PPS Bios

Pete Morey

2009-03-20T17:11:00.000-07:00

Age: 40

Home: Cabin John, MD

Years paddling: 18

Where I learned to paddle: Irondequoit Bay, Rochester, NY.

Favorite backyard run: Great Falls on the Potomac

Favorite river sections: Gauley, New River Dries, Ottawa, Skykomish, MF Salmon

Favorite creeks: Difficult Run, Big Sandy, Carbon River, Bottom

Favorite types of paddling: Playboating downriver, big wave

Favorite non-paddling activities: Surfing, biking, floating along, visiting museums

Favorite gear: Werner carbon Sidekick paddle – it feels so light and quick in the water

A bit more about me:

Shortly after seeing the 92 Olympic tryouts for whitewater slalom kayaking, I picked up a kayak and a library book and started trying to learn how to paddle. It took a very long time. Trust me, learning from good instruction is so much better than a book. In January 1996, just before the big blizzard, I moved to DC. That year, it rained a lot, the Potomac ran very high, and I became hooked on big high water.

In 2004, I earned my ACA whitewater instructor certification. I have been teaching whitewter kayaking with Potomac Paddlesports for four years.

You can find me kayaking on the Potomac, enjoying Great Falls, Mather Gorge, and downstream come rain, sun, or snow. In September and October, I enjoy spending as much time as I can kayaking the Gauley River.

I am honored to join the Potomac Paddlesports team. I look forward to a great year both on and off the river.

Cherie Bartozzi

2009-01-11T13:30:00.000-08:00

Age: 25

Hometown: Chevy Chase, MD

Paddling Since: September 9, 2007

Favorite Runs: Great Falls, of the Potomac, Top Yough, Upper Yough, Futaleufu and the Azul in Chile, Cheat, Lower Big Sandy, Green Narrows, Ulla Falls in Norway, and the Zambezi in Zambia.

Upcoming Trips: I’ll be heading to Mexico for some South of the Border paddling at the end of January.

About Me:

Despite being born and raised in Chevy Chase, MD, ten minutes from Great Falls, I had never even heard of whitewater kayaking, until I spent a summer volunteering in Livingstone, Zambia, home of the Mighty Zambezi. I received a crash course introduction to kayaking and upon returning to the states promptly signed up for the Level 1 package with Potomac Paddlesports. I learned to roll during my first lesson and have not looked back. I bought a boat, paddle, pfd, skirt, etc. the very next day. In a little over a year, kayaking has become not only my passion but also my way of life. I have had good runs and spent a lot of time upside down but when all is said and done there is nowhere else I would rather be than in a boat, on the lip of a drop, eagerly anticipating my next great adventure.

Posts by Cherie

Scott Anderson

2009-01-01T08:12:00.000-08:00

Age: 26

Paddling since: June 5, 2004

Where I learned to paddle: The Potomac

Favorite backyard run: Great Falls

Favorite playspot: Minibus on the Ottawa River -- although I didn't know what to do once I got on it!

Favorite rivers: The Cheat drainage has more quality whitewater than any other river I can think of.

Favorite creeks: Seneca Creek, Red Creek, North Fork of the Blackwater, Hornbeck's Creek

Upcoming trips: Month-long trip through the Grand Canyon in February.

About me: I started kayaking with Potomac Paddlesports on June 5, 2004. It was a cold and rainy day -- I was shivering and my teeth were chattering through most of the class -- but you couldn't wipe the smile off my face. Since then it's become an addiction that I have no intention of ever giving up!

Photos

* Pillow Rock was taken by Bob Anderson

* The Spout and Upper Seneca Falls were taken by Curt Joyce

* Cushion was taken by Brett Mayer-Aschhoff

Posts by Scott

Jason Beakes

2008-08-06T21:00:00.000-07:00

Age: 35

Home: Bethesda, MD

Years paddling: 25

Where I learned to paddle: The Potomac

Favorite backyard run: Great Falls of the Potomac

Favorite river sections: The Narrows of the Green River, The Dries on the New River, The Parana River below Iguazu Falls in Brazil and the Blackwater in WV

Favorite creeks: The Little White Salmon, The North Fork of the Blackwater, and Vallecito Creek

Types of paddling: I love all types of paddling and am especially active in creek racing and boating and river running. My next goal as a paddler is to explore new rivers all over the planet.

Besides being a paddler I’m the proud father of two great kids, Emma and Noah, ages 5 and 3, respectively. I also work for Mid Atlantic Infrared, a DC area consulting firm that provides electrical and mechanical testing as well cost and energy saving solutions to a large portfolio of local clients. I am currently the Vice President and lead instructor for Team River Runner, a local non profit that introduces veterans of the Iraq and Afghan wars to various paddle sports in order to promote health, healing, and new challenges in their lives. My goals in life are to create synergy between these various endeavors; to lead a full and inspired life; and most importantly to make a difference.

Accomplishments: 8 years on the US Slalom Team. Over 30 podium finishes in extreme kayaking competitions including 4 Great Falls extreme race wins. ACA certified instructor for whitewater and adaptive paddling. Lead instructor for Team River Runner – a Washington D.C. based organization that teaches kayaking to Veterans who have been wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I've paddled in 14 countries including extreme racing in Brazil, creeking and surf kayaking in Australia, freestyle competition in Japan, slalom racing all over Europe and road tripping all over the US, Canada and Central America.

Favorite Adventure To Date: While leading a group of Wounded Veterans on a paddling adventure to Costa Rica half of our group, including me, ended up swimming out of our boats while attempting to bust through big surf at a river mouth that is infested with crocodiles, stingrays, and sharks.

Upcoming trips in 2008: Costa Rica, Colorado extreme racing series, and first descents in Iceland.

Favorite Quote: “Rules are for other people…”

Jason Beakes is without a doubt the finest kayaker I've seen and one who possesses the rare capacity to excel in all forms--extreme racing, creeking, playboating, slalom, wildwater, big water, technical water, floodwater, waterfalls and whatever else is out there. His paddling contains not only what mountaineer Pete Athans once described as "physical poetry" but also is informed by a sharp intelligence and intuition not often found on whitewater, or anywhere else. When you watch him paddle, you see an artist at work. It's as simple as that. -John Mullen of the Washington Post

Item that I can’t live without: My Kokatat Gore-Tex Drysuit- it makes winter irrelevant.

Posts by Jason

Maggie Snowel, Team Manager

2008-08-06T20:00:00.000-07:00

Age: 29

Home: Rockville, MD

Paddling since: August 2002

Website: www.thinkrain.blogspot.com

Where I learned to paddle: The Potomac

Favorite backyard run: Great Falls of the Potomac

Favorite river sections: Upper Yough, Top Yough, Lower Big Sandy, Upper Blackwater, Green Narrows, North Fork South Platte (Bailey Canyon) CO

Favorite Creeks: Clear Creek of the Arkansas CO, Hunting Creek, Canyon Creek WA,

Favorite types of paddling: Creeking, big water river running, attaining

Favorite non-paddling activities: climbing, hiking, photography, writing

Education: BS in Electrical Engineering. Though I’ve found that this isn’t the career path for me so I’ll be starting a master’s program in Environmental Management this fall and eventually work towards an MBA as well.

I started paddling in the summer of 2002 right here on the Potomac. I’d just graduated from college (Univ. of MD, go Terps!) and started a job at the Naval Surface Warfare Center at Carderock. Conveniently placed 5 minutes from Angler’s it really allowed me to get into paddling easily. I spent my first two summers paddling between the chutes and Carderock everyday. By the end of 2003 I’d decided I was totally in love with the sport. I wanted to get good at it and start running rivers. From there things took off quickly and I was on my way to some great adventures. I gradually worked my way up practicing on nearby runs such as the Upper Yough and eventually got to where I could run the Great Falls of the Potomac in the summer of 2006. 2007 was a big year getting me running more class V. I got on the Upper Blackwater, Russell Fork, and Green Narrows for the first time and paddled over 185 days.

I generally spend 100+ days of the year on the river so other activities tend to come second. I enjoy climbing on occasion but it tends to be an indoor, winter-time activity. I love going on good scenic hikes, especially if I can grab my camera as I really love photography. In the past I’ve tried all sorts of outdoor sports. I spent my youth skiing and sailing with my parents. Tried out windsurfing (which I sucked at, unlike my 65 yr old father who is actually pretty good! And have basic and advanced SCUBA certifications.

My boating travels have sent me all over the country. Though I primarily paddle in the Mid Atlantic states near home I do at least a few trips to the South and Northeast. I’ve also made it out to Canada, the Southwest, Colorado and the Pacific Northwest (I love Oregon!!).

My competitive spirit tends to be limited but I do enjoy be a part of fun events. I’ve really enjoyed participating in the Great Falls, Ohiopyle Falls, Upper Gauley, and Cheat Races. I’ve done some playboating but found that I was neither very good at nor enjoyed it very much so I’ve more or less hung up my playboat so to speak and recently picked up attaining as I find it to be much more enjoyable (I don’t have the patience to sit in line for a playspot anyway). So you’ll often see me charging up river in my super cool retro (and pink!) T-Slalom. I’m also loving my new Green Boat (Thanks PPS!) and look forward to taking it down new runs.

It has really been wonderful “growing up” as a paddler on the Potomac. The DC Area certainly provides a wonderful balance of urban conveniences and amazing outdoor activity. The river itself provides so much. It’s been great getting to work through each step of learning to paddle right here at home. From learning to roll at the Feeder canal, wave surfing at VA Chute, my first waterfall (Canal Falls baby!) to finally getting that first taste of class V on Great Falls. Looking back I can’t imagine a better place to have started!

Sunny has asked me to take over as Team Manager for the 2009 season. I couldn't be more excited!

Think Rain!

Accomplishments:

2007 Upper Gauley Race, 3^rd women’s

2007 Great Falls Race, only woman, oh yeah!

2007 Cheat River Race, 3^rd women’s long boat

2008 Great Falls Race, 1^st women’s

2008 Ohiopyle Falls Race, 3rd women's long and short boat

Posts by Maggie

Jordan Poffenberger

2008-08-06T19:00:00.000-07:00

Age: 14

Home: Fairfax, VA

Years paddling: 8 (5 C1)

Where I learned to paddle: The Potomac

Favorite play run: New River Dries

Favorite playspot: Golden rodeo hole in CO

Favorite creek: It's between Big Sandy in WV or Daisy Creek in CO

Favorite types of paddling: C-1 playboating, C-1 slalom and creeking

Community Involvement: I participated in the Gorge-athon and raised over $1000 for river access and preservation, many of the competitions I compete in are for the benefit of AW

I learned to paddle on the Potomac. I started when I was 6 years old in a Dagger Dynamo and started to learn how to roll in a pool with one of the local paddling schools. My dad and I took lessons and then would go out and practice rolling and paddling on the Potomac or the C & O canal.

What I like about paddling: Its just a lot of fun and there is so much you can do it's a way to get away from stressful things like school and just have fun and make friends and run really big drops.

What I like about the Potomac: The Potomac has a little bit of everything, it has big class V+ gnarr, class III-IV big water, and class III play and plenty of class II for the upcoming paddlers all within 15 miles of river.

Freestyle Competition Results: 1^st in K-1 Junior 05 Maryland Chute Out Series, 1^st in C-1^st 07 Maryland Chute out Series, 2^nd in C-1 08 Golden Community Rodeo, 2^nd in K-1 07 Junior Olympic Rodeo, 2^nd in C-1 07 Junior Olympic Rodeo, 1^st in C-1 08 Junior Olympic Rodeo, 2nd in C-1 07 Freestyle Nationals, 2^nd in C-1 08 Freestyle Nationals, 2^nd in C-1 08 FIBark Festival Rodeo

Slalom Competition Results: 2^nd in C-1 cadet 07 Junior Olympics, 1^st in C-1 cadet 08 Junior Olympics, 11^th in C-1 08 Olympic trials

Hobbies: Playing video games of course, Lighting off fireworks and Foamy boating, sometimes a mix. I really like moving rocks around in a stream to make extremely trashy holes for foamy boating, and making kayaking videos. My favorite hobbies are hiking along big whitewater creeks and rivers and scouting out lines I would want to run, and just walking next to insane whitewater in a nice forest. Just being alone in nature next to a great whitewater river or creek.

Favorite Boat: My favorite boat is the Remix 47 just because it's the best river runner/creeker I have ever paddled with tons of speed and acceleration and it just punches holes so easily and boofs like a dream. It is also such a light boat the only other boat I have ever seen that is as light as the Remix 47 is the fun 1 and that's just barley lighter. It is such an easy boat to paddle and it's the most comfortable outfitting you will find. The Remix 47 is not only a great creeker but it surfs waves like a dream, and you can still take it into a hole and spin it, the Remix 47 is defiantly the best boat I have ever paddled and the perfect kid's boat to learn in.

Favorite Piece of gear: I have to say the coolest piece of gear I have ever seen was the Level Six Juice Lite Skirt, I have never seen a skirt with a rubber seal so stretchy. It's like putting on a regular bungee skirt except with a better seal around the rim.

Posts by Jordan