One of the forthcoming presentations at this years Gene17 Adventure Paddler’s Weekend will for from this year’s Bristish Universities Kayak Expedition to Vietnam. Here is a brief extract from the trip and some back ground info to get you in the swing of things for the 5th December on Devon.
In late 2008 a group of hopeful students met in a small bunk house in North Wales. After two days of intensive mental tests and vigorous physical analysis, 9 were selected to go forth and carry the flag on the third BUKE expedition. After some debate and discussion, Vietnam was chosen as the destination for the team and so the expedition gained its name; KAYAKNAM.
After 8 months of preparation, the team flew out to Hong Kong at the start of July 2009, from there they took the 1000 mile journey overland to Hanoi, Vietnam. The first objective was finding un-navigated rivers in the north, the so called “Unknown Dragons”. The group had great success and managed to find some instant classics.
On returning to Hanoi the team took some R+R and then planned the journey south in search of some big volume, big drop fun. Their efforts paid off in spectacular fashion and the guys were rewarded with a super section in an amazing location.
From there the team gathered their thoughts and kit and headed off on the long, eventful trip back to Hong Kong and then back to the UK.
Hear of the teams exploits at this year’s Gene 17 APW, with Luke Farrington talking of the “hidden Dragons” and some of the more practical issues of exploring in South East Asia.
