Innholdsfortegnelse for Spring 2025 i Kayak Session Magazine

Paddlers know this truth all too well—nothing can be taken for granted. Whether it’s water levels, weather forecasts, safety, or results, uncertainty always looms around the corner. Every paddle stroke reminds us of that delicate balance between control and the unpredictable forces of nature. Yet, outside the water, uncertainty also grips the world around us. There is rarely a dull moment when turning on the news, and lately, the challenges seem even more daunting. It's hard not to feel shaken by the events unfolding across the globe in recent months. The very concepts and beliefs we once saw as fundamental to our lives—the foundation for how we live and what we value—now seem to be vanishing, challenged, and even reversed. As paddlers and explorers, we’ve always sought to learn from…

The second round of the Argentine Extreme Kayak Circuit took place in Uspallata, Mendoza, surrounded by towering, arid, multicolored mountains. The event kicked off with beginner races on Class I and II whitewater, offering a welcoming platform for newcomers to the sport. This category focused on promoting kayaking in a setting that blended excitement and valuable learning experiences. The Mendoza River emerges at Punta de Vacas following the international route towards Chile. Known for its distinct brown hue, this lifeline of the Andes flows at a medium level in early summer, creating an ideal playground for adrenaline enthusiasts. The pro category races were held there, featuring continuous Class IV and V rapids with unpredictable wave trains and holes to test the competitors' skills and endurance. This edition challenged the fastest…

This year’s Mill Race was top-notch, with sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 40’s (4°C). It was hard to ask for better weather, especially when convincing folks to take a nice, refreshing dip in the river. The Saluda Riverwalk Park provided the perfect space for this event, with dedicated river access points, parking, restrooms, and beautiful scenery. A sizable field at the top of Millrace Rapid served as the gathering spot for spectators, athletes, and vendors, creating a lively atmosphere with racing, socializing, and food and coffee trucks. The Straight Shooter race, designed for beginner and intermediate paddlers, saw 20 participants take on the course. Issac Johnson secured the fastest time, finishing in 55 seconds and earning a $100 prize. The Millrace Massacre timed race had a strong turnout,…

In January, thirty international athletes gathered to test themselves in the third annual Chirripó Steep Creek Race. Qualifying heats began early on the lower section, where paddlers faced a sequence of Class III+ drops that seemed straightforward in practice, but took on a different character at race pace. This year's higher water levels, courtesy of an especially wet rainy season, forced competitors to reconsider their lines on the fly. The real test came during the semifinals and finals on La Bestia, a Class V rapid with a succession of drops. After their semifinal runs, the eight finalists had to immediately shoulder their boats and hike back up for one more bout with La Bestia. No outside support—just the paddler, their boat, and a hill that suddenly feels twice as steep…

For being just a wee country, Scotland holds its own when it comes to world-class whitewater. The ever-changing light and dramatic grandeur of the landscape are entangled in native Gaelic culture and ancient folklore; when kayaking here, it’s easy to feel a connection with the land. On the west coast, mountains soar out of the Atlantic in a jumble of rock and river, offering an array of whitewater styles to satisfy any kayaker’s itch. Yet, despite a thriving community and a guidebook now in its third edition, there are still first descents to be found by those willing to look. At the end of November 2024, following recent heavy rain and snow melt, a tip-off about an unrun roadside 30-footer sent a group of four paddlers from Inverness on a…

A funny name for a river, isn’t it? Les Gorges du Scarabée got its name after a kayaker nicknamed "Scarab" took a massive swim on this section a couple of years ago—a moment featured in Kayak Session's "Carnage For All 2017." Considered a true gem of the French Pyrenees, this Class IV-V gorge stretches about two kilometers and is located one hour from the Pau Whitewater Course, in the Ossau Valley. It is a very rare section to paddle due to the many dams in the area (three within less than 40 kilometers), but also because of its difficulty. Deep in the gorge, there is no phone signal, no access to rescue services, and little room to set up safety. Scouting from the bank is difficult, if not impossible, and…

The River Kent flows through the heart of the town of Kendal, in the English Lake District, and is home to several species, including otters and the rare white-clawed crayfish. The Kent is a fantastic and popular whitewater river, with a range of sections across the grades. For the past seven years, Save Our Rivers, with support from Palm Equipment and Pyranha Kayaks, has organized an annual clean-up of the river. Floating down on a huge flotilla of different crafts, paddlers remove litter from the town center and surrounding areas that cannot be reached by more traditional means. The event encourages people who might not typically attend such events to come along and see the power of community engagement, and those without a boat can sign up for a space…

In a devastating blow to conservation, Norway’s Parliament has officially removed protections from over 390 rivers, opening them up to hydropower development. Once safeguarded under the Protection Plan for Watercourses, these waterways were some of the last truly wild and free-flowing rivers in Europe. Now, they face the threat of dams, diversions, and destruction. For the paddling community, this is a historic loss. Norway’s rivers are legendary, attracting kayakers from around the world to experience their untamed whitewater, pristine landscapes, and deep connection to nature. These waters are not just playgrounds; they are ecosystems, lifelines for fish and wildlife, and home to indigenous Sámi communities who have depended on them for generations. The government rushed this decision through, removing 50 years of protection in just over one week, with no…

As our feeds are flooded with clips from the Futa and Zam, it’s almost guaranteed that each one has at least one kickflip in it. I mean, why shouldn’t they? It’s one of the best moves out there, and I can’t think of a run that wouldn’t be made better by at least one kickflip. The kickflip is one of those tricks that feels satisfying even when it doesn’t go perfectly. And when it goes big, it just hits different. It’s one of my favourite tricks, and I’m always looking for ways to go bigger and bigger. Now that half slices are such a standard in our quivers, they open up even more potential, not only for the amount of kickflips we can throw, but also for the heights we…

THE PADDLE SPORTS SHOW, STRASBOURG, FRANCE, SEPTEMBER 30TH - OCTOBER 2ND 2025 This September, the Paddle Sports Show returns to Strasbourg, on the border between France and Germany. This central location in Europe allows dealers, retailers, distributors, and paddle enthusiasts across Europe to attend more easily. While the show is a B2B reserved for industry professionals, a few side events, including a film festival, are open to the public. For more info, visit thepaddlesportshow.com. 2025 PADDLE SPORTS SHOW BUYER'S GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE The annual Paddler's Guide, which highlights over 600 new and classic Paddlesports products, is now available free of charge. A collaboration between the Paddle Sports Show and Kayak Session Publishing, the Paddler's Guide also discusses industry trends and features major and upcoming players in the paddlesports industry. Be…

Each year, paddlers from across the world travel to Zambia to take on one of the most iconic rivers on the planet: the Zambezi. Known for its challenging rapids, breathtaking landscapes, and the chance to spot wildlife in its natural habitat, it’s the perfect playground for whitewater kayakers. Whether you’re there to test your skills or simply to experience the river’s beauty, the Zambezi will for sure leave you with unforgettable memories. This year, the river also became the arena for the Big Balls Race. On January 2nd, teams of three were each assigned a yoga ball and tasked with getting it down the river as fast as possible between Rapids 11 and 14. The course was packed with tricky spots where the yoga balls could easily get stuck, but…

For the 17th consecutive year, the Alseseca Race brought together paddlers, passionate river lovers, and the entire community of Tlapacoyan and Atzalan, Veracruz. As Mexico’s only extreme kayak race, it is a festival of friendship and adventure, as well as environmental awareness. As the event continues to grow, it has become a powerful movement for river conservation. Winding through basalt rock canyons, narrow gorges, and breathtaking waterfalls, the Alseseca is more than just a racecourse; it is a cause, a reminder of the importance of protecting these natural treasures. This year’s edition was cold and misty, adding an extra layer of challenge to an already demanding race, but that didn’t stop the world-class athletes from putting on a spectacular show. Kayaking legend Tyler Bradt dominated the long race, finishing in…

Last November, the very first edition of OËK’UP was held at the Vaires-sur-Marne Olympic whitewater course near Paris. This major gathering of paddlesports, organized by the French Canoe-Kayak Federation, marked a fitting celebration of the recent Olympic Games. For the first time, the federation brought together the national championships of seven different disciplines at the same venue, during the same week. No fewer than 1,400 paddlers came to compete in slalom, downriver racing, kayak cross, marathon, kayak polo, freestyle, or dragon boat. Still dressed in the colors of Paris 2024, the Olympic course proved to be the ideal setting for such a multi-discipline event. Thanks to its adaptable design, slalom, and downriver races could take place at the same time as the freestyle contest, making efficient use of the water…

“Hi, do you want to come on a mini-adventure? I can’t guarantee anything, but it will probably be quite fun." Mariann Saether simply could not say no when world-class kayaker Rowan James asked her to join in a rainy-day adventure last summer to the north of Norway, that Mecca of whitewater rivers called Trofors. A few hours later, she found herself in an eddy, trying to swallow those words. She had just pitoned her kayak after misreading Rowan’s frantic hand signals. “In my head, I was already picking up my kids from kindergarten,” she admitted. “But what a river!” Gryteselva is one of the main tributaries flowing into the largest river in Nordland. It runs when absolutely everything else is flooding—and even then, it could use a bit more water!…

As winter sets in across the northern hemisphere, the usual migration to warmer destinations begins. From November to mid-February, many kayakers from around the world trade icy rivers for the warm sun and stout whitewater of Tlapacoyan, Veracruz. With classic sections like Big Banana, Seven Sisters, Roadside, Lower and Upper Jalacingo on the doorstep, plus numerous waterfalls, a trip to Mexico offers the perfect setup to maximize time on the water. Although somewhat overlooked in recent years, it remains a popular destination for whitewater, attracting renowned kayakers like Heidi Walsh, Tyler Bradt, Kaelin Friedenson, and Tom Dolle this winter. One of the most memorable descents of the season came on New Year’s Eve when around 30 kayakers rallied for a joy lap down Big Banana. This section is the most…

In September 2024, the River Collective brought together thirty bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD students from twenty countries for the sixth annual Students for Rivers Camp, held this year on the Neretva River in Bosnia and Herzegovina. After a dry summer, September rains transformed the river, restoring its flow. The group set up basecamp in Ulog, a village nestled between two stark contrasts: upstream, one of Europe’ s most biodiverse and pristine rivers; downstream, a newly built 43-meter-high dam (140 feet). Once the reservoir fills, its waters will submerge the very spot where the camp stood. The participants, from a broad spectrum of disciplines, united science, art, and community action to craft a shared vision for preserving the free-flowing Upper Neretva River. Over the week, the students engaged in workshops, lectures,…

British Columbia's whitewater potential is well known, with many of its rivers on most avid kayaker’s buckets list. Every few years, that list grows thanks to some motivated crews that don’t shy away from exploring new places, even when that implies leaving the comfort of well-known favorites. On that list, the Azure stands out as the river that has it all: bedrock canyons, beautiful clean drops, unrunnable gorges, stout rapids still waiting for someone to step up, nasty portages through Devil’s club, and a very arduous hike in. Flowing through the Cariboo Mountains in Wells Gray Park, it is the most eastern tributary of the Clearwater. The river was first run in 2017 by Team Beer, a highly respected group of kayakers who have opened numerous rivers and traveled the…

Paddling trips, whether close to home or abroad, are notorious for causing gastrointestinal (GI) trouble. The last thing you want is to be sidelined by a bad stomach when trying to make the most of your time on the river. Diarrhea, despite its unpleasant side effects, is your body’s way of getting rid of the offending agent as quickly as possible. Fortunately, you can reduce risk and manage any issues with the right preparation. So here are some ideas on how best to prepare, avoid, and treat stomach troubles. As always, prevention is the best medicine. WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON GI PROBLEMS ON A PADDLING TRIP, AND HOW DOES ONE GET SICK? Bacterial infections are the leading cause of GI distress worldwide, with traveler’s diarrhea accounting for about 80%…

It has been seven years since the ICF Freestyle World Championship came to San Juan, Argentina, and the river remains a superb location for both freestyle and whitewater kayaking. On November 23rd, the local kayak club, in partnership with the San Juan Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, hosted the San Juan Kayak Fest. The event brought together 40 paddlers of all skill levels, representing five nations—Argentina, Chile, Germany, Ireland, and Russia—to compete in three disciplines over one day: sprint, downriver racing, and freestyle. The day kicked off with the sprint race, as kayakers launched from a large ramp just above the Freestyle World’s feature before paddling right through the river-wide hole. The day then continued with the downriver and freestyle competitions, with the cool water offering a refreshing escape…

The first annual freestyle kayaking competition at the Hatless Hole on the Jatunyacu River took place on October 26th near the tourism hub of Tena, Ecuador. Organized by local paddlers David Baquero and Jaime Dalgo, the event aimed to kick off the winter paddling season in Ecuador, promote the Jatunyacu as the leading paddlesports destination in the country, and raise awareness about the devastating impacts of informal and illegal alluvial gold mining. The Jatunyacu originates from the world’s highest active volcano in the Andean Cordillera, with the glacial sediments giving the river a grey color. Overnight rains brought the river up slightly to 0.6 decimeters on the Serena gauge, and helped bring the Hatless Hole into form. The feature is in play most of the time, but at extremely low…

Xmas at the Kaituna has got to be one of the most fun and festive kayaking events out there. Held every year on the iconic Kaituna River in New Zealand, it brings together paddlers and friends of all skill levels to celebrate the festive season. This year’s event took place on Saturday, December 14th, and saw over 100 competitors join the holiday fun. The day started with registration and a quick safety briefing before the real fun began, with participants already decked out in creative, holiday-themed costumes that set the tone for a cheerful, inclusive vibe. The action kicked off with the Progressive Knockout Boater Cross down the river’s two-kilometer commercial stretch. Racers competed through heats, but with everyone guaranteed at least two runs, it was more about the thrill…

The Nile River Festival is Uganda’s biggest paddling event, drawing both local and international kayakers to the Nile’s legendary whitewater. Competitors take on three core events—an endurance race, freestyle, and boatercross—all using the same kayak, making boat choice a strategic decision. The endurance race stretches from Silverback to Superhole and is tackled in pairs, with partners required to finish within 30 seconds of each other. The freestyle competition takes place on the Superhole wave, with qualifiers on the Saturday and finals the following day after an overnight stay. Beyond the competition, the Friday’s Mass Float, led by Kayak the Nile Canoe Club, brings paddlers together for a fun group descent. The Nile River Festival also includes the iconic ramp event, where paddlers and creative crafts launch off a giant ramp…

Tucked away in the rugged West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, the Barlow River presented a challenging first descent that tested the physical and mental endurance of renowned whitewater paddlers Ryan Lucas and George Snook. Their journey began with a grueling 12-hour hike to reach the river on a steep, tussock-filled alpine terrain. The ascent was tough but rewarded with a stunning sunset at camp, perched at around 1,850 meters (6,000 feet). A frosty start on the second day gave way to clear skies as they navigated steep ridges without a marked trail. After pushing through harsh conditions, including a glacier crossing, they finally reached a vantage point and caught their first glimpse of the put-in. On the third day, after five hours of bushwhacking, they arrived at the…

The Quebrada Gata River is located in the Bajos de Toro region in Costa Rica. It is a known canyoneering section that has only been kayaked once before by a group of boaters. In November 2024, Mary Morgan and Andrew Morrissey took on the adventure to claim the second descent of the section. It had been raining most days since the duo arrived in Costa Rica, leading them to believe this section could be in as it is a very rain-dependent drainage. It was raining hard as they started the drive to Quebrada Gata, and continued to dump rain the entire day. There are no roads that lead to the put-in or take-out. The only way to access the river is a three-mile hike to the put-in, then exiting on…

A fast-track application for a hydro scheme has been submitted with little time for opposition. If approved, this project will dam and divert nearly all the flow, permanently destroying one of Aotearoa’s most attractive whitewater sections. This is not the first time the Kaituna has faced destruction; a similar scheme was proposed in 2007. Once again, Whitewater NZ and local paddlers are fighting to protect this treasured river. The lower gorges hold deep spiritual value, feature world-class rapids, and serve as a key training ground for slalom kayakers. If built, the dam will destroy the river’s natural character, making all three sections of the lower gorges unrunnable. Local and international paddlers warn that the proposal disregards the Kaituna’s significance. "The Lower Gorges stunning canyons and lush vegetation make it truly…

Kayak Session: Many people discovered your name this past December when you got shortlisted as a finalist for the Kayak Session Paddler’s Awards. Tell us more about yourself, Naina. Naina Adhikari: I am a 24-year-old paddler from India. I come from Nainital, a small hill station in the state of Uttarakhand in North India, in the Himalayas. I'm proud to bear the name Naina, meaning “eyes,” inspired by the goddess Naina Devi. Coincidentally, my hometown’s name, Nainital, echoes a similar theme with “Naini” signifying “eyes” and “Tal” meaning “lake. ” KS: You are now paddling almost full-time, but what were you doing before? NA: I finished intermediate school (which follows high school in India), specializing in science with maths as my major. After school, I took a year off to…

No whitewater around? I hope you have been training hard in the pool or on flatwater and are ready to take your skills to moving water! However, even after the best pool workouts, when I get on whitewater, I’m gassed! It is simply a different environment. Over the years, I’ve learned to get ready for paddling season more effectively. With this column, I want to share a one-hour, readyto-go training unit focused on taking your double pump and bow stall into the flatwater loop—a definite crowd-pleaser! For more information on the cartwheel or bow stall, revisit KS80. For Part I, revisit KS92. If you need more visuals for the exercises, scan the QR code! THE WORKOUT The overall goal is to increase your kayaking power. One key element to progressing…

Kayak Session is proud to collaborate with American Whitewater, a non-profit river conservation organization. Our mission is to show kayaking at its best with amazing pictures of paddling on beautiful rivers. Without the hard work and dedication of AW, we would have a difficult time portraying these incredible rivers, and it would probably become even more difficult in the years to come. We would like to acknowledge this work and AW has agreed to keep us updated on some of the projects they are involved in. For more information on these and other issues that American Whitewater is working on, go to www.americanwhitewater.org In a recent Kayak Session web article titled What Grade is Malupa? Time for a Reassessment of the River Difficulty Scale in Whitewater Kayaking, Francesco Salvato argues,…