The Beginning

It was May 2024 when John Gibson approached me with a question that would change everything: “Would you be interested in taking over Downriver?” John’s one important condition was that this remains a family business. That resonated with me. With my wife Margo, our kids, my niece, and their partners, we already had our own family. We believed we could honor what John built and keep that family spirit alive.

Discovering What Family Really Means

But as the season unfolded, something beautiful happened—I discovered that this family was bigger than I had imagined.

When our staff arrived—many returning from previous years, some joining us for the first time—I realized this group had become our extended Downriver family. We experienced the highs and lows together—supporting each other through busy weekends, quiet weekdays, celebrating successes, and tackling challenges side by side.

That’s when I truly understood what John meant.

The Heart of Our Family: You

And then I met all of you.

Some of you have been coming here for 50 years—since John first opened these doors in the 1970s. Others discovered this special place just this summer. Many fall somewhere in between, returning year after year for five, ten, or twenty years.

You all know what makes Downriver special.

Whether you’re seeking a getaway from daily life or an adventure with loved ones, this little corner of the world offers something truly unique. And that’s when it hit me: Downriver isn’t just a family business. Downriver IS a huge, vibrant family—and you are all part of it.

Thank You

As we reflect on this past season, I want to express our deepest gratitude. You’ve experienced something crafted with care and passion, something John dedicated decades to building. You trusted us to carry that legacy forward—and we take that responsibility seriously.

Every paddle stroke, every burst of laughter on the water, and every quiet moment drifting downstream has made this season unforgettable.

Looking Ahead

We can’t wait to see you again next year. Spread the word—bring your friends and family. Let’s continue to grow our Downriver family and share what makes this place so special.

Here’s how you can stay connected:

• Follow us on social media
• Leave us a review—your feedback means the world to us
• Share your Downriver stories with others

This winter, we’ll be behind the scenes, working to make your next experience even better while staying true to our roots. Our goal is to keep the heart of Downriver beating strong.

Until April

Thank you for making this summer incredible. We genuinely appreciate each and every one of you.

We’re not going anywhere—we’ll be here, planning and preparing. Enjoy your off-season, stay warm, and we look forward to welcoming you back on the river starting April 1st.

Until then, remember—you are part of the Downriver family. And family is forever.

— Mark and the entire Downriver Canoe Company team

Downriver Canoe Company has been family-owned and operated since 1974, offering memorable float trips on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River in Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley.

The post A Season of Family: Reflecting on Our First Year at Downriver Canoe Company appeared first on Downriver Canoe Company.

THE GRIP

There are two basic types of grip, the palm grip and the T grip. The palm grip is the more traditional grip that fits into the palm of your “off hand” (left hand on a right handed person). The palm grip is more comfortable to use (especially on longer trips), is easier to manufacture, and more durable than the T grip. Palm grips are seen on cheaper paddles generally because most serious paddlers prefer the T grip which gives a better feel for blade position. However, for expedition paddling a palm grip may be preferable for some.

THE SHAFT

It’s something most people don’t think about, but how stiff do you want your shaft (get your mind out of the gutter). A shaft with a little flex will be more comfortable to paddle and less tiring, while a stiff shaft will be more responsive and have more power (and may be a little heavier unless we start talking carbon fiber $$$). Some paddles exhibit a bent shaft (usually 11 degrees) just above the blade. These bent shaft paddles are a lot more efficient by maintaining a true vertical blade angle of 90 degrees with the surface of the water. These paddles are properly used with the tip of the blade angled forward so that during the power part of the stroke when the hand passes your waist the blade is vertical in the water.

DA BLADE, DA BLADE

A bigger and stiffer blade has more power, but can be very tiring to use all day. So every paddler must make compromises as to power verses comfort and usability. More experienced paddlers will usually go for power while most of the rest of us should go for comfort and ease of use.

MATERIALS

A durable rental paddle will have a plastic T grip with vinyl coated aluminum shaft and UV resistant plastic blade. A bit heavy, but it gets the job done, and is almost indestructible. Most wooden paddles have a great feel and flex, but are not as durable. High end paddles using Kevlar and carbon fiber exhibit great stiffness and strength, and are very light, but can be very expensive ($300 or more). A friend if mine once said to me, “Here, try using my eleven ounce carbon fiber bent shaft paddle for half a day, and see if you can live without it” (I could not).

PROPER LENGTH

For us, the rule of thumb for paddle length is determined by standing with the blade on the ground, the grip should top out at your necktie knot. Of course the best way to determine the proper length for your peculiar self is to paddle several different lengths and decide what works best for you. Bent shaft paddles are generally paddled a little shorter, and expedition paddles a little longer.

A MOMENT IN TIME

And hold on to you paddles if you overturn. We had a family from “up north” and when the parents overturned the teenagers continued on down the river. After waiting hours for the parents to show up the teens admitted they had retrieved both of their parent’s paddles from the river. Finally, we went looking for the parents at dusk. Paddling down the river we spotted a campfire just below where the parents had capsized. Upon approaching the campfire we observed two naked forms wrestling in the grass beside the fire. The parents were evidently taking advantage of the teens absence. Believe me, it was most embarrassing for all concerned, and a moment none of us will ever forget (but for very different reasons).

The post ABOUT PADDLES appeared first on Downriver Canoe Company.

Canoes are configured to paddle in one direction.  You can tell by the placement of the seats.  The seats are alway noticeably set back toward the stern, or rear of the canoe.  The seat with the most space between it and the end of the canoe is the bow, or front seat (more leg room).  Any third person should sit on the floor of the canoe (preferably on a cushion) between the two seats.

Paddling a canoe properly requires teamwork.  The stern paddler is responsible for steering the canoe, so it makes sense this should be the more experienced or athletic paddler.  The bow paddler has a better vantage point to observe obstacles or the best route through a ledge or rock garden for example.  Communication via voice or hand gestures is helpful, but after you have paddled together a few times, the stern paddler will learn to “read” the paddle movement and body language of the bow paddler without effort.

STERN PADDLER:  You may simply use your paddle as a rudder to steer the canoe.  If you are right handed, and paddling on the right side, the canoe will naturally want to veer a little to the left on every stroke regardless of what the bow paddler is doing.  To correct for this, you may elect to do a steering maneuver every third or fourth stroke or so.  You may also switch sides frequently as well.  A better method of course correction is to use a “J” stroke by rotating the blade outward away from the canoe (in the shape of a J) at the end of the stroke.  This is much more efficient and less tiring.

The two paddlers in a canoe should paddle on opposite sides of the canoe most of the time.  Since most people are right handed, most of us will be paddling on our “off side” about half the time, so get used to it.  Paddlers should switch sides at regular intervals.  The bow paddler determines when to switch since that person is always in the line of sight of the stern paddler who then adjusts to the bow paddler’s lead. 

BOW PADDLER:  HE wanted to paddle stern and be the captain.  HE wanted to be the boss.  Play the Cleopatra role by being conveyed down the river.  Make an occasional gesture by simulating a paddle stroke, but don’t put any effort into it.  Have a glorious day.

Modern river canoes are flat bottomed and are made of rotomolded plastic which slips over rocks much more easily than aluminum or fiberglass.  Most are 16’ to 17’ in length, have no keel, are quite maneuverable and extremely durable if a bit heavy (80 pounds or so).  These canoes can usually make about 3 miles an hour down the river at a steady but not strenuous pace, so a 12 mile trip should take about 4 hours paddle time at normal river levels.

Have a clear understanding of your route and distance.  Carry a cell phone (but silence it and use it only for photos unless a need arises understanding cell coverage may be limited).  Know how to recognize your take out.  Finally, and very importantly, get wet, chill out, and have a great day on your canoe adventure.

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