Myrkdalselvi Invitational Kayak Race (Ekstremveko 2014)
Ekstremveko, « the extreme week » held every year in Voss – Norway is seen now as Europe’s biggest outdoor sport festival. TO keep up with its reputation, organizers keep on pushing the boundaries on all fronts, including making kayaking one of the most exposed sport of the week.
The famous Myrkdalselvi has now joined the ranks of elite kayak racing and is now officially part of Voss Ekstremsportveko for 2014.
A concept often considered by many local paddlers over the years was informally yet successfully attempted by a select few paddlers last year at very high water levels. Benjamin Hjørt and Mark Basso had been discussing the idea behind a Myrkdal race often and with the number of world class paddlers coming back each year it felt only natural that this dream would become a reality. Although the race is a timed event it must be raced in teams of two.
Another highlight is that all racers paddle the river together down to the start line as a warmup and celebration of this classic piece of whitewater. Last year proved amazing because not only is the course challenging but everyone proved it could be paddled successfully at flows of nearly 30 cms on the gauge. No doubt last year’s winners Sam and Jamie Sutton will be looking for a repeat title.
The Myrkdalselvi race aims to bring out the best of the best. This year in order to qualify you must place and choose your race partner from top 20 of the Brandseth race from the previous day. Hopefully you choose someone who will try not to party too hard the night before in the veko tent !
More information about this event can be found on the Exstremsportveko kayaking page. Come join the action on June 27 !
Photo: © Michael L. Storebø
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