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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 |
All
Rolling Concepts
Technique/Skill Development
Gear Review
Women & Paddling
River Adventures
Kids & Paddling
Guest Articles
Misc River Magic
Staff Articles
Stroke Concepts: Tailored for the beginner and intermediate boater
08-02-2008
Just as boats evolve, strokes evolve as well. As strokes change, so do the methods for teaching each of them. Let’s talk about the sweep. This stroke is one that has evolved with the changes in boat size.
The Kayak Addiction of an Eagle Scout by Steve Augustine
08-02-2008
Steve has been on staff with ERA since 2000. And he has come a long way from a scrawny 14-year old boy scout from Orlando working towards his Eagle Scout to a new ERA staff memebr, to one a top raft guide/kayak instructor/international guide here at ERA. Pulling his story out of the vault was a refreshing reminder of how the follies of youth can lead to serious life changing experiences.
Where the C-to-C Roll Came From
06-05-2008
picking through the memories of Ken Kastorff, developer of the C-to-C Roll
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.
Guest Articles
Now that's what I call High Adventure Summer Camp!
08-02-2008
Now that's what I call Summer Camp! was written by Sara in 2003. It should be no surprise by her enthusiasm that Sara soon joined Team ERA as a guide/kayak instructor and today leads Boy Scout groups through their first High Adventure Experience with us.
Never Too Late for an Attitude Adjustment by Joe Parker (aka: the Colonel)
08-02-2008
If you want a new way to adjust your attitude and shed some of the stress life tries to put on you, consider touring in a sea kayak….You won’t get the adrenaline rush of a whitewater cruise down a Class IV river, but the opportunity to spend some real quality/quiet time with yourself or your sweetie and to see how some of the country looked 200 years ago when James Fenimore Cooper was writing about it has rewards which are equally satisfying.
What does kayaking mean to me? by Trish Parker
08-02-2008
Trish was a long-time member of the ERA family. She has moved out to New Mexico, gone through phases of kayaking, not kayaking, biking, biking and kayaking.... After paddling with her again this spring, it was fun to pull her article out of the vault and reprint it!
There Really is Such Thing as Do Over in Kayaking
07-13-2008
One of the things that our annual Kids Camp teaches all the adult milling about is how much we can learn from our “shorter” kayakers. Future ERA staff member, Erin–a veteran Camp participant set us all straight this year about being able to deal with making a mistake, picking yourself up and going and doing it again. Ouch! We can all learn a lesson from Erin and her experience at Nantahala Falls.
Cart Wheeling through pregnancy by Maria Noakes
07-03-2008
When the blue line shone clearly through the small window of the stick, it was a moment of roller coater emotions. For the first time in my life I wanted to be pregnant, or did I? Thoughts coursed through my veins, pumping out an overwhelming emotional response: did I really want to be pregnant? What would happen to my kayaking, life without kayaking…would I survive?
