BECAUSE THEY CAN. PHOTO: NICHOLAS GOTTLIEB
In the months leading up to the 2012 event, organizers released an open call for crowd funding to the tune of $100,000. Internet forum trolls lambasted the Grand Prix, suggesting dozens of ways money could be better spent rather than sending a bunch of elites on vacation to South America. According to the Grand Prix website, others dug through the couch cushions for spare change, raising over $7,000 for the noble cause.
THE HIGH LIFE: We’re still not sure how to explain exactly what the Tribe Alliance is. The closest we can get to pinning it down is to say it’s about paddling lifestyle and it’s inextricably (and inexplicably) linked to the Grand Prix. The website lists a roster of badass paddlers, photos, art and music. It’s not about sponsorship. Members can’t be in it for the money—as far as we can tell, they don’t get any—just the privilege of being associated with the crew.
And privilege it is. These guys and gals know how to have fun. Stories of
the smoke-’em-if-you-got-’em, live-like-you’ll-die-tomorrow way of life flow out of Tribe paddlers’ exploits along with the footage of epic paddling. But don’t be fooled—you don’t get to be this good at paddling by doing nothing but partying. Besides, if anything, this makes the gang less competitive—it’s impossible to hate on the guy who paid for the round of Jägerbombs the night before. —Michael Mechan
www.rapidmag.com 27
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