Over the Bow: The Lower American River

 “As humans, water makes up seventy percent of our bodies.  Water is who we are at our most elemental level.  We must learn to respect water, as it is us. “ – J. Michael Read
 San Juan Rapids is constant Class II rapid on the Lower American River downstream from the Sunrise Access in Fair Oaks, California. It's clay ledge stretching out more than halfway across the river and fast water creates a long and vibrant wave train and chaotic churning eddy that wreak havoc and fun for area paddlers. The American River has picked up speed since making the sharp right turn to the north at Suicide Bend. A chute of waves gives paddlers an idea of what is coming up as they approach the rapid. Soon a roar fills the air and the sight of the rapids appear below.
 There are three ways to pass through San Juan Rapids.  Being off to the right provides the best waves, in the middle for a fun drop and extended bubble wave or stay to the far left and avoid the rapid only to feel it's powerful eddy effect. Underneath the rapid, the river flows back together smashing into the cliff creating a circular boil,  before slowing down to gentle speed.
The rapids are the last hurdle in the popular of the Eppie’s Great Race course. The popular running, biking and paddling race in Sacramento in its 42nd year.  Current Adventures Kayak School and Trips has offered intensive training at San Juan Rapid for competitor training for Eppie’s Great Race. These are sessions providing instruction in paddling and learning how to treat San Juan Rapid like a speed bump on race day. Practicing racers were encouraged to run the rapid a couple of times to familiarize themselves with its nature.
Learning to how to paddle the rapid is fun and exciting, but with any fast flowing turbulent water safety advised along with the use of a personal flotation device or PFD.  A 64-year-old man has died last week after emergency crews flew him from the San Juan Rapids to Mercy San Juan hospital. The Sacramento Metro fire department received a call about an unconscious man at the rapids. Bystanders and boat rescuers gave the man CPR before he was flown to the hospital by Metro Fire’s helicopter crew. The victim was not wearing a PFD.

Over the Bow is a feature from Outside Adventure to the Max, telling the story behind the image. If you have a great picture with a great story, submit it to us at nickayak@gmail.com

2014 in Review: The Years Top Photos.

On Folsom Lake with Bayside Adventure Sports.

As the 2014 draws to a close I look back at some of my favorite places and pictures of the past year. This has been my first full calendar year living in California. The proximity to the lakes and rivers along with California's pleasant weather helped me to personal record of the most days on the water in the year. All in all I kayaked some 134 days in 2014.  Mostly on my friendly neighborhood Lake Natoma just down the hill. Its an easy trip to the water from my home. Other local trips included the Lower American River and Folsom Lake while further ones trips took me into the foothills and the Sierra.
While a good chunk of the paddling was done with my wife or solo, I also had the good fortune of kayaking with Erik Allen and members of Bayside Adventure Sports, The Sacramento Paddle Pushers and the gang at Current Adventures. Those groups introduced me to some new friends, fellow paddlers and new places to paddle, making it an exciting year. We all share the same passion of being outside on the water.
In 2015, I look for even more adventures on the water, trail and snow. Wishing all of you the same. Happy Holidays Everyone!

Breaking a record with Paddle Pushers.

San Juan Rapids

Portage to the River.

On the Lower American River.

Surfing on the South Fork.

Snowshoeing the Sierra

Heading up to the cable.

Lunch on Loon Lake

Over the Folsom rainbow

Record Breaking Day

Splashing at Squaw

End of the night on the American

Yoga and Kayaking

Training, Loading & Racing for Eppie's Great Race.

Eppie's Pre-Race Kayak Clinics

Current Adventures Kayak School, in conjunction with Eppie's Great Race and the The River City Paddlers, sponsored paddling instruction clinics for several weeks to get paddlers ready for the Eppie G Johnson Memorial Pre-Race and Eppie's Great Race.
 Kayak instructors and top competitors from the local kayak racing scene provide inside tips and insight into the techniques and strategies that can help the paddlers be more effective and safe during Eppie’s Great Race.

Like in the scene from the movie Braveheart,  Dan Crandall of Current Adventures inspires the paddlers.

 

San Juan Rapids

The Eppie Johnson Memorial Canoe & Kayak Race

 Paddlers were invited to join the flotilla of kayaks floating down the American River in honor of Eppie Johnson, the originator of Eppie's Great Race, who passed away in September.  There were
snacks, awards and great prizes for all paddlers after the race at River Bend Park.

Folks toss flowers into the American River in remembrance of Johnson.

 John Weed escorts Eppies' kayak down the river.

Weed and Crandall at the after race celebration.

Going down the river with a Current Adventures training session.

Sunset on the American River.

Kayak heaven. Kayaks being prepared for the racers.

Getting the boats ready for the race.

Eppie's Great Race Day"The Great Race" is an annual triathlon that includes running, biking, and paddling. On race day, boats are unloaded and place on both sides of the Jim Jones Bridge for the paddling part of the triathlon. Current Adventures had over 90 kayaks rented out for the race.

 

Ready to race.

Kayaks on the American River Parkway

Finish line at River Bend Park