No. 882 Gary Nichols, 2016

File — Box: 79, Folder: 15

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This is an interview with Gary Nichols, a prominent pioneer of Utah kayaking. Gary discussed how and why he began kayaking, his connection with the University of Utah, the history of the sport from his experience, and his speculations on what has influenced the sport and its popularity. Currently kayaking has been in decline, and Gary attributes that in large part to the shift of goals among kayakers: from enjoying the rivers to the professionalizing of the sport, focusing on more challenging runs and intricate tricks. Such professionalizing, Gary suspects, discourages the casual kayaker and those looking at entering the sport as there is no way they can keep up with the professionals. The interview was somewhat informal, affording Gary to speak his mind and speculate without too much concern for precise wording. Gary also talked about the future of the sport and the factors that influence it. Of particular concern is the loss of runnable rivers as rivers are diverted and dammed for agriculture and utilities, and with the current trend of fewer boaters there are fewer voices to protect those rivers. Gary encourages those interested in the sport to get involved, both in kayaking and also in protecting the rivers.
Project: Outdoor Recreation oral history project.
Interviewer: Nels Nichols.

Dates

2016

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.