult water plant officials on specifics relating to the volumes of water for plant operations, but noted a need for increased supply in the near future.

“We’re pumping about 50-percent of our water from the Beech Fork,” Hibbs said.

The river has the potential to supply ample amounts of water if dammed correctly, since the river drains about 600 square miles of upstream watershed, she said.

Hibbs voiced her support for the proposal and practicality of the dam’s reconstruction.

“If we were to increase the dam one or two feet, then this redesign could be done for the safety of boating, accomplishing two things - recreation and an increase of water supply,” Hibbs said.

Improving the safety of the river was a key point of the project, according to Bardstown-Nelson County Tourist and Convention Commission vice-president Dawn Ballard.

The dam cannot be navigated safely as is.

“This is something that takes a potential hazard and makes it safe,” Ballard said. “People don’t use (the river) as much as they could.”

The plan, as submitted to City Council by Bardstown Boaters president Spalding Hurst, consists of the construction of a single whitewater feature and two chutes navigable by canoes and kayaks.

“It’s just a single rapid that’s safely navigable,” Hurst said. “The put in and take out would be at the same spot.”

“Play-boaters” could park at the river and practice whitewater paddling techniques at the site, he added.

Two engineering firms experienced in whitewater park construction have expressed an interest in working on the park in Bardstown.

“They described this site as a perfect setup,” Hurst said of engineers’ opinion of the Beech Fork.

Hiring an engineer to visit the site, compile a preliminary plan and estimate is expected to cost about $6,700.

Ballard said various sources of funding were available for the whitewater park’s construction, but thought the project should proceed in steps.

“First we were looking for any huge grievances with the idea,” Ballard said.

While no one at the meeting spoke against the project, one woman questioned if the park could contribute to traffic along the New Haven Road bridge.

Hibbs said it was too early to determine traffic counts for such a park, but said if traffic developed as a result of the park, a traffic light may be necessary for the area.

Hibbs said another person questioned her on the potential of trash accumulating at the river as a result of a whitewater park.

During the meeting, Hibbs made note of the Bardstown Boaters’ efforts in cleaning Beech Fork with the group’s annual Paddle Pickup.

The group completed its second river cleanup this year, removing tons of debris from Nelson County stream banks.

Hurst said during a telephone interview Thursday he appreciated all the comments and questions relating to the park.

“I want people to see that this is a viable option,” Hurst said. “It could be good for tourism and recreation.”

Emphasis of the park’s location has been on the northeast quadrant of the bridge’s crossing of the river. The property is owned by the city.

Without a visit from an engineer experienced in whitewater park construction, Hurst said it was difficult to estimate a cost of the dam’s reconstruction into a whitewater feature.

Bardstown Boaters have begun whitewater park fundraising efforts with a paddling poker run on Beech Fork scheduled for Sept. 30.

Hurst said funds from the poker run would be used to hire an engineer to visit Bardstown and compile draft plans for the park.

“My hope is for us to raise $2,000, tourism to contribute $2,000 and the city to contribute $2,000,” Hurst said, regarding the funding of an engineer’s visit.

More information about the fundraiser can be found at www.bardstownboaters.com.

The report on the whitewater park compiled by Bardstown Boaters can be viewed at the group’s Web site.

Bob White can be reached at 348-9003 Ext. 116 or by e-mail at bwhite@kystandard.com.

Tags: Whitewater Park

Kreso's Restaurant

After a fantastic meeting with the city council, we got together at Kreso's for our first club meeting since January. We will now be meeting every 2 months on the first Monday of the month.

Topics of Discussion
• Poker Run on the Beech Fork
• Whitewater Park
• Fall Trip Planning
• Becoming a non-profit

The next Club Meeting will be on Monday, November 6th

Tags: Membership | Meeting Minutes

Flow: 580cfs
Lake Level: 705' (Last Drop was in)

I joined up with the vikings this day for a trip on the Cumberland. It was a great run with all of the rapids in all the way down to last drop. Surfers was good and we spent an hour and a half at just that one rapid. Surfers would be the perfect example of rapid for the Whitewater Park.

Screaming right was still the hardest rapid out there. Not that it was hard, but we had lots of flipping going on in our group at that rapid. Center Rock had some carnage as well.

Stairsteps and Last drop were good, they make the trip better since it is quite a hassle to get towed out on the boat and all. It is nice to have a couple more rapids to run.

Tags: Cumberland

I have simplified and updated the club calendar. Please check it out. Let me know if there is anything you would like to add to the calendar.

New Club Calendar

Tags: Membership | Website

The Bardstown Boaters are a group of about 30 people who love to get out on local rivers and paddle...Read More...

Tags: Website | Membership | Bardstown

The new club duckie has arrived...Read More...

Tags: Gear

Normal release level.



Jay, Zack, Jim Fahling and I went down to the Ocoee for our maiden voyage this past Saturday. We left Lexington at about 7pm on Friday and it took a little over 4 hours to get to Chilhowee campground. The next day we broke camp and got ready for our one day pass at running the Ocoee. We scouted Grumpy's and Broken Nose, warmed up in the pool above the run, then decided to just go for it. David Ackerman led us down and it was a perfect run. Everyone did great and we had no problems at all. Jay had a couple of swims at some opportune moments. Now he swears he is going to get his roll down and stop procrastinating about it.

The Ocoee is where my love of rivers started. We used to come here back in high school and every summer after with the Mathews' raft. Seeing all the kayakers here made me want to become a kayaker because it just looked so damn fun. Well now after running it I can say that it is even more fun than it looks like. I loved it. Can't wait to do it again!

Pictures from our trip.

The rapids:

Grumpy's Ledge: Stared at this for too long. Make the ferry and it's all good.
Staging Eddy: Easy
Gonzo Shoals:Easy
Broken Nose: Ran the sneak, it was not hard to make. Should have ran it.
Moonshoot: Surf Wave
Double Suck: Almost ran the sneak, did not. Glad I didn't.
Double Trouble: Big waves, they take pictures here. Got some air.
Flipper: Surf spot? Don't really remember.
Doledrums: Shallow stuff
Surprise Ledge: The end of the Doldrums.
Tablesaw: Biggest rapid. Don't flip. Ran with no problems.
Diamond Splitter: Fun, ran the far right side.
Witches Hole
Accelerator: Fast water, just like the name suggests.
Cat's Pajamas
Hell Hole: Got hella air. So I here, all I saw was the sky.
Powerhouse: Good thing I made my roll from Hell Hole, this one comes quick. Run the right side.

Tags: Ocoee

This past weekend we had a big group down at the Smokies...Read More...

Tags: Nantahala

By Tim Wheat:

Went on a river that I've never been on before. Floyds Fork in southern Jefferson Co. can be a pretty fun 3 1/2 - 4 hour float paddle.Read More...

Tags: Floyds Fork

We had 2 great days on the Elkhorn this weekend. After Friday nights storms hit the area, we were all set for a whole weekend of great levels on the on backyard whitewater run.Read More...

Tags: Elkhorn Creek

The Rockcastle on American Whitewater

Read More...

Tags: Rockcastle River

Jay and I got in a day trip on the Rockcastle. We thought all the lowers narrows would be covered up, but the lake was only 718ft so we got to run rapids 1 & 2. Rapid 2 was very strong at this level, a big drop and threw you hard into the river left eddy after running it. We both ran Stairsteps a couple of times even though there was a tree fallen into the river at the bottom of it.Read More...

Tags: Rockcastle River

BOB WHITE/The Kentucky Standard - While some people have successfully navigated the rock dam at Beech Fork during high water levels, most paddlers consider the rock dam dangerous to go over and difficult to portage around. A group of whitewater enthusiasts are considering a renovation of the rock dam to include safe and navigable whitewater features.
Paddlers, tourism officials and outfitter consider possibilitiesRead More...

Tags: Whitewater Park | Beech Fork

We lost a valuable friend today. The green Mohawk now rest beneath a log on the Cumberland. Maybe one day we will see it again. But until then we only have it's matching partner Mohawk Canoe #1. Their will never be another #2, nothing will compare.Read More...

Tags: Cumberland

Get in touch with kycanoe.com to set up a trip for this spring or summer.Read More...

Tags: Gear | Website

A whitewater park in Bardstown can add great value to the community, a boost to the local economy, create an atmosphere for healthy lifestyles and awareness to environmental issues.Read More...

Tags: Whitewater Park

Practice, practice, practice...Read More...

Tags: Roll Sessions

So today I jumped on a play boat that was being sold in Louisville.Read More...

Tags: Gear

To begin our big memorial day weekend hike of the Sheltowee Trace Justin and I got in some kayaking on the canyon section.  The level was a little higher than I thought it was at the time.  It looked very low and scrapy while running it, which it was but not as low as I had thought. In fact I have run it at a lower level before.  Jake's Ledge Hole looked bad, but it actually had a very easy line through the middle.  The left side pour over was probably good to go as well.Read More...

Tags: Hiking | Big South Fork | Sheltowee Trace

Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Refreshing, new ideas come from sports meeting
Bob White THE KENTUCKY STANDARD - 5/24/06

Like most Americans, I’ve had my fair share of the so-called normal sports.

I played basketball, football, and baseball as a kid. I also ran track and cross country in my younger years. Most of my involvement in those activities these days includes a television.

While these sports are great for fans and players alike, the constant sight and sound of these sports can make all of them a bit mundane.

Luckily for us in Nelson County, there could be some refreshing opportunities on the horizon.

A handful of local folks met last week to discuss different sporting opportunities with tourism officials and coach Steve Small, a motivating, people-person type of guy from Mount Washington recently hired to assist in the marketing of sports in Bardstown.

I’ll admit being a bit pessimistic about the need for the community to hire a sports-marketer, but after attending the meeting I made the realization that you can have a team of all-stars, but without a coach, the team won’t shine.

With tourism officials joining hands with local sportsmen and women, the team, gleaming with innovative ideas, is there.

For $1,000 a month, we have a coach too.

Let’s hope the coach can help the team’s ideas flourish. I’m optimistic of Small’s abilities.

Refreshing was that none of the sports discussed during last week’s meeting related to the so-called normal sports.

But that doesn’t mean alternative sports such as disc-golf, paddling and hiking couldn’t be marketable and profitable for the local economy.

One man in attendance noted the traveling disc-golfers would do to play a new course. Of course, with travel comes gas sales, lodging on occasion and food.

Another mentioned how a park-n-play whitewater course could lure hundreds from the region to put in and paddle around whether on their lunch hour or weekend.

A third idea was the construction of trails to connect disc-golf courses with the whitewater park and other local spots such as Sympson Lake.

I was a bit surprised at the enthusiasm Small and tourism officials had in these ideas.

Chairman Nicky Rapier told the disc-golfers their wish was already being considered.

Whitewater enthusiasts were told their hopes couldn’t surface at a better time, considering recent talk of raising the old rock dam at U.S. 31E and Beech Fork.

Small told trailblazer Mike Hammons his skills could come in handy with the disc-golfers, since courses generally make use of wide and wooded paths.

It was a bunch of good news last week to hear the optimism relating to sports generally considered outside the norm.

Committees will be formed to discuss each interest on an individual basis the group decided.

It’s so cool Small and the tourism folks are interested in hearing more ideas such as those discussed last week.

Within a year or two all of us might be able to break free on lunch hour and head to the river to play on the waves.

Within months, we might be able to take the kids for a round of disc-golf after school and work.

Within weeks we may hear of even more opportunities to come.

With plenty of innovative minds filled with plenty of quality ideas, there’s no telling what the sporting future may hold for this area.

While these sports may not be the norm, there’s nothing wrong with them.

Change is Good.

Tags: Whitewater Park

Sunday, May 21, 2006
BRIAN WALKER The Kentucky Standard


Public encouraged to submit more ideas

It was the quality no quantity that made the meeting work.

The turnout of 13 people Thursday night for the first public discussion of sports marketing and tourism was more than organizers had expected. Attendees came armed with ideas for a variety of attractions, but the best part was that each carried a genuine enthusiasm, organizers said.

“This is great. To see these folks come in here and talk about what they’d like to see here and to have them commit to help is wonderful,” Bardstown / Nelson County Tourist and Convention Commission Chairman Nicky Rapier said.

The tourism board decided during numerous discussions through the years there was an untapped market of alternative sports, regional events and tournaments that could and should be held in Nelson County.

The board recently took action and hired Steve Small, a retired Western Kentucky University women’s basketball coach, to work as a part-time sports marketing director for the county.

Small introduced himself to the audience at the Fiscal County Meeting Room in the old courthouse with a 10-minute talk about his beliefs and dreams for Nelson County.

He touted the success of plans he helped implement in Bowling Green such as the disc golf explosion, a karate tournament and the popularity of soapbox racing.

Small said he wants to ensure locals get their desires met first even though bringing folks from outside Nelson County here to enjoy the area and to eat in the restaurants and stay in the hotels is important.

“We have got to make sure people that live and work in Bardstown and Nelson County have the recreation and sporting events and things they want first before we worry about everybody else,” he said. “If there is a local market, we will tap into those people and expand it from there.”

Bardstown Parks Department Director Donna Pascal said she was at the meeting to support the efforts of the tourism board and to offer any expertise she could.

Several members of the Bardstown Boaters Club, local disc golf duffers and Mike Hammons, owner of Horizon Hoppers Adventure Services, a local canoe and outdoors operation, were there to ask questions and seek advice on how to push each of the sports they enjoy.

Disc golf combines tossing a Frisbee-like disc into wire baskets, generally mounted on poles on a course. Many rules of standard golf apply in play.

“I’d like to see what it would take to get a white water park set up on Beech Fork River,” said Spalding Hurst of the Bardstown boaters. “There is a great location we have in mind and I know it would draw in kayakers and boaters from all over the place because there isn’t anything like this here close.”

After some group discussion, Hurst and others explained they must travel great distances to do some aspects of their sport and this would become a destination site for boaters or all types.

Rapier said he knows there is currently talk of how to better utilize the river for a water source for Nelson County. Plans are underway to build a new dam, making this the ideal time for the boaters’ wishes to be worked into the project, he said.

“I want you guys to help us do some homework on the logistics and how to help get something like this done in Bardstown,” Rapier said.

Dawn Ballard, Vice President of Tourism Expansion and Marketing for the commission, said she would arrange a more one-on-one meeting with the boaters so in-depth discussion on the topic could take place.

A trio of disc golf players from the area said the closest courses are in Elizabethtown and Radcliff. Those who want to play will drive great distances for a good course, they said.

Small, who said from the outset of his time on the job he supports the game, intends to see a course up and running by year’s end.

“I have been working on trails and different types of things that could be useful in construction of a disc golf course,” Hammons said. The golfers volunteered labor and knowledge too.

That type of cooperation is what it will take to make the work Small and others are doing pay off, Rapier said.

“I’m excited about this,” he said. “We had a nice turnout for a first meeting and there is going to be plenty to follow up on from tonight.”

For more information, call Ballard at 348-4877, Ext. 114 or log onto www.bardstownboaters.com, www.discgolf.com, www.horizonhoppers.com, www.kycanoe.com or www.visitbardstown.com.

Brian Walker can be reached at 348-9003, Ext. 114 or bwalker@kystandard.com.

Tags: Whitewater Park

Today, Jennifer and I paddled the Elkhorn...Read More...

Tags: Elkhorn Creek

The 2006 Paddle Pickup was a huge success! Read More...

Tags: Paddle Pickup | River Cleanup | Beech Fork

Today Jay and I took John Thomas out for his first kayaking experience.Read More...

Tags: Elkhorn Creek

Jay and I ran the Elkhorn after work...Read More...

Tags: Elkhorn Creek

I went back to the Big South Fork on Saturday...Read More...

Tags: Big South Fork

This was our big three day adventure...Read More...

Tags: Big South Fork | Clear Fork

On this trip it was Toby, Tim, Jay and I and we met Josh...Read More...

Tags: Rockcastle River

Kenny Thomas made his first run down the Elkhorn today...Read More...

Tags: Elkhorn Creek

Jay and I got on the Elkhorn today around 4pm...Read More...

Tags: Elkhorn Creek

I finally got my hands on a copy of the Kentucky Standard that has the profile on us.  We were featured in the People & Places section on February 26th, but for our profile the section was retitled Paddlers & Places.

Here are some of my favorite lines from the article:

It was about two and half years ago when Spalding Hurst and a handful of his friends headed to Kentucky's Rockcastle River to enjoy the views and quality paddling available in Daniel Boone National Forest.

The trip was the start of something bigger than anyone imagined.

Bardstown Boaters welcomes any level of paddler.
"We were all new once," Justin Janes said. "But I can't say I've ever met a stranger."

Emerson Ballard said he would paddle anything available.
"I'm not what you call a strong paddler," Ballard said.

From calm and cool members such as Ballard, to crazy and cocky members, such as co-founder John B. "the Prophet" Matthews Jr., who says he can walk on water, the boat club is open to all.

"We all share common interests of boating and the outdoors," Thomas said.  "So we try to find ways to create activities involving the outdoors, especially on the river."

Tags: Bardstown

Severe thunder storms and heavy rains hit the area this whole past weekend and continue to do so today. Lot's of creeks were going off because of all the rain, but being in Nashville for Jay's bachelor party and the SEC tournament I wasn't able to get on any of them.

I did manage to finally see Rowan Creek with some flow in it. I took these pictures of the brown whitewater at the bridge on Pottershop road.

The creek was moving really fast. The tributaries around Rowan Creek were rolling too. Just beyond the horizon line the creek drops as the picture on the left shows. That picture is from last summer when the creek was dry.

If you were to put on on right around here you would have to commit to running the big drop at the horizon line. There is another drop just below the big one that might be pretty good too.

Next time I'll have to bring my boat, some one to paddle with and run this bad boy from Pottershop to Heaven Hill.

Tags: Rowan Creek

Take a virtual ride on the Big South Fork as we prepare for Jay's bachelor river trip. I added place markers along the route of the Clear Fork and the Big South Fork that we'll be taking.

Clear Fork & Big South Fork Google Earth Placemarks

You can also check out the river on your Google Earth application by using the preset BSF placemarks above.

Tags: Big South Fork

Driving down into the Green River gorge.

I went to Asheville this past weekend and while I was there Jennifer and I checked out the Green river area and got in some play on a spot of the Lower Green. From Asheville it was fairly simple to drive to. Maybe took about 45 minutes. The river was releasing at 100% the normal flow. The Put-in for this lower section run is the take out for the class V Green Narrows. There were many people taking out there. There is also an upper section that is class III. May have to run that one next time I am in Asheville.


Lower Green Playwave

The play spot is a pretty simple spot good for front surfing and side surfing. It had excellent roadside access, you just pull right up to it and park. This is exactly what the Beech Fork rapid should be like. A nice little park n' play wave.

Tags: Green River, NC

Ran across a Riot Sniper with a hatch for only $275. I would sure like to have this in the the club arsenal of boats. The boat is in Charlotte though and it may be hard to have it shipped here.

Tags: Gear

So we have made it into the past Sunday edition of the Kentucky Standard. If you haven't seen it yet be sure to pick one up and check it out. Hopefully this can help garner more interest in our most important cause of the year which is quickly approaching, Paddle Pick-Up 2006!

May 13th will be here before we know it and that is the day that we will clean the banks of the Beech Fork river from tires and garbage. Last year we cleared away over 2 tons of trash with the help of 30 volunteers. This year we hope to be just as successful.

*Also note that the trip reports section has been consolidated into the news section. To access the trip reports section in the future click the link in the bottom of the side bar or look for new trip reports right here on the front page.

Tags: Bardstown

Bardstown Boaters 2006 Shirt

I LOVE RIVERS SO MUCH IT MAKES ME SICK.
bardstownboaters.com



Check out the newly designed 2006 t-shirts. Order one right now online and they will send it right to your door. These come in any size you want and are printed on a black shirt. Find these in the shop section of the site.

Tags: Membership | Shirts

The city of Bardstown is currently researching ways of increasing Bardstown's water supply.

One proposed option is to raise the dam 2-3 feet. This will increase the hazards that exist at the dam. Or it can be constructed in a way that will remove the risks while adding new and unique recreational opportunities to the river.

The problem with low-head dams:
Their purpose is to store river water for times of drought. During normal flows, water rolls lazily over them to the river's natural level below. These structures may appear unthreatening, but over the years they have claimed so many lives they have been dubbed "drowning machines."

Low-head dams are dangerous because of the hydraulic effect created when water flows over them. As water drops over the dam into the plunge pool below, an undertow is created, rolling the water toward the face of the dam, often pulling objects from downstream into the turbulence. These effects multiply as the volume of water increases. The hydraulic also extends farther downstream.

• video of the "drowning machine" on the Elkhorn Creek in Frankfort, KY
• and a report of a drowning at this dam on the Elkhorn

The solution:
Construct an artificial rock incline or rock rapids to alleviate drowning hazards. The artificial rapids will not only reduce the drowning danger but also will add recreational opportunities to canoeist, kayakers and rafters.

You essentially take a man made hazard and turn it into whitewater park while servicing the water needs of the community.

Who can build this?
Recreational Engineering & Planning is one company specializing in this field.

Recreational Engineering & Planning

All over the country rivers and streams have low-head dams and diversion structures.  Many of these are obsolete while some still serve important functions for communities, utility companies or irrigators.  Often these dams create a significant hazard for recreational users of rivers and account for a number of accidental drownings in the US every year.  Many communities are looking at ways to either safely remove or safely replace these deteriorating dams.  One of our specialties at Recreation, Engineering and Planning specializes in turning these unsightly hazards into recreational amenities.  Our company has worked on two types of dam removal projects.  In some cases the existing low head dam is enhanced while additional structures are added downstream to “step down” the drop over a series of drop structures.  In this case the existing dam structure remains and provides its design function—the difference is that what was often a single deadly drop is now a series of safer, more enjoyable whitewater rapids.  These types of dam removals can remove a hazard from the midst of a community and turn it into the type of tourist attraction that has significant effects on the local economy.

Modifications of dams are an exciting evolution in thinking about urban, working rivers.  Taking an existing hazard and creating a recreational highlight is becoming an attractive option for forward thinking communities all over North America from Calgary, Alberta to Springfield, Ohio.  Examples of Dam Removal/Modification below.

Arkansas River Boat Chute (Before and After)

Bowling Green is advancing their plans for a whitewater park.
• Take a look at the plans here.

Tags: Beech Fork | Whitewater Park

American Whitewater has revamped there accident database. You can learn a lot about river safety by looking through it.


• Accident Database
• Kentucky Accidents

Tags: American Whitewater | Safety

850cfs

Jay, Tim and I ran the elkhorn all in kayaks this fine Saturday.  This was Tim's first time out in a whitewater kayak and he seemed to do real well.  Jay got a combat roll at the last rapid, his very first combat roll.  I guess Jay is ready for anything now!  Justin and Toby had to bow out this day due to un-whitewater related circumstances.

After the paddle we all met in Bardstown for our first annual Bardstown Boaters Meeting.  We had some very good chili, and discussed all the year's upcoming events.  We had about 8 or 9 members present.  The highlight from the discussions was talk about a park at te Beech Fork and an idea for the Bourbon Challenge.

The purpose of the meeting was because we expected January to be so light on paddling.  But now with January ending I have been on the water 4 times and getting to paddle this day, the afternoon of the meeting was an extra bonus.

Tags: Elkhorn Creek

750cfs

Toby, Tim and I ran the Elkhorn on Saturday.  The weather was 48 degrees and partly sunny.  Tim ran his Rec Boat and I had my first run in my Rival OC-1.  I loved the ride in that canoe.  I look forward to using for an overnighter.  I do need a longer paddle though.  And maybe a better front airbag.  It was good to be out on the Elkhorn twice this week, much less being on the water 3 times in January.  The rain is still coming though and the weather still quite seasonably warm.  May be able to get a paddle in the day after the yearly meeting.

Tags: Elkhorn Creek

Friday, January 20, 2006 7:57 AM EST
BOB WHITE The Kentucky Standard


City and county leaders agreed to research two items Tuesday that could result in improved service and increased supply of Bardstown water.

Raw water is currently drawn from Sympson Lake and Beech Fork then treated at the city’s water treatment plant along Boston Road.

The existing water plant and sources of raw water are expected to adequately serve city water customers through 2040, but city and county leaders are looking ahead to serve the public’s need for water beyond that projected date.
“I think that’s what we’re paid to do,” Bardstown Mayor Dixie Hibbs said. “We have to admit we’re not comfortable with 2040.”

During a recent Nelson County Fiscal Court meeting Nelson County Judge Executive Dean Watts said he believed county growth was ahead of the 2040 projection.

Alternative raw water sources mentioned during the joint meeting included: the construction of a reservoir on Beech Fork, Tewell Creek, or Cedar Creek; the addition of a second reservoir on land adjacent to Sympson Lake; making use of Taylorsville Lake water; tapping into Louisville Water Company lines; and raising of the Beech Fork rock dam to increase the pool where water is currently drawn from the river.

Those alternatives are being considered as long-term water sources.

Of more immediate importance than raw water sources is the need for increased storage capacity for treated water at the plant.

Wayne Kendall, Bardstown Water Superintendent, said improvements were needed at the plant to ensure quality drinking water.

High usage during summer months force a quick treatment of water and could cause water quality to suffer as it did last summer.

“It was being used as fast as we could produce it,” Kendall said.

Kendall said treated water needs to be contained in clear wells prior to being distributed to customers.

High summer usage reduced the amount of time available for water to be held in the clear wells.

“You don’t want your water moving that quick,” Kendall said.

Not allowing treated water enough time in the clear wells reduces the quality of Bardstown water.

Kendall said the addition of a one or two million gallon clear well would allow treated water more time before distribution and improve water quality during high usage months.

The addition of a large clear well at the plant and a water line, would allow the treatment and distribution of up to 8 million gallons of quality water per day, according to Kendall.

The plant currently treats and distributes about 6 million gallons per day, but nearly 7 million gallons have been treated and distributed during times of high demand.

When distribution neared 7 million gallons per day last summer, customers were asked to conserve water and limit usage.

Hibbs said the city would begin seeking estimates for a new clear well and Watts said the county would research possible grant funding for the project.

Hibbs said city funds for the improvement were currently unavailable.

The cheapest way to increase raw water holding capacity would be to raise an existing rock dam on Beech Fork by a few feet to increase the volume of pooled water, according to Hibbs.

The old rock dam can be seen from the U.S. 31E bridge spanning Beech Fork.

Some officials voiced preferences of damming other portions of Beech Fork to provide a recreational lake and others prefer not to dam the river at all.

“I’m 100 percent against raising the rock dam or building a lake on Beech Fork,” said District 4 Magistrate Tim Hutchins.

Hutchins believes the city would best serve water customers by adding a new clear well then seeking more service from Louisville Water Company.

Louisville Water Company spokesperson Barbara Crow said the company was interested in extending Louisville water to Bardstown.

Water supply and capacity would not be an issue if Louisville Water Company was to serve Bardstown, Crow said.

“We certainly have the transmission and capacity to get water to Bardstown,” Crow added.

North Nelson Water District and Lebanon Junction’s water department, both of which are bulk customers of Bardstown water, have attached their systems to Louisville Water Company lines in recent years.

Hibbs told officials North Nelson Water District would need more Louisville water in the future if growth in its district continued.

Hutchins noted North Nelson Water District currently received 45 percent of its water from Louisville.

Watts said North Nelson Water District had been pulling more from Louisville to relieve the strain on Bardstown.

Hibbs expects Lebanon Junction to eventually rely solely on Louisville Water.

Lebanon Junction Mayor George Halk said the city could not disconnect from the Bardstown system until a 40-year purchase contract with Bardstown was fulfilled. The contract was signed in the early 1970s.

If all of Bardstown’s current customers were turned over to Louisville Water Company, Hibbs said the city would turn its back on a $40-$50 million investment at its current plant.

The city recently spent $5 million at the water treatment plant and a new clear well could cost between $1-2 million.

In addition to turning away from a large investment, a century old tradition of providing water to residents would end if Louisville Water assumed all of Bardstown water’s customers.

Bardstown has provided water since 1904, according to Hibbs.

Hibbs felt comfortable in Beech Fork’s ability to supply a substantial supply of raw water to Bardstown customers.

Bob White can be reached at 348-9003 Ext. 116 or by e-mail at bwhite@kystandard.com.

Tags: Whitewater Park | Bardstown

1700cfs

I called in sick to work and ran the Elkhorn this fine January day.  The weather was great, 62 degrees and sunny.  I met up with a couple of Viking paddlers, James and Scott.  Many BWA paddlers were out as well.  Be sure to take the left side of the island at this level.  There are some good ledges to surf on that side.

The Elkhorn has been toying with us for the past several months, we get some rain, we think the Elkhorn will come up but it never really did.  This when got these heavy heavy rains and we finally got a window.  I plan on going back this Saturday to test out my new canoe.

This was my first run on the ELkhorn since living in Frankfort. Nice to only drive 10 minutes to get on the river.

One problem with this day. I lost the padding to my helmet, flew out of the truck. That sucks.

Tags: Elkhorn Creek

Tags: Meeting | Membership

Big South Fork, Canyon Section

680cfs

The weather looked right. The water looked right. We were off from work, so that was looking right too. Now all we had to do was go, so we did.

On Monday Jan. 2nd 2006 Jay and I headed for the BSF. The weather was having a hard time reaching the predicted 60 degrees and in the canyon things were a little bit colder than up above. The fog was everywhere as well. But all of that just added to the mystic.

The run starts at Maria's Rock and ends with the O&W Bridge. The rapid highlights are Jake's Ledge hole and Moon Shot which is right after. I flipped in both of them. The water was freezing. Good times though.

The drive from Frankfort to the Canyon took 3 hours. Driving home took closer to 3 1/2 when huge thunderstorms began hitting Kentucky.

Tags: Big South Fork