More Recent Videos of Wilson Creek
Friday May 1, 2009 I met Trent, Rick, and Russ at NOC to paddle the Nanty from Ferebees back to the parking lot. I had a couple of beers while I waited. We only had one swim at the falls; Russ was trying to show off and run the second hole sideways. Russ almost made it too! We went back to the camp to drink more beer while Rick grilled us some nice steaks. This was followed by a nice campfire as old and new friends dropped by to drink beer, tell stories, and get out of the rain under Russ’ canopy.
This was the second year I attended the Carolina Canoe Club N/I Clinics. This year I was placed in the high intermediate class taught by Kurt McKissick and Milton Wicker with Pat Kessler assisting as safety boater. Considering I have only been paddling one year and seven months I was just a little nervous when I learned we would be paddling the Ocoee on day one of the clinic. However one of my classmates assured me that I had paddled harder rivers such as the Noli. Trent was also in my class and we rode together to the Ocoee. We encountered a thunderstorm just as we reached the river that only added to the nervous tension.
Paddling Can Be Terrific Fun stands for posture, cube; balance; traction; and focus.
After a brief roll session on the lake above put-in and a short briefing about balance, traction, and boofing we scouted Grumpy. Upon leaving Ocoee’s small put-in eddy the Class III fun begins with ferry from river right to river left above Grumpy’s Ledge. After completing this ferry there was a long delay as one of our classmates failed to make the eddy and became separated from his boat and paddle; his paddle traveled a considerable distance before friendly boaters found it.
During this delay I lost focus as I eddy hopped down river left; I bumped a rock in a hole but rather than look where I wanted to go I looked at the rock. This resulted in a flip in shallow water; I missed a few roll attempts as I was drug across the rocky bottom and took a short swim. Thanks to Trent’s timely assistance I was able to enter the first eddy; this was my only swim of the weekend.
The most common remark heard on the river was “is it flashing?” generally followed by “get in there!” as Kurt recorded video with his helmet cam while we played in holes. Kurt and Milton recorded videos at most of the major rapids and play spots. I ran all the standard lines but saved the six eddies of Broken Nose for another day and took the right boof at Double Suck. Ocoee offered up some of the nicest big wave trains I have yet seen; the experience of cresting the waves reminded me of riding dirt bikes in my youth.
At one point along the run Kurt told all of us student to “read and run” a rapid. He then proceeded to run the rapid first. Just to check to see who was following the leader rather than following instructions Kurt ran through a few holes. There were colorful boats upside down as I weaved my way down the rapid. This was actually quite humorous for all involved. I picked a nice line and punched a few holes for fun. The Ocoee was a lot of fun; according to other on the trip the Ocoee was juicier than normal thanks to all the rain.
I had so much fun Saturday I only drank on beer at the take-out and a Fat Tire while watching the day’s videos back at camp. The videos provided the best feedback for improving technique. Our group also checked online gauges Saturday night and Sunday morning to determine next destination. Sunday morning it was determined we would run Wilson Creek. A few others and I had never run Wilson and expressed some concern but our instructors assured us based upon our performance on the Ocoee we would be fine.
I was a long wet ride on my motorcycle towing my kayak to Wilson Creek. I got in the creek and the water was warmer than expected. Kurt and Milton provided a short discussion about creeking techniques and etiquette prior to the start of the run. Many of the eddies had room for only one or two boats thus you needed to wait fro the next eddy to be vacated before leaving your eddy. I did one practice roll to relax before heading down the creek.
Ten Foot Falls was the first major class IV rapid we encountered with a tricky class III entrance rapid. Everyone in the clinic had good lines through Ten Foot Falls. I enjoyed a smooth ride. Not only does Wilson Creek Gorge have great class IV for two miles but the gorge is beautiful and the water was crystal clear. I missed only one boof and penciled a drop which resulted in a backender into the hole; I was able to sidesurf out of the hole but this would have likely lead to a beatdown at a higher level. Following this lesson I nailed the rest of my boofs.
Later in the run I picked the wrong side of rock in a class IV rapid and took a hard flip result in a blow to the back of my helmet and two more blows to the back of my bad shoulder. However I immediately rolled up once I felt water and earned my first class IV combat roll. No one in our class swam on Wilson Creek.
I urge anyone wishing to step it up to the next level to join the Carolina Canoe Club and take part in the best clinics money can’t buy.
FastFred
My life has been a dedicated blend of open road adventure and relentless advocacy for motorcyclists’ rights. I'm "Fast Fred" Ruddock, and my journey on two wheels began as a teenager. Over the years, I’ve owned 13 Harleys and several other motorcycles, machines that were far more than just transportation. They represented a freedom that I have fought to protect. Recognizing the power of information, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, skills I immediately put to use for the movement.
My commitment to advocacy led me to a complete immersion in ABATE of South Carolina (ABATE of SC). I quickly moved through the ranks, starting by developing the ABATE of SC website in 2001 and serving as the Berkeley/Dorchester Chapter Coordinator. This progressed to serving as Lowcountry Area Coordinator, where I successfully shifted our local focus decisively toward rights and rapidly increased membership. From 2003 to 2007, I served as the State Coordinator, where I helped coordinate several key legislative victories, including the passage of the Purple Heart license tag bill and the successful repeal of unnecessary handlebar height restrictions. My primary strategic goal was always to achieve widespread political influence by organizing a chapter in every single county.
On the national front, I extended my influence by serving as the State Representative on the board of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) for several years during the 2000s. This role ensured that the concerns of South Carolina riders were directly represented in critical federal legislative discussions. Crucially, I also worked to shape public opinion: I wrote articles related to motorcycle rights for various magazines and had a small column in Easyriders magazine for several years, using media to educate riders nationwide on the issues impacting their freedom.
My activism was not only about lobbying but also direct action and constitutional challenges. I participated in the Myrtle Beach civil disobedience against local helmet laws, contributing to the legal groundwork for the eventual overturning of that restrictive law through a landmark SC Supreme Court case. I also challenged helmet laws personally, fighting three tickets in court as an act of civil disobedience in several states. I lobbied in multiple state capitols with me friends across the country. My dedication continued after my ABATE leadership, as I served as the Director of Bikers Of Less Tolerance (BOLT) of South Carolina.
Today, while I also enjoy working as a river guide and sharing my travel adventures, my legacy remains rooted in the fight for motorcycle freedom. I have spent decades on the front lines, utilizing both political strategy, legal challenges, and national media to protect the rights of every person on two wheels.
I'm a professional whitewater guide and kayak instructor. I grew up rafting, sailing, and surfing, and I spend my North American summers guiding on world-class whitewater. I have spent much of my adult life riding motorcycles and paddling kayaks.
Raft with me: Check out Fast Fred Rafts for details.
Got questions about solo travel, Latin America, or budgeting? I'd be happy to give you honest answers!
My Travel & Video Gear: Curious how I travel so light? Dig into my Amazon Shop for an inside look at the gear I carry. (Purchases via this shop provide a small commission at no extra cost to you.)
Tip Jar: Your support helps fund the next adventure of cup of coffee!