On Sunday, April 15, Team River Runner Spokane had its first outdoor event of the season. Instructor Stan Mryzgod delivered the safety brief. We paddled a four mile section of the Little Spokane River, a Class I.5 spring fed river. The river averages about 17 yards in width, and is continuous S turns. It presents only a few challenges where the river narrowed and accelerated, requiring somewhat precise maneuvering to stay out of the overhanging trees. The take out was just prior to a Class II rapid, which did flip one boater who overshot the eddy. The time on the water was about two hours.

Paddlers included veterans Dan G., Mike C., Chris C., John P., Vietnam leg amputee Mark M., VA recreational therapist Pam W.. Instructors were Tim Ahern, Stan Mrzygod, Steve Mckee, and Jim Davey. It was the first time on a river for all veterans and Ms. W., except for Chris C. who paddled the same section earlier in the week.

The air temperature was about 53 degrees, and the water temperature was 52. The veterans were outfitted with a combination of wetsuits, dry pants, dry tops, and spray tops. Each paddler had gloves and either booties or water shoes.

Each veteran claimed to stay warm and dry the entire time, even Chris, who swam several times. John P. also swam from his rec boat, without complaint, about 1/4 mile from the takeout. He climbed on the tandem IK with Ms. W. while the rec boat was towed to the takeout.

Mike C. was in an instructor provided creekboat. Dan G. paddled the TRR Wavesport Diesel. John P., Mark M. and Ms. W. alternated between a rented inflatable kayak, and instructor provided IK, and a recreational kayak with an open cockpit.

I asked Mark near the end of the run if he was ready to be done, and he said, "No, I could do this all day."

At the takeout, all paddlers appeared enthusiastic and said they had fun. Several asked if they could do the same run next Sunday.