White-water clash: Brock battles rapids in kayak
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When he’s not working at his day job for McMinnville Fire Department, Brock can usually be found braving the rapids in his kayak at Rock Island State Park.
“When I get off work, if my kayak isn’t in the back of my truck then I’m already behind schedule,” said Brock, 25, a lifelong Warren County resident. “There’s nothing like it, going down the rapids, the water hitting you in the face. There’s no way to describe it.”
Brock’s interest in kayaking began less than a year ago. He went on a white-water rafting trip with some of his co-workers and discovered an almost immediate love for the water.
“Three days after that white-water trip, I bought my first kayak,” said Brock. “Since then I’ve been coming down here every chance I get. It’s not a very good place for beginners, but if you’re willing to go out and get trashed, it’s OK.”
Rock Island has quickly gained recognition among kayakers throughout the country for its area known as “The Hole.”
About eight kayakers were testing their skills in The Hole yesterday afternoon, including two who made a day trip from Chattanooga. One nationally known kayaker, Eric Jackson, recently moved to Rock Island just so he could be closer to The Hole.
“Just about any kayaker who passes through has to stop by The Hole,” said Brock, who admits the sport does have its dangers. Kayakers are frequently tossed under water and there’s always the chance they could bang their head or get pinned against rocks.
If kayaking isn’t dangerous enough, Brock works for the fire department as his day job. He’s an engineer at the Main Street station, which means he’s in charge of driving the truck.
Brock is also one of the few local firemen trained in high-angle rappelling. That means he can use ropes to get from the roof of a high rise down to the fifth floor, for example. From there, he can help victims escape a burning building.
“Josh is kind of the X-Games daredevil of our fire department,” said fireman Joey Sweat. “He is certainly well respected.”
If that’s not enough, Brock is also a volunteer with the fire departments in Morrison and Viola. But you can bet if he doesn’t have a fire hose in his hands, Brock is on his way to test the water at Rock Island.