ACCUMULATING EXPERIENCE POINTS. PHOTO: ANZE OSTERMAN
Master the Read and Run
CHRIS GRAGTMANS EXPERT RIVER RUNNER
I constantly scan to find eddies because it’s important to have bail-out options, even on an easy river. Pay attention to the river’s geology as well as the water—does it look like it’s gorging up ahead? Drop- ping faster? Is there a lot of fallen wood on the banks? If something doesn’t feel right above a rapid, I trust my instincts and get out to scout.
Find New Waves
LOUIS-PHILLIPPE RIVEST BIG WAVE HUNTER OF THE GREAT WHITE NORTH
Aerial images and satellite maps are great scouting tools. I use Google Earth to sur- vey unexplored areas for free and from the comfort of my home. I zoom in and out to preview potentially dangerous features up- or downstream of a play spot. I also contact friends in the area to scope out lo- cations and levels before making the trek with boats.
Make All the Gates
NOURIA NEWMAN SLALOM SLAYER
Before dropping into a slalom course, I sit in my boat above the rapid, close my eyes and try to mentally visualize the whole run. I picture it as if I’m watching a Go- Pro video of myself running the gates and imagine the specific strokes I’ll need for certain turns and boofs.
This article first appeared in the 2015 issue of The Paddling Buyer’s Guide.
Style the Slide
ADRIENE LEVKNECHT DOWNRIVER SPEED DEMON
When dropping into a slide, make sure to have your shoulders square to the direction you want to go and lean slightly forward. This forward stance puts you in a more aggressive paddling position, keeps you stable and protects your back on hard impacts. Looking where you want to go, no matter what goes wrong, will help get you there.
Bombproof Your OC1 Roll
JIM COFFEY INTERNATIONAL RIVER GUIDE
Try to get back up every time you go over, even if you don’t have a reliable roll yet, and practice rolling in the eddy anytime you empty your boat—these mini attempts only take a minute and build up until you finally have a solid roll. When practicing in an eddy, tip over towards your off-side to learn how to set up for a roll like you’ll need to in current.
Dominate Extreme Races
LOUISE JULL STEEP CREEK QUEEN
I practice going as fast as I can by racing down the Kaituna River, my home run. It builds muscle endurance and trains my brain to react quickly. When I’m out for a relaxed lap with friends, we turn the last section into a friendly race, pushing our- selves to the end.
—As told to Carmen Kuntz
www.rapidmedia.com 37
PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE): COURTESY CHRIS GRAGTMANS, MARK ROBERTSON, JIM COFFEY, JASPER GIBSON, SAMO VIDIC/REDBULL CONTENT POOL, BEN MARR
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