Zoo Town Surfers

2011-08-22T07:32:00.001-07:00

Whitewater Kayaking and Options

I remember back to my first days kayaking. I was thinking to myself “what options do I have besides pulling my skirt and swimming if I can’t roll my kayak.” Now that is a question that we ask ourselves at all levels of whitewater kayaking.

When your first learn the sport of whitewater kayaking, your only option is to wet exit. In the end, you want to make wet exiting your last option. Swimming in the river is exhausting, dangerous, and many times, an expensive ordeal (Equipment Loss). Ahhh, don’t be so hard on yourself, its part of the sport. Well, it’s our job as instructors to give beginners more options, like the Miracle Hand, T-Rescue, or even better, learning how to roll your kayak.

Now I don’t want you to think that if you can’t roll your kayak that you can’t go have fun on the river but you definitely have more confidence and fun when you can. There is so much to learn before you even think about the roll. Good paddle technique, proper head position, and a strong hip snap are all required to perfect the roll. The biggest challenge teaching beginners is getting students comfortable in their kayaks.

The more comfortable you are in your kayak the quicker the progression. Being comfortable upside down is counter intuitive but essential in whitewater kayaking. Trust me; you’re going to be upside down a lot as a beginner. Hanging out upside down prior to learning the roll allows your friends or instructors more time to perform a T-Rescue or Miracle Hand. Staying in your kayak also allows you to progress quicker and builds confidence in yourself and your paddling partners.

We start all beginners in flat water so what are you waiting for? There is lots to learn prior to the roll so don’t let it stop you from having fun on the river. Take your time, get comfortable, and be prepared!

A quote to live by: “We are all in between swims”

2011-08-12T21:43:00.000-07:00

Nice write up from another happy guest!
Make it Missoula Review

Characteristics of a Dirt Bag Boater

2011-07-09T05:05:00.000-07:00

Are you a Dirt Bag Boater?

I don’t know. You tell me. I was wondering what I was going to write about this week and it hit me right in the head, a pine cone that is. I was killing some time at the takeout a few days ago, (because I forgot my kayak gear), and was actually relaxing. I found this old dirty towel, tucked under the van seat; a couple of wet PFD’s and some lukewarm water and made myself a riverside nest.

What is a dirt bag kayaker? Am I one? Do I know any? What characteristics define the role of a true dirt bag kayaker? Well to start, I am a dedicated kayaker who needs to paddle everyday, but I don’t know if I would consider myself a dirt bag. Some of my friends would maybe consider me a pre Madonna but I know I can hang with the dirtbags. Trust me, I have absolutely nothing against dirtbag kayakers because if I did, it would narrow my friends down to a couple.

In this state of random relaxation, after the pine cone hit me in the head, I decided to compile a checklist of the qualifications I think defines a dirtbag boater.

Drum roll please…

1) -Thrifty in every sense.

2) - Home is in the back of a Subaru or truck 8 months of the year or more

3) - Dirty, stinky, feet

4) -Works just to quit as soon as a good river trip comes along

5) -Gear is many times marginal, but still able to function on river

6) -Owns a dog that’s collar is a beat up NRS strap

7) - Relies on Snicker Bars (poor man’s power bar) to get through the day

8) -Beside the river, lives a simple life, needing very little besides the river and essential kayak gear

9) -Has no problem wearing mismatched flip flops

10 -Hamm’s, Rainer, and Olympia are top shelf beers

These are just a few of the things that come to mind. I know I’m missing lots of things so please contribute to this piece. I want to know what you think defines a dirtbag boater.

Preventing Shoulder Injuries

2011-06-16T12:41:00.000-07:00

Kayaking is a demanding sport regardless of how
hard you paddle. Whether you paddle everyday or you’re just a weekend warrior, we have to take care of our shoulders. The kayakers that are most resistant to shoulder injuries have a combination of strength, endurance, and speed. Some other factors that make kayakers less susceptible to shoulder injuries are stretching, proper technique, and warming up. Exercising and training on and off the water play an important role as well. Now I’m not saying that if you do all of the things listed above that you can’t get hurt. You could be doing everything right and still get hurt. If you could predict everything that’s going to happen in kayaking then it wouldn’t be so exciting. That’s why we do it, right?
Stretching - Before you dive into your kayak it’s essential to loosen up the body.
• Neck (half rotations)
• Wrist
• Shoulders
• Arms
• Thighs
• Hamstrings
• Torso

Proper Technique-Technique is a habit that will help you excel on the river and prevent injuries
• Suspension in arms
• Hands/paddle in front of your body
• Keeping power hand below head

Quick Tip: Problem: sore wrists, hands, and forearms. Many times this is caused by oily hands, which forces you to over grip the paddle.
Solution: Wash your hands with a little bit of sand to get sunscreen and other oils off the hands. Also look into getting a bent shaft paddle

Warming Up- This will give you a full range of motion before paddling. It also allows you to get much more comfortable in you kayak.
• 20 forward strokes slow
• 20 forward strokes fast
• 20 backstrokes
• 10 C-C strokes on the left/right sides (C-C is a turn stroke that is used to peel in and out of eddies, and turn using forward momentum).
• Edging drill-left/right sides (see picture)

Exercising- Building strength and endurance is great for paddling hard and essential to preventing injury.
• Rotator Cuff Exercises (rubber band is super handy because you can take it anywhere!)
• Dips
• Push-ups
• Plank press
• Crunches
• Jump Rope
For more questions or if you would like to learn the warm up drill email waves@zootownsurfers.com
If you are having shoulder problems, I recommend going to a physical therapist.
Missoula Bone and Joint Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine www.missoulaboneandjoint.com

2011-06-12T14:33:00.000-07:00

The Lochsa hands down is one of the best rivers in the world and I don’t know if anyone out there would disagree. It has miles and miles of class III-IV rapids,epic surf waves, sweet camping, and to make logistics easy, it’s roadside. The river and scenery are so breathtaking that I forget the road is even there. Whether your kayaking, rafting, or stand up paddle boarding, the river is legendary and the rapids speak for themselves.

The Lochsa brings people together from all over the world and camping at Wilderness Gateway is a tradition for Missoula paddlers. I am not going to write a guidebook description of this river. All I know is that this weekend, I will be attending the first annual Lose it on the Lochsa. Two local paddlers, Cheyenne Rogers and Jessica Huckins are hosting this event. I asked Cheyenne why they decided to throw the event and her answer was simple: “To have a big water festival and bring people together”. That’s exactly what the river has been doing for years. Every weekend, kayakers flock to the Lochsa for big holes, glassy surf waves, warm PBR, and campfire folklore. (Carnage stories!)

For Jess Huckins, the river is an integral part of her family life. Every weekend, during spring runoff, Jess and her family make the journey over Lolo Pass to the Lochsa River. She loves the area so much that she even got married at Wilderness Gateway. In fact, Jess chose to host the event during the same weekend as her anniversary, allowing her to celebrate with friends and family.

The event will consist of 2 downriver races, a SUP and Surf rally at Pipeline, and a live band to follow after awards. The whole race will be roadside for all of you spectators and photographers looking to get in on the action. So come on down and watch boaters race through rapids like House, Bloody Mary, Shoestring Falls, Grim Reaper, and of course, Lochsa Falls! Come support the Missoula Paddling Community.

I’m ready to race!

Self-Support Kayaking

2011-05-30T16:18:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day Self-Support Kayaking

Early last week, I got a group email about someone looking do to a self-support kayak trip. I was busy and simply ignored the email. I also did not know the person who drew the permit. Later that week, a close friend of mine sent me a text message saying he needed someone to drive to the put in for the Selway River. My response was half serious and half joke “only if I can come”. He shot me a text back within minutes informing me that I could, and should join. So I grabbed my fancy smart phone and made a call. One thing led to another and I was packing my bags.

Self-Support kayak trips are great. They bring out the minimalist in kayakers. Self support kayak trips allow you to only bring what you can fit in your boat. The extra weight is another factor that affects boat speed, responsiveness, and portaging as well. I like rafting but it sure is nice doing multi-day trips without all of the rubber, and miscellaneous gear that looks like a yard sale at put-ins and take outs. You show up at the put in, pack your boat, slip into the river, and head downstream.

This trip made me realize a few important things. One, I never do last minute, spur-of- the- moment things anymore. I feel like everything I do is planned, timed, and calculated. It felt great to step out of my comfort zone and just drop what I was doing and leave. It also made me realize how lucky I am to have the ability to do that. Two, I always paddle with the same people. There were four of us and prior to the trip, only two of us had ever met. Luckily, we meshed pretty well and paddled great together. Lastly, when the trip was over, I had no clue how I was going to get home, where we were going to camp, or what we were going to do for food and beer. I really enjoyed not having a plan. That was quickly resolved with a quick stop at Cougar Station in Lowell. Next thing you know, we were heading up Highway 12 to camp, meet up with friends, and do some laps on the Lochsa River.

If you get the opportunity to do a self support kayak trip I would highly recommend it. We have some of the best multi -day rivers in the US within a day’s drive from Missoula. Turn off your phone, call in sick, pack your bags, and get out on the river. Life is too short.

2011-05-23T18:42:00.000-07:00

I’m always down to try new stuff. I don’t think I’ll ever be content just doing one thing. Maybe I’m a bit selfish but life is too short to live the same way your whole life and not be open to new experiences. Variety is the spice of life. Yes in some ways we are all “set in our ways” and enjoy a certain rhythm or pattern in our daily lives. For instance, I stumble out of bed each morning with my eyes half shut to get my first cup of coffee. Recently, I have been Stand Up Paddle Boarding quite a bit and I’m loving it.

Don’t worry, I still love kayaking but I’m having fun stinking at a new sport at the age of 32. One of the reasons why I’m SUPing more is because many of my close kayak buddies are SUPing. Either way, it’s all about having fun. You know when you’re working hard or practicing something forever and it finally clicks? Don’t you love that feeling? It’s like, wow, now I get it. Maybe I should give myself some credit, right? Then I tell myself, “no”, get back to work, keep practicing and get better.

Brennan’s Wave and Pipeline on the Lochsa have been great for SUPing. It’s definitely not something you want to try as a beginner but if you’re an experienced river user, then it’s a great time to get out and surf some waves that are too green for kayaks. I am not encouraging anyone to go by themselves either. It’s always good to boat or SUP with a buddy. A good introduction to the sport of SUPing is to head to a local lake or pond. I recommend Frenchtown Pond or Lake Como.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding is a great “core” workout and is super fun for all ages and ability levels. Before you hit the river, definitely check in with the local shop or call Zoo Town Surfers for more information regarding river conditions, safety, and proper equipment.

See you on the water!

Get in the Know!

2011-05-17T09:44:00.000-07:00

Go with the Flow and Get in the Know

I love spring in Missoula. I know many folks here in Western Montana thought it would never come but it did. Those first few warm days make me dizzy and then I start to lose focus. Trees are budding, rivers are rising, and people are shedding layers like it’s going out of style. Speaking of focus, I am writing this blog with all of the blinds shut, doors closed, and music off. I can see the sun creeping through the cracks and the river, only a few blocks away is calling my name. My focus won’t last long sorry I better start typing faster.

I don’t even know what I’m going to write about, but I do know that this town is buzzing with happiness. For us river rats, it’s a special time of the year. I get to see most of my kayaking buddies all year round, but it’s great seeing everybody out on the local rivers. It’s also great to meet new people. I was down in the eddy at Brennan’s a few days ago and I barely knew anyone. Each spring, there is usually a fresh batch of new kayakers, eager and ready to hit the water. The eddy can be an intimidating place, especially if you’re a beginner.

Next time you’re in an eddy with a bunch of people you don’t know, introduce yourself. It really goes a long way. It made me feel much more comfortable when I first started kayaking when a seasoned veteran would introduce themselves and offer help. This season, we are going to see some high water levels and we need to be on our toes, looking out for each other. Good communication is essential for river awareness, safety, and fun.

Water is powerful and is many times underestimated by people. The river is constantly changing and sometimes is unforgiving and demanding. Please remember to be prepared this season. Get in the know before you go. Call the local outfitter, shops, or friends who are out on the water daily. Let’s all work together to make the river season a safe one.

Please don’t hesitate to call us at 546-0370 for daily river conditions.

2011-05-04T20:16:00.001-07:00

Here is a link to the weekly blog post. If you like it, please share it.
http://bit.ly/lJAFlV

Old Dawg, New Tricks

2011-04-09T12:05:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to the latest Blog Post:

http://www.makeitmissoula.com/2011/04/jason-shreder-old-dawgs-new-tricks/

2011-03-28T20:30:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to the latest blog post

http://www.makeitmissoula.com/2011/03/jason-shreder-are-you-drawn-or-driven/

The Grand Canyon

2011-03-22T09:50:00.000-07:00

The Grand Canyon is a mecca for multi-day river trips. This Jan, I got the chance to go down the "ditch" for a second time. This time though, we would be on the river for 29 days. To say the least is was an amazing trip.

The Little Colorado River

Not a bad view at all!

Redwall Cavern was one of the highlights of the trip. Our group decided to play a few games of kickball in this sandy cavern. It's a lot bigger than it looks.

I would recommend this trip for anybody. There are many options to get down the canyon.

2011-03-04T15:32:00.000-08:00

Well, I've been gone for a month. The Grand Canyon was an awesome trip! I am going to start writing on the blog again so get ready. I am getting super pumped for an awesome summer. I can't wait to see everybody.
Here is a short teaser video of our trip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8S0itFkC54

2011

2011-01-07T06:20:00.000-08:00

Well, so far the winter here in Missoula has been a good one. With more snow here in town that I have seen in years, it actually feels like winter. 2010 was a great year for Zoo Town Surfers and we expect 2011 to be even better. We are making more changes to our website, new pricing, some new activities (tandem kayaking)... and so on. I look forward to seeing everyone this spring. Keep your eyes peeled for an update on what our guides have been doing all winter!

Winter Updates Coming Soon!

2010-12-21T06:16:00.000-08:00

SUPing On A Windy Day

2010-08-27T19:51:00.001-07:00

The blue van loaded with boards

The trendsetters

Strong winds will do that to ya

Nice stroke

Cruisin' down stream

SUPing On A Windy Day

SUPing

2010-08-25T07:46:00.001-07:00

River Trip with the Salty Dawgs

2010-08-19T21:29:00.000-07:00

2010-08-06T14:17:00.000-07:00

Summer in July with the Zoo Town Surfers

2010-07-25T09:41:00.001-07:00

Scott enjoying some time with his family

More fun times

Arrrghhhh!!

Dick decided to come out and safety kayak for a day. What did he get? Just a ZTS trucker hat. What a shame!

Safety talk with Awesome Jack

Youth Kayak Club

Sometimes you get a little wet

ZTS youth kayak club posing for a serious photo

Team Gutherie! Best group ever

ZTS Mascot Lucia enjoying one of her favorite activities

Flagship Program at Frenchtown Pond

Who's that guy in the front with a mohawk?

Gutherie group doing some floating

Awesome Jack working the retail shop!

Put in at CYR for the Alberton Gorge

Erin on her first run down the upper Gorge.

Look closely, it's a moose just below Triple Bridges

Juan and Lynn

Yikes! Close up of Sander, one of our top-notch ZTS guides

Enjoying a fresh, riverside lunch

Tarkio Gorge

Looking downstream of the Tarkio Gorge

Sun in your face!

I will let everyone guess who this is???

2010 Freestyle Kayak Team Trials - Missoula, Montana | Canoe & Kayak Magazine

2010-07-09T22:14:00.000-07:00

2010 Freestyle Kayak Team Trials - Missoula, Montana Canoe & Kayak Magazine
Great video!

Joanne, ZTS Fan

2010-06-28T12:14:00.000-07:00

It's going to be a great season!

Mike "The Photo Guy"

2010-06-28T11:47:00.000-07:00

Mike, describes in long detail, his experiences with Zoo Town Surfers

Lead Guide Will Confesses about ZTS

2010-06-28T07:38:00.000-07:00

Great Article on Quinton, former ZTS youth kayaker!

2010-06-24T10:33:00.000-07:00

Nice Job Quinton!

Rainy and Wet June=Super FUN!

2010-06-15T09:01:00.001-07:00

Pool Classes at Splash Montana. Those clouds describe the weather so far this summer!

Looking down at Comp Hole Wave and Dream Wave from Triple Bridges. The level was around 21000 CFS St. Regis Gauge

ZTS Clark Fork River Market setup. Come down and say wassup on Saturday's from 8-1

Best sauce in the world!

More treats from the market. Now don't those look good. These treats are from Induldge Bakery

More treats

Kootenai Creek with some water. Laying down that edge.

ZTS owner Shreder gettin' some action

And more!

KB from Strongwater Paddlesports killin' it at the Ledge, on the Blackfoot River

Shreder, finally getting a good surf in at the Ledge

Beginning of June

2010-06-07T07:52:00.000-07:00

Well, despite a rainy, cold, and cloudy June, people are still motivated to get outside. We need all of the water we can get so it has been nice. The grass at the Springs is green, my dogs sleep in everyday until 10am and I have been kayaking every day. Life is good!

The Neskey Family at the put-in at Cyr.

Bruce from LA about to put on the Blackfoot River for the first time.

The Rue family!

Travis, one of our guides is all smiles despite the weather!

12th Annual Best in the West

2010-05-19T13:22:00.000-07:00

12th Annual Best in the West Freestyle Kayak Competition hosted by Zoo Town Surfers

Strategic Planning

Big Luke

Karl accepting his award

Jon Meyers, "best judge in the west and former champion"

KB, all smiles

Erin Clancey from Moscow and Team NRS

Brain Jameson, World Class Kayak Academy ripper

WCKA in da house

Jud Kaiser and the event organizer "shreder"

Our youngest paddler, Ashley (10 years old!)

Elements Tour in the House

Junior Paddler Emery at the award ceremony

Devon Barker, this years Womens Champion with the legendary belt buckle

KB, our Mens Champion with his new belt buckle. KB deserves the title this year after losing some dog fights to this years judge, Jon Meyers

Award Ceremony, "Gunz"

Local paddling hero and good friend to all, Cheyenne Rogers

Quinton, a local paddler who has been stepping it up the past few years. This kid used to be in the Zoo Town Surfers Youth Kayak club. Look out for Quinton at the next rodeo.

Devon shreddin' it up

Doug, local paddler and volunteer for the event. What a guy

Shreder, eating a pen

Quinton, killin' it on the wave

Zoo Town Surfers has been hosting Best in the West Freestyle Kayak Competition now for 2 years after Seth Warren let us take the event over. This was the 12th annual and boy was it a good one. With competitors from all over the region, the competition took place right here in downtown Missoula at the legendary Brennan's Wave. There was also a sustainability fair going on in Caras Park, which is right next to the wave and the Elements Tour was their as well http://www.naturepropelled.com/.

A Big thanks to our Sponsors:

Big Sky Brewery
Taco Del Sol
Charlie B's
Strongwater Paddle Shop
Pipestone Moutaineering
Backcountry Racks
Keen
Kavu
Mountain Khakis
Immersion Research
Astral
Smith
WRSI

Also, a big thanks to all of our volunteers for making this event really go off this year!
All photos courtesy of Sander Tollefson

Swiftwater Rescue Class

2010-05-11T07:03:00.000-07:00

Pulling on a Z-drag to get a pinned boat out of the water

Some talk about safety before we pull the boat out of the water

Doing an extreme river crossing in Class VI water

Brian aka "Da Coach" in action

Entrapment Scenario

Learning some knots
This past weekend, Zoo Town Surfers did some guide training with the Whitewater Rescue Institue. A big thanks goes out to Cody for putting on a great class. ALL Zoo Town Surfer guides are Swiftwater Rescue Technicians.

Corey's Dory

2010-02-28T11:08:00.001-08:00

Nice job Corey on completing his dory, which he has named IRIE. These pix are moments before the IRIE takes her maiden float.

Montana Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

2010-02-20T08:09:00.000-08:00

Zoo Town Surfers will be offering Stand-Up Paddleboarding this summer. This sport was introduced to me by KB and Luke from the local shop Strongwater. Many people don't realize how much fun this sport is 1000 miles away from the ocean.

2010-02-15T21:40:00.000-08:00

Zoo Town Surfers is gearing up for the 2010 SEASON!

2008-04-15T09:11:00.000-07:00

2008-04-15T09:09:00.000-07:00

The 2008 kayak and rafting season is about to begin. We are doing roll sessions at the YMCA right now on sundays at 7:30 Pm. The cost is $10.00 and it includes instruction and equipment.

2007-11-14T19:36:00.000-08:00

2007-11-14T19:04:00.001-08:00

More to come soon!