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Welcome to VIVA VOCE!
 - A collection of river theory, tales and river magic. Modeled after a confluence: this is a gathering of information from sources and tributaries, all coming together here at the confluence—Viva Voce.THE SOURCE: Whether it is kayak theory, first descents or first-hand experiences, here you will find a collection of articles straight from the source-- the ERA staff. . THE TRIBUTARIES: Great adventures, paddling tales and river magic--all stories written by ERA Friends and fellow paddlers who share our passion for boating.  The Articles |
Guest Articles
TRAVELERS by Ken S
03-13-2008
share with us the mystical writing of our friend Ken Strickland.
THE SECRET MUSIC OF THE LADY
01-05-2008
by Ken Strickland
A special tribute to the ladies.Never Say Never: My First Ocoee Trip
10-19-2007
In the summer of 2005, I didn’t know what state the Ocoee was in; I probably didn’t even know how to pronounce it! But I did make this pronouncement: “I will NEVER paddle a river like the Ocoee. That is NOT the kind of whitewater I want to paddle.” Don’t you hate it when you say things like that out loud?
Bridging the Generations: A Womens Roundtable
09-18-2007
Bridging the Generations: A Roundtable Discussion About Kayaking and Women with Whitney Lonsdale, Beth Rypins, Maria Noakes and Juliet Jacobsen Kastorff.
Tubing Through Life by K. Strickland
09-18-2007
A Brillant Reflection by Ken Strickland; a good friend, great boater, and twisted-but-brillant author!
May 2008
Mar 2008
Jul 2007
Jun 2007
Mar 2007
Sep 2006
Aug 2006
Jun 2006
Sep 2005
Jun 2005
Nov 2004
Apr 2004
Oct 2002
Jul 2001
Staff Articles
Ode to Attila, Reflections from Kastorff
05-09-2008
Reflections from Ken Kastorff
“Ode to Attila” was written by two ladies, Bonnie and Ann, who came to me and asked me to teach them to be how to kayak around 1990. The two came in one day, sought me out and said, “We want you to teach us because we heard you were a good instructor but more important, you never let folks say no or get away with anything on the water.”
Tips for the Traveling Paddler
03-13-2008
by Juliet
Having worked as a kayak guide in multiple countries over the years, I have definitely been a part of “experiential education” in paddling in foreign countries-- both first-hand and second hand. I have learned over the years that there is a common-sense checklist that is good to follow. I have by no means come up with a complete list, but merely one that might help make sure your trip does not end up a bad story written up in American Whitewater.
Kidsboats by Juliet
07-05-2007
Kid's boats: they were not invented a year ago. In fact, there have been boats designed specifically for kids/smaller people for a long time. And at the time each of the boats came out, it was always state of the art. Following is a short (and certainly not complete) summary of the history of kids whitewater boats.
Basic Technique for Shoulders by Ken Kastorff
07-05-2007
If you are planning to learn how to kayak or are already an experienced paddler, the most important issue you need to be aware of is safety; safety not only on the water but also using safe basic techniques in all of your strokes and river maneuvers. Good technique can make the difference between a great day on the river or a trip to the emergency room.
On Power Ferries and Using Water: the Case of Biff Downdagutt - by Brian Synder
06-21-2007
No one can argue that Biff Downdagutt is a stud. Among his friends none have taken more beatings, spent more time upside down in heinous rapids, and still rolled the boat when it counted. Yet a recent crash has left Biff with a pile of medical bills and a sliver of doubt....
Yoga made Me Soft by Brian Snyder
06-04-2007
Hard Men don\'t do yoga.
Reflections by Craig Parks
03-23-2007
Craig Parks joined the ERA team in 1997. He learned to roll from Ken at the age of ten. Fast forward to a number of years later and Craig was paddling at the Falls one day. A a few minutes of watching him, Ken knew immediately he would be the next outstanding ERA instructor. Craig has lived up to and surpassed that challenge in his roll as instructor/guide/boater.
Stroke Concepts: What Have We Done to the Sweep in the Past 20 Years?
09-14-2006
By Endless River Adventures Staff
There seems to be a train of thought out there that the sweep has been taught wrong "for the past twenty years." What do we think about that? Well, of our group, only Ken has been teaching for all those 20 years, so that got us out of trouble for the full 20! But that did not stop us from sitting down and analyzing this statement relative to what we teach. When we finished knocking the concept around we found out a couple things: 1. We were all in agreement that we have not been teaching it wrong; and 2. Over the years, we have all come into contact with paddlers who had been taught the full sweep wrong – and we in turn had to untangle their technique. Here are some of our thoughts about the Sweep:
The Centerline Hand Rule by Craig Parks
08-16-2006
Imagine yourself a tightrope walker, balanced on a tightrope above a canyon. What keeps you balanced is keeping your weight centered and keeping your hands keyed off the centerline (the tightrope). Now put yourself in a kayak and your "balance beam" is your paddle, your weight centers over the boat and your hands key off of that centerline. This is the centerline hand rule.
The Key to Retentive Surfing
08-14-2006
by Craig Parks
Short new boats have opened up so many more opportunities to have fun in all types of holes and waves. Yearning for keys to getting more out of your playboating? Here are a few pointers to get you started.
