Vaniljesaus – The Movie!
It’s here at last!
Vaniljesaus – A Norwegian Odyssey, taking you from the rivers of Valdal, North to Hattfjelldal, and even inside the Arctic Circle in search of adventures by kayak.
Enjoy!
Nick & Finn.
A Summer Season Photo Summary
As the good(ish) weather officially comes to an end here in Europe, I thought i’d put up a post with some of my favourite pictures of the spring/summer season. I managed to squeeze in two trips to the Piemonte/Ticino regions, before heading north, as ever, to Norway. This season we did some more exploration, both in central Norway, and further north, as well as paddling a number of rivers which have been secretly documented in some detail over the past few years, and since the publication of this online guidebook are set to become classics.
These are some of my favourite shots, huge thanks go to the photographers, as well as the people in them!
First up – I finally caught the Devil’s slide at the perfect level, in the right mood. Huge thanks to Adam Dumolo for taking this photo whilst simultaneously doing safety for this one.
Next, an excellent shot from Tom Parker of a sweet boof in the Lower Sermenza Gorge. I’ve been absoulutely loving my Harlequin Fuse Jacket, definately the comfiest shell garment ever, and coloured to match everything!
Lakeside camping in Hattfjelldal, Norway. Is this the best paddling destination in Europe?
Next up a shot by Hugh Graham, of Finn Burrows lining up for a rinsing. Dusj-boof (Shower-boof in Norsk)on the Susna. One of the most fun rapids anywhere, especially in high water, when it becomes Wipeout-boof.
This shot was taken by a friendly local, who regularly fishes the pool below this fall. Yours truly, on the first descent of Storfossen, on the Herdalselva, near Valdal.
Due to the trees being harvested on the right hand bank of the Mikkemus-elva, there was excellent light for photos for the first time tis year. Here Hugh Graham hits the perfect line. Watch out for Hugh, he’s one of those people who makes everything look a bit too easy.
Finally, a shot of Finn I took on the incredible Tverraga, another first descent and a true gem of a river way up inside the Arctic Circle.
I’m now back in the UK for a while, waiting for storm fronts to roll in and dump their goods in the hills. The new Mambas will be arriving soon and I can’t wait to get mine out and flying.
See you on the river!
Nick
Vaniljesaus – film trailer…
Hi all. We’re back in the UK and work has begun on the film we’re making of this summer’s Norwegian Odyssey.
It’s called Vaniljesaus (Pronounced Vanilla Jesus), and will be released online here on the Palm Blog within the next few weeks. For now here’s a sneak peek….
Vaniljesaus – Trailer from Nick Horwood on Vimeo.
More coming soon…
Finn & Nick
News from the North!
Hello all!
I’ve been on a mission to the north of Norway!
We’ve had an epic trip involving Lemmings, stitches, hiking, driving, and of course, lots of paddling!
We’ve enjoyed first descents in the Baieraaga, Tverraaga, and Graataaga (the rivers up north are called aaga, not elva), and lots more!
The above photo is of Jasper Polak on the first descent of a big slide on the Tverraaga.
We camped for several nights on the shores of lake Krutvatn:
This year was a lemming year; every 3-4 years the population explodes leading to mass panic and bizarre confrontational behaviour from the lemming population. This means regular hilarious standoffs with a brown furry ball the size of a hamster.
One of the highlights of the Hattfjelldal (Hat-mountain-valley) area of Norway was the Upper Susna, with its classic pool drop fun.
It features one of the most fun drops in the world, the Dusj boof (shower boof) which involves boofing and disappearing completely into a white curtain. here Hugh Graham prepares to take a rinsing…
After a few days in Hattfjelldal we headed further north to Beiardalen in search of new adventures and first descents…
First up was a river called the Graataaga, which involved a beautiful clean, bouldery class 3 – 4 gorge, a perfect warm up.
After some further scouting, and a couple of projects to save for higher/lower water, Hugh and Jasper stumbled across an absolute gem, in the form of the Tverraaga. This involved a steep hike in the baking sunshine, but we were rewarded with a steep continuous selection of amazingly fun slides, boofs, and a picturesque swimming pool at the takeout!
A super clean, fast slide – I claimed 1st run on this baby.
A bouncy number – some carnage on this one, but nothing major!
My run of the big slide!
Catching some air off a kicker half way down. This one is pretty fast!
Finn Burrows at the exit of a tight gorge:
Stay posted for more pictures to come soon! There will also be a mini movie with footage of all of our adventures!
Big thanks to the team, which was Finn Burrows, Hugh Graham, Jasper Polak, Tom Parker, Sarah Nash, Yours Truly (and shuttle bunies/chefs Em and Tebb).
Big love, see you on the water!
Nick
White Gold in Norway!
We’ve been on a mission filming and boating in sunny Valdal this week, and this morning we stumbled across this beauty! Pretty sure it’s a first descent, and it’s called Storfossen, on the Herdalselva.
Stay tuned for more pictures and updates coming soon!
Nick & Finn
Early season Alps + The Devil’s Slide
Hello all!
I’ve just returned from a last minute, unplanned trip to Ticino + Piemonte. After a frustratingly dry winter season I was desperate for some boating, so last week hopped in a car with Adam Dumolo and drove south on a whim in search of some steep action. Starting in Ticino we had some low water fun on the Verzasca and Ribo rivers, before heading south to the incomparable Valsesia for some freeride practice on the Egua, as well as an adventure into the Sorba’s Sawmill cataract.
In a hole – low water Verzasca…
Here are some images from the trip – Check out the new Atom Jacket in action, it’s the comfiest I’ve ever paddled in, and bombproof too.
The highlight of the trip for me was getting the chance to run the Sorba’s Sawmill Cataract, home of the Devil’s Slide. First run by Shaun Baker back in the 80s, this drop remains one of the big challenges in Val Sesia, and I’ve scouted it a few times over the years, but never at a good level.
With the sun shining, and water levels low, but not too low, we headed into the canyon, which features 3 incredible drops, with the Devil’s slide the final and biggest one.
This is the slide as seen from above, and the angle from which you first inspect it. Looks pretty different once you’re down there…
The second rapid of the canyon is an amazingly fun 6m twisting boof into a small canyon, which then drops over a small (2m?) ledge:
Once here, the options are to either abseil down the rocks and jump in below the slide, or commit to the big one…
The crux of the Devil’s Slide is a super boily, retentive cauldron half way down, which a few people have had severe beatings and long swims in. From above it looks friendly, but once down in the canyon it’s a different story, and landing in this cauldron in control, is a tricky but crucial move.
With only two of us there setting up safety wasn’t easy, but with some nifty ropework Adam was able to cover the pocket for me and snap a couple of pictures too.
The whole thing went super smoothly, and once in the slot it was white out all the way to the halfway cauldron. Definately one of the more intense yet fun rapids I’ve ever run.
From below the thing is pretty spectacular, you’re a long way down in the bottom of a deep canyon.
After a day’s missioning it’s back to Campertogno for some fresh Italian coffee.
We also took the chance for some Freeride practice ahead of the Gene17 Valsesia River Festival in May. This drop is amazing fun, and the competition should be ace!
A video still of a big hammer…
Spring is here, and I’m fired up for the summer’s adventures, so watch this space…
Also, best of luck to Pringle & Katya in the Whitewater Grand Prix next week!
See you on the river,
Nick.
Scouting and Filming: The Mellte
Hey all, I managed to escape for the day on Sunday for a quick mission to the beautiful Mellte in South Wales. The river was at a really fun level, and as well as the usual fun lines, we went for a scouting mission nearby.
The spectacular put on for the Mellte – Pic from Tom Layland
Finn Burrows and myself scouting a huck. My Stikine suit is now 3 years old and still going. Top piece of kit. – From Tom L
Here are a couple of video stills for the day, we started filming for a short movie project I’m working on, so watch this space.
Filming by the ever talented, though currently injured Finn ‘Magic Ankle’ Burrows.
Thanks to Tom Layland and Finn B for a most excellent day out.
Spring’s not far off now, keep it wholesome, and pray for rain.
Nick H
Some Summer Sun – Memories from Norway
So I’ve been stuck here in the lovely UK for a while now, technically a student again, but pretty much working a full time job as a teacher. With the exception of a few cheeky runs in Devon and South Wales, the paddling season hasn’t been the busiest. The brutal cold has now briefly let up, but with the rain gods still not offering any proper rain, I’ve found myself longingly looking back at this summer’s adventures. Here’s a recap, I hope to have something new and exciting as soon as some more of the wet stuff comes around…
Here are some of my favourite pics from the season to inspire anybody else who’s cold and can’t paddle. Enjoy!
Hang time on the Gronda -- if you hit this one right you can fly!
Throwing down on the Egua -- Look out for the Gene17 Freeride cup, coming this spring…
An epic trip down a very short section
Something new in the Heart of Norway -- A hike is worth the reward.
Hugh ‘Huge’ Graham steps up and straps on…
My Favourite River -- Pocket sized fun for all the family.
The first time you run this one, you’re not allowed to look -- follow the rules and you’ll be rewarded!
Another pocket sized classic, and one of Fleming’s ex homeruns -- the Bygdelva
Always time for some soul surfing on the Sjoa playrun -- this, for me, is why we kayak.
Some more shots from Satu V.W. -- an Evening session at Jolgens, back again this year!
Paddle throw -- pushing the frontiers of freestyle.
A Helix in the Crazy -- Yours truly
The ever creative Finn B bringing back the old school:
My Vengeance -- fast, spanky, and radical.
Hope you liked the pics, Here are some key lessons I’ve learned this Year:
1) Say yes to yellow -- My colour scheme was on fire this year, but just wait for 2011!
2) Go for a hike, you never know what’s waiting for you!
3) Don’t always just pile on down after your mates. Better to take a little longer but make it look good: Inspect, and then throw down!
4) If you’ve got Gnarly Boots, put them on, it’s time to get extreme.
4 b) Before you put them on, make sure everybody knows about that cave.
5) Never underestimate the energising power of a soul surf.
Check out some excellent footage of this summer’s adventures in Norway, as well as excellent action from Iceland, Russia, Nam, Thailand, and some other parts too in Max Bilbow’s new film which premiered last month, available now from mopmovie.com, or your local kayak shop.
Means of Production 2 from Max Bilbow on Vimeo.
Glitz, glamour, and kayakers -- the Mop 2 Premiere:
Some of these adventures are also available in Finn and Hugh’s Norway adventure, an excellent series of vids, which can be found here:
Enjoy!
A Monster Slide In Central Norway…
‘It’s probably 100 metres long, in a gorge, but clean, and totally runnable. It doesn’t look very Norwegian though. The rock is kind of sharp…’
This was Hugh’s opening gambit, and the first thing I heard of the slide. He and Finn had been on a hiking mission and discovered what sounded like an absolute gem with a short hike in. Two days and a short-ish hike later, and we were stood looking at the thing. 100 m it turns out, was a conservative guess, and ‘clean’ had been downgraded to ‘pretty clean’. After scouting the rest of the river to discover a jagged Icelandic nightmare, we were just left with what later turned out to be about 170m of twisting slide, at the bottom of 30-50 m of walled in gorge.
Based on expert navigational information from our expedition technical adviser Gaute, we had chosen the shorter, steeper ‘over the mountain’ route (see above photo – x marks the car and the arrow our route over ). This turned out to be a bushy nightmare followed by a loose scree slope, which as you might have guessed is less than fun to climb with a kayak on your back.
So feeling a little sore yet keen for some actual boating, we decided that the slide was good to go, and I immediately discovered that somewhere on the hike I had lost my helmet. Hugh was keen to go first, and I (feeling like a prize chump) offered to photograph his run. After crossing the river and hiking down to the slide, we were gutted when Hugh signalled to us that the entrance drop didn’t really go, however the rest of the slide was still looking good and after finding his way down, Hugh had one final scout, and pushed out into the current…
The slide itself forms a long twisting s-bend, and there is no point on the bank from which you can see more than half of it. We were therefore only able to watch Hugh negotiate the first half of the monster before watching him come flying out of the exit a worryingly short amount of time later.
Having watched Hugh style the top half and come out grinning, I was feeling confident, and he kindly lent me his helmet for my run. As it turned out, the second part of the slide, after the right hand bend is significantly steeper, bouncier, and harder to control than anticipated. Curlers which looked insignificant from above turned out to be head high , and once into the steep part of the slide it was a white out all the way to the bottom.
After our two successful runs we were stoked but pretty worn out, and decided to hike back to the car, leaving our gear up by the river, to return the next day. My helmet, it turned out, was embarassingly still perched on the roof of my car.
The next morning Finn, who’d opted out of carrying his boat up due to an ankle injury, borrowed Hugh’s boat, whilst I crossed the river to find a photo angle of the steep part of the slide from river right:
The above picture shows the steeper part of the slide with Finn for perspective, and below is the final part.
Finn and Gaute both had sweet lines, although a slightly lower water level and a bonier ride resulted in them both coming out backwards, if still mostly in control.
So after two epic days adventuring, involving around 8 hours of hiking and 60 seconds paddling each, we headed to the nearby Bakery in Lom for coffee and the world’s best cinnamon buns.
Team photo from left to right: Myself, Hugh, Finn, and Gaute.
After close examination of satelite images, we measured the slide to be around 170 m long, and we think it loses 25 – 30 m in height. Throughout the mission we’d come to know it affectionately as ‘The Megatron’, which seems for now, to have stuck.
I’ll leave you with a photo of one of the local ‘guardians of The Megatron’, thanks to Finn Burrows.
Stay posted for more pictures and adventures, and a full video coming soon…
Take it easy,
Nick
(Photos from Nick Horwood and Finn Burrows.)
Italia Pt III – In which Luke and Nick encounter a boar, before a huck and a mini epic…
It was a beautiful warm spring evening when Luke and I found ourselves in the Aosta Region of northern Italy, on the banks of the beautiful Ayasse river, with a good level and a bottle of wine.
Having arrived late in the evening, we camped out by the river for the night, only to be disturbed by a savage boar with an insatiable (and frankly undertstandable) craving for pesto alla genovese. Luke poised himself, ready to fight back, whilst I racked my brains for literary examples of heroes coming face to face with wild boar. The best I could come up with was the mythical gaul Asterix, and as we’d run out of magic potion just that week this was of no use. In the end we chose the bold tactic of going back to sleep, and thankfully woke up in the morning having escaped a tusking.
Having survived the night’s excitement, Luke and I were pretty fired up to blast down the lower gorge first thing. The section is about 500m long, and includes a selection of small slides and drops, including a spectacular triple slide combo at the canyon exit (see picture above). We figured this would serve us well as a pre-breakfast wake up.
Things got off to an entertaining start when both of us misjudged the lip on first boof of the day. Luke got away with it and I got a shoeing. Thankfully I managed to fight my way out with only a bruised Ego. Check the photo, this line was certainly sub optimal:
After negotiating the remaining slides without incident we found ourselves committed to the lower triple combo, which involves a short portage over some big boulders to a sketchy seal launch at the lip of the 30 footer. Here Luke carries his boat, before tucking up and taking the hit.
Luke’s line was exemplary, however this is quite a low volume river, and the hit at the base quite hard. He found himself therefore in a C1 situation in the boily eddy at the base of the falls. After sorting all this out, a cheeky minute or two spent in an innocuous looking cave, a terrifying hidden siphon and an abseil to retrieve an accidentally abandoned camera, we found that it was much later in the day than we’d hoped – more like dinner time than breakfast time.
This was a prime example of how a ‘pre breakfast blast’ can turn into an all day comedy of errors, and feeling somewhat beaten, we took the afternoon off for some cheese and meat appreciation.
More Fun to come soon from Extreme Sport Week in Norway, but for now here are some more shots of epic fun and freeride action from Valsesia this spring, enjoy the pics…
Photos from Luke Farrington, Joe Casey, Nick Horwood.
