Sunday, December 26, 2010

December






It is nearing the end of 2010. Christmas for me was celebrated here in Okere Falls with my parents. There was the annual Okere Falls Xmas river run at 10am and this provided a wicked atmosphere. The slalom shots were taken by Kenny Mutton. The little ripper Zach is charging!

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Waterfall Hunting...



Its well into summertime here now in New Zealand and for most people the idea of rain is not a welcome one. For the small breed of kayakers however the wet weather is no intrusion but a glorious sight that is welcomed with pleasure. Yesterday we heard rumor of the Turakina river to be in flood, unfortunately this was a false alarm. After driving a few hundred Km across the Central Plateu of the North Island we were a bit gutted. So we moved on to scouting out some waterfalls! 15km South of Turangi we came across this little beauty. Here is a picture of Tyler Fox styling it, he ran the falls along with Willz and Jamie G.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Panekire Bluff to the depths of the Kaimai Ranges!










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.

Friday, December 03, 2010

The Latest


As of the 1st of December Summer officially commenced here on the Southern side of the world, however for me, summer began weeks ago! The weather here in Okere Falls continues to be stunning with stella days that just keep on rolling by at a steady pace.

Our new flat in the Taheke Hood that is occupied by Jamie G, Sam Roil, Flick and myself is all class and has been host to a few bbq's and sunbathing epics. Taheke is a sweet little neighbourhood with Nick and Harmony who provide the table tennis matches and Johann and Greg B as our neighbours! Friday night has become the locals night for some awesome games of ultimate frizbee in taking place in the outback of Okere Falls.
As you can see from the pictures I have been pretty busy Kayaking, Rafting, Watching Sam Paraglide, Mountain Biking and training...oh and working as a waitress down the road in Okawa Bay, serving the wealthy, the rich, and the famous.