Life on the banks of the Happines(blyde river)

frosted toys from the recent MoustASH Festival. Full post coming soon on the Fluid Blog

Do It Now magazine is all about adventure, sport, lifestyle and doing it now!

I have been involved with the magazine for a while now and they have chosen me as one of their ambasadors which means I get a cool page on their website with links to all the past articles I have written for them as well as some others by friends, everything is obviously paddling related.

So go have a look and support the mag that is supporting our sport. They support pretty much all the paddling events in South Africa by giving space in the magazine for articles getting kayaking in people’s faces and helping where ever they can.

Updates from Freestyle Worlds and the 2011 MoustASH Festival coming soon.

side surfing to the sweet spot during training

Whitewater Training are starting the winter whitewater madness with a really cold bang on the Ash River.

This year it’ll be the MoustAsh Festival bonus prizes for the best “mouth merkin” and if you can’t grow one yet then you can buy a fake one, sort off like wearing a clip on tie to a black tie event.

This quick post is more just to introduce the sponsors for the 2011 event, if you would like to get some more detailed info on the MoustAsh check here or for FB gangs here.

The event is hosted by Whitewater Training one of SA’s leading kayak goodie and training suppliers. So obviously they will be there with gear to check out and toys to win! They are also the folks to contact for the accomodation.

your one stop paddle shop for guides, kayakers and gumbies. get hold of them on marketing@whitewatertraining.co.za

We will be supplying the youngsters and top girlies with full entry to the biggest and best whitewater festival in SA the 2012 Blyde Xfest! www.extremelimpopo.com

Some super sweet toys from SA's legendary kayak makers will be up for grabs. www.fluidkayaks.com

RAM Mountaineering are supplying some shiny new ultra cool Black Diamond kit, to see what will be up for grabs....come to the Ash end of July!

The Edge network is a RAM idea and one of the best spots to go have a look to make sure you are op to date with the adventure life in SA. www.on-the-edge.co.za

2010's most promising new paddler MJ Kuhn from the extremelimpopo crew hammering the Ash's biggest beastie Bridge Rapid.

This was our kayak schools kids’s first run on the river in their own brand new Fluid kayaks. For the full report and more photos CLICK

Thank you has to go to the kids becuase they kayak, the parents for helping the kids, Richard from Southern Cross School for the time/energy to get the kids to us and to Fluid for hooking the kids up with their new toys.

Keep checking in for updates on how the kids are doing and the various trips we have planned for them.

Upstream view a little below the put in on the lower Blyde.

Here are some more party shots from 2011 festival’s Saturday night….

party time

Lekker Bertie!

wys jou mus!

mullets and funnels

the loungers taking a break before hitting the dance floor again

Snor and our camera chica Nicola, thanks for the party pics girly

shake it Ratex

The Mullet King in action

see them smileys

windsurfing by ak and Inke

p'nut in poster mode

Ruby and Mirka

and so the party carried on till around 03h00… pro race results

At 07h00 it was time to start loading the gear for the Olifants river social paddle. Hang overs where the order of the day so everything happened a bit slower than it should have.

Early morning packing isn't fun after a good Saturday night party

The Olifants paddle is for fun and hangover recovery unfortunately for me the guides who were supposed to help run the mission were nowhere to be seen, luckily some old guiding friends paddled with so big thanks to everybody who helped with the swimmers. We had 11 Croc Rafts and 30 something kayakers on the section…. Another big thank you to Robin Cock, Kate Walton and Nicola for most of the Olifants photos…

the view downstream from the put-in on the Olifants River

Sucks to have to pump your craft, paddle plastic

almost in the water

you can slide down the grass bank into the river unlike pierre who is about to catch an edge.

time to get wet!

Celliers was so happy to finaly get in the water he had to do a little dance of joy!

everything always seems so much better once you are in the water

the new small Detox enjoying the scenery on the Olifants

my good friend Luke Longridge enjoying one of the fun playspots on the Olifants. Thanks for all the help Luke!

Luke mid loop

Luke finishing the loop

Celliers and Inke taking a quick break

Kayakers and rafters in Simple Simon rapid

Richard going deep in Simple Simon

The Olifants paddle is for everybody, even those who think they can roll.

Some Croc raft action

Luke smiling at the soon to be swimming Croc rafters

boof the croc

swimmers come in pax of 2

downstream view from Simple Simon

Roller Coaster rapid finishes off the day.

gulp

Jo taking it in style, she is such a good paddler that anything under grade 4 she paddles with her eyes shut

Pierre is the Fluid engineer, he doesn't paddle as much as he would like to. "nice" brace Pierre and I am sure the elbow pads protect your kayak from your high flying elbows.

high flying raft through the standing waves at Roller Coaster

swimmers still come in pax of 2

me keeping an eye on the swimmers

How to rock splat a crock raft, amazingly they didn't swim

Super excited rafting buddies, next year they will all be kayaking

Shaun in "un stable babalas mode", thanks for the help Shaun.

Lloyd trying to catch a wave at the bottom of rollercoaster

Celliers ferrying onto a super fast wave in the bottom of Roller Coaster, the Big Bang was the only beasty with enough speed to get a real surf going.

Celliers enjoying the speed of the Big Bang and making everybody else jealous as they couldn't get on the wave

local kids playing soccer at the take out

Chris chatting with "Tannie Joyce" the old lady who helps us with community negotiations and projects in this comunity that we are involved with.

and that was that.

A huge thank you to all our sponsors, festival supporters and just everybody involved with making the Blyde Xfest what it is.

See you Friday 24 Feb 2012 for the 6th Blyde Xfest and once again we will make sure that it’s bigger and better just for you!

d

So while the Pro Race (Pro Race Results) paddlers were busy all day long in the canyon the action back at the Blyde Adventure Camp was just as crazy with more beginner and intermediate kayakers than ever before. Thanks to Jan from Fluid for bringing down a trailer full of demo boats for all the youngsters and fresh paddlers to test out.

Check out some of the action seen on the lower Blyde. The Intermediate paddlers raced a 3km gr1-2 section with a mass start. Most of the action is over the last 300m with Grand Prix and Big Deal. The beginners paddled only Grand Prix and Big Deal in heats of 4 paddlers and then a final on the same section.

Fluid demo's

lekker snor!

Upstream view from the finish line

Ruby and the time keepers, thanks for all the hard work ladies!

Intermediate race winner (he is a junior paddler) Bradley Altona

his secret weapon was the high speed Fluid Donsa

local paddler Victor placed 4th in the intermediate class, in a small Flirt!

hmmmm, where should I go?

Jan charging for the left line

Jonatan Pienaar our youngest competitor, 14 years old and styling it!

old school long boater, attempting to broach

Long boat auto eject, swimming probably got less water in his kayak than staying upright with that deck.

hahahaha...

...I wish I could roll

Intermediate race rescue action

With the Intermediate race over it was time for the largest beginner field ever to get their game faces on. Due to a recent knee injury local Southern Cross Schools junior paddler Zoe had to compete in an inflatable kayak with a 10m penalty start, but she dominated all her heats and the final. Check out the beginners.

gotta love the beginner carnage!

Victor on safety at the "split rock" in Big Deal

Do It Now magazine brand manager Keane enjoying his swim on the beginner race.

"it didn't look like this from the bank"

some beginner ladies looking slightly less than chuffed with how far they are off line

they almost made it

if you wanted to get a time for your race you had to cross the finish line with all your gear.

the pre-programed eject hand

"I know the guy said the kayaks called a Solo, but this isn't funny"

ggaaaassssppppp

another one of our kayak school kids Ryan Strong from Southern Cross School in Hoedspruit

Worsie from our main competition Stanford Lake College

Brent also from our local kayak school charging to the finish line

Greg and Sam also from our kayak school in a tight battle for the finish line

Zoe over powering Ryan for the winning spot on the beginner podium

some of the Stanford Lake boys testing the Locomotion's hole riding ability

After the kayaking events it was time for the super fun Croc Raft and Gecko race’s. For the non South African’s: Croc’s are 2 person inflatables made by Ark inflatables, probably the most used commercial raft in SA, Gecko’s are 1 person inflatable river tubes. Races are also held over Grand Prix and Big Deal, this event is for everybody and loads of fun.

the croc race is action packed

Louis and Karen working hard for their podium finish

heading towards the finish line/gap

battling over the finish line

you should be sitting

Joubert on safety during the Gecko race in a Gecko

Fred just enjoying the ride

Gecko's are super fun

So with the days racing over at the camp and the first batch of paddlers from the Pro race almost back at camp everybody got a quick break before the high flying action of our Big Air Kayak Ramp. This year is our 3 rd kayak ramp design and we think we have a winner, don’t worry we will still tweak things here and there for more of something in 2012. Ryan Peel took the gold with a super tidy air screw.

Side view of the ramp, 2012 will see more angle and even higher platform

daniel on the lip

if you want good pics of yourself then date the photographer.

MJ

splash

Daniel

Lloyd happy and amazed that the ramp and him survived. Lekker Lloyd!

With the ramp event finished and all the Pro Race paddlers back at camp, it was finally time to sit down, relax, have a beer and enjoy some good food.

With people slowly recharging things were almost ready for the prize giving, auction and party.

The photo’s will do the talking!

Chris started the Blyde Xfest 5 years ago so we force him to give a speach.

Brent accepting a PeakUk dry bag on behalf of Ryan for his 2nd place in the Beginner Kayaking cat.

Our Beginner Kayak winner Zoe (from our kayak school and Southern Cross School) won a Werner Rio paddle

Croc race winners Jonatan and Keane. The opinion was that Keane could thank his stars for young jonatan's paddling skills.

Prizes for the Croc winners included gear from Ark and First Ascent

Snor and Rattex took 2nd in the Croc& Tube

Steffano was crowned as the "wannabe" Pro scoring some excellent First Ascent gear...

... and a booty bear for his swim

3rd Pro Daniel Barnard. It was decided b y the other competitors that Daniel would not be allowed to paddle his trusty Kendo in the 2012 Pro Race. Some felt it gave him an unfair advantage?

Shane Raw did not win the Pro Race he came 2nd, but he did win some First Ascent gear!

Andrew Kellet from Capetown won the Pro Race by 3seconds.Thanks to our awesome sponsors First Ascent, Fluid Kayaks (2 50% dicsount vouchers), Do It Now, Ark Inflatables, Vibram Frivefingers, Whitewater Training, Werner Paddlers, Laeveld Bou, Spar. Capetonian Roche was our ticket man for the evening, thanks Roach!

Dewet was stoked with his goodies from First Ascent and Ark

Bertie with an Ark Drybag

Hannes won a small braai from Laeveld Bou so that he can braai in style in the streets of Parys.

Luke won a cooler box also from LB. Love the sash Luke!

Kobus was one of the big winners walking away with a brand new Ark Gecko! (it's the big blue thing leaning on table)

Our beginner kayaker Zoe's luck was on a roll, not only did she win the Werner paddle but she won one of the 50% discount vouchers from Fluid as well!

The other stoked winner of a 50% Fluid discount voucher was Parys local Philip Claasens

Well done Lloyd!

Adam for his swim on the way to the Xfest

Celliers had an unlucky slow motion swim after some confusing directions. Celliers doesn't really drink so he got a milk booty

Dave swam so much he couldn't compete but did enjoy everything and joined us for the Sunday Olifants Trip

Jo for her swim on Gutter 2, she did give me a scare by hiding under undercut boulders.

One of our safety paddlers Shaun had a sweet swim in Jenny's drop

Junior pro race paddler Josh Duffus had some swims but did really well. He couldn't down a beer so he got a Stoney ginger beer

the kwetsa effect of the Stoney

To round of the prize giving it was mullet parade time! First some shots of the mullet wizzard Mirkava Mirka chop shop.

Shaun getting trimmed

Dupie in control while getting his hair outta control

mullet parade

Mullet King Dewet with his giftige brille!

Me and Ruby still standing

Check part 3 for the party pics and Olifants River Social paddle trips as well as full results….

The 2011 Blyde Xfest was our biggest yet, we finally broke the 100 competitor mark. I know to many of the non South African’s that might not sound like that much but for a whitewater festival (no mtb’s or trail running just paddling) hitting a 100 is a big deal. The 2011 Xfest might just have been the largest gathering of kayakers ever in SA. Biggest thanks has to go to everybody who made the journey and joined us on the banks of the Blyde River we had paddlers from all over SA and this year we had a total of 7 countries represented at the festival.

Fellow event organizer Ruby taking charge of the registration making sure everybody has what they need

Friday morning saw some last minute running around getting everything sorted for the biggest white water festival in SA. The original plan was to have a freestyle session Friday afternoon but after getting the ramp sorted and chatting to the paddlers already at the festival we decided to rather just go have a “king of the hole” session in Gecko’s. In the end we had so much fun that we never got to the point of having a winner.

United we surf

a little carnage

With the light fading and hippo movement’s on the up it was time to get out and start the evenings fun and games.

With the festival grounds filling up with people and kayaks everything was looking good for the weekend. Friday evening’s big thing was the South African premiere of Halo Effect from local brothers Steve and Dave Fisher, we also had Shane Raw (the oke who broke his arm) here to introduce the film and give us that little bit of extra info on the broken arm. Shane has been dominating the Blyde Xfest Pro Race, so with his arm still not perfect 2011 would be the year to go for gold.

Halo Effect is truly one of the best kayaking adventure films we have ever had at the Blyde Xfest, big thanks to the Fisher brothers for allowing us to premiere it and to Shane for managing to download it over Swazi internet.

With the films finished it was time to for one of my least favorite activities; loading 40+ kayaks onto 2 trailers that will survive the gravel roads over the highest part of the Northern Drakensburg into the canyon. 3 hours later it was time for a last quick beer before hitting the sack.

Pro Race paddlers had a super early start with coffee and rusks at 05h00 in an attempt to hit the road by 05h30 eventually by 06h00 we were on the road ready for action.

The yaks made it all the way

To our amazement only 1 trailer died on the way in but due to our supreme rope skills the kayaks held everything together and they made it to the start. The drive in is always one of our major hurdles but for a change all went smoothly. The other concern was the water level on Thursday I do a last scout run of the canyon and we paddled on 30+ cumecs (double our commercial cut-off level) but luckily for us the levels dropped down to around the 20 mark and the water was running clear again.

put in, with some more twitchy than others

Our first race rapid is roughly half way down the canyon, the section starts with some easy grade 2 stuff for about the first km and then it’s basically gr 3 3+ to the 1st race rapid. We had a couple of swims on the way down to Alley’s but nothing major.

the warm up section

the longer you paddle the better it gets

better and better

Kate Walton leading the boys in style

sinking in the fluff

the pouting paddler

blind air bracer from the Cape

I should boof

wow it's fluffy in here!

ze german

The above shots are from a rapid called Poachers Corner, then it’s Amphi and Amphi Extension. Amphi Extension will become the 1st race rapid at the 2012 Blyde Xfest. Here are some shots of Amphi Extension, nice long rapid and the major siphon undercut combo is easy to protect.

siphon guard

Amphi Extension

Celliers Big Bang'ing amphi in style

what friends are for

I wonder how many rocks there are here?

Oh look, here are some rocks

Hey look, I found some more rocks

Ok, the rocks win

The next section heads down to Log Waterfall. This year to safe time most of the paddlers portaged Log Waterfall a short tight rapid with a super dodgy siphon and then a undercut rock right in the middel of the current. Some paddlers where allowed to run the far shoot which gets you away from the siphon but you still have to avoid the under cut. Luckily this year nobody tempted fate with the undercut, Adam did how ever stuff up the entry but due to his weir surfing/survival skills (he has spent a vast amount of time practicing this skill, mostly not by choice) he managed to safely escape the pour over that feeds the siphon.

Fluid engineer Piere checking out the far river left shoot that some of the boys ran

where'd my boof go?

adam eating the fluff, everything above his head feeds the siphon

at least I can side surf

me in the second drop that heads towards the undercut

The next little challenge was Island extension a long fun rapid also sporting a nice siphon and undercut. Luckily for us everybody made it through in a mostly upright position.

Island Extension

Robin showing the boys how it's done

So after Island we only had Throwbag left and then it would be race time.

Hmmm, where should I go.

Celliers

Dewet in throwbag.

me keeping an eye from the top to just incase any body heads for the hole.

Solo'ing throwbag

We had now arrived at Alley’s Staircase. Here every body gets a break of about 20 min and then we start racing. The race is paddler vs clock, from 2012 onwards due to the increase in numbers we will race this 2 paddlers at a time. The top paddlers finish in just under or over 40 sec then at the other end of the range is 147 sec. The trick in Alley’s is to make it through the 2 holes at the bottom and also to approach them in an upright position. As always the safety paddlers race first so they can show the line and set up safety for the rest, unfortunately Shaun’s run didn’t do well for the more nervous paddlers’s confidence levels.

some more line checking

Shaun undecided about what to do above "decision rock"

Shaun headfirst for "decision rock"

rolling just in time to line for the bottom holes

the first hole

the rolling brace coming out the first hole

2nd hole

MJ in line for the bottom holes

Philip with his game face

Luke was doing well untill....

....he ran into the 1st bottom hole

...he almost made it out...

... in the end it was a surf and scrape session to get out the hole

Dave J having a good run after a long "dry season"

Uno and Stefano in a head down battle

all smiles

one of SA's up coming female racers Jo Fisher

Jo flying out the bottom hole

the 2nd hole at the bottom was deceptive

Riaan getting fluffed

Lloyd focused

Celliers Kruger cruisin down in the Big Bang

the bottom hole was deep and fluffy

I really enjoy handpaddling, to make it even more interesting we decided that we should have a head to head session, rather than racing the clock.

the hand paddlers, me,Luke, Philip, Adam and Daniel

we had a couple of close encounters

Next up was Terminator/Marks Drop and the Weir. This is an optional rapid for those that want to paddle. Just before it there is Gutter 1, nothing to funny but with a deceptively sticky little pour over just to make sure you stay awake.

Fluid engineer Pierre getting stuck and blocking Dewet's way

Luckily Dewet managed to mis Pierre's pip

Jo with her smooth style showing the boys how to handle Gutter 1

Luckily most paddlers who ran Terminator had good runs. Capetonian paddler Stefano was back again this year hoping to have a clean run, unfortunately he decided to spend a bit of time upside down which resulted in a “early bag” which caused him to swim, better luck next year.

Pro race winner Andrew Kellet in the bottom of Terminator

Hannes failed to hold the line for Marks Drop...

...unfortunately Martin followed Hannes...

...airbracing does not help...

...it's a fluffy pocket

Stefanno being bagged out his kayak just above the nasty natural weir

luckily only yaks and gear did weir time

After spending several minutes collecting gear and getting a float bag out the weir it was time to head down to Gutter2 and Jenny’s Drop our second race stretch. The top times on Alley’s were really close so a good run here could get you to the top.Once again the safety boys ran first to show the line and once again Shuan’s run did nothing for the more nervous racers confidence. The big trick to this section is avoiding getting broached in Gutter 2 and making sure you boof on Jenny’s.

a look upstream at Gutter 2.

Shaun diving deep in Jenny's fluff

"I can taste those booty beers, damn!"

Lloyd "boofin" the Big Bang on Jenny's

Celliers enjoying the speed and boofiness of his new Big Bang

Shane Raw charging hard to make up the split seconds to try and keep the title

Kate Walton (P'nut) showing the lads why she is SA's top female whitewater paddler.

unfortunately Jo got pushed off the line in Gutter 2 connected with some nasty rocks and had to be bagged away from the slow but huge undercut running underneath the boulder

Neil and myself discussing time's and safety

With the normal paddlers done it was hand paddling time again. We decided that we would once again all go at the same time. Some were a bit nervous about going upside down and getting ridden over in the shallow and fast Gutter 2. The decision was made that we would all sprint for the entry of Gutter 2 then as soon as we are in we would fall in behind each other until we are out of the Gutter. As with most things amongst friends on the river nobody was willing to fall in behind anybody else, man it was fun! I was lucky to roll out from underneath Daniel or Luke ending up at the front of the group and held the lead all the way to the finish.

me in the lead just after rolling out from underneath Luke or Daniel

my 3rd arm could have been the advantage

stretching the lead all the way

if philip boofed, the next frame might not have hurt as much...

...look at where Philips head is and where Adam is boofing towards...

"dit was meer van 'n Gwarhaaa!"

friends till the end...

With the 2nd race finished it was to head down to the last race rapid, Camels Humps. This is a long rapid with various lines so paddlers paddled in batches of 2 or 3.

looking up stream at Camels Humps. With everybody on the peanut gallery rock so that they can check lines and carnage

the peanut gallery rock

Shane leading the way

That was the end of the day’s paddling in the canyon. We made the last little bit down to the dam without any hassles. Paddlers competing in the Kayak Ramp got the first boat ride out and the others were left behind with loads of ice cold beer. Ant took control of things and started Big Bang jenga to keep the beers flowing and the humor running high.

Big Bang jenga

Thanks Ant!

….Part 2 is up next….

Pro race results

The Blyde Xfest has grown over the years and each year has been bigger and better. This growth would not have been possible with out our loyal sponsors and for that we say a BIG thank you!

Some of them have been with us since day 1 and some are new friends. So lets have a look at who helps us make it happen for you!

They make having "the best day ever" a lot easier

Fluid Kayaks have been part of the Blyde Xfest from day 1. This year there are 2 half price vouchers up for grabs. Then we have a Big Bang up for auction the bidding will start at R2000 and obviously the highest bidder gets a brand new Big Bang. Fluid Kayaks was started and is still run by Celliers Kruger with the main factory in the small town of Parys on the banks of the Vaal River. Since the first Flirt popped out the mould things have only gotten better. They now have something for everybody from 6-60+ if you want to float they have your boat. My new favourite is the Detox and I go for very regular Detox ing sessions just to make sure I am happ and healthy.

Adventure Sport Lifestyle all in one place for your reading pleasure

Do It Now magazine started as small little rag mag and has grown over the years to a top end magazine with something for everybody. Visit the website for a free 2 year subscription and if you can’t get it in the post then you can read it online. They support many people doing various things helping us to Do It Now!

The best, proven by test and enjoyed by millions doing a million different things everyday.

First Ascent started out in 1989 and has grown over the years to become one of the strongest, highest performing and most trusted brands for outdoor goodies. With the new range of backpacks you can truly kit yourself out from head to do in some of the hardest working and best looking gear there is. I have been using FA gear since 1997 and have never looked back. Come and check out some of their toys at the Blyde Xfest at awesome prices and then test it out during one of the events. 

The most hardworking, functional and fun inflatables

Ark Inflatables have also been part of the Blyde Xfest from the start supplying awesome goodies for the winners of the Croc and Gecko races. They have been producing industry leading inflatables for maningy years. They have something for everybody and after 15 years of using their products I have not had a single bad experience. They use the best of everything and always try to improve designs but that has become more difficult over the years as because the designs are so good.

Your one stop paddling shop for gear, training, trips well pretty much anything to do with paddling.

Whitewater Training is owned by one of SA’s biggest whitewater legends Hugh du Preez. Located on the banks of the Vaal River in the small town of Parys. They have all the gear you could possibly need to get your paddling adventure started and if you can’t paddle then join in on one of their courses. Everything from beginner clinics, freestyle, creeking, guide training and swiftwater rescue can be done through them. Pop in at the shop in Boom Str for expert help and a wide variety of awesome gear. If they don’t have what you need they will make a plan and get it for you.

Nothing compares to these. Super perforamnce and grip in the wet like you wouldn't believe.

Vibram have been making soles for top footwear brands since 1937 and every year they just got better at what they do. Then a couple of years ago they broke the mould for what the world thought footwear should be when they produced the first fivefingers . I got my first pair to test out about 4 years ago and have never looked back. Since the first fivefingers appeared they kept on making them better their is now a wide variety of models to choose from ensuring that there is a fivefinger outthere no matter what you wanna go and do. My favourite’s the Sprint and KSO Trek Sport.

It's Werner do we need to say more?

Thanks to our good friends at PaddleZone in Capetown for the past couple of Xfests there has been a very happy and extremely lucky paddler heading home with a brand new Werner paddle. To win this piece of ultimate paddle performance you will need to impress in all events as it goes to the hardest trying most deserving young paddler at the Blyde Xfest.

With something of everything Hoedspruit Spar is good for you!

Our friendly local Spar has always been happy to lend a helping hand at the Blyde Xfest. Need something to eat, drink, wash yourself, sit on, braai in, pack in well they got loads of everything with helpfull friendly staff always at the ready.

Thanks to Dean Botcher for this little video showing some of the action of the 2010 Blyde Xfest. Make sure you have your entry sorted for your once a year chance to come race in the famous largest green canyon in the world. The Blyde Canyon.

Thanks Dean!

A couple of shots from a Lefty Wave session on the Lower Blyde.

The lefty wave is a rather small but sweet little wave on our home section of the Blyde River. The light was a bit low making photo’s difficult, we also didn’t make the whole trip down back to camp as we encountered one of our more seen but least liked hippos Moomin on the way home and had to abbort the rest of the section.

The 5th annual Blyde Xfest is on the way again and set to be one of our biggest and wettest festivals. Headline sponsors for 2011 are as always our good friends Fluid Kayaks, Do It Now Magazine and a big warm welcome to our new friends First Ascent 

As always we try and make each year better for everybody involved. So we will have everything you could need available right here at the festival grounds: food, drinks, gear sales at special discount Xfest prices from First Ascent, demo’s from Fluid kayaks and free subscirptions from Do It Now magazine. Camping or dorms available.

Limited Edition 2011 Xfest shirts. You must enter to get one!

2011 will see 3 categories in the Pro Race: Pro Race, Wannabe Pro Race (for those who can make it down the canyon but can’t stick it at the same pace as the Pro’s) and the Handi Race (hand paddles).

For the Intermediate kayakers we have made 2 races a long race +-5km, then the sprint race through Grand Prix& Big Deal on the lower Blyde. Beginner kayakers still race the same section thtrough Grand Prix&Big Deal.

Our Big Air ramp took some knocks during the recent floods but it’ll be up and ready come end of Feb with a new slide surface and lip for more speed and air.

Sunday we will still head out for the social paddle on the Olifants Gorge, we should be back around mid day so there is ample time to hit the road home.

To book your spot or for more info drop me a mail on deon@extremelimpopo.com