STATUS: Project Whitewater Russia / USA
Quick Information Update
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Key Concern: Recent clashes between rebels in Krgyzia (Krgyzstan) may
require a change in planned rivers for the project in Y2K+3.
Key Team Member: Vlad has successfully recovered from knee surgery, but in 7/2001 was involved in a boat flip on Cherry Creek and fractured his ribs after a 10 ft. fall. Concern: Kosovo/Yugoslavia and Macedonia conflict with NATO has created some anti-American sentiment which may necessitate delaying the planned Y2K+3 expeditions to the next millenium. Late, harsh in Russia, may mean late spring run-off at the time we plan to be there. This may make the trip too dangerous for this year, another El Nino effect. Sponsor and Media Participation Packages completed, being sent out now, but late on schedule. Excellent training trip series on Cal Salmon, Scott, Merced, T. Set up Idaho/Canada trip plans. River plan finalized with backup plan here. We are focusing on sponsors to supplement the subsidizing of the expeditions, but 2001 is proving to be a difficult year. yet been able to deliver funds. Team would definitely like Jochen Lettmann, bronze medalist in Olympic Kayak Slalom to join us, may bring us a sponsor, Vlad to work on this. Matt to focus on Russell. Jake to focus on product sponsors. Martin to get sponsor packet together and will focus on Shipton/Tilman Grant. Several more contacts made at FOR conference. Team being firmed up, but some people still not reachable. Please get in touch with us and give us contact email or phone. Decisions on equipment/boats need to be made. NRS gear order completed, told NRS to deliver in April. Need continued help in getting sponsors. Area Team Captains need to be assigned. Everyone should be getting passports in order so we can apply for visas shortly, these are much more expensive than before and will cost between $50-$100 for each of the three countries we plan to visit. We need to get invitations to visit these countries initiated by our overseas contacts. Also Hepatitus B immunizations recommended (not required) need to be started right away. Media participants still needed. Training Schedule proceeding, check here and sign up for trips. We have a mandatory series of trips for Easter break April 4-11. Try out the paddle catamarrans. |
NEXT MEETING
Next Meeting:On the river, April 4-11 week, Northern California Class IV-V runs, Cal Salmon, Scott, Trinity, Forks of the Eel. Possibly the Main "T" on the 12th with Vlad/Echo.Last Meeting: Martin's House, San Francisco Bay Area, Sunday, February 22, 2001 @ 4 pm |
More Information
The rivers in the former Soviet Republics are all great rivers, but in the plains they are long and wide, with limited rapids. You must go inland to the mountainous regions where there are so many great whitewater rivers. But to run such rivers is very difficult. Rivers are often remote and difficult to get equipment and people into. Because of this, the trips must be run as expedition class IV-VI trips which are typically very lengthy. These trips require a very special group of boaters, some are world class, some are former Olympians, some just dare to take on Xtreme™ challenges. Plan at least two weeks for Class V rivers... We endeavor to challenge the rarely done great rivers in distant lands, remote, isolated, beautiful, and pristine! Why you ask? Why because . . . they are there! And it is here where you will find their stories . . . the Xtreme Dream™ of the Xtreme Dream Team™!
Comments/Suggestions to 
WebMaestro @ RAFTWEB, Martin Wong.
