Kayak Session #70 – SUMMER 2019

OUT MAY 15th

KAYAK, CURRY, KERALA

When Olaf Obsommer offered Manu Arnu the chance to return to India after 25 years, he couldn’t say no. Lured by memories of delicious food, a welcoming culture, and rumors of enticing new whitewater, Arnu joined Phil Baues, Thilo Schmitt, Nouria Newman, Quinn Connell, and Obsommer in Kerala for what would turn out to be an extraordinary kayak trip; a story of rain, failure, and disaster that gives hope.

MILNER & MURTAUGH

In a whitewater state like Idaho, it takes something remarkable to set a section of river apart. For the elusive Milner Mile and downstream Murtaugh Canyon, located on Idaho’s Snake River, it is the rare combination of big gradient and big volume over a short, action-packed stretch that puts it on the map as one of the best big water runs in the Pacific North West. Though irrigation and the state’s famous potatoes currently take water priority, the Snake also reminds us why boater’s voices are critical in finding a compromise to keep water where it belongs.

MANSO GORGE

Rising off the eastern flanks of Mount Tronador, an extinct volcano near the city of Bariloche, Argentina, lie the crystal clear waters of the rio Manso. Though its name speaks of mild and tranquil waters, the stretch of river running through the Nahuel Huapi National Park has gained worldwide repute for the waterfalls and rapids within its canyon walls. Aniol Serrasolses shares what makes the Manso a classic and a must for any confident grade IV paddler.

INTERVIEW: JOE REA-DICKINS

With long, flowing red hair and shouldering a large, brightly colored kayak, Joe Rea-Dickins is far from inconspicuous in the countries he has made his second home. From Afghanistan and Pakistan to Norway and Morocco, Joe has lapped the globe, kayak in hand. Yet, it is his exploration of the Indian subcontinent that has earned him the well-deserved nickname Mr. India and recently led to the publication of the Meghalaya Rivers Guidebook. Joe shares how Meghalaya captured his heart, the challenges of writing a guidebook, his love of travel, and where we can expect to find him next.