Morgan Tidd is a kayaker, photographer, and student at New River Academy. She paddles for Jackson Kayak and also keeps a blog as an ambassador for World Kayak. Morgan hails form Northern California, where she learned whitewater kayaking basics with such schools as CCK and Current Adventures. When Morgan arrived at NRA in early 2007 she could barely roll up in a current. Since then she has taken off. When Morgan isn't in her boat she likes to take photos, make comics, play frisbee, and learn languages.

At long last here is my comic documenting the travels of New River Academy to the Salween River in China! We all got the chance to capture some awesome whitewater kayaking photos and video, improve our big water river running and playboating, and have a great time!

It has been really interesting to spend so much time with the group in a new cultural setting that didn't involve kayaking at all. I think our focus has switched for the time being from good kayaking shots to pictures that capture the world we have been immersed in. Here are a few photos I have taken so far during our ti me in Shanghai and Kunming.

 

This little girl was playing with the birds at a park in central Shanghai. They were very tame, and we landing in the hands of people with seed all around us.

Aperture: f/7.1

Shutter Speed:1/320

ISO: 640

 

I took this photo out of the window of the train on our way from Shanghai to Kunming. It was a massive river with these brightly colored longboats. I thought the brightness of the clay riverbeds and boats made for a huge contrast against the grey sky and bridge.

Aperture: f/10 

Shutter Speed: 1/400

ISO: 640

 

I saw these bags of cement at a worksite in our hostel in Kunming. I thought the varied colors and beautiful Chinese characters would make a cool shot.

 

Aperture: f/6.3

Shutter Speed: 1/500

ISO: 640 

 

 

 

 

The day started boring at New River Academy with a study hall session. But hey, we gotta get it done, right? Immediately afterward we were going to the Lower Gauley. But somehow, I ended up riding in Clay Wright's big truck with a yellow lab in my lap on the way to do my first run of the Upper Gauley!

It was AWESOME. I spent the day trying to keep up with endless kickflips, splatwheels, rock spins, and even a sweet pogo flip off of a little ledge in a slot. Clay showed me all the creeky lines and I'm happy to say I usually followed.

The rapids that stick out in my memory are Pillow, Iron Ring, and Sweets Falls. I was proud to stay upright past the Pillow itself, only to be mystery moved by the sweet Volkswagon pourover at the end. We did the traditional leap into Pillow Rapid, where the water is so aerated you don't pop back up until it's over. Clay did a sweet front flip!

The play was also completely and utterly epic. I was learning how to fly from the Wright brothers themselves. Pun completely intended. My favorites were the wave at Insignificant and the loop spot right before take out. Trying to splat everything Stephen did was a futile exercise, but it did work out the soreness from Nationals. Pikey is a great guy when you can understand what he's saying. We were also joined by Brian Kirk and Kelsey Thompson, who often lag behind so they can Phonix the tar out of everything.

Shuttle was painless. We were able to park the van near the river instead of taking on the legendary Upper Gauley hike. After some burgers and shakes at Fat Eddy's a rousing game of frisbee golf was in order. I finished at a healthy 21 above par. Hopefully I'll have the skills to give Clay and Captain Kirk a run for their money when we meet again.

See you on the river!

Morgan the Tidd 

Last weekend the Academy of Hgue Experiences went to the biggest of competitions- the US Freestyle Nationals. The school was able to experience some top notch man made whitewater kayaking and compete. I think it went pretty well! Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

During the travels of New River Academy, we have received a new assignment in Photo II. We are to capture pictures that show something manmade way up close, to explore its texture. However, the picture still must be artistically sound. This is the part I found difficult, composing a good shot that is so zoomed in that one object takes up the frame. Here's what I came up with-

 

An arrow sketched into mottled cement. (c) Morgan Tidd 2007
Aperture: f/6.3
Shutter Speed: 1/3200
ISO: 800

 

A close up shot of bricks, and the mortar that keeps them together. (c) Morgan Tidd 2007
Aperture: f/10
Shutter Speed: 1/1000
ISO: 800

A cement wall, leading to a muddy cement floor, marked with algae and grafitti. (c) Morgan Tidd 2007
Aperture: f/6.3
Shutter Speed: 1/40
ISO: 800

 

 

 

 

 

This is our first real assignment in Photo II. We have been assigned to take three pictures that show an abstract concept. I chose fear of vulnerability, and named my project Armor. Here's what I found in the world-

Barbed wire twines along the length of a fence. (c) Morgan Tidd 2007

Aperture: f/5.6

Shutter Speed: 1/80

ISO: 800

 

An adolescent girl applies makeup in front of a smudged mirror. (c) Morgan Tidd 2007

 Aperture: f/3.5

Shutter Speed: 1/5

ISO: 100 

 

A lock and doorknob in a faded doorway. (c) Morgan Tidd 2007 

Aperture: f/5.6

Shutter Speed: 1/200

ISO: 800 

For the past week Garburator Wave and McKoy's Rapid have provided much entertainment for myself and other students of New River Academy. The Ottawa Rodeo was last weekend, on the first of September. We all had a blast! What else can I say? Read on!