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I reached out to Shane and Woody last fall when I learned an internship experience was a necessary part of graduation requirements from my high school in Atlanta. I couldn’t have been more surprised or excited they were willing to allow me to become part of the Liquidlogic crew for a few days in March. Arriving in Fletcher, NC last Monday I felt like Charlie from the movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This opportunity was the golden ticket I had dreamt about since my first kayak, a Liquidlogic Biscuit, that I got two years ago. That boat launched me into the sport and ignited my passion for whitewater which has taken me to rivers all over the Southeast. Walking into the corporate office I wasn’t sure what the week would hold; the 90+ staff, a collection of really friendly, talented and inspiring people, welcomed me into the fold like family. I couldn’t imagine a cooler place to work – it is filled with unbelievable sights, color and graphics, group work stations and enough roaming dogs to make you forget this is actually work. Legendary Pat Keller part of the Liquidlogic crew gave me a personal tour of the factory and introduced me to the various departments: accounting, logistics, customer service, manufacturing, shipping but he saved the best for last, R&D. This department which was teeming with new ideas, customizations and product for release later this year was like a mad scientist’s laboratory. I didn’t think it could get any better… but it did.
Pat, Jake and the Quebec Connection invited me to join them on the infamous Green River that evening. I got to test the Flying Squirrel, a boat I have watched other paddlers use but never experienced until now. It’s fast, boofs like a dream, easy to control, and can take on anything in it’s path. Two rapids on the Green have caused trouble for me in the past, Go Left and the Notch. When I came in to Go Left the boat glided over the drop and slid effortlessly in-between the rocks. Then I came to the Notch, the last time I ran it I was flipped and got caught in Garage Door. Not this time. My line was perfect and the Squirrel went through the Notch like a hot knife through butter and soared over Gorilla. I can’t wait to get my own Squirrel. In the meantime, I jumped at the chance to shadow those who make it in the factory. Who knew it starts out as a block of foam that Liquidlogic craftsman shape and hone into a prototype used for a casting which becomes the mold used to make the final production boats. The whole process was fascinating from the brilliantly colored sugar-like material that is magically transformed into kayaks to the realization that there is an individual actually stitching and assembling the seats and not some random machine. Every aspect of production reflects the highest quality and attention to detail that distinguishes Liquidlogic as the foremost manufacturer of whitewater kayaks.
My time here went by quickly and like Charlie my experience inside the factory gates was first class and filled with unexpected fun and colorful characters. It has fueled my enthusiasm for the sport and continued loyalty to the product. I am so appreciative for the time and opportunities that Shane, Woody, and the entire staff extended to me.
I look forward to the next time.
Oliver Yowell