Jordalselva - Norway

Tyler Bradt - another satisfied customer on the Jordalselva - Norway

Although the taps around Voss turned on over a month ago, the emergence from winter can take a while this far north in the hemisphere. A sleepy hometown feel remains prevalent while locals climb into drysuits and get first pick on the lines flowing once again throughout the valley.



But now the page has turned to June, and the summer pilgrimage of VW transporter vans are once again on the move. In the weeks leading up to extremsportveko Voss will change into a paddling destination with few rivals. Foreign license plates, loaded roof racks and happy kayakers will soon be located under the endless Norwegian sun.


Tyler Curtis knows the feeling

First on the scene from across the Atlantic in an early season surprise were huck bosses Ian Garcia and Tyler Bradt. The week was eventful with the two of them dropping among others a big 1st D waterfall descent up in Eksingadalen and finding the rest of the classics at perfect flow. Raundal, Urdland, Stranda, Myrkdal, Brandseth, and if you really can endure the extra 15 minutes of driving, time to hit the Jordalselva.


Local flight technician Dag Sandvik

The Jordal (your-dal) valley is hidden between the mammoth walls cutting down to Gudvangen and a branch of the Sognefjord. Only a few more kilometers past the Brandseth, you'll know you're heading the right way when you begin the dark ascent up the road through a steep tunnel system before emerging into mountain paradise.



Two sections are available up on the Jordalselva. From way up out of the lake, the popular guidebook section offers mostly friendly drops in between easier rapids down to the waterfall and takeout shortly after. Option two means putting in at the bridge above the classic Jordal waterfall and paddling down to the next bridge just above the entrance to the road tunnel. This short hard stretch will put a lot more on your plate with a mix of extreme gradient, gorge drops and even more airtime.


Mariann Sæther still brings it



The notable rapids are easy to find. After the Jordalselva 30', the river mellows for a couple of kilometers before turning into a 600m inferno of powerful drops. Some of this can be too much to handle depending on the flow and perhaps who the cast of characters are. On this day the boys named Tyler had a go at the last few moves before taking the exit ramp into a greasy hole.


T-Bradt comes in hot.

Immediately after the slide is the technical challenge of the day. A three channel waterfall with only the left line runnable and a must make right to left drive to make it there. Consequences are severe on this rapid so scout and plan accordingly.


TC - second waterfall on the section....go left!

Nearing the takeout, one more big slide remains that likes to put you very close to the left wall. On this day it took a couple of us for a roll and also removed some plastic and skin from important places. In the end a few knicks and scrapes couldn't keep the all star friends and weather from making the day a perfect 10. The going is definitely good and we hope to see everybody back in the land of plenty soon. It's going to be another spectacular summer in Norway.


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Bygdelva - Norway

Benjamin Hjort drops in on the local fishin spot. Bygdelva - Norway

Norway's golden triangle road trip brings you through Hellesylt, where the Langdelselva and Bygdelva meet each other in Norway's spectacular branch of the Storfjord. Flemming Schmidt and Benjamin Hjort called this area home for a few seasons and shared many whitewater discoveries. On one side of town the Landelselva drops into the fjord as a massive cataract full of lines that few are ready to attempt. At the opposite end of the bay the Bygdelva doesn`t look quite as menacing. All that changes significantly as you head a few kilometers up the valley.



On a return to the Sunnylvfjord drainages last summer things started and ended with some interesting drama off the river. Local fishermen who claimed to have ownership to one of the classic final drops on the Bygdelva tried a few moves at preventing us from putting on. A decision to go ahead and give it a go despite the tensions downstream ended being a good move.


Action just below the put in.

The guidebook description of the Bygdelva mainly describes a short upper section coming directly out of the lake. Here things get going quickly with three nice rapids followed by another two challenging drops all within the first 400m. Two big moves at the end of this section can be scouted on either shore.


Benji H. working the second of the two last drops before the dam.

This first stretch along the road ends abruptly with a diversion dam pulling a rather large percentage of flow from the creek. Depending on water levels this may or may not be an issue. Good things await those wishing to continue into a tight gorge beginning just downstream and low flows are needed.


Scott Feindel coming out from the gorge section.

Walking along a blueberry infested river left, you can peer into the depths of the entire canyon section. It should look manageable without so much of the original water amount, however technical moves and a few hole bombs are still required inside a place with no portage options.




A sweet slide just before the water comes back from the dam.

After the mini gorge, the going remains very good. The water comes back from the pipes, and after another distinct horizon line, the last of the gradient heads down to sea-level. These final big slides with the water returned to normal flows can be checked from the road and certainly make for a perfect ending to another amazing Norwegian creek run.



Norway has a rich history in fishing traditions and regulations governing local sport fishing also mean that locals pay huge for this opportunity. The Bygdelva is certainly not a private river in Norway, but remembering that fishing is popular on many whitewater runs and showing respect for their sport is always important.


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Clore Canyon, BC - Canada

Bryce Shaw heading up the quality control in the Clore Canyon, BC - Canada

The Grand Canyon of the Clore remains a fascinating series of topographical lines on the explorer's map. It has repeatedly sparked the interests of paddlers within and beyond the local northern BC paddling community.


Chris Robberts and Scott Feindel.

Local adventure boaters Shane Spencer and Natou Kurtz have led many of Northwest BC's creek discoveries for nearly a decade, all the while the Clore being one of their hometown specials. Access to the canyon however, despite being just upstream of the normal 'flintstone' section, was one of those special places requiring the use of jet fuel.


Getting the green light in the morning mist.

In the late summer of 2007, Corey Boux and Shane Spencer among others, had the luck of a courtesy drop by a heli being used to shuttle workers around in the area. Not only did the helicopter open doors to a 1st D, it dropped them right above 'goods central' and eliminated the more probable float plane route via Bernie Lake, which includes 25 kilometers of scenic class II.



A year later word on the street was the Clore Grand Canyon was certainly a sweet place. Most notably was 'yes' it could have taken more flow, but unfortunately 'no' the heli guys were not doing anymore drops to kayakers on someone else's wallet.


Kavu day heading into the Howson Range

This autumn the stage was set for another local attempt by Natou, Roger Fehr and Pat Colgan. All 3 were more than happy to land on floats in Bernie Lake, cruise the upstream scenery and paddle stern heavy with beer and steaks for an extra day or two. They would soon welcome partially unexpected additions by myself, Scott Feindel and the KWest boys fresh off their Dean adventure. Instantly our flight load tripled in size as we met on an early September morning in Smithers BC.


Roger Fehr making sure the 12 pack is handy before pushing off - Day 1.

Out of the lake and into the previously unrun stretch of the Bernie River, the current took us faster than expected and provided our group 2 full scenic afternoons of eating and drinking away our excessively deluxe camping cargo before entering the looming gates of the Clore Canyon.


White man camp at Bernie/Clore confluence - Day 2.

With more flow than the 1st descent, day 3 started loud and heavy as the Clore's towering walls closed around us in a spectacle of class IV and V boulder fields. Once committed to the gorge proper, over 10 kilometers of classic BC canyon stand between you and the exit.


Chris Robberts charging away on day 3

The first rapid at the canyon entrance is an easy river left scout and could be considered your determining gauge to the difficulty of the run from this point on. If the rapid is nothing more than a ledge boof into the runout, the rest of the canyon will provide.

On point.

If the rapid requires a challenging left to right through pushy class IV then the canyon is prime and by no means a booze cruise anymore.


Sean Allen first to agree with the perfect flow.

It's safe to say that if the entry rapid to the Clore Canyon appears to be showing fangs of concern, you will be in uncharted waters if you continue around the corner.


David Faubert emerging from the sweet long corner rapid.

The Clore Canyon is another example of premier adventure boating in the remote BC wilderness. Flights with Alpine Lakes Air will put a 7-seat Turbo Otter into Bernie Lake headwaters within 25 minutes. In finding the takeout drive far up the Clore FSR as far as you can or ask someone in town. Thanks to the Terrace paddling community who live life far from the maddening crowds and continue to explore the wide open spaces of Northwestern Britsh Columbia.

Canadian Pilsner wrap-up at the take-out with the hosts.

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Stikine Grand Canyon, BC - Canada

Lesson in perspective. Stikine River, BC



The Stikine needs no introduction. Easily representing the genuine mental and physical game in North American expediton kayaking, it's one of the greatest river experiences that might ever cross your whitewater path.


1st Canadian team decsent since Jody Schick-Ken Madsen (1993).


Corey Boux starts day 2 on the rocks - Site Zed portage

Over 25 years have passed since the legendary first attempt of the Stikine produced the definitive level in which all other rivers would be challenged. Even in the present, only a small number of paddlers have experienced a perfect combination of whitewater isolation, beauty and adventure.





Winter now fast approaches in Northern BC and the window to one of the finest peices of whitewater canyons on earth will close for yet another 10 months. Approaching 25 successful descents and a year with 9 new faces this mystical place lives up to it's reputation far from any beaten path.





When the Stikine beckons the next in line, prepare for the trip of a lifetime and ride the dragon well. (photos Jordie M. & Scotty F.)




The Stikine class of 2008

Ian Garcia
Evan Garcia
Lane Jacobs (2nd D)
Tyler Bradt
Rush Sturges
Cody Howard
Ben Hawthorne
Corey Boux (2nd & 3rd D)
Mark Basso
Scott Feindel
Jordie McKenzie


58 degrees latitude BC


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Lower Myrkdalselvi - Norway

Daniele Tira critically amassing the abundant flow on the Lower Myrkdalselvi, Norway

Creek ninjas unite for another take on Voss's classic whitewater scene. In Norway there are two types of heart pumping Grandiosas - the 10 dollar fatty pizzas that keep the budget creeker nourished while on tour, and the supersized triple combos complementing the full-course stuntman buffet known as the Lower Myrkdalselvi.



Always waiting for devotees come early/mid summer, the Myrkdal is the savvy creeker's bread and butter in Voss. A large catchment in a wet scandic wonderland, a valuable internet gauge, a 30 minute drive to the show.... and there you are - front row seat with a whole lot about to go down.


Michele Ramazza skips the previews when at the show - entry boof.

With sunshine and perfect flow for the taking as we finally had the other day, it was no wonder myself and the Italian Paparazzi had their wide angles exposed. Fortunately the Michele/Daniele duo also brought their craving to run-the-shit with them. With hardly an appetizer into the run the Myrkdal cooks up the first 3-course triple slide, which at high flows is easy on the eyes but hard on the stomach.


Main dish triple slide - pumping @ 20 cms+

After the triple slide comes a short break before leading into the second triple whammy. Here the Myrkdal serves up another well packaged drop times three. Here you're looking for a center right on 1, either way on 2 and righty boof on 3.


Triple D - second set


....and then mo'

Two more slides high on the satisfacto-meter await just downstream before you're faced with an easy portage around the Myrkdal's biggest drop. A beautiful fossen typicaly found in Norway's Hordaland region. Skirt the grass pasture on river right and look for the well worn trail back down to the river.



Immediatley below the portage awaits one of the nicest boof to slide combos anywhere. High water forms an easy line down the left but almost any line off the top will go and have you grinning at the bottom.



From start to finish the Lower Myrkdalselva hardly takes a break in between the whitewater that the run is so famous for. The final drop before the takeout is less of a dice roll than most consider, however the hole at the bottom will always be ready to turn you inside out on the way through. Overall a kavu day over here in Voss with team Italia and the sunshine.


Ramazza - last dose before takeout

There are mentions of 15cms being enough but the river certainly goes with much more. Portaging the triple slide at certain flows on river right can be a wise choice and hardly detracts from the overall Myrkdal experience. Myrkdal guage can be found here






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Teigdalselvi - Norway

Mariann Sæther reminds us of what whitewater dreams are made of -Teigdalselvi, Norway

NONE of these incredible photos would be possible without the determination and eddyless probing of many drops from the Norwegian creek slayer and fine photo g Benjamin Hjort.

Those who have made the journey or have been born lucky can fully attest to Norway's epic whitewater ownage. Yet almost no other creek in Norway truly represents this fact more than what is found up in the Teigdal valley a short distance from the town of Voss.


Andy Phillips firing the day off - entry falls.

Norway's Teigdalselvi is what class V paddling really exemplifies. It's that steep gleaming Rolls Royce of-a creek that grabs your utmost attention on the first paddle stroke. Blazing adrenaline within 300 meters, huge slides, clean waterfalls and a world famous 60 foot conclusion to a day that renders your body at least comfortably broken, if not more.


Greg Dashper waxing the second slide.

And so one of the best Monday missions ever took place under perfect blue sky with an international and renowned cast. With Tyler, Mariann and Logan racing down from a flooded Sjoa valley to join the annual "once we were warriors" gathering, this years Teigdal pilgrimage would prove sizeable and include 5 new raw huck-meat faces. As the magical 'double drop' came into view at the takeout, the question would remain whether anyone would give in to the ultimate double plunge sacrifice when the big moment arrived.


Tyler Curtis looking to rejoin the crew just above the second falls.

Oddly enough, Norway's awesome guidebook hardly mentions what lurks above the takeout falls. Without the double drop even being thrown into the mix, the Teigdalselvi is still creek perfection. Loudly strumming a tune in between continuous technical class IV to something that goes a little like: box-entry 25, slide 30, slide 45, boof 20, wee-boof, portage 35, possible slide 50, drop a-many, damn ugly 35, auto 10, disappearing act 25.


Logan Grayling readys the pose for big expectations downstream.


TC staring into the face of the nasty 2for3 Notter drop.

As the afternoon sun beat down good lines and big smiles were across the board. However the flow was recognizably higher than when we had put on. This became quite apparent on the near vertical slide before double drop as each slightly different lead-in approach produced a similar go-deep-and-wonder result.


Heading into the 5 count cavity-clearing abyss.


Mikey Abbott - Multiple Teigdal descents and a sweet line leader above double drop.

Ultimately the misty gates to an unforgettable horizon line were before us, and the time of reckoning had come. As fresh meat dangled on the doorstep the legendary Mike Abbott and Benji Hjort took care of business early and rode the express elevator to the bottom in style. Original drop claimer Allan Ellard found a perch and pressed the media button and so it was time for the rest of the circus to take to the air.


Basso first six of sixty - got boof?

Highlights to a memorable double drop huck extravaganza included a BIG duffek stroke, 2 nail-biter left lines off the top, flying pigtails, Michele Ramazza's Italian precision, some bloody facial hair, the worlds fastest combat roll, and an unintended brace to freewheel demonstration from a po-dunk Canadian with an ugly van.




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Osola - Switzerland

Time to stay left on the Osola - Switzerland

Having to throw the kayak on the shoulder and spend an hour or more hiking to access the creeking goods is quite unheard of in the road developed backcountry of Switzerland. Yet for the Osola, hiking is defnitley worth the price of admission when the road stops and the bedrock slides appear up the valley.


Toro Rogenmoser heading into battle.

The Osola is a major tributary to the legendary Verzasca River in the heart of Switzerland’s Tessin region. Over the years the Osola has lured the likes of many big names in padding to its slides and has sent almost everyone home with either big grins, big swims, battered boats or aching bodies.


Julian Stocker in transition on the Osola.

After being to both, one could almost compare the action-packed low volume Osola to Montana’s Big Timber Creek. The hike is beautiful, the volume wee-bity and the gradient more than average. Still this is the Alps, and if the surrounding peaks, wildflowers and ancient homesteads presenting themselves don’t convince you that you're in Euro-paradise, then following quality Swiss kayakers down high alpine runs for 2 weeks certainly will.


Lucas Wielatt finds the auto-launch.

Severin Haberling - Swiss Alp home turf.

Finding the Osola is none harder than driving up along Val Verzasca, crossing over to the river right side of the valley and hitting the small town of Brione. If the main Verzasca is flowing above 20-25 cms then the Osola should go. Even if the creek under the road bridge appears to be a scrape of only a few cms, it won't necessarily be a sign of the paddleable levels found on the narrow bedrock slides well upstream.


Michelle Basso having a go on another flume.

From Brione a very narrow road winds along river left for about 4 kms until it ends at a most probable takeout for the Osola in splendid Swiss postcard fashion. Continuing up the same side of the valley on foot past the goats and rock fencing will reveal some of the steepness the Osola booms, including a gonzo slide with a partial landing zone.


Lukas Wielatt getting a good view.

Please mind the cave below on the right.

Even if this drop isn't to be found in your daily bag of tricks, the Osola hides many more surprises upstream. Although the trail gets quite steep in a few areas, it's worth the trudge until you're well past crossing the footbridge taking you to the opposite side of the creek.

Julian Stocker losing altitude near the put-in.

Although most of the rivers in the Swiss Tessin make up a classic zone in the whitewater realm, the Osola is a standout for those looking to get a big dose of fresh air and altitude adrenaline while going up and certainly falling down the valley. A big thanks to Olaf Obsommer for the tales of woe and to Toro Rogenmoser for quality snaps and the temporary full-face loan.

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