Ropecraft, Mutual Aid After The Storm And River Surfing, Inside Appalachia

Podcast - Inside Appalachia Story Archives - West Virginia Public Broadcasting

Rock climbing gear eventually wears out, but it can still live on as art.

Also, the response to Hurricane Helene shows us some of the best in people. Neighbors are helping neighbors.

And surfing in West Virginia. Yeah, that’s a real a thing.

In This Episode:

• Crafter Turns Climbing Gear Into Cozy Crafts
• Neighbors Helping Neighbors After Flooding
• Surf’s Up On The Gauley River

Crafter Turns Climbing Gear Into Cozy Crafts

Climbing rope is meant to last, but eventually wears out.

Outdoor gear can last a long time, but it wears out. Most of it, you have to throw away.

In western North Carolina, though, there’s a climber-turned-crafter who keeps old climbing gear out of the landfill and turns it into art. Folkways reporter Emily Chen-Newton had this story.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors After Flooding

Flooding caused by Hurricane Helene has devastated communities across western North Carolina and east Tennessee.

Recovery efforts in western North Carolina continue. After the storm, neighbors jumped in to help each other before government officials and outside help could arrive. They’re still holding each other up. Blue Ridge Public Radio’s Gerard Albert III, reported.

Surf’s Up On The Gauley River

Part of the journey to the river includes crossing a tall, narrow old railroad bridge that crosses the river. Briana Heaney/ West Virginia Public Broadcasting

You wouldn’t think so, but yes, you can surf in landlocked West Virginia. During the Gauley river’s rafting season, surf’s up –at least for a while. WVPB’s Briana Heaney had more.

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Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by Christian Lopez, Caleb Caudle, Steve Earle, Sierra Ferrell, Appalachian Road Show and Blue Dot Sessions…

Bill Lynch is our producer. Zander Aloi is our associate producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens. We had help this week from folkways editor Jennifer Goren.

You can send us an email: [email protected].

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Inside Appalachia is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.