SW
reviews by Mike Lamarche
TWITCH IV Videolink Drop, slide, skid, ramp, bounce, spin, steer, slide, spin, steer, bounce, splash… Fist pump. That sums up the first few Tao Berman record setting descents captured on Twitch IV. Don’t try this one at home folks. There is a new deviation from the world of whitewater kayaking I like to call S.A.R.D.I.N.E.S. (steep angled rock drops in non- ejectable ships). Paddlers are taking boating to
the extremes in this film from narrow slot drops, to log infested riverbanks and cheese-grater rockslides. Swimming is not an option. The boys descending these rapids are masters and give the impression that lines are easy. But they’re not! Although entertaining to watch, the footage has to be taken with a grain of salt. It takes a different kind of mental application to run class V-VI rapids than it does to park and play. The filming angles are set up well giving the viewer a true representation of the size and technical nature of the descents and the helmet cam shots add an interesting glimpse to the paddler’s view. details at
www.twitchtv.com.
PHAT PHILM Clive’s Eye
Do you enjoy watching river carnage at the expense of others? Are you interested in huge hole surfing? Are you wondering where to find big water in Ontario and Quebec? If you have answered yes to any of the previous questions sit back and press play. Phat Philm delivers it all! Phrom not so Phriendly hydraulic chunderings to huge aerial blunts and countless survival surfs on
some of the best runs in the area. Although the paddling locations were not labeled it was Phairly easy to identify the rivers with a little help Phrom Phellow paddlers, but those who are not Phamiliar with these rivers may become Phrustrated attempting to place river names and Pheatures. I suggest for the next PHAT PHILM, omitting the apres pad- dling, green tinged, alcohol fueled, techno dance club scenes. A little too highschool-esq. available at
www.levelsix.ca.
THE PLAYBOATER’S HANDBOOK II Ken Whiting & The Heliconia Press Lots of people have helped advance the sport of whitewater paddling. With The Playboater’s Handbook II, Ken Whiting proves he is one who stands out among them. Since becoming the World Freestyle Champion in 1997, through his thoughtful teaching, Ken’s enthusiasm for whitewa- ter has helped countless paddlers achieve their own whitewater goals.
Based on the best selling Playboater’s Handbook, and with numerous accompanying videos, Heliconia Press gives us a completely re- vamped guide to whitewater freestyle technique. With its easy to follow format and logical topic progression, the brilliant, full colour photography and image generating text combine to offer an incredible teaching tool. We recommend that even advanced boaters start at the beginning to correct any bad habits and absorb the vast amount of knowledge offered. Although we suspect most paddlers will head right to the juicy sections. Re-reading certain chapters or relevant points will help you fine tune as needed. Even if you don’t aspire to Donkey Flip, there are plen- ty of pointers to help you paddle your newer boat design and maximize your time on the water. check it out at
www.playboat.com
—Kalin Pallett 16
www.rapidmag.com
KAYAKING with Eric Jackson E.J. is a great paddler, two-time World Freestyle Champion, and may be a great on water instruc- tor but this film will not make it past the prelimi- nary rounds. First off, the film is 90 minutes long. I was skeptical immediately and once I began watching I was praying for it to end. The film begins with E.J. doing an eight minute promo- tional spot for all his sponsors. I realize it pays the bills but put it at the end. E.J.’s non-descrip-
tive verbal fumbling on kayaking technique had me wondering why the use of a teleprompter was not implemented. I expected this instruction- al video would have provided clear skill demonstrations, but to my cha- grin skill descriptions were talked about while the filming frame was backdropped by bikini clad women in gratuitous positions by a calm pool. The makers of this film did not use the video medium advantage to create a better instructional product. Quality visual demonstration with narration dubbed over would have made Kayaking with Eric Jackson much more useful to the viewer. Sure E.J. is a great paddler, but show- ing random interludes of him ripping it up or horsing around—as enter- taining as it may be—after discussing the forward stroke does very little to help the viewer learn and understand the skill. available at
ejstrokes@yahoo.com.
NO BIG NAMES
Ashland Mine Productions If you want to break the monotony of watching relentless cartwheels by top-notch paddlers, check this out. Welcome to the steep, shallow and serene world of international creek boating. This film deliv- ers river scenes usually only conjured up by the imagination. California, Oregon, Colorado, New Zealand and Chile provide the backdrop for adren- aline filled drops, slides, & boofs. The river locations are titled and chore- ographed superbly leaving the viewer in awe. This film does more than show hair-raising descents. It sheds light on the paddling process, whether that is transporting gear in a foreign country or the relationship between fellow paddlers. I know it may seem cheeky but labeling the female descents on the film is a great way to inspire more women paddlers to get out on the water. I think it is always good karma to show that even highly skilled paddlers have a swim every now and then. It keeps ego in check. ask for it at
www.ashlandmine.com.
ROYAL FLUSH: Players 2 Nate Nash & 540 Content Royal Flush is a high class adventure paddling video. From the introductory framing narrative, to cultural interactions and river footage this film offers the best glimpse into international boating. Short anecdotes and monologues help guide you through the preparation and reflection so often ignored by other films. Royal Flush does not hide the fact that professional paddlers are indeed human and get gripped from time to time. Paddlers discuss specific safety aspects associated with descents which is a welcome change from the usual GUNG HO approach. Most rivers are labeled aiding arm- chair paddlers in choosing their next possible destination or realizing some that should be avoided. There is an unbelievable aerial sequence that will make your jaw drop, it may even invade your subconscious thought. The entire film is framed very well and effortlessly flows between scenes. For those wishing to step beyond the home river I recommend seeking some ideas and inspiration. Royal Flush is a move in the right direction. call 877.766.4757 for details.
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