Links and pictures are provided so you we see what I’m talking about, I’m not good at typing, and besides that I’m lazy.

 This stuff has been put through the ringer and still going, thought I would post it, in case someone was lurking at getting some gear and wanted to know what would last and not waste their time or money. So far the stuff below is going good.

3 Boats: Pyranha M-3 243 Creek Boat

For the Class IV over 600 ft per mile

The only thing I have had to do this boat was built up the back side of the thigh hooks for my chicken legs. I have bonded very well with this boat. I was amazed how quick the boat and I bonded it really shined on it’s maiden voyage on Bald River, usually a new boat will get broke in on the Ocoee, before hitting some gradient, The M-3 didn’t need it. Took the wrapper off, and made the run without any regrets.

                Pyranha Large and Medium Burn River Runner Boat

For the Class IV-IV+ and Big Water

I use the Large on regular flow runs and the medium low flow runs, my first run in the Large was on Johnnies Creek, it rocked . My first run in the Medium was down Town Creek on ELF run. The smaller boat is nice to stick in tiny eddys.

To know more CLICK HERE

And to make mods to your boat CLICK HERE

Paddle: Werner 203cm Carbon Fiber Bend Shaft Small Shaft Powerhouse

Strong, fast and light, the small shaft I think gives the AT flexi a run for its money. I went from a straight wood carbon overlay paddle, but once Bailey at Clinch River Paddle Company quit making kayak paddles. I was force to go synthetic, it has been a blessing really. I am more than happy with the Werner performance; the small shaft gives me the feel of wood. I had a big learning curve going with the bend shaft. I taped a pencil to shaft to act like a training wheel until I got use to setup. Now I’m use to bent shaft of the paddle. The 203cm gives me plenty of bite. I also think it helps my shoulder with the paddle being longer, on not putting pressure on my impingement during a brace or roll.

To know more about this paddle CLICK HERE

Breakdown Paddle: 4 –piece Werner Breakdown Powerhouse

Hope I never get to use it

Paddle Bag: Homemade, it’s made to hold 2 paddles, paddled with Cordura nylon outside. Handles were sewn on the outside so it could be hung if need be.

Also I use a Werner Paddle bag that I found on eBay.

Helmets : Carbon Fiber Motorcycle Novelty Helmet Polo Style  http://www.helmetsetc.com/novelty.asp 

Found the helmet on the internet, I saved a lot of dough; it has smart looks, made exceptionally well, a true carbon fiber helmet at a good price.

Also I use a composite made by Phil Foti, that has a bomber fiber lay-up. I use Shred Ready components inside the helmet.

Helmet bag: Homemade by my sweet mother, the material was purchased at Hancock Fabric I use these to protect the helmets in transit, I want the chips and cracks to happen on the river I don’t want to pull out that high dollar carbon fiber helmet and know it was the Coleman stove that did it in.

Helmet Liner: Fleece Patagonia

I use the Reactor series skull caps, hard to believe something so thin, can cook your head like it does.

Pfd for racing and normal runs: Lotus Designs Model: Sherman

I really like this Pfd it stays were it should, and you don’t know you are even wearing it. Enough said it works like a charm

Pfd for the harder: Lotus Designs Model: P-VEST with extra flotation 

Changing Pad: Home made from an old dielectric pad, the orange kind you see lineman use on power poles when they don’t want to get shocked. I hate getting leaves on my feet, or walking on gravel.

Boat Sponge: I’m using the Pyranha fish, but I enclosed it in a little itty bitty gear bag, so it doesn’t swim off on its own.

Spray Skirt: Mountain Surf Kevlar

John makes a bomb proof skirt and even more important he stands behind everything he makes. I have no worries about that skirt blowing off or tearing. How many places can you call and talk to the owner.

Booties: Winter NRS Attack Shoe 

These have enough tread to make scouting safe, but flexible enough not to kill my feet in the boat.

Booties: Summer NRS Rodeo Socks Model Wetsocks

I wear Rodeo socks on the easier runs in warm weather so my feet don’t cook. If I need to walk far I wear my Nike hippie sandals.

Neoprene Top for the Nantahala or in between spring weather NRS Model Hydroskin G2 Black

This was given to me as a gift from Allen Jones and Renee Clark, one of those things I would have never given to myself, but always wanted. This thing is the #$%^ at the races where you don’t want a Nuclear Meltdown. It will keep you warm….. very warm on the river , but not cook you waiting around for the next heat.

Spray top:  Summer Lotus Designs Model Chop Top

I am amazed how this top works on keeping my core temp warm. You can tell a lot of thought went into it. The craftsmanship is superb.

Semi-dry shorty dry top:  Late Spring Lotus Designs

 Once again the craftsmanship is superb. It's nice to use to keep my core temp right, when the air is warm, and the water is cold.

Dry top winter: Lotus Designs  Royal Flush Drytop

To know more about this top CLICK HERE

This is a no-frill, nothing fancy, if it ain't broke , don't fix  it Drytop, it's breathable and WORKS!

Drypants  Stoloquist  Mooner II Pants

Once again and no nonsense design that work and it breathable and has Cordora, it is tough!

Drysuit Kokatat  Gore-Tex with Gore-Tex booties and relief zipper

Man what else to say , needs to rain more to justify it, but the times it's been used ...oh man <insert big smile> :)

Paddle Mitts: Rapid Style  I am still using my RS mitts going on ten plus years now, makes it nice on those cold water flat water paddles to the takeout.

Insulation: Summer Patagonia  Caplene, found it in the hiking section of their website.

Very thin and works to keep you warm, and cool. I am still amazed with the new materials out there.

Insulation Spring Patagonia Model  EL Capilito I

Insulation Winter Patagonia Model EL Capilene II

When I first got it, I was like how is this thin thing gonna keep me warm. You can see through it. Well I was cooking halfway down my first trip, and had to put on the other Patagonia insulation I have. I couldn’t believe it .

Wetsuit Winter: Ratty ole Wetsuit with a slit for a relief opening for the little boys room, with another old wetsuit glued to the butt.  RETIRED!

Wetsuit Spring: Henderson Shorty with fleece liner.

This thing has been really nice, Jim Little rounded these up during our Steep Creekin’ days and I am still using it.

Elbow pads summer:  FAT EDDYS NOT!….very disappointed in thOSE, they will rub you raw, and make you bleed.

I use the EVS Option Elbow pads. Best damn elbow pads I have ever used.

Racks: At the moment I am using Yakima but I ain’t messed up ‘bout using any

2”x4” or anything else that will get the job done. If it works it works.

Safety Gear I am presently using:

10ft of webbing, enough to make a Swiss Seat for a repel or to use a base for lowering boats

Carbiners’ 1ea locking, 4ea Standard “D” style, 1ea Figure 8

Prussic: Used to help setting a Z-drag, 3-4 ea

Folding saw, Stainless Steel blade, and plastic handle. Found it at Sear’s on a clearance table.

Waist Throw Bag Salamander; I modified the buckle to make it a quick release

Throw Bag  Lotus Designs http://www.patagonia.com, 75 ft of rope. Mounted on the Pillar of the wall in the boat, I have use double face industrial Velcro to mount the bag, and to make it a quick release.

Drybag Watershed.

2ea Clif Bars, Matches, Lighter, 2ea Space blankets, Photocopied map page, Toilet Paper, MRE, Small First Aid kit with good drugs also included.

WaterBottle: With built in filter

Air bags

NOC, split

Shoulder Brace:

I am using a EVS Brace to see more CLICK HERE