Reno-Tahoe

The Reno-Tahoe Blog will occasionally feature entries from athletes sponsored by Reno-Tahoe, America’s Adventure Place. Jay Kincaid, professional kayaker, has been paddling over half of his lifetime, and is back to blog about his life as a professional kayaker living in Reno, NV. As 2003 Freestyle Kayaking World Champion, 2001 U.S. National Champion and three-time U.S. Point Series Champion, Jay is the most proud of the many first descents he’s done on rivers and waterfalls in his native Oregon and in California.

It’s tax season, and “the man” has got me down. I know that I am not the only person in the world with complicated taxes, but that doesn’t make it any more enjoyable. I have dedicated this week to the idea of hammering it out and getting them done. I think that I would rather go kayaking in the snow with no top on then work on taxes. Skin to win, baby!

Other then that, I have been paddling a ton. I have some new moves dialed, like the reverse Mcnasty, both ways, and have relearned some older moves, like the Phonix Monkey, both ways. Oh, it is pretty!

My favorite local training partners, Macy Burnham and Jason Craig, have been out on the water with me most every day. It has been really cold, but once you are on the water it feels just fine. Macy is paddling like the Macy of old and it is really awesome to see. I am trying to talk him into competing at the River Festival, so fellow competitors beware. Macy’s got skills!

And Jason Craig is paddling awesome as well. The other day I told him that we should work on some move combinations, like the Back Loop to Mcnasty. He stuck it on his second try, and to be honest, I thought my eyes might water up. It kind of hurt my feelings, and made me proud at the same time.

Kayaking has been really fun for me this winter, despite the cold. This is something that I haven’t experienced in a few winters, and it is really refreshing.

The Reno-Tahoe Blog will occasionally feature entries from athletes sponsored by Reno-Tahoe, America’s Adventure Place. Jay Kincaid, professional kayaker, has been paddling over half of his lifetime, and is back to blog about his life as a professional kayaker living in Reno, NV. As 2003 Freestyle Kayaking World Champion, 2001 U.S. National Champion and three-time U.S. Point Series Champion, Jay is the most proud of the many first descents he’s done on rivers and waterfalls in his native Oregon and in California.

It’s tax season, and “the man” has got me down. I know that I am not the only person in the world with complicated taxes, but that doesn’t make it any more enjoyable. I have dedicated this week to the idea of hammering it out and getting them done. I think that I would rather go kayaking in the snow with no top on then work on taxes. Skin to win, baby!Other then that, I have been paddling a ton. I have some new moves dialed, like the reverse Mcnasty, both ways, and have relearned some older moves, like the Phonix Monkey, both ways. Oh, it is pretty!My favorite local training partners, Macy Burnham and Jason Craig, have been out on the water with me most every day. It has been really cold, but once you are on the water it feels just fine. Macy is paddling like the Macy of old and it is really awesome to see. I am trying to talk him into competing at the River Festival, so fellow competitors beware. Macy’s got skills! And Jason Craig is paddling awesome as well. The other day I told him that we should work on some move combinations, like the Back Loop to Mcnasty. He stuck it on his second try, and to be honest, I thought my eyes might water up. It kind of hurt my feelings, and made me proud at the same time.Kayaking has been really fun for me this winter, despite the cold. This is something that I haven’t experienced in a few winters, and it is really refreshing.

The Reno-Tahoe Blog will occasionally feature entries from athletes sponsored by Reno-Tahoe, America’s Adventure Place. Jay Kincaid, professional kayaker, has been paddling over half of his lifetime, and is back to blog about his life as a professional kayaker living in Reno, NV. As 2003 Freestyle Kayaking World Champion, 2001 U.S. National Champion and three-time U.S. Point Series Champion, Jay is the most proud of the many first descents he’s done on rivers and waterfalls in his native Oregon and in California.

The last week here in Reno has been really cold until today. A little cold weather didn’t bring me down though. I have been feeling tuff on the river, kayaking everyday, but admittedly coming home after and whining like a baby.

I am yet to get any sympathy from Lisa, but I haven’t given up hope.

A few days ago I paddled up at Floriston and when I left Reno it was 26 degrees. That means that it was probably in the low 20’s up there, but because of my great gear it really didn’t seam that bad. I was hoping to find a new play spot that the river had created during the flood, but there was no new play spot to be found. I did call my session off when I had inch long ice sickles hanging from the bill of my helmet. Enough was enough!

The next day I went over the mountain into Cali with Macy and we paddled the Chamberlain Falls section of the N. American. It was a lot warmer and we managed to find a bunch of really fun play spots. Kayaking was somehow a lot more fun that day.

Since then the weather has slowly been getting better and I even paddled today with out gloves. Actually, I started my session with gloves on but had to remove them because my 12 year old paddling partner for the day wasn’t wearing gloves. I paddled with Jason Craig today and it was awesome. We played in a small hole in the south channel of the white water park and I think that we both had a really good time.

The forecast calls for the trend of warmer weather to continue, and as far as I am concerned that is a good thing.

So, until next time I will be on the river. The competition season isn’t far away and I plan to be at my best ever this year.

The Reno-Tahoe Blog will occasionally feature entries from athletes sponsored by Reno-Tahoe, America’s Adventure Place. Jay Kincaid, professional kayaker, has been paddling over half of his lifetime, and is back to blog about his life as a professional kayaker living in Reno, NV. As 2003 Freestyle Kayaking World Champion, 2001 U.S. National Champion and three-time U.S. Point Series Champion, Jay is the most proud of the many first descents he’s done on rivers and waterfalls in his native Oregon and in California.

The last week here in Reno has been really cold until today. A little cold weather didn’t bring me down though. I have been feeling tuff on the river, kayaking everyday, but admittedly coming home after and whining like a baby. I am yet to get any sympathy from Lisa, but I haven’t given up hope.A few days ago I paddled up at Floriston and when I left Reno it was 26 degrees. That means that it was probably in the low 20’s up there, but because of my great gear it really didn’t seam that bad. I was hoping to find a new play spot that the river had created during the flood, but there was no new play spot to be found. I did call my session off when I had inch long ice sickles hanging from the bill of my helmet. Enough was enough!The next day I went over the mountain into Cali with Macy and we paddled the Chamberlain Falls section of the N. American. It was a lot warmer and we managed to find a bunch of really fun play spots. Kayaking was somehow a lot more fun that day.Since then the weather has slowly been getting better and I even paddled today with out gloves. Actually, I started my session with gloves on but had to remove them because my 12 year old paddling partner for the day wasn’t wearing gloves. I paddled with Jason Craig today and it was awesome. We played in a small hole in the south channel of the white water park and I think that we both had a really good time.The forecast calls for the trend of warmer weather to continue, and as far as I am concerned that is a good thing.So, until next time I will be on the river. The competition season isn’t far away and I plan to be at my best ever this year.

The Reno-Tahoe Blog will occasionally feature entries from athletes sponsored by Reno-Tahoe, America’s Adventure Place. Jay Kincaid, professional kayaker, has been paddling over half of his lifetime, and is back to blog about his life as a professional kayaker living in Reno, NV. As 2003 Freestyle Kayaking World Champion, 2001 U.S. National Champion and three-time U.S. Point Series Champion, Jay is the most proud of the many first descents he’s done on rivers and waterfalls in his native Oregon and in California.

Since my last update everything had been great, until today. It was Spring time weather, warm sun shine, high water, a great play hole, and again, Spring time weather.
Last night the cold came and snow fell. The white water park is being worked on because of the New years floods. This means that they just yesterday diverted the water out of the North channel and around the new play hole at the bottom. It sounds like maybe this is going to take a couple of weeks to finish. I am hopeful that there will be a play spot in the slalom channel but I didn’t go check it out today because of the cold.

So, tomorrow I will be back on the water regardless of temperature. I am also hopeful that the rapid up river at Floriston might of changed and given the gift of a new play spot. Last winter with the high water it took my favorite summer time hole away. Maybe, this time it will have left us a little present. I will be checking that out in the next couple of days, or sooner if the play park is no fun.

Other then that, I am enjoying being home. The dogs are for the most part a lot of fun, except at this particular moment they are driving me crazy. For sure my blood pressure is a lot higher then normal. Okay, ten deep breathes for me… Yes, I am feeling better now.

I have been in the gym a lot, but not doing the things that I used to do. I only lift weights a little bit now, and then it is all about the aerobics. Feel the burn!

The Reno-Tahoe Blog will occasionally feature entries from athletes sponsored by Reno-Tahoe, America’s Adventure Place. Jay Kincaid, professional kayaker, has been paddling over half of his lifetime, and is back to blog about his life as a professional kayaker living in Reno, NV. As 2003 Freestyle Kayaking World Champion, 2001 U.S. National Champion and three-time U.S. Point Series Champion, Jay is the most proud of the many first descents he’s done on rivers and waterfalls in his native Oregon and in California.

I am a Daddy, again! Lisa and I got a new puppy just in time for her to leave for Hawaii, and for me to have to deal with a little monster. He is a German Shorthair Pointer, just like our other dog. A hunting dog, of course.

His name is Cash and he has been a ton of fun and work.
I am back on the river and my neck is feeling not too bad. It does hurt, but it is just irritating, not bad enough to bring me down. The Truckee river is up, the weather is warm (well, it is sunny at least), and we have some new play holes at the white water park that are a ton of fun. Thanks to Snap Dragon and Kokotat, I have some brand new, super dry, dry decks, and all of the cold weather gear to keep me happy and warm on the river. That combined with a truly dry boat is the perfect combination for winter paddling.

The Reno-Tahoe Blog will occasionally feature entries from athletes sponsored by Reno-Tahoe, America’s Adventure Place. Jay Kincaid, professional kayaker, has been paddling over half of his lifetime, and is back to blog about his life as a professional kayaker living in Reno, NV. As 2003 Freestyle Kayaking World Champion, 2001 U.S. National Champion and three-time U.S. Point Series Champion, Jay is the most proud of the many first descents he’s done on rivers and waterfalls in his native Oregon and in California.

I am a Daddy, again! Lisa and I got a new puppy just in time for her to leave for Hawaii, and for me to have to deal with a little monster. He is a German Shorthair Pointer, just like our other dog. A hunting dog, of course. His name is Cash and he has been a ton of fun and work.I am back on the river and my neck is feeling not too bad. It does hurt, but it is just irritating, not bad enough to bring me down. The Truckee river is up, the weather is warm (well, it is sunny at least), and we have some new play holes at the white water park that are a ton of fun. Thanks to Snap Dragon and Kokotat, I have some brand new, super dry, dry decks, and all of the cold weather gear to keep me happy and warm on the river. That combined with a truly dry boat is the perfect combination for winter paddling.

The Reno-Tahoe Blog will occasionally feature entries from athletes sponsored by Reno-Tahoe, America’s Adventure Place. Jay Kincaid, professional kayaker, has been paddling over half of his lifetime, and is back to blog about his life as a professional kayaker living in Reno, NV. As 2003 Freestyle Kayaking World Champion, 2001 U.S. National Champion and three-time U.S. Point Series Champion, Jay is the most proud of the many first descents he’s done on rivers and waterfalls in his native Oregon and in California.

Well, I am back from Africa. It was a great trip. I spent the first week on the Nile on the day one section at a really nice camp called Nile River Explorers. The second week we moved downstream to the day two section and the great wave, Nile Special. There we stayed at a camp called the Harry Lemon.

The water level on this trip was a lot lower then when I was there last, but it was still very good. I found myself on the first day just trying to get used to the massive volume of the river. You adjust quickly though, and a couple of minutes later it just feels normal, like rivers should feel. Nile Special was amazing and I had the chance to learn a few new tricks. Everyone one our trip was paddling so well that for the first time in a long time a really just felt average. It was pretty awesome to watch and to be part of. Eric was shooting two new instructional videos and I can’t help but think that they are both going to turn out very well.

Unfortunately for me I re-injured my neck, again, a couple of days before it was time to leave. So, tomorrow I am heading over the mountain to see my good buddy Jay Patt, whom I believe to be the best chiropractor ever.

Hopefully he will get me all straightened out and I can start to be pain free for the first time in months.

Also, while in Africa it was really great to see the results from all of the hard work, fund raising, and money given out of pocket, by Emily Jackson and Jessie Stone. They have both been very involved in the creation and support of a new health clinic there along the river, as well as the on-going process of Malaria education. It was very inspiring to say the least. It can be really easy to look at major problems in the world and justify not doing anything because it hard to believe that one person can really help. Well, luckily for the world there are people out there like Jessie and Emily who believe that they can make a difference, and they are.

The Reno-Tahoe Blog will occasionally feature entries from athletes sponsored by Reno-Tahoe, America’s Adventure Place. Jay Kincaid, professional kayaker, has been paddling over half of his lifetime, and is back to blog about his life as a professional kayaker living in Reno, NV. As 2003 Freestyle Kayaking World Champion, 2001 U.S. National Champion and three-time U.S. Point Series Champion, Jay is the most proud of the many first descents he’s done on rivers and waterfalls in his native Oregon and in California.

Well, the last week in Reno has been great. The Truckee River White Water Park has been really high and it seems that all of the features have changed a little bit due to the flood. For me, this is very exciting, as it means the opportunity to play in all new spots, and I’ll never complain about that. The water today was the lowest that it has been in the last couple of weeks (1400ish) and the “new” hole at the bottom is still really fun, as well as a small pocket hole at number two.

Selfishly, I hope that the hole at the bottom (number five) is left alone, but I understand that at lower water it may become a bit trashy. No problem for me though, just good fun. So, all of this excitement has keep me busy lately and that is perfect as far as I am concerned.

Other then that, I am starting to think about getting some things together as I leave Friday for Uganda. Oh, I also got my new Super Star today with the 2006 outfitting. I can’t imagine paddling anything else. For those of you in a leaky and uncomfortable play boat I only have one thing to say – you need to treat yourself better.

The Reno-Tahoe Blog will occasionally feature entries from athletes sponsored by Reno-Tahoe, America’s Adventure Place. Jay Kincaid, professional kayaker, has been paddling over half of his lifetime, and is back to blog about his life as a professional kayaker living in Reno, NV. As 2003 Freestyle Kayaking World Champion, 2001 U.S. National Champion and three-time U.S. Point Series Champion, Jay is the most proud of the many first descents he’s done on rivers and waterfalls in his native Oregon and in California.

OK, all of the holiday traveling is done!!! I had a great time meeting Lisa’s family in Canada and I had a great time with my family up in Oregon, but I couldn’t be happier to be home.

While in Oregon I paddled the McKenzie with Taylor Robertson and Jason Bowerman at over 7 feet. It was actually the first time that I had ever done it that high. When I lived in Eugene and the water was that high we would always go run something warmer in the Coast Range. The surfing was “top shelf” and I definitely woke up sore the next day, which is due to the fact that I didn’t paddle the whole time in Canada. I went to the gym and ran everyday with Lisa during those two weeks up North, but there is really no way to properly condition all the smaller paddling muscles in the gym.

I just got home about 5 hours ago. I hurried to unpack the car, ran Porter at the dog park, and then gathered up my gear and headed to the river. While I was gone the Truckee flooded and reached flows of nearly 20,000 cfs. I would have loved to see that! Tonight it was running around 3000 cfs and there was a wave/hole at the bottom that was in my opinion, world class.

Surely the river bead has changed a bit and it will be interesting to see how things look when the water recedes. Hopefully that won’t happen anytime soon though.

The whole West Coast is going off, but the way things look right now, there is no reason to leave Reno. So for at least the next few days I will be spending the majority of my day surfing on the Truckee. And after that, who knows. All I know is that I will be on the river every day until I leave for Uganda on the 13th. And I will be throwing down!