River Notes Archive

• Shop at the Sierra South River Store! • Check which New Kayaks are on Sale! • Browse New & Used Kayaks, Rafts & Gear! • Kayak Comparison Chart • 2008 Raft Guide School Info • 2008 Class Info • 2008 Event Calendar • Kern Festival 2008 Photos & Results • "Around the Kern" Resource Guide • Employment Information • News from the Past...

Updated 4/23/08 o This summer, when you watch the 2008 Beijing Olympics Canoe/Kayak coverage on NBC, you may very well recognize a member of the broadcast team -- 1992 Olympic Gold Medalist Joe Jacobi. Joe is the co-founder of Gold Medal Connections, which just completed its 11th annual Gold Medal Kayaking Camp on the Kern River. For more on the Beijing Olympics and Joe's "thoughts, ideas, and life lessons from the outdoors" check out his blog Gold Medal Living. Also see Joe's WRCB TV Olympic Zone Profile of Eric Jackson o From farmers to fishermen, from the feds to the Yurok nation, all sides spent the past two years hammering out a deal that hinges on the destruction of four hydroelectric dams along the Klamath River. If those four dams come down, it would be the largest dam removal in U.S. history. More. o The Roadless Areas Conservation Rule is an administrative rule adopted by the U.S. Forest Service in January 2001 to protect the last remaining wildlands in our national forest system. It places about one-third of the national forest system's total acreage off-limits to virtually all road building and logging. (More than half of our national forest land is already open to such activity.) This protection is the only way to spare roadless areas from the severe damage that roads and intense development like clearcut logging have done to other parts of our national forests. More. o You can always tell a canoeist or kayaker from Ohio, that’s because they have been required to register their craft, pay a fee, and place big numbers on the side of their boats ever since the Ohio legislature figured out a way to “cheat” on their federal taxes and get more money from the federal government. The Ohio legislature figured that if they required all canoes, kayaks, and rafts to be registered along with motorboats as recreational watercraft, then they would be eligible for more Wallop-Breaux and other federal transportation funding. More. o One of the most hotly debated topics on Earth is the issue of climate change, and the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) data centers are central to answering some of the most pressing global change questions that remain unresolved. The National Climatic Data Center contains the instrumental records that can precisely define the nature of climatic fluctuations at time scales of a up to a century. Among the diverse kinds of data platforms whose data contribute to NCDC's armamentarium are: Ships, buoys, weather stations, balloons, satellites, and aircraft. More. o California is blessed with some of the most beautiful and diverse rivers in the world. From the steep creeks of the high Sierra to the broad and powerful rivers of the Central Valley, each river tells a personal story and provides a unique experience to the visitor. More. Splashes: Rolling - AW Safety Code - River Quotes - Foamies - Water Art

River Notes for Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Important information about River Notes.

Make your plans now! The 23rd annual Sierra South Sizzlin' Summer Sale is August 16-17. We'll have more than 150 new and used boats on sale, including kayaks from Jackson, Liquidlogic, Wave Sport, Pyranha, and Wilderness Systems; and inflatable kayaks and rafts from Hyside. Nearly all in-stock boats, paddling apparel and gear, and store merchandise will be priced at 10%-70% off. Don't miss out -- take advantage of our low Sale prices -- you'll be paddling in Sizzlin' style!

Describing the numerous on-river and off-river recreation options, the July/August 2008 issue of Paddler Magazine has selected Kernville as one of the 'Best Paddling Towns' in the U.S. The article rated Kernville a 5-star weekend destination and a 5-star 'Near Home' vacation destination.

Evan Moore 12, son of co-owner Tom Moore is spending 4 weeks paddling the Ottawa River in Canada. He's enrolled in the famed "Keeners" program for teen kayakers wanting to learn how to playboat from some of the best playboaters in North America. "The Ottawa is a playboater's paradise and Wilderness Tours does a superb job in running this program." said Tom Moore. "With the great line of kids boats from Jackson Kayaks, it allows kids to grow up with kayaking and have kayaking become a mainstream sport just like basketball or soccer. If you fit them properly and give them the right kind of training and instruction, they will flourish... and you will enjoy a lifetime of paddling together... even if they are better than you are at 12!" Instructors include Eric Jackson, Joel Kowalski, Clay Wright, Nick Troutman, Pikey Bucksey Tiffany Manchester, and many more. Check out our line of kids boats such as the Jackson Fun 1, Fun 1.5, 2 Fun, Shooting Star, Star, and Sidekick. We also carrying kid's paddling gear. Join our Kid's Kayaking Club every Wednesday afternoon for 3 hours or take a Youth 101 Class. Don't miss out.

Our world-famous Lickety-Split and Lickety-Blaster raft trips are far and away the two most popular and most affordable Class 2-3 whitewater rafting runs available on the Kern River. Both are full of enough excitement to challenge just about everyone from young tikes to grandmas and grandpas. Looking for more adrenalin? Try our new Upper Kern and Forks trips. Download our 2008 Rafting & Kayaking Adventures brochure (1.9Mb PDF) for more information!

Learn to kayak! Our proven teaching method takes you through a gradual progression that maximizes the fun. We've designed our beginning class for those who have never river kayaked before, or who have played around with kayaking some, but have not had formal instruction in the fundamentals of river kayaking. We also offer a 5-day total immersion learn-to-kayak class. Our Kayaking School page has all the details on these, and other whitewater and lake touring kayak classes!

Check out all the new 2008 boats in the New Boat Barn: 2008 Jackson Hero, Super Hero, Star, Fun & Super Fun; Dagger Agent 6.0 & Agent 6.4; Wavesport Diesel 65 & Diesel 75; Liquid Logic Jefe, Jefe Chico, Jefe Grande, Remix 47 Kids, Remix 59, Remix 69, & Remix 79; Pyranha Rev M, Ammo M, Burn M, & Burn L. Please call 800-376-7303 for the latest update.

Paddlers on the Forks this season have reported that the rapid Vortex has changed. It looks like the big boulder on the right bracketing the drop into the infamous Vortex hole has shifted, and the Slide Rock has tipped up and to the river right. The Slide Rock used to create a ramp that could be used to skirt around the Vortex hole. Here's a panorama of the new Vortex rapid taken by Paul Spencer (KRT), and a photo of Vortex from 1997 by Gary Valle, with a kayaker on the Slide Rock.

As forecast by the California-Nevada River Forecast Center, the average 24 hour inflow to Lake Isabella peaked on Tuesday, May 20, at 3553 cfs. According to revised COE data the Kern River at Kernville peaked at 1:00 p.m. on May 20 with an average hourly flow of 4078 cfs.

Sierra South has been running raft trips, and teaching kayaking classes on the Kern River since 1985. The 2008 season will mark our 23rd year on the Kern River!

We are always looking for staff members who are energetic, self-motivated, enjoy the out-of-doors, team players and above all else, willing to provide exceptional guest services. Employment opportunities typically include river guides, kayak instructors, seasonal office staff, reservationists, food service manager, retail sales associates, bus drivers and photographers. Please see our Employment Information page for more information.

We talk a lot about the "Kern River basin" in Rivernotes. During the Winter, we frequently refer to the Upper Tyndall Creek, Pascoes, and Wet Meadows snow sensors. During the paddling season, it might be Limestone, The Forks, Kern Falls, or Kernville. Here's a satellite overview of the 1000 square mile N.F. Kern drainage area with a few of the features labeled. If you look near the bottom of the photo, you'll see Lake Isabella. We're located just north of the lake!

Here is a snapshot of today's flow and reservoir data, based on reports from the Corps of Engineers (COE) and Southern California Edison (SCE). Click on "Current" to get the latest COE info. For SCE flow information, call the flow phone at 877-537-6356 or 760-376-8821. According to SCE, the flow phone values reported for Above & Below Fairview, and Below Democrat Dam are updated every 5-10 seconds. All other flow phone data is manually updated twice a day (7am & 2pm) when an operator is on duty. (Note: The SCE Flow Phone is currently out of order, and it is not known when service will be restored.)

More information concerning flow and weather can be found on our LINKS page.

River Notes for Thursday, July 24, 2008

Important information about River Notes.

Make your plans now! The 23rd annual Sierra South Sizzlin' Summer Sale is August 16-17. We'll have more than 150 new and used boats on sale, including kayaks from Jackson, Liquidlogic, Wave Sport, Pyranha, and Wilderness Systems; and inflatable kayaks and rafts from Hyside. Nearly all in-stock boats, paddling apparel and gear, and store merchandise will be priced at 10%-70% off. Don't miss out -- take advantage of our low Sale prices -- you'll be paddling in Sizzlin' style!

Describing the numerous on-river and off-river recreation options, the July/August 2008 issue of Paddler Magazine has selected Kernville as one of the 'Best Paddling Towns' in the U.S. The article rated Kernville a 5-star weekend destination and a 5-star 'Near Home' vacation destination.

Evan Moore 12, son of co-owner Tom Moore is spending 4 weeks paddling the Ottawa River in Canada. He's enrolled in the famed "Keeners" program for teen kayakers wanting to learn how to playboat from some of the best playboaters in North America. "The Ottawa is a playboater's paradise and Wilderness Tours does a superb job in running this program." said Tom Moore. "With the great line of kids boats from Jackson Kayaks, it allows kids to grow up with kayaking and have kayaking become a mainstream sport just like basketball or soccer. If you fit them properly and give them the right kind of training and instruction, they will flourish... and you will enjoy a lifetime of paddling together... even if they are better than you are at 12!" Instructors include Eric Jackson, Joel Kowalski, Clay Wright, Nick Troutman, Pikey Bucksey Tiffany Manchester, and many more. Check out our line of kids boats such as the Jackson Fun 1, Fun 1.5, 2 Fun, Shooting Star, Star, and Sidekick. We also carrying kid's paddling gear. Join our Kid's Kayaking Club every Wednesday afternoon for 3 hours or take a Youth 101 Class. Don't miss out.

Our world-famous Lickety-Split and Lickety-Blaster raft trips are far and away the two most popular and most affordable Class 2-3 whitewater rafting runs available on the Kern River. Both are full of enough excitement to challenge just about everyone from young tikes to grandmas and grandpas. Looking for more adrenalin? Try our new Upper Kern and Forks trips. Download our 2008 Rafting & Kayaking Adventures brochure (1.9Mb PDF) for more information!

Learn to kayak! Our proven teaching method takes you through a gradual progression that maximizes the fun. We've designed our beginning class for those who have never river kayaked before, or who have played around with kayaking some, but have not had formal instruction in the fundamentals of river kayaking. We also offer a 5-day total immersion learn-to-kayak class. Our Kayaking School page has all the details on these, and other whitewater and lake touring kayak classes!

Check out all the new 2008 boats in the New Boat Barn: 2008 Jackson Hero, Super Hero, Star, Fun & Super Fun; Dagger Agent 6.0 & Agent 6.4; Wavesport Diesel 65 & Diesel 75; Liquid Logic Jefe, Jefe Chico, Jefe Grande, Remix 47 Kids, Remix 59, Remix 69, & Remix 79; Pyranha Rev M, Ammo M, Burn M, & Burn L. Please call 800-376-7303 for the latest update.

Paddlers on the Forks this season have reported that the rapid Vortex has changed. It looks like the big boulder on the right bracketing the drop into the infamous Vortex hole has shifted, and the Slide Rock has tipped up and to the river right. The Slide Rock used to create a ramp that could be used to skirt around the Vortex hole. Here's a panorama of the new Vortex rapid taken by Paul Spencer (KRT), and a photo of Vortex from 1997 by Gary Valle, with a kayaker on the Slide Rock.

As forecast by the California-Nevada River Forecast Center, the average 24 hour inflow to Lake Isabella peaked on Tuesday, May 20, at 3553 cfs. According to revised COE data the Kern River at Kernville peaked at 1:00 p.m. on May 20 with an average hourly flow of 4078 cfs.

Sierra South has been running raft trips, and teaching kayaking classes on the Kern River since 1985. The 2008 season will mark our 23rd year on the Kern River!

We are always looking for staff members who are energetic, self-motivated, enjoy the out-of-doors, team players and above all else, willing to provide exceptional guest services. Employment opportunities typically include river guides, kayak instructors, seasonal office staff, reservationists, food service manager, retail sales associates, bus drivers and photographers. Please see our Employment Information page for more information.

We talk a lot about the "Kern River basin" in Rivernotes. During the Winter, we frequently refer to the Upper Tyndall Creek, Pascoes, and Wet Meadows snow sensors. During the paddling season, it might be Limestone, The Forks, Kern Falls, or Kernville. Here's a satellite overview of the 1000 square mile N.F. Kern drainage area with a few of the features labeled. If you look near the bottom of the photo, you'll see Lake Isabella. We're located just north of the lake!

Here is a snapshot of today's flow and reservoir data, based on reports from the Corps of Engineers (COE) and Southern California Edison (SCE). Click on "Current" to get the latest COE info. For SCE flow information, call the flow phone at 877-537-6356 or 760-376-8821. According to SCE, the flow phone values reported for Above & Below Fairview, and Below Democrat Dam are updated every 5-10 seconds. All other flow phone data is manually updated twice a day (7am & 2pm) when an operator is on duty. (Note: The SCE Flow Phone is currently out of order, and it is not known when service will be restored.)

More information concerning flow and weather can be found on our LINKS page.

River Notes for Monday, July 14, 2008

Important information about River Notes.

The Fifth Annual Lower Kern River Cleanup is this Saturday, July 19th. Meet at the Miracle Hot Springs lower parking lot at 8:30 a.m. We'll be taking out at Democrat or Delonega Bridge, depending on the time. There will be T-shirts for all volunteers, and a BBQ Dinner after the cleanup at Miracle. Prizes and awards (donated by local businesses and persons) will be given out at the dinner. Bring your own boat and/or bring boating clothing to join in on a raft. Since many rafts are personally-owned boats, you should bring your own PFD and helmet. Some will be provided, but not enough for everyone. For those who do not want to go on the water, buses will be provided for traveling down the river. Bring gloves for the cleanup and chairs for the dinner. Sponsored by Kern Valley River Council. For more information contact Brian Cosgrove at 760-549-3760, or blasttmann at aol.com.

Make your plans now! The 23rd annual Sierra South Sizzlin' Summer Sale is August 16-17. We'll have more than 180 new and used boats on sale, including kayaks from Jackson, Liquidlogic, Wave Sport, Pyranha, and Wilderness Systems; and inflatable kayaks and rafts from Hyside. Nearly all in-stock boats, paddling apparel and gear, and store merchandise will be priced at 10%-70% off. Don't miss out -- take advantage of our low Sale prices -- you'll be paddling in Sizzlin' style!

Describing the numerous on-river and off-river recreation options, the July/August 2008 issue of Paddler Magazine has selected Kernville as one of the 'Best Paddling Towns' in the U.S. The article rated Kernville a 5-star weekend destination and a 5-star 'Near Home' vacation destination.

Evan Moore 12, son of co-owner Tom Moore is spending 4 weeks paddling the Ottawa River in Canada. He's enrolled in the famed "Keeners" program for teen kayakers wanting to learn how to playboat from some of the best playboaters in North America. "The Ottawa is a playboater's paradise and Wilderness Tours does a superb job in running this program." said Tom Moore. "With the great line of kids boats from Jackson Kayaks, it allows kids to grow up with kayaking and have kayaking become a mainstream sport just like basketball or soccer. If you fit them properly and give them the right kind of training and instruction, they will flourish... and you will enjoy a lifetime of paddling together... even if they are better than you are at 12!" Instructors include Eric Jackson, Joel Kowalski, Clay Wright, Nick Troutman, Pikey Bucksey Tiffany Manchester, and many more. Check out our line of kids boats such as the Jackson Fun 1, Fun 1.5, 2 Fun, Shooting Star, Star, and Sidekick. We also carrying kid's paddling gear. Join our Kid's Kayaking Club every Wednesday afternoon for 3 hours or take a Youth 101 Class. Don't miss out.

Our world-famous Lickety-Split and Lickety-Blaster raft trips are far and away the two most popular and most affordable Class 2-3 whitewater rafting runs available on the Kern River. Both are full of enough excitement to challenge just about everyone from young tikes to grandmas and grandpas. Looking for more adrenalin? Try our new Upper Kern and Forks trips. Download our 2008 Rafting & Kayaking Adventures brochure (1.9Mb PDF) for more information!

Learn to kayak! Our proven teaching method takes you through a gradual progression that maximizes the fun. We've designed our beginning class for those who have never river kayaked before, or who have played around with kayaking some, but have not had formal instruction in the fundamentals of river kayaking. We also offer a 5-day total immersion learn-to-kayak class. Our Kayaking School page has all the details on these, and other whitewater and lake touring kayak classes!

Check out all the new 2008 boats in the New Boat Barn: 2008 Jackson Hero, Super Hero, Star, Fun & Super Fun; Dagger Agent 6.0 & Agent 6.4; Wavesport Diesel 65 & Diesel 75; Liquid Logic Jefe, Jefe Chico, Jefe Grande, Remix 47 Kids, Remix 59, Remix 69, & Remix 79; Pyranha Rev M, Ammo M, Burn M, & Burn L. Please call 800-376-7303 for the latest update.

Paddlers on the Forks this season have reported that the rapid Vortex has changed. It looks like the big boulder on the right bracketing the drop into the infamous Vortex hole has shifted, and the Slide Rock has tipped up and to the river right. The Slide Rock used to create a ramp that could be used to skirt around the Vortex hole. Here's a panorama of the new Vortex rapid taken by Paul Spencer (KRT), and a photo of Vortex from 1997 by Gary Valle, with a kayaker on the Slide Rock.

As forecast by the California-Nevada River Forecast Center, the average 24 hour inflow to Lake Isabella peaked on Tuesday, May 20, at 3553 cfs. According to revised COE data the Kern River at Kernville peaked at 1:00 p.m. on May 20 with an average hourly flow of 4078 cfs.

Sierra South has been running raft trips, and teaching kayaking classes on the Kern River since 1985. The 2008 season will mark our 23rd year on the Kern River!

We are always looking for staff members who are energetic, self-motivated, enjoy the out-of-doors, team players and above all else, willing to provide exceptional guest services. Employment opportunities typically include river guides, kayak instructors, seasonal office staff, reservationists, food service manager, retail sales associates, bus drivers and photographers. Please see our Employment Information page for more information.

We talk a lot about the "Kern River basin" in Rivernotes. During the Winter, we frequently refer to the Upper Tyndall Creek, Pascoes, and Wet Meadows snow sensors. During the paddling season, it might be Limestone, The Forks, Kern Falls, or Kernville. Here's a satellite overview of the 1000 square mile N.F. Kern drainage area with a few of the features labeled. If you look near the bottom of the photo, you'll see Lake Isabella. We're located just north of the lake!

Here is a snapshot of today's flow and reservoir data, based on reports from the Corps of Engineers (COE) and Southern California Edison (SCE). Click on "Current" to get the latest COE info. For SCE flow information, call the flow phone at 877-537-6356 or 760-376-8821. According to SCE, the flow phone values reported for Above & Below Fairview, and Below Democrat Dam are updated every 5-10 seconds. All other flow phone data is manually updated twice a day (7am & 2pm) when an operator is on duty. (Note: The SCE Flow Phone is currently out of order, and it is not known when service will be restored.)

More information concerning flow and weather can be found on our LINKS page.

River Notes for Thursday, July 3, 2008

Important information about River Notes.

One of the Upper Kern's most exciting and scenic sections is the Limestone Run. A favorite of rafters and kayakers alike, the run winds its way through pines and dramatic rock outcrops and down big rapids such as Limestone and Joe's Diner. It's great ride in a spectacular area! Use our interactive Raft Trip Reservation Form to compare the details of the rafting trips we offer and make your reservation on-line now!

Evan Moore 12, son of co-owner Tom Moore is spending 4 weeks paddling the Ottawa River in Canada. He's enrolled in the famed "Keeners" program for teen kayakers wanting to learn how to playboat from some of the best playboaters in North America. "The Ottawa is a playboater's paradise and Wilderness Tours does a superb job in running this program." said Tom Moore. "With the great line of kids boats from Jackson Kayaks, it allows kids to grow up with kayaking and have kayaking become a mainstream sport just like basketball or soccer. If you fit them properly and give them the right kind of training and instruction, they will flourish... and you will enjoy a lifetime of paddling together... even if they are better than you are at 12!" Instructors include Eric Jackson, Joel Kowalski, Clay Wright, Nick Troutman, Pikey Bucksey Tiffany Manchester, and many more. Check out our line of kids boats such as the Jackson Fun 1, Fun 1.5, 2 Fun, Shooting Star, Star, and Sidekick. We also carrying kid's paddling gear. Join our Kid's Kayaking Club every Wednesday afternoon for 3 hours or take a Youth 101 Class. Don't miss out.

Our world-famous Lickety-Split and Lickety-Blaster raft trips are far and away the two most popular and most affordable Class 2-3 whitewater rafting runs available on the Kern River. Both are full of enough excitement to challenge just about everyone from young tikes to grandmas and grandpas. Looking for more adrenalin? Try our new Upper Kern and Forks trips. Download our 2008 Rafting & Kayaking Adventures brochure (1.9Mb PDF) for more information!

Learn to kayak! Our proven teaching method takes you through a gradual progression that maximizes the fun. We've designed our beginning class for those who have never river kayaked before, or who have played around with kayaking some, but have not had formal instruction in the fundamentals of river kayaking. We also offer a 5-day total immersion learn-to-kayak class. Our Kayaking School page has all the details on these, and other whitewater and lake touring kayak classes!

Check out all the new 2008 boats in the New Boat Barn: 2008 Jackson Hero, Super Hero, Star, Fun & Super Fun; Dagger Agent 6.0 & Agent 6.4; Wavesport Diesel 65 & Diesel 75; Liquid Logic Jefe, Jefe Chico, Jefe Grande, Remix 47 Kids, Remix 59, Remix 69, & Remix 79; Pyranha Rev M, Ammo M, Burn M, & Burn L. Please call 800-376-7303 for the latest update.

Paddlers on the Forks this season have reported that the rapid Vortex has changed. It looks like the big boulder on the right bracketing the drop into the infamous Vortex hole has shifted, and the Slide Rock has tipped up and to the river right. The Slide Rock used to create a ramp that could be used to skirt around the Vortex hole. Here's a panorama of the new Vortex rapid taken by Paul Spencer (KRT), and a photo of Vortex from 1997 by Gary Valle, with a kayaker on the Slide Rock.

As forecast by the California-Nevada River Forecast Center, the average 24 hour inflow to Lake Isabella peaked on Tuesday, May 20, at 3553 cfs. According to revised COE data the Kern River at Kernville peaked at 1:00 p.m. on May 20 with an average hourly flow of 4078 cfs.

Sierra South has been running raft trips, and teaching kayaking classes on the Kern River since 1985. The 2008 season will mark our 23rd year on the Kern River!

We are always looking for staff members who are energetic, self-motivated, enjoy the out-of-doors, team players and above all else, willing to provide exceptional guest services. Employment opportunities typically include river guides, kayak instructors, seasonal office staff, reservationists, food service manager, retail sales associates, bus drivers and photographers. Please see our Employment Information page for more information.

We talk a lot about the "Kern River basin" in Rivernotes. During the Winter, we frequently refer to the Upper Tyndall Creek, Pascoes, and Wet Meadows snow sensors. During the paddling season, it might be Limestone, The Forks, Kern Falls, or Kernville. Here's a satellite overview of the 1000 square mile N.F. Kern drainage area with a few of the features labeled. If you look near the bottom of the photo, you'll see Lake Isabella. We're located just north of the lake!

Here is a snapshot of today's flow and reservoir data, based on reports from the Corps of Engineers (COE) and Southern California Edison (SCE). Click on "Current" to get the latest COE info. For SCE flow information, call the flow phone at 877-537-6356 or 760-376-8821. According to SCE, the flow phone values reported for Above & Below Fairview, and Below Democrat Dam are updated every 5-10 seconds. All other flow phone data is manually updated twice a day (7am & 2pm) when an operator is on duty. (Note: The SCE Flow Phone is currently out of order, and it is not known when service will be restored.)

More information concerning flow and weather can be found on our LINKS page.

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