Hello, My name is Shane Groves. I am the coach and math teacher for New River Academy. This is my first year working with NRA and there is no doubt this is a huge experience. Our days are filled to the max with fun, educational experiences as we travel to take on the worlds best whitewater. I can't wait to continue our adventures as we travel to China, Chile, and all over the East Coast.

We started off the year on the Ottawa River. Staying right next to McCoys Rapid where we woke up to the sun rising over the river. This was a dream come true. The Ottawa is the perfect place to practice big water river running and playboating.

We then headed up to Nationals at the ASCI coarse where we had some top finishes amoungst the nations best Junior paddlers.  Morgan Tidd placed 1st in the Junior womens class proving that she is the nations top junior womens paddler.   She has  been  ripping it up this year improving everyday she was on the water.  Eli Spiegel was the top finisher in our school in the junior mens category throwing loops and McNasties to place 5th.

We ended a great quarter in West Virginia paddling the Gauleyl, my home river.  

The students had a great semester and formed a great team over our first 6 weeks.  We are fired up to go to china and take on some more of the worlds best whitewater.