The 2012 Tennessee Valley Canoe Club Ocoee Race took place last Sunday.  Photos of each racer can be found on my website here.  Proceeds from the photos will be donated to First Descents.  If you were in the race and need help finding your pics, let me know and I'll help you find them (email me at [email protected]).  There are 1000+ pics, so it may be difficult to find yourself! 

First Descents is a very unique charity.  According to their website (here), this is their story and what they do:

"In 2001, ten young adults took to the rivers of Colorado in whitewater kayaks. For seven days, they learned the basics of the sport, eventually conquering Class III rapids before the week’s end. They were there to prove a point: that cancer, no matter how aggressive, dormant, advanced, or invasive, would never be stronger than they were." "First Descents offers young adult cancer fighters and survivors (ages 18 to 39) a free week-long outdoor adventure experience designed to enable them to climb, paddle and surf beyond their diagnosis, defy their cancer, reclaim their lives and connect with others doing the same."

A little closer to the hearts of those of us in Chattanooga is a story of a dear friend who ended his battle with brain cancer last year.  He spent his last months of life on the river, traveling, and living life to its fullest.  The TVCC rallied around him and allowed him to live his final days how he wanted to: paddling on the river.  They gave him his very own First Descents experience.  All funds raised at this race are given to First Descents in his memory.  I can't think of a better cause.


Here are some of my favorite shots from the day:

Looks like another relaxing day on the river looking at the beautiful fall colors, right?

Um...not so much.

A few people flipped their kayaks, but most were able to roll back up and keep right on going!

Regular paddles, hand paddles, and bunny ears.  There was something for everyone:)

Did I mention I took pictures at the last big rapid of the race?  These guys had to be worn out by the time they got to me.  This lead to some very serious race faces:)

You'll see a lot of super splashy pictures. They are my favorite!

Yes, I'm pretty sure there's a person and a kayak attached to that arm and paddle!

Rafts have to be the scariest part of being in a kayak or a canoe.

I believe this is called a bellyak.  He's actually laying on his stomach and paddling with hand paddles.  Whew.

And the finish line!  The competitors did an awesome job.  The fastest time was just under 30 minutes.  If any of you have gone down the Ocoee before, you know this is usually a full day event - not a 30 minute one!

Thanks to the TVCC for having me come out for the third year to take pictures of the race.  Now go buy some pictures to support a good cause!