For Dingle, an Ohio University assistant professor of recreation and sports sciences, this isn't just another day at the office. Of the 30 or so boaters with him on West Virginia's Upper New River, half are wet by mid-morning. The river is not overly difficult, but small rapids have presented big problems for gear-heavy canoes. The snow stops by noon, but rapids approach. The river bends right and then quickly left.
Several boats overturn.
Dingle and his graduate assistants battle the currents to offer aid. One of them, Paul Cindric, looks exhausted. Cindric asks hopefully. It's just too cold. Now off the river and huddled with his students around a fire, he reflects on the abbreviated venture.