Fluid Kayaks Team

Fellow Fluid kayaker Lachie Carracher and I are currently on a waterfall hunting and 1st descent mission in Laos, South East Asia.

Over the past few days we have traveling, scouting and kayaking around some of the most pristine county side I have ever seen. The forests spread as far as the eye can see and the density of the trees make the distance the eye can see very limited. In the forests lies not only one of the only wild tiger populations in the world, but an assortment of very dangerous snakes and spiders. The density of the forest also makes getting lost a very real danger. Apart from the natural dangers in the forest, Laos’ history of being one of the most bombed countries ever makes the running into unexploded ordinances a substantial risk .We have, thus, concluded that we shall only walk when there is a very good path or it is an absolute imperative.

We have had two solid days on the water. The 1st day we paddles the lower section of the Champi river which ended in a fun 20 or so foot waterfall. This waterfall has been kayaked previously and made for a good introduction to Laos’s whitewater. After a debate on the appropriate line I opted to run it 1st. My line involved me hanging hard left to boof on to a kicking flume which would eject me strait out the falls, All worked well there, plugged the drop a little deep but the line worked out effectively. Lachie was up, he entered about 10 meters further to the right getting denied entry by the great flume fall causing his to fly off right precariously close to the river right wall. No issues though as he found himself on the flat water below instantly…. Smiling and celebrating.

Craig on the 20 footer

Lachie doing it.

The next couple days were spent scouting a number of terrifying looking waterfall around the Bolaven plateau. One of the most interesting drops was Champi falls, a 45 or so footer. This waterfall has a tricky lead in and lands very close to daunting rocks. We are still keeping this one on the to do list depending on how the trip goes.

Today, Lachie and I went on a two hour drive up north to scout further waterfalls. We ended up finding two that were “good-to-go”. The 1st had a fast flowing tricky entrance rapid which ended on a ‘kicker’ which fell about 12 feet onto a rock slab. Due to Lachies recent recovery from a severely broken ankle I was up 1st again. The entrance went well and the landing, although hard, was not an issue as I slammed my bow down onto the hard surface as about a 45 degree angle to take all the force. What a line!!! I went to check the footage only to realize that our camera man had MISSED IT. So tempting fate I walked up again and put on. This time, as karma wound have it, I was pushed a little further right and in an effort to correct I dropped my bow early landing way too vertical denting in the bow of my Fluid Solo and having more of a wake up impact on my back legs (After a couple glasses of hot water and a hanging kayak the dent has gone and my back is feeling slightly stiff but not sore).

After seeing my impact Lachie opted not to run this one and safe himself for the next drop. The next drop has a couple big holes leading onto a 10 food drop hitting a kicker which instantly lead to a further 20 foot drop. Lachie went, after only a short scout, and stuck the waterfall. After loosing some of his speed with the entry holes he left the drop slightly right of point and after getting kicked hard right (again) towards the cliff face he rolled up unscathed. He stuck it! I went second, this time with an audience growing on the cliff face. I Iined up further right to miss the holed. As such I went off the drop slightly right of point hitting the kicker hard and flying forward hitting the water below dead vertical. I rolled up thinking that everything was perfect. My old faithful paddle had, however, taken some of the impact and now was limited to only a left blade. I managed to get into the river right eddy half way down the next rapid with out any serious issues. Both the drops today were, according to the locals, 1st descents. What a day!

Lachie after his 1st Descent.

Today was the 1st occasion where I have been able to use my WRSI face attachment for proper creeking. Having a full face helmet helps regain some peace of mind when heading into a scary looking rapid and its ability to be detached means that you don’t have to cart two helmets around with you.

Tomorrow we are planning on paddling the never before kayaked upper Champi river. Apparently this section should hold a couple fun drops amongst its steep gradient and as with the rest of Laos is going to be absolutely spectacular.

Keep an eye on www.lifebywater.com/laos2008 for an up to date report on our happenings in Laos.

Good lines

Craig Rivett 09/09/08