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The 'ole New River, one of the oldest rivers in the world, proved that being older has it's advantages, and some surprises. Folks that fish and boat the river have many stories of close-encounters with the 'ole river. The river's challenges are one reason it was honored to be the site of a special event, for the 2nd year.
The Virginia Coventry Commonwealth Whitewater Challenge on the New River began at 7 AM, Saturday morning. As the sun "burned" through the morning fog, the weather proved to be perfect for outdoor adventurists. After checking their kayaks and canoes, contenders from several states were loaded to the start site, Bluff City, landing at the Giles County Whitt Riverbend Park, the initial meet-site.
Brad Buchanan and Phillip Johnson, Montgomery County Parks and Recreation administrators, said that about 20 boaters were expected; 14 entered last year. "We are having fun, while doing our job well, hopefully," said Buchanan. He said that year-round training, often emphasizing safety, is important.
Racers slipped into the water at about 9 AM. The 8-mile course of rapids, whitewater, and placid river sections proved to be a challenging, diverse course. While waiting for the participants to pass a particularly difficult section in which river-goers incur perilous conditions, at least one tandem "amateur" team of campers near the area rolled-over in the whitewater. No one was hurt; novices are not aware that this can be a normal regiment of New River experiences.
Navigation of the rapids near Pembroke included two sharp bends, with quick whitewater making the encounter challenging. Navigators had to "read" the river, averting disaster, via moving from one side of the river to the other, while their oars were busy as they made it through the bends.
From teens to a 68-year-old, Coventry challengers made the trek without incident. The right equipment was important, from personal padded-outfits, to the type of vessel. From the morning gathering, one racer said "that Sawyer Champion One (vintage 1972) that Phil Pickett floats is going to be a winner," the Kingsport, TN, resident said, as he was unloading his 1975 model. Safety was emphasized; one floater said that "anytime I'm near water, I wear a life-jacket, and encourage everyone to do the same."
It was intriguing that layman's terms were second-nature to adventurists, while new-comers had to learn the lingo and observe certain methods and tools that meshed together to make an exciting day.
The 'ole river waits for challengers, anytime; it is hoped that it will again be chosen that the New River will be next year's Coventry site. It was an enthralling day for the challengers, "fine-feathered-friends," and other observers. One has to thank the 'ole New River for it's heritage and continuing legacies. Photos by Larry Middleton
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