Wow...where to start. This week has been absolutely awesome! After a solid 6week training block in my slalom kayak I decided it was time for a break. So along with my flatmates (Sam, Flick and Jamie) and Nick and Harmony we headed to one of New Zealand's Great walks- Lake Waikeremoana. A beautiful 46km four day tramp was just what I needed to rest my body and mind from the river. We were treated to some nice weather for swimming in the first few days, and this was followed by rain and some cosy nights snuggled up in sleeping bags in the huts, drinking a lot of tea and wine, cardgames and flax weaving.
From the high peaks of Panekire we then tripped back to Okere Falls to arrive home to copious amounts of rain that has been flooding the Bay of Plenty creeks and streams. We had been home barely 10mins and Sam, Jamie and I were back out the door and on our way to the Kaimai ranges. We met up with the Sutton brothers, Willz, Chris and co., Tyler, Brendan and Ryan Lukus and ran 'Tuakopai stream'. It was soo wicked with loads of stout waterfalls, 20footers, Spa Falls, mustache, all super sweet. I actually dropped into a pocket at one rapid and got a bit stuck so pulled tag, I payed for it at the end...
Then this morning the crew of Okere boys came round and we all boosted back to the Kaimais for a second round of creeking, this time we hit up 'Waipapa stream', like yesterday it was totally sick mission that took us 3-4hours! Massive waterfalls and a few knarly sections. We had to portage a few rapids that were super sketch with not enough water, just a bit too rocky. I portaged one of the first waterfalls, 'Jizzm' It required a fine line and hard
boof that most of the boys dominated. Big thanks to all the boys, couldn't have asked for better people to paddle with- Sam R, Jamie G, Sutton Bros, Ryan L, Bernard O, Tyler F and Brendan B.
