Articles by simon

By the lazy days of the Summer and after all the action in Norway, Gene17 head’s back home to Slovenia for some prefect Class III cruising.

Every year from mid August, the River Soča plays host to our second run of teaching trips in Slovenia. The prefect clear blue water with it’s boulder garden white water, lends to one of the very best paddling classrooms around. It’s a near unbeatable spot to develop confidence and be introduced to the very finest of new school kayaking technique. The pristine landscape adds a wonderful back drop along with fine food and great beer, Slovenia has everything for a great paddling holiday.

Check out the details at G17 Soča Fun

At present there are a few places left for the week 21/28th August 2010 in Slovenia, it’ll be great if you could join us on Soča.

Best Regards

Simon@Gene17

Paddling the Piedmont/ Val de Sesia region of Italy offers truly classic runs guaranteed to pique the interest of every whitewater paddler. There is a variety of runs ranging from mellow IIIs to stout IV-Vs, all while submersing you in the culture and feel of the old style Italian mountain life, and of course incredible food.

The trip began with reports of constant rains from the weeks prior and indications that up to 10 cm of rain had fallen in a single day. This was in addition to the heavy snowpack still left on the peaks, including nearby Monte Rosa, one of the tallest peaks of the Alps. Concerned we might have to get out Noah’s blueprints and start building our own Ark, we were ecstatic to find we had nearly perfect water levels on every river we put on. Despite the intermittent rains we were able to have an amazing 6 days of paddling on various rivers ranging from the Sesia, Mastallone – upper and gorge sections, Gronda down to the Sorba Slides, and the classic and super fun Egua.

Simon, Matt, and Jakub led the trip with their expert knowledge of the region, culture, as well as sharing insight into their dynamic techniques used to run these spectacular rivers. This all culminated to make a truly remarkable trip with unforgettable boating. Im still trying to shake the smile from my face, and Im sure Im not the only one!

Bryon Ricketts

Gene17 has recently finished it’s Spring Steep Creekin’ season in Piemonte, Italy. Below are 5 images from over a 1000, that outlines what we go and the paddler’s enjoying the granite drops & slides.

Brian on the charge on Egua

Matt Tidy heading off the kicker at the Sorba slides

Ian Sanderson boofin’ on Gronda

Mags MacKinnon having boofin’ fun

Matt Tidy enjoying the sun on Egua

For more images check out Piemonte Early May & Piemonte Mid May.

Gene17’s Steep Creekin’ trip details can be found on the Piemonte webpage and our 2011 dates are:

::8th to 15th May 2011
::15th to 22nd May 2011

Regards

Simon@Gene17

Sjoa Progressive & Dynamic

What sort of paddling do you enjoy? Big volume? Bedrock slides? Pool drop falls? Read and run? Tight and technical?

Whatever you want there’s a river within a couple of hours drive of Sjoa that’ll satisfy your craving

Sjoa in Norway is the best Summer venue for white water kayakers, and has the scope for so many adventures, its kept our staff coming back year after year

Although it’s the huge drops that people talk about, Norway’s got something for everyone. That’s why we run our Progressive trips here. Where better to learn the whole range? Whether we’re punching diagonals and riding curlers on the big and bouncy Sjoa to working the boofs and flares on the Jori, Norway’s got it covered. Add in the long days (it doesn’t get dark until midnight) and the sheer scale of the landscape and we’ll give you the best paddling of your life

Our Dates:
::18/25 July 2010 5 Places Left
::25/1 July/August 2010 FULL

If you wish to join us in mid July, please contact us soon

Best Regards

Simon@Gene17

Hello G17 Paddler

In the last few weeks, we have been in Slovenia, enjoying the early season runoff in the Julian Alps. Winter has a minor grip of proceedings, yet the occasional 15°C days reveals that Spring’s full glory is not far away. In the coming weeks we host our popular Alpine River Leader Training Course and a BCU 5 Star Training & Assessment in Slovenia. Before heading to Greece for a week to run more courses, to return in time for the Valsesia season with its amazing snow pack conditions, for what will be a good sequel to last year’s bumper Spring of Steep Creeking.

As you can see, we’re quite busy, and over this month we’ll complete the final details for two new Gene17 events, plus a movie your in the UK & Ireland this Autumn.

Happy Paddling

Simon@Gene17

Again this Summer, Gene17 is resident in the Durance Valley, high in the French Haute Alpes

For the last 15 years, Gene17’s staff have worked, guided and played on the classic runs of the French Alps. More formally Gene17 runs a number of qualification Training courses and Assessments, along with day guiding and longer tours on the great alpine runs of this area. Our short French Alps Summer season fits perfectly between the steep creeks of Italy in May and the Northern Summer perfection of Norway in July & August. France is a respite between the harder action, a time to enjoy more flowing alpine style descents, plus get out the mountain bike’s for evening descents and bask in the glorious Summer sun.

See the images, and check out the French Alps Summer Programme below…..

Be spoke Guiding & Group Dynamics

Personal Technique Sessions & Clinics

River Leadership & Tactical Awareness for River Running

Our Summer French Alps Programme:

French Alps Tours

BCU 5 Star WW Kayak Training

BCU 5 Star WW Kayak Assessment

BCU Advanced WW Safety & Rescue

PLUS: we’ll run one day, two or any other solution for both individual and group coaching and guiding
AND MORE: Gene17 will be sponsoring the famed UK Student BoaterX event 11/12th June at the L’Argentière-la-Bessée slalom site

If you have any questions, please contact us, by email, Facebook Message or via our webpage. And if this looks a little hair ball for you, Gene17 run white water kayaking courses, to Slovenia and Adventures to Montenegro too.

Regards

Simon@Gene17kayaking

Our 2010 Spring & Summer Steep Creekin Trips in Italy & Norway are now ALMOST FULL

For this year the passion for action and adventure is no less dampen by mainstream news reports of austerity. Paddlers are clearly looking for fun, and the steeper the better, as Gene17’s Steep Creekin Trips and Adventures are as popular as ever.

Piemonte in Spring
In Italy this year, we’ll have both Matt Tidy and Simon Westgarth leading trips in early May, with last year’s new Boy Nick Horwood from the UK, and this year’s new Boy Jakub Šedivý from the Czech Republic also on board. Its a blend of the our top experienced team, with today’s hot shots. Presently the snow pack conditions in Valsesia, look excellent, not as much as last year’s bumper ski season brought, but another good runoff is in the bank for us to enjoy later on this Spring.

Currently we have 2 places left on this 9th to 16th May trip to Italy, see Piemonte for details.

Sjoa in Summer
The Summer season in Norway, also looks like another perfect line up, with numerous G17 regular paddler’s signing up to our new 2 week Norway Road Trip. We’ll start in Sjoa, and head an a circuit route to Voss and back, taking in prime locations like Sogndal, Valldøla and Lærdal, with again Nick Horwood and Jakub Šedivý taking turns accompanying Simon Westgarth. Its a great new adventure, we’ll follow the water, and enjoy the very best of what Norway has to offer.

Currently on the August Norway Road Trip we have 3 Places, and for the early July Sjoa Steeper Creeker Teaching Trips we have 6 places available.

Of course we have a host of other trips and adventures in Slovenia and Norway, plus guiding in the French Alps in June and be spoke/custom coaching and guiding options throughout Europe and beyond. Simply get in contact:

Best Regards

Simon@Gene17

February 13th-14th 2010 – White Water Safety And Rescue Course

I arrived for 9.00am at the River Dart Country Park, where I met my clients a group of enthusiastic students from Plymouth University. Amongst the crowd there were some familiar looking faces.

We kicked off with a rather cold and windy theory session in the grounds of the park, where we went through equipment, what works what doesn’t work and everything else in between. Some throw bag theory with plenty of practice, followed by a couple of laps of the famous Anaka Rice throw bag assault course.
Everybody enjoyed a very welcomed hot soup for lunch, before we headed back outside to go over a number of the practical elements of the course. Live bait, rescuing swimmers, and offensive and defensive swimming.

Sunday morning arrived and I was really concerned about the state of the water, the river was at the lowest level I had seen it all winter. There really was no flow in it, anywhere, so I made the decision to head to the Exe and use Forepines weir as our training site. The Exe hold its water for a lot longer than the Dart and I had been there quite a bit over December, doing some endurance training for slalom, so I knew that it should work, even at this desperately low level.

So off to the exe we went and who was in town Mr Alex Nicks, fresh back from New Zealand, fuelled with new adventures and stories of the West Coast paddling mission he’s just had, whilst the rest of us had been enduring (the big freeze) in the UK.

Using Forepines as a site for the course worked out quite well, we covered the rest of the course elements. I then set up a number of scenarios where the group would use their newly acquired skills and put them to test in a semi realistic scenario. All in all a good course, a shame about the low water, but we definitely did the best we could do, given the circumstances.

Deb@Gene17

Although I started paddling nearly 20 years ago, I’ve never really been one for pursuing paddling qualifications. Apart from safety courses, I am more of a ‘learn from friends; let the river/ocean teach you lessons’ kinda girl. So when I bumped into Simon one evening at River Dart Country Park (RDCP) and he asked me if I wanted to do 5 * training with Gene17, I thought about it really hard. Would it be worth the investment? The overriding answer was a resounding yes.

I had two main issues that really needed to be addressed and the 5*T proved to be the perfect forum for ironing out those concerns. Firstly, I have been finding myself up front, leading peers down class IV rapids, rather than being a passenger. I had no idea how to judge whether I was doing a good job of leading or not. Secondly I’d reached a plateau in teaching myself key strokes and was stuck with a sketchy boof.

The first day saw myself and two fellow 5*trainees with Dennis on the Upper Dart at a friendly level (lapping the slab). The morning was dedicated to covering advanced key strokes, including efficient eddy turns, boofs, attainment and cross grain moves. We also covered secondary strokes such as the stern squeeze (I never even knew this stroke existed; now I’m in love with it). We learned concepts for reading rivers, such as setting markers on the river and visualizing how to get to them; awareness of our immediate environment while looking ahead and planning for the next rapid or eddy.

During the afternoon we spent time talking about and practicing group management, group safety, spotting lines, presenting lines to a group of mixed ability and general “soft skills”. This gave me direction on how to successfully lead on harder water whilst being sensitive to each individuals needs within the group. We also covered techniques to keep the group moving quickly, safely and effectively downriver. Then it was off back to RDCP for some soup and debrief; closely followed by beer (3 pints of).

Sunday was dedicated to personal development and core skills with Simon; and what better place to practice those skills than on the East Lyn? We started with the good ol’ boof. Simon filmed and offered advice as we ran a little ledge over and over. With the instant video analysis combined with Simons critical eye and explanations, our boofs improved infinitely after just 4 re-runs of the rapid. A new concept for me was learning that key strokes should just be an extension of a regular paddling stroke; not forced.

We encompassed more river reading and boofing clinics all the way down the gorge and we put into practice line of sight and river/ bank communication skills. Simon’s teaching style included demonstrations, instant video analysis and succinct, yet effectual advice. Simon took each of our river running issues and fixed one thing at a time until it all just flowed. A great day of learning and personal skill development was followed by a lengthy debrief in the pub. During the1 to1 feedback we were given clear goals and targets to reach before going for assessment.

The 5 *T with Gene17 taught me in 1 weekend what I’ve tried to teach myself in 2 years. I finally know what is expected of me leading class IV rivers and I finally have a boof that works. Yay! That’s a pretty good return on the investment, I’d say.

Kate

I was feeling quite anxious as i waited to meet the assessor for my 4 Star at the River Dart Country Park. Two other guys made themselves known to me, and we all expressed our apprehension as to what the day would bring. Matt introduced himself to us all, and told us that today was to be the test of leadership skills. He would not interupt our leading each other unless there was a real threat to anyones’ safety. He also said that pretty much the final criterion that he would use to assess our leadership award would be, “am i happy to let this guy lead a member of my family down a grade 2/3 river?”. 

Well we got to the River Walkham and each of us did our turn at leading. Matt left us to it, only interrupting to ask the odd question or change the leader. I felt quite at ease and had already decided that I should look at the assessment as part of my paddling education, pass or fail. A swimmer from another club enabled two of us to show our alertness and get the guy out of the water. There was one point when Matt nearly intervened when a mistake was made, but his skill at quietly getting where the possible danger was enabled him to allow the situation to progress in a controlled manner, whilst he was able to best observe and evaluate the occurrence. I was given a discreet signal by him not to proceed as one of the others had done. This struck me as very professional, as the transgressor seemed oblivious to his error, as I percieved it.
 
The three of us shuttled back laughing and joking, but not talking of how we thought we had done. Matt was in his own vehicle. At RDCP we all had some very nice soup with fresh bread. Just the thing after a day on the river, even though I am not much of a soup man. The venue at RDCP is excellent too. An easy going atmosphere, couple of beers, meeting other paddlers, bigging up our stories as we do.

Sunday morning Sean made himself known to us, and said today was really supposed to be a test of our personal ability and rescue skills, however, a little more leadership was also on the agenda. We were to do the Loop, but also the last three drops on the Upper Dart. Sean said he wanted to see us play as much as possible and should anyone need rescueing we should snap up any opportunity to prove our worth.

Personally I felt I started well. Not as well as one of the other guys, but good for me. Sean gently teased us and laughed with us if it went pear shaped. A capsised swimmer allowed two of us to show off our rescue skills just above the Webburn confluence. Again there was no intervention regarding leading, but at “Washing machine” rapid we were asked to perform particular paddling techniques. Lunch at “Lovers leap” and a bit of pin theory as we digested. I learnt a bit here and decided to buy Franco Ferrero’s “White water safety and rescue” as soon as I could.

We were having fun catching eddies and surfing this and that, when Sean asked me to lead at “Triple”. The plan was apparently good but Sean wanted to test some personal skills at “Triple one”. Another rescue developed amongst us, with boat and paddler on opposite banks. The swimmer had recently hurt his arm and was consequently unable to roll. I, being the leader, asked the guy if he was well enough to give throwline cover at “Triple three”,should we need it, to which he agreed. I didn’t think we needed it, but we were now all involved. I told Sean the plan was for the last two of us was to enjoy the rapid and catch as many eddies as we could. I was confident in my colleages ability, as he had already boat chased all through the drops.

At Holne Bridge saw us do our swimming and bag practice and we enjoyed the last part of the paddle out to RDCP. Again we had some excellent soup at 4pm, but had to wait a while for the individual debrief, as there were quite a few things going on. I was called to an interview with both Matt and Sean for the debrief. Matt beamed at me, congratulated me and said he was happy for me to take any member of his family out on a 2/3 river. That felt good. Two years of hard work and I had my 4 Star. But best of all, Sean said my personal paddling skills were better than they were looking for, for the grade! They must have caught me on a really good day. There were some things to consider, I was advised on better pieces of kit and given some action plans for the future.
 
For my part, I felt I was with a very professional team, who liked what they did and tried to be as fair as they could, allowing us to show them we merited the award, whilst still having fun.

Thanks “Gene17″.
 
Mark Hardingham     (Hardy)

This Spring, Summer and Autumn, Gene17 will host a number of trips and courses in the fabled Sočs Valley. With its base located 200m from the Slalom course take out close to the river, we are less than a 5 minutes drive to any of the fourth canyonaccess points. Gene17 has been coming to the Soča for over 10 years, and knows all the prime locations both on and off the river to ensure that you have a world class paddling holiday.

Soča Slovenia
Nestled away in Slovenia’s Julian Alps, the Soča’s the perfect destination for getting to grips with whitewater paddling. Perfect blue waters, pool-drop bedrock rapids and a culture that’s totally different from anywhere else in Europe make the Soča a world-class destination.

Elemental Skills Class II/III

Elemental Skills Class II/III
After just one week on the crystal Soča with us you’ll be cruising down grade III whitewater with no problems. Nestled away in Slovenia’s Julian Alps, the Soča’s the perfect destination for getting to grips with Elemental whitewater paddling. Perfect blue waters, pool-drop bedrock rapids and a culture that’s totally different from anywhere else in Europe make the Soča a world-class destination
::27/3 March/April 2010

Fundamental Core Skills Class III/III+

Fundamental Core Skills Class III/III+
Over the week we’ll introduce you to modern, dynamic paddling techniques that you can apply the world over. As well as teaching you the skills you need to find lines through tricky rapids, we’ll give you the skills you need to make those lines!
::27/3 March/April 2010
::21/28 August 2010

Soča Alpine River Leader Training Course

Guiding, Coaching or Teaching, in one week on the crystal Soča you’ll be setting the pace on class IV whitewater. We’ve put this course together for BCU and ICU level 3 coaches who want to step their game up a notch. To ease out that step up to level 4, we’ll cover everything from your paddling skills and coaching methods to modern, dynamic guiding techniques and real-world group management

This course will include BCU 5 Star Training & BCU 5 Star Advanced WWS&R

Alpine River Leader Training Course
::10/17 April 2010
::16/23 Oct 2010

All these trips are on offer with Gene17 core staff, to long established destinations. For more information click through to the specific trip webpage. We also offer more Paddling Adventures to the Ticino in Swizterland, Norway, British Columbia, the Grand Canyon, Tsarap Zanskar in India and Nepal.

You can contact us as through our website: http://gene17.com/kayaking/

Best Regards

Simon@Gene17

Soča Slovenia
Nestled away in Slovenia’s Julian Alps, the Soča’s the perfect destination for getting to grips with whitewater paddling. Perfect blue waters, pool-drop bedrock rapids and a culture that’s totally different from anywhere else in Europe make the Soča a world-class destination.

Summary
Guiding, Coaching or Teaching, in one week on the crystal Soča you’ll be setting the pace on class IV whitewater. We’ve put this course together for BCU and ICU level 3 coaches who want to step their game up a notch. To ease out that step up to level 4, we’ll cover everything from your paddling skills and coaching methods to modern, dynamic guiding techniques and real-world group management

This course will include BCU 5 Star Training & BCU 5 Star Advanced WWS&R

Alpine River Leader Training Course
::10/17 April 2010
::16/23 Oct 2010

All these trips are on offer with Gene17 core staff, to long established destinations. For more information click through to the specific trip webpage. We also offer more Paddling Adventures to the Ticino in Swizterland, Norway, British Columbia, the Grand Canyon, Tsarap Zanskar in India and Nepal.

You can contact us through our website.

Best Regards

Simon@Gene17

The Grand Canyon is a true world class multi-day trip. An ambition of every whitewater kayaker, the sheer geographical scale means that every corner you come to, every morning you wake up you’ll stand in awe. The Grand Canyon’s not just a float trip: it’s a proper whitewater wilderness, lasting for over 200 miles. With grade III-IV rapids keeping you on your toes and the legendary lava falls spicing up your trip, there’s plenty of whitewater interest.

Summary
We’ve teamed up with one of the local outfitters so we can offer full raft support and keep your boat light and responsive. Of course, it also means we can skip the fifteen year waiting list for a permit! Of course, this kind of experience doesn’t come cheap but there’s nowhere else in the world that offers you ten days of multi-day paddling in such a stunning location.

Programme
Day 1 Arrive in Las Vegas and head to a local hotel. That evening we’ll meet with the outfitter we’re using and make some plans for the trip
Day 2 Leave in the morning for the launching point at Lee’s Ferry
Day 3-13 Paddle the Grand!
Day 15 Arrive at the South Cove take-out mid-morning and transfer back to Las Vegas by late afternoon
Day 16 Depart for the airport

We are currently taking booking for this trip in August 2011 on a first come first served basis. With the booking deadline being 15th April 2010. We use Motor raft support, and can also have a paddle raft, so all non-paddling friends and family can join their paddling partners for this trip of a life time.
See G17 Grand Canyon for details.

Blog report on our 2008 trip Grand Canyon of the Colorado by Nick Burne

And my Blog reports:
Marble Canyon
the Inner Gorge
Lava

Simon@Gene17

For 2010 Gene17 has a host of new destinations and new adventures, check out the list below for your next trip.

Soča Slovenia
Nestled away in Slovenia’s Julian Alps, the Soča’s the perfect destination for getting to grips with whitewater paddling. Perfect blue waters, pool-drop bedrock rapids and a culture that’s totally different from anywhere else in Europe make the Soča a world-class destination.

Elemental Skills Class II/III
::27/3 March/April 2010
::3/10 April 2010

Fundamental Core Skills Class III/III+
Over the week we’ll introduce you to modern, dynamic paddling techniques that you can apply the world over. As well as teaching you the skills you need to find lines through tricky rapids, we’ll give you the skills you need to make those lines!
::27/3 March/April 2010
::3/10 April 2010
::14/21 August 2010
::21/28 August 2010

Montenegro
How about a kayaking road trip through the Balkans?

Montenegro Fun Multi Day Class II/III
The main event’s a three day descent of the Tara river gorge. A UNESCO site, the pristine and remote gorge is Europe’s deepest – over a kilometre deep in places. On the water, we’ll be staying at riverside rustic lodges in the gorge, carrying just our personal gear, lightweight, but with refinement. After that, we travel east to the Morača River for some classy grade III action
::23/30 May 2010

Morocco
The Atlas Mountains, stand as a gateway from the Sahara Desert to Europe beyond the Straits of Gibraltar and as is a land full of contrasts.

Morocco Fun Multi Day Class III
The arid climate gives a short runoff season in early Spring, with the red rocks open into tight gorges where will see the occasional goat herder. From beyond the mountains is the might Atlantic, home to barrleing surf and windswept beauty.
What sort of paddling do you enjoy? Big volume? Bedrock slides? Pool drop falls? Read and run? Big water playboating? Tight and technical? Whatever you want there’s a river within a couple of hours drive of Sjoa that’ll satisfy your craving
::20/27 March 2010

All these trips are on offer with Gene17 core staff, to long established destinations. For more information click through to the specific trip webpage. We also offer more Paddling Adventures to the Ticino in Swizterland, Norway, British Columbia, the Grand Canyon, Tsarap Zanskar in India and Nepal.

You can contact us, info below.

Best Regards

Simon Westgarth

Here is an extract from the EA’s forthcoming Press Release

The Environment Agency is holding an Open Forum event at the River Dart Country Park near Ashburton on January 16th starting at 6:00pm when it will explain its salmon conservation work on the River Dart and take questions from people with an interest in the river including canoeists. Mike Maslin from the Environment Agency has said “I would really like to see and meet as many paddlers as possible. The forum is a two way thing, and I want to hear what they would like to see in the future, and hear how we can work together for the benefit of the ecology of the river. I strongly believe that paddlers can play a large part in looking after what we all love, the River Dart.”

At the moment the Environment Agency is looking to win the support of canoeists and believes only a minority of paddlers are launching on the West Dart will little regard for any damage or harm they might be causing to spawning salmon.

The ‘King of Fish’ is legally protected under the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975. Anyone caught deliberately disturbing these remarkable fish when spawning, can face prosecution. As the law stands that includes irresponsible canoeists.

‘We’re a long way from prosecuting anyone and, at the moment, much prefer the educational approach, but that option is available to us if we encounter irresponsible paddlers,’ said Mike Maslin.

As you can see, the EA understand that paddling is taking place upstream of Dartmeet, and are not wishing to judge whether this is authorised or not, but would like to ensure that conservation considerations are taken by those paddlers launching on the West Dart. The above Open Forum will take place at the RDCP next Saturday, hosted by Gene17 with Simon Westgarth chairing the proceedings. After introductions, Mike will deliver a short presentation on salmon in the River Dart and then will take questions from the floor. Please be clear that this meeting is intending to expand paddler’s understanding of spawning fish in the River Dart catchment and how we can ease the EA’s concerns.

All are welcome to attend this presentation and open forum.

Regards

Simon Westgarth

For those paddlers at this Winter’s Gene17 APWE, you got to see some of Olaf’s fine film work. For the last 5 years or so, Olaf runs two a multi date film tours of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. These are often hosted by leading Kayak Store Dealers or Kayak Clubs looking to provide their clients or members an evening of entertainment. For dealers its a service and for some of the clubs a fund raiser. Within Olaf’s extensive production portfolio is a range of paddlesport films, from Open Boating, Sea Kayaking as well as White Water Kayaking expeditions.

For Winter 2010, Olaf would like to bring his Tour to the UK and perhaps Ireland, and as such is looking for event hosts for this proposed tour. Olaf will bring all the technical equipment for the big show, and will delivery an evening to inspire and excite.

For more info about Olaf see Olaf’s Webpage and for a taste of his productions see Sickline Movies.

If you and your club or kayak store as keen to host a Big O Production film event, please contact myself.

Simon Westgarth

For this coming Summer Gene17 present the following delicious menu of drops, slides and action for those wishing to have an Adventure

May in Piemonte, Italy- Gene17’s flagship destination

the pristine alpine valley of Valsesia hosts the Alps best best runoff paddling. Every run has numerous drops, slides and rapid a plenty to learn and enjoy steep creeking. Plus the fine wine and food found in Italy is sound to none. See Piemonte Steep Creekin’ for details

June in Sjoa, Norway- bigger drops, larger volume and more bang for your buck, a core destination for a core paddler

the paddler who wants it all, high energy white water, low volume drops, fast slides and clean moves, Sjoa is a Summer paradise for adventure paddlers. See Sjoa Steeper Creeker for details

August from Sjoa to Voss in Norway, a 2 week road trip across some of Norway’s finest paddling

for when a week is not enough in paradise, jump in the ride and ride even more, the further West you go the bigger the drops and the more action to be found. See Norway Road Trip for details

If you have any questions, please contact us, by email. And if the another looks a liitle hair ball for you, Gene17 also running white water kayaking courses, trips and adventures for all paddlers.

Regards

Simon@Gene17kayaking

Following a dip in confidence with my paddling on harder white water I recently decided having used Gene 17 previously to book in on some 5* training. My personal objective for the weekend was ideally to get a marker as to where my skills are at this moment, get feedback and regain some of my lost confidence.

Day 1
Starting with a kit muster and a chat with Simon Westgarth and Tom Parker with a theme of simplicity and usefulness particularly for gear carried in the boats and BA’s.

Due to a drop in levels we were limited to 2 days on the Upper Dart however this was hardly a handicap as best use was made of the features. Simon took our group paddling with the focus on technique and strategies. My bad habits were instantly picked up, too much bracing and use of the back stroke! An explanation was given and corrections advised. The difference in control was to me incredible. Full used of video was made with individual pointers. Boofing over a fall had as all keen to go round and round again with constant encouragement until we got it right. I never thought I would see myself trying to launch off a rock but none of us got quite as high as Simon (not too shabby this chap!). A constant watch was kept with the occasional scornful look as I was caught planting another back stroke! The day was completed at the RDCP with a warm bowl of soup and debrief.

The only down side to the day was a loss of concentration resulting in using my head as a rudder over Surprise Surprise. I’m sure I could hear everyone wince.

Day 2
Leadership was the order of the day with Dennis looking after us. I must confess that I had a few nerves at the start but was quickly calmed down. We were soon leading each other down the river with constant feedback and clear reasoned instruction from Dennis. Different techniques were added and combined with Simon’s previous days work we were looking, dare I say it “a little stylish”.

The day finished again with soup and individual feedback from Simon with an action plan giving clear objectives. Simon made an interesting but relevant analogy with me referring to my paddling as switching between digital and analogue. Indeed when the correct techniques were applied the clarity was undeniable.
An added bonus was when Dennis took me for an impromptu counselling session advising on a few stress management techniques.
If I’m honest the last couple of months have nearly seen me quit kayaking. This course has certainly rekindled my enthusiasm and for that I would like to thank Simon and team! I have been left with no doubt on the direction I need to take.

Paul Soanes Plymouth

After the luxury and tourism of our fly-in city, Dubrovnik in Croatia, crossing the border into Montenegro it appeared distinctly rugged and undeveloped. The impressive Tara Gorge runs down the backbone of Montenegro (which, despite its name, is vibrant green and very un-black). The heart of our trip was a 60km run, grade 2-3 medium volume, over three days at relaxing pace with time for fun and reflection in this highly impressive mountainous region. Accommodation was at manned hostels, basic but welcoming, thus keeping boat weight down.

Our Gene 17 guides Bob and Debs were dedicated and great. This even stretched to Debs giving up her blouse to the aid of communications! On the warm-up day we put on at 6pm(!), for a 14km check-out paddle. Halfway down the intended run, Debs’ shirt appeared on a beach, hoisted between two sticks, bearing a message smeared in mud. Doing the shuttle, the van and trailer had stuck on a slippery incline. The bemused but friendly locals were only too happy to assist this bra-chested foreigner wandering through their fields. We got off and helped with the vehicle recovery then accepted the locals’ insistence of homemade firewater, aka ‘slivovica’. Last in line, Lee had to take his swig only after the local four-legged mutt had joined in the celebration – nice! The slivovica became a regular feature of the week, though quality varied greatly.

Lots of play-spots on the river kept keener paddlers busy, in between beautiful sights around each corner. One tributary turned out to be Europe’s most voluminous natural spring, an awesome 200 yards of grade 6 chundering out of the mountainside: nice to look at. On the second afternoon a heavy storm flooded our camp shelter and fire, which were re-built in a flash by our hosts.

The trip ended with a visit to a 2000-metre modern ski resort town – it even snowed – a culture shock complete with trendy bars and an impromptu pool tournament before a final daytrip on the scenic grade 3 smaller volume river, the Moraca.

The week was great for intermediate or cautious paddlers and those wanting something a bit different from more civilised Alpine venues, while there was enough to keep keener boaters playing happily without it ever getting scary or serious. Thanks to Simon at Gene 17 for organizing, and to Bob & Debs for providing a great holiday with a sense of adventure.

Lastly, a word of thanks to the helpful BA check-in staff at Gatwick. Despite no longer being allowed kayak equipment free-of-charge, we’d packed our paddles in their paddle-bags clearly marked with ‘Kayak Paddles – Top Load Only’ (doh!), and proceeded to have the following conversation:
BA check-in assistant: “Is that ski equipment?”.
One of us: “Yes, it’s sporting equipment”.
BA check-in assistant: “It’s a bit late for snow in Dubrovnik isn’t it!?”
One of us: “Yes, it’s melting fast…” ☺

Words and Images Karen Wilson

Currently I am considering running a Moderate Water Endorsement & Assessment 6/7 February on Dartmoor. However, as there are only a few potential candidates with UKCC L2 and 4 Star WW Kayak, I am unsure as to whether there is sufficient interest in this course and assessment. If you feel you would wish to join us in Devon, please contact myself by email, see below.

The new MWE is an award to shape a developed coach with previous river experience into a white water coach for a Class II(III) environment. All details can be found on Canoe England’s MWE Webpage

>>BCU L3 Assessment Inland Kayak Training
::6/7 Feb 10 Devon 4 NEW PLACES LEFT

>>BCU Moderate Water Endorsement WW Kayak Training
::6 Feb 10 Devon 4 NEW PLACES LEFT

>>BCU Moderate Water Endorsement WW Kayak Assessment
::7 Feb 10 Devon 4 NEW PLACES LEFT

Best Regards

Simon Westgarth

Down in Devon for January 2010, we are running a number of WW kayak courses, mainly BCU Qualification Training and Assessments, plus some technique courses too. If your club wishes to have a bespoke course or coaching solution, why not drop us a line for high quality, high impact rapid progression courses

>>BCU 4 Star WW Kayak Training
::30/31 Jan 10 Devon 4 PLACES LEFT

>>BCU 4 Star WW Kayak Assessment
::23/24 Jan 10 Devon 2 PLACES LEFT

>>BCU 5 Star WW Kayak Training
::9/10 Jan 10 Devon 2 NEW PLACES LEFT

>>BCU 5 Star WW Kayak Assessment
::23/24 Jan 10 Devon 4 NEW PLACE LEFT

>>BCU Basic WW Safety & Rescue
::16/17 Jan 10 Devon 3 PLACES LEFT

>>BCU Advanced WW Safety & Rescue
::16/17 Jan 10 Devon 3 NEW PLACES LEFT

>>Steep Creekin’ & FreeRide
::09/10 Jan 10 Devon 2 PLACES LEFT

If you have any questions, please contact us, details on our website G17K

Best Regards

Simon Westgarth

As a club we’ve been trying to get some help with our River Leading and some tips on more advanced techniques that suit British Rivers. Generally we’ve contained ourselves to doing trips that we know well; rivers where we know every bend and drop, people who always paddle together. We asked Simon (Westgarth) to provide us with a weekend of 5* training in order to bolster our confidence on Rivers we’ve not run, and broaden our horizons so we provide confidence to the rest of the groups that we paddle with.

The weekend began on Saturday with a trip down the upper dart. We’d all done the Upper before, but never so intensively or using the same lines. Simon’s efforts pointing out moves (boofs, rock smears, flares…) soon led onto looking in detail at our technique. We looked at details where we weren’t effective, and began to run the features both in control and even with a little tentative style. Key concepts, such as recognising and planting stokes at the pivotal moments in the river, and maintaining an assertive paddling position were introduced and consolidated.

We spent the rest of the day working on technique, equipment and leadership styles on the river. We got pointers that were relevant to our personal weaknesses as paddlers but also relevant to the decisions we made as leader. I think we both improved our method of river running and greatly increased our confidence.

Sunday followed with a step up in gradient and intensity; the Erme is a river none of us had run before, and it was a very different challenge. We had a great time putting into practice in a more fluid manner the leadership we’d learnt on Saturday during the relatively calm first section. The second section, from the slot in through the gorge, was an absolute blast; we ran a great river with a masterclass in leadership by Simon. Decisions on leadership style were constantly explained and analysed; we all got off the river buzzing having had a thrilling ride down the river. We’ll definitely be back to the Erme (and of course the Dart), and I’m happy we’ve got the tools in place that we can run it ourselves and with friends in control and safely.

Pete B.

With only a week to go until the 7th annual Gene17 Adventure Paddlers Weekend, I have some more news about the event for you.

Hot News for this year:
PRODUCT RELEASES
PALM/ MERRELL Gradient will be available to the paddling public for the first time

http://www.palmequipmenteurope.com/gear/gradient.html

PALM EV & AV PFDs the official launch of Palm’s new benchmark product

http://www.palmequipmenteurope.com/evolution/

PYRANHA Burn 2010 the all new Burn, all round river runner will be available to demo for the first time

http://www.pyranha.com/newsSheet.php?boardID=1&id=49

CONFIRMED Olaf Obsommer, one of the most profilific white water kayak film makers around, we have the choice of over a dozen different adventures to watch, this is prime time viewing.

CONFIRMED Pete Catteral and the Below and Beyond Machu Picchu 09 Kayak Movie see http://belowandbeyondmachupicchu09.wordpress.com/

CONFIRMED, BUKE’s KayakNam trip to Vietnam, see http://www.kayaknam.com/expedition-blog

Plus all the fun of the fair, the latest demo boats from the on site Manic Canoe Store, and Music from DJ Red Belly and maybe we’ll get Cheesy to DJ too

Final preparations to the Sawmill Bar have been underway, with considerable improvements to the multimedia resources, plus a large marquee in front of the bar, for an overspill drinking area.

The rain has been booked all season to date, and the forecast looks ace too. So rest assure we’re in for an ace weekend in Devon

Regards

Simon Westgarth

Gene17 Four Star Training River Dart, Walkham and Lower Tavy 14th/15th of November 16, 2009

This past weekend, we ran out first four-star training of the season on the River Dart in Devon. The course was mixed with a variety of paddlers from all backgrounds, which again made for an interesting and diverse course, with everyone adding something to the mix of information, that was flying around.
Ed Cornfield joined me in running the course and was a great asset to the group, with his knowledge and expertise in leadership and development.

Saturday saw the morning inside at the River Dart Country Park, where we went through allot of theory on leadership, trip preparation and planning, equipment. An early lunch followed and then it was on the Dart shuttle bus up to New Bridge and a run down the loop, where we put in to practice most of the classroom theory on leadership.

Sunday morning we headed over to Tavistock and paddled the lower Walkham in to the Lower Tavy. These two unfamiliar rivers gave plenty of surprises and interest to the group to deal with. At the take, whilst I was on shuttle the group were confronted with what looked like it was going to be a full live scale incident. A lady with face lacerations, missing her husband, it was now dark, The two had set off paddling o the lower Tavy without any knowledge on white water. The husband arrived from nowhere and the search and rescue plans were called off.

All in all a good weekend and once again very nice to meet so many interesting people.

Deb Pinniger

In late October, I headed to North Wales to join a group of paddlesport coaches to go through the all new BCU Advanced WWS&R provider’s training. The basis of the 2 days, was to go through the course, and debate out what we’d delivery in light of the Syllabus.

We looked at safety on steep ground, mechanical advantage, entrapments, live bait and incident management. All the tools for the modern river runner. Especially interesting was to request to use the normal limited range of gear a paddler has. No fancy rigging systems, nor sit harnesses, just simple throw bag, sling and crab solutions, with a few prusiks thrown in. There was no need to be mega climbing geek, as we’re paddling and not a rock jock.

A fun 2 days with a great crowd, and now after running this course down in Devon, it was worth the little detour to North Wales en route from Slovenia to Devon

My first weekend back on Dartmoor in late October come early November. Great levels for Saturday where we had fun on the rock spin spot early in the run on the Upper Dart. Here are a few clips of the Birmingham Crew having a go….

Sunday saw high water, and West Dart fun and games. For myself it was a great welcome home Devon weekend

Over twenty years of kayaking, I have had some very different experiences on various BCU courses. Many were excellent but some I found overly-prescriptive and template, giving little chance to explore different methods of approaching the elements being discussed. I was therefore unsure of what to expect when I turned up, after the short twenty minute drive from my home, at the River Dart Country Park. Within minutes any apprehension was dispelled. With a warm welcome and overview from Simon and Nick and the knowledge that soup would be laid on for lunch, I knew I was up for a rewarding two days.

The other delegates came from a variety of backgrounds. There were the gnarly expedition river rats, John and Steve; the seasoned coach, Jim; with Callum and Marcus completing the ensemble. This diversity of experience made for a forum of contribution in which everyone learned new ideas and different approaches to a variety of different rescue concepts and practices.

Severe weather had hit the South West and the rivers were running high, so the decision was made that after a morning of dry system and throw line work we would move to the outflow of Ventford Resevoir. With the Upper Dart rising constantly throughout the day and the highest I had seen it since 1997, this was a welcome call as far I was concerned. Putting drags in to practice high on the Moor proved entertaining and just confirmed that one of the areas we spend too little time on, as paddlers, is practising those key rescue skills. Having never seen the ‘pig rig’ system before, it took me both days to begin to make it instinctive having always used the rope heavy internal hoisting system before.

With my mind swimming and after writing up notes that night, we met at the North end of Ivybridge to work on the Erme on the Sunday. The morning was spent looking at security on steep ground and a practical descent and traversing exercise. In true form, we over-engineered our solution in an attempt to use everything we have examined over the previous couple of hours but felt we have proved we had at least taken much of it in. After lunch it was time to get wet and look at live-baiting and confirm our practitioner understanding of the hauling systems learned and revised on the previous day. With characteristic enthusiasm, everyone launched themselves in to the water at various points to rescue what can only be described as the most unlucky or incompetent kayak and airbag, which kept dropping in to the same hole and getting pinned. The group organised bank safety for a team running one of the drops, which they ran with aplomb. However, as the last boater lined up, Simon delivered the immortal line, “he will be fine, he is the best paddler there.” An edge caught and it looked like the kayaker might be pulled back in to the hole. Without waiting to see whether the boater might extricate himself, Marcus launched in to the river as the angel of mercy. Making for the cockpit of the now highly confused paddler, the exchange of bemused glances was priceless. It was clear that the said kayaker really did not want rescuing but was finding it hard to paddle out as Marcus was in his blade’s way. The laughter from the bank did not subside for five minutes.

The review was held over another bowl of warming soup back at the River Dart Country Park. As I reflected over the weekend’s course, I realised how much I had taken in and how differently I would now approach certain scenarios. The emphasis was not on a dogmatic style but trying new things and subtle incremental improvements and certainly will influence me for many months to come. In short, it proved to be one of the most enjoyable and informative boating courses I have ever attended and, without a doubt, will make me a more effective and safe Level 4 Coach in the future.

Justin Featherstone

Gene17 are very happy to announce the launch of their 2010 URRGB Tee Collection. For the first time, we offer two different designs in 2 colours for both ladies and gents. Our 2010 designs were created by iconic paddlesports designer Barney Caulfield.

For online ordering, see G17K Products

All Tees are for Pre-Order only, last orders by 30th November, for mid December delivery.

In addition to 2 UKRGB, Gene17 also offer 3 designs of their own to reflect river adventures and steep fun on creeks. Again Barney created these Tees.

Again for online ordering, see G17K Products

Here is a selection of images from a recent trip to Slovenia

For Spring 2010 dates see G17K

Four paddlers from Greece, Yiannis, Nikos, George and Christina, decided to visit Norway for kayaking this summer each one having their personal reasons. However, we all had two good common reasons for joining the kayaking program; the 1st is Norway itself, THE place for white water kayaking and the 2nd is Gene17, THE team of kayakers who are charismatic personalities inside and outside the water.

We had heard and red a lot about the rivers of Norway and their hard white water terrains. So, when arriving at Sjoa valley we were hesitating setting high goals especially when we learned that the last three days had rained heavily and most rivers were almost flooded.

In the first paddling day we all realized very well that we were indeed paddling in Norway due to the huge waves, big holes and the incredible speed of the water that really impressed us especially when we attempted to compare it with the lower volume Greek rivers. That was the Sjoa play run section with 200-250 cumecs water level !!!

The next couple of days we found the opportunity to practice our paddling skills in the big volume Lågan, in the middle section of Atna which offers two completely different paddling sections and in the lower Ula which is short but is actually a continuous rapid. So, at the end of the week we could run harder rivers like the famous Store Ula, a typical highland creek with the ‘Against the Wall’ rapid, Lora with the athletic rapids, and the Sjoa slalom course with the awesome ‘Washing Machine’ rapid.

We all enjoyed the program very much inside and outside the river. The program had something for everyone with easier and harder sections offering different paddling styles and at the end made us think that we wanted to come back next year to run some of the drops that we ‘left behind’ or even repeat the hard rapids and choose better lines.

The Sjoa valley and particularly the Amot village where we stayed is a beautiful place nearby the Otta river and the Sjoa slalom course. We had the chance to meet the rest of the paddlers and realize for one more time how proud we are for being part of the kayakers community.

So, we had in the team James, Andrew, Ed, Louise, David, Diedra, from the UK, John from Scotland, and Allan from Canada, Holland and South Africa! From Gene17’s side we had with us, or actually in front of us, the world class kayaking leaders Simon, Matt, Nick, Lowri and Sean.

We thank you all for this life time kayaking experience during the week and we wish you happy paddling.

Until we meet again….

Team Hellas.

Am in Canada for the month, so all mobile phone calls are being patched through to Matt Tidy, for Gene17’s correspondence.

Plus there will be several blog updates coming on Gene17’s and Simon Westgarth’s sites, and a major site development before the end of the year.

And all previous movie chapter’s available online from Gene17’s complete back catalogue. As you can see the grass does not grow under our feet.

Matt Tidy will be at the AS Watersport Show in Exeter, 3rd October, so if you wish to visit us and talk about courses, gear or anything paddling, come on down.

And lastly please do not forget the Gene17 Adventure Paddler’s Weekend 5/6 December at the RDCP, its now a must for the UK paddling scene.

Best Regards

Simon Westgarth

Yes you read it right, when a week is just not enough, and paddler’s cry for more, we’ve put a 15 day, mega Norway Steep Creekin’ Road Trip together. We fire up on the Ulla, Upper Rauma and Finna to start the tour off in Sjoa, and head on over the the steeps of Voss. There is nothing more to say, Norway awaits you.

If you like what you see, why not join us, see G17K for details

Hello Paddler

If you are heading out to France in the next few week’s Deb Pinniger has put the following programme together:

15th July – Palm safety initiative, at SND

16th July – Half a day of white water safety and rescue course, to be held on the Guil at the bottom of Chateu Queyrias – €40.00 per person maximum of five people

17th July – Half a day of guiding on the Guil, the section will depend on the groups ability – maximum of four paddlers – €50.00 per person

18th July – Half a day of freestyle coaching at L’Argentiere slalom course, or Rabioux wave – €40.00 per person

21st July – Half a day of white water safety and rescue course, to be held on the Guil at the bottom of Chateu Queyrias – €40.00 per person maximum of five people

22nd July – Palm safety initiative, at SND

23rd July – Half a day of guiding on the Guil, the section will depend on the groups ability – maximum of four paddlers – €50.00 per person

24th July – Half a day of freestyle coaching at L’Argentiere slalom course, or Rabioux wave – €40.00 per person

Email or call us, if you wish to come along

Regards

Simon Westgarth

Every Wednesday evening during June and July, Gene17 will run a run of drop in clinics with White Water Safety and Rescue plus Rolling clinics in the pool at SND’s base, the Liquid Holiday Shop at St Clement sur Durance in the Southern French Alps.

Gene17’s Deb Pinniger will be on hand to lead the various clinics throughout the Summer, plus is a font of local knowledge in the French Alps. If you wish to have your rolling looked at, simply drop by SND before hand to book a clinic, for Wednesday evenings. During the Palm Safety Initiative, we will review gear, throwing techniques, simple rescues and will give everyone a run through our throw bag assault course.

Now for you campers out there, if its raining, we’re have the latest DVDs on the big screen or a photo presentation from Deb Pinniger.

Lastly its every Wednesday nights and its free, yes free for all to drop, hit a clinic, view the shop’s wears or watch the lastest action from around the world.

See you there at the new meeting

Regards

Simon

It was another week in paradise, as Tim Trew from Palm HQ and lot Gene17 new boy Nick Horwood and Matt Tiday headed to the hills for a mission or two, check out Palm Blog for details

Finally after 4 years in the making, Simon Westgarth can happily say its time for a beer. Earlier Today, the retail DVD, Genotype 2 the Fundamental Core, an Instructional DVD was delivered, and is now ready for shipping.

This production has focuses on the very best of cutting edge technique from the modern dynamic style of white water kayaking. All the very best in coaching from Gene17 has been placed in this DVD, with the content covering all the core elements of modern paddling. The conceptualisation of fundamental themes and ideas to bring cutting paddling to all kayakers. There is no need to wait years for the trickle down of ideas from a far or from the front line of the sport, in Genotype 2, Gene17 brings all the cutting edge core skills to the fore in one whole hour of learning.

To preview, check out
Genotype 2, the Fundamental Core – Bracing & Balance and Genotype 2, the Fundamental Core – Intro.

See Genotype 2 for details and ordering.

More info to come

Gene17 is to offer drop in Coaching and Guiding to all Europe’s White Water Paddling hot spots. Starting this Spring in Italy, and in the Summer in the French Alps and Sjoa in Norway, Gene17 along side its acclaimed Teaching Trips and Paddling Adventures plans to run drop in clinics for be spoke coaching and river guiding. These paddling destinations are well established venues for Gene17, where their highly experienced staff have had years of paddling season after season on Europe’s finest runs.

This year’s staff line up includes some of the leading coaching and river guides out there, the likes of Deb Pinniger will run Verdon Tours, Simon Westgarth in the deep canyon of the Ticino and Matt Tidy on the Granite runs of Norway. In addition new staff will be learning the ropes Gene17 style, with Nick Horwood, Will King, Sean Rider and Lowri Davies, coming on board. Its an exciting line up with some of Europe’s top new talent and core boaters. So if you wish to get up to speed with a days coaching, or have waited years to run a famed river or simply wish to have someone else guide you on a challenging run, check out, G17K Guiding for details.

Best Regards

Simon Westgarth

Staff Training

Theme’s included safe group leadership strategies, identification of coaching needs, and using the environment to get the most out of your paddlers during the coaching practice. Building lateral momentum when entering eddies, and moving over areas of conflicting flow quickly by maintaining forward momentum were also main areas of focus. The course was an excellent opportunity to paddle some great water. During staff training I was also training with Deb P who is looking to enter the world of slalom. Therefore running the forest trails that surround Trenovo became a frequent evening activity as well as the phrase, “double the run, double the fun” which basically meant that we were on for another evening sprint down the classic section. Finishing the day in Bar Baraka is obviously a local tradition that it would have been silly for me to refuse. Cheers to the instructional team and all the lads from down south for a cool week!

Alpine River Leader Training, Early April on the Soča

I thoroughly enjoyed the company of all the paddlers during this week. I would just like to thank everyone for their efforts while on the water, there were some exceptional performances! There was an exceptional international feel to the team with client coming from a large range of countries which made dinnertime conversation very interesting.

Having been to the Soča valley for the past three years in a row it was a pleasure to be back again and I certainly intend to make this a yearly pilgrimage. For the team it was an excellent opportunity to brush up on skills before the start of the boating season in more central Europe, skills were honed on big volume Grade 3/4 boulder garden style rapids which is perfectly suited terrain to improve boat control as there are countless water features to focus on. I’ll never forget looking at the snow packed peaks and then back down at the rich blue of the Soča river, the location is truly breathtaking and I look forward already to next years trip.

Cheers

Gezza

In the last week of March, Gene17 hosted a training week for potential new staff. It rained all week, the river was very high and the banter too…..

Here are a few accounts of the week from some of the guys.

Bonney
I arrived ready for action! Wer planned to go snowboarding on the first day, but unfortunately it was raining, so went to see the source of the Soča and ended up sliding down an avalanche it was great fun. On the first day’s paddling, the river was at 100 cumecs and was very chunky, yet great fun but a bit of brown pants!!!!!!

The next day the river just got bigger to 150 cumics but by then it was just fun. The rest of the week we worked personal paddling getting into shape and as the week goes on it got better as the river dropped and worked on guiding, great new skills simplified. I would recommend this to any guide or 5 Star paddler to come learn of these guys who know what they are talking about .

Sean
So this was my 1st trip to the Soča and Slovenia for that matter… and I have to say that I’m impressed, and yes I will be coming back for more!!! We arrived and the river appeared to have no water in it, although Matt assured us that there was more than enough to run everything! However, it then proceeded to rain for the next two days brining the Soča up nearly 5 times higher then the norm for this time of year!!! So naturally, we got on anyway! Once the Soča had returned to a more manageable level we the got stuck into the course content! I would recomend this location to anyone who is looking to further test their ability and confidence on Class 3 water plus the local food is awesome!!!

Will
It’s been my first time to the Soča Valley and I’m sure it wont be my last. I’ve just returned after a weeks paddling on the famous crystal blue water.
I arrived with three others a day early so we could head to the hills and get some skiing in before our intense weeks paddling with Matt Tidy and Simon. Unfortunately the weather turned for the worst and closed the lifts and made the river a disappointing dark grey.
Day One, We were all eager to get onto the river so we were up early and headed to the put in. On our arrival we confronted with the river running at 100+ cumec’s where it normally runs at 15- 20 cumec’s. We had a super nice morning and afternoon running some sweet lines though this now rising river.

Though out the week we had Matt focusing on our paddling in which we all gained some much from. As the rain started to ease and the levels started to drop and letting the river turn from a cloudy grey to the famed an electric blue, rocks in the river started to appear and the river features came into play. This river is the perfect training ground and I wish we could have stayed longer so we could paddle all the sections of the river in all levels. However im sure it won’t be long until im there next. Take it easy. Will King

This Spring in Italy, Gene17 are offering day Guiding and Coaching in Piemonte and Valsesia. Our staff have unparalleled knowledge of the local runs and deliver cutting edge coaching for Steep Creeking. Both Simon Westgarth and Nick Horwood will be on hand for day guiding and coaching through the month of May. With this year’s snowpack being high, and the options wide, why not get some coaching from Gene17 to fire up your Steep Creekin’

See for Rates, and contact us via email.

Regards

Simon Westgarth

The intro to Gene17’s new Whitewater kayak instructional movie. The movie focuses on themes and concepts, rather than prescribed strokes. The conceptualisation of the modern dynamic style of paddling is both introduced and developed throughout this refreshing film. Shot on the Soča in Slovenia at Gene17’s trip destination with the action from Gene17’s staff including Deb Pinniger, Dave Carroll, Matt Tidy and Simon Westgarth, plus Patch Bennett, Satu-Vänskä-Westgarh and Beppe Caramella.

We look at dynamic stabilty through active blade pressure and the role of lower torso body tension. Plus wider tactical comprehension, with a review of strategies, introduce key stroke concept to bring fun lines down rapids. The core fundamental’s of the paddler’s form, with active torso rotation for effective paddling are explored, plus all the key advances from the new dynamic paddling style that has shaped modern WW kayaking.

This production has been long over due for all those learners that just do from examples, NO more ABC or 123, just straightforward ideas that work.

Watch the following tracks to get a taste of what is on the DVD;
Genotype 2 – Intro Trailer
Genotype 2 – Bracing & Balance

Currently the DVD is away at the Duplicators and will be ready in ship in 10 days. To pre-order this DVD go to: Genotype 2

Best Regards

Simon Westgarth

With the current ski season being claimed to be one of the best on record for snow fall conditions in years, and the famed Spring skiing days upon us, its time to consider where to go this season for Alpine paddling. Earlier this week, I drove from the Northern Front Range in Germany via Salzburgerlander in Austria to Slovenia via the Predal Pass. In the shot above, there is 4m of snow on the Predal Pass (1100m), which is a considerable amount of snow for the Julian Alps. The local ski hills have up to 8m of snow!!!

To the North, along the Austrian and German front range are excellent skiing conditions, and these have held up into April, and with Easter forecast to be sunny, there may well be the famed crisp mornings on the ski hill and the sunny afternoons on the river. Along the main ridge on the Eastern Alps is a lot of snow, this will mean a great season for Ost Tyrol, Salzburger, Tyrol and Steinermark in Austria. There have also been good condition in Sud Tyrol and the Dolomites in Italy, expect a great May and June runoff.

In the Western Alps, the snow has been good, although not quite the huge levels of 2007/8, so hopefully none of those mega levels in early Summer. In Piemonte and the Ticino, considerable snow, will mean yet another prolonged season, with runs in the high Ticino likely to be in play until mid June. Currently Corsica is looking good too, with near 2m of snow at 2000m on the Haute-Corse mountains.

To sum it up, for the paddler this year the action should begin within a week, and run through to late Summer with much to choose from and new locations to try out. The early season destinations of Salzburg, Provence and Slovenia will get going in time for Easter. The High Alps will run well into the Summer, Steep Creeking in Corsica and Italy looks like a bumper Spring, and cruiser conditions likely in the French Alps for sun lovers.

More info below, until May’s update enjoy your Easter fun.

Regards

Simon

PS, Norway always has enough snow for Summer paddling fun…..

MetroFrance Mountain Conditions
Ski Hill Summary in Switzerland
Ski Hill Summary in Austria
Ski Hill Summary in Italy
Ski Hill Summary in Germany

Gene17, is having a whole bunch of fun this year.

Currently Matt is in Zermatt Ski Resort enjoying the powder of another mega Alps Winter season, Simon is in Uganda, having a Club session for Breakfast and Nile Special for Tea, Lady Deb is in Cornwall surfin’ it up and going to Uni lectures, and Dave Carroll is in Ireland learning to become an EMT, although he seas to have numerous ski missions all Winter…..

This year, Gene17’s season starts in Slovenia, with a training week for potential future staff, in this crop of rising stars is Nick Horwood and Lowri Davies, two of the UK’s finest young guns. After the initial week, we are straight into the season for real:

Alpine River Leader Training Course 4th to 11th April and 11th to 18th, FULL
Elemental WW 4th to 11th April, only a Single Place Left
Fundamental Core WW, 4th to 11th April, FULL, 11th to 18th April, 3 Places Left

after the Soca Season we go to the Ticino and Piemonte for what is going to be a huge season, as the snow pack is big this year.

Ticino Road Trip, 3 to 10th May FULL, 10th to 17th May 2 Places Left.
Piemonte Steep Creeking, 10th to 17th May, only a Single Place Left.

We will all probably stay in Piemonte until the France season starts, as its going to be a great one, plus there are a few more runs to do…

For Whittsen Week, Deb Cooke and Bob Merchant lead our Tara River Trip to Montenegro, this is hot on the heels of their World Raft Championships in Bosnia.

In June, Matt will head to Norway to run our first intensive skill 4 week course on Class IV/V, the D4DR V, has a single place left and will be a World Class Adventure for the aspiring Core paddler.

From June into July, Gene17 will have its first official presence in the French Alps, and with Deb Pinniger and Simon Westgarth, having some 30 years plus experience of this area, we will run a second to none guiding and coaching product based out of the Liquid Holiday Shop in St Clement. So what what ever your club or personal kayaking needs, if its the French Alps and in a kayak, you know where to come. In addition to drop in days, we’ll be running Verdon Tours, Safety clinics, and BCU qualification and training in the shape of 3,4 and 5 Star, plus WWS&R.

By late July, Simon will join Matt in Norway for 3 weeks of teaching trips, that have paddlers coming in from all over the world, and there are only a few places left, see below:

28th June to 5th July Steeper Creeking, One Place Left
5th to 12th July, Progressive WW, 3 New Places Left
19th to 26th July, Progressive WW, One Place Left

After July, Matt heads to India with Exeter School for the Zanskar, and Simon joins Deb in Slovenia for our end of season Soca trips. Matt will head up our World Class Class IV trip on the Tsarp Chu and Zanskar rivers in September, where there are 2 Paces Left.

Satu and Simon head to BC to test out the Stein and Clendenning trips for future Gene17 adventures, and then go onto Nepal for our Annapurna trip in October.

By October, Matt and Simon will start their Higher Degree’s Deb will return to Falmouth, and during all this time we hope to see Dave in France and Norway, plus have the first appearance of Lowri and Nick along the way.

As you can see its quite the paddling season planned, and we’ll be back in Devon for mid November for a full Winter programme of course and our annual Adventure Paddlers Weekend, 5/6th December at the RDCP.

If you also wish to join us along the way, check out: G17K

Cheers

Simon Westgarth

Alas as I sit at Olaf Obsommer’s cutting deck, trying to complete the last parts in the building of Genotype 2 my latest instructional DVD, all the mepg2 files have been made, but no time to build the DVD, as my flight to Uganda leaves in 3 hours, oh it’ll have to wait until my return, sorry. In the mean time, Matt Tidy will be answering all the emails for Gene17 and Deb Pinniger will be on the phone if you need any thing.

Enjoy the snow if you have some, catch some surf if there is any braking near you or go for a paddle if you get some rain, I need a holiday and I’m off to get some air in my playboat.

Best Regards

Simon Westgarth

PS, there are a some places for Italy in May, and very few left for Norway in July. Plus Deb plans to be in the French Alps for June and July, so its full gas on Operation Franchaise, see Guiding in the French Alps.

After quite literally years of development, Gene17 is about to complete its most ambitious DVD project to date. Genotype 2, the fundamental core, that deliveries all the very best of the modern dynamic style for white water paddling.

In this production, the features include, positive blade pressure and tactical comprehension that delivery concepts and then develops these ideas, rather than a prescribed approach for learning. The central driver of the modern style, “Dynamic Stability” is uncovered, and conceptualised for the learner to clearly comprehend. Key Stroke Concept is introduced and explored, along with ideas on how to retain the paddler’s lower torso body tension on white water.

Filmed on the Soča River in Slovenia, plus Valsesia in Italy, these two core destinations for Gene17’s teaching trips, provide an unparalleled learning environment. Gene17 leading coaches, Dave Carroll, Matt Tidy and Deb Pinniger, along with Simon Westgarth provide near endless examples, guidance and explanation to the very best of the modern paddling style.

This Winter, Simon Westgarth has completed the editing of the video footage, and whilst we await the final stages of the production to be completed, delivery of the retail DVD is due in late March or early April. So if you are starting your paddling season this Easter, forget the chocolate egg’s to improve your paddling and consider this cutting edge kayak instructional DVD.

Too order, go to: Genotype 2, the fundamental core DVD

Gene17 is very happy to place online, a range of new PDF articles from CKUK on First Aid, Creeking Technique and Group Dynamics. Full details below:

First Aid and Safety with Dave Carroll in CKUK
Creek Smear Technique with Matt Tidy
Group Dynamics with Simon Westgarth

Find these and other resources on G17K Articles.

Dolphin Adventure DofE WW Kayaking trip to Nepal with Gene17 from simon westgarth on Vimeo

In the Autumn of 2007, four young apprentices planned and headed up their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Expedition to Nepal with Matt Tidy & Simon Westgarth of Gene17. Prior to the trip considerable training had been undertaken throughout their apprenticeship at Adventure Dolphin, with mentoring by Simon Westgarth for their WW Kayaking development.

Once in Nepal we headed to the Bhote Kosi for a warm up trip and then headed East to the trailhead of the Tamur. One of Nepal’s classic self supported trips, with a days driving to the river, then 3 days trekking along a long ridge, before 5 days on the river, the paddling starts well within view of the mighty Himalayan peaks and ends on the Indian plains, a true adventure.

In the Autumn of 2009, Gene17 does back to Nepal for the another adventure, this time we’ll be in the Annapurna see G17K Nepal for details.

For this Spring, Gene17’s Deb Pinniger has put together our first African destination and a trip aimed at class III paddler’s looking for their first multi day river trip. In late March when Winter is still gripping hold of the Alps, the High Atlas mountains’ snow melt brings good flows to the mainly desert nation of Morocco in North Africa. Our adventure starts in the bustling hub of Marrakech, where we drive overland to a remote canyon for 5 days on the river. The river Hansel, flows through numerous canyons with many rapids to bring challenge and excitement along the way. Plus there is no need to concern ourselves with packing our kayaks, as we have raft support and a full kitchen along the way. After the High Atlas river living we head for coast and surfin’ on the Atlantic to the beautiful town of Essouera, the compete kayakers beach holiday.

The Atlas mountains in Morocco, stand as a gateway from the Sahara Desert to Europe beyond the Straits of Gibraltar and as is a land full of contrasts.

The arid climate gives a short runoff season in early Spring, with the red rocks open into tight gorges where will see the occasional goat herder. From beyond the mountains is the might Atlantic, home to barrleing surf and windswept beauty.

::20/29 March 09

See G17K Morocco for details.

Gene17’s Qualification Training Courses & Assessments for 2009

>>BCU 4 Star WW Kayak Training
::31/1 Jan/Feb 09 Devon 1 PLACES LEFT

>>BCU 4 Star WW Kayak Assessment
::24/25 Jan 09 Devon 2 PLACES LEFT

>>BCU 5 Star WW Kayak Training
::1/2 Jun 09 French Alps

>>BCU 5 Star WW Kayak Assessment
::31/1 Jan/Feb 09 Devon 2 PLACES LEFT NEW DATE
::5/6 Jun 09 French Alps

>>Advanced WW Safety & Rescue, required for 5*A
::7/8 Feb 09 Devon 1 PLACE LEFT NEW DATE
::3/4 Jun 09 French Alps

If you have any questions, please contact us from our website courses page

Best Regards

Simon Westgarth

After a few years researching for the best alternative, and with 80% of Gene17’s business in the Eurozone, we are happy to offer direct payment for all of our non-UK clients, that’s some 60%+ of the paddlers that join us out on a trip or an adventure, a direct Euro Payment Account. Details below:

EURO BANK DETAILS:
HSBC Bank, 174 High Street, Worle, W-s-M, BS22 OJD, UK
BRANCH CODE: 40-05-15
Account Number: 69213949
IBAN GB59 MIDL 4005 1569 2139 49
SWIFT/BIC MIDLGB22

Happy New Year and lets hope for many paddling days in 2009

Regards

Simon

I did my official five star training course last year, and felt that I wanted to refresh my memory of a number of skills without doing a whole course. I spoke to Matt Tidy about what we could do. I wanted to do a one day refresher course, preferably on rivers that I did not know so well, so we chose north Wales as the location. I got some of my friends together who wanted to do a similar thing to me and we headed up together.

The weekend got to a great start, as we met in a cake shop!. Matt asked us all what we wanted to focus on during the course, and the main thing that came out was that people wanted to focus on leadership skills. We headed off to the Conway and kicked off the day by taking turns to lead the group. Matt providing tips and feedback at the end of each persons’ go. Watching other people and thinking about what they were doing was helpful, as well as focussing in on what we could improve on and trying to improve for our next turn. Matt added a bit of spice to the day by jumping in the river while we were all inspecting a drop!! The group worked well together and we got him a throw line had him out again in no time, but it did come as a bit of a shock! With feedback and demonstrations/ discussions on the way down, the river ended up taking most of the day.

We all had a de-brief in the cake shop to end the day as we had begun it. A few of us decided that since we had learned so much that we actually wanted to do a second day and we talked to Matt about his availability. So we found ourselves back in the cake shop on Sunday morning – this time heading up to the Ogwen. We started off with a workshop on posture in the boat and absorbing impacts from going off drops and through big waves, which also served as a warm up. We put in at the very top of the Ogwen, with a mini-gorge at the start – the second day focussed more on personal skill, while keeping the leadership aspects and also working on effective safety set-ups for the rapids.

With the refresher course under my belt, I booked myself in for an assessment with Gene17 as well. Taking place at the beginning of December, the assessment was taken by Simon Westgarth and Tom Parker. The group spent the first day with Simon and the second day with Tom. It really felt like we were just paddling together as we would have done if we hadn’t been on the assessment. After the usual paperwork and gear stuff, we started off on the Upper Dart on the Saturday with Simon. We just paddled in the way we would normally do with our friends, again taking turns to lead the group. We then swapped to Tom and headed to the East Lyn on the Sunday. Getting an early start, we put in at Watersmeet and paddled all the way down to the gorge which proved to be the highlight of the day. Setting up safety in the gorge always requires a little lateral thinking, but we got on with it! Tom provided some scenario situations such as a foot entrapment and shoulder dislocation so that he could see how we would react if something went wrong. After a great day on the river, we headed to the tea shop for a de-brief. Each of us got feedback individually, and it was a great end to the day– as I passed and am now the proud holder of 5* Inland Kayak!!

Paula

These days as part of the Winter calendar for UK white water paddlers, the Gene17 Adventure Paddler’s Weekend has become a must go to fixture on the to do list, and this year’s event was no exception. Paddler’s descended on Dartmoor from Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Germany for this gathering of the WW clan. As ever Gene17’s Simon Westgarth had arranged a full evening of entertainment from the recently digitally re-mastered cult kayaking movie “Family Mad” to 60° North Greenland lecture and movie. Some 300 plus paddlers joined us on Saturday evening to crown another prefect weekend in Devon.

Image Paul Wilkinson

On the run up to the weekend, the heavens opened and lots of fun was had by the local crowd, here is some of the best of the Upper Dart in good water.

By the weekend, the frontal system that brought us the rain had moved on, and the near prefect blue sky and Winter sun showed us the way to go.

Image Paul Wilkinson

Both Dagger Europe and Pyranha brought large fleets of demo kayaks for testing with local kayak shop AS Watersports from Exeter. The new Karnali from Pyranha was very popular along with numerous requests for Palm’s new drysuit and the Dagger Axion.

Image Paul Wilkinson

Image Mark Rainsley UKRGB

Once the evening was under way, the bar filled, some 1000 pints served and numerous prizes won. Its always a very social evening, and with Ewart aka DJ Red Belly on the decks to finish the evening off, some dance moves were on show.

Image Paul Wilkinson

Image Paul Wilkinson

Image Paul Wilkinson

Image Paul Wilkinson

On Sunday after a full English Breakfast, Tim Trew had team Palm mustered for a photo shot in the Winter sun on the Upper Dart. We have some of the play moves in, and trying the rock spin on Euthanasia lead to a few crash and burn moments. Still to top that off Sara James managed to get her paddle stuck across the exit of the drop, a first for myself to see with probably 1000’s of descends on this section. We had a few High 5 moments and Tim then decided he loved the new suit so much he wanted to swim, so we set up a live bait and off he went.

After tea and medals down at the Green Ginger Cafe in Ashburton, and the weekend closed perfectly. I wish to thank:
Palm Equipment
Dagger Europe
Pyranha Kayaks
AS Watersports for running the event shop and System X for additional and excellent prizes.

 Monday Harlaug Bru to Slalom Site
Our first run was on the home run a sure way to blow any cobwebs out. Character was big and bouncy with plenty of waves to be surfed on lovely clean and clear water. The gorge made for a narrower section with loads of wall and water to deal with making for a buzzy paddle. Today s paddle for me set the scene for the week. Also it became clear what work needed to be done throughout the course of the week for our skill level to increase. This I thought was good as we got straight into it and the improving has begun.

Tuesday Morning Otta
A clinic on rotation and breaking in and out and ferry gliding was held in the morning session. Emphasis was on good rotation and breaking in and out using the inside stroke giving forward momentum. Also ferry gliding by using correct angle and maintaining that angle ensuring that the water does all the work was covered in the morning session.

Afternoon Harlaug Bru to Slalom Site
For the afternoon everything from the morning clinic was put into practice. A step by step process for today worked well as we started on flat water, moved on to moving water the lastly back to home run to put it all together. Also by giving constant feedback it ensured that techniques were improved!! Enjoyed the day was a good work out and always an added bonus to paddle in the sunshine!!

Wednesday Upper and Lower Lora
Today we found ourselves in the highly scenic Lora valley where temperature were not too high. We warmed up well and it was not long before we reached the slide where we proposed to spend some time working on slide techniques! Work is all done on the approach, this ensures you make the line you want making for a clean sweep down the slide. On the rest of trip down there were some really nice gorge sections with plenty of need for lateral momentum. Boom boom!! Today’s emphasis was on setting up on the approach ensuring for a smooth line that’s hard to keep a smile from one s face.

Thursday Lower Bovre
Today s run was on Borva where boulder gardens, super waves trains along with some holes were the norm. The most enjoyable section was found in a gorge section. The key moves were discussed beforehand ; ferry left, paddle left to right and stay right down to green tongue Bang, bang, bang!! The surroundings added to the day as a lush forest grew upon the banks while the mountains stood high up on river left. Today brought home how effective lateral momentum is on the river.

Friday Stor Ulla River Section
Drops and slides were on the menu today so we heading for the scenic ulla where water temperatures were a bit cool to say the least. A clinic was held covering key strokes and body tension. These techniques were put into practice on smaller drops. Feedback on our performance was given making sure that you improved on each turn.

The Main event of the day was definitely the ulla slides. Watched Simon do the slides first then scouting each move. Therefore one knew exactly where you needed to be and where the key moves to success where needed. So was whoosh down left on first slide, speed down next slide past the curler wave, down next slide on the left line and eddied out after bridge what a buzz!!

After this there were 3 main drops left which were a real good rush and had the entire group smiling from ear from ear. To top off a brilliant day on the river the sun was out in force.

Saturday Harlaug Bru to Slalom Site
Morning session was spent covering the important topic of rescue. This session gave a lot of food for thought such as the equipment we use and some novel methods to solve some rescue dilemmas.

Headed back to the home run today proving for a consolidation session of our skills. This was a step down to consolidate and cement the weeks work. Even thought our group was a little tired we all had a great day and made the most of our last run.

Overall
If I had to describe the overall course I would say that this course is taught through the new school fully up to date methods of paddling in a friendly, encouraging, unique and relaxed manner. Also I found the written feed back very useful as its always handy to know what you are doing well and what needs a little work. A ratio of 2:5 for the week ensured that quality of instruction was of a very high standard.  If your looking for a course that will progress your paddling skills to the next step then this course is for you!!

Aisling Griffin – Sjoa 08

Guiding, Coaching or Teaching, in one week on the crystal Soča you’ll be setting the pace on class IV whitewater

We’ve put this course together for BCU and ICU level 3 coaches who want to step their game up a notch

To ease out that step up to level 4, we’ll cover everything from your paddling skills and coaching methods to modern, dynamic guiding techniques and real-world group management

This course will include REC for Paddler’s First Aid, BCU 5 Star Training & BCU 5 Star Advanced WWS&R

Dates:
::28 March/4 April 09 NEW DATE
::4/11 April 09 FULL TBC
::17/24 Oct/Nov 09

See: Alpine River Leader Training for more details

If you have any questions, please get back to myself at any time.

Best Regards

Simon Westgarth

Hello Paddler

Matt Tidy our trip leader for the Tsarap & Zanskar Big Water Adventure next August has recently revised the proposed programme to offer a complete self support trip to this outstanding destination.

Remote, pristine & unique, the combined Tsarap & Zanskar rivers flow 300km through the Zanskar range starting at a high elevation of over 4000 metres finally meeting the mighty Indus river

Over 7 days on the water you will encounter everything between class II shingle bed rapids, class III boulder gardens to big water class IV. Everywhere you look there is a stunning view of the Zanskar range and all immersed in a very rich Buddhist culture.

There will be an opportunity to spend time in local villages and visit the impressive Phuktal monastery built into a cave half way up the canyon wall! This can only be accessed by the river or several days hiking over the mountains.

::30/12 August/September 2009 for 1400€

See http://gene17.com/kayaking/adventures/zanskar/zanskar.html for details

If you have any questions, please get back to myself at any time

Best Regards

Simon Westgarth

Hello Paddler

I can now confirm that we will go ahead with the 4* Trainer Training;
Generic 4* Trainer Training day – 3rd January hosted at Heatree Outdoor Centre near Manaton, Dartmoor
4* WW Kayaking Trainer Training – 4th January on the Dart Loop Section

All details how to become a 4* Trainer see BCU 4* Trainer Training PDF.http://www.britishcanoeunion.org.uk/files/Becoming%20a%204%20Star%20Assessor%207%20Stages%20draft%2022%2008%2008.pdf

There are a number of pre-req’s required by anyone wishing to part take in this course, including central registration. The Generic Training Day is open to all disciplines. Each day costs £90GBP payable to the Gene17 Ltd.

Currently there are 10 places left for the Generic day and 4 places left on the 4th January for the WW kayak specific day.  If you wish to join us in Devon, please get back to myself ASAP

Best Regards

Simon Westgarth

And the winner of the Kinetic Paddle Top from the Adventure Paddlers Weekend is Lee Renton from Christchurch Dorset.

Lee, you will be contacted by Palm equipment to claim your prize

Excellent, and well done

Regards

Simon Westgarth

Great news from Tim at Palm Equipment and Dagger Europe;

“For paddlers trying a Dagger test boat at the Gene17 Adventure Paddlers weekend will be entered into a draw to win either a Palm Kinetic or Lara paddle top.”

Dagger Europe will collect all the entries and we’re announce the lucky winner early next week on Gene17 Blog. So as if you needed a reason to test the much acclaimed Dagger Mamba or Nomad, or any other excellent Dagger kayak, now you have an extra incentive.

See you there

Simon

On site at the RDCP this weekend for the Gene17 Adventure Paddlers Weekend.

5th Dec
RDCP Bar with food available & Reception Open from 1700 until late

6th Dec
RDCP Breakfast available for all from 0800 AS Watersports Event Stand opens at 0900 with a full range of WW Kayaks from Dagger & Pyranha RDCP Bar open from 1500 Used Gear Sale at the main CarPark at RDCP 1600-1800 Gene17 Presentations start 1900:

• Family Mad DVD
• a Surprise Premiere DVD
• 60′ North Greenland Presentation with Graham Milton
• DJ RedBelly of AS Watersports plays us out until late

7th Dec
RDCP Breakfast available for all from 0800
AS Watersports Event Stand opens at 0900 with a full range of WW Kayaks from Dagger & Pyranha 1530 Close of AS Watersports Event stand and return of all demo boats
See you there

Simon Westgarth

P.S. its raining and looking to rain on and off all week, so we should have some nice paddling too

The full line up for Saturday evening at the RDCP is:
Family Mad Cult Classic Movie
A surprise Premiere
60˚North Greenland
& to finish the night off DJ Red Belly from AS Watersports

On both Saturday and Sunday, AS Watersports from exeter with have an event shop and will have a wide range of both Dagger and Pyranha boats for test available.

Plus the weather forecast is staring to look like rain is due next week and through to the G17 APWE.

See you there

I still wake at night with my fuddled brain uncertain whether our holiday in the big ditch was a dream trip or a trip in my dreams. To paddle the Grand Canyon has been a lifetime ambition. Little did I realise what a special experience it would be. Little did I realise how totally I would be removed from the reality of everyday life and absorbed into the Canyon. Two weeks in a fantasy world Disney can only dream about – except it is not a fantasy, it is the most awe inspiring, humbling, beautiful, rugged, pristine place I have been. Two weeks without the pressure of work, the mechanical noise of the world we live in, the restless speed of traffic and all the mundane chores that we make necessary to our madcap existence.The Canyon is a very special place, truly an unspoilt natural wonder of the world and it is kept that way through the diligence of the boatmen and the Park Authorities. “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.” The logistics to achieve this are well practiced and the boatmen have all the gear and systems needed to facilitate this in a very American way. Everything strong, solid and heavy yet functional. Tables (with table cloth!), barbeques, water boilers, gas cookers, water filters, ice boxes that kept food fresh for the full two weeks. It was truly camping in style – 5* camping. Sleeping under the stars unmasked by light pollution was memorable, watching the dawn light looming from the east extinguishing the stars one by one bought home to me the insignificance of man’s efforts to control his environment. The boating was fun, unadulterated fun. It could be enjoyed at many levels. Unlike British rivers the water was big and bouncy. A grade 3 paddler with bottle by the bucket full and who was happy with big water would have a ball. They could paddle most of the rapids in the Canyon, especially as many rapids have a sneak route or, if the bucket was empty, one can ride the bigger rapids on the raft. A better paddler can always find a challenge to test their mettle and improve their skills. The river is pool drop though some of the drops would be unpleasant swims. Seldom are there rocks to hurt bums and shins, but some lengthy down time is a realityThe boating was the icing on the cake. The star of the show is, without doubt, the Canyon itself. 1.7 billion years of geological history laid bare in layer upon layer of different coloured rocks sliced through by side canyons. Rock strata from horizontal through inclined to totally fragmented. Canyon sides barely 50 metres apart in places and 10 miles in others. Indian history written into the landscape. Places to explore on foot full of surprises – cool pools, cold waterfalls, hidden amphitheatres, challenging climbs. Views one could admire for hours without tiring. River views, mountain views and desert views in infinite combinations. The river provides easy access to this unique and magical place but, beware, it is a desolate and isolated wilderness should the careless get into trouble.Abiding memories are many and varied. The cold, clear and wondrously green water of the early days. The storm in Redwall Cavern that made the canyon look like Middle Earth on a bad day and that turned the river red. The excitement of mile upon mile of big, bouncy water. The clear night skies. The excellent food. The quality of the tuition and leadership. The camaraderie and friendship of a group of strangers all pulling their weight and intent on making the trip a success for themselves and the whole party. The professionalism of the boatmen.So no it was not a dream. I have the pictures to prove it.

I think that’s a phrase that is always somewhere on the forefront of my mind when I go paddling. So, not only for my progression in paddling related tickets and the safety of myself and my paddling friends and other river users, I decided to get myself on a White Water Safety And Rescue course to make my ‘River Time’ a safe one.

My original thoughts on keeping safe on the river were complicated tangles of karabiners, slings, pulleys and throw lines, but now I know how simple it is to keep yourself and your friend’s safe with such a small about of equipment. Four karabiners, two pulleys, two pursik loops and a good quality throw line is all that is needed to deal with a whole variety of scenarios, and those complicated set ups are actually very simple but extremely efficient systems for dealing with those nasty incidents.

The best tool I came away with from this course is that it is extremely simple to keep everyone safe on the river. Ensuring that you have clothing that is fit for purpose, you have the tools to deal with those bigger situations, alongside the knowledge for preventing these situations from occurring by making sure you and your paddling team are prepared, making sure you have protection on the sections of the river that may push abilities, but most importantly do not go into situations headlong. Take your time and always use your common sense and treat your environment with respect, which brings me back to that phrase that I started with ‘Prevention is better that cure’.

Sam Bracher on a Gene17 WWS&R in Devon

Gene17 can confirm the following for the forthcoming Adventure Paddlers Weekend in Devon:

60 Degrees North Expedition Presentation

Family Mad Digitally Re-Mastered Classic Creeking

A Premiere Surprise WW Kayak Movie TBC

Open Adventure Forum

Demo Boats from Dagger & Pyranha

All the above will take place on Saturday 6th December 2008 at the River Dart Country Park near Ashburton in Devon.

Keep up to date with event news at G17K’s Facebook Group Events.

Here is our new Flash Banner ad, being used on Playak and soon to be UKRGB.

What do you thing?

The D4DR Class V is all about taking your kayaking to the next level.

D4DR Class V gives you the opportunity to advance from occasional Class V kayaker, to kayaking challenging rapids on a regular basis and leading groups on committing white water adventures.

The D4DR Class V is held in Norway for a reason. This course cannot be run just anywhere. To make the next step in your kayaking you’ll need exposure to supreme white water so we could go no where else but Norway.  Not only that, but we’ll be mobile too, so we can move with the best water conditions.

You’ll be kayaking with professional kayakers and guides. They are kayakers first and coaches second so you can be sure that what you learn, is what works.

For 4 weeks we’ll tour from classic bedrock runs in Telemark, and Sjoa to the steeps of Hordaland and the West Coast, covering a comprehensive programme, to squeeze the last drop out of the fantastic locations there are in Norway.

During the course we’ll sharpen your skills on white water, until you feel at home on steep rapids. We’ll teach you how to find your limits and to become independent so that you can feel confident and comfortable in any white water environment.

We will evaluate decision-making processes until this becomes second nature to you, to enable you to make sound judgments on the water for yourself and amongst groups of paddling friends.

The course culminates in Voss on the West coast during Extreme Sport week, where you’ll have the chance to acid test your kayaking not only on the steep classics of the area but also against the clock in the downhill sprint race on the Brandseth or face to face with other kayakers in the boater cross.

Whilst on tour you’ll learn advanced leadership on white water from the best guides in the industry. You’ll complete officially recognised tuition in REC for First Aid and Safety and rescue in the form of SRT Advanced, plus where requested BCY 5 Star WW Kayaking Leadership award.

Whether you would like to become a top-notch kayak guide or just want to become the kayaker of your dreams, the D4DR Class V can give you the tools and the techniques you need for the job.

More details to come……

I can now confirm that we will go ahead with the 4* Trainer Training;

>>Generic 4* Trainer Training day – 15th November

>>4* WW Kayaking Trainer Training – 16th November

All details how to become a 4* Trainer BCU 4* Trainer Training PDF. There are a number of pre-req’s required by anyone wishing to part take in this course, including central registration. The Generic Training Day is open to all disciplines. Each day costs £50GBP payable to the BCU.

Regards

Simon Westgarth

SLOVENIA, TRNOVO OB SOCI- AUGUST 2008

What a better start for a kayaking week in Slovenia, Soca river, than that.

But let’s take things from the beginning. It was May 2008 when a friend of ours and a great kayaker recommended one week in Slovenia with Gene17. Indeed it was an opportunity to visit Slovenia, ‘the Green piece of Europe’ and paddle with the Gene17 team in the crystal clear waters of Soca. 

Our meeting point was Trnovo ob Soci, a beautiful small village by the Soca river where one can notice that people are really keen to sports such as kayaking, rafting, biking and paragliding. 

That week had it all. Every single day was full of kayaking, good company, beautiful natural places, delicious cuisine and lot’s of fun. Every day a different part of the river was filling our desire for paddling, for new kayaking techniques and for more fun in the crystal clear waters of Soca.

From the Gene17 team, Matt, as the coordinator, had everything in place, always with a smile and with a feeling of safety, Deb was really inspiring her team for more fun in the river and Kim with her incredible patience managed to move her team to a higher skills level.  Finally, Dave was only few hours with us but made his presence memorable with his jokes (in Greek). 

We want to thank both Gene17 and the Irish team of kayakers for the great week we had this summer. We hope we meet again.

Christina Dimitradi – Greece

In a recent email from Graham Milton, Gene17 can confirms 60° North from the Fat Cats will headline this years Adventure Paddlers Weekend at the River Dart Country Park in Devon

Following on from Ali and Si amazing trip last year – infact I think it was APWE last year when they asked me if I was keen.

They had scouted out this river on google earth and it made for one river mission of an expedition.

After quite a mission getting boats and people to Narsarsuaq in south Greenland we set of on the 75km journey to get to the fjord where the river flowed into. This journey took 3/4 days, most of the distance was covered sea kayaking in our loaded Eversts but there were 3 land crossing which were very tough - one in particular involved shuttling our kit over the first hill and then slogging over shallow lakes and mosquito infested marshes, bashing down a stream to finish off a 15 hours day. The last 10 km sea crossing was none stop as the wind was heavily against us.

We re supplied with food in the down of Sletten for 9 days and managed to get a boat the 22km to the back of the fjord where the river came in. It was 2 days shuttling our kit base camp where the river split into two. Another 2 days of slogging our boat up the the glacier ( we returned in base camp each night). we found 10km of incredible white water and slides. From base camp down we did very little paddling few bits that weren’t mental we not worth the mission to get to which was a bit of a shame. We run out time time/food/energy to explore the other trib but from google earth it looked to loosed all the gradient in a few places!. We paddles the 22km back to sletten.

We spent a day or 2 looking at a hyro electric dam in the next fjord and them got a speed boat to the town of Qaqortoq where we hung out with the local kayak school and the only chap in Greenland who still makes the boat in the traditional way. We got a ferry back to Narsarsuaq – we met Olaf and team addidas at the ferry port who were off the do the same river- always good to beat the Germans to it. It was interesting to see how those boys do trips – they had an unbelievabele amount of kit – i think they just got speed boat every where cos they are a bit soft. They got stuck in the ice pack and had to hike to land as well!! hahaha

Ali and Si have put togtther a brilliant film about the trip – 60 degrees North, I have a few copies and i think its just about ready to go on sale.

and the trailer http://www.fatcatsproductions.co.uk/degrees.html

In addition Gene17 can confirm the recently remastered icon 1980’s steep creeking movie “Family Mad” will be showing to start the night off.

More details to come….

With the help of those nice people at Vimeo, Gene17 has managed to upload almost all past productions online, including;

Neva Foreva
Genetic
Destination Nowhere
Genotype
Adventures in Loonerland

Check out these and other new developments at G17K

I’ve had a few good days of paddling recently. In the UK! In summer!

 Well, it was new to me anyway. Access problems seem to be mellowing and there’s been lots of summer rain. I’ve had a couple of weekends in Wales paddling drops and feeling comfortable in the creek boat. Part of this is down to another great trip with Matt Tidy, and Gene17, which I went on in July.

After enjoying the creeking adventure and culture in Val Sesia last year I was looking for another trip to challenge me and work on my river running and creeking skills. Simon offered the Road Trip starting in Sjoa. This offered flexibility of itinerary and sat somewhere between the progressive and steep creeking courses that have been offered in Sjoa over the last few years. I have been hoping to get out to Norway for a few years, but it still has an intimidating reputation in the UK so it seemed like a good idea to get some professional instruction and guiding. I arrived in Sjoa and was instantly impressed by the rivers, the people, the scene and the amazing grocery prices. The climate was not quite as exciting and reminded me of a dull day in Scotland or North Wales. Still, we are used to that. I was surprised to learn there were to be just 3 of us paddling with Matt as our guide and was pleased I had come prepared with a tent so we were able to travel where the water took us. After sorting out our boats and a quick chat about our past experiences and our aspirations for the week we headed out onto the water.

First, was the Sjoa play run. I always seem to find the warm up section of trip the most startling. Paddling bigger water in a creek boat is not always much fun and the slalom course would be a shock to anyone used to training at Teeside. Still, there were lots of pleasant waves and pop out spots and the boat felt good and the group seemed to get on well.The next day we paddled the Ulla. This was something I was expecting to work up to for the end of the week, it was the only river I’d heard of out there so I was expecting it to be pretty hardcore. I minced a bit, but also spent some time working on technique and confidence on the dazzling array of drops and slides. There is still plenty for me to run next time I get back there, hopefully soon as it is a breathtaking location.

Over the next few days we paddled a range of rivers, from bigger volume to steep runs, canyons and gorges, waterfalls and slides. We had a choice of what to paddle and what to concentrate on. Matt was always keen to carry out and impromptu safety seminar or boofing clinic. Cooking and evening entertainment and banter was a relaxing partner to the adrenaline of the river. My highlight was the Upper Jori, where I felt I really pushed myself and benefited from the coaching of this and the previous trip. Lowlight was finding a rip in my cag after laughing at Mads when he found out he’d ripped his dry suit on the Upper Bovra a river that reminded me of home for the best and worst reasons it was a cold but fun but rocky ditch with some great rapids.

Hopefully next weekend in Wales I’ll be paddling and thinking about keeping good form, getting some decent paddling strokes in and using some lateral momentum rather than worrying what hole or rock I will be stuck against getting beaten. If you are thinking too much about the second rather more than the first I’d definitely recommend some of the excellent coaching from Matt Tidy and the guys at Gene17.

The week after the course I stayed out in Norway to do a little more paddling, meet up with friends and explore the countryside. It was hot and sunny all week and still good water levels. What more could you want?

Phil

Leo had long since pestered myself to take young gun Rob Lineham, our kayaking star down the Siphon Canyon, on the Soča River just 200m from our house in Trnovo.  So when I needed to fly into Slovenia from Norway to complete the importation of the new Sprinter, we had a golden chance to take Rob on his first outing into the famed Soča Siphon Canyon.

Here is Rob waiting for the off, a little nervous and slightly excited!!

The Siphon Canyon, is what it says on the tin, a canyon  completely full of Siphons.  The moves are not at all demanding for an experienced Class IV paddler, yet its no place to be uncertain of your roll, as the consequences are serve.  So Leo gave myself the role of getting us all down safely.  We started at the top of the Slalom site in Trnovo, and the now familiar moves of this excellent Class III/IV course whistled by with ease.  At a pool above the broken bridge we paused for a moment, and entered the Canyon.  The drops are small, with a twisting line, normally such lines as right to left and back again.  The 8 of so drop above the Solomon Pool set the tone of the run.  If there are any problems experienced here, the right bank and a river side goat trail can take you back to Trnovo.

Rob on a typical drop running down to Solomon Pool.

The crux of the run soon comes after Solomon Pool, first a short rapid, then another pool, before the river is compressed by the gorge into a Labyrinth of large boulders, and tight channels. It is here where your skills need to be supreme and your wits sharp. Through the maze to the major double drop on the right to left and back to the right again.

Leo on the entry on the double drop at the Crux of the run.

Mid point on the crux, looking from left to river, Siphon everywhere.

Rob running the left to right move.

Rob about to boof the exit drop on the Siphon Canyon Crux move.

Re-grouped and stoked

Just below the double drop is Berg Up, this rapid had until 2002 a line where you needed to climb the central rock slab and slide off the other side.  In 2002 there was a big flood, and the Berg Up became Berg Down, and as such is a great 5m slide.

Leo on Berg Up.

From the major action there are a few tight rapids to key you alert, especially the last one into the pool at Otona, a mountain stream pushes fresh rock falls into a boulder choke rapid, making the rapid a little sharp and edgy.  At Otona, we meet Deb and co and played the river to Kobarid.

A short boof from Deb Pinniger at the start of Otona   

Woke up on Sunday morning to find I had been attacked in the eye by the deadly Slovenian mozzies and I was looking like a close relation of Joseph Merrick.  After breakfast we set off for Austria with a van loaded up and the ever useful tom-tom (sat nav).  With only two stops between Slovenia and Austria to “RECALCULATE” we eventually arrived mid afternoon.  Hans the local kayaking/rafting guru took us to the local kayak club where we were to stay for the next few nights.  Surprise!  It turned out to be a beautiful log cabin with stone fireplace inside and out and situated conveniently next to the slalom course.  So of course we got on for a paddle down the Drau to the confluence of the Isel.  The climax of the day had to be the visit to mcd’s for (in the case of the guys) double mcmenu and for myself (the vegetarian) salad and pommes frites.

Monday saw us bright and early pumping up a big blue raft and heading down a lovely bouncy and scenic section of the Isel, with some nice river wide stoppers.  After lunch (glad to say not mcd’s) we went higher up the Isel and got on a grade III/|IV section where upon Martin managed to hit a stopper sideways and send us all (I hasten to add not Geraint our raft guide instructor) flying out of the raft.  On being hauled back into the raft and doing a count of injuries we discovered an extremely bent paddle which fortunately was fixable.

Tuesday saw a late start as all the flying and swimming had tired our poor bodies out and everyone was constantly yawning.  We eventually made it down most of the section we had rafted the day before with only a few mishaps, like losing Rob who happened to be guiding at the time and decided he would bounce out the back of the raft, or like crashing into a rock and all being thrown out over the rock (again I hasten to add not Geraint), but otherwise it was an uneventful trip with us practicing flipping and climbing back in to the raft.  Although I don’t recommend trying to flip a raft in less than a foot of water there could be some bruises. 

Wednesday we were up for a challenge and off we drove to raft the Gail.  A beautiful stretch of river with not a lot of water and approximately two rafts wide (and they were the wide stretches), with lots of boulders, trees and potential strainers just lurking around every bend (and there were a lot of bends). Technically challenging as continuous corrections were needed, lots of spins (intentional of course) and large amounts of “hold on, get down” were being shouted, but after approximately 17km we emerged with only one event – that Rob he just loves to bounce out of the raft when he’s guiding. 

Last day in Austria and I do my assessment from the slalom course (the Drau) on to the Isel.  A long stretch but incredibly beautiful and after flipping the raft (and it’s a monster) I’m a raft guide.  After some lunch we head on back to Slovenia for the best ice cream around. 

Friday sees Rob and Martin doing there assessment. With the additional challenge of having a squidgy raft (not to be recommended), the guys put in an incredible performance – flipping the raft, jumping on and flipping the raft upright, then jumping in again and getting two clients (myself and a.n.other) back into the raft in a short distance – and they pass with flying colours.  In the evening we go for a paddle down the lower section of the Soca and one of Deb’s friends makes us an incredible mushroom risotto to finish off the week.

Deb 

So we awaited the arrival of Geriant, which was to be quite a few hours after the departure of Leo. Geriant arrived and wasted no time in slipping past the welcoming committee and heading straight toward the nearest McDonalads, which is where he text the welcoming committee to let them know. With his meal out of the way it was the short trip to Trnovo.

The following days were spent in the raft, usually on the section from the Prijon shop down to Trnovo. Spending our time on the trips going though various exercises and manoeuvres, such as leading the raft down correct lines, flipping, and retrieving of lost paddles and people.

During the course of the week we also covered lots of the SRT whitewater rescue technician programme and stopped off at various times during our trips to practise these things, such as swallow water crossing, swimming (both defensive and aggressive), live bait and many different types of rope rescues and knots. I would highly recommend this course to all whitewater paddlers.

During the week there where some unplanned instances of practising these newly learned techniques, such as late in the afternoon whilst rafting down from Srpenica 2, Martin spotted some kayakers in the distance going though an interesting line around some large rocks and asked if we could follow them, Geriant wasted no time in replying yes of course and instructed me (seeing as I was the one guiding the raft at that point) to follow them though the gap, which seemed just a little tight for a raft. Geriant’s last words as we set off after them was, “bet we be stuck here till flipping midnight”.  We managed to hit the rock and wrap the raft totally around it without hurting anyone. Martin got washed into a nearby eddy, leaving me, Deb and Geriant scrabbling up the rock. Luckily for us as we were trying to sort out unwrapping the raft, the raft did the job for us and come unloose.

And so we leave for Austria, with it’s bigger volume runs, and the only thing I can think about, is not to listen to Martin’s suggestion when guiding!!!

Rob Lineham 

This coming Autumn and through the Winter, Gene17kayaking, will run a number of its acclaimed skills courses for whiter water kayaking in addition to both BCU qualification training and assessments.  These technique courses are aimed at both improving and establish paddlers who are looking to considerably improve their personal paddling.  Our range of BCU courses includes all the white water kayaking awards, including the new Advanced White Water Safety & Rescue, plus the UKCC Level 3 Coach Training.  Other new courses for Gene17 are the new UKCC Level 1 and Level 2 Training. All our courses are available in both Devon, and North Wales, plus the technique courses are almost offered in Wicklow and Kerry in Ireland.

In addition to courses for individuals to join, Gene17 also offers groups, be spoke solution in all aspects of white water kayaking, whether this is a “Boofs and Flares” course, White Water Safety & Rescue Training or River Guiding anywhere in the UK and Ireland. With our massively experienced staff, who include Deb Pinniger, Matt Tidy, Eddy Smith, Killian Kelly, Leo Hoare and Simon Westgarth, we are able to provide the highest quality added value kayaking experiences. Simply contact us for a solution.

If you wish to join us for a weekend this Autumn, check out G17K Courses

After our inaugural and highly successful instructor training course, D4DR WW based in Slovenia and the Eastern Alps, we plan to run this 8 week intense white water skills course again in 2009. Numerous Blog reports of this year’s D4DR WW can be found on G17K’s Blog

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In addition to the this Class III/IV course, we will offer next Spring in Norway a 4 week Class V intensive skills course. Called simply D4DR Class V, this will be all action and a highly original kayak learning programme. The aim of this course will be to take paddlers who occasionally run hard white water into the realm of consistently running Class V. This course can not be simply offered by anyone, that is why Gene17 has brought together some of the best of Europe in the form of Matt Tidy and Ed Cornfield, who are renowned paddlers, river guides and coaches. D4DR Class V will be an unparalleled experience, staring late May in Sjoa and road tripping through Telemark and Voss for the extreme festival week.

If one new intensive skills course is not enough, we plan to bring Gene17’s model of excellence to entry level paddling in the form of D4DR H2O, an 8 week programme of Sea Kayaking, River Guiding, Canoeing and White Water Kayaking, based in Slovenia, Croatia and Sardinia. Leo Hoare, Matt Tidy and Deb Pinniger will team up to provide an exciting and high added value programme for a first rate experience.

Details of both new D4DR programmes will be forthcoming at G17K Courses soon.

We arrived into Torp on Sunday about 19:00, blowing a gale and doing the cats and dogs thing- Yup raining. Straight to Hertz, pick up the Passat and a 7 hour drive up to Sjoa. Base camp of Gene 17.The accommodation is excellent, remembering this is an adventure week not a week in some fancy spa resort, I reckon quaint sums it up nicely.

Our First day started with the usual gear check and boat fit out, which led to a trip to The Kayak Shop (excellent people), then straight onto the Sjoa play run, on what seemed to be a decent level. Compared to our visit in 2006 it was hoofing!! Being used to “da oul Wicklow (Ireland) runs” you do forget about the push. So you can imagine Dave Carroll’s face when I suggested we’d eddy out river left half way down the washing machine. “Eh no… Straight through my man”

Day 2 the sun came out and we hit the absolute low volume classic Ulla. For anyone who is thinking of going to Norway for the first time or indeed a return visit the Ulla is a must. The boys @ Gene17 were superb at guiding us through classic slides and pool drops. Then a reci to the famed Ulla Falls. An excellent sight!! It was here we decided we would return to Ulla on our last day for our Champagne day.

Day 3 after filling up on “Weiner Mélange” we were off to the Lora. Higher volume and some gorgey sections, with a sporty piece under the bridge. Some lovely Gene17 clinics on lateral momentum which I have to say turned a preverbal light switch on in my head. Good Times!!

Day 4 with every on feeling the paddle fitness lagging, it was agreed that we would do a half day, so we had some clinics on the Lagen, another learning curve! Then back to the Kayak Shop for some R&R. All Good.

Day 5 after completing a comprehensive river side demo in the ancient art of Rathfu from the lad Dave Carroll

we hit the Upper Jori. WOW, absolutely incredible river. It was everything I wanted Norway to be and more. Superb!!

Our last day was back to Ulla. If there was a perfect way to end a phenomenal week this was it.

A Special thanks to the lads at Gene17, “the teach” Simon Westgarth,” the ever positive” Matt Tidy, JJ “short but sweet” and of course “the lad” Dave Carroll for making this the best kayaking trip I’ve been on!!

Thanks also to Robo, Phill, Mikey, Ro, Cillian and the lovely Kimage for just being them.

Dónal

GOOD TIMES

11:06 Leo kindly takes my boat and paddle stuff in his van as I can’t get it all on the plane.

15:06 2pm Set off for airport, flight delayed one hour. Arrive Venice around 9pm, get bus for 3 euros to train station and train for 9 euros to Udine. Leo and Rob meet me at station, then drive to Trnovo. Leo tells me the big plan.

16:06 Everyone tired so start after noon. Go from Prijon shop (grade II) to long climb out. No probs, steady easy, start to feel weary at wave and can’t get on it. Last bit manoeuvring around boulders, no probs. Leave boats, go eat and then come back. Leo hints that maybe I should stop, but me thinks I’ll be ok – wrong – very tired!!!! Last section technical boulder field, too tired to think so follow Leo like beginner. Miss going round a rock, get caught by wave/stopper over rock and swim. Now cold and tired. Swim again before end, not sure why. Is raining and cloudy all day low visibility in mountains.

17:06 Has been raining all night and is lashing down. Go to look at river at Prijon shop but is very high at 150/200 cumecs. See trees floating down – play is abandoned. Back to house and start first aid. Everyone is raring to paddle.

18:06 Start earlier, go from Kobarid to Tolmin 17km. Easy grade II but I’m paddling like a lune. Can’t get over eddy lines, not breaking out strongly, wobbling about all over and very tense and stiff. One roll (first roll in boat), two t-rescues and 2 swims. Day is beautiful and clear. Bit of low cloud over alps. Leo has us trying to use waves and eddies to move through the water and getting difficult eddies. River is wide and flat. Leo goes for bus and we practice CPR.

19:06 Leave earlyish and do Kortinica in Kluze, lovely gorge like river with grade III + at beginning and continuous III all the way. Technical paddling round boulders etc. Doing fine although don’t break out strongly from first eddy and t-rescue. Continue ok for while then get caught in flow from round boulder and swim. Boat chased by Rob and Leo until Toni’s campsite and paddle on bank somewhere. I climb out, leaving Martin sunning himself in an eddy on the right. Leo picks me up whilst hitching a lift with Christian (german kayaker) to the bus. Rob gets back on at bridge and goes down with Martin, but can’t find paddle. We ask around – no paddle. Eat some lunch and go and do Kortinica again.

This time swim at curling wave, at bottom of Toni’s campsite and at end in easy wave train on way back to Prijon shop (Rob loaned me his paddle). Don’t know what’s going on, paddling terribly. Very pissed off with myself. Rob and Leo paddle down to Trnovo to look for paddle. My turn to cook make lovely bean and veg chilli but a bit too hot for Martin so he has to add lots of cream to cool it down. Bit more first aid.

20:06 Do short runs to build up my confidence. First from bottom of Toni’s campsite to Prijon shop – no probs. Go for icecream – lovely blueberry – and take it easy. Then get on at bridge down to long take out. Practice ferrying and eddying – doing OK, get caught out breaking into strong flow of wave and end up swimming, boulders at end no probs. Then practice rolling for awhile – still not quite there. Long climb out. More first aid in evening.

21:06 Get up early to do Kortinica, unfortunately not quite awake. Beautiful day and very quiet, low mists and sunlight on river. Get on just after 8am, hardest bit at beginning and unfortunately spin round backwards and over I go – first swim. Back in, ok for awhile, go through rapids fine but then simple/easier bits wobble around and go over. Think I rolled up (I came up). Next swim after bashing into rock on flat water – I am a muppet as Leo says. Further wobble later on but manage to push myself upright, and on to the end with no probs. Do a little shop then Leo’s off home and we’re left on our own to create mischief and mayhem. Tidy up and do washing, air van and kit and try to alter back rest in boat and then lounge in sun. Hitch a lift (Christian again) to bar in Srepinica and have pizza and wine and yes watch footy!! Hitch a lift back with Kobarid local (after watching fireflies) and go for last one in local bar.

22:06 Get up late, make toast in frying pan, hitch to Bovec, eat icecream, visit kayak shops, hitch back, eat leftovers, pad out boat.

23:06 Go paddling with Simon in afternoon 3pm, from Srepenica 1 to Trnovo, swim once. Teaches us to point to where we’re going, going from river left to right and back, eddy hopping, stern ruddering into eddies. Great day! Go for pizza again.

24:06 Paddle from top of Soca, through boulder garden. Doing well but unfortunately swim. Simon teaches us stern ruddering in and out of eddies. Still having trouble getting over eddy lines. Come to huge rapid through canyon – again swam, got pushed in to rock river left by flow and went backwards and over. Swam through second bit on back of Simon’s boat. Mut have been tired as then started wobbling on eddy lines and going over, t-rescued twice and rolled once. Trying another boat tomorrow, maybe something a bit longer may give me more momentum. Went for icecream and Simon cooked dinner – pasta and rocket salad – greens ). Tom Parker and Sarah came for dinner.

25:06 NO SWIMS!!!! Srepenica 1 to Trnovo. Paddled nomad today and paddling improved no end, made eddies, leaned forward, quite enjoyed it. Simon looked at my roll need to bend my arm and look at the paddle, keep the box. Simon taught us low and high brace by looking at spot where going in, bracing on paddle and rotating body forward. Used it a little, but old habits die hard. Didn’t go over at all. Had a long break off the water and bean salad for lunch. After 6pm Debs, Dave Carroll and Kim turned up and we went for a party paddle. They were all manic like children playing on the water. At first Martin led me down but then it appeared to be everyone for themselves and I just started making my own way down, eventually leading Martin who was very tired and a little intimidated by the super paddlers (as was I), but they were fine and left us to it. Fantastic!!! Need to make eddies better, set my intention earlier. Came back and went for pizza and salad again! And watched footy.

26:06 Paddled Kortinica again no swims. Quite a bit lower, got pinned on a rock but got off and Rob helped me up. Shuttle took ages with big Steve. Went for icecream and shopping then got locked out of house so went to Kobard for pizza as we couldn’t make lunch. Lovely fruit and veg shop bought some beans. Got back and others still not back. Went down to river and tied each other up doing first aid. Went to bar to watch footy spain won.

27:06 Slow start, went back to boulder canyon. Got caught out at beginning and Rob t-rescued me. Did some first aid. Pretended to have fallen and Martin thought it was for real at first. Ran rapid fine. Leo swam into canyon and we made a mess of rescuing him – should have done a vector on throw rope to pull him in. Then we all swam through canyon, Rob disappeared in second rapid for few seconds very cold. Then ran rapids – was quite tired but determined not to hit rock on left so landed on rock on right span 180 degrees and went backwards. Managed to turn round and eddy out. Martin copied me. Second rapid ok – bit rocky but did fine. Technique better today although still back paddling. Led for the last little bit back to Prijon shop.

Got back in time for Debs and talked about Montenegro, looks lovely. Made date plans – getting excited. Cooked a lovely veg masala and now going to bar to watch Slovenian wedding traditions. Waited around like a lemon but nothing seemed to happen re arch so came back drank a glass of wine and went to sleep.

The D4DR Instructor Training Programme was due to start on the 16th of June, so participants were supposed to arrive on the 15th. Alas due to a misunderstanding myself and Martin arrived on the 14th(o0ps). But not only did we both arrive a day early, we also arrived about 9 hours apart from each other(double oops). I arrived the earliest at around 2.30 in the afternoon had the pleasure of doing the shop with Leo and watching some footie. After picking Martin up at around 11.15 in the night, the three of us then drove onto 22 Trnovo ob Soci on the Soca river in Slovenia, which has been our base whilst in Slovenia.

The next day the three of us went onto the river, on a bit of a warm up run. We got in at Cezsoca and paddled down onto the get out at Srpenica 2. This run consisting of a lovely wave train, with one of the best surfing waves around (check out the youtube clip). This lead onto a next bit of a boulder garden. Then we went to collect Debra (who’d arrived the correct day).

After a bit of a lay in, the four of us then went down and ran the same section as above. After having lunch, we then returned to our boats at Srpenica 2 to paddle the rest of the way to Trnovo 1, this section being a bit more of a bigger boulder garden type section. Then the heavens started to open and it tipped down!!!!

The next morning we awoke to rain, and lots of it. The river rose upto around 250 (ish) cummeces, it was at around 20 (ish) the day before when we got off. So after a bit of driving around to look at the river, it was decided there had been too much rain (As we were all coming from the UK, we found this hard to swallow). As a back up plan, we ended up making a start of our REC first aid for paddlers course.

Next day we paddled the lower section of the Soca, this was from Kobarid to Tolmin. Due to the amount of water in the river this was great fun with some hugh eddy lines, boiling eddy’s and some big bouncy wave trains.

Seeing as the river still had loads of water in it, we drove upto to Kulze to have a look at one of the tributary’s of the Soca. This one being called the Koritnica. It was running at a great level. Making the entry gorge quite fast and fun. But due to a mishap in a gorge lower down the river, Debra ended up losing her paddle, which put a bit of a dampener on the day. The team got off at the get out at Vodenca (prijon shop), and meself and Leo continued down to Trnovo to see if we could find the paddles. Unfortunately we could see them anywhere, but we did find the river still at quite a high level.

We then paddled the next day from where the Koritnica enters the Soca down to the Prijon Shop, and did from Cezsoca down to Srpenica 2, as the river was still high, this made for some interesting paddling.

Saturday the 21st saw us have an early start on the Koritnica which was still running at a great level. We got back to the digs before lunch, waved good bye to Leo, as he was flying home for a long weekend to enjoy his son Sol’s 2nd birthday. The three of us (me, Martin and Debra) having our freedom from any instructor’s decided to hitch into Srpenica for dinner, to watch footie and have a couple beers. We managed to hitch back, late (ish) into the nights and continue with some more beers at the local bar.

After a nice lay in, a late breakfast and generally lazy morning the three of us decided to hitch in to the near by town of Bovec, which is roughly 17 Kms away from Trnovo. This was surprisingly easy having only to wait around 6/7 mins to get a lift there of some friendly German paddlers, who we’d meet whilst watching football earlier in the week. We enjoyed some lovely ice cream and a little look around. We then hitched back, making the first half of the journey in a friendly climbers tiny car, we have a drink and a sit down and made the reminder of the journey in a local rafting company’s mini bus.

During spring we managed to get at team of Danish paddlers together for a trip to Norway in late June. Initially we wanted to start out in the Telemark and then do a road trip through the neighboring areas such as Buskerud, Sogn and Fjordane, before heading to Voss and the Ekstremsportsveko.  

As none of us had too much experience with Norwegian white water, besides Mikkel who few years earlier worked on the Sjoa, we decided on hiring a guide for the trip. And thus we were awarded with the presence of Matt Tidy. Cheers Matt…

First few days being cloudy but giving no rain, we started out with low volume on the Upper part of the Austbygdåi, which served as a feisty warm up with lots of fun drops and a few more compressed and turbulent rapids along the way. 

For the lower part of the river, also known as the California section, things got steeper and turned out as a good challenge with its numerous bedrock slides throughout the run.

After the Telemark we headed north to Buskerud and the rivers Etna and Numedalslaagen. 

With to less to water to paddle on the Etna, Matt set up a rescue and safety session instead, rehearsing pinning situations, swimmers and boat recovery. And furthermore having a talk on equipment and the correct use for various pressure situations. 

Hitting the Numedalslaagen at a good medium flow, we were in for something completely different. Referred to as the Zambezi of Norway, it offered a great big volume run in an open forested landscape. 

With some long powerful rapids, pretty much all of which we scouted, massive wave trains, giant waves and big holes, made it lots of fun. Few of the rapids having real tight lines in spite of the big flow, and some gnarly holes we didn’t want to go near, there was also a portage or two. 

From here we originally planned to go to Voss, but due too heavy rainfall and flooded rivers there, we went in the direction of Sjoa instead. 

This area we were more familiar with from earlier years, but with a real great day on the Store Ula, with what for some of us was the first run on the waterfalls, this will no doubt be a day on the river to remember…

Arriving at the put in up high on the fjell , clear skies and a scenic mountain backdrop accompanied us down the Ula in an open riverbed, before entering the gorge section and engaging the spectacular combination of slides known as “Svarbergfoss”. And with everybody coming nicely down the falls at the end of the run, there was pretty much nothing more to wish for…

Besides being a great guy to go along with, Matt shared with us his knowledge and experience. And we benefited greatly on approaching new rivers, reading complex water and adjusting technique throughout the trip.

Best recommendations and thanks for a great trip

Nilas

Team was: Matt Tidy, Carl Damgreen Madsen, Mikkel Ketil, Mads Udsen, Nilas Brinck Juncker