Spaces Available On Summer Programs.

The rivers around our home have started to rise in response to the warmer weather. Cars with kayaks stacked on top can be seen going to and from the various put-ins and take outs. Phone calls, emails and message boards have all become active as people make paddling plans.  As you start (or in some cases continue) your kayaking season, we hope you’ll consider joining us on one of our many multi-day, raft-supported kayaking adventures this summer.  We still have spaces on our four- day Rogue, six- day Middle Fork Salmon and two- week long Grand Canyon trips. To learn about the latest availability go to our website www.adventurekayaking.com and navigate to the calendar or the specific trip page.

Our calendar page is also a good place to start if you are looking for stroke clinics or instructor training.  For private instruction just contact us directly.

Guides Corner-Rein in your kayak

Kayaks are wonderful crafts! What better way to transport yourself through remote locations than while seated on your arse? Not far from our house is a fine run that is often part of my spring ritual- it’s called Giant Gap. It’s a spectacular stretch of river with a remote feel that is just the right amount of difficulty, a great tune-up for the harder runs one hopes to do as the snow melts, yet straight forward enough it puts a smile on your face. The only problem with Giant Gap is the put-in trail. More specifically, the two mile, 1900 ft. of elevation loss to get down to the river.

Kayakers on the trail to Giant Gap

When boats were lighter (and I was stronger) I used to just suck it up, throw the boat up onto my shoulder and hike the boat in. My boat was pleased but my back was torqued.

Thankfully, there is a nice layer of fallen leaves on most of the Gap’s trail. A plastic kayak slides easily over this layer, freeing one’s shoulder and back from a Quasimodo-like posture. As with kayaking a river, a little control goes a long way when sliding the kayak down to the river. Here are some reasons I don’t want to just shove my boat off the top of the trail and hope for the best; the safety of others below, the well-being of my kayak and of the trail. If I haven’t motivated you yet, let me mention the Gap trail can be loaded with poison oak; oak on boat can equal rash on boater.

Some time ago I learned a slick little trick from a canoeist who rigged a rope bridle from the bow to the stern.

Dennis Eagan rigs his boat at the trailhead of Giant Gap

The amount of control you gain from this simple method is remarkable. The bridle allows you to steer the boat while at the same time speeding it up or slowing it down. Some folks use their waist slings as the bridle. I find this to be too short unless I extend it with a prussik or two. I prefer more length so that I can stay toward the back of the boat to steer without getting whacked in the shins every time I change the boat’s direction. For that reason I like to use my throw rope. It allows me to fine tune the length and I don’t feel that the bridle application puts undue wear and tear on the rope (very important if you need to use your rope under load for a rescue sometime).

Just enough bridle length for control and to stay out of the way.

If the trail is slopped to the side, or I have to negotiate a switchback, I’ll walk on the uphill side to steer and prevent the kayak from slipping sideways off the trail. To keep the excess rope from unpacking itself during the descent I tie a loop in it where it just comes out of the mouth of the bag and clip it to the bag, the bag is then clipped inside my boat.

Here’s the disclaimer: No matter how careful you are in dragging your boat, you’re going to lose a little plastic on the trail here and there. (Probably not as much as on a run full of killer boofs.) So, pick up after yourself and realize that this method is not appropriate in all situations. There will be times where you just have to suck it up and shoulder the load.

Dragging does have it's drawbacks and is not suitable for all situations.

Borrowing an old trick from canoeists, kayaker John Weld begins a 100 mile upstream passage of a river on Baffin island, Canadian Arctic.

Take it to the water- the above photo shows a kayaker using a longer bridle to work his way upstream against a class I-II river.  By setting the bow at a ferry angle away from shore, the oncoming current keeps it pushed out from the river’s edge while the paddler walks along the bank. Why, you might ask?  You can never have too big of a bag of tricks.

Photos and content ©DeRiemer Adventure Kayaking, all rights reserved.

Ecuador- Season Wrap Up And A Little Time To Relax.

A different kind of surfing. Hammock view from our hotel in Tena.

The end of the season for us is usually a mixed bag of work in the form of closing out the season, preparing for the next season, visiting friends and putting our feet up for a bit.  This year our down time started with us heading back over the hill from Quito to Tena to hook up with Nelson Jr. and his friend Fabricio.  We’ve known Nelson for some time as he and his family own and operate the hotel we use there.  For a number of years now Nelson has expressed an interest in kayaking but our schedules never matched up until now.  We got in a couple of days on the Rio Tena before we all had to get down to the business of Carnival.

Nelson and Fabricio are all smiles on the Rio Tena. Yes, Nelson's paddle is backwards, it was after all, his first day.

Fabricio Toledo is all grins after an unexpected flip and swim.

Mention Carnival to most people and they think of Rio de Janiero with it’s ornate floats, amazing costumes, scantily clad women, boisterous parties and big crowds. Carnival isn’t just for Rio, you can find it in some form or another in many places in the world.  In the US, Mardi Gras (or Fat Tuesday) falls just before the Christian day of “Ash Wednesday”. This day marks the beginning of a forty day period of mourning and repentance known as “Lent”.  If you’re going to have to be on your best behavior for forty days you might as well have a big blow out to hold you over.  In Ecuador it’s about the crowds, parades, parties and water.  Our first introduction to the watery world of this festivity came many years ago as we wandered through a market place in a moderately sized town in the highland region.  We always love to check out markets since it gives you a little insight into what cultures grow, eat, buy and sell.  This particular market was under a roofed-in structure with as much commerce going on outside as in.  It was upon exiting the covered area that we encountered a surprise gantlet of water balloons, pistols and buckets.  In our naivete we had assumed that, as foreigners, we would be spared such a bathing.  On the contrary, one can rack up big points for taking down a gringo.

Spray foam was new on the scene for carnival 2009

Another time we were in the town of Tena with a group and as we drove into town we could see things were heating up with water, flower, used motor oil and paint (I’m happy to report that in recent years the motor oil and paint haven’t appeared).  With our paddling done for the day, we b-lined it to our lodging where we hid.  The only problem was dinner.  Calling out for pizza was an easy solution, the downside was one of us had to fetch it.  There wasn’t even a volunteer process or a game of rock, paper, scissors that I recall that put me on the streets to the pizzeria.  I did my best “Saving Private Ryan” movie moment as I ran from building corner to building corner and hid under bridges to avoid being detected.  While I did see plenty of wet spots on the streets and sidewalks from earlier attacks, I was lucky to avoid any incoming fire.

Normally in Ecuador a flood of people head for the beaches to let off steam and celebrate.  This year they faced a flood of their own in the form of winter coastal rains that hit early and hard.  Every major highway to the coast had been cut by flooding. Bridges were swept away, roads undermined and traffic was crippled.  We sensed that the masses would stay in Quito or look for other places to celebrate. Even Tena could be overwhelmed by the crowds. We were looking for a smaller, more peaceful experience so headed back to Borja and the Quijos valley.

Borja's main street and the BIG Carnival parade.

Small town parade. The driver of this car literally could not see where he was going. He drove over a shovel left in the roadway by the road crew who was still trying to work between passing floats.

When in Borja, and not working trips, you can finds us with our adoptive family, the Roman’s.  We’ve talked about them before in some of our earlier postings. They are a super tight family and are all remarkably hard working.  They have dairy cows, greenhouses chocked full of tomatoes that they grow, and Carmencita, their daughter started up a small, but busy business specializing in baked goods.  Our first day’s lunches during our trips feature her home made empanadas.  If you’re getting married any time soon in Borja she can do your cake. The big news this year is that Leonardo is running for Mayor of the canton Quijos. This si all the region from the town of Papallacta, up to Cosanga, Baeza, Borja and Sardinas.  We’ll know the results on April 26th.

Leonardo, Carmen, Carmencita and Kiki, our family south of the equator.

During our last few days in the Quijos valley we were treated to four straight days of great weather.  We used some of the time to play with Kiki and Carmencita and some of their friends that had come over from Quito.  They were keen to try some kayaking so we loaded up the family’s small truck and headed to a pool on the Rio Quijos that we know about for a late- afternoon intro to paddling.  A really fun afternoon was followed up by a parillada (BBQ) that evening. The rest of the time we dried out kayaking gear and packed it away in preparation for next season.  We’re all set for our 2009/ 2010 kayaking season.Hope to see you there!

Juan Francisco, Carlos and Santiago all attempt to paddle a straight line under the watchful eye of Kiki.

The gang pretty excited after their first "immersion" into kayaking.

A farewell plate of nachos and a beer in Baeza while awaiting the bus back to Quito.

Standing room only. Mary tries to sleep while standing up on the bus during the 2 1/2 hour ride back to Quito.

Photos and content ©DeRiemer Adventure Kayaking, all rights reserved.

Ecuador- Edmundo.

When in Ecuador our trips don’t go anywhere without Edmundo Franco.  He has been our driver for the last thirteen seasons and he literally holds our lives in his hands.  Jump on a bus or in a cab just about anywhere in Ecuador and within minutes you will have your heart in your throat.  To the uninitiated, the driving style seems somewhere between the running of the bulls, road warrior and a game of chicken.  With a plastic Jesus on the dash and a Dios es mi guia (god is my guide) sticker on the back window, many drivers plow down the road with a false confidence that can leave you considering an ox cart for your next trip. Not so with Edmundo.

At the heart of our team in Ecuador is our driver Edmundo Franco (center).

Ed’s driving style is in keeping with his persona, he has a quiet, gentle and patient nature.  Our boating time is sandwiched between his work, so he starts and finishes the day driving.  He knows the put-ins and take-outs like the back of his hand and on more than one ocassion we’ve double checked with him to remind us how long a particular run will take.  He sends us off with a thumbs up and “buenas suerte”, waits patiently while we’re on the water, worries like your grandmother and greets us at the take out with a smile as he collects everyone’s paddles. Then he drives, sometimes it’s just ten minutes to our lodging, other times it’s two and a half to three hours over the hill. Luckily for us we can nap knowing that Ed’s at the wheel. Thanks Edmundo!

Photos and content ©DeRiemer Adventure Kayaking, all rights reserved.

Ecuador- Feb. 7- 15 class IV- The trip that did (almost) everything.

This group was game to sample as much as they could of the areas where we travel , both on and off the river.

Kristy M., Doug N., Mary D., Chris E. and Steve F.

Manuel, the man behind the coldest beer in Ecuador.

Borja to Sala Onda, Bom Bon to Salado, Sardinas to Oyacachi, Manduyacu to Santo Domingo, La Sarena to Puerto Napo, Cotundo to Archidona and Linares to Oyacachi. Rios Quijos, Jondachi, Hollin, Misahualli and Jatunyacu. Seven days of paddling, 4 different rivers and 6 different stretches.

Full flow on this waterfall along the Jondachi means more water downstream when we reach the Hollin.

Loading boats after another great day of paddling.

Storm clouds loom in the background as Doug N. takes a "leg break" on the Upper Misahualli

That was just the kayaking. Throw in a visit to Cascada San Rafael, the cascada on the Rio Malo, a chance to catch up with Pepe at his new butterfly facility along the Rio Napo (don’t knock it until you’ve tried it), an attempt to see the last night of festivities in Tena, and a late night stroll through old town Quito.

Kristy and our driver Edmundo at the waterfall on the Rio Malo.

Leaf detail along the trail to Cascada San Rafael.

Pepe talks enthusiastically about butterflies and other insects at his new facility near Pt Napo.

Owl-eye butterflies getting a clsoer look at each other.

Steve F. of CA. was back for what must be his 10th trip with us in Ecuador, Idahoan Doug N. has been here numerous times, both as a guest and paddling on his own with friends. Kristie M., with whom we have had the pleasure of paddling with on the Grand and the Middle Fork, took time out from triathlons and tele skiing in her home state of Montana to come down, as did Chris E. of D.C. who was just with us on the Rogue last fall.

The party from the week before was coming to an end our last night in Tena. Despite the group's best intentions, fatigue from the day's activities took over and we couldn't last long enough to experience the live music and dancing.

Enjoying a night time walk along La Rhonda in a revitalized section of old town Quito.

A street in old town Quito at night.

Father and son walk the oil pipeline that orginates deep in the jungles of eastern Ecuador.

Photos and content ©DeRiemer Adventure Kayaking, all rights reserved.

Ecuador- Jan.31-Feb.8 Class IV+

First off- great week for kayaking, bad for pictures, so don’t  have your expectations set too high.

It’s not a secret in kayaking, or any other sport for that mater, the higher the skill level of the group, the more options available.  If you’re here for a week, the challenge is having weather and water levels work together.  Knowledge of the runs (we’ve got lots of that) let’s  you take full advantage of your time.  In a year that started off wet, we got a nice break with our class IV+ group.  Bob B., a C-1 paddler from Arkansas was back for his eighth time, Mike W. of Salt Lake was in for number four, and Tom S. of Florida, a fellow who has traveled to over fifty countries, was boating out-of-country for his first time.

I could write something cheesy like " choosing a run is like choosing a fine wine", or I could just be honest and tell you the gang is stocking up before heading out of Quito.

Mary and I had our eyes set on the lower Cosanga, a beautiful, intimate and technical tributary of the Rio Quijos. This would be our goal for the group for day two.  On our first day we balanced the group’s energy level with our desire to warm them up and test them a bit by taking them on a nice run from the bypass bridge to Borja bridge. Doing so also takes you past the confluence of the Cosanga so you can see what you’ve got at that moment.

The Rio Cosanga is a blend of technical rapids and stunning scenery.

On our second day, the river and weather cooperated, allowing us a spectacular run on the lower Cosanga.  We first started with what Mary and I call “the warm up section” above Orito Yacu. This 2 km stretch allows us to make sure the group is feeling good and working together, before committing to the lower run where the road and river quickly part company. Having the full day allowed us to take our time, scout what we needed to, enjoy the drops and take in the scenery.  This run never has a dull moment, but with the flow we had, it was never so pushy as to feel out of control. Cosanga got two thumbs up from the whole group.

Mary and C-1 paddler, Bob B. warm up before heading down Rio Cosanga for another run.

With the rapids of the Cosanga fresh in our minds and the flow only slightly higher we went with our “use it while you’ve got it” philosophy of Ecuadorian rivers and repeated the run.  Having just done it before allowed us to put in at the lower access and move a lot faster.  From the take out we drove to Tena and settled into our hotel for the next three nights.

A sawmill used in the manufacturing of crates for the naranjilla fruit. I wouldn't call it OSHA approved.

On the Tena side we mixed in runs on the Upper Mish, working our way higher to increase the challenge. We also got in a stellar run on the Piatua, from the top.  The Piatua reminds me of a run you might find in the Sierras of California; clean clear water, rounded granite rocks and classic rapids.   The comparison ends right there as soon as you look up from the river itself and see the thick, tropical vegetation.

The group takes a lunch break at "Gorrillas in the mist" on the Rio Piatua.

Returning to the Quijos valley we finished off the week and our seventh day of paddling with a run on the Quijos from Sardinas to the Oyacachi confluence.  The river had some push to it which was in sharp contrast to the other runs we had done up to that point.  Changing gears to the bigger water of the Quijos, we arrived at the take out feeling tired but excited about the week. Thanks Tom, Bob, and Mike!

Any excuse for a party. Fireworks over Tena celebrating the discovery of the Rio Amazon by the Spaniards. The party would go on for a week.

.

Photos and content ©DeRiemer Adventure Kayaking, all rights reserved.

Bhutan Deadline April 20th For Fall 2009 Trips

We are planning two trips in Bhutan this fall; a Class II-III and a Class III-IV+. Because resources for tourists are limited, we need to confirm our lodging reservations for these trips well in advance. The minimum number of paddlers for each skill level is eight. If you are interested, we need your non-refundable $500 deposit by April 20th. If we don’t get the minimum number of participants , your deposit will be returned to you at that time. Click here for details.

This remote and benevolent country is surrounded on three sides by India, and to the north by Tibet. The Bhutanese refer to their country as Druk Yul, which translates to The Land of the Thunder Dragon. Few visitors ever make it into Bhutan and so these people are often more curious about outsiders than the tourists are about them. It is quickly apparent that the fun-loving Bhutanese live out their philosophy of “gross national happiness”, which they consider to be an indicator of their wealth!

In October and November of 2008, 20 paddlers joined us in Bhutan for our Kayak & Cultural Tours. On both trips we loaded buses and trucks with kayaks and people, and paddled and toured as we worked our way east. On the Class II/III trip we traveled as far east as Jakar in the Bumthang district, and on the Class III/IV+ trip we traveled east and south to paddle the Mangde Chu. Along the way we took time to hike, tour villages, temples and ancient monasteries, participate in ceremonial dances, and of course, to paddle Bhutan’s stunningly, pristine rivers.

The kids, the dances, the architecture, the monks, the attitude; the whole culture blew us away! The foreign and exotic became intimate due to English being the second language for many Bhutanese. We had crisp, sunny fall days and cold nights. The harvest of rice, buckwheat and apples was underway, and so, weekly, the landscape changed dramatically. Throughout our stay, we got to interact with the warm and friendly people of Bhutan. And we can’t wait to do it again. If we don’t get enough interest to return in 2009, we will definitely do so in 2010!

Photos and content ©DeRiemer Adventure Kayaking, all rights reserved.

Ecuador- Jan. 10-18 Class IV-

Bryon S. negotiates a rapid on the upper Misahualli.

Ecuador- January 3-11, Class III+

Frank L. stays focused on a boof while Mother Nature does her best to distract him. Upper Misahualli.

When we arrived in country at the end of 2008, we heard that the rain and water levels up to that point had been low. The beginning of 2009 marked the start of the rains as well as the return of three long-time guests and good friends, Henry L., Pete P. and Paul H.. Paul headed up a strong Southeastern contingent including his son, Ken, who put his class V ambitions on hold to paddle with his dad.  Other Southerners were Chuck C., Frank L. and Chris R. Chuck had paddled with us for the first time this past summer on the Middle Fork and will be with us again later this year on the Grand Canyon. New to us were Frank and Chris who had arrived in Quito a few days early (always recommended if you can take the extra time) and set about trying to make a name for themselves in the capital city.

Frank L. makes good use of his extra days in Quito before the start of the trip.

Ecuador- We’re Here Preparing For Our ‘09 Season

Mary approaches a horizon line rapid on the Rio Piatua.

Returning home in early December from our fall season in Bhutan, we did some quick visiting with friends and family before departing for Quito, Ecuador on Christmas day. Not long after our arrival, we traveled over the mountains to the east and the Quijos drainage, the starting point for our whitewater kayaking trips.

Matt Terry busting a move on the Rio Piatua.