you just need to know a few techniques. The number one question we get is, “Are we going to tip?” Now, I know they aren’t referring to the gratuity most guides get for making a life-changing memory for somebody else. They literally are worried about tipping out of the kayak. I asked the German couple if they knew who Elvis was. They did and apparently he is big in Germany. But then again, so is David Hasselhoff. Elvis would have made a great kayaker. Everything is in your hips. I then did my best Elvis impersonation for the Germans. If you keep your torso straight up and down and allow your hips to take the energy out of wakes and waves that are coming from all angles, it is almost impossible to tip over. But the moment you start leaning over, you’ll be going for a swim – which on a hot day really isn’t that bad – and you’ll float like a message in a bottle because you’re wearing a PFD. And after some quick lessons on how to paddle it was time to go for it. I was a little concerned about taking somebody out on the lake who didn’t have the ability to use their legs, but I buried my apprehension under some more Elvis moves. The German gal helped her husband
get into his kayak, and I pulled him into the water, while she got herself in. Once in the water, I give a quick educational interpretation on the area. “In the late 1940’s, the Department of Reclamation decided to put up a series of dams along the Colorado River and demolition began on the canyon walls in 1956 in order to divert the river. In 1963, the last bucket of concrete was poured at Glen Canyon Dam. Glen Canyon began to fill up and later become Lake Powell. In 1980 the water levels hit full pool for the first time. There are more than 2,000 miles of shoreline and more than 8 trillion gallons of water in Lake Powell at full pool. Lake Powell named after a one-armed civil war officer who rafted the Colorado in 1860’s – John Wesley Powell. Enough of that, let’s kayak.” I’m curious by nature and fascinated by other cultures, so I ask my guests a lot of questions. Turned out that the Germans, who I would guess were in their late forties, are both medical doctors back home. I asked him if he had ever seen the show “House” and he replied that it was one of his favorite shows. The half-day tours last about three hours, and the three of us had more fun than should be legal. The German fellow would wave at the passing boats and say hello through the biggest smile
I have ever seen. That three-hour tour on the lake was more than just a guided adventure. None of the passing boats could see his legs or his situation – who needs legs to kayak anyway? For the first time in a long time, my new German friend was just like everybody else, and the boyish laughter coming out of him will forever be one of my most cherished experiences on the lake. Hidden Canyon Kayak and Kayak Lake Powell are the two local kayak tour companies here in Page. While both companies offer tours and rentals, they have each carved out unique adventures to fit their vision. Season after season, Hidden Canyon Kayak and Kayak Lake Powell have been satisfying the cravings of those who are attracted to the magnetic beauty of Lake Powell. These owner-operated, Grassroots companies maximize the time and enjoyment of their guests by showing them the hidden gems of the vast Glen Canyon area. Hidden Canyon is owned by three river guides who have spent most of their lives guiding adventure seekers around the Grand Circle of northern Arizona and southern Utah. Dave Panu, Clint Spahn and Craig Little’s true passion in life is to turn as many people on to the magic of the Lake Powell as possible, and at least
Fiesta Mexicana Family Restaurant Authentic Mexican Food
Experience the authentic atmosphere of Mexico and enjoy the best Margarita’s in town. If you miss out on Fiesta Mexicana, you haven’t been to Page!
SPRING 2014
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GATEWAY TO CANYON COUNTRY
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