Charlie's Paddling Page

2011 World Kayak Pro-Am Hometown Throwdown- USWWC

2011-08-30T09:10:00.000-07:00

As most of you know the hometown throw down series of events put on by WorldKayak is a great series targeting ANYONE to come out and throw down in your white water boat. And while this event did in fact encourage that, it had a different undertone. This event, the Pro-Am, incorporates teaming up two "amateurs" with one "pro" for a few hours of instruction, followed by a freestyle competition as a team at "well hole", followed by a great boater cross race on the competition channel.

And even better, all the proceeds go to benefit First Descents, a great organization that works with cancer patients allowing them to pursue their high adventure dreams/goals of boating, climbing, and more.

Check out www.firstdescents.org for more information.

This years event went great here was a great turn out of paddlers and spectators....and we all even managed to raise around $1700! That is enough to send one person to camp for a whole week! So HUGE thanks is in order to all of those whom showed and help put on the event; Jason and Samantha Miller, Chris Wing, and Pablo McCandless.....so THANKS GUYS.

Now here are some shots that where so graciously taken by my fiance Brittany, thanks again.

Above: My pro-am team mate Chris

Above: my other team mate Sean doing the double leg-out to show boat combo!

Above Cory Volt showin the crowd how he does it

above: a few shots from the Comp channel and the boatercross race

And now some M-Wave shots....

Big thanks again for putting on this event to everyone that helped in any way!

-charlie simmons-

http://www.charliesimmonsboating.blogspot.com/

Project X 56 at work: NOC hole on the Pigeon River

2011-08-25T08:31:00.000-07:00

What an awesome boat! Its a great all around boat, amazing at down river, and especially at what its made for: FREESTYLE. Ive made few recent trips over to the Peigeon river in western North Carolina, and while the river isn't exactly known for quality playspots, there is a "somewhat" new feture down at the NOC outpost that is pretty good.

Depending on the level of course its a pretty active hole, with "wavey" characteristics. Ive been on days when it was nice a retentive, but ive also seen days where it wasn't quite so proactive. Nonetheless a nice place to get wet in a great boat.

This playspot has park a huck potential but, you can always run the river just the same to get to it.

It also harnesses the ability to go huge on traditional areial moves like loops, godzillas, etc..

Video highlights to come soon, thanks for stoppin by!

-Charlie Simmons-

Team WS

Recent photos (march-june) - Looky here

2011-06-21T17:04:00.000-07:00

Since the spring has hit it has been a busy paddling season, and it continues to be so now into summer. Between working on the river plus the great fortune of having dam releases upwards of 300 days a year on the Green River in Western North Carolina, its been a wet few months.

Here is a small taste of whats been happening........

Jocassee area paddling
-Upper and Lower Whitewater River

-Horspasture River

After a great day with the Bama Boys

Pisgah Forest Area

-Courthouse Creek

-West Fork FB

-NFFB

Green River-

-Freewheeling the right line at Groove tube in the Project x......what a sweeeeet boat!

Lifestyle/Randoms

Big Thanks to Wavesport kayaks, Shred Ready Helmets, Ophion Paddles, Bomber Gear, and Skritworks
-charlie

2011 Alabama Mountain Games featuring NAWF

2011-03-23T10:28:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Alabama Mountain Games (NAWF) went great. This festival brings great music, great people and awesome sports like Mt. Biking Kayaking Disc Golf Stand UP Paddle Boarding and more all together.

Awards ceremony for pro Boater-X (1st me, 2nd johnny shales, 3rd kieth yell)

Events kicked off with the “Huckfest” first thing Thursday morning in Guntersville, Al at Short Creek shortly followed by the” Boater Cross”. The “Huckfest” is a freestyle waterfall competition; and the “Boatercross” is a head to head race over the falls then behind the curtain of the falls out the other side and to the finish. All together it was (and always is) a SUPER COOL day. This style of competition brings the freestyle realm to the down river and racing realm. And that’s what I truly love about it. I was fortunate enough to walk away with 1st in Men’s Pro Boater-X, and 3rd in Men’s Pro Huck-Fest.

competetors meeting at short creek falls

Mens Pro Boater-X Photos;

getting the job done 1st

Mens Pro "Huck Fest" Photos;

I LOVE THE WAVE SPORT PROJECT X!!! It is truly amazing!!

After the day’s events we all paddle down the rest of Short Creek which is a class III/IV run, so it was great to see everyone chargin’ in playboats…….and carnage was inevitable!

Mt. Chaos was an ongoing tradition at NAWF, and was brought back this year to the AMG’s. It’s a 30 foot ramp built out of Assembly line style rollers into a kicker……capable of throwing you for kick-flips, freewheels, or just a big ol’ stomp. Once you get the taste of Mt.Chaos you just can’t stop!

Mt. Chaos Photos;

Stand Up Paddle Boarding is becoming more and more popular on the river, and whenever I get the chance I love to SUP downstream. There was also a SUP head to head race held at the AMG’s. We had heats of five in the men’s competition with first place continuing to the finals. I placed 1st in my first heat of 5, and 2nd in my second heat. So it was down to me and Mike T for the final finals, and it was indeed a great race, however Mike took the victory home, and I was in 2nd. Unfortunately I don’t have any photos from the event

However here are a few photos from Powell Falls (both left and right of the island) on the Locust Fork of the Warrior River:

not quite!

The Mountain Bike trail and free-ride obstacles have been a big highlight of AMG and of my experience there. The Cross Country Trail is no joke, equipped with big jumps, wall rides, banked turns, tight paths, and even a Creek Jump that makes it all worth it. Along with the trail there are a few free-ride jumps; including a few blind horizon line jumps (big) and new this year a big step up.

Here are a few photos of some MTB action

me and Zach sanders go wall riding

creek gap jump

you cant tell from this photo but HUGE gorged out step up

Overall the 2011 Alabama Mountain Games rocked. There was great company, great music, BEER, one of the biggest fires I’ve ever seen and a whole lot more. You will just have to come out next year to see it for yourself.

Big Thanks to Jeremy Adkins, Keith Yell, Gavin Rains, Rob Beckman, Mark T, and everyone else whom worked so hard to put it on…..again.

And to The Outside World in douglasville, Georgia…..Check these guys out for your boating needs, they will go out of their way to make sure you get what you need! THANKS GUYS!!

Also HUGE thanks to Jonathan Street for so many GREAT photos over the weekend!

-charlie simmons-
team Wave Sport Kayaks, Shred Ready helmets, Ophion Paddles, Bomber Gear, Skirtworks

TWO new Whitewater Kayaking Videos to View!

2011-03-23T07:26:00.000-07:00

Check out "killing time"- a whitewater kayaking short with footage from the southeast united states. Featuring a little obligatory Green River Narrows footage, Big Scirum Creek, Rock Creek, Tallapoosa River, and The Locust Fork of the Warrior River. See it all here creek boating, freestyle boating, and even some head cam action.

Music:Pretty Lights

Paddling:

Charlie Simmons, Ray Morton, Zach Sanders, Sam Casuey, Collin Hunt and other riders.

enjoy!

Dropping H20 - Whitewater Kayaking in Gorges State Park, NC from charlie simmons on Vimeo.

Check out some class V kayaking in western North Carolina's Jocassee Watershed (Gorges State Park Area). Including Horse Pasture River, Upper and Lower WhiteWater River, plus a little freestyle footage to glue it all together!

Music: Pretty Lights

Paddling:

Charlie Simmons, Charlie Mix, Sam England, Sam Causey, Zach Sanders, Andy Hobson, Collin Hunt, Jordan Sherman, Tyler Phillips, Will Dowling, King Charles, Ben Bernhard, and other chargers.

-enjoy

2010 Photo Slideshow Review

2011-01-06T13:43:00.000-08:00

2010 Photo Slideshow Review from charlie simmons on Vimeo.

This slideshow displays whitwater kayaking, canoeing, and Stand Up Paddleboarding photos taken (with a few exceptions) over the course of the year 2010.

Music: Umphrey's McGee

Photography:

Brittany Nelson, Casey Jones, Mike Nail (creeking.info), and Christine Boush

Enjoy the show

Video Update From Ophion Paddles: From Fellow Team Member Max Eberl

2010-12-11T10:39:00.000-08:00

Everyone who has one truly know what it means to use and own a paddle made custom to your standards and specs. Here is a video from fellow team Ophion member Max Eberl showing everyone what he does with his paddles. Enjoy!

Fall Chillout Kayaking at Soca River, Slovenia from Team Liquidlogic Kayaks on Vimeo.

-til next time-

Charlie Simmons/Team Ophion Paddles

Here you go....more photos

2010-12-09T10:26:00.000-08:00

Left over Green Race shots:

Above- me Below- Cruise

Above- Derek Below- CARNAGE!

Above- Mac Mcgee Below- Ginger Brad Mcmillan

Above- Chris Bear Below- Andy Hobson

Above- Green Race 2010 Crowd Below- Sam Causey

Dupont State Park

Dupont State Park is a great resource for anything outdoors.....including some waterfall hucking even when everything else is low water or off......like the day after the green race when Duke decided not to generate electricity. Here is Cruise Quenelle and my self water fallin

Randoms

Me and grandmother when i was in 9th or 10th grade (circa 2001ish) after winning an art show in the Alabama state capitol. Name of the design behind me is "purple haze"....

Hendo skate park

Its getting cold, but im looking forward to a season on the snow so all is good

The Black Mountain Crest Trail

The BMCT runs through the black mountians, of witch contains Mt. Mitchell the hight peak on the Eastern Seaboard (6880ft) and on the trail summited upwards of 10 of the tallest mountains in the range including; Mt.Craig, Big Tom,Cattail Peak, Balsome Cone, Potatoh Hill, WinterStar Mt., and Mt. Mitchell to name a few and is one of the steepest and more difficult trails around. Here are some photos of my buddy Brauhn and myself on the BMCT in october sometime.

-til next time-

charlie

2010 Green River Narrows Race 11/6/10

2010-11-15T10:02:00.000-08:00

(above)A Great shot from Creeking.info of me on Gorilla during this years race. Thanks guys!

The 2010 Green River Race went off without a hitch! An amazing event, one that everyone can enjoy; paddlers and spectators alike. ( If you aren't aware of what it is check my previous posts which describe the event in greater detail http://www.charliesimmonsboating.blogspot.com/).

Here is a link to the RACE RESULTS

http://greenrace.amongstit.com/2010/11/07/2010-green-race-results/

I got a 5min and 24 second time, (thats close to 350 vertical feet descended in just under a mile!) and though it didn't go as well as i had planned worked out pretty clean and definately fun! 1st place Finish goes out to Mike Dawson. cheers!

Close up of me on Gorilla, photo by Brittany Nelson

"Sunshine" Right- photo by Brittany Nelson

"Go Left and Die"

Here is a link to a great video from this years race, put together by Get Wet Productions; Featuring many different view points as well as rapids and paddlers.

And yet another video from "Mindless Conception" showcasing an entirely different perspective, and a very cool one at that.

Big Thanks to all of you whom help organize, promote, and follow through with such an AMAZING EVENT! As well as everyone that hiked in just to watch, cheer, and yes even enjoy the carnage.....it wouldn't be the same without all of you.

See you on the River

-charlie simmons-

Team Wavesport, Shred Ready, Ophion Paddles, Bomber Gear, Skirtworks

12 days to go.....GREEN RACE BABY!! Photo Update

2010-10-25T08:22:00.000-07:00

(Gorilla/long boat 10/23/10, charlie simmons)

Big thanks to my fiance Brittany whom hiked in to take such wonderful shots (10/24/10) as well as to Chris' friend Melody.

With only two weeks to go until the race, the chargers are starting to turn out....and not just the locals. Even with less than ideal river flow the monkey got spanked quite hard this passed weekend; though it did bite back on a few just to show its teeth. Here are some photos from the past few days.

Charlie Simmons- Gorilla

Ray Morton/ Scream Machine

Ray Morton- Niece's Pieces

Ray Morton- same

Bryan Kirk- Sunshine Right

Charlie Simmons- Groove Tube

Charlie Simmons- Sunshine Right Sequence

same

Landing Zone

David Ledford- Gorilla

Adriene Levknencht - Gorilla

Mike Dawson- Gorilla

Isaac Levinson -Gorilla

Sonders -gorilla

Tad Dennis - Gorilla

Casey Eichfeld- Gorilla

hand paddler- gorilla

Sonders- Powerslide

Brad McMillan- Powerslide

Chris Wing- Powerslide

-til next time-

Charlie Simmons

Team Wave Sport Kayaks, Shred Ready Helmets, Ophion Paddles, Bomber Gear, SkirtworkS

19 days and counting...........Green River Narrows Race

2010-10-18T08:57:00.000-07:00

Saturday November 6th 2010; marks the day. The Green River Narrows Race is one of the worlds most extreme kayak races, and this year is the 15th annual race. There are several categories in which racers will sign up; Kayak (long boat and short boat classes), C1, Handpaddling, and Iron Man (short + long boat): and of these categories there will be mens and womens. Racers will have timed intervals bewtween there starting point and will paddles as fast as they can (or at least willing to through class 5 rapids) down what is known as the "Monster Mile" this is a stretch of river in the Green river gorge that drops almost 400 feet in one mile! The majority of the mile is class 4+ and 5 but there are two grade 5+ rapids; "Go left and die" and "Gorilla".

-Below is a short film put together by Five2Nine showcaseing the Green Race and the Green River in particular. "Currents is a river stewardship focused WebTV program (online video documentary) which uses white water kayaking as a means to educate a broader audience about the risks threatening the world’s rivers and to help highlight the intrinsic value of preserving rivers in their natural state.

More info at five2nine.ca."

Currents - Episode 3 - Asheville, North Carolina from Five 2 Nine Productions on Vimeo.

On race day there will be spectators exceeding 500 whom hike into the remote gorge just to see the action......some of which will be stylish and inspiring; but some of the action will be pure carnage!

Race training has stepped into full effect here in the mountains of western North Carolina, and it has bee a great time on the river. Days packed with lots of great paddlers, and even more great rapids. While i have been getting some great video footage, i am saving it for another day however here are some photos all shot over the month of october on the Green River Narrows. Some racers, some not but all good times.

Til Next Time, see you on the river!
-Charlie Simmons-
Team Wave Sport Kayaks, Ophion Paddles, Shred Ready Helmets, Bomber Gear, Skirtworks

Colorado 2010 Update from Cruise

2010-10-12T07:16:00.000-07:00

So my buddy Cruise Quenelle just finished this 2010 Colorado Update. Sweet vid, showcasing some of the great runs in and near Durango Colorado + more. im sure you'll enjoy.

-Charlie

WAVE SPORT PROJECT X !!!!! NEW and Coming SOON

2010-09-30T08:19:00.000-07:00

Identified as an international competition fiend and a longstanding leader in playboat design, Wave Sport expands for the 2011 season with the fully redesigned and much-anticipated premier of the new Wave Sport Project X. The Project X’s highly refined design, new volume distribution and outfitting system make it the ultimate in performance and visual excitement. Created to drive the evolution of freestyle paddling, the Project X will make its public debut this weekend at GauleyFest, Sept. 17-19, 2010 in Summersville, W. Va.

“The Project X represents a half-decade of freestyle research from the world’s top kayak design team,” explained Bryan Kirk, team manager for Wave Sport and top-ranked world freestyle championship competitor. “We have truly discovered a new benchmark in paddler control both on waves and holes, with absolutely no sacrifices,” he added.

The new boat is a major evolution of the original Project and homage to the legacy of the X, however it is not a melding of the two popular designs. With a completely new look, new aggressive performance features, and a blazing white outfitting system, this boat delivers the extreme whitewater performance for which Wave Sport is known.

According to Wave Sport’s lead designer, Robert Peerson, the progressive rocker shape of the Project X hull, combined with the new volume distribution, puts the Project X in new territory for performance and comfort. “The Project X is finely tuned to maintain speed, give explosive pop, offer easier release, and provide smooth control over any wave for easier execution of moves,” he said. “More volume has been added around the knees,
which allows for control, maximum comfort, and a slicier performance at the ends.”

In addition, new sizing options, combined with the improved volume distribution, give a broad range of paddlers even greater comfort and control. “It delivers in all whitewater conditions,” Peerson said.

The stunning “WhiteOut” outfitting system lets paddlers hit the rapids in a one-of-a-kind, dazzling all-white material. The unmistakable wallpaper logo pattern contrasts with the fabric for a visual that’s almost as much fun to stare at as it is to get in. The unique vinyl covering the seat, hip-pads, backband, and thigh braces is also water-repellant, meaning less dry time and better mildew control.

Wave Sport’s new Project X will be available at specialty retailers nationwide in January 2011.

Specs and Pricing

Length
Width
Weight Range
Boat Weight
MSRP

Project X 48
5’9”
25”
100-170 lbs.
31 lbs.
$1049

Project X 56
5’11”
25.75”
140-210 lbs.
32 lbs.
$1049

Project X 64
6’1”
26.5”
180-250 lbs.
34 lbs.
$1049

Made in USA

Good Times, Good Lines

2010-09-30T07:36:00.000-07:00

Its going down soon, with rainfall and autumn kicking in up here in North Carolina the steeps are sure to be great soon! Mmm Mmm looks tastey!

Makira loves to go squirt boating!

Green River
Green Race 2010 is only a month away, lots of long boaters getting out these days. Including me

Mike the knight

Brett

Nick Murph-Dog

GAF (Guest Appreciation Festival) at the Nantahala 2010

I love to SUP, but damn its always cold on the Nanty.... still great times on the falls and surfs.

NOC Wave Surf Session, had to back load but still fun

Figured this was worthy of showing, took it on a creek scouting walk

-Til Next Time-
Charlie Simmons /Team Wave Sport Kayaks

Photo Unload - Now and Then 2010

2010-08-24T13:21:00.000-07:00

Life....................

Lovin Life in North Carolina

2010-08-19T16:17:00.000-07:00

Here are some latest local shots, and some of the first natural flow ive gotten since moving to NC(LOW WATER IS BETTER THAN NO WATER).... though the almost daily dam released Green River Narrows runs are nothing to complain about!!!
Here you will see the cascading 50ft. Rock Creek Falls, first showed to me by my buddy Will Dowling whom never stopped talking about it...after running it i can see why, starts off with an almost out of control slide into a few smaller ledge boofs, then on to back to back 12/15ft. almost "double pothole" style drop then back to more SE slidin! All in all good stuff!

Big thanks to my beautiful fiance Brittany for taking AMAZING shots as always. Video icluding this drop to be edited/released soon, or when i get to it!

-See you on the river!
Charlie Simmons
Team Wavesport, Shred Ready, Ophion Paddles, Bomber Gear, Skirtworks

"Currents" Episode 3; Asheville North Carolina

2010-08-18T07:48:00.001-07:00

CHECK THIS OUT! This episode of "Currents" is about the boating scene and community in my new area Asheville North Carolina. Headlining the paddling scene with an almost surreal 300+ day dam realeased schedule on Green River, which is home "The Narrows" section. Twice a year this class V gorge is home to world renound endurance races; one in the fall "Green Race" and one in the spring "Jerry's Battle." While each of these two races has a different focus and athelete turnout, both are where you want to be the weekend they are going down.

Check out more of this awesome event and this awesome gorge, we'll see you in NC soon!

Currents - Episode 3 - Asheville, North Carolina from Five 2 Nine Productions on Vimeo.

Whitewater Stand Up Paddling Video

2010-05-21T13:26:00.000-07:00

WhiteWater Stand Up Paddle-Boarding (SUP) is where its at, at this video shows it all!

check it out

Whitewater Stand Up Paddling (SUP) from charlie simmons on Vimeo.

ENJOY!

-charlie simmons-

team Wave Sport kayaks, Ophion Paddles, Shred Ready helmets, Bomber Gear, Skirtworks

Coosa River Whitewater Fest 2010

2010-05-17T09:31:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Coosa River Whitewater Festival was a blast, and was infact the 25th anniversary of the event; and i would have to say it went very well.

-here is a link to a video interview i did with WSFA 12 NEWs from the river with some good freestyle video footage! CHECK IT OUT!!!
http://www.wsfa.com/global/Category.asp?C=151146&clipId=&topVideoCatNo=93080&topVideoCatNoB=97608&topVideoCatNoC=153813&topVideoCatNoD=92106&topVideoCatNoE=95084&clipId=4789289&autostart=true

Friday's events consisted of a "Fun-Float/Practice day" which i was unable to attend due to my girlfriend Brittany's graduation from Auburn University (congrats B!)
However, Saturday on the other hand i was able to make it out for, and it went great. The day started early, at leat for me, buy shuttling up to the put in around 9 a.m. During this time there was a mass start down river race to where the main event was to take place at "Moccosins Gap." Unable to race, do to carrying to many vessels to the freestyle comp, (see below image; k1, c1, SUP)

I was still able to make it down to the Gap in time for a few surfs in my C1 (closed cockpit canoe) before my first competition was to start. Here are a few photos Brittany took of it.

(above)You gotta love some Blunt action!

My firt competition of the day was on my Stant Up Paddle-board or SUP. The name of the comp was Freestyle through-a-rapid/ Sit on Top. Well i managed to break the trend for the first time in the festivals existance with my paddle board. Though there was still some good competion including from Southern Trails and COC owener Lonnie whom managed to pull of some nice enders and even spins, but i think it was the surfs and freestyle dismounts i pulled that brought home the 1st place award to me! Below are some shots of how it all unfolded, again taken by Brittany.

All good things come to an END!

When my kayak freestyle competion finally came around it felt like it had to be close to 100 degrees outside, but nonetheless i was pumped and ready to go! Overall i felt it went great, i was in the lead for the first AND second heats leading all the way up to the finals..... but you know how it goes; Go big or Go home! i didnt go all the way home but didd drop down to top 3rd place for the overall Mens division! Oh well still on the podium. Below are some photos taken by the Montgomery Advertiser New-Paper and some by Brittany.

(above) a few shots from my first heat (above) Jeremy Adkins

(above) Mcnasty in the top wave

(above) since the competion was "through rapid" you could take advantage of 3 features during your time limit. here is me in the "Top Hole"

(above) Big Loop by Jeremy Adkins

Hunter Katich with a paddle toss!

Accepting Awards

All together the event went great and from what i could tell without a hitch. Good friends, Good music, and Good times on the river. What else can you aks for?

-Here is a link to all the photos taken by the Montgomery Advertiser News-Paper (click the thumbnails link to see all photos)

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=DS&Dato=20100515&Kategori=COMMUNITIES010202&Lopenr=5150801&Ref=PH&Item=21

And here is a link to a video interview i did with WSFA 12 NEWs from the river with some good freestyle video footage! CHECK IT OUT!!!
http://www.wsfa.com/global/Category.asp?C=151146&clipId=&topVideoCatNo=93080&topVideoCatNoB=97608&topVideoCatNoC=153813&topVideoCatNoD=92106&topVideoCatNoE=95084&clipId=4789289&autostart=true

-til next time, hope you enjoyed it!

-charlie simmons'

Team wavesport, ophion paddles, bomber gear, skirtworks, shredready

2010-05-11T10:36:00.000-07:00

-WANTS YOU!!-
TEAM OPHION PADDLES is looking for additional Paddlers (Kayak/Canoe/SUP) to join the revolution. So if you think you can represent an International Paddlesport company Send me your Bio/Application telling me what you can do for our Team of Elite Paddlers!

http://animoto.com/play/1jZCZhTcVvzJraQ2AoS1Aw <-- Video Product Comercial

CHECK OUT http://www.ophionpaddles.com/ FOR INFO/SPECS/PRODUCTS!!

send bios/resume/application to simmoca@auburn.edu

-Charlie Simmons-

Team Ophion Paddles

Ophion Paddles Video Promo

2010-04-05T07:41:00.000-07:00

ophion <---------LINK

-Sasa put this GREAT VIDEO together, here is the link so CHECK IT OUT!!!!
-ENJOY!!!

Alabama Mountain Games/NAWF 2010

2010-03-23T09:18:00.000-07:00

Overall i had an absolute blast at The Alabama Mountain Games!;

AMG's featuring Whitewater Kayaking(Freestyle Waterfall Huckfest, Freestyle Throwdown, Slalom Racing), Mt. Biking, Climbing, and Wakeboarding!......
Location: north alabama; Locust Fork

By the end of the weekend I was able to walk away with 4th in Mens Pro K1 freestyle waterfall competition, 1st in my C1 championship slalom race (with time faster than a lot of the kayak racers) and 4th in mens C1 freestyle comp... Pretty stoked to only be 5 months out of shoulder surgery, but cant wait to be back at 100%!

Check out what all went down!!!!

Waterfall Huckfest

(above) Me competing in Mens Pro K1 Huckfest

Freestyle Throwdown

(Above) Me competing in the Mens C1 class in the freestyle Throwdown.

(above) Eric Jackson going big

(above) Bama boys Jordan Sherman and Luke Scott holding it down for the creekers!

Slalom Racing

(above) me racing the gates in my C1 championship division

(above) Luke Scott and Dane Jackson racing Mens K1 Championship

Mountain Biking

(above) Yours truly on the wall ride, bad lighting;SWEET obsticle

(above) Rob Beckman and Jeremey Smith

(Above) Rob Beckman on a HUGE Ex-Up triple crown that shit!

Wakeboarding RailJam

Nick troutman on a huge kickflip off the kicker

(above) Alex Graydon

David Luker

Jeff Mathis

Flopentog! Belly Flop!! Amazing what spectators will do for free shit!

Hope you enjoyed it!

lots more photos on my facebook page :

http://www.facebook.com/photos.php&id=545416618&s=24&hash=6fbfb6f6a1db8f5022d5244b7152595b#!/album.php?aid=2050812&id=1044090800

Big Thanks to Jeremy, Gavin, Rob, Tom, and Kieth, and everyone else whom brought all the mayhem together!!!! WE ALL APPRECIATE IT!

-charlie simmons-

Team Wavesport kayaks, Ophion Paddles, Shred Ready Helmets, Skirtworks, and Bomber Gear

Mulberry Fork (Warrior River) Canoe and Kayaka Races 2010

2010-03-23T07:56:00.000-07:00

The MFCKR 2010 was a blast, despite the 19 degree low temp for friday night, the weather for the rest of the weekend turned out to be rather pleasant, here are a few shots of what went down!
(Above)Me running the gates for my C1 Championship class.... resulted in 2nd place to one time USA paddler Trevor Soileau.

Surfs Up!!

(Above) Me running the slalom gates on my SUP or Stand Up Paddleboard. Notice the Sweet Ophion SUP Paddle!

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/video/video.php?v=109760072372002&ref=share

Click above for a link to a video of the SUP in action!

(skeeter splat)

(Above) Big Thanks to Phil Foti for letting Tony D use (or try to use) your skeeter and in turn finally letting me get my first test drive in the old girl.

(Above) more shots of yours truly in action on the course. Big Thanks to CHIP for giving me the old Dagger Zealot to cut down and race!

-Lots more photos to be seen on my facebook page, check it out here:- http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/album.php?aid=2049512&id=1044090800

Unitl Next time,

-Charlie-

Mulberry Creek Head Cam Video

2010-03-22T11:35:00.000-07:00

Zach Sanders put this together after a quick ride over to Mulberry Creek near Piney Grove Georgia..........

"Charlie Simmons and Zach Sanders on some after class kayaking at the Mulberry Creek near Piney Grove, GA ~ 1/26/2010
Length:2:09
Edited: zach sanders "

Kayak Mulberry Creek- Head Cam from charlie simmons on Vimeo.

OPHION PADDLES COMMERCIAL

2010-03-09T13:33:00.000-08:00

Check it out here!
OPHION PADDLES

Locust Fork Invitational Canoe and Kayak Races 2010

2010-02-14T18:02:00.000-08:00

The Locust Fork Invitational kicks off the Alabama Slalom series of races which consists of 3 race events culminating to make the "Alabama Cup." This year the original date scheduled was last weekend (feb 6-7) which was rescheduled due to high water (who would have thought a white water event there could be too much water?) to the weekend of Feb 13-14. And as the weekend rolls around it turns out we were predicted 1-4" of snow. Combine the two and you have a recipe for a low turn out, in both spectators and racers but we still had a HUGE low country shrimp boil friday night followed by a great time throughout the weekend.........And to top it all off my division, Mens Championchip C1, was the first division to race on Saturday and i was lucky bib #1..... needless to say it was quite brisk, but beautiful and fun nonetheless.Despite the abnormal weather conditions and the low numbers of spectators and even racers, i think its safe to say all in attendance had a great time myself included. And with a first place finish in my division im all smiles.
So to sum up my complete weekend..... i got to playboat with a good buddy at a great spot while the snow was falling, got to do a little Alabama back country snowboarding with a some decent log grinds, and compete in the first event of the "Alabama Cup" slalom races the Locust Fork Invitational 2010. And when you put it all together it = a GREAT TIME!!!!

-BIG THANKS- to Chip and Joel for letting me use the Vajda its a sweet boat!
Also to Tyler and Jessica for letting me crash in the warmth of your home
-charlie-

Kayak Little River Canyon- "Suicide Section"

2010-02-10T15:34:00.000-08:00

Kayak Little River Canyon - "Suicide Section" from charlie simmons on Vimeo.

Danny Flynt, Charlie Simmons, and Charlie Mix....

kayaking Little River Canyon- Suicide Section rapid by rapid
Filmed by: Charlie Simmons
Music: Pepper

Little River Canyon has it all big water, big moves, and more- here is a taste of what its like to go in at a lower level which offers technical concentrated lines exposing sieves and undercuts that are normally out of play

-enjoy-
Charlie

Ophion Paddles does it again..... SUP Paddle Blade

2010-02-04T08:48:00.000-08:00

So getting more into Sup-ing or Stand Up Paddle boarding I have created the need for a GREAT PADDLE. Currently in the Stand Up Paddle Boarding market the paddles have a very vast range in both price range (anywhere from $40-$500) as well as paddle uses(from flat water, to touring, to racing, to whitewater) and even with such a huge market base it still hasn't been

easy finding the right paddle for me. Being both a white water paddler, and an avid canoeist i have combined my experience and knowledge combined with Sasa Rejec owner and designer of Ophion Paddles and together we have come up with a paddle blade that i think will both meet needs of strength, use, and paddle bite; and all the while still weighing in with the lightest of them!Materials will be optional, the above shown blade is made of carbon fiber, and other possible options are fiber glass, and even kevlar and same for shaft options.

-BELOW- Photos of Me and fellow Sup paddlers Zach Sanders and Wes Littlefield testing the Ophion SUP blade-
This blade was built well for white water use, testing GREAT on slides, surfs, holes, river running and even water falls. The strength alone seems virtually "unbreakable" and being based off an already popularly demanded canoe paddle blade, its sure to make a great name for itself amongst Stand Up Paddlers world wide!
The conclusion amongst all of us is that is in fact a SUP-ER SUP paddle! If you are interested in trying one out PLEASE let me know and I will be glade to let you , as I would love more feedback!
-Video to come soon-

-Shred Ready Helmets presents... the "Gnar Bar" Review

2010-02-03T10:38:00.000-08:00

Continuing to bring you the best coverage possible, Shred Ready has come up with the Gnar Bar attachment for the Standard Full Face helmet

Shred Ready’s new Gnar Bar is constructed of High quality Carbon Fiber providing strength as well as contributing to its SUPER light weight and with an Aluminum core inside to provide the backbone this piece is sure to handle any GNAR you throw at it!

Through my experiences testing the Gnar Bar, I have taken in to consideration several things that I have personally found fault with previous protective bars available otherwise; such as Visibility, Coverage/Protection area, and last but not least Strength.
And to this great Bar I have to give it two thumbs up in every category, proving excellent when put to the test through both real paddling experiences and not so realistic (like personally taking a full force swing directly to the bar from a broom handle while wearing it!)

And as you can see from the photos the “Gnar Bar” provides full coverage from the helmet brim to the jaw line to allowing protection from any sort of full front blow to the face, and all the while only coming in at just over 1cm in width your visibility will NOT be sacrificed.

In action video and photos to come soon!

-Charlie Simmons-

Team Shred Ready Helmets

An Altered Look on Passed Times

2010-01-06T14:31:00.000-08:00

Here is a look back on some sweet shots, from a "new" perspective hope you enjoy!

-peace-
Charlie Simmons

2009-12-16T11:28:00.001-08:00

Video link update- check it

2009-11-29T06:21:00.000-08:00

Great all Around footage (below)

Go HUCK Yourself - Spring/Summer 2009 kayak update from charlie simmons on Vimeo.

Fired Up!!!- whitewater kayaking from charlie simmons on Vimeo.

Ophion Paddles presents...... The NIMBUS canoe paddle(below)

Ophion Paddles presents... Canoe photo montage from charlie simmons on Vimeo.

enjoy!

Shred Ready Wagon headed to a river near you!

2009-11-20T12:25:00.000-08:00

Tom, owner of Shred Ready, has hooked it up for the team.

check it out.

http://www.shredready.com/teamshred/?p=1281

look for it soon!

Photo dump.......

2009-11-13T10:28:00.000-08:00

So lets play catch up....me on tripple falls- (low water)
squirtin to pass time...

squirtin

going down

just chillin at keiths cabin

how about some.....

mt boardin

zach sanders

Andy on Zwicks backender

Andy Hobson on Tripple falls

gotta jet, hope you ejoyed it

-charlie simmons

Spring/Summer Video Update

2009-09-14T08:22:00.000-07:00

Video Link: http://www.vimeo.com/6542180

Here is a brief Spring/Summer 2009 Video UpateFootage from:WhiteOak FallsTripple FallsCourthouse fallsToxawayNantahala CascadesHooker Fallsand more..................... CHECK IT OUT!

http://www.vimeo.com/6542180

-charlie-

Ophion Paddles Presents- Canoe photo montage

2009-09-10T09:29:00.000-07:00

Slideshow link:http://www.vimeo.com/6518090

Heres a collection of my Canoeing photos, its been a while since ive loaded any so its a small slideshow.Ophion Paddles take me everywhere i go on whitewater including in my open and closed cockpit canoes, so make sure and check them out ophionpaddles.com !

enjoy,

http://www.vimeo.com/6518090

thanks

charlie simmons

Wavesport-Shred Ready-BomberGear-Skirtworks-Ophion

Go HUCK yourself - Waterfall tour

2009-06-04T05:03:00.001-07:00

So i just picked up a new Habitat 80 from Wave Sport, and it has handled everything ive tossed at it with extreme ease. Below are photos from my first two days in it from this last weekend.
-enjoy-

Courthouse Falls

-on the brink-Tuck 'er up!

Triple Falls - DuPont National forest

Hooker Falls Toxaway (Above) hiking up to the Goods. -And (Below) it was indeed good.(Below) Here are some shots of me paddling down zoomed out, so you can see the grand scale.(Below) Road-side Park n Huck

Lots more pictures if interested, as well as video coming soon!! so stay tuned.

-charlie simmons-

Team Wave Sport, Ophion paddles, Shred Ready helmets, Skirtworks, and Bomber Gear

Week long Birthday expo- Paddling/camping/climbing

2009-06-01T14:51:00.000-07:00

So for my birthday my girlfriend Brittany surprised me with a week off of work and the willingness to go where ever i wanted for the entire time.
We started things off on Mothers day Sunday, in the Birmingham area. First the Mulberry Fork of the Warrior river, it was a good plush level of about 7 feet, equaling good wave trains and surfs all the way down the river. With my play boat stashed at the take out (and the best surf waves on the run) Brittany and I headed down stream in the dynamic duo. Below are a couple shots from the Mulberry fork.

I love every moment spent in my project 52, it is the sweetest play machine ever.

ALL these GREAT photos were taken by my girlfriend Brittany

Surfing in the Duo, solo..... The following day we hit the counter partner of the Warrior river, The Locust Fork. Joined by good friends and good water levels are day was awesome on the locust. We started the day with Jeremy Adkins and his wife, as well as our friend Jennifer. Taking all day to float what normally doesn't even take half that, we took it very easy needless to say.

Here are some photos from the Locust fork:

(Below) Me play boating At Kings hole. (Below) Good friend and fellow Team Shred Ready member,Jeremy Adkins, shredding up too! Had to toss in the "paddle-copter" down the Standard line at Powell falls (Above) Jeremy and I running the far river left line at Powell falls.

We woke up the next morning and headed up to Sand Rock, Alabama to Cherokee Rock village. Sand Rock is a crown Jewel for rock and especially sport climbing our state.

Below are some photos from Sand Rock:

Me and B Shadow Bouldering B with the Dogs and view from campsiteAfter camping/climbing at Sand Rock we were NC bound, and started off to the Nantahala gorge. There we would meet up with several folks for a good time on the lower gorge section, as well as the goods up stream on the Nantahala Cascades, and White Oak creek falls for me! White Oak Creek Falls is a broken down, or cascading, off vertical 35ft drop consisting of SEVERAL must make moves. It begins with a nice 5ft. flair into a 3ft wide slot/slide for about 10 feet ending in a 4ft auto boof into a very small re-circulating eddy, and the entire thing is finished off with a vertical 15footer into a tiny landing pool. = all together the shit!!! Thanks to my bad ass Ophion paddle (http://www.ophionpaddles.com/) the must make strokes were effortless and the landing was soft and GOOD!
And below are some pictures of these great times.
White Oak Creek Falls photos:Nantahala Cascades-(upstream from normal run, downstream from WhiteOak creek) Me on "Horns of God" (Above) --And (Below) Sam England and I blue angeling the same rapid (Above)Me on typical Cascades slide(Above)- Me on Big Kahuna
Photos of Lower Nantahala Gorge with Brittany and friends:

Brittany and I on Nanty Falls

Check out her boof stroke over the hole! Every shot this week was taken by my girlfriend Brittany. With the exception of ones with her in them.

After two days in the Nantahala gorge we were off to the Ocoee river in Tn. I also took my whitewater raft on this trip, so i could meet up with a few more people and have a good time all together. There we met up with my brother and his girlfriend, and another buddy Zach.
Saturday May 16 2009, my birthday. We started the day off in my raft, and had a good time Guiding the rest of the group down on a slow, SAFE day on the Ocoee with my friends and family....... But as sweet as that was, Zach and i where dying to get in our play boats and head back down for a second lap on the Ocoee.....

i.e. Nothing like raft guiding (pushing rubber) makes you want to kayak sooooo bad!!!!

Here are a few shots from Hell Hole that day: All in all, i had one of the best times i have had in a long time. I know that being with friends and family that i don't normally get to experience paddling with really went a very long way for me.

Til next time

-charlie simmons-

Team Wave Sport kayaks, Shred Ready helmets, Ophion Paddles, Skirtworks, and Bomber Gear

"Fired Up!" - whitewater paddling video

2009-04-29T11:52:00.000-07:00

So i have SOOO much footage i finally put some together.
Padding footage from the last several months (dec 2008- march 2009) from all over the southeast U.S.- while primarily based in Alabama
Both creek boating and play boating

Paddled and Edited By Charlie Simmons
also featuring
Adam Goshorn
Jeremy Adkins
Danny "Hands" Flynt
Zach Sanders
Mark Travis

Music: Modest Mouse
so with out waiting anymore time...
check it here:
http://vimeo.com/4396730

-Charlie Simmons-
Team Wavesport

Crazy Weather always = Great Paddling

2009-03-03T19:04:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend of Feb 27 -march 1 we had some incredible weather. Predictions from the week prior showed BIG rain coming so we all had high hopes of paddling something sweet. The rain started falling and it was falling hard, and after making and dropping different plans(just to make the story short) i was set to leave for the Little River Canyon Saturday morning, but tornadoes on the prowl soon changed those plans too. With several tornadoes actually spotted here in Auburn, i knew the local stuff was bound to go off, little did i know how much water we actually did get. On the drive to checking some local creeks i was amazed to see roads under water, and lots of limbs and debris all around town.
I faced an odd predicament. Most of my paddling friends had already left town before the "bad" weather came through, and others were still sleeping and not answering the phone. But it was all to my advantage, i had really been wanting to run all the local stuff again with ambitions of posting new river wright ups for Lee county. I had high hopes of hucking Chewacla State park falls and the proceeding falls as well, but couldn't find anyone to go out there with me. But, with all other excuses aside this is what i did manage to pull off in the hours later in the day.

First I headed over to a smaller "drainage"of Auburn, Town/Wrights Mill Creek, seeing as how we were in the midst of flash floods. And it was out of the banks, but that's what we were hoping for. In all my runs on Town creek, I've always wanted more water, and in most cases never get the rain, or typically leave town for steeper creeks when it does. But this time my wish had come true.
Town/Wrights Mill creek starts off mellow but as soon as you reach Chewacla state park property, the creeks gradient soon starts to show. Here are some photos of me on the left line of Town creek falls "Pass or Fail." I wore a helmet camera for the run so I'll post some footage soon.
After several exciting BIG water laps on Town creek, we headed off to the Saugahatchee. There we had several options; there is always the collapsed dam or Saugahatchee falls, it gets real meaty, but sweet at high flows. And at high enough flows, 2000-3000 and up a play hole comes in directly below the CR188 bridge. Here are a couple of shots from there I took of Zach.Its a big volume shallow playhole with chance of trees floating at you due to high flood stage.... so its really not the best feature, but when your hard up you'll take it.

While we were there another local paddler Dr. Jim Miller pulled up to the bridge, and told me of a gem of a play feature down by the take out... so we were off. And what a Gem it was! Here are some of the good photos from the day.

All this time i was in shorts!!! It was awesome weather out, and somehow we were supposed to have snow the next day??!!

And we did! i woke up to several inches and i only got better throughout the morning. Being a southern boy, i don't see it to often so i opted to go play in da snow!!!! I built a nice jump on a hill and broke out the knee board after being inspired by fellow ShredReady Team members The SledHeads. I had a good time, even with the lack of real hills. Also did a little snow sledding in the project52, thanks Wavesport!

Til next time,

-charlie simmons-

Wavesport Kayaks, Shredready Helmets, Skirtworks, Ophion Paddles, Bomber Gear

Photo Dump- Random Photos

2009-03-03T18:00:00.000-08:00

So i found a memory card that i didn't even realize i had been missing, and on it were some great photos, and here some to check...

Chinquapin Creek - entrance falls, Chinquapin creek is on of the MANY steep tributaries to the marvelous Little River Canyon and drops up to 400+ feet in a mile.

Here is a picture of my Buddy Danny on Shades Creek falls in Birmingham. Shades Creek drops over 100 feet in just under 1/4 mile. We got several laps in that day, i was in my Jefe C1.

Mulberry Creek
Ten foot Falls

No Balls for the Falls

Huck Falls

Mulberry Fork- "yo mamma's butt" wave

Same

hope you've enjoyed it, and as always much more to come so keep checkin it out!

-charlie simmons-

team wavesport, shredready, ophion, skirtworks, and bombergear

Little River Canyon 2-5-2009

2009-02-16T16:01:00.000-08:00

It was a low water day on LRC, but its always a good day when I'm on the water and especially on such a crown run.

For while now we have been putting in at the falls consistently, as apposed to the standard Suicide section put in (even when the water is too low to run the falls). See what we do is simply put in on the middle ledge of the typical river left LRC falls line. It starts the day off with a blast and all smiles for us. Below is a photo of Ray Morton taken by me, i really like this one. And above is a photo of me taken by Ray.

After good times and lines at the entrance falls, we headed off down the canyon. Passing up the photo opportunities of "Are you ready", "Martha's ledge","Mammoth", and "Terminal Eddy" rapids (for what reason i don't know)but we did however stop at "Avalanche" were i snapped some good photos of Danny and Cruise. (below)

Next up was "Mushroom boof" and some boogie until "Cable Falls." Cable Falls at low water has a couple options both at the top drop and the bottom drop, but the traditional low water line is far river left and here are a couple pictures of Ray and I on that line....

The bottom drop of Cable falls at low water has and still is one of my favorite moves out there. Its a drawn out flare into a two foot wide foam pile channel that you ride out. Here is the only successful photo of the day of my taken by Cruise.

Then it was boogie on down to "Pinball falls" and its eddy hops. This has been my favorite rapid on the canyon since i first ventured in. It involves about 100 yards of class 4/5 eddy hopping or charging ,with many possibilities for lines, spilling directly into the meat of Pinball the falls dropping about 12 to 15 feet between two undercut boulders. Followed shortly by a couple ledge drops. We all had a blast charging straight into Pinball and never got out to take any photos or video......unfortunately.

So here is a picture of me running the main drop of Pinball from another day.

But we set our sight on another lap on Suicide and headed for it.

The second lap was a blast never getting out of the boat at all and finishing the lap in just under 15 minutes followed by a hike out to our ride at Pinball.

Til next time, pray for rain

-charlie simmons-

Team Wavesport, Shredready, Ophion paddles, SkirtworkS, and Bombergear

Locust Fork Invitational 2009

2009-02-11T11:37:00.000-08:00

Well the Alabama Slalom race season has begun, and it started with last weekends Locust Fork Invitational.

Three race events combined make what is called the Alabama Cup series; the Locust Fork Invitational, the Mulberry Fork Canoe and Kayak races, and another race hosted at the Locust fork, all of the Warrior river.I competed in Mens C1, Mens K1, and Boatercross. The Boatercross race is a mass start, "free for all", type race. It was a blast! Although only making fourth place, the boatercross race brought the most smiles all round to both racers and spectators.

Mens C1 category was pure fun for me this year. I didn't have anything to loose seeing as i have never competed in it before at this race series. But to my amazement i won 1st place! I look forward to further advancing in canoe categories.Mens K1 was good fun as well, and again although i only got 4th place, i was the first place plastic boat finish in the category. I was extremely exhausted when going into my kayak heats, because they were directly after my C1 heats, and each time i had plenty of energy for my C1 heat and then nothing for my k1 heat...... but thats how it goes sometimes.Anyway, im really looking forward to rest of the Alabama cup series of races, and hope to see ya out there!

-charlie-
Wavesport kayaks, ShreadReady helmets, Ophion Paddles, Bombergear, SkirtworkS

Photo Dump!!- enjoy

2009-01-25T13:04:00.000-08:00

So Ive been out boating non-stop lately and i have a lot of photos and stories to upload, but to get a huge jump start on it all. So here are a bunch photos all courtesy of my buddy Wes Brown, thanks a lot bro!

Lunch Stop wave- Mulberry fork Tallapoosa River- Andy's couldron flare Locust Fork- Ender hole Tallapoosa- boof Mulberry Fork- Lunch stop Johnnies Creek- entrance falls Mulberry Fork Traveling paddle wagon- new years campout Me!

Thanks again for all the sweet photos Wes.

-charlie-

Team WS,SR,Ophion,BomberGear,SkirtworkS

Playboating in my Project 52

2009-01-14T18:11:00.001-08:00

So with all the recent rain i have been able to get on some great creeks and rivers lately, and had a blast doing so. But all in all i have been missing a good 'ol playboating throwdown session, so over Christmas and New Years break i took to the Locust and Mulberry Forks of the Worrior river in North central Alabama.

With plenty of waves and holes to chose from we had a great time, i felt like i was returning to my roots.......... i have recently been creek boating so avidly that its been a while since i felt the rush, power, and speed of a play feature.

I want to take this opportunity thank my Sponsors, Wavesport kayaks, Ophion paddles, ShredReady Helmets, BomberGear, and SkirtworkS. They provide the best gear, with the best support so make SURE to check them out!

signing out

-charlie-

Little Uchee Creek - satans garden falls

2008-12-01T09:59:00.000-08:00

11/30/2008

Yesterday Steven,Wes, and I ventured out to Satans Garden, the falls on Little Uchee Creek. Steven has just bought his first creek boat, and having only been boating since this summer, hasn't had the opportunity to jump on ANY natural flow rivers. So given the first rain of the season coming through we went out, even if it was ELF flow.

Wes and i haven't made it out to the Uchee in quite some time, so needless to say i was a little off on the directions............But we finally made it just in time for some sundown park and huck.

I still haven't picke up my Wavesport Boats, so i was in my Jefe C1, and Steven in his Jefe kayak. Wes B took the photos, thanks bro.

anyway here they are.

And here is one of steven too.

Until nextime

-charlie

Jefe + boredom = C1 creeking

2008-11-23T18:43:00.001-08:00

11-23-2008

Zach and I went to the Tallapoosa today to run the creeklines. He kept calling it running the creek lines in alternate crafts, because he was in his Ronin and i was in my Jefe C1. It was all good. We each fired it all up and had a blast doin it. Heres a photo dump.

Tallapoosa River- creek lines in C boats too!

2008-11-20T19:46:00.001-08:00

The Tallapoosa River The Tallapoosa river, thurlow section, offers great whitewater at all levels possible! With big water releases offering up to 13,000 cfs, the Tallapoosa makes great playboating and wonderful BIG water lines all along the river and at especially at the falls. The falls alone offers up 5 standard lines, and as many more as you're willing to try.
But, as with any other dam released river, the Tallapoosa has a minimum low flow also, and only offers up anywhere from 400 to 2,000 cfs(depending on the drought.)

At the minimum flow the river has good attainments, eddy hops, but most importantly great creek boat lines at the falls. One of the few places that you can actually "practice" creekboating.

Here is a link to an OLD video i made a while back all about the "Creek Lines" in kayaks

http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhCvdz55oPg

check it out and come back.......

So, i have been kayaking the Tallapoosa "creek lines" at least a year now. And by no means has it grown boring, but its always fun to throw spice in your life....

Lately i have been both open boating and C1ing the creek lines.

Here's a photo dump, all the pictures are of me and taken by Steven Naylor, all taken over the last week......

Photo Captions- 1. Me- Dagger Rival OC1- Horseshoe ledge 2. Zach sanders- sticky hole 3. Tallapoosa Falls 12,000cfs 4. Me- The falls 7000cfs 5. Me- Dagger Rival OC1- "The Stomp"line 6. Me- Dagger Rival- "The finger" on line. 7. Going back up for more 8. Me- Blown off the finger... but it was good too. 9. Me- Dagger Response C1- Horseshoe ledge 10-11. Me- Dagger Response C1- "The Finger".

Well, that's all for now but check back for more!

-charlie simmons-

ShredReady Helmets- "because rocks hurt!"

2008-11-20T18:35:00.000-08:00

ShredReady Helmets have played a HUGE roll in kayaking for me since in the beginning. My first helmet i ever had for paddling i found floating in an eddy on the Saugahatchee Creek, while open boating one day after class. My second helmet was a Shaggy midnight blue, my girlfriend Brittany gave to me for Christmas when i first started kayaking two Christmas's' ago. I rocked that and another black shaggy for years until upgrading to my TDub. I got it when i first started teaching kayaking with and for Tom, owner of SR.

Since 1996 owner Tom Shreburne and ShredReady have been making a GREAT line of helmets, gear, and accessories. Making every helmet with the care as if it was their own ShredReady has conquered the Kayaking world and moved on into Skiing, snowboarding, kite boarding, wake boarding, and who know what is next.

Now jumping onto the Customizing wagon. Now not only get your different helmet models, colors, and material types, but make it your "own" with custom vinyl graphics and backgrounds.

With a one of kind helmet, everyone will know you on the river!

so make sure and check it out at

http://www.shredready.com/

-charlie simmons-

Team SR

The Bombsquad is comming! - BomberGear

2008-11-19T18:21:00.001-08:00

c For GREAT gear that actually keeps you DRY make sure and check out

http://www.bombergear.com/

do it now!!!
Bomber Gear's Mission:

Our Mission
"Most revolutions start small and eventually peak with an intense shift in design, construction and consciousness. Bomber Gear™ has evolved to such a pinnacle – evolution to revolution. Using technology never before seen in the paddling/outdoor adventure industry, Bomber Gear is redefining the standards of outdoor gear and apparel using innovative technology regarding fabrics, design and modes of construction. Bomber Gear’s™ newest contribution to the paddling/outdoor gene pool is Kold Fusion™, a technique so advanced we need to use the terms ‘laser’, ‘polymer matrix’ and ‘dynamic electric field’ in order to describe it. As always, our goal is to break the barriers of ‘industry standard’ and elevate utility/performance to a new, dynamic level. Each item is specifically designed for functionality and form, and each piece represents our modern, artistic flair. Bomber Gear™ is the ‘next generation animal’ in the outdoor industry. We prove ourselves as ‘survival of the fittest’ by making survival gear that fits. "

Owner Rick Franken takes a personal effort to ensure great products for ever type of amphibious athlete.

With a full line of dry gear, accessories, body layers, Bomber Gear has what you're looking for

SO CHECK IT OUT HERE:

http://www.bombergear.com/

-charlie simmons-

team bombsquad

SkirtworkS- sprayskirts and accessories

2008-11-18T18:18:00.001-08:00

SkirtworkS is great company right out of Friendsville, Md. and they have handsdown some of the best service I have ever delt with. Owners Charles and Karen put a great effort into assuring the best products they can manufacture, and have a handson effort on every product. SkirtworkS even offers custom made skirts to ensure the best fit for the right job.
SkirtworkS mission:
"Here at SkirtworkS we know the paddle sport industry is growing and changing everyday. It is our promise to build and test our products and find new solutions to be able to provide you with a higher quality product at a reasonable price. Our skirts are manufactured from the highest quality material available today. All of our seams are hand glued with pride right here at our shop in Friendsville MD."

With a full line of sprayskirts, and accessories including footwear, head gear, and even poggies, SkirtworkS has what you need, so make sure and
CHECK IT OUT HERE:
http://www.skirtworks.com/
-charlie simmons-

team skirtworks

Wavesport Kayaks - whitewater kayaks period.

2008-11-18T15:55:00.000-08:00

http://www.wavesport.com/ http://www.doubleyouess.com/

Since 1986 Wave Sport has been pushing the boundaries of paddling, revolutionizing paddling, and how we think about kayaking. Wavesport kayaks have played a huge roll in my kayaking history. My second kayak ever was a Wavesport T2, my first C1 ever was the same Wavesport t2, my first creek boat ever was a Wavesport stubby, and my first real playboat was the Wavesport project 52........

I've been super fortunate enough lately to become a member of Team Wavesport, and am FIRED UP about throwing down in the project 52 once again, and dropping serious bombs in the super sweet Wavesport Habitat creekboat.

So with being said, prepare yourselves for a Wavesport revolution! I'm gonna sweep the region, and hopefully far beyond spreading the Wavesport goodness.

Here is a letter from Bryan Kirk, team manager;........

"We've had a couple new additions around N. America for Wave Sport's Regional Team. Taylor Cavin has been killing the creeks in his native CA, Charlie Simmons is creeking, surfing, and slalom racing in Alabama, and Tyler Fox out of Ontario has been traveling all over the globe promoting WS. Let's welcome all these guys to the Team. The Project 52CX is coming along, and will be available in early '09. Keep in touch(and warm!)",Bryan Kirk

Ophion Paddles - Precision Paddles for Precision Paddlers

2008-11-17T18:58:00.000-08:00

Ophion paddles are made in small village in Slovenia. Made from the best materials, and using state of the art technique to precision manufacture some of the finest paddles made today in my opinion.

I've been fortunate enough to be on Team Ophion U.S. actually honored to be the first United Sates native ambassador, but I'm sure just the first of many to come.

The name Ophion comes from Greek mythology, Ophion ruled the water then; and Ophion paddles rule the water now!

Sasa Rejec, the owner and engineer of Ophion Paddles, worked with Aqua-planing to design car tires, and made the realization that it could be used to design paddles too.

His father, whom already was a paddle maker, inspired Sasa to follow through with his idea.

Sasa followed through with it while resting from a broken arm by mountain bike accident.

And now makes the power that is Ophion.

He strives to try and fill the gap in the lack of custom made kayak and canoe paddles. Not only should you chose a length and style, but weight and uses.

If you could completely customized your paddle wouldn't you?

so check them out here

http://www.ophionpaddles.com/

do it now and save on the christmas specials.

til next time

-charlie

Green River Narrows Race - 13th annual

2008-11-16T08:37:00.000-08:00

The Green River Narrows marks the coolest dam released creeking in the southeastern united states and maybe beyond.

Paddlers from all over test their skill and will on the river on almost a daily basis, thanks to the natural gradient and Duke energy. The Green river flows out of Lake Summit, located in Saluda North Carolina. Its a small mountain lake, with about a one hundred foot tall hydro-electric dam feeding the Green river.

Once a year around Halloween there is a race held on The Green River Narrows that challenges more skill and technique that I've ever been tested on before. Racing whats called "The Monster Mile," the race course involves about twenty rapids most ranging into class Five. There are normally about 300-500 spectators at least, (which doesn't sound like much, but when your talking about a remote river canyon it is.)

The Race calls for a demand in endurance, physical, and mental strength.

And Six 'Bama boys made it out to represent. Sam England, Andy Hobson, Danny Flynt, Luke Scott, and Snodgrass all raced in the short boat class.

And I held in down in the long boat class, using a nice teal blue Perception Corsica Matrix.

The race was AWESOME!!!!!!

I believe the most fun I have ever had competing in whitewater kayaking.

Luckily it was a safe year and no one was hurt. Amazing considering the amount of carnage and low water level.

Next year will be the 14th annual race and it should be even bigger and better!

i look forward to it every day.

All of the pictures were taken by my girlfriend Brittany Nelson, with the exeption of the one of me in the corsica on Gorilla.

-charlie

Cheoah River Race- whitewater kayak race

2008-11-16T08:22:00.000-08:00

The Cheoah river was resurected a couple of years ago for the first time since 1977.

And since then it has been a paddling zoo. With as few as 10 releases a year the Cheoah brings paddlers from all over to enjoy its rapids and scenic beauty.

This year (2008) marked the second annual Cheoah River Race.

The course last year started at the start of the reputable Bear creek section, at the bridge.

But this year, due to trampling of protected plant species the course actually started 1/4 mile upstream. Making the race course a couple miles long.

I broke out "The Bitch" and old Dagger Response i traded for, and it has proven itself very fast indeed winning 5/5 races.

Cheoah Race Results
Cheoah Race Results:
Top 10
1. 16:14 Charlie Simmons, Dagger Response
2. 16:28 Chris Gallaway, The Wave Sport Race Boat
3. 16:40 Geoff Kohl, Tornado
4. 16:46 Ben Davis, Liquid Logic Remix
5. 17:09 Matthew Wallace, Liquid Logic Jefe
6. 17:38 Chris McCoy, Dagger Nomad
7. 17:49 Cruise Quenelle, Liquid Logic Jefe
8. 18:13 Warren Stallings, Dagger Nomad
9. 18:30 Chuck Armantrout, Jackson Rocker
10. 19:28 Danny Flem and Bryan ?, Riot Magnum and Liquid Logic Jefe
Race was from the put in above the Forest service bridge to the lake. Thanks to Chuck and Worldkayak.com for putting the race on.Photos taken by: Alisha B. Thanks so much girl!

'Til next time,-charlie

"The Ronin Sessions" - freestyle kayaking

2008-11-16T08:02:00.000-08:00

http://www.vimeo.com/1960832

So I've been backed up on footage, and all the while wanted to produce a LiquidLogic Ronin 59 video. Its a great compact areal machine. The Ronin is great on waves and holes capable of combination moves, but also does wonderfully on big water river running, making it a stable all around bad ass(and so is the outfitting.)If you search online for Ronin reviews or videos, there just isn't whole lot so here it is for viewing pleasure........"The Ronin Sessions"Featuring: Zach "hardhat" Sanders, and me Charlie Simmons.

Rivers featured: Tallapoosa, Coosa, Locust Fork, Ocoee, and more.check it out here:http://www.vimeo.com/1960832peace,-charlie simmons

"A Long Time Comming"- Hucking Chewacla State Park Falls for the first time ever!!!

2008-11-16T07:40:00.000-08:00

Check out the video and more great pics at
http://www.vimeo.com/1648150
For at least a year now Andy Hobson and I have had an eye on Chewacla state park falls, and its probability of successfully running it in our kayaks. Its a 25 to 30 foot drop that lands in a very shallow pool, about 2-3 feet deep at extremely high water(shown here). That leads directly into another 25ft off vertical waterfall/slide we call "Stidham falls"(below). Together dropping 60 vertical feet in about fifty yards.The Lower falls/slide known as "Stidham Falls" has been run for a few years now but still remains one of the few class 5 drops in Lee county, not to mention one of the southern most class 5 rapids in the southeastern United States. Its a technical drop that can be nothing but fun when run correctly, however deal out a great bit of carnage to those who don't. If you look at the top of the frame of the these pictures you can see the upper falls in the background.

The pictures on the left where taken at a minimum runnable level for the lower falls, which is WAY too low for the upper falls(as shown). The pictures on the right side of the screen where taken at a high flow for the lower falls, which is the minimum flow for the upper. When Andy and I ran it on Sunday, it was higher than the photos shown here on the right.Wanting to safely run the upper falls meant waiting on the right timing. We had scouted out all possible lines of the dam, but between waiting for an ideal flow and knowing the landing was so sketchy, the factors had never aligned together resulting in a run straight out of the 26 acre Chewacla state park lake.But fortunately tropical storm Fay brought lots of water our way, and on the weekend, nonetheless.
Brittany and I met Andy at about 8:30 Sunday, August 24 2008 with intentions of going straight to Chewacla. The state park has lots of cool features, including class 5 park andhuck.... the catch, a $3 entry fee on the weekends and $2 on the weekdays and a two hundred yard walk from the truck.Upon our arrival we could hear the water from the parking lot and suddenly a great feeling came over us. We quickly suited up and hiked the 1/8 mile trail down hill to the falls. Walking straight to the upper falls, we had high hopes of a large enough flow to run it. And it was BIG.

The highest I've ever seen it. But that's what we needed to see, honestly. We ran the lower falls at the highest flow it's ever been run, I'm willing to bet. Andy fired it up first and it was amazing, flawless. With a class four plus lead in, this drop falls about 6 feet vertically before driving over a super fun auto boof/launch dropping about ten to twelve feet into a large hole. Then about a ten foot pool into the last lead out hole, also beefy(lower falls shown here with Andy standing by). We each ran it several times with all smiles.
Pumped from our good lines, we had to go take a second look at the notorious upper falls. This time thoroughly scouting out the river right line. The landing was actually more shallow, but all other aspects of the line where much more inviting than the river left one. After rigging up a sweet little boat saving system we launched Andy's boat, filled with about 15 gallons of water, off the drop for a test run. As soon as we saw how well it took the drop we both knew it was on......And so we ran the shit.

I ran it first, and Andy soon there after, and it was all goooooood.
The following photos were caught by an Auburn/Opelika news photographer, William White. He happened to be at the park on his own account, and this is what was in the newspaper. More to come he says on a CD he plans on mailing me.....For some reason i couldn't load the video straight to the blog so...

Make sure to Check out the video here: http://www.vimeo.com/1648150

Well, thats it for now but PLENTY more to come. I added it up, and that sunday alone Andy and I dropped 800ft. in our kayaks. One hell of a first day on Andy's new rock colored Magnum 80!
-charlie simmons

Finally!!!!

2008-11-15T12:02:00.000-08:00

I've finally created my "own" blog. After years of padlding, climbing, biking, hiking, and oh so much more, I've finally sat down long enough to start what will be a very frequently updated log of my adventure past and present and future. So here comes whats to be my online tales of the life of me Charlie Simmons.