Stories, Gear, and Outdoor Culture

Outdoor New England is now offering introductory, freestyle, and custom whitewater kayaking instruction and rolling clinics

My notion of success used to be based solely on money. Over time that has totally changed. Money does not bring you happiness. Having the flexibility to bring my kids to work whenever I choose, sharing all aspects of my life with them, and maximizing my time with them is what I define as success now while doing what I love in an environment that is a reflection of myself is what I love.

As effluent was gradually removed from the Winnipesaukee River, people began to appear, riding down the rapids.

First Day Franklin went on as usual on New Year's Day despite ice which had formed in the lower part of the Winnipesaukee River, limiting the number of kayaks which took part in the event.

First Day Franklin will go on as usual on New Year's Day

Since 2001 paddling has been a part of my life. It has been one of my longest relationships outside of family, and like any relationship has had some high highs and some low lows.

I have come to realize that every paddler paddles for a different reason. 

I participated in an ACA Certification Course on the Winnipesaukee River. The outing clubs of both the University of Vermont and the University of Massachusetts were well represented with solid boaters.

My passion is paddling. It has been since the first time I rafted as a customer. It then adapted as I progressed. First as an extremely novice kayaker, to a raft guide, then on to a kayaker who is “in between swims.” As a New England paddler, I cherished the early education in rolling I received from then Suncook River Canoe & Kayak, as well as, the Merrimack Valley Paddlers, who continue to support local paddlers.

Splashing in icy river water on a chilly winter day isn’t necessarily a popular way to attract people to a place. But in Franklin, it works.