KAYAK4play News

JAUNT kayaking feature film

2012-01-20T12:21:00.001+11:00

JAUNT - Showcases some of the worlds best kayakers doing what they do best, dropping waterfalls, exploring deep canyons and surfing big waves in the most epic kayaking destinations around the globe... all while living a uniquely southern, paddlers lifestyle.

Exotic locations include: Laos, Uganda, Kenya, Norway, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

Paddlers:

Kelsey Thompson, Adrian Kiernan, Anthony Yap, Sean Boz, James Thorp, Sam Tregenza, Colin Furmston, Ben Earle, Lachie Carracher, Jimmy Lohrey, Weka, Sean Mac and many more!

Filmed and edited by Adrian Kiernan with additional footage from Sean Boz and Kelsey Thompson

Produced by Go Boating Austalia and Skippy Films back in 2010.

A big big thank you to:

www.fluidkayaks.com

www.kayak4play.com.au

www.immersionresearch.com

JAUNT DVD - Watch FREE online!

2012-01-13T12:16:00.001+11:00

Hay Guys!

Just checking in to let you know my second film JAUNT will be released FREE online on the 20th of Jan 2012 for those of you who have yet to see it.

I just wanted to say a big BIG thank you to Leigh from kayak4play for helping get this one of the ground, thanks for your on going guidance and support!

Spread the word and don't forget to "LIKE" www.whiteboxmag.com on Facebook to be the first to know when JAUNT and other FREE films become available online!

Adrian Kiernan

Creeking up a storm in North America with Skippy Films

2012-01-05T11:18:00.006+11:00

Hay everyone.

I uploaded my section on the Skippy Films DVD Downunder The Horizonline.

This was one of the best seasons of my life in North America with the the boys

A big thanks to Kelsey Thompson and Sean Boz for footage contributions on this one!

Paddlers:

Jimmy Lohrey

Sean Boz

Ben Earl

Kelsey Thompson

Adrian Kiernan

and many more! - sorry if i missed you.

Adrian

Viva Mexico

2011-11-08T04:31:00.005+11:00

Hey Guys,

So I have just returned from a month in Mexico, it was an amazing trip and I cant wait to get back next season for some un-finished business down there.
All of these shots are from the Alseca River apart from one. Veracruz state is quickly becoming a mecca for young fired up kayakers that want to try there luck on drops ranging from 30 t0 100 feet (and bigger if you want it). I barley scratched the surface of what is possible in the area.

Check out the video, we had a sick crew of rippers this season from Norway, France, Spain, Peru, Mexico, the US and of course Australia.

The Mighty Homathko - Trip Report

2011-11-07T13:31:00.001+11:00

This summer an international crew of class 5 kayakers made the amazing journey through the depths of the mighty Homathko's canyons during high flows.
Successfully completing the source to sea expedition in 4 days running some epic whitewater puzzles along the way.

Many thanks to all those who took part in this amazing journey.

Film By
Adrian Kiernan

whiteboxmag.com - ENJOY!

Adrian Kiernan Reviews IR's Double D Drysuit

2011-11-02T04:27:00.010+11:00

Hello to all those people reading this post. In the next few paragraphs i will attampt to give some un-biased advice regarding IR's Double D drysuit. I wont go over the features as there is plenty of IR advertising that can tell you all you need.

www.immersionresearch.com

I have been lucky enough to have used this drysuit for almost 5 years. I work rafting and kayaking in it on a day to day basis and do around 2 guiding seasons every year. This includes expedition work on the franklin river in Tasmania AUS (10day expd) and spend the other half of the year in British Columbia. For anybody who has worked or paddled in BC you will no that it is extremely hard on gear - climbing on your knees in soft moss or bush bashing through hectic undergrowth and devils club - Commonly called BC "Hell fuck"

So to give you an idea - my drysuits go through hell.

For me the purchase of a drysuit is something that needs to be carefully researched as those kinds of funds $$ don't just grow on trees. I want it to be comfortable - dry - and most importantly, good value for money. Many of my friends use gore-tex suits and they have also been impressed with that product also. If you have any experience with gore-tex outside drysuits you will know that it is usually the superior product - many companies coming up with their own versions to try and emulate it.

However i strongly believe that for drysuits this is not always the wise decision. For drysuits you really want a fabric that is a good balance between durable and dry and cost effective.

This is the best suit on the market for your money!

Dropping into my favorite Creek in BC - Tatlow

For those of you who are new to drysuits the No 1 thing you need to think about is the socks of the suit. This is where most people complain of leaks. Leaks in areas like the neck and wrists have nothing to do with the drysuit. There is only something like 2 manufacturers of gasketts and pretty much every company uses the same stuff. The socks however in your drysuit take a BEATING! Imagine walking on your nice new raincoat every day of the week, in mud or gravel.

They are simply not made for it. You MUST wear good footwear over your drysuit to protect it and also socks on the inside a very good idea.

Immersion research has recognised this and rather than putting in some expensive fabric than will sooner or later leak. they have simply coated the inside of the drysuit booties with a layer of seal. Making the fabric stronger and more durable.

IR's Drysuit is a fair bit cheaper than Gore-tex drysuits and made with a fabric that is very comparable. On a cost only basis - the obvious choice is still IR. What is the point of buying a drysuit made of gore-tex when it maybe only lasts the same time yet costs so much more!?

The other thing i am really impressed by is the cut of the drysuits. they sit really well especially for kayaking giving you plenty of room around the shoulders so as not to restrict movement. The zip across the back is really easy feels much better to paddle with than over the shoulder- it just takes a little practice.

when buying your drysuit you should really get it a bit bigger than you think you need it. you want to make sure you can fit plenty of layers underneath when its cold.

Also for paddlers when you sit in a kayak and do up the back band you will find that after wriggling in your seat for a bit that some of your suit will bunch up below the back band. When lifting your arms directly to the sky you will feel some pull accross your back. This is less than ideal. It happens with every drysuit, so make sure when your shopping you dont just go for the one that makes your bum look small.

Regardless of which suit you end up picking. Buy a drysuit and not a drytop - pants combo. There is NO comparison. If you are in slightly warmer climates and worried about what to do on a hot day. Simply suit up in your fav pair of shorts and singlet / wife beater and off you go!

BE CAREFULL!!!

Once you buy a drysuit you will never go back!!!

This year in BC i ripped my drysuit BAD from my pee zip between my legs to my A-hole bashing through some sharp tree branches. Beyond repairable, I wrote to IR hoping to get a buy a new suit asap. To my utter disbeleif, the drysuit turned up in less than a week thanks to the LOVELY people at IR. You saved my summer and i thank you!!

Adrian Kiernan

WWW.WHITBOXMAG.COM

SUMMER 2011 BC WRAP UP

HOMATHKO - CLEARWATER - CALLAGHAN - Big Water Training

NORTH STEIN SICKNESS!

ENJOY!

"BRITISH COLUMBIA, WHITEWATER PARADISE."

2011-10-04T15:34:00.003+11:00

"WHITEBOX PADDLESPORTS VIDEO MAGAZINE"

"BRITISH COLUMBIA, WHITEWATER PARADISE."

"A visual taste of BC's best Rivers and Creeks."

Featuring the very best eye candy of stunning lines and landscapes, shot on BC's finest creeks, river and streams.

This whitwater hucker's guide includes everything from classic afterwork runs to multi-day expeditions - filmed in just over 2 months of BC summer.

KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN for part 2 coming soon!

Episode 1 Includeds: Tatlow Creek, Rogers Creek, Cheakemus, Callaghan, North Stein, Homathko, Clearwater, Raft River, Skookum Creek, Ashlu and many many more!

Plug in your load speaker and turn it up!

Proudly Supported By: Fluid Kayaks and Kayak4play

Enjoy! - Adrian Kiernan - Whitebox Magazine

210ft of drops after work

2011-10-02T07:16:00.002+11:00

checking in with some sweet pics from a week or so back. Changing it up from big volume training we decided to go and hit some of the waterfalls in Squamish BC. Starting around 5.30pm after work i managed to notch up over 210ft of free fall in less than 3 hours!

Pics By Jules Domine

BIG WATER - HOMATHKO - BIG BANG

2011-09-26T11:47:00.003+10:00

…One has to ask questions like this when planning for an expedition, if you don’t ask the questions and you don’t spend the time?
Or maybe you don’t really want to know at all…

Preparing for an expedition down the Homathko can be as easy as calling the float plane, arranging a pick up time, Researching water levels, buying food, driving 8hours and putting on the river.
But even after this, one still questions, do I want to feel that exposed for 4 days? I know friends who have paddled the river and I know the rapids are manageable. so really I have no real reason to be scared. Right?
Planning for this trip was as much about guess work, trying to work out the weather and wondering what 300cubic meters of water might very quickly do to the river.

This season BC has experienced a high water year. The large amount of high alpine snowpack that still remains hangs over our heads as a reminder as we paddle the first day down some exceedingly difficult class 2.
We have been so lucky this trip to experience the perfect window, the snowpack allowing us passage down the reaches of its deepest gorge at a near perfect flow.

The Homathko allowed my 7 companions and I a glimpse at some of the most epic of its BC wilderness. Reminding us of its power with what felt like icy cold hands slapping our faces as every wave passed over our head.
It is a source to sea expedition in the truest of senses of the words.

Hear lies only your fear – towering mountains, deep canyons and grizzly bears.
Here lies the Homathko River – The true wilderness trip of a lifetime.

North Stein - Expedition Excellence

2011-09-24T10:13:00.000+10:00

The north stein is somewhat of BC epic. With around 14km of bc bushwacking and high alpine portaging in some of the most remote BC backcountry.
However... The North Stein's 1.5km of whitewater is worth every step, delivering you into the upper raches of the normal Stein fly-in run, taking a total of 4 days to complete.

This has to be on of the best multi day trips ever and is definatly worth the work to get in. Although with the 14km of pain behind you, fully loaded boats make some of the bigger drops pretty scary.

so very sick

BC's Finest Creeks - Raft River

2011-09-24T10:12:00.000+10:00

Raft River is situated very close to clearwater in the Interior of British Columbia.
This creeking jem has only a small window of around a week, but if you are lucky enough to time it right, you will come to appreciate all 16km of this run.

It begins a shallow braids for around 2-3km as it begins to enter the canyon. from here very continious class 3 rapids soon lead to boat-scoutable class 4. the last 2km of this run is fairly steep and walled in, however it becomes drop pool in character before falling around 25 ft off raft falls - The last drop and take out from the pool below

Lost River Gorge Overnighter - Washington

2011-09-24T05:44:00.001+10:00

Lost River Gorge Lies in the Hear of washingtons Okanogan, just south of the BC Boarder.

This run is one of the only true wilderness multi day runs in washington. It requires a 10km hike, but the reward of kilometers and kilometers of class 4 read and run is %100 worth the effort.

Not to mention some of the most amazing scenery in the bottom of a 5000ft Deep Gorge!

Adrian Kiernan

Lost River Gorge WA - Trip report from Adrian Kiernan on Vimeo.

Full Flood - Murtle River BC

2011-09-24T05:42:00.001+10:00

The Murtle river spills over Helmcken falls, before racing to the confluence of the Clearwater river just below Gattling gorge in the wells grey park wilderness of British Columbia

I have paddled this section regularly and during times of low water, it can include running a 30ish Ft waterfall at the base. This run however was around 3 times the water, so did not include the falls, however it turned the 3-4 boogie run into a freight train of huge standing waves!
Awsome!

Water level was between 8-9 on the clearwater bridge.

The Murtle Minute - Flood run from Adrian Kiernan on Vimeo.

Untitled

2011-08-24T05:21:00.001+10:00

See the full gallery on Posterous

See the full gallery on Posterous ...

Clearwater River, BC

2011-08-13T02:11:00.001+10:00

Want to go rafting on British Columbia's finest big water?

Learn How to Kayak?

Come see me this summer at Liquid Lifestyles

Want to go rafting on British Columbia's finest big water? Learn How to Kayak? Come see me this summer at Liquid Lifestyles ...

China Photo Update

2011-05-03T16:03:00.001+10:00

In November 2010 I headed out to interior China with Anthony Yap, Ben Brown, Pat Camblin, Rush Sturges, Casper Van Kalmthout and Ben Marr. We spent 3 weeks paddling the amazing Salween River which boarders Tibet and Myanmar.

The full story can be found in the latest addition of Kayak Session, Footage from the trip can be found on River Roots latest film titled Frontier as well as in a Short film from myself which will be available for viewing in a few weeks. Titled “The Calling”

As usual, I will let the photo’s do the talking

The Salween is in the process of having 13 dams constructed on the section of whitewater we were paddling, more information can be found at www.salweenwatch.org

See the full gallery on Posterous

10,000 serendipitous kilometres in a big blue bus

2011-04-20T13:07:00.016+10:00

Five Australians, one Canadian and a twelve-year-old yellow Labrador touring around in a '79 short school bus certainly attracts attention from all sorts. Notably the hippies and the homeless, yet also randoms from all walks of life, some on their way to work, some at work; peace signs out windows, pointing, smiling, laughing; we imagine they are stoked and living vicariously...

It begins with the hasty acquisition of an anonymous rafting bus. Five hundred kilometres home to Chilliwack and half that into the gas tank leaves much to ponder. Passengers are confirmed, interior decoration rushed, U-bolt roofracks installed, kayaks loaded, BC departed. It would be 9,000 kilometres before Gus got his name, and we still can't decide if he's a she or vice versa. Without original equipment, possibly some of both.

Adventure ensues... Santa Barbarian galactic shaman offers wisdom, befriending roadside salesmen, Albuquerque Republican Highlands contraband smuggling pilot shares the goodness, power tripping security guards dim the vibe, courtesy speeches from off-duty cops, Big Sur hitchhikers who're panhandling for every meal, random encounters with paddlers from local heroes to international superstars, breakdowns and a thirsty Gus...

We even managed to go paddling in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Colorado, resulting in backwards waterfalls and inadvertent 360s on slides above meaty holes. We met first hand the issues of private property as they affect waterways in Colorado, ducking under barbed wire fences as we paddled down a low river with signs on the banks forbidding scouting as trespass.
Read more at http://oneinity.wordpress.com/

Core Paddles: First Impressions

2011-03-18T20:47:00.011+11:00

OK guys,
Leigh asked me to write a piece on my first impressions of the new core paddles.
After paddling at clifton beach in tasmania with both the straight and bent shaft paddles in moderate surf i was able to get a pretty good idea of what to expect.

Core paddles are designed by Steve Horvath - the man behind the h2o paddles, and it shows. The blades are going to be very similar to the h20 blades being a re-enforced plastic. I'm personally a big fan of the blades on the h20. Now i know that h20 had some big problems with their durability, but i never really saw many (if any?!) blades break. They did wear down for sure but not at the same rate as a glass or carbon blade. Personally i am a big fan of the blades, good flex for playboating but definatly enough strength to creek with.
The shaft of the core paddles is the big news for core. They have managed to get Easton alloys on board. Never heard of Easton alloys? I had not untill I spent 5 years in canadia. Easton is the same company that makes many things... namely sporting equipment such as baseball bats and ice hockey sticks. So they have a pretty damn solid reputation for producing quality products.
The shafts on the core paddles feel pretty thin (similar to the old 7/2 paddles - but a bit thicker) and have the same grips as the h20 (yay). The shaft feels bomber, both on the strait and bent shaft (1peice forged) but still has a surprising amount of flex, i expected them to be very stiff.

Dont care about that stuff...how do they paddle you ask?
Well... as a play paddles they are sick. Flexible enough to rip some big moves and be forgiving on your shoulders when you stuff something up, yet very very responsive. Although I think the blades i used were too small for creeking. I think core is coming out with some bigger blades after the first round of production paddles are out there, so we will have to wait and see.

The one thing that concerned me about the metal shafts was the potential to kink the shaft, then have it bend at a later date. I had a look at my mates ice hockey stick made by Easton, and it is covered in small kinks and dents, i put it between 2 benches and threw my weight against it pretty damn hard and nothing happened.... so im pretty sold untill i get one and manage to break it.
All I need to do now is convince kayak4play to give me one for free.... ha ha ha

But really they look pretty sick.
Thats my 2 cents
Adrian

White water kayaking on National Television! TODAY Show

2011-03-13T13:03:00.001+11:00

Hey Guys,

Check out this link to the interview I did last week with the Today show, they showed a bunch of footage from the Fitzroy and from Laos, Canada and Tasmania/

The more people that get to check out white water the bigger the sport can get in Australia.

Particularly now there are rivers running regularly for people to paddle.

http://video.au.msn.com/watch/video/aussie-adventurer/x13l6z2

Tribe White Water Grand Prix

2011-01-02T21:09:00.001+11:00

The Tribe White Water Grand Prix is a new style of white water event.
It is comparable to a surfing big wave invitation and it incorporates a range of different disciplines into a 14 day event in May 2011 - Quebec, Eastern Canada.

The first of its kind will have a big wave competition, extreme races, down river competition, and best drop run over the space of 2 weeks.

This is the kind of event that white water kayaking has been crying in the past few years of incredible progression.
Freestyle worlds which are being held on a small hole in Germany is defiantly not the progressive side of the sport that we should be showing main stream media and progressive competition is the name of the game at the Tribe White Water Grand Prix.

25 competitors, 12 have been invited, the 12 that have been invited are asked to choose the following 13 competitors from video applications, so here is my video application for you to check out.

Random footage from the last couple of years, BC, Tassy, The Kimberley, Laos, China and Indonesia

Wish me luck

Tribe White Water Grand Prix Entry from Lachie Carracher on Vimeo.

Asia So Far

2010-12-10T20:35:00.003+11:00

Hey All,

For the last 3 year I have focused my energy on getting on the world class white water on Australia's back door step.
The last few years has seen me push through language barriers with creek boat in hand in Laos, Nepal, Thailand, Indonesia and China. It not easy work but when you put on a rarely (if ever) paddled section of white water and its just me and the buddy I convinced that they should join me its all worth it.

This year has been little different, I have a favorite run in Asia that I think I know better then anyone. The Asahan.
In October Anthony Yap and I headed there to wash away our time off the water and get fit for our upcoming China trip.

The Asahan is an amazing section of white water, dropping straight out of the biggest lake in South East Asia and also the last super volcano to blow.

Its non stop, the first 8km is one big class 4+ bigwater rapid, punching holes, making ferrys, ducking under the overhung jungle to make lines, and boofing. There is nothing in the first 8km that I would rate as below 3+ but its mainly 4.
The crazy thing is you can easily bomb 8km in around 16-18 mins on average, no eddys!

Sections down stream mellow to class 2-3 scenic and some stomping class 5 sections, defiantly one of my favourite runs of all time.

From 10 days on the Asahan we headed to the Cold flooded water of the Salween in Central China, here I met up with a range of paddlers from all over the world, joining together to film the latest river roots film "Frontier" Let me tell you, this is with no question going to be the best film from Rush, We were all filming on cannon 7d's (amazing cameras) and using advanced filming techniques Dolly's etc.

3 weeks on the huge rapids of the Salween and I am back in Sumatra off to the Asahan again with a different crew, with some first d's lined up as well

More updates and photos can be found at www.follow-the-river.com/latest

Also you can check out all the footage from China and Sumatra in my latest film I am making with Joel Kowalski titled "The Calling"

Enjoy the Photos.

LC

Current's Episode 6, The Australian Kimberley

2010-12-10T20:30:00.003+11:00

Currents is a river stewardship focused WebTV program (online video documentary) which uses white water kayaking as a means to educate a broader audience about the risks threatening the world’s rivers and to help highlight the intrinsic value of preserving rivers in their natural state.

Episode 6 was shot on the a month long expedition lead by Anthony Yap and myself to the the highest volume river in Australia, The Fitzroy.
Thank you to Kayak4play for there support of the 2010 expedition, enjoy the film

Currents - Episode 6 - The Kimberley, Australia from Five 2 Nine Productions on Vimeo.

2010-12-05T10:10:00.004+11:00

Fluid's creation the Element goes for a round with a 30horse power tinny. *Watch This!*

Outcome: A stupidly fast, carving demon and window-shade pain

Editing for this was great fun - filmed on 2 Go-pros and sony HDR-CX12 - By Adrian Kiernan

Paddlers: Adam Cooper, Robin Lund and Adrian Kiernan

Norrish Creek BC

2010-10-24T12:39:00.001+11:00

GBA 6 - Norrish Creek BC from Adrian Kiernan on Vimeo.

My exited first day with my new Go - Pro HD, On a medium'sh volume Norrish Creek run.
This was my first creek run i ever did in when arriving in BC and is still a favourite.

>Located around 1 hour from Vancouver<

Adrian Kierna

Lea River Extreme - Headcam - Tasmania

2010-10-24T09:36:00.000+11:00

GBA 5 - Lea River Extreme - Headcam - Tasmania from Adrian Kiernan on Vimeo.

Filmed during the 8th Annual TEVA Lea Extreme Race in northern Tasmania. It depicts Adrian Kiernan runnning a sub 10 minute race time from top to bottom and including all the significant rapids and their names etc.

Filmed on HD-Go Pro
For
Go Boating Australia

Leven Canyon River Guide

2010-10-21T20:22:00.000+11:00

GBA 4 Leven Canyon River Guide from Adrian Kiernan on Vimeo.

Just finished a new video guide for the Leven Canyon in Tasmania.
This has got to be my favourite run in tasmania and arguably my favourite run of all time!

Video Produced for Go Boating Australia!

Adrian Kiernan

JAUNT - Available on DVD NOW!

2010-10-17T18:43:00.002+11:00

JAUNT - Adrian Kiernan's latest creation for Go Boating Austalia and Skippy Films is now available on DVD
The DVD will be available through Leigh at kayak4play, Jez at Entropy Gear or online.

DVD's are $15 or $17AUD delivered to your doorstep anywhere in Australia or New zealand.
(please allow 14days to receive your DVD)

To purchase a copy online please click here
Please email me with a copy of your postal address and Paypal reciept to goboatingaus-at-gmail.com - no credit card neccasary!

BC 2010 - Adam Cooper

2010-10-17T13:53:00.001+11:00

Hi Everyone,
Adam Cooper was kind enough to allow us to use a short film he made of our trip to British Columbia this year.
Looking forward to seeing the full edit in the coming weeks!

GBA - TEVA Lea Extreme Race 2010

2010-10-17T13:20:00.002+11:00

This years TEVA Lea Extreme Race held in Tasmania's Northwest.

Thanks to Go Boating Australia and Adrian Kiernan for the Video.

- stay tuned for GBA new video magazine - coming soon!-

GBA 2 TEVA Lea Extreme Race 2010 from Adrian Kiernan on Vimeo.

Kimberley Mini Film Now Online!

2010-08-18T22:16:00.002+10:00

Hey Guys,

Check out the mini film I made on the 2010 Kimberley Expedition, its around 8 mins and its aimed at a broad audience, not just boaters!
There is still no shortage of action, and it aim's to share the area and the issues facing the Kimberley.

Enjoy

Puntledge River, Vancouver island, BC, Canada

2010-06-09T13:22:00.003+10:00

Hello everybody, just checking in with my first update from 2010!

Well a big group of us aussie boys over here in bc headed to the island for the puntledge river festival. thought i would share some pics!

you can view the full story here

www.goboatingaus.blogspot.com

cheers and beers everybody!

Adrian

FNQ - Highwater Jungle Boating in Australia

2010-04-28T19:29:00.006+10:00

Hey All,

So its been awhile since I have checked in, Sorry about that! I have two updates coming: Northern Sumatra (a kayaking trip I did with Joel Kowalski and my Indonesian friends at Tritaseta) and an update from the previous Kimberley Expedition that along with Anthony Yap I organised an international team of 11 to paddle the Fitzroy River - The largest river in Australia.
This project is still taking up a large percentage of my time and in the coming months I am sure you will here all about our trip.

Only a week or two after getting back from the Kimberley Odyssey I headed up to Far North Queensland to catch the tail end of the Australian tropical "Wet Season" I have never paddled in this area of Australia before (4000km North of where I live) and I was very impressed. It's steep and there was allot of water. The rain gods came through with extremely high water levels for the time of year. I was lucky enough to get down a couple of the classics at possibly the highest flows every paddled.

I am not claiming any First Descents but there was a couple of drops at the put-ins for the some classic day runs that according to the locals haven't been paddled before. Who knows.

After two weeks in the tropics, 1 dislocated shoulder, 2 broken boats, and a snapped paddle I will let the photos do the talking. I cant wait to head to Cairns next season for some unfinished business.
Thanks to Jesse James and The Tazy boys for a sweet trip.

Cheers

Lachie

Photo: Lachie Carracher

Photo: James Thorp

Photo: Will Hughes

Photo: James Thorp
Paddler: Will Hughes

Photo: Alison Sturges
Paddler: LC
Possible First D - Josephine Falls

Photo: Leon Bedford
High Water NJ camp

Photo: :Lachie Carracher

Photo: Sam Tregnza
Paddler: LC
Possible First and only D, (according to locals) but I doubt it

Photo: Sam Treganza

Fluid Detox

2010-04-24T20:06:00.011+10:00

The long awaited Fluid Detox is about to hit our rivers. The Medium size is shipping now and the Small and Large will go into production soon.For paddlers who want a creekboat with a playboat hull; for paddlers who want to run rivers and play on the way down; for paddlers who want an easy boat to learn in - there has never been a better suited kayak than the Detox.
The Detox hull incorporates a variation of the Nemesis rail system with super forgiving sidewalls and generous kick rocker to create an exciting but stable ride.

The Detox has ample volume and peaked deck to ensure controllable resurfacing when running drops. The deck profile and hull width make the Detox super easy to roll, inspiring confidence on difficult runs.

The Detox fills the gap between the Spice and the Solo in Fluids line-up. If the Spice is too playful for the type of rivers you want to run, and the Solo is too much of a full on creeker to enjoy on the easier runs then the Detox is THE boat for you.

M Detox

Length: 230cm /7'6"

Width : 64cm / 25.25"

Volume: 250 l / 66gal

Weight: 19kg / 42lb

Paddler weight: 60-95kg / 130-21lb

And now the video from below...

2010-03-19T13:19:00.001+11:00

Seven's Creek from Sean Bozkewycz on Vimeo.

Sam Tregenza and Sean Boz hit up some unlikely summer creeking in Victoria, Australia.

A quick edit of a bony day out on granite slides and shelfy drops surrounded by gum trees and cockatoos.

The music in this edit is a special song by Nandor and Module called 'One Inity.' Listen close to the lyrics, it is an inspirational call for hope and the end of the aggressive denial in which we collectively engage in regard to our planet's future.

You can download the track free for yourself at: http://www.nandor.net.nz/virtual/media/audiogallery.php

Sevens Creeking in March

2010-03-10T14:19:00.004+11:00

Returning to Victoria after the 2010 Kimberley expedition, fate put me within striking distance of Seven's Creek while the rains of the weekend's storms were still draining off the granite highlands near Euroa...

Sam boofing one of the last little drops

Sam Tregenza and I put on the creek around 10am on the low side of good (0.79) and were greeted with scrapy class two interspersed with entertaining drops and slides. It was a strange environment to be on a creek - I've done no creeking in Vic. Green pasture and gum trees bordered the creek as we paddled across meandering flatlands in reeds and blackberries to the crass chorus of sulphur crested cockatoos.

Sam on an early slide which marks the entry into the first gorge

Sam and a crew of 6 others had run the creek the day prior getting prime levels - 0.92 on arrival. I wouldn't go in there much lower than our level, but it was stull great fun and a good day out. A good introduction for new creekers or tentative paddlers.

Boz on a nice sliding slot rapid below Eagle Falls - a portage today

There was a fair bit of portaging to be had around sieves and some manky falls, but nothing too exertive or requiring ropes. Eagle falls (above) has been run on the right side, a slide down into a shelfy twenty footer with a tight landing to avoid rock, and the left line is ugly. Might go at a different level but most of the water falls directly into the wall off a thirty footer...

Emphysema Falls, no longer unrun.

Somewhere nearing the end of the run lurks Emphysema falls, a bony cascading fall that looks just as violent as it was. I saw a line that looked good and fired it up, bouncing my way down the first descent and managing to avoid whiplash.

Boz muffing a sweet little boof early on

I remembered the final rapids at Goorum Falls from a little video from a while back called Granite Rush. The main attraction is a tight lined twelve footer that was sadly too low for us. Sam fired it up the day before but with less water the line really wasn't viable. All the water dropped right into a pocket against the right wall, ugly.

Sam nails his boof midway down a long sliding rapid - Fish Ladder

An enjoyable day out creeking in Victoria - highly recommended although I'd suggest not bothering much lower than 0.78... pretty bony. Plenty of wood in some sections so be very careful bombing around corners - this creek is very much in flood when it's running at a paddleable level.

Himalayan Whitewater Challenge 2009

2010-01-24T23:31:00.002+11:00

Lachie Carracher and I recently returned from traveling and paddling around Nepal as part of our end of year South Asian tour. In November we helped organise, run, MC and judge the 12th Annual UK Himalayan Whitewater Challenge.

The Himalayan Challenge involves three events over three days on the Trisuli River in Central Nepal. Day one was a 15 gate slalom course - and only two paddlers were able to make every gate. Day two was the freestyle competition held to the latest ICF rules, and day three was a seventeen kilometre, predominantly flat, downriver race. At the completion of each day's event paddlers were given points by their placing - 1 point for first, 2 for second, 3 for third etc, and at the end of the three events the paddler with the lowest score would be the winner. International and Nepali entrants were separated so as to crown both a Nepali and International Champion.

More than fifty competitors - mostly from Nepal and also hailing from Japan, the UK, US, Australia, Canada and Russia turned out with all sorts of old school whitewater craft - RPM, Acrobat, Gliss and Kendo just some of the veteran kayaks in the field.

The same boat must be paddled in all three events, meaning boat choice was paramount to the chances of winning the overall championship. Creek boats would be best in Slalom and Downriver categories but meant a disadvantage during day two's freestyle. A playboat would do well on day two, average on the Slalom and would be particularly demoralising on day three's 45+ minute downriver race.

With Lachie in his medium Fluid Solo and myself a large Habitat, we entered our ever Slalom competition with high confidence to make each and every gate. Of course things didn't go quite as well as the training runs... both missing gate 12 after a tough ferry through a juicy hole and turning back to the eddy for another attempt at the 50 second missed gate penalty. I made it back up but missed 12 again and elected to continue on to 13 and course completion. Lachie tried the same on his run but got unlucky with the boiling eddy and was unable to reach any of the remaining gates, effectively ending his competition on day one with the resultant 200 second penalty.

After a night of barefoot beach dancing we awoke to the freestyle competition and began to set up the judging booth. With beats pumping and heads thumping the competitors took to the water in their chosen craft. Loops were the order of the day, especially from those in medium sized river runners, and a stuck loop almost guaranteed progression into the next round. With the large habitat rejecting my attempts at loops I was relegated to entry moves and spins to make my way through the heats seeded 5th. Unfortunately in the round of 13 I forgot how to do the entry move and scored a big fat 0 points.

The freestyle was eventually overrun by the playboats favoured by many Nepali entrants, with eventual overall winner Maila Gurung from Nepal the last remaining creekboat in the field. Winner Anup Gurung was the only competitor to throw down blunts and retain the feature for the full 45 seconds - most paddlers were going for loops and flushing. The only Huge bonus of the competition was awarded to Teru from Japan who pulled off a massive aerial loop in his Riot Thunder.

On day three the downriver race was scheduled to begin with a 'Lemans' style start whereby all competitors started on the beach and had to run to their kayaks and begin. About ten of us hopped in our kayaks and took off deckless, with the idea that we would get into the current and put them on there, perhaps saving a few important seconds. After ten seconds' frenetic paddling I stopped to deck up, noticing a strange clunking noise coming from my boat. Deck on, I returned to paddling and kept hearing the noise. Eventually I realised there was a sizeable rock/boulder in my kayak... cheers Lachie. Keeping up with the half dozen paddlers ahead of me I noticed that the majority of the were still deckless. Sure enough most of them stopped paddling before the first section of whitewater and spun round as they rushed to put them on. After paddling past these guys I trailed the two leaders for a few minutes before passing them and taking the lead.

In the little experience I have with mass-start downriver racing I've decided that getting the lead early is paramount - it's really hard to pass people and demoralising to chase down kayaks on flatwater. With my first goal accomplished it was time to settle in and swing those arms. Checking behind me every few minutes I was able to maintain a comfortable pace while keeping a good break on the chasers. The course on the Trisuli was a long one, mainly flatwater, with one notable class IV - Upset - and the rest small class II and III.

Upset is basically a big ramp with two sweet surf waves that feeds into one giant crashing wave/hole which is basically a gamble. I got lucky and Upset let me through unscathed, and from there out it was paddle, paddle, paddle for another half hour or so. Somewhere along the way (there was a lot of flatwater slog!) I noticed that the paddler behind me was starting to get closer. Turning back for another check I figured out it was Martin from the UK, whom I'd been paddling with a bunch before and a couple of friendly sprints showed that he was going to be tough competition. That was all the motivation I needed to keep the strokes flowing and from there out I managed to keep it straight through the boils and keep Martin at bay.

Then it was back into the mountains for some creeking.....

Mens All Nationalities Overall
1. Santa Maila Gurung (NPL) Slalom: 3rd, Freestyle 3rd, Downriver 5th. (Pyranha H3)
2. Nim Bahadur Magar (NPL) Slalom: 1st, Freestyle 9th, Downriver 9th. (Wavesport Diesel 75)
3. Sean Bozkewycz (AUS) Slalom: 7th, Freestyle 12th, Downriver 1st. (Wavesport Habitat 80)

Mens International Overall
1. Sean Bozkewycz (AUS)
2. Tuscany Foot (UK)
3. Teruhiko Katsuragawa (JPN)

Mens International Slalom
1. Kobu Takkeyasu (JPN)
2. Teruhiko Katsuragawa (JPN)
3. Sean Bozkewycz (AUS)

Mens International Freestyle
1. Tuscany Foot (UK)
2. Teruhiko Katsuragawa (JPN)
3. Sean Bozkewycz (AUS)

Mens International Downriver
1. Sean Bozkewycz (AUS)
2. Martin Hall (UK)
3. Tuscany Foot (UK)

Women's International/All Nationalities Overall
1. Sveta Timofeeva (RUS) Slalom: 1st, Freestyle 4th, Downriver 1st. (Liquid Logic Remix)
2. Monica Gokey (USA) Slalom: 2nd, Freestyle 5th, Downriver 2nd. (Dagger Nomad)
3. Ashley Courtney (CAN) Slalom: 3rd, Freestyle 2nd, Downriver 6th. (Dagger Mamba)

Women's International Slalom
1. Sveta Timofeeva (RUS)
2. Monica Gokey (USA)
3. Ashley Courtney (CAN)

Women's International Freestyle
1. Kate Walton (RSA)
2. Ashley Courtney (CAN)
3. Sveta Timofeeva (RUS)

Women's International Downriver
1. Sveta Timofeeva (RUS)
2. Monica Gokey (USA)
3. Hamna Wakabayashi (JPN)

One of the more menacing drops of the trip

2010-01-11T14:48:00.002+11:00

This one was on a tributary of the Modi, bout a twenty minute hike up river right near the take out. Maybe 25 feet of vert on it with an interesting lead in, could have been nicer with a little more H20...

Boof Sequence - Boz on the Modi Khola, Annapurna Sanctuary, Nepal

2010-01-11T14:42:00.003+11:00

Spot your last paddle stroke...

Plant it and pull

Launch

put a stroke in on landing to paddle away (this I am not doing)

Nepal Photo Update

2009-12-11T15:55:00.025+11:00

Nepal 2009 Season, had an amazing time working at Paddle Nepal, had a great crew to work with and always a mission on my hands. Around 65 days on the water over 3 months, happy days! At the end of the season Sean Boz and myself also got a decent on the upper Seti Canyon, quite terrorizing stuff with just two paddlers but there was for the main part good lines and no worries.

Photos by: Sean Boz, Lachie Carracher, Monica Goekey, Teru and Sveta

Next week I am off to Northern Sumatra in Indonesia for a two week big wave and waterfall tour set up by an Indonesian Kayak team, a film crew and my buddy Joel Kolalski and also been asked along so I am pretty excited. More to come!

Cairns - go there

2009-09-12T05:26:00.002+10:00

A few pics from a sick trip to cairns with the boys. pics from North Johnston and Herbert. All footage can be seen in goboatingaus new film "Jaunt" by skippy films

Lining up double falls

sam stomping dog-leg falls

sean mac, lining up a surving of beat-down pie

Beautiful....

The crew

Clearwater local pLay

2009-09-12T04:56:00.002+10:00

A few pics from my local playspots on the north thompson and clearwater rivers

Lachie on "wicked wanda" North thompson during high spring flow

Ferrying out to pink Mt

donky flipping

Pan-am'ing

Flash back

Raft river falls, BC

2009-09-12T04:40:00.003+10:00

A couple of pics from a photo shoot at Raft River Falls, My local creek run just 10mins out of clearwater BC. enjoy

Adrian

Sam and Kate: the cliff-huck combo...sweet

a nice close up of sammy

cheers and beers

Photo Update from BC 2009

2009-08-16T06:55:00.011+10:00

So this summer I headed back to the magical place that is British Columbia, Canada. I have spent a couple of summers out here now and am completely sold. My best friends live here, and some of the worlds premier creek runs and big waves can be found all summer long. In the Early season I hit the road in search of new big waves and found plenty, later on in the season I hit some high water creek runs and big drops and finished my tour up with a couple of weeks on the magical Skookumchuck tidal rapid at peak flows and got to take the new Element on the rare Tubestake wave that forms at 17knots. I will let a few photos do the talking. A massive thanks to everyone that made my trip. Mr Max Davidson, Dly, Luke, Kali, Emily Bakker, Becky Bristow, Em Lussin, Micah and Dru Lyall, Adrain Keirnan, Dan Dunn and everyone else that helped me out along the way. Cheers!

Next stop is the Ottawa Valley just before worlds in Switzerland, Then I will be working in Nepal for three months. See you on the River....

Lachie Carracher

Photos: Emily Bakker, Sam Tregenza, Jack Dawkins, Max Davidson and Myself

Elusive Creek, BC

2009-07-18T10:58:00.007+10:00

The planets aligned, the powers that be looked upon us with favour...

One must respect the native lands and request admission

A low level at the put in bridge... look out for asshole mineral explorers

Stoked, triple drop #1

Ah yeah

plenty of bony read and run IV

few nice little canyons

Sammy in a tight section

Sam points out his line on the first 25'

Lining up the boof on #2

The view from the bottom. Sean Boz boofing midway down the real triple drop.

Sean running a tight little slot midway down the run

Level at the take out. The golden rule: If it looks low, it's good to go!

If you mess this place up kayakers will not be allowed in. Respect!!!

Cayoosh Chasm, British Columbia, Canada

2009-07-16T14:52:00.005+10:00

After a beautiful run on the IV/V goods above the dam, our crew took the Duffy back toward Lillooet, stopping just shy. A short hike took us to the bottom of a teardrop canyon - the natural path of Cayoosh Creek. I had originally ventured into this slot in the Earth in 2007 after chancing upon a grainy photo on the wall of a pizza restaurant in Lillooet. Upon inquiry the restauranteur gave us directions to what up until this week I had known only as 'Enterprise Creek', a deep crack in the earth barely a boat's width at its narrowest.

The small dam diverting Cayoosh Creek, and the entry into the Chasm. Image: Sam Tregenza

As you approach the chasm from below, a water pipe emerges from the rock hinting at the gradient hidden away upstream. Until the dam was built this would have been inaccesible due to the flow of water, but now the Cayoosh has been cut back. Of course, should something fail in the mechanics of the power station, the Cayoosh would surge from 36 cfs to 1200 cfs in seconds, flooding the chasm instantly. We had been happily denying this distracting little nugget of knowledge until a worker ventured onto the dam wall to explain it to us in no uncertain terms. At the time I was scouting the upper drops, perhaps 15 metres from the steel door holding back the flood. I hastily retreated and we set about rigging our escape route downstream.

Sean Boz scouts the bony 'S' bend prior to the 36 - 1200 awakening. Image: Sam Tregenza

During the original 07 inspection we had concluded that ropes would be needed both to enter the chasm at the top, and for extraction above the last unrunnable fall. Closer investigation however quickly ascertained that entry was as simple as chucking your boat in and jumping the 40 feet after it. Once beached and emptied, our kayaks would be quickly entered and relaunched so as to begin making progress downstream as soon as possible. The less time in the chasm the better.To make it all happen we had lured Alpine specialist Brad Winter away from home with promises of beer, gas money and enviable photo angles.

Looking upstream into the exit of Cayoosh Chasm. Image: Sam Tregenza

With Brad hovering at the lip ready to rappel into the pool should assistance be required, Lachie Carracher and myself jumped into the chasm and made our way to the falls proper. One small ledge was all that seperated the entry pool from the only portage, a marginally runnable twisting two stager that almost looked like a waterslide ride, but that would probably smash you on the wall. Picking our way own on river left we seal launched the remaining 7 or 8 feet. The resulting boom from my flat landing here startled the crew downstream and had them wondering if the gates were opening. A sweet and easy 6 footer then dropped us into a caved out room in much the same style as the next two falls.

Pooling gently to allow for easy scouting, Cayoosh Creek then falls somewhere around 35 feet further into the chasm. With such a vast volume of water naturally flowing through the canyon, pools and caves have been carved out that dwarf the features of the river at low flows. As a result, there are huge smooth walled rooms at the bottom of each bigger drop that are remarkably friendly.

Two years waiting, two seconds of action: Sean Boz takes his first descent of Cayoosh Chasm Falls. Image Sam Tregenza.

The lip's a bit funky, with a shallow left shelf being the best option for your kayak, taking advantage of a small curler that envelops you on descent. Tucking gently is the way to go here - sudden movements will throw you over the handlebars... or worse....

not as sore as one might reasonably expect him to be... Image: Sam Tregenza

After the main attraction you're in the bottom of the deepest section of the Chasm. Below the plunge pool was the narrowest bottleneck, all plugged up with boulders. We had originally set up a 120+ foot ascent, but after running the section above, the idea had little appeal. Climbing out onto the chockstones Lachie and I peered into the siphon and began to talk strategy. With Sam's help scouting from the left wall, we had soon enough decided the best option was actually to try and boof hard with a left stroke to pull you away from the wall and just run the final 12' drop.

Dropping into the siphon to exit the Chasm. Image:Sam Tregenza

There was a rather large cave behind the fall but it was so big that you could roll up and paddle around in it. A slot on the left of the drop drained it of all it's water, meaning that Lachie and I both ended up bouncing off the wall halfway down after grounding out during the boof attempts. As I watched Lachie wipe his face on the wall from the eddy, then waited while he got himself out of the cave, I began to rethink the prussik ascent.

Lachie re-emerging from the cave. Image: Sam Tregenza

Common sense prevailed of course and I paddled off and into the wall myself, managing to keep the elbows out of the way at least for round one. Eventually Sam styled the line, but not before it had smacked me down on my second attempt. Hindsight once again providing the wisdom far too late: if you are hiking in and forget your elbow guards... go back and get em!

Started out nicely... Image: Sam Tregenza

Lachie and Sean relax with Brad after the siphon boof. Image: Sam Tregenza

We handed Lachie's SLR to Brad on the high rope at the lip and Sam accompanied me into the chasm for a second run, proceeding to stomp the 35 with clinical precision.

Sam Tregenza showing us the stylish line. Image: Brad Winter

Set up a little too early on round two... Image: Brad Winter

If you've got some experience with ropes, and you don't mind rolling the dice with the power generation mechanics, and you've got a day to spare, then you'll have some fun in here. There are two or three unrun marginally runnable drops to look at but it's the 35' that makes it all worthwhile. A wee bit more H2O would make things nicer: the hit at the plunge pool certainly left us all with stiff necks.

If you're stuck and can't find it, head to the 2 for 1 pizza shop heading west on the Duffy from Lillooet. On the wall in there you'll find a photo, and I'm sure someone can give you all the info you'll need.

Happy Chasming!

Sean Bozkewycz

Sean would like to thank H2O Paddles and Kayak4Play.com.au for their support.

Old Video and a New Trip!

2009-05-19T17:39:00.005+10:00

So my airfares are paid for and I fly out soon, Big year planned for 2009 and fingers crossed it all comes off.

I will be back in BC in a few weeks and on tour with the Fluid Team which is super exciting and will be good to get on the road and better yet some rivers with fellow Kayak4play team member Adrian.

I found this video I made from my last BC trip on my computer, its footage from 2007 shot after last worlds.

Thought I would share it.

Stay tuned, 2009 will be the biggest, scariest and most eventful on trip to date.

Cheers

Lachie Carracher

Back in the 'wack

2009-05-13T07:30:00.003+10:00

After a week back on the frigid waters of the Chilliwack River in Canada’s British Columbia I feel able to comment with some authority on my new IR layers.

In a welcome improvement the Splash Pants are now cut comfortably and feature a subtle colour pattern to replace the matte grey of old, and I’ve found use for the new-addition semi-dry pocket on multiple occasions.

The enter-through-the-neck Union Suit is enough to keep me warm in water all too recently snow, even with ambient temperatures hovering between 5 and 10°C.

The non-stretchy neck is fixed, and the X-jacket is now just as awesome as the IR shorty.

Stoked on the new gears and looking forward to hitting some creeks soon with Adrian and Sam flying in in the next few days.

- boz

Back on the missions

2009-04-21T03:04:00.003+10:00

It's just after 6am and finally almost everything is packed. No point sleeping now, I'll save it for the plane.

If there's one thing I've learnt travelling with a kayak it's to research airlines' baggage policies thoroughly before purchasing your ticket. Once you're confirmed, print the policy and learn it better than the staff at the check-in desk. Returning from Bangkok last year my kayak was flatly denied by British Airways, but because I knew that I had a Qantas ticket and had their policy with me I eventually got my heavily laden creeker on free of charge.

With Air NZ today they're allowing two 23kg pieces with fairly reasonable excess charges if you exeed that - $150 for a third piece of baggage apparently.

Signs are positive for a solid season's water in BC... stay tuned

boz

Freestyle Selections 2009

2009-04-17T14:58:00.003+10:00

The Australian Freestyle Kayaking team for 2009 was selected over Easter weekend in large mediocre waves at Victoria's Phillip Island.

The Island was a busy, busy place with all the families making the trek down for easter so we were lucky to find a few reasonable breaks without too many surfers.

As there were less nominees than spots on the team it was a relaxed weekend with only one heat taking place on the Saturday. During the judging phase it was discovered that the official 2008 World Cup rules are an absolute shambles. For example, a competitor would actually score more points by completing a Pan Am and a separate Back Stab rather than by combining the two into a Bread and Butter combo that would then be scored as a 'Trophy move".

The results from Saturday's heat were:

Anthony Yap	830
James Rowlinson	620
Sam Andrew	500
Russ Boza	400
Lachie Carracher	300
Sean Bozkewycz	180
Liam Corr	70
Dave Toohey	0

The 2009 Australian Freestyle Kayaking Team is:

Mens K1
Sam Andrew
Sean Bozkewycz
Lachlan Carracher
Anthony Yap

Junior Mens K1
Declan Czajkowski
James Rowlinson

Womens K1
Tanya Faux

Thankyou to Glenn Foster for your assistance and Cumec Magazine for their unsolicited support.

King Edward Expedition 2009

2009-04-16T15:15:00.014+10:00

The King Edward expedition has returned and was a dream trip. Good friends, quality white water, raft support, play boats and extreme wilderness all contributed to a very successful 31 days (10 transit and 21 on the river).

As mentioned in my previous post, the King Edward River is situated in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. The Kimberley is one of the last wild areas in the world. The rivers run free (no dams) and the only introduced species or evidence of European invasion is the 4-ton bulls that roam free over an area that totals over 3 times the size of England.

Over the course of the 21 days on river we almost daily spotted crocodiles, Kangaroos, Goanna’s (native lizards that can grow to 2m), Dingos (native dogs), turtles, bats and a huge array of native frogs and birds to name a few.

Unfortunately we did not get the water levels that we were hoping for. Between Januarys to April more water falls on the Kimberley then the entire eastern seaboard of Australia but unlucky for us the wet season this year finished as we put on the river.

What was involved on the expedition? Firstly we drove to the river, it was over 3500km and which took us 5 days. From the last town that we can drive to we charted our own twin-engine aeroplane, for an hour and half. From the Airstrip that is located at a remote cattle station we hiked 20km with a months worth of food and equipment – 300kg. This landed us at the headwaters of the King Edward; from this point we paddled for 21 days for over 350km to the ocean where we flew out back to our car.

We did find plenty of different smaller waves and classic big rapids so the expedition did not lack in the white water department, or adrenaline for that matter…

I have paddled with crocs on the Nile before, and hiked though an area that has the highest population of grizzly bears in Canada to get on a river, but nothing compares to salt water crocs. These guys have been the top of the food chain in the water since t-rex was strutting his stuff. We were all worried about the final 45km of flat water and class three, a number of people have been attacked by the 15ft long predators that roam below King Edward falls. We were told a few things about the crocs below the falls,

1. Salties swim upstream during the wet, the falls that we had to portage was the last barrier keeping them from going up stream

2. Salties feed at dawn

3. A women had been taken in the pool below the falls in the past.

At 6am in the morning for one reason or another I was faced with a decision, we had an over turned raft trucking down stream from the falls with all our equipment food rations, GPS, maps, sat phone EVERYTHING floating in the water. I had to choose rock climbing back up 50 feet to the rest of the team and start out 3 day hike out with nothing but the cloths on out back. Or grab my paddle, jump off the falls and swim (FOR MY LIFE) to the raft and flip it back over, rescue gear and paddle our way off the river and be in the pub that night.

I jumped and let me tell you, I came for adrenaline and I got it, wondering if your going to be eaten alive and being able to do nothing about it is pretty scary. Alas, I was not eaten alive, we paddled off the river within the day and were in the pub that night, back in real world and enjoying a beer.

I cant wait for next years trip.

Enjoy the photos and look out for the article coming up in Outdoor magazine and your favourite kayak magazines.

Cheers

Lachie Carracher

JAUNT Pre-Trailer

2009-04-05T22:42:00.005+10:00

Skippy films and Go Boating Australia's new creation, the super-sized kayaking film JAUNT, is almost upon us. - Catch a rare glimpse into the athletes lives and the epic locations they visit as we follow them on a "jaunt" around the globe.

Music by the one and only Bliss N Eso - Field Of Dreams

A film By: Adrian Kiernan
(producer of: "Downunder the Horizonline" and Kayak4play athlete)
*Filmed on location: Canada, USA, Australia, Laos, Uganda, Kenya, Egypt, Norway and New Zealand

Astral V-Eight Review

2009-03-11T23:16:00.007+11:00

We recently recieved this email from a customer who purchased an Astral V-Eight breathable PFD.

Hi Leigh,
Finally the b...y rain has stopped.
We paddled across to Magnetic Island and back last Sunday. Start 6am back 10am.
Temp 32 degrees humidity 70% (sometimes 80%), with 5knot winds, crossed open seas for 8 kms.
Only once during the very last minutes did I open the vest to cool down.
Throughout the trip the vest was comfortable even though I perspire heavily in the chest area. It's design allowed the air to move freely even in the light wind. My arm movements were free and comfortable at all times. And when I jumped into the sea my head never looked like going under because the small back panel and larger front panels kept my head facing upwards. Great design.
I am very impressed and look forward to our next longer trip (this weekend) to see how it handles different conditions.
Thanks for a great product.
Hans-j Preuss
NQ Kayakers Inc.
Townsville

King Edward River Mission Underway

2009-03-03T18:30:00.004+11:00

Four thousand kilometres from home, Lachie Carracher, Anthony Yap, Jackie Hennessy and Sean Bozkewycz are in Kununurra to embark on their latest mission – to spend three weeks hunting big water in the Kimberley Region of Western Australia.

Packed into the van along with the team are two brand spanking Titan Prototypes, one Fluid Nemesis, one small whitewater raft, one large solar panel, and 11 H2O Paddles.

Over the next three weeks the Team will explore 300 kilometres of the King Edward River searching for the holy grail of Australian kayaking: a world class freestyle wave. Between dodging crocs, locating bush tucker, searching for rock art and a little paddling, daily reports will be phoned in and uploaded to the trip blog.

To follow the King Edward Freestyle Expedition's progress head across to KayakTheKimberley.com and through to the "Latest' page.

From the Kimberley,

Sean Bozkewycz

2009-02-24T12:33:00.003+11:00

After a long dry summer here in australia, a dam release from Travallyn Dam allowed the Cataract Gorge Section of the South Esk to flow for a few hours. People scrambled from all over the state cancelling their commitments elswhere to get a run down this fantastic section.

NOTE: This is the section used in the Cataract Extreme Race, held every second year. It would have to be one of the top extreme races held anywhere on the planet... (next event- late 2009) check it out.

Cataract Gorge - Head Cam from Adrian Kiernan on Vimeo.

Footage was shot on headcam while paddling an expedition Solo. Dont forget to check out the new film JAUNT by skippy films when it is relaesed in spring 2009

enjoy!
Adrian Kiernan

The 2008 Lea Race Video - including the Leven Canyon

2009-02-18T12:14:00.008+11:00

I just received confirmation from The Black Seeds and Keiran allowing me to borrow their music for this film. The Black Seeds' latest album 'Solid Ground' is amazing, highly recommended. You can purchase the tracks for download at amplifier.co.nz

All my vids are also available for you to download - you just need to log in to vimeo and head to my page at vimeo.com/seanboz

The 2008 Teva Lea River Extreme Race & The Leven Canyon from Sean Bozkewycz on Vimeo.

The Annual Teva Lea Extreme Race is run by Leigh at Kayak4Play, without whom it would not be possible.

Music by:

Keiran - Moon Sprawl

The Black Seeds - Afrophone

The Black Seeds - One Step At A Time

New Zealand Mission

2009-02-02T19:09:00.010+11:00

As the heat in Melbourne soars to record temperatures it's the perfect time to venture across the Tasman for my first visit to Aotearoa.

For years the right elements to embark on a trans-Tasman mission have eluded me, but now finally the time is right. Still, there've been complications, from overnight deliveries loaded onto ships, to postponed meetings and paddles going walkabout. Six days after my originally planned departure, I'll be meeting Tasmanian James Thorp, Victorian Sam Treganza and a Kiwi contingent headed up by Jimmy Lohrey and Blake Reid.

As far as I can gather, the plan is to ravage the West Coast heli runs, but to be honest my knowledge of what I'm in for is limited to tall tales of epic day-long missions, caves, sieves, sketch portages and miserable weather. Maybe there was something about unbelieveably good whitewater too. Yeah, that sounds familiar.

Thanks to Kayak4Play, a rather generous box of Immersion Research goodies arrived at my door today that should keep me sufficiently warm in the wintry climes of Summer in NZ. It was a solid 30° today with a humidity that took me right back to Laos, yet still I wasted no time jumping in my sexy Union Suit and Dry Suit. So stoked. And a bit sweaty.

With any luck the Kiwi's will have figured out this whole internet thing and I may even be able to post up some mid-trip reports. At very least there's bound to be some great footage flowing soon after my return. Well maybe after the Kimberley trip.

We're in the final stages now meeting with sponsors, booking flights and seeking out all the loose ends that need attention. The website is online at KayaktheKimberley.com, check it out.

So it's goodbye beach, hello creeks. Can't wait.

Cheers
boz

Exploring the Whitewater of Laos

2009-01-27T11:02:00.006+11:00

Returning home from 18 months in Canada, I met fellow Kayak4Play athlete Lachie Carracher in Pakse, Laos, in September 2008. Lachie had a well researched plan to scope waterfalls on the Bolaven Plateau and monsoonal Mekong rapids at Si Phan Don.

Here's a taste of what we discovered...

Read the full story on the trip blog at lifebywater.com/laos2008 or in the next issue of Cumec magazine, on shelves March 5.

You will also find another five minutes of fresh footage on the blog - or by following the links through to my Vimeo channel.

Thankyou Pitch Black for allowing me to use their track 'Lost in Translation'.

Fluid Release Small and Large Nemesis

2008-06-21T12:13:00.009+10:00

Fluid have just released the Small and Large versions of their popular playboat, the Nemesis.

Small Nemesis

Large Nemesis

We will have these boats available in our next shipment. For more information or to pre-order drop us an email at info@kayak4play.com.au

Small, Medium and Large Nemesis

Full specs and more pictures are avaialable on the Fluid website. http://www.fluidkayaks.co.za/News_080612.htm

Adrian Takes Out Nationals

2008-04-21T23:41:00.002+10:00

Kayak 4 Play Team Paddler Adrian Kiernan took out first place in Mens Kayak at Australian Freestyle Championships held at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium on the weekend (19th & 20th April).

Adrian wasn't originally going to paddle as he was between boats (planning on picking up his new ride when he hit California in a couple of week) but we managed to get a shiny yellow Fluid Nemesis to him for the event.

Good thing we did 'cause he stomped it.

Nice work Adrian.

Fluid Shipment Arrives

2008-03-25T22:06:00.002+11:00

Well after pretty much every possible freight logisitic going pear shaped, including a train derailment, the 1st Fluid shipment has finally arrived.

Dan surveys the work ahead.

We have limited quantities of the following boats available:

Element M
Nemesis M
Solo S, M, L & Expedition
Spice S, M & L
Chumani
Synergy

If you want to secure a boat give us a call and we'll hook you up or put you in touch with your local dealer.

2008 IR Website is Live

2008-03-19T10:25:00.005+11:00

The 2008 Immersion Research Website is now live.
Check it out at http://www.immersionresearch.com/.

A few new cool items this year including the SBD sprayskirts, Enviroskin layering, new colours and a few improvements to some existing favourites.
Best news is pricing has dropped quite dramatically on some items particularly sprayskirts.
The Shockwave and J-Lo will now retail in Australia for $150 and the TuffSkin Rand skirt comes in at $199.

Products and pricing will be updated on the Kayak 4 Play website over the next 2 weeks.

Summer Survival

2008-02-24T18:51:00.004+11:00

Kayak 4 Play once again supported local kayaking by sponsoring the Summer Survival Race in Tasmania. The Summer Survival is a multi discipline race incorporating kayaking, mountain biking, road biking and running. The event took place on the 24th of February, at Kingston Beach, south of Hobart, but in typical Tassie fashion was by no means summery. Mount Wellington provided a wintery backdrop with a dusting of snow and the weather was windy and rainy for most of the day. The wind created trying conditions for the kayakers with a number of capsizes early in the race.

Race Start

Kayak 4 Play team member, Ben Maynard, competing in a 2 person team with brother Andrew, was pipped at the finish line of the kayak leg after having to try and exit his Downriver boat quicker than his opponent. Bens wet exit from the cockpit was effective, if not unconventional, but not as quick as stepping off a ski and running straight up the beach.

Ben (middle) at the finish of the paddle leg.

Ben's strong result in the paddle leg meant he and Andrew were able to continue on to convincingly win the 2 person team section of the race, and an impressive 2nd place overall.

The trusty Kayak 4 Play tent kept the rain out and even managed to stay up in the wind.

Full race results are available at http://www.endorfun.com.au/

2007 Teva Lea Xstream Race

2007-10-15T12:00:00.002+11:00

October 13 and 14th saw the running of the 5th annual Teva Lea Xstream Race, Australia’s longest running extreme kayak race. The Lea River is located in Tasmania’s northwest, nestled in the foothills of the World Heritage Cradle Mountain region. As anyone who has been to Tasmania would know the weather here is somewhat random and we can truly experience 4 seasons in a day and although it was Spring I managed to leave Hobart in the south of the state in brilliant sunshine, 3 hours later I was in Burnie in the rain, and then another hour later at the takeout to the Lea in the snow.

Race briefing.

The Lea ranges from a nice class 4 at low flow to a solid 5 at high flows. For this year’s race the level was quite low, but still high enough to make for a good race level. The main drops including “Screaming Plastic Surgeon”, “Proctologist’s Twist” and “Ankle Breaker”, tested competitors skill and nerve, while a few short flat sections between the tested their fitness.

Race Winners Dan Hall & Justin Boocock Photo: Scott Williams

Kayak 4 Play team paddler Dan Hall dominated the weekend of racing, recording a win with partner Justin Boocock in the premier teams competition on Saturday, and backing up with another first place in the individual head-to-head contest on Sunday. Stewart Bennett/Andrew Maynard were the 2nd placed team, with the Ben Maynard/Tanya Faux pairing taking 3rd. Fluid paddler Adrian Kiernan finished a respectable 6th with race partner Colin Furmston, both arriving back from overseas just in time for the race.

Dan Hall & Justin Boocock on “Screaming Plastic Sugeon”Photo: Scott Williams

Tim “superman” Robinson on Screaming Plastic SurgeonPhoto: Scott Williams

Carol Hurst and Kate Mollison took out the women’s division, and also recorded a top 10 finish outright. In total, 49 paddlers lined up to compete in the event.

Saturday night was the presentation for the main race and party. Sponsors including Teva, Fluid Kayaks, Immersion Research, Kayak4Play and Cumec Magazine gave away prizes to competitors and volunteers and then everyone partied the night away to a live band.

“The Bull” trophy and some of the booty.

Race Winners Justin Boocock and Dan Hall with “the Bull”

Kayak 4 Play used the race to (re)launch Fluid into the Australian market and gave away a $500 voucher. Ian Smith was the lucky recipient and just happened to be in the market for a new creeker. Needless to say “Smiffy” is now the happy owner of a Fluid Solo Expedition.

Smiffy and his brand new Solo Expedition. Photo: Leigh Wighton

Another great weekend of boating down under.

Outdoor Retailer - San Francisco Part 2

2007-08-07T23:00:00.000+10:00

After a whirlwind tour of San Francisco this morning i am now in Salt Lake City. I obviously "went left" and didn't meet my end at the hands of some crack head. In fact the hotel in San Francisco turned out quite well.

I managed to get a quick photo while the locals were distracted by a fight on the opposite corner.

It was only a 100 metres from the cable car and then a short, steep ride over the hill to Fisherman's Warf.

Cable Car

Golden Gate Bridge

Alcatraz

Unfortunately I didn't have time to visit all the local attractions.

On another note Liquid Logic released their new website today, showcasing their new boats and outfitting for 2008. Basically they have a new river runner in multiple sizes, a bigger and smaller Jefe, and more sizes in the CR range. The new outfittinng looks pretty fancy and they have some limited edition colours/graphics as well. Check it all out at http://www.liquidlogickayaks.com/

I'll see what further info I can find out over the next few days. The open Air Demo starts tomorrow afternoon and companies with booths at the main show will start setting up.

Outdoor Retailer - San Francisco Part 1 ...finally

2007-08-05T17:00:00.000+10:00

After 30 hours of sleep deprivation, 3 or 4 movies, 0 showers, I have finally made it to San Francisco. My first time to the States, let alone San Francisco, I just winged it and booked some accommodation on the net. Seems I could have done some more research. Walk out the door and turn left and I'm in the heart of the shopping district. Turn right and i will most likely trip over a homeless guy, get caught up in a crack deal, mugged, and shot. Will venture out to check out the sights tomorrow, before heading off to Salt Lake City.
The Open Air Demo starts Tuesday with the main show starting Thursday.
Must remember "go left or die", not "go left and die'.

Outdoor Retailer

2007-08-04T17:00:00.000+10:00

Over the ext 2 weeks I willl heading off to the Outdoor Retailer Show in Slat Lake City, Utah. OR is THE biggest outdoor trade on the planet. It's a gear freaks paradise with all the outdoor companies, including the paddle sports industry, unveiling their new products for 2008. So stay tuned for lots of updates and some sneak peeks at what's in store for 2008.