The Yahoo Falls overlook provided a perfect vantage point for spectators.

The last time I camped out in Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area was the early Spring of 2016. I packed one insulated jacket and that was about it. No gloves, hats, or base layers. After suffering through a snowy night in March, I learned to pack better for the cold.

In November of 2017 I found myself back in Stearns, Kentucky for EKI’s Big South Fork River Dash, the last of the Kentucky Waterman Series - even if the temps were projected to dip below freezing.

The paddling community never fails to rally, regardless of weather. Friday night before the race was spent playing the ukulele and devouring a dutch oven baked peach cobbler around the fire. Since it got dark at 5:30 it felt like we partied all night, but everyone got to bed around 9:00 p.m.

Wendell Martin, of Chicago, IL, lived in Hawaii for 20 years. While he's accustomed to warmer waters, Martin fought hard and won big on the chilling waters of the Big South Fork.

The morning came fast and the air was chilling, but around the fire it was warm and full of lively conversation. Racers prepared their breakfasts and shared a cup of coffee.

Margo Pellegrino, of Medford Lakes, NJ, is a paddling activist and outrigger extraordinaire.

It felt as though I was wishing luck to a bunch of my old friends, even though we only met the night before. The time spent around the campfire turned competitors into companions. Camaraderie filled the place of competition in Big South Fork. Racers all took their place on the starting line for what would be an exciting day.

Paddlers cut through the icy waters to cross the finish line. Congratulations and high fives were served to everyone. As the action unfolds, the camera shutters. Racers can look at a photo and it’ll transport them back to that moment their paddle blade cut the water to cross the finish line. In looking at a photograph racers feel the cold water splashing off their blade, or smell the fresh vegetables sizzling over the fire, or whatever other sensory detail they felt that day.

Four arms are better than two. Tandem teams showed up and showed out at the BSF River Dash.

As a photographer these events are made by the people I meet and what we learn from each other. Racers were there to paddle and I was there to photograph, but we learned more about recipes and hometowns and big plans for the next race.

Thanks to all of the participants, volunteers and especially those seasoned veterans who camped out in the cold with us!

Margo Pellegrino digs deep as she crosses the finish line.

Reed Mattison is a documentary photographer from southern Kentucky and served as EKI’s first ever intern during the 2017-2018 school year. He studies photojournalism and outdoor leadership at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Behind the Lens: Big South Fork River Dash