We received this little note from photographer Arlyn Agababian over the holidays. Enjoy and Happy Holidays to all!

‘Thought i would send in a Golden Stroke for Christmas, check out Mark Taylor Spankin’ the Monkey. Looks like Santa lit up the guages for the holidays. I’m down in the Keys hangin with my folks, no whitewater down here but some really nice sunsets.’

-Arlyn

Lining 'er up.

Preparing to launch.

Riding the Lightning!

Can’t figure out the perfect gift for the holidays? No worries we have it here!

Here we have a beautiful kick flip performed on The Colorado River.

Dang, Mr. Dean made it into the Golden Stroke again, second day in a row. Anyways, it’s a worthy one. This photo was also shot by Challen Averill. Ground Control to Major Tom…

This fine day we have another user submitted golden stroke. Darin McQuoid sent this in of Simon Rutherford from Dinkey Creek in California. We’re still recovering from the Green Race, and will have some fine stroking going on here from that once we get all this footage captured. This is a good one, it should hold you over.

This just sent in! Feel free to send us your golden pics or video and we will place them front and center.

“Hey Guys,

Those Longboats are fast! I saw stacks of em driving around on 26 Monday and Tuesday. This weekend was my fall Break 11/16-11/20 I missed out on a weekend of 60% Green flows and took advantage of the dance party over at LEAF Saturday and Sunday then kicked it over to the Saluda to wrap up the weekend on the Green. I took some noobs down for a first time on Monday so i didn’t see many Golden Strokes but i did see a lady swim Cheif! Then Tuesday Duke Energy graced us with some last minute water and i was able to knock out doubles with Will Stubblefield. Needless to say i saw quite a few Golden Strokes hanging out with him. I think the culmination of the weekend was my second lap on Tuesday. It was fast, not much talking, quick portages and no safety meeting at sunshine. Anyway thought i would send in a couple shots from my fall adventure. Hope everybody is getting out there and taking advantage of all this water I myself am looking forward to dawn patrol before school.

Will Stubblefield is in the long boat
Brian (unsure of last name) in the Magnum
Blue Boat not sure

All photos by myself

Cheers
Arlyn”

Getting Golden at The Notch (photo Arlyn Agababian)

Long Boats Are Beautiful (photo by Arlyn Agababian)

Long Strong and Down to Get the Racing On! (photo Arlyn Agababian)

Oh The Gold...oh oh oh the gold. (photo by Arlyn Agababian)

We just got this from Arlyn Agababian. This guy takes some killer shots. Keep sending us your golden strokes!

Hey guys,

Not sure if it gets better then this. With the race right around the corner and Duke Energy talking about big lake draw downs i think every Green boater is starting to get in the fall frenzy. Tis the season when living out of a van is really starting to pay off. I blew off some school on Friday and knocked out triples on the Green packed the van and we where in Elkhorn City by 1 am. The Russell Fork was a blast! favorite rapid was triple drop blasting through second drop then running third drop direct is a high you can’t buy on the streets. Anyway sending two shots from the weekend. The first picture i’m sure you all know i think i even saw Mr. LVM himself Will Lyons giving a Woop Woop going off the drop Sunday. But anyway Will Stubblefield and his huge lefty at the lip caught my eye as i was setting up for another shot. The second is of all the boys at maze running tight, paddlers are Scott Magley(Blue paranha) Johnathon Absher, Nick Pabst, and Dennis not sure of last name.
Cheers,
Arlyn

Here’s a good line from the recent Romaine trip. This picture is of the Tall One Trip Kinney boofing into camp on day 4 of the Romaine. Be sure to check out LVM 32 for more from that, as well as an a$$ kicking good time on the Stikine River.

In lieu of the current economic recession and in honor of The Ben Franklin, we’ve decided to make the theme for OR coverage the hottest new products under $100. We’ll cover the big ticket items as well, don’t worry, but we want to show you what’s new for 2010 on a budget.

With that out of the way, here’s our first product spotlight: the Werner Sprite.


This paddle retails for $80 and is a great way to get your young’uns on the water. Constructed with Werner’s continuous weave fiberglass blades, this is a legit touring paddle scaled proportionately for kids. Check it out and stay tuned.