Experience Bliss-Stick

Tino Specht- Traveling Through Chile

noreply@blogger.com (Briere) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:24:00 +0000

More amazing photos taken of his travels through Chile. Tino is down there coaching with New River Academy and showing the students some of the goods. Pictures are taken by Melina Coogan, Zoe Ross and most of them are by Matt Smink.

Update from South America- Maipo River

noreply@blogger.com (Briere) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 17:12:00 +0000

US Crazy Christmas Recession Special Double Deal!

noreply@blogger.com (Briere) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:27:00 +0000

Here it is US Paddlers, back by popular demand, a kayak deal too good to be true!

Purchase a new 2009 model Mystic or Mini Mystic kayak at our US price of $1049, from November 27th, 2009 through January 1st, 2010, and pay just $650 for either a Rad 175, Super Rad 180, Rad 185, Rad 195. And this time the Specialist 5'9 and Smoothy 6'1 are included.

The above prices exclude shipping and taxes, where applicable. Limited time offer, that is only available through WakaWai. Valid only if a Mystic or Mini Mystic and play boat of your choice are both purchased at the same time, between now and before January 1, 2010. Offer applies to US customers only. Double deal kayaks are Export grade kayaks in the color combination of your choice. Here is the current inventory that is available on a first come, first serve basis.

It is as easy as that, simply contact us directly for further details on this fantastic festive season offer, and to secure your boats today.

Chile Update- Rio Claro, Siete Tazas Section

noreply@blogger.com (Briere) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:50:00 +0000

New River Academy Student Stephen Forster

I have spent the last week at the Rio Claro and it has been epic. This river is renowned for its Siete Tazas section, which is a series of seven basalt pool drops that are some of the cleanest waterfalls I have ever seen. What many people do not now is there are two other sections known as the Entres Saltos and the Veintidos Saltos sections. The Veintidos Saltos consists of mostly clean waterfalls ranging from 10- 30 feet. The section is completely gorged in and hiking out is not an option.

The Entres Saltos is a longer section that consists of three parts the Upper, Cinco Tazas, and the Garganta del Diablo canyon. the first section is class 3-5 with possible portages for the less experienced boater

Then comes the Cinco Tazas. This section is a set of waterfalls, easier than the Sieta Tazas, but offers a fighting chnce to be more pristine than its sister section , the Siete Tazas.

Lastly, the most notorious section the Garganta del Diable begins with a 15 foot slide that banks 180 degrees off a wall and into a 25 foot free fall. Its stout but fully epic. This drop leads into a committed canyon with a 20 meter slide and a few other sick drops

Here are some pictures....

Well I am off to the Achibueno to do a possible multi day

Money Drop on Rock Creek in Hood River, Oregon

noreply@blogger.com (Briere) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:28:00 +0000

Hey Michael,

This past weekend my brother and I decided to rally out to Hood River, Oregon for some snowboarding and huckin. On Saturday we rode at Meadows resort which was super good.. They had like 16 new inches of snow and it was about 12 degrees so the snow was nice.

On Sunday morning we woke up, got some breakfast, and decided to go check out Money Drop on Rock Creek. When we got there the flows looked really good and me and my brother both decided to give 'er. It was a super fun drop. I can't wait to go back out to Hood again soon.

Take care,

Seth Stoenner
Team Bliss-Stick

Seth...

Dustin...

Sam Fullbright on the Green Race 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Briere) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:58:00 +0000

After all the hype and fuss of the Green race mania, the fateful day finally arrived. The week prior to the race it was all anyone would talk about, which lines were fastest, who crashed that day, and the constant thought of how your race run will go. Needless to say, I was ready for race day to arrive.

I woke up early that morning and did a few mental runs in my head and was ready to get this thing started. Unfortunately though it was my first race so I would be in the back of the starting order. I waited anxiously in the put-in parking lot for my time to come around.

Finally it was time to hike down to the put-in and paddle down to the start of the course, just above the first rapid, Frankenstien. I got down after nervously paddling the warm up section of the river. After reaching the start line I hopped out of my boat to watch a few racers take off downstream. The atmosphere at the start line was very excited as we we’re all stoked to begin the race down the Green. I started to feel relaxed as my time came up. Finally I was up. I backed into the starting rock, calmly physcing myself up.

Go time! Off around the corner of Frankenstien and the river is to yourself. It was quite peaceful to have it be just me and the river. I had good lines in the top section of small slots and boofs. I rolled into Go Left and it was the first time the crowd started to appear. People were yelling as I came through Go Left nice and clean. From here the course is packed with people. I rolled through Zwicks and Chiefs with good lines and was feeling good paddling towards Gorilla. Its quite impressive to be at that rapid with hundreds of people there screaming at you. I kept focused and didn’t allow myself to look up at the crowd. I subbed out a bit coming through the notch, but was just were I wanted to be coming off Gorilla. I took a small little ride in Speed Trap, killing my time just a bit, but rolled up and came through the rest of the slides with good lines. Paddling hard into the finish line rock. I was breathing hard, tired, and STOKED! First Green race was done, I could hardly believe it.

After such a long build up and being constantly in my thoughts the race was over, just as quickly as it began. I’m definitely excited that I was able to race this year. I can’t wait until next year when I know the course a little better and won’t have the first timer nerves. What a great event. A big thanks to everyone who helps put the race together and all of the photographers who took some incredible shots that day!

Sam Fullbright
Team Bliss-Stick

First two shots are of Sam about to go off the launch pad at Gorilla. These photos are copyrighted by Chris Bell and Boatingbeta.com. We are using them with his permission. Thanks Chris!

Sam spanking the monkey. Thanks to Randy for this shot!

Bliss-Stick Mini Mystic, Tellico Ledges, Angie Williamson

noreply@blogger.com (Briere) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:43:00 +0000

Chile Update: Stephen Forster, 30 Footer, Yesso River

noreply@blogger.com (Briere) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:26:00 +0000

This is Stephen Forster here coming from Chile. Today, David Hughes, Tino Specht, and I ran a 30 footer on the Yesso River by Santiago. This drop had a class 5 entrance and a cave at the bottom. The waterfall was a lot of fun even though I broke my paddle. Now I am off to the Rio Claro to run some more, big drops. Here are some pictures fro the Yesso

November in West Virginia

noreply@blogger.com (Briere) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:13:00 +0000

Ahh...November in Fayetteville. Most everyone has left for the season, and the rain goes directly into the river instead of being sucked up by the trees. I've been waiting for one of the best wave features anywhere to run, and today it finally did. 5 Boat hole is known to most as a wide, shallow surf during Gauley Season, but with higher flows in the riverbed, it becomes a sweet wave that gives up almost every wave trick. Here's some photos to give you an idea. Hopefully some rain tonight and creeking tomorrow!

Brian Jennings
Team Bliss-Stick

Northeast Update- Jason LaSelva

noreply@blogger.com (Briere) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:21:00 +0000

Northeast Update...

The northeast has received some rain and with temperatures in the 50's we have had some perfect weather for boating. I ventured to some of our regular runs and tried my best to get some quality photos for Bliss-Stick. With most of my paddling companions retiring for the year--this is usually the case after Moosefest--I ventured off to paddle the Poultney Creek at flood(see my previous post) and the famous Mettawee Creek.

The Mettawee is a rather new find. Some of my friends, including the late Chris Wolski, completed the first descent in 1997. It can be paddled at various levels for about 8 months out of the year and is often compared to the Bottom Moose, but in my opinion can be way more fun at higher levels.

Thanks to Daylight savings and shorter days I was unable to get to all of the drops today, but fear not, I will have more photos in the next few days.

Cheers,

Team Bliss-Stick
Jason LaSelva

Team Bliss-Stick- Jason LaSelva- Poultney Creek, NY

noreply@blogger.com (Briere) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:59:00 +0000

I checked out Poultney creek, which is usually run from 200-1100cfs and today we found it at 2300cfs. I've sent a pic from the first rapid and I have to say that it +2000 is the way to go.

More to come!

Jason LaSelva
Team Bliss-Stick

Bliss-Stick Agent, Jason Bordwine Getting Exposure

noreply@blogger.com (Briere) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:50:00 +0000

This is a website that gives you information on what to see and experience in Damascus, Virginia. Scroll down the page and see Jason running Big Rock on the White Top Laurel!

CLICK HERE!

Russell Fork Race Update- Brian Jennings

noreply@blogger.com (Briere) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:05:00 +0000

After a Gauley Season of too much work, and not enough boating, I was stoked to get back to one of my favorite, and one of the most beautiful rivers anywhere...the Russell Fork. I love this run, and the scene is one of the best on the whitewater circuit....super friendly locals, and lots of familiar faces.

While I usually race my longboat for the race, my WS Momentum was stolen out of my yard this summer, so I decided to try and beat Tyler Fox's short boat record (in a Bliss-Stick MAC) in my trusty Mystic. I'm stoked that I succeeded in beating it by 2 seconds, but ended up second in the unoffical short boat category as my buddy Adam Johnson laid down a blistering time to set the new record in under 12 mins. Well done AJ!!

After a practice and race runs on Sat, I shredded with my girlfriend Eileen, and did a session on the take out wave in the afternoon. Here's a few pics..

Next up: lots of playboating on the New and Gauley and creek season begins!!! 'Till next time.

Brian Jennings
Team Bliss-Stick

Stephen Forster- Fall Break Update

noreply@blogger.com (Briere) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:01:00 +0000

Hey this is Stephen Forster checking in. I am currently getting ready for my 5-month trip to Chile. The past few weeks I lead a trip down the Moose River in New York, and Fall Creek in Massachusetts. Both easy class 4+ creeks with some really fun lines. During November and December the Airborn Athletics team will be heading down to Chile to run some big drops and take footage for a new and upcoming video. This movie, so far, has two sections planned out, a spring Canada section and a Chile section. Hopefully there will be some Colorado footage in there to. Here are some pictures from the Moose River and Fall Creek.

Knifes Edge, Moose River...

Fall Creek...

New Backband Buckles for 2010 on Bliss-Stick Designs

noreply@blogger.com (Briere) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:41:00 +0000

We are pleased to let Bliss-Stick paddlers know that we have replaced the old style cast metal buckles that we used on our backbands, to a new specificly designed Stainless Slider buckle, that will now make our backband buckle adjustment solid and secure enough to handle the extremes of modern whitewater kayaking.

Nolichucky River in the Fall 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Briere) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:31:00 +0000

Thanks Jason Bordwine!

Moose River Festival 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Briere) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:27:00 +0000

I don't think that the Moose Festival is what it use to be, but nonetheless it is still a good time. We met lots of great people, exposed people to Bliss-Stick kayaks, sold a few demos and hopefully made some lifelong friends. Really, what else could you ask for?

The whitewater and friends is what will keep you coming back. And for me, I will have to trek up there again to redeem myself. I managed to get the flu somewhere beween NC and NY. Even with the flu, it is a good time. There are enough adult beverages there to kill any kind of virus and they were to be had at Slickers!

For the others however, the weather cooperated and provided two days of sunshine, which I heard was a rarity during this festival. Here are a some pictures and video of the weekend. Good times had by all!

Serenading the sun... Chuck Gardner

Chuck Gardner, Alex Barham, Dan Burke, Jason LaSelva, Michael Briere, Pete May

Just past the crux on Fowlersville Falls...

Dan Burke

Jason LaSelva

Ager Falls...

Jason, Chuck, Dan

Alex

Pete

Dan

Pete and Alex

Jason

Run out below Ager Falls...

Center line @ Magilla

Stuck in cave at bottom of center line @ Magilla... She kept composure managed to fight her way out.

Cheers to an awesome weekend!

Pictures from Hole Brothers Demo on the Black River, Watertown, NY

noreply@blogger.com (Briere) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:09:00 +0000

We had a great turnout for the demo in Watertown last Friday. We had planned for it to be at the Rte. 3 Wave, but due to water levels, we moved it downstream to Hole Brothers. Either way, it was successful!

We had about 12 participants show up to demo our boats, including team members Jason LaSelva and Dan Burke. As well, the local newspaper and television crew came out to support the cause and show awareness to this great resource that they have right there in town.

Here are a few pictures that we snapped while enjoying the river and the abundant sunshine.

Team Bliss-Stick's Sam FullBright Checks in from the Toxaway

noreply@blogger.com (Briere) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:49:00 +0000

Ahh the Toxaway. I suppose best described by many as the California of the East Coast, but really it can just be described as epic. Its chocked full of huge slides, a few mighty big portages, and with all the recent rain, a touch of new wood and boulders (that’s right, boulders)

Anywho, Fergus Coffey and myself arrived to the guage early in the morn to find the river on the high side of good, but luckily the rest of our crew wouldn’t arrive until later that day so the river had plenty of time to drop down a little bit more. So in order to get ourselves really fired up to run the eluslivly flowing Toxaway we went to a coffee shop and waited.

So, finally, the rest of the crew made it over from Asheville. Fergus and I were accompined by Daniel Stewart, Chris Gragtmans, and Geoff Calhoun. The river had dropped in to a hefty and more acceptable 0 inches and we headed on to the put-in for a late put in.

The put-in is even sweet. You walk right up a hill and drop into the first big slide of the day. SICK. Goeff and I were in there for our first time so we were quite excited and didn’t really know what we were in for, but pretty much just a nervous feeling and slight look of , well, nervousness above the bigger drops and then at the bottom you are stuck with a ridiculous wide green of sheer euphoria. The river is great. We encountered new rock/tree jam in Minigizer and walked it, but apparently a few folks seal launched in off it the next day and were just running the last part of the drop. We also were greeted to a new landslide at the bottom of land bridge, which would appear to be runnable at lower flows as long as you make the eddy with out running into said landslide.

Then after quite a big mission of stout rapids and two fairly big portages we finally made it to the take out just as the day was drawing to a close and we began our hike out. Armed with a few head lamps and much talk about the infamous “turn” we started off. We finished off the hike in the dark and no one missed the turn as it has been done before and resulted in an unexpected night out in the woods. I wisely hiked with Daniel Stewart knowing he wouldn’t make that mistake again. I’d just like to say a big thanks to Chris Gratmans for showing us Toxaway n00bs down. What a great day!

Bliss-Stick USA Headed to the Adirondacks!

noreply@blogger.com (Briere) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:20:00 +0000

This Friday, October 16th, Bliss-Stick USA will be hosting a demo of all our models at Rt 3 wave on the Black River in Watertown, New York (Level Pending).

Team members Dan Burke and Jason LaSelva will also be at the demo. Dan in his C-1 Smoothy and Jason in his K-1 Smoothy. Come out and see these two demonstrate their skills and help answer any questions that you may have.

Locals describe the Rt 3 Wave as a spot wave lovers may never want leave. The wave is a fast and friendly feature with glassy shoulders. The versatile Rt 3 wave is a place that athletes and beginners alike can practice and play while they master their skills.

If the levels do not cooperate for Rte 3 wave, we will have it at one of the other features that the Black River offers in Watertown. We will keep you updated on the demo site.

After the demo in Watertown, we will pack up and be attending the Moose River Festival the rest of the weekend, October 16-18, 2009. The festival is held in the Adirondack community of Old Forge, New York.

The Moose River Festival is an opportunity for paddlers of all skill levels to get together and paddle some of New York's premiere whitewater. It also involves vendors, boating companies, music, food and beer!!!

Festival details and River descriptions can be found on the Moose River Festival site

If you don't make it to the Bliss-Stick demo, make sure to stop by our booth, check out our boats and introduce yourself to team members Jason LaSelva and Dan Burke. Our local New York agent, Jake Gosnell, will be there as well to answer any questions you may have.

Hope to see you there!

Upper Russell Fork River

noreply@blogger.com (Briere) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:59:00 +0000

4th Annual USNWC Festival Wrap-Up and Results

noreply@blogger.com (Briere) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:56:00 +0000

This past weekend, October 3, 2009, marked the 4th Annual
Whitewater Festival at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in
Charlotte, N.C. This event turned out to be festive, fun and a
good time had by all that attended. With a U.S. Open Slalom
race and a Dagger head to head race in the competition channel
and a World Kayak Home Town Throw Down, organized by WK
Ambassador's Samantha and Jason Miller, in the opposite channel,
the park was full of whitewater activities.

All events were well attended with athletes, participants,
volunteers, and onlookers. Lots of big names came to throw down
with other accomplished play boaters during the K1/C1 Men's
competition at the highlight play wave, M-Wave. Brian Kirk (Wave
Sport), and Corey Volt (Dagger) were throwing big moves with our
very own U.S. Team member, Sam Fullbright (Bliss-Stick Designs).
However, Fergus Coffey and Will Rudisill were throwing moves that even
the pro's would be envious of!! With Justin Benton sounding off
commentary with sideline support from Dagger/Teva Team member,
Pat Keller, it was action packed fun.

Later in the day, K1B Men and Women's competition was
held at second drop in the instructional channel. Another extremely
fun, non-competitive competition with representation from USNWC
instructors, regular park attendees and park guest. Some great prizes
were available and names drawn out of a helmet for all that participated
in the World Kayak event. Prizes included several pieces of Nookie
technical gear and cottonmouth nose plugs from the featured sponsor,
WakaWai. Results for all competitions can be found here.

The Bliss-Stick Smoothy, Super Rad 180 and the Specialist
were represented remarkably well. Plus, paddlers of all kind were
taking every opportunity to demo the fleet of Bliss-Stick Design
kayaks offered by Bliss-stick US/WakaWai. If all of that wasn't
enough to keep you entertained, there were also STRIDE stand
up paddle boards to demo, music, food and beer!!

Thanks to all of the folks that worked hard and volunteered
there time to make this event possible and successful! We look forward
to seeing you again at another USNWC or World Kayak event. If you
didn't make it this time, then make sure you find yourself at the next one!

Bliss-Stick Super RAD 180 Review: Trent Thibodeaux, USNWC Instructor

noreply@blogger.com (Briere) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:30:00 +0000

The Super RAD 180 is by far the most fun playboat i have paddled. It felt right, from the moment I sat down in one. Once I finally got it on a wave and a hole it did not let me down. The edges are super clean due to the excellent volume distribution, loose and fast. Whether I was cart-wheeling, looping or throwing aerial tricks, it responded exactly the way I wanted it to. It is hard to find a boat that is fast, loose and still super stable but the Super RAD 180 is all of that and more. I have paddled many playboats that are easy to control but very slow or super fast but very edgy and hard to control. The Super RAD 180 is a perfect blend of speed, control, looseness and...well, awesomeness.

I am 6 feet tall and weigh 185 and it can be difficult sometimes to find a boat with the right specs to fit me (tall but thin). They are either a little too small and stern heavy ( b/c i have to move the seat back so my feet don't fall off) or way to big making it hard to throw ends. The Super RAD 180 fits like a glove and I was actually able to teach a 1.5 hour lesson with out being uncomfortable for minute.

One of my favorite features on the Super RAD 180 are the thigh braces. They hook around your thigh rather than just sitting on top of your legs. This makes the boat more responsive when edging your boat for tricks and keeps them from getting tired b/c you dont' have to lift your legs so high to get them to respond.

All in all, the Bliss-Stick Super RAD 180 is my favorite playboat. I have paddled many playboats, new and old and everytime I get in one, I compare it to the Super RAD...and it never compares. Plain and simple...I LOVE THIS BOAT!

USNWC 4th Annual Whitewater Festival 2009 Slideshow

noreply@blogger.com (Briere) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:08:00 +0000

Fourth Container Headed to the United States

noreply@blogger.com (Briere) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:21:00 +0000

We just got the fourth container on the water in New Zealand and is headed to Asheville as we speak. It will arrive in port around the 26th of October and should be here in Asheville a day or two later. The container is full of Mystic's, Smoothy's, RAD's, Mini Mystic's and SCUD's. Some pretty sweet colors to choose from as well!