Demshitz spent the last week in Colorado basking in the warm sunshine and paddling some of the great playparks the state has to offer. Â Here’s Pyranha’s newest team member Craig Kleckner throwing down in the BV Pro Rodeo.
29
May
Cheekystan? Where’s that?
Is the question that normally gets asked whenever Tajikistan, a little known republic of the former USSR is mentioned.
In a bid to help change this situation, put Tajikistan on the WW map and prove that ‘The Cheeky Girls’ do not come from there, Tom Parker, Chris Eastabrook, Rich Brooks and Dave hollin are going there this September.
Follow their progress at shadowofsonomi.wordpress.com
28
May
Freestyle, Fun and Frolics – First British Freestyle League event at Tryweryn
Last weekend Pyranha ran the first of the British Freestyle League events at Canolfan Tryweryn, North Wales. Fantastic people and even better weather made the event a great success.
Results now online here.
This was the first of 4 national freestyle events in 2010, open to paddlers of all abilities and experience aiming to get more people competing in freestyle across the UK.
The best 2 out of 4 results will be combined to form a league ranking, the winners of the league ranking will be crowned British Champions 2010!
Saturday’s heats took place in the top hole above the ‘chipper’. Although slightly flushy some huge loops, Phonics monkeys and McNasties were being scored. With the legendary Seth Ashworth on the mic egging on both the crowd and competitors the atmosphere was not only exciting but relaxing and friendly! He did take a break eventually throw some big moves in his Molan…
28
May
26
May
Pyrénées Buddies race video.
Another time, Stefun has made a sweet video !
We wait a lot of pyranha buddies the next year … See you in may !-)
26
May
Norway – Getting Political!
 It is my birthday towards the end of May, so for the last two years I have been heading to Norway to celebrate and start the summer kayaking season with a refreshing start at the deep end… Last year I was in Telemark. However, this year there was a bigger cause at stake – saving one of the most beautiful rivers in the world! There are plans afoot to dam the Raundalselva – a chrystal clear river with many many kilometres of incredible white water for every level of kayaker – and beautiful scenery too.
The awesome people at the Voss kayaking club have been very active in fighting these plans (which go against the already existing protection for the river, hard-won in the 80s). If the preservation order is overturned, this could be a precedent for many other rivers in Norway – and as such is hugely important.
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(Me on “Penny Drop” which is just below its big brother, the world renowned “Money Drop”)Â
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A protest was organised for the 22nd of May. Our plans to go to Telemark before heading up to Voss were abandoned after the levels were so high that even my brave viking friends weren’t keen on paddling there.
Levels in Voss were high too – we went boating on the very river that is under threat of being dammed, before heading to the protest. The sky diving club and many other local residents supported the protest, with around 400 people turning up. You can help too by signing the petition here: http://raundalselvi.invoss.com/ – it will literally take you 5 seconds of your time.
More boating followed by an epic party at the skydiving club made for a great weekend – I also managed to get on lots of the usual rivers which seemed very different at such pumping levels and one river I have never paddled before: the Steinelva.
Thanks Voss!
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Protest!
(I took my boat along to support the protest!)
(Lars Georg Paulsen boofs on the Brandseth – Photo Arild Tvilde)
(Andy Phillips shows us how its done on the Brandseth in HIGH levels! – Photo Arild Tvilde)
24
May
18
May
Demshitz Cali Creeking 2010 with Video
DEMSHITZ CALI CREEKING 2010 VIDEO!!!!
Hello Demshitz! Check out this little edit from our past week in California creeking in the NEW BURNS! The boats are killin’ it on these world class California playgrounds and Demshitz couldn’t be more stoked! Enjoy! www.demshitz.com
17
May
Party season has started
Just returned from a superb trip out to Italy. The weather was miserable but the water was excellent. The Sesia valley is an absolute must for any keen white water kayaker. You can go as hard as you want and the camp site has a really nice vibe and fantastic food. In the morning stroll into town, drink coffee and eat fresh Brioche for breakfast. Then take in the beautiful buildings and culture before heading out for well…. four rivers in one day was my best but I didn’t try too hard. There are loads of classic runs all so close together.
It was my second trip to the area and I will definitely be back.
17
May
Pyrenees Buddies Race 2010.
I cooked this event with four friends since two years.
And this week end, we did it !!! The first extrem kayak race made in France.
But the weather wasn’t with us…
It snowed a lot, i agree but it wasn’t a reason to cancel the race. The white doesn’t afraid kayakers.
Sprint race by team, individual and extrem slalom. Everybody were very happy.
Jo Suc, from Marmak team in extrem slalom.
See you the next year buddies.
We book the sun!