Top 5 gear picks from CKS:
1) CKS Spectra Rescue Bag + Figure 8 and Carabiners
--Because sometimes your friends get in trouble, or your car gets stuck, and these are good to have.
2) The 2009 Wave Sport Diesel
--So fast I had to pin myself to slow down. The edges are softer than the old 75 and 65 models, and it has a lot more volume.
3)Any Full-Face Helmet (Sweet Protection, Shred Ready)
--Because the plastic in the new Diesel is stronger than the cartilage in your nose.
4)NRS Manta Surfer River Board
--Because we all know that boogie-boarders are the coolest.
5) AT2 Flexi Paddle + Stonyboater Paddle Wax
--The most comfortable paddle I've ever used. Add the Stonyboater Wax and it stays in your hands more often.
Squad Bio:
Birthdate: 12/10/85
Hometown: La Grande, OR
Currently Resides in: La Grande, OR
Work: Substitute Teacher K-12, Yoga Instructor
Years Paddling:11
Top 3 Rivers: 1) EF Lewis, Washington State 2) Siuslaw @ South Jetty, Oregon 3) Lake Creek, CO
The Perfect Vacation is: A road trip with kayaks, friends, PB&J and maybe a little mischief. Lately, I have come to realize that the quality of the company matters more than the content of the adventure.
Hobbies other than kayaking: Playing Guitar, Writing.
Favorite website: www.www.com
Recent playlist on my MP3 player: I don't own an MP3 player. But I do play a lot of jazz in my head.
Best day of paddling ever: The first time I ran the East Fork of the Lewis was last spring after the Canyon Creek Race in Washington State. My friend Todd and I were out for a leisurely sunset float. We were pleasantly surprised with a twelve foot waterfall and a series of small read/run class IV drops. After the final gorge we "discovered" another creek with more waterfalls. All the beta on these creeks is posted online and well known by the locals, but sometimes it pays to have no clue what lies around the next corner. You only get one chance to run a rapid blind.
