Some photos from the DDRC Trinity River Challenge:
https://bu.mp/jd5tj4

Finished the Race

Just got home from racing in the DDRC Trinity River Challenge XVII.  -up river of the Elm Fork of the Trinity in Carrollton and back = 11.8 miles.  I could hardly believe my name was called at the trophy ceremony. I am delighted to announce I won the JULIE Basham Trophy for Fastest Recreation Female Time!  I finished in 3hrs 6min.  I lopped off 40 min of my time in last year's race.  :D


The Julie Basham Trophy -  Given for the fastest time by a female paddler in a
recreational class.  And I do not know the history of Julie Basham other than she was an excellent paddler and and ACA Certified Kayak Instructor and served on the Board of Directors. She was a remarkable member of the Dallas Down River Club.   I have googled about Julie and found that she was a jewel of a woman, kayaking enthusiast, and a changer of lives. Julie passed away at age 44 in 2007.   ----so I am very honored to carry on her paddling tradition and the joy of life she shared with many many people. 

Paddling at Tanglewood

This evening I was delighted to share some kayak time with Lael and Bernie Burton out on one of the Tanglewood lakes.  Water was low but enjoyable!  I was honored to give them a few pointers. We did forward stroke. sweeps to turn. Threw in a backstroke, and practiced a hard stop.  I had a great time.  Should have taken a third kayak with me.  So they took turns in the 14' Tsunami. --needed the room for long legs.

This makes me want to start offering lessons.  Guess I need to work up a waiver! Cant get my certification til early spring. This was certainly good practice for ME!

Thanks Lael and Bernie!

Just took a look at Lake Wichita.  :-(   What a sad sight. Considering putting on my waders to see if I can "walk on water" all the way to the "Mountain". 

Put-in Lake Wichita,
Early Spring 2012

TODAY

Trailer full of Kayaks!

Got back to WF with a trailer full of kayaks! Really nice kayaks !! 

Rounded these up for my "stable" of kayaks for Kayak Instruction Classes:

-- One SOT (sit on top) Wilderness SystemsTarpon 14 foot ..(dark green) This one is a jewel and what a deal I got. A speedy, easily maneuverable yak that can handle a capacity of 375#.  Hard to get in and out of a sit-in kayak? . . . then the Tarpon is the answer!

-- One 12 foot recreational Dagger Catalyst with a skirt...(light blue) This will be a great beginner kayak that gives the paddler a the perfect boat for learning stokes and edging.  Positive flotation, broader but very maneuverable and a max capacity of 295#.

-- One Wilderness Systems Tsunami 14 foot with a skirt...(yellow end, yep the LONG one) This is a SWEET RIDE and I will be paddling it!   and putting my own Wilderness Systems Tsunami 12' 6" (orange end) into the "stable". Any beginner will paddle like a pro in this ride.  Positive flotation and a couple of sealed hatches.     Both Tsunamis are Touring style kayaks. 

SO, Who's first?   Can't wait to get some "pretend students" to try these out in a "pretend kayak instruction class".   


HEY, AND WHY NOT JOIN ME IN THE TRINITY RIVER CHALLENGE THIS COMING SATURDAY.  (see the link to Dallas Down River)  

Super FUN!!!
:-D  living my dream. 
ruth

Quite the weekend so far.

Saturday Emily and I participated in the Trinity River Clean-up hosted by Dallas Down River Club.  This year Em and I kayaked UP the river from McKinnish Park, Carollton TX.   We were surprised that the river was much cleaner this year as compared to last year.  We did manage to fill our supersized garbage bags to the top. Enjoyed  helping out for 3 hours.  We avoided a wasp nest, a snake and a few spiders.  Next week: THE TRINITY CHALLENGE RACE.  oh yeah! We are READY!

Also found a kayak on Craigslist that caught my eye. Got a great deal on a Wilderness Tarpon 140 Angler sit on top.   Fully rigged for fishing and has a weight capacity of 375#.  hmmm.  Guess that gives plenty of room for all the fish that can be hauled aboard. hehe.

Monday checking out another couple of kayaks for sale.   Just getting my "stable" ready for Kayak Instruction in WF.  :)