Itching to move, but to where?

[Maloney]

So I'm itching to move, somewhere, anywhere that has great playboating. EJ mentioned DC has great creeking and playboating year round. I hadn't even thought of that. Work can relocate me to Denver Colorado, but I figure springtime runs are all that's available.

I'm going on a trip out to Idaho this summer, and will definitely be checking out Boise as potential. Does anyone else have detailed suggestions on areas where an IT degree could be put to use near a playspot or two?

[Kevin Lindberg]

American Whitewater had a great write up and listed Ashville, NC as one of the top areas in the country.

http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Journal_show-page_issue_4...

Check out the link

Kevin Lindberg

[Maloney]

Kevin that's awesome, that touched on my interest in Boise, as well as EJ's suggestion on DC. I also thought it was interesting that it hit up Johnstown PA, a place I want to visit this springtime to check out the playspot they built. Cali and NC are also new potentials thanks to the article. Thanks a bunch!

[River Driver]

My husband and I visited Boise a year ago, and we were overwhelmed with how pretty it was, as well as how short a drive there would be to get to some really nice rivers. Also, the park system and greenbelt through town is fantastic, there are bike paths everywhere, and they are working on plans for a whitewater park in the middle of town. We would LOVE to move there, but unfortunately the job market is so slow that we haven't found anything yet (my husband is also in IT).

[dan cash]

Upstate NY if you also enjoy winter sports. I'm not sure what what possible job opportunities would be here for you, but I also know plenty of people that work in IT. I live in Watertown, which is right on the Black which has flows all summer long. It has two class V waterfalls (three if you count Brownville Falls - which almost never runs), several class IV's (depending on water levels) and tons of class III's. There are two PNP's - Route 3 Wave and Hole Brothers - and plenty of catch on the fly waves. Not to mention ICS and Big Brother, which come in less often, but attract boaters from all over the country. Classic play runs like the Fish, Deer, Salmon etc are with an hour or two drive from me. Classic creeks like the Bottom Moose, Independence, Grass, Oswagatchie, and 30 billion more litter the Adirondacks and Tug Hill.

Not to mention the rest of the state ;)

[Jonathan]

Arcata California is one of the best year round paddling spots in the country. The ocean is 15 mins away with a spot for every swell. There is the Smith, Trinity, Cal-Salmon, Eel, Mad river drainage's all within 2 hours or less. Willow Creek is 30 minutes away ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zr39YFh0Z6M ). The sierras are a days drive away, along with Oregon and southern Washington. Good luck!

[dan cash]

Holy crap! I just watched that vid. A spearing and a boat boof on the same trip! Awesome. Makes me want to move there.

[Ben Whittle]

Get a pickup truck and a good tent. Live the life for a year and then make a choice. Or just pick a city in the Southeast we got it all playboating, creeking ( however once you hit the Green you will sell your playboat) and sweet tea.

[dan cash]

...and no water!

[Ben Whittle]

We have tons of water they just keep it locked up behind all the dams. Free the water! Free the water!

[Maloney]

I have no aspirations to run the Green :P

I'll keep my playboat and my bodyparts intact!

[Tony Z]

North of Portland OR, within a decent commute to the IT Heaven of Hillsboro OR (Nike, Intel, Etc) is the hidden gem of Battle Ground. Where the property prices are very affordable, and the area gets 20% more annual rainfall then the rest of the Metro Area. It lies at the base of Mt St Helens and is within 15 minutes of some of the most popular paddles in the NW - East Fork Lewis, Canyon Creek, Cispus R, Copper Cr. Within 1 hr of Hood R, White Salmon, the Wind R, Little White Salmon, Truss, etc. ITs more of a creekers heaven, but as I am primarily a playboater, I have discovered pretty good play within 5 miles of the farm. Heres a link to view play in the area.

http://www.donkeyflip.com/dfportal/PlaySpots/tabid/58/topic/Washing...

BG is also a short drive to well know play of Bob's Hole, Joe Bobs, the Wilson, etc. In the summer when things dry up, well, hit the coast in less then 2 hrs. or play in the snow of Mt Hood within 2 hrs, Mt Bike out my back yard and have plenty of space for the dogs to run!

Just an option.

[Maloney]

Loving that link you posted Tony!