ASCI located atop WISP mountain in McHenry, MD, is one of the truly unique attractions that makes Deep Creek Lake special.
According to the ASCI Web site, “the ASCI “whitewater course” is made of concrete and natural rock and is just over 1700 feet long. It drops 24 feet from the top to the bottom. Water pumped from the lower pond and shoots into the start pool at a speed of 5 feet per second. At six locations on the course are variable wave shapers that can adjust waves and hydraulics for different experiences – ranging from Olympic caliber whitewater to a flow that is comfortable for small children and beginners.”
In short, it is a really cool place to have fun and take pictures on a hot summer day. I shot this frame last summer during a trip up to ASCI. You never know what you will see next, skillful rowers or a group falling into the drink. As I always do with action photos, I shot this with the longest lens possible for the maximum impact. The course has a lot of busy backgrounds, but a long lens, selective composing and a shallow depth of field removes the clutter quite nicely.
In a perfect world, I wish the guide’s paddle was not chopped off, but I like this photo as the reactions and the flow of the faces from top to bottom really pull you into the moment. Everyone looks so perfect they almost look like models, but they were not.
ASCI is the official venue of the 2014 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships. Many say Deep Creek Lake is one of the best keep secrets in the East. After 2014, I think a lot more people are going to know how much this mountain resort community in Western Maryland has to offer. It is really a terrific place.
I See Beauty All Around 