HOA Extreme Whitewater Challenge (Japan) – June 10/ 11 2017

The HOA Extreme Whitewater Challenge in Hidaka is in its 7th year .

Starting from and idea of getting local paddlers together of all skills and having a fun weekend on the water. The first year Pat of Hokkaido Outdoor adventures brought out former world Freestyle champion Eric Southwick to give a hand in running the event.

HOA Extreme Whitewater Challenge in Hidaka (japan) ©Pat O’Keefe/kayaksession.com

Since then it has grown into a favourite amongst local paddlers with a whole variety of guest paddlers coming over Ben Brown Rafa Ortiz and lately Bren Orton each giving their own special touch.

The event consists of an extreme slalom, a down river race and a freestyle contest with all competitors competing in all 3 stages with the same boat…With the winner collecting the most point from placings in each event.

HOA Extreme Whitewater Challenge in Hidaka (japan) ©Pat O’Keefe/kayaksession.com

There is a raft race on the Sunday morning after Saturday nights party to get all the spectators and competitors on the water for a fun race and to brush some hangovers.

The event is held an the Saru Gawa ( river ) in Hidaka Town on the Island of Hokkaido .

This year it will be held on the 10th and 11th of june 2017 and hope fully there will be a load of water so all can take advantage of some really nice low volume creeking in the surrounding areas.

More info go to: HOA Extreme Whitewater Challenge

Contact the organizers: hoarafting@gmail.com