Elkhorn Creek
Cinco De Elkhorn
Monday, May 05, 2008 Trip Reports
'08
The Bardstown Boaters were on the Elkhorn late Monday. The level was at the minimum 400 cfs, but it was still a good day to be on the water. Micahel and Zack headed up one crew, getting on a little earlier. Jay, Josh and Spalding were part of the second group down.
After scrambling around to borrow a helmet, Thanks to BWA's JBob for that, the group was ready for an easy paddle down.
The surfing wasn't all that great, mainly due to Angioplasty not being in. Looks like it is gone completely. The best bet for surfing at 400cfs is the very next rapid.
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Elkhorn Acres Meeting
Tuesday, March 11, 2008 News '08
Darrin Hines of the Viking Canoe Canoe Club, Jay Thomas of the Bardstown Boaters, Dave Stawicki of Elkhorn Paddlers, Zina Merkin of the EAMG and Kevin Colburn and Mark Singleton of American Whitewater held a meeting last night to discuss the Elkhorn Acres. A representative from the BWA was not present.
Addressed in the conference call were the concerns listed in David Quarel's letter and immediate actions that could be taken in response including keeping a porta john at the property and reporting any commercial or other unapproved activity.
The main focus was AW's (landowner's) request to develop a local governing council for the property so-to-speak consisting of the parties participating in the conference call to act on AW's guidelines.
Everyone agreed that each club could provide one or two individuals to commit to participating in this council. As planned for the call nothing was written in stone and all were asked to return to each club or organization and get a consensus and a round of opinions on how this should be handled.
Each were asked to follow up with an email to spell out their club's intentions and any concerns or opinions. There will also be a follow up conference call to discuss, date and time to be determined. The same personnel will be on this call.
A request was made to start a thread on AW's forum for open discussion on the matter and when it is up all can comment on it rather than on several different club forums.
Elkhorn Creek
Wednesday, October 24, 2007 Trip Reports
'07
Elkhorn Creek 600cfs
Saturday, April 28, 2007 Trip Reports
'07
I ran the Elkhorn today with the Vikings and had a really good time. I had forgotten how much fun the Elkhorn can be even at low water. I did a bunch of surfing wherever it was to be had and the weather was perfect. The water was even warm. Makes me glad that winter is long gone. You guys have got to get on the water with me some time.
A Cold Elkhorn
Sunday, March 04, 2007 Trip Reports
'07
1800cfs
35 degrees
I've never really gone paddling below 50 degrees before. But on this Sunday, Josh and I ran the Elkhorn at a good level, but on a cold 35 degree day. The run was great, got in some good surfing when I could catch them. The sun was out most of the time and with all the gear on it wasn't too bad out there.
We also had a mini boat rescue situation as the current tried to take Josh's kayak downstream and away from us. It was saved and everything worked out though. Another great ride down the Elkhorn was had.
Forum thread for this trip
First Trip of 2007
Monday, January 08, 2007 Trip Reports
'07
Elkhorn Creek
2050cfs
Jay demoed a Jackson Hero from Canoe Ky. I don't think it was the creek boat for him though. I still recommend the Huka. We saw one of them at the put-in.
I also found 5 dead mice in my Pyranha kayak. Good thing John didn't make it out or we would have had to dealt with those stinky things riverside.
Awesome day on the water, not cold at all. As long as you stay in your boat, which some of us didn't do the whole time.
Elkhorn at 4,500cfs?
Sunday, October 29, 2006 Trip Reports
'06
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...
Elkhorn Creek
Sunday, October 01, 2006 Trip Reports
'06
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.
Sick Day
Tuesday, September 26, 2006 Trip Reports
'06
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.
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.
Just Another Elkhorn Weekend
Saturday, July 15, 2006 Trip Reports
'06
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...
Elkhorn Clinic II
Sunday, May 21, 2006 Trip Reports
'06
Today, Jennifer and I paddled the
Elkhorn...Read
More...
Elkhorn Clinic
Monday, May 08, 2006 Trip Reports
'06
Today Jay and I took John Thomas out for his first
kayaking experience.Read
More...
Elkhorn After Work
Tuesday, May 02, 2006 Trip Reports
'06
Jay and I ran the Elkhorn after work...Read
More...
Last Day of Winter
Sunday, March 19, 2006 Trip Reports
'06
The Mighty Elkhorn
Thursday, March 16, 2006 Trip Reports
'06
Elkhorn before the Winter Meeting
Saturday, January 28, 2006 Trip Reports
'06
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.
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.
Elkhorn Paddle II Saturday
Saturday, January 21, 2006 Trip Reports
'06
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.
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.
Elkhorn Paddle I Thursday
Thursday, January 19, 2006 Trip Reports
'06
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.
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.
Elkhorn is Back
Friday, September 02, 2005 Trip Reports
'05
400cfs
Jay and I finally got back on the Elkhorn, after hurricane Katrina finally gave the area some water. We all thought the huge downpours would bring everything up and for a good while. That wasn't the case. New Orleans got obliterated and all we got was a 3 day window on the Elkhorn. Luckily we got on the Elkhorn by Friday at the last moment. 400 is a good level, plenty of fun to be had at that level. The weather was magnificent too. Now we have our sights set back on the New.
Elkhorn Creek Again
Tuesday, May 17, 2005 Trip Reports
'05
Cinco De Elkhorn
Thursday, May 05, 2005 Trip Reports
'05
430cfs
May 5th
Toby, Michael, Jay and I made a run down the Elkhorn after work this day. I saw an Oriole out there and a goose stuck on top of a pole. The dead cow was mighty rotten. That thing needs to go away now. Found a good surf spot at the damn rapid. Toby swam a second on S turn. We took out at the quick stop.
May 5th
Toby, Michael, Jay and I made a run down the Elkhorn after work this day. I saw an Oriole out there and a goose stuck on top of a pole. The dead cow was mighty rotten. That thing needs to go away now. Found a good surf spot at the damn rapid. Toby swam a second on S turn. We took out at the quick stop.
Dead Cow Elkhorn
Saturday, April 16, 2005 Trip Reports
'05
Elkhorn in April
Tuesday, April 05, 2005 Trip Reports
'05
1300cfs
Well it was just one of those after work runs that Jay and I made. The river was fast, but void of any of it's real good features. There is just a certain level where the Elkhorn gets weak and this was it. We ran from the put-in to the first take out in about an hour and 10 minutes. We were trying to beat the darkness and we did so by a long shot. The interesting thing that happened this day was that Jay forgot to wear his nose plugs!!! Can you believe it! We also got to see the dead cow. I'm sure that cow will be real ripe next time we go through. We were the last ones onto the river, but we were not the last ones off.
Well it was just one of those after work runs that Jay and I made. The river was fast, but void of any of it's real good features. There is just a certain level where the Elkhorn gets weak and this was it. We ran from the put-in to the first take out in about an hour and 10 minutes. We were trying to beat the darkness and we did so by a long shot. The interesting thing that happened this day was that Jay forgot to wear his nose plugs!!! Can you believe it! We also got to see the dead cow. I'm sure that cow will be real ripe next time we go through. We were the last ones onto the river, but we were not the last ones off.
Polar Paddle of the Elkhorn
Sunday, February 06, 2005 Trip Reports
'05
700cfs
Well it was our first paddle of the year and it was mucho fun to be back on the river after a 1 month hiatus. We managed to get a new paddler out with us, Phillip Ice. This also ,marked the return of Justin Janes to the club after spnding last season out of the country. Beastie went with us as well but stayed in the car at the take-out. Jay and I rounded out the list of paddlers. The weather was around 55 but there was no sun. Wasn't bad at all though. Next up, the Rio Grande.
Well it was our first paddle of the year and it was mucho fun to be back on the river after a 1 month hiatus. We managed to get a new paddler out with us, Phillip Ice. This also ,marked the return of Justin Janes to the club after spnding last season out of the country. Beastie went with us as well but stayed in the car at the take-out. Jay and I rounded out the list of paddlers. The weather was around 55 but there was no sun. Wasn't bad at all though. Next up, the Rio Grande.
Elkhorn Running While Sick
Saturday, October 30, 2004 Trip Reports
'04
1450cfs
Jay and I ran the Elkhorn after John backed out at the last second. John has become as bad as other wannabe boaters I know. Anyhow Jay and I still went and had a great run on a day when the waves were in and the rapids fun. But I was sick and got sicker as the day went on. I vomitted getting in my boat, again half way down river while in my boat and then one last time after driving home. Then I went to sleep for 20 hours. Still it was fun to be out there. The weather was very warm and the sun peeked out a few times. Jay had a swim at rootball. Kyle from the Vikings ran with us as well as a man named Richard from Indy. He drives 3 hours to run the Elkhorn. I admire that.
I hope there are some more warm Elkhorn days left out there.
Jay and I ran the Elkhorn after John backed out at the last second. John has become as bad as other wannabe boaters I know. Anyhow Jay and I still went and had a great run on a day when the waves were in and the rapids fun. But I was sick and got sicker as the day went on. I vomitted getting in my boat, again half way down river while in my boat and then one last time after driving home. Then I went to sleep for 20 hours. Still it was fun to be out there. The weather was very warm and the sun peeked out a few times. Jay had a swim at rootball. Kyle from the Vikings ran with us as well as a man named Richard from Indy. He drives 3 hours to run the Elkhorn. I admire that.
I hope there are some more warm Elkhorn days left out there.
Elkhorn Run
Tuesday, August 24, 2004 Trip Reports
'04
271cfs
Jay, yesterday after work. The only real significance of this run is that Jay demoed a boat, an RPM, and has decided to buy it. Also of note is that though I think it I have been on the Elkhorn at lower readings than 271, I am certain that the water was lower than I have ever seen it. There was no current in the flat stretches and the rapids were pretty bare. I think I'll stick to 400cfs and above from now on.
Jay, yesterday after work. The only real significance of this run is that Jay demoed a boat, an RPM, and has decided to buy it. Also of note is that though I think it I have been on the Elkhorn at lower readings than 271, I am certain that the water was lower than I have ever seen it. There was no current in the flat stretches and the rapids were pretty bare. I think I'll stick to 400cfs and above from now on.
Beginners run on the Elkhorn
Saturday, August 07, 2004 Trip Reports
'04
1500cfs
David, Ryan, Chris, Toby, Patrick, Jay, Spalding
We had a great turn out on Saturday for a run on the Elkhorn. This was 5 first runs on the Elkhorn and we had lots of carnage to attest to that. David swam, Ryan swam and Chris swam... more than once and more than twice. Patrick swam once and almost broke a boat. Jay went from beginner paddler to advanced rescue river runner through the course of the day. Toby just tore it up, never flipping. David lost his glasses and along with them his desire to run rivers. But we are working on changing that. Truth be told after the first 2 rapids everything got much easier for everyone and soon they all mastered the waters. Now hopefully we have a strong Bardstown Boating core ready for some more action.
Also, John and I scouted Tewell Creek near Bardstown. Turned out to be a dud of a creek and some old man told us to never return there. He'll be dead soon, but we won't be back anyways since the creek didn't pan out. We are currently exploring every body of water through Nelson County, searching for our flagship whitewater run.
David, Ryan, Chris, Toby, Patrick, Jay, Spalding
We had a great turn out on Saturday for a run on the Elkhorn. This was 5 first runs on the Elkhorn and we had lots of carnage to attest to that. David swam, Ryan swam and Chris swam... more than once and more than twice. Patrick swam once and almost broke a boat. Jay went from beginner paddler to advanced rescue river runner through the course of the day. Toby just tore it up, never flipping. David lost his glasses and along with them his desire to run rivers. But we are working on changing that. Truth be told after the first 2 rapids everything got much easier for everyone and soon they all mastered the waters. Now hopefully we have a strong Bardstown Boating core ready for some more action.
Also, John and I scouted Tewell Creek near Bardstown. Turned out to be a dud of a creek and some old man told us to never return there. He'll be dead soon, but we won't be back anyways since the creek didn't pan out. We are currently exploring every body of water through Nelson County, searching for our flagship whitewater run.
Elkhorn
Sunday, July 18, 2004 Trip Reports
'04
4th of July Elkhorn Run
Monday, July 05, 2004 Trip Reports
'04
Welcome to the Elkhorn
Sunday, June 27, 2004 Trip Reports
'04
On Saturday June 27th 2004 I took Jay down the
Elkhorn for his first trip on what should be one of
many more to come. We had a great run at 1000cfs. We
met up with some BWA boaters and ran with them. One
of them even ran the dam against the corner wall.
We'll be back very soon, I'm sure of it. Maybe now
Jay will be more persuaded to buy a kayak of his own
now that he has seen such a great creek so close to
home.
Elkhorn Creek: after the storms
Thursday, June 03, 2004 Trip Reports
'04
Elkhorn Creek: Why I don't golf.
Sunday, May 16, 2004 Trip Reports
'04
On a beautiful Sunday after noon David had to sell us
out on the trip because his brother was having a
baby. Besides it was his birthday so he can
cancel if he wants to. One day David will join
our ranks. But until then John and I are going
strong with our river trips. Michael and Zach
joined us again, Zach got his first combat
roll. John brought a friend from work, Katie
with the cool ass Jeep. Hopefully she is down
with boating now and can paddle again soon.
Water Level: 1000cfs
Great water level. A lot of good waves at this level. Lunch Stop is smaller, but that next wave spot is good.
Attendance:
John Mathews
Michael Mathews
Spalding Hurst
Katie Renfroe
Zach Wimsett
Water Level: 1000cfs
Great water level. A lot of good waves at this level. Lunch Stop is smaller, but that next wave spot is good.
Attendance:
John Mathews
Michael Mathews
Spalding Hurst
Katie Renfroe
Zach Wimsett
Elkhorn Trip
Monday, April 26, 2004 Trip Reports
'04
The Mathews clan, Zack and Myself did a run on the
Elkhorn this day. The weather was perfect and
we had a great water level. I paddled the
Crossfire because my Rpm has made it's way down to
Texas with Eric Abell. This marks the first
"American" boat trip for the year and really the
inaugural boat trip for the club. It can only
get better from here.
Water Level: 1330cfs
Attendance:
John Mathews
Johnny Mathews
Michael Mathews
Spalding Hurst
Zach Wimpsett
Water Level: 1330cfs
Attendance:
John Mathews
Johnny Mathews
Michael Mathews
Spalding Hurst
Zach Wimpsett
Big Water Elkhorn
Sunday, January 04, 2004 Trip Reports
'04
Elkhorn Winter III
Sunday, November 30, 2003 Trip Reports
'03
Elkhorn Winter I
Saturday, November 15, 2003 Trip Reports
'03
Sick Day on the Elkhorn
Wednesday, September 24, 2003 Trip Reports
'03
Elkhorn with Justin
Tuesday, August 12, 2003 Trip Reports
'03
Elkhorn Run
Thursday, July 24, 2003 Trip Reports
'03
This is some early run on the Elkhorn that I have
logged in my calendar. I believe it was a night when
I met Bubba and his crew for a high water run at the
Elkhorn after some heavy rains after work. Eric Abell
was there too.
I had a swim at one of the rapids. It was a weak swim too. I just didn't have a roll back then.
I had a swim at one of the rapids. It was a weak swim too. I just didn't have a roll back then.
Elkhorn
Sunday, June 15, 2003 Trip Reports
'03
Elkhorn - Early Days
Sunday, June 08, 2003 Trip Reports
'03
The First Time on the Elkhorn
Saturday, May 31, 2003 Trip Reports
'03
I believe this is the day that I took my Blue Hole
Canoe down the Elkhorn for my very first time. It was
a high water day and Matt Kerkhoff was our guide.
I met up with him Eric Abell, Stuart Mouser and some other friends of his. We also hooked up with one of the Koch brothers at the Elkhorn. We had a couple of kayaks, me in my canoe with no floatation and Stuart and another guy in a Wal-Mart raft. It could have been a bad day, but it turned out to be a great day.
I had no problems guiding my canoe down. I remember buying that yellow Lotus PFD at Galions then driving my Mazda with the canoe on top. The Exhaust almost burned up my NRS straps.
I met up with him Eric Abell, Stuart Mouser and some other friends of his. We also hooked up with one of the Koch brothers at the Elkhorn. We had a couple of kayaks, me in my canoe with no floatation and Stuart and another guy in a Wal-Mart raft. It could have been a bad day, but it turned out to be a great day.
I had no problems guiding my canoe down. I remember buying that yellow Lotus PFD at Galions then driving my Mazda with the canoe on top. The Exhaust almost burned up my NRS straps.
