The Adventures of...

Black Diamond Drift

2010-10-03T21:53:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you want to go fat without the unseemly weight gain. A fast-and-light backcountry powder seeker, the Black Diamond Drift was built to maximize your soft-snow obsession. Its wide, soft-flexing, early-rise tip provides maximum flotation, a super smooth turn and easy trail breaking. So whether you're hunting for extra vert on a pre-work dawn patrol or need the legs to crank out one more skin-track lap on an all-day powder session, the lightweight, 100 mm-waisted Drift is your tool.

Semi-rockered tip and a 100 mm waist for easy trail breaking on the up and effortless surfing on the down
Lightweight paulownia wood core surrounded by Torsion Box construction
Formula One Technology with carbon fiber reinforcements for maximum torsional stiffness
Flat tail with SkinLock for solid anchors and secure, durable skin attachment while maximizing running length

New from K2 the ObSethed and SideStash

2010-10-03T21:44:00.000-07:00

Whether tracking out your hidden in bound stashes or ducking the ropes to harvest week-old pow, the 2010-11 SideStash might just be the perfect tool. As you tick off your hit list, the All-Terrain shovel rocker in this adventure ski provides both the floatation and predictability needed to flash wide-open slopes and the nimbleness required to charge tight chutes. When the frenzy’s over, the powerful metal-laminate Hybritech sidewall construction in the K2 SideStash ski delivers a smooth, damp, stable ride as you confidently blast through leftover crud.

Performance: Variable Snow 20%; Soft Snow 80%
Sizes: 167, 174, 181, 188
Radius: 23m@174
Construction: Metal Laminate Hybritech sidewall
Core: Aspen/Paulownia
Weight: 2070g@ 174

Obsethed
For 2010-11 Seth Morrison incorporated more Rocker on a new wider 117 mm chassis to create the ultimate tool to charge big mountains and backcountry zones, yet versatile enough (like his previous Pro Models) to ski in the resort. The new Powder Rocker design in the K2 ObSETHed eliminates tip dive and breaks through crud, crusts and chopped up conditions. Add to this Factory Team ski Progressive Sidecut and camber underfoot and you have a twin tip ski perfect for any conditions or terrain. That’s Seth looking out for the hard charging masses!

Performance: Powder: 70% Park: 30 %
Sizes: 169, 179, 189
Radius: 23m @ 179/Directional Taper
Construction: Twin Tech with Vertical ABS Sidewall
Core: Fir, Aspen
Binding Options: Griffon Schizo Frantic or Flat

ABS Airbag backpacks now in stock

2010-10-03T21:28:00.000-07:00

According to resent studies the best way to survive an avalanche is by adding one of these packs to your tool kit.

Alpine Quest will be carrying the latest in airbag backpacks. Come by and check them out. The ABS packs are already in stock. Here is a video grabbed from youtube of a guy inflating his pack for a test. You can find out more about ABS by clicking HERE. Make your backcountry experience as safe as possible this season. The staff at AQS will show you how.

Vail Whitewater Park Demo wrap up

2010-07-15T12:51:00.000-07:00

This spring, every Tuesday John O'Neill and Ross Herr hosted free playboating clinics at the Vail Whitewater Park. The park is very unique because we are able to adjust the wave to suit the abilities of the people showing up. It can be anything from a friendly wave to an aggressive competition hole. The last demo on July 6th was a great way to really put the adjustability to the test. The water was very low and any other whitewater park would not be usable. Luckily these two instructors cannot be stopped when it comes to creativity and putting on a great show for the crowds.

While John threw down in his kayak, Ross decided to give it a go on a Stand Up Board. Here are some pictures from that day.

Here is Ross paddling through the wave.

John throwing down.

Ross avoiding the rocks above the wave.

John doesn't need no stinking paddle.

JD was there trying out a Liquidlogic Biscuit 65.

After several attempts John was getting frustrated with Ross not falling into the icy waters of Gore Creek so he decided it was time to take matters into his own hands. Here he is about to swan dive off the banks to get Ross.

His attempts failed! But Ross eventually took several swims in the river that day.

We all hope to see the community out there with us next year. If you are still in the area and hoping to try out the latest playboats or learn some new skills please come join us in Glenwood every Tuesday from 5-dark. We will be announcing specials and giving away prizes. You can keep track of it on Facebook by fanning us here http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Edwards-CO/Alpine-Quest-Sports/44466145862?ref=ts&__a=6&ajaxpipe=1

Until next time, SYOTR

The Crew @ AQS

2010 Pyranha Molan Review

2010-06-28T08:07:00.000-07:00

Luke came by the paddle with the pros event on Friday and wanted to share these words on the new Pyranha Molan.

Boat: 2010 Pyranha Molan Medium

Height- 5’9”

Weight- 30.8 lbs.

Width- 25”

Volume- 56.5 Gallons

Playboating, I’ve got a descent loop, cartwheels, and airscrew/pan-am if the conditions are right. I’m 18 years old, 6’1” on a normal day, and 160 lbs. with size 10.5 feet. My typical boat is an ’08 Jackson allstar, but I’ve gotten the chance to paddle lots of other boats including the 2010 Allstar, Wavesport Project 52, etc. Playboating, I’ve got a descent loop, cartwheels, and airscrew/pan-am if the conditions are right. Hopefully this gives you a good idea of where this review is coming from.

First Impression: This boat is FAST! Both on waves and moving through the water, which made ferrying into the Glenwood Wave at 7500 cfs very easy. It felt a bit less stable than the 2010 Allstar, but not enough to wipe the smile off my face and certainly something that was overcome within five minutes on the water. Once on the wave, the slim profile of the boat really shines and the quickness edge to edge gives it a playful feel unlike any I’d really experienced before. The boat felt very balanced on the wave and I never experienced the edges feeling tippy or any sort of catching or hanging up. Carving was something I’d more or less forgotten about since paddling the rounded edges of the Allstar, but this boat carves really hard, without loosing control. Blunts were very easy to initiate with a clean and loose bow release (opposite of the Allstar’s stern release) and spins were pleasant and easily initiated as well. There was plenty of foot room, which has been a big factor in my choosing of boats lately. I found that the connect 30 outfitting left nothing to be desired, unlike the typical pull-cords found in Jackson’s and sometimes bad back band in the Wavesport.

Overall Impression- After a few years of sub-par designs, Pyranha has released a winner. This is a boat with real rails and a different design than most other playboats. It’s short, yet this doesn’t compromise its quickness at all and the smaller width gives it the playfulness never really found in other kayaks this size.

Bottom line- Look to the Molan if you want a kayak built for the playboater looking to boost their game with high flying loops, big bounces and a quick initiating hull with control, or the all-around kayaker in search of a do-it all large volume boat. I’m excited to see a boat that will really compete with the Allstar at any playspot you throw at it. See you on the water!

-Luke Lubchenco

Kayak Classes in Full Swing

2010-06-18T20:53:00.000-07:00

Start your summer off right with a beginner river lesson from Alpine Kayak. One lesson is just the beginning to your entire summer of adventure. The Beginner River Lesson teaches you everything you need to know about kayaking from equipment to reading and navigating the river.

After the lesson your next step is Paddle Club every Thursday (5pm) and Sunday (2:30). A great way to meet other kayakers at the same ability as you and create lasting friendships. Even marriages are the result of paddle club!

Hope to see everyone on the river soon. Check out this clip of a junior paddler tearing up "do it again rapid"

Learn to Kayak from ross herr on Vimeo.
Classes are going every day. Check out www.alpinequestsports.com for details or give us a call 970-926-3867

Tuesday kayak demos make Channel 4 news

2010-05-26T09:16:00.000-07:00

Our first kayak demo had lower flows than we had hoped for, but channel 4 news came anyways. Here is the article and TV spot

http://cbs4denver.com/entertainment/whitewater.park.vail.2.1710901.html

Hope to see everyone at the next demo every Tuesday in Vail through June.

Miah Wheeler's Uganda Video Report

2010-04-25T17:36:00.000-07:00

Miah Wheeler, Alpine Kayak's instructor trainer, sent us over this awesome clip of his recent trip last fall to the White Nile River in Uganda, Africa. Miah has many awesome ideas in the sport of kayaking and is an incredible instructor. We were very lucky to have him re-certify all of our instructors last spring. He is dedicated to growing the sport of kayaking and an awesome asset to the Roaring Fork Valley we are now a part of.

If you haven't stopped by the new store in Glenwood Springs please do. We are officially open and adding to the stock daily! Our new location is in the Target Shopping Center, right next to Starbucks and Gamestop.

Enjoy Miah's Video and we look forward to seeing you on the river soon!

Uganda White Nile Fall 2009! from miah wheeler on Vimeo.
Colorado paddlers Rich Chamberlain and Miah Wheeler catch a quick adventure to central Africa to paddle the White Nile. The upper section is currently being dammed so we had to rally to run some of the bigger class 5 rapids the Nile had to offer before they dissapear. Insane paddling, awesome people, and a trip of a lifetime!

Charter Academy Starts Out Strong

2010-04-19T20:18:00.000-07:00

These young soldiers pictured below are the proud class from the Eagle County Charter Academy taking intro to kayaking with us this spring. They will be tackling all the beautiful rivers in our county the next couple of weeks. I even heard rumors of hand rolls in their very first roll session at the Avon Rec. Center! Look out for these 8th graders this summer!

M WAVE SUMMER WRAP UP SESSION

2009-08-16T21:55:00.000-07:00

With his last day of work done, John and I decided what better way to wrap up our amazing summer than with a full day M Wave session. We checked the gage, woke up super early and were pumped to be rewarded with perfect flows. Just the sight of the wave when you show up in the middle of no where is enough to put a smile on anyone's face. It was my first time on a super fast wave in my biscuit and it did not disappoint, it made such a challenging wave manageable. I'll let the pictures do the talking and check out the video clip at the end, it turned out sick!

Ross Herr
John O'Neill

Bluntin

Launching

Sick kickflip shot of Johnny

Man I love that Biscuit

CHECK OUT THE SUPER SICK M WAVE EDIT BELOW

M Wave Colorado from ross herr on Vimeo.

Gore Canyon... even kayak instructors swim... John

2009-08-11T22:56:00.000-07:00

With the Gore race coming up I thought some pics and a Video guide was just what everyone needed to get fired up. John and Tunnel falls had a little disagreement, he wanted to run it clean and it decided to smack him down. I'll let the pictures do the talking but make sure to check out the guide and go git sum. an antelope said hello on the paddle in
me sneakin

John Gore rapid

me, stompin Tunnel

John, not stompin Tunnel

Wishing he'd stomped it...

Drinking his beer like a champ

HERE'S THE GUIDE

Ross and John's Gore Canyon Video Guide from ross herr on Vimeo.

North Fork of the Payette Upper and Middle Sections

2009-08-05T20:54:00.001-07:00

The North Fork of the Payette is one of the best, challenging, fun rivers I've ever been on. It was August 2, long after most rivers had slowed down yet I was getting my high water fix on the warm water. The normal progression is to do the lower 5 miles first, but I called up Shane Trapp and we went straight to the top. Without much of a warm up you come right down on Steepness and then nutcracker; two large rapids with big waves and holes. After that is 10 miles of awesome class V boogy until you get to Jacob's Ladder. Jake's is a sweet long rapid with a crux move right at the top. The guys told me it was a little high for most people to run but if I saw the line to give it a go. I saw the line and it went great. Check out the full HD vid at the bottom for the full effect. Thanks to my amazing girlfriend for shooting the video.

Huge thanks again to Shane and Dave for showing me their back yard run. It was a great day with them and the rest of the gang that joined. The level was 2000 cfs

Mike Moser and Dave
Mike and I boogy

Stacy in the front is one sweet female paddler
Dave and I coming out of Nut
Me, crux move top of Jacob's Ladder
more jake's
finishing jake's

THE VIDEO CLICK PLAY

Kayaking the North Fork of the Payette Upper and Middle Sections from ross herr on Vimeo.

After ten solid days now in my new Stohlquist gear I couldn't be more pumped. Dry and very sturdy gear.

Upper Upper Cispus River Washington

2009-08-02T21:28:00.000-07:00

After a few laps on the Green Truss I met with Andy Lichtenheld of Portland and Nate Warren of Massechusetts to head out to the Upper upper Cispus river. This river is located near Mt. Adams in some beautiful forests of Washington. The river had many boulder gardens, and had they not been so full of wood, they could have offered up some fun lines. The wood was a definate issue but luckily we were able to zig zag around most of it and make it down to Bohemeth. Bohemeth is a super fun mandatory water fall that goes great. Check out the pics and the good video of the trip.

Island Drop

Nate Warren Island Drop

Nate taking a ride

The beautiful gorge above Bohemeth

Me Bohemeth

Nate Warren Dropping off Bohemeth

As always... Check out the vid HD Quality!!!

Kayaking the Upper Upper Cispus from ross herr on Vimeo.

Green Truss of the White Salmon = Sweet!

2009-07-27T09:20:00.000-07:00

Had an awesome time paddling the Green Truss of the White Salmon today. I just picked up some new gear from Stohlquist, and what better way to test it out than seeing the goods Washington has to offer. It is not the ideal time to be up here in the Hood River area so I was really excited that the Green Truss always flows and the levels were pretty good. I called up Jesse Becker from the AT factory and he and a super crew consisting of Nathan Herbeck, Eric Boomer, Scott, Jay, and myself had a super fun clean run down. Can't wait to see where else I can find water. Check out the vid, I only got out to take pics at big bro.

Ross Herr

... the new gear= extra sweet!

Nate showing me how its done
Jay placing a nice stroke

me... probably slightly a little pointed right...

me round two... not so pointed right

Check out the VID!!!

Kayaking the Green Truss from ross herr on Vimeo.

The Big South! Quality

2009-07-15T07:34:00.000-07:00

So John and I left late Saturday night to meet up and run the Big South sunday and monday. Sunday there were tons of people there enjoying the beautiful place and high quality whitewater. Everyone we met or saw on the river was super friendly. With Kevin knowing the run really well, and a really solid crew joining us all, it was easy to blast through all the boogy and middle rapids. Took some great video and pictures from the trip so please enjoy.

Ross Herr

John, Cool World
Me entrance to Melt Down

Droppin off Double Trouble

John Droppin in Double Trouble

John hoping that boof will let him through

Me Cool World

Coool World

Kevin Jacobi Cool World

Me right line Fantasy Flight

Creepin...

Check out the Sweetness POV footage and Regular

Kayaking the Big South from ross herr on Vimeo.

Junior Kayak Camp...Im not forcing the fun...It's just there to take!

2009-07-11T13:02:00.000-07:00

So the past week was spent teaching a great group of kids the ins and outs of kayaking. We spent five days straight on the water and filled their heads with all the kayaking knowledge they could handle. By the end of the week each kid had run their first class III rapids and, I think, were hooked on kayaking forever. It was the first time we had done a camp like this and I can't wait to do more in the future. Im sure i'll be seing much more from this crew. Check out the action shots of the week.

Ross Herr

John O'Neil

cruising in the new magic van... Hope to see you all soon!

Cheesman Canyon and High Water Gore

2009-06-16T23:17:00.000-07:00

I got the entire weekend off so Will and I wasted no time. 445 miles later we bagged Cheesman and went to Gore at a great level of 3300cfs. Cheesman is an amazing place. The guy at Sportsmans Paradise took us through no prob and was really nice. The soft round natural river bed was a welcomed change to most of CO's mank. Next time im bringing a kayak-pack for the hike out!
Gore was an awesome time as well. I had never seen it above 1200, but saw most of the same lines and loved those big waves. The crew from the Front Range that joined us was solid too.

Look forward to getting to both of these gems again soon. Enjoy the vids

Ross

Gore Canyon high water from ross herr on Vimeo.

Cheesman Canyon from ross herr on Vimeo.

V.I.O Head Cam and more Homestake

2009-06-06T14:49:00.000-07:00

So the great guys from VIO in Marquette, MI hooked me up with the new POV 1.5. The Best in helmet video camera technology. I did some POV on homestake for the Teva Mountain Games to test it out enjoy. I really look forward to never missing any action with this baby.

Ross

Eagle County the paddling destination

2009-05-26T08:15:00.000-07:00

So with the new store and all we've been working a lot. It made me realize how lucky we are to be able to get off work and still have such quality whitewater right out our doors. Homestake has been at great levels and Gilman Canyon has been nice and high. Having both to grab in the same evening just makes me feel spoiled. If you want to get your play-boat on it also doesn't get much better than the Vail whitewater park, adjusting those bladders so their just right is like playing a video game. Check out some pics below and a video of all the local stuff too.

See you on the river

Ross

Boofin leap-o-faith

entrance

Lookin through the debris Gilman-Slurry Pipe EC's finest Mank

Eagle County Kayaking from ross herr on Vimeo.

Sage Franz from New Zealand

2009-05-23T09:07:00.000-07:00

Cheers from New Zealand! I have been at the Bliss-Stick factory for the past few days learning the ropes on creating a world-class kayak. Its been a great time here with such a friendly atmosphere that Kiwis are known for. From the tiniest parts that make up the seat, to the production of the boats themselves, everything is done here, which is quite amazing. The factory itself is buried deep in the country on the North Island with the beautiful Rangitiki gorge running five minutes down the road making work and play go hand in hand. Ill hopefully be coming home with a new boat over my shoulder and a trip to remember for life. As for now its back to work.

Sage

New store and I finally loaded some video

2009-05-05T21:59:00.000-07:00

Some great news for everyone enjoying the Glenwood Whitewater Park this summer. We will be opening on Thursday the 7th of May an additional location just up from the wave in the old Glenwood Canyon Kayak location. We will have demos of every major kayak brand to test at the wave and Stand Up Paddleboards too!

Look forward to seeing everyone down there.

Also put some video together of the below trip report and my first little session in the new Biscuit 55.

Thanks

Ross

my first day in the biscuit and some U.P. creeking from ross herr on Vimeo.

Dead, Falls, and Slate River U.P. Michigan

2009-04-28T20:53:00.000-07:00

So finally I was able to get out and kayak some of the local rivers surrounding me here in the upper peninsula of Michigan. It is more than difficult to find people to kayak with here in the U.P. Everyone commutes from Minnesota and Wisconsin so when i got the call that people were meeting in L'Anse I headed straight there.

The Falls River was at a great level and the perfect first run to get the season going. Some fun boofs and cool moves to be had. The Slate was also a great river but unfortunately rain prevented me from bringing my camera.

below are pics taken from my second lap on the Falls River with Steve and Tom some great guys I look forward to boating with again in the future.

Me droppin in on Powerhouse

All of us smellin it on asshole

Tommy then I on another great boof

The best section had to be the final run out under the highway, unfortunately too fun to get out and set up my camera.

I was also able to get in a solo run on the Dead River right here in Marquette. This river is sweet and should be running all through the fall becuase of dam issues.

Wrapping up finals week here and looking forward to heading home to CO. It's going to be another great summer.

Ross

2009-03-23T10:45:00.001-07:00

Alright! So Alpine Quest Sports is entering the world of Blogging. We would like to use this page to connect our community of kayakers and broaden our knowledge of the sport.

This season you should expect to receive “Tips of the Week,” Each week we will be bringing you short video tutorials on things from perfecting your eddy turns, stomping your boofs and nailing those loops. We will share our experiences from all the classes, paddle clubs, and clinics we offer, as well as our own personal trips.

Below we’ll start with an introduction to the “Team” of instructors here at Alpine Quest Sports. We encourage as much feedback as possible to help this grow and to make sure we’re giving you what you need.

Sean Glackin

Years Kayaking: 15

Years Teaching: 8

Favorite Rivers:I love the local rivers of Colorado

Notes: Sean enjoys introducing new paddlers into the sport he loves. In his spare time, Sean loves to go rafting with his wife and two small kids

Andrew Waters

Years Kayaking: 13

Years Teaching: 8

Favorite River: Gore Canyon of the Colorado

Favorite Trip:
One of the best trips I have had was West Cherry Creek in California (pictured). California's granite riverbeds are a site to behold. They make for smooth kayaking. The rule of thumb out there is yes, it’s very big, but if you’re on line it’s all good. This picture was just one of the many waterfalls on this section. We had to hike in about 6 hours with all our gear and then tackle the river.

Ross Herr

Years Kayaking: 10

Years Teaching: 5

Favorite River: Oh be Joyful (pictured)

Favorite Trip: Running the fun drops of Daisy, Slate, and OBJ was great with Paulie this summer but the Big South will definitely be a must do each summer.

Currently a Junior at Norther Michigan University

Katie Shepard

Years Kayaking: 7

Years Teaching: 6

Favorite River: old hometown river The St. Francis
-close second: The Ocoee

Katie is our expert in the art of Rolling

Forest Knapp
Years Kayaking: 15

Years Teaching: 6

Favorite River: Unfortunately this information could not be found from Forrest. He's originally from the south but for some reason he talks like a Yankee. Forest is a well rounded boater from creeking to playboating.

Look forward to seeing everyone out on the rivers this summer. Spring is on its way so stay tuned for all the great excitement to come.
Thanks,

Ross