Bill Bickham

“Beat Bickham” was the rallying cry of his opponents in the early 1960’s.

Bill was on the first descent of the Upper Yough in 1959, along with Tom Smyth and Dave Kurtz. His swim earned him the privilege of having a rapid named after him — Bickham’s Tree Rapid — although today boaters will know the rapid as Meatcleaver. But he’s better known as a champion slalom race. For a few years, Bill was dominating the races, becoming national champion multiple times. He was profiled in Sports Illustrated (photo above), and even once had the honor of racing C-2 with Robert Kennedy.

Bill Bickham – Cucumber Rapid 1959 — Bill Bickham at Cucumber Rapid the day before the first descent in 1959.

Bill Bickham – Lining through National 1959 — Bill Bickham lining boats through National, 1959.

Scan-140127-0002 — Bill Bickham at finding "Bickham's Tree", later named Meatcleaver,on the first descet in 1959

Dimples2a-19610916 — Bill Bickham attempting to remove the "Dimples" canoe.

Bickham Cucumber — Bill Bickham below Cucumber Rapid

Bickham SI Photoshoot 2 — Bill Bickham photographed for Sports Illustrated.

Bickham and Heinzerling Racing — Bill Bickham racing with Bill Heinzerling

Bickham Heinzerling UY Bickham Heinzerling 62 — Bill Bickham at Heinzerling rapid, 1962

See More Upper Yough History

Boaters have been running the Upper Yough for over 60 years. Contained within that period are a myriad of stories, and a select few have given birth to rapid names.

Bill Bickham

“Beat Bickham” was the rallying cry of his opponents in the early 1960’s.

See More Upper Yough History

The Learning Curve

Meatcleaver

Rapid Names

Wright’s Hole

A First Descent

Shootout At Sang Run

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Bill Bickham

“Beat Bickham” was the rallying cry of his opponents in the early 1960’s.

See More Upper Yough History

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