Another year, another wet and wild Cheat River festival. It all started with Friday’s Cheat River Down River Race – The Massacre-ence. I managed to get a ride with Brian Hazelett and his safety crew down the river before the race began. Originally, the plan was to post up at Big Nasty, while boaters were still clotted together as they enter the first of the major rapids the canyon has to offer… but, I started feeling this anxiety that I was going to miss the pretty things, places on the river that have really grabbed me each and every time I’m in the canyon. High Falls, that’s the spot I like most…  so, I say ” hey Brain, can we change the plans so I can shoot at High Falls? ” With barely a thought, Brain says something toward “Hell yeah, the red buds are really in bloom right now ” and a second later he re-coordinated the safety boaters to fit the new plan.  Thanks, Brain!!

This gallery is select group of my favorite shots, but I’ve also added a link to about 300 more race photos at the end of this post …incase you want to see all the High Falls action.

What a great day on on the river with friends.  Big thanks to Friends of the Cheat, for all the incredible work you all do!!!
My most memorable moment was hurdling an empty boat as it sought to sweep me down the rapids. I managed to capture a few photos of the swimmer passing by as I regained my footing in the swift water.
Check those out and the rest of the race photos in the below link. I also added link to the Cheat Fest proper photos I shot…in case that’s of any interest.

Thanks Outex, for keeping my rig dry!