As I lie in bed listening to the continuous pounding of rain, I contemplate which rivers will run tomorrow. While weighing up which river to paddle next, I realize I am sick of rain! This is not the summer I spent all winter dreaming of.
Being the first full summer for the New Zealand Whitewater Academy, a kayak school started by Sam Ricketts and myself, the plan was to have an excellent season of lessons and tandem kayak trips down the mighty Kaituna River. We would get as many laps down the local rivers in our spare time as possible. But as the winter rains slowly dragged into spring, into November, December, January, and Cyclone Gabrielle, our work hopes might have been dashed, but not our Whitewater dreams.
A TYPICAL SUMMER
Okere Falls is located on the North Island of New Zealand, renowned for the warm water that flows through a stunning canyon surrounded by sub-tropical native New Zealand bush. More than that, though, it is known for having one of the strongest Whitewater communities anywhere in the world, with no shortage of people to paddle with, races, or parties.
As the day slowly creeps longer into the evenings and the air and water slowly warm, the dirtbags drip into New Zealand; some are here to work on the many rafting runs around, and some are here to just explore all that New Zealand has to offer. All will, at some point, grace Okere Falls with their presence. More than likely, their white van or wagon with wooden roof racks will park up for the
