This past weekend was the 55th annual First in Boating the Arkansas
River (FIBArk) festival in Salida, Colorada. The festival included a
number of events ranging from downriver races to slalom events and
rodeo/freestyle. The festival ran for 4 days and on Saturday I
brought along extra riverboards and gear so people could try a free
demo. The rodeo hole was a great place for first timers to give it a
go as several ended up getting the hang of surfing on a riverboard. I
answered lots of questions and in talking with one person found out
that an article about riverboarding is due to be published in Fortune
magazine in the near future. Evidently the author tried
riverboarding in Washington - looks like our little known sport is
starting to catch on.

The most noteworthy demo this weekend was a guy named Mark. Mark was
determined to try a kayak and a riverboard. He started with the
kayak but found it too tippy. Next up was the riverboard. Once Mark
suited up and got on the board, I jumped in along side of him and
together we floated downriver through the whitewater park. I told
him - just hold onto the board - as I kept one hand on his board to
help him steer. Mark enjoyed the ride immensely, and wanted to know
if it would be possible for him to do it on his own. Mark is a
paraplegic and no longer has the use of his legs so kicking is not an
option. If a riverboard with a fin that could be turned using hand
controls was available - maybe somebody like Mark could do it on his
own. It was awesome to see someone determined to try something new
regardless of their disability.

Shane