EARLY SUMMER 2011


Special Freestyle Issue 30 FREESTYLE’S


FEATURES


TOUGHEST MOVES Air screws, helixes and Pan Ams aren’t just for the pros. Expert kayakers break down the mystifying moves that win freestyle championships.


34 STIKINE REDUX


Maximilian Kniewasser confronts his nemesis, revisiting one of the world’s most foreboding runs.


39 THE DIGITAL DIVIDE Departments


RIVER SIGNALS 9


POUR OVER


COMMUNITY: Hey good lookin’, semantics, and what will the wife think?


10 OFF THE TONGUE: Facing 40.


11 CONTRIBUTORS: This issue of Rapid is brought to you by…


WATERCOLORS


12 From the banks of the Mad, a bird’s eye view of the Mashitter and the humbling Grand Canyon.


STANDING WAVES


Two of the industry’s hottest freestyle boat designers sit down for a Q&A, revealing what it takes to produce your next kayak.


16 The score on freestyle, Jackson’s foothold on first place, and redefining whitewater competition in Quebec à la Grand Prix.


18 RIVER ALCHEMY: Jeff Jackson pleas for solidarity before bureaucracy


turns off the taps.


22 PADDLER PROFILE: Erik Boomer trades in his creek boat for a


sea kayak north of 60.


24 KAYAK TECHNIQUE: Step over the edge and into the depths. Build a harness, set anchors and access forbidden runs. On belay.


25 OPEN CANOE TECHNIQUE: Brace for the worst and come out on top.


26 BOAT INSIDER: Wave Sport’s new Project X pushes boundaries. Outrage


or Zephyr? Choosing the right OC for you or a friend.


26 RIVER 411: Lock and load your oars using these trusty tools.


28 CLASS THREE: Classic scenic canyon runs for everyone from hair boaters


to river floaters.


29 GEAR BAG: Pull off the big tricks or look good trying with a new PFD,


helmet, skirt and paddle, and a camera protector for your photo-shoot.


FLUSHED 46 Duck!


www.rapidmag.com 5


COVER PHOTO: KAMIL BIALOUS // THIS PAGE: STEPHEN WRIGHT, BLUNT MCNASTY / PHOTOS: DUSTIN URBAN


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