Playak News Flash 2010-08-18

Playak News Flash - August 18, 2010
The world's latest paddling headlines.

News Watch Headlines

2010 adidas Sickline Book of Legends Expedition adidas Sickline - In 1976 a team of Russian Kayakers tried to make the first decent of the gorge on the lower Bashkaus River in the Altai Mountains in Southern Siberia. In the early stages of the gorge, the team struck tragedy when six out of ten were swept away to their death by the powerful river.

The Grand Canyon Nick Troutman - This was my first trip to the Grand Canyon so I had no idea what to expect, except what I had heard, and what I had seen from a couple pictures. Though no picture or story can come close to experiencing it first hand. The name Grand Canyon is almost an understatement, being that this was probably the best river trip I have ever been on, which says a lot because I have been on a fair amount.

Villain S meets Crystal Punch Bowls Jackson Kayak - With things getting low I decided to try for the punchbowls from the Crested Butte side, the easy way, especially since my Tacoma is a bit low and only 2WD. We got shut down on the first attempt by snow over the road early on. We went back a few days later and some more defined ruts in the snow (not in the video) made it a bit safer to cross. After hiking in we were met with the thunderstorm/slush/hail storm from hell…it got cold fast and we were pelted with large slush/ice balls mixed with rain and strong wind.

Demshitz in British Columbia Immersion Research - Well we made it to British Columbia. Here we found a very fast long slide, a short but, super fun creek, and spent some time at the mighty Skookumchuck narrows.

Upper Upper EF Kaweah exploring Team Pyranha - Stoked to finally check out what the Upper Upper East Fork Kaweah had to offer. Nathan Hunkapiler, Macy Burnham & Chris Tulley 1'st D'ed a steep portion of the Upper Upper 2 years ago that uncovered some goods, but required the team to hike out on day two due to time constraints. This left the trio amped on the Upper Upper & wondering what the "middle" Upper Upper had to offer, as there was 6 miles unaccounted for. Joining up with the original team +1, Cully Thomas – we dropped into Upper Upper to complete the 1st Descent.

Late Season Crested Butte Jackson Kayak - This year was a strange one in Colorado. Late season snow, plenty of snow pack, and hopes of good water but things went a little crazy as soon as it got warm. Dust storms throughout the year dirtied up the snow and when things warmed up, they really warmed up. This led to a fast season of high water, leaving things to drop out fast after the intense, but short season…

Demshitz & DemJoes Team Pyranha - Last weekend we headed up to Mountainman Outdoor Supply Co. in Old Forge, NY for a low water Moose River Paddle Session followed by BBQing and kayak movie watching. Thanks to Pyranha Team's Chris Morelli for teaming up with Mountain Man to organize this event.

Greg Garrard Sends in Some Entertainment! Immersion Research - Greg and the boys headed West this summer and hit a lot of the classics in Cali. Here's a little eye candy for you to enjoy

Helen Wilson's Summer Travels Kokatat Blog - My trip began in mid-June when my friend Michael Morris and I drove to Washington to attend SSTIKS (South Sound Traditional Inuit Kayak Symposium). SSTIKS has always been a special event for me, because it was where I was first introduced to skin-on-frame qajaqs and traditional kayaking skills. This was my third year as an instructor there, and upon arrival I was immediately greeted by the friendly people that make this event happen.

M Wave… Tradition Ross Herr - Well, my last week of summer has finally made it's way in. While I am excited to finish my Senior year at NMU. Leaving Colorado is never easy. It's been an epic season out here with flows holding out far better than expected. Like clockwork I again finished the season up with an awesome M-Wave session. The cold water and hot sun makes for the perfect combination. Hanging with the legendary Stevo Parker just doesn't get too much better.

Noruega Nord photos Jakub Šedivý - Hey, just a quick photostory from the trip North... enjoy :D photos by Jakub Sedivy and Lucie Sediva

Norway Road Trip 2010 Images Gene17 - The guys have just got back from a 2 week road trip, hitting all the high lights along the way, Rauma, Ula, Randalselva, Driva, Lången, Børva, Ulvåa, etc. This trip was lead by Dave Carroll & Mikey Abbott, with both Jakub Šedivý & Nick Horwood, what a great line up for a great trip.

Reichenbacher & Plattling movie clip Peter Csonka - This is a small movie clip from The Reichenbacher wave and Plattling by big water.

Buena Vista freestyle sessions Sweet - Arkansas valley is so great for every day paddling. Some of the best Colorado creeks not even hour away, all sections of fun class IV (IV+) on Arkansas river and playparks in Buena Vista and Salida. They are great for going play after work and kayaking downstream.

Day 3 - Ikerasak The Seven Settlements Solo Kayak Expedition - It was an overcast day that greeted me when I crawled out of the tent. The heat of the day before had made me reconsider the merits of sleeping through the day. An Arctic Fox woke me and I decided to get going, not least to arrive within the opening times of Pilersuisoq - the local store in the settlement of Ikerasak; I would be arriving at the first of the Seven Settlements today.

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