DEEP IN NORTHERN PATAGONIA. PHOTO: TYLER CURTIS


TECHNIQUE BOOF


Boofing is critical to creeking success. Find some frothy, aerated water, approach with speed and aim off center. Plant a power stroke right at the lip of the drop and thrust your hips forward as you pull on your paddle to lift the bow of your boat. Be prepared with a brace stroke for stability and a forward stroke to pull you away from sticky water. Get the full details in Rapid’s Summer 2003 issue (www.rapidmag.com/0071).


DESTINA TION FUTALEUFU RIVER, CHILE


The trick to Chile’s Futaleufu River is to stay calm and keep paddling. Wind your way through lush rainforest, corralled by sleek granite cliffs and majestic views on this wild ride. The Futa lays deep in the Andes in northern Patagonia and rages with large volume and technical class IV-V rapids. A marathon effort may be needed as some sections boast up to a continuous mile of whitewater. Crystal clear and turquoise, the river’s typical season extends from December to May. Fly into Puerto Montt, Chile, and bus from there or, for the adventuresome, buy a beater and drive.


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DECEMBER WEEK OF RIVERS DESTINA TION


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2 9 16 23 30 WINTERWINTERWINTE 68 RAPID SPRING 2013 3 10 17 24 4 11 18 25 5 12 19 26 6 13 20 27 7 14 21 28 8 15 22 29


When the days turn dark and dreary, tune up your skills with a winter whitewater escape. Work on your strokes under the watchful eye of some of the best in the biz, like 2012 guest instructor and self-proclaimed canoe guru, Eli Helbert. Espirit’s Week of Rivers will take you on exotic paddles through Mexican and Costa Rican whitewater and, whether by raft, canoe or kayak, it’s sure to beat a beach vacation. www.whitewater.ca.


PHOTO: DAVE BEST


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