Dave Kurtz

Dave Kurtz has spent the better part of his life surrounded by water.

As a teenager he found canoeing through the Boy Scouts, and he furthered that pursuit when he came to Penn State for graduate school. There he met Tom Smyth and Bill Bickham, and together they completed the first descent of the Upper Yough. But more importantly, Bill and Dave became competitors on the slalom course. Dave’s Explorer Post brought the first fiberglass boats to the slalom courses; and even today he’s involved in slalom racing through his Mach 1 slalom team.

Dave Kurtz – Upper Yough warmup 1959 copy — Dave Kurtz on the first descent, 1959

Dave Kurtz – Lower Yough 1959 — Dave Kurtz on the Lower Yough, 1959

Dave Kurtz – Upper Yough rapid 1959 — Dave Kurtz entering the top of Bastard, 1959

Dave Kurtz – UY Scan-140127-0001 — Dave Kurtz paddling through the Mushroom in the lead-in to Charlie's Choice, 1959.

Dave Kurtz – Tommys Hole 1959 — Dave Kurtz in the midst of Tommy's Hole on the first descent, 1959

The Holcombe’s and Dave Kurtz — The Holcombe's and Dave Kurtz at the Savage Slalom Races

See More Upper Yough History

The Guides

February 3, 2021

As the Upper Yough grew in popularity, a new avenue opened up for the sport.

Meatcleaver

February 4, 2021

Meatcleaver was the only rapid named on the first descent, but it's a name that was forgotten soon after.

Charlie’s Choice

February 3, 2021

Your first run down the Upper Yough probably wasn't as memorable as the one Charlie Walbridge's first run.

The Upper Yough Race

February 3, 2021

From the very first race, the challenge became, how in the hell do you go faster than Roger Zbel?

The High Water Mark

Tommy’s Hole