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Thailand


The Mae Sa run ends in a picture-perfect, six-meter drop. Park rangers stopped us mo- ments before we could huck the drop, afraid we would be washed over the falls to our death. After some failed negotiating, they po- litely escorted us out of the park and back to our car, cutting the day short by one rapid. Unable to explain our intent and that we


are a group of experienced, capable and safe boaters, we decided on an it’s-easier- to-beg-forgiveness-than-ask-for-permission tactic. On some occasions we were able to persuade the rangers to let us back on the water, but a smile and double thumbs up only got us so far. Many of the park rangers carry machine guns, which made the whole beg- ging for forgiveness thing a little dicey.


T


hailand offers lots of options for those with a bit more time on their hands looking to diversify their trip. Paddlers often jump the border into Laos to try one of that country’s many multi-day runs through undisturbed rainforest. Away from the whitewater, travel- ers flock south to the renowned warm, sandy beaches of Phuket Island where they kick back and relax, enjoy some world-class snor- keling, scuba diving and bumming around the beach. Those not into relaxing can join the 30,000 revelers who gather at Koh Phangan for the epic full moon parties that happen ev- ery 28 days.


PUT DOWN YOUR PADDLE


The Island of Phuket, nestled in the balmy waters of the Andaman Sea off Thailand’s west coast, is home to some of the country’s busiest beaches. The Thao Thepkasattri Bridge connects Phuket to the mainland, so it’s easily accessed by car or bus.


People from all over the world flock to the crescent-shaped beach of Haad Rin according to the lunar cycle to celebrate Koh Phangan’s Full Moon Party. Posters for the event proclaimed: “There are no barriers here, no inhibitions, just people enjoying themselves with one unified intention: To rejoice in the magic that is the Full Moon Party.”


58 RAPID SPRING 2013


PHOTO: TYLER FOX


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