Paddling Team Competes in Alabama

Brevard College students walking past bell tower

by Casey Whitmire

The Brevard College Paddling club recently competed in a series of races in Alabama, including slalom, tandem races, boatercross, and downriver. The newly revived club will compete in a race on the Mulberry Fork at the end of February and on the Locust Fork at the beginning of March. There are also two races that they hope to go to at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. While these are not Collegiate races, a few colleges are well represented at them, including the University of Alabama’s paddling.

The Brevard College Paddling Club is one of several exciting new clubs that have been established on campus this year. Brevard alumni Michael Johnson first founded the club and named it BCP. Once current Co-Presidents senior Carrie Schlemmer and freshman Richard Pedigo picked up the idea this fall, they began meeting frequently to draft a constitution, make a calendar, and set up logistics with University of North Carolina-Asheville. Pedigo and Schlemmer met with Brevard’s Student Government Association last semester and were officially sanctioned by the school.  The club has eight official members and expects several more to join in the near future.

The club currently hosts roll clinics at the UNCA pool every Wednesday, which will continue until the weather is warm enough to move to a natural body of water. Anyone and everyone at all levels of experience are welcome to join the club. The purpose of the club is simple: to provide a way for people to paddle and have fun together! Club members learn fundamental skills in a pool: boat maneuvering, wet exits, and how to roll. They will also take trips to easy, fun rivers this spring and have at least one community service “clean-up day” on the French Broad River. In the future, the club plans to continue to provide a supportive and fun community that offers an affordable way for both experienced and inexperienced paddlers to get on waterways.

All students who are interested in joining the Brevard College Paddling Club are encouraged to contact Carrie Schlemmer or Richard Pedigo.