USNWC Staff Profile - Tuan Truong

Tuan is a great example of how the USNWC can build competent gnar boaters in a minimal amount of time thanks to accessibility as well as close proximity to many expert and elite paddlers. Tuan came to us earlier this past year and since then has became a dynamic raft guide and a thoughtful kayak instructor. It is for these reasons I decided to profile Tuan Truong by asking him a few questions.

USNWC: How long have you been working with us Tuan?

Tuan: Since July for instruction, and I guess October of 06 for rafting. I got my start with High Ropes though.

USNWC: And how long have you been boating?

Tuan: I've been swimming out of my kayak since April, sometimes I try to stay in my boat though.

USNWC: Our readers are dying to know, are you single?

Tuan: (In a morose voice) Yes....

USNWC: Have you actually ever paddled any "real" rivers, if so, how did you do?

Tuan: Yes, the Lower Green, it actually frightened me quite a bit though, (Note to our readers: he was frightened of the prominence of scary rednecks) as well as the Ocoee, Cheoah, Upper Gauley, and Wilson Creek.

USNWC: Wow, that's quite a list Tuan, since April, right?

Tuan: Yeah actually

USNWC: Do you think your experience at the USNWC has been a contributing factor to your sucess on the water? By success I mean, your ability to carp air so well before executing a roll?

Tuan: (With a quizzical look) Carp air? Absolutely, I learned a lot about boat control in pushy water. Also, my training as a kayak instructor has helped me think critically about my skills as well as others.

USNWC: What paddling products do you like to accessorize with?

Tuan: NRS, IR, TEVA (and yes, he pronounced TEVA wrong), and all the other free stuff I can get my grubby raft guide hands on.

USNWC: If you could be any "Bad to the Bone" boater, who would you be and why? Don't worry,I know you already like me the best, but just humour me...

Tuan: I don't know... mmm... How about Cooper, I definitely wish I could be Cooper. (Cooper Lambla can be heard in the background making sly comments to the ladies)

USNWC: Do you hope that this prestigous interview brings you widespread notariety?

Tuan: I hope so, but I would love to see what Cooper would say to this question.

USNWC: Alright Tuan, one last question. What is your favorite paddling moment with me on the river?

Tuan: That night we went play boating together and you showed me how to roll up after a catching a fish in your mouth.

USNWC: Thanks Tuan for being so patient and sitting through this interview.

Tuan: (He laughs mockingly)

Rain or Shine – National Teams Train Hard

Conviction is what it takes to train hard in inclement weather, and it takes passion to be that deeply convicted. While most others are out on the rivers of Western North Carolina, our U.S. National Canoe/Kayak Team is out training just as if it were any other drought stricken day. Since arriving at the U.S. National Whitewater Center I have admired what “our” team puts into their passion.

Apparently this conviction has rubbed off on others, as there are many people training for different events in different disciplines of canoeing and kayaking. The Whitewater Center has been busy with those training for the Russell Fork and Green Races as well as a few who have been putting in some extra time honing their freestyle skills for competition.

Soggy days in Charlotte provide a perfect setting for those looking to train and learn as the huge weekend crowds clear out and make room for those a little more focused on their boating goals.