Pillow Rapid Jump - Upper Gauley
Craig began paddling late in the season of 2006. Having never been in a kayak before that time, he did what he normally does with anything new and spent a while researching and figuring out just what he was about to get into. Once he finally got into whitewater in the fall, he was obsessed. He paddled straight through the winter of his first year never missing an opportunity to play on the Potomac or get in a quick practice session at Dickerson.
Paddling is, for him, an escape from the normal day to day routines. Something about getting on the river, even one right in the middle of a such a busy, bustling area, that allows escape from all the worldly stresses. Being able to go out two days in a row and paddle two very different rivers that somehow pass through the same gorge helped to make sure things never get boring.
His favorite run to date is the Upper Yough. His first run, surrounded by a great group of friends and a wonderful guide, is still one of his most memorable ever. He also enjoys paddling even the easier rivers still today and can find the thrill of trying something new even in the friendliest of locations. Other runs that Craig enjoys are the New River Gorge, Gauley (Upper and Lower), and any other runs that the rain timing works out for.
Get your Boof on!
In 2009, Craig earned his ACA Whitewater Instructor (Level 4) certification and began teaching for Liquid Adventures Kayak School. He spends most of his time teaching rolling. He believes there’s truly no better part of teaching than seeing a student realize they can do something that they previously thought impossible. Craig loves sharing the thrill of kayaking with anyone that will listen and come try it. Friends made on the river are truly a special group.
He spends most of his personal paddling time during the week on the Potomac with his best friend paddling upstream, a style known as attaining that forces thinking about rapids in a whole new light. Understanding how to paddle up a rapid leads to a much better view of how the water flows and how to work with it to reach your goal.
Craig is also a certified Wilderness First Responder and enjoys practicing his Swift Water Rescue skills. During the Great Falls race, you’re likely to see him tethered to some rock in a precarious spot to provide safety for the competitors. Outside of paddling, Craig also enjoys rock climbing indoors and out, photography and video editing, and is also working toward a Glider Pilot Certification
