The Loki uses our PU-coated lycra neck and wrist gaskets and the specialized closure system that we developed for our series of professional rescue drysuits. We transferred this technology to a drysuit style and fit suitable for an everyday paddler. This system is very comfortable and versatile. It allows the user to adjust the tightness as necessary, so you can tighten it down if you are running whitewater and then loosen it off a bit if you have a sizeable flatwater section ahead or if the overall risk of head immersion is low, for example: if you where kayak fishing or just flatwater paddling.
Neck closure system:
We have tested this suit with multiple professional water search and rescue organizations and ourselves! You can be dry and comfortable all day and at a great price because paddling is for everyone. We use 100% recycled nylon three-ply exhaust fabric with a PFC-free DWR coating because we care about the environment we play in.
Expect to see the Loki Dry Suit at your local Level Six dealer and online in February 2024.
Product Page: ♻️LOKI LATEX & NEOPRENE FREE DRY SUIT
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Go on a deeper dive about PFAS with this great article from the Ottawa River Keepers: https://ottawariverkeeper.ca/pfas-what-are-these-forever-chemicals/
#pfas #pfasfree
]]>Check out our lineup of spray skirts here: https://www.levelsix.com/collections/all-sprayskirts
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After battling for 45 days through the drowned and burnt forests of Woodland Caribou Park, Atikaki Provincial Park and the renowned Poplar River Park Reserve the team got to experience the pathless land of the Churchill River as it flowed out into Hudson’s Bay. The team met every challenge with fortitude and arrived at their destination with smiling faces and some humble wisdom to share. Here are their top Ten portage tips:
Expeditions are full of fun surprises and hard work. There is something very unique and rewarding about navigating challenges (like portaging through frozen marshes or chasing after runaway boats) that are so that is so removed from the challenges faced in city life. While none of us love portaging (in the moment) we all agree that they make us mentally stronger and somehow the next portage becomes more achievable. Hopefully, life’s challenges are the same.
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This trip was everything I was looking for and more. 15 days of pure bliss in an incredibly awe-inspiring environment.
I’ve always thought about a solo trip for my first experience in the Grand Canyon. A few of my core values are adventure, endurance and solitude. So, tackling the big ditch by myself for my first experience just felt right. I was fortunate enough to pull a December permit in a follow-up lottery. Initially, I reached out to a number of close friends to see if anyone had interest and availability to join me on a last-minute trip down the Canyon. Unfortunately, this permit was too last minute for anyone to join. But instead of being disappointed, a quick mindset shift allowed me to become extremely excited about my upcoming solo trip. After a few days of meal prep, dehydrating, and trip planning, I decided to head south for a month of paragliding and being a tourist while I slowly made my way to the Canyon.
Its finally happening I thought to myself. I had arrived at Lees Ferry, organized a shuttle and just finished a smooth briefing with the park ranger. It was time to begin a game of tetrus and fit 15 days of food and gear into my boat. With my groover and sleeping bag strapped onto the stern of my boat (turning my boat into a sort of la z-boy and everything else inside it was time for the adventure to begin. Stellar views and a few great rapids to start the trip. I was fortunate enough to watch several condors thermalling up above the rim of the canyon. With some bad weather on its way I decide to pull over and camp under a large rock shelf to set up camp hidden from the storm. So, happy to be on the water and paddling again. Rain was coming down hard, I'm happy to be listening to the storm form rivers down the canyon walls and rockfall as it erodes but be safely removed from it.
Long solo adventures mean the world to me. To be able to wake up in paradise, make coffee from bed, listening to the tail end of the storm is just magical. As I hit the water, I look up and see a low cloud ceiling down in the canyon. It feels like another world down here, and yet I feel right at home. Some of the rapids are starting to get bigger and I’m enjoying playing with the momentum of a loaded longboat. A perfect surf wave appears, and I lock on for a couple of surfs. It’s pretty incredible just how stable a loaded boat can feel. A lunch stop at silver grotto, followed by a quick scramble up the canyon, leaves me awestruck. My next stop is in Redwall Cavern. It's hard to describe the magnitude of this place and pictures don’t seem to do it justice. I let out a big kooooeeeee to enjoy the acoustics and listen to the echo. The rest of the afternoon is spent looking up at the views until I reach mile 50 aka Dinosaur Camp.
The joy of true solitude is beginning to set in. I woke up early full of excitement and decide to hike up to the top of the diving board (a rock outcropping up above camp) to enjoy the sunrise. Quite an involved hike to do in the dark but it has seen enough travel over the years that I find my way. Gaining a different perspective on the river looking to the upper rim and then down at the river from where im standing on the edge of the inner rim really makes you feel small. Once I'm back at camp I decide to have a slow morning and enjoy the sun (that is often quite limited in the lower canyon). I go for a swim and enjoy some mate while doing some reading. After a short paddle, I pull over find my running shoes to check out the granaries. What a cool place! Back on the river to enjoy some wavetrains and before I know it, I've made it to the LCR (Little Colorado River). It’s a clear night so I decide to read under the stars and nearly full moon.
At first light, I open my vestibule and make coffee and muffins from my sleeping bag. A beautifully clear bluebird day pulls me from bed. After a morning meditation and another pot of coffee, I cross the river to the mouth of the LCR and head up for a little hike. The opaque blue water is completely mesmerizing, and I enjoy the stunning scenery until about 2 miles up where my inReach shows the edge of the Navajo Reservation. Back on the water for an afternoon of cruising down the river. Being in such a vast canyon on a wide river can throw off your perspective. I am quickly reminded of this as I charge over what I thought was a small pour-over that turned out to be a massive hole that would have taken a monumental effort to surf out of. Luckily my momentum helps me squeak through. The canyon begins to narrow and the rapid just above Hance provides some wonderful boofs and surprise holes. Hance itself was much bigger than I expected. I caught an eddy river left to take a peek at the entrance. I had been here with my friend Kaya on a lovely day hike just before I started my river trip and had gotten a look at the rapid. Having a rough idea of where I want to go, I attained back upstream and move to the right and rally in. I passed a large entry hole, caught the backwash of it to slow things down a get a look at the next move. I boofed a hole just left of a rock protruding out above the surface then pointed left and charged to get back in the center of the river to paddle into a giant crashing wave. I tucked right into the middle, accepted the wall of water on my back and popped out on the other side with a huge smile on my face. I feel one with the river and even though it's beginning to get dark I've found my favorite headspace to paddle in. I’m in the zone so decide to continue downstream through several larger rapids in an epic canyon. Time passes much too quickly and before I know it, I’m at the Grapevine camp just passed mile 81 and its dark. I pull over tired and completely content. I settle in for the night and enjoy the white noise created by an eddy line and a few small waves.
I’m doing enough looking up in awe to counter all the hunched over cooking reading and writing I’ve been doing. This morning’s sky is full of wispy Sirus clouds warning of some inclement weather on its way. Thought of the day is “novelty drives exploration” and with that, excitement has me packed up and on the water in record time. The first rapid is lovely with a cool thread the needle line from left to right followed by a surgery wave-train bottom right. I see a raft trip below this rapid and say hi as I float by. I stop on a beach at phantom ranch enjoy the luxury of filling my water bottles without needing to filter water and have a quick lunch. Not wanting to interrupt my solitude and a little wired from some maté I continue downstream. More quality whitewater and then I see a beach calling my name. I've found my rhythm and camp basically sets itself up at this point in the trip. Its pizza night so I make some dough and leave it to rise while I curl into my chair and finish my book “the Heartbeat of Trees”. Such an amazing concept shifting book that challenges you to change how you look at forests and the trees comprising them. There is something about making good food in remote places that has always captivated me. Throwing dough into the air puts a huge smile on my face. I construct 2 pizzas but decide to turn the second one I cook into a calzone thinking it will make less of a mess when I save it for lunch tomorrow. I've started a new book over dinner. This one is called “Desert Solitaire”, I think I’m really going to like this one.
No better way to start your day than swinging a pot of cowboy coffee. I decide to have a slow morning today as the water is on the rise and there are some big rapids downstream that will only get bigger. I dove back into “Desert Solitaire” for the morning and read about how to save national parks by removing roads and vehicles. While I loved the idea, the realist in me is saddened by how unlikely this is to occur. I do love Edward Abby’s direct no bs communication style and agreeing with his idealistic views of solitude. Finally, the urge to move drives me back to the river. I meet a raft crew at a rapid called Granite and enjoy the spectacular wave train. I eddied out on the right to watch the rafts then continue downstream while making some new friends. I love how solo travels often force one to make new connections where they might not have otherwise. I was invited to join the raft crew for some river time and a campfire. Plenty of lovely rapids today and I was even able to borrow an RPM for an extra lap of Hermit and Crystal. I found a neat surf at the bottom of Hermit to play on while waiting on a few rafts and unfortunately lost my hat. Fortunately, I found my hat about a mile downstream (I must be up on my river Karma). I'm definitely a bit surprised at the size of a lot of the rapids, the river has a huge reputation around it and the quality of the whitewater is very high with incredibly awe-inspiring scenery. I don’t feel too pushed by the river. That being said I didn’t come here to be pushed, I came here to reflect and improve upon my knowledge of myself. The day blew by and eventually, we stopped at Bass camp near mile 108. The wind switched 3 times in the last 20 minutes before taking out. I took this as a hint to set up my tent well and took extra care and to be extra vigilant I wasn’t in a spot where water would pool. A lovely dinner around a fire with my new friends including good conversation. Rain drove us all to bed early and I got into my tent just as the gust front of the incoming system hit. Gotta love being comfortable in what could easily be an uncomfortable situation.
Some fun stories come out in the morning about running after tarps or adjusting guy lines. Looking up into the canyon, snowline is only about a couple hundred meters away. It was a lovely visit but it's time to resume my solitude. I fall into a rhythm and by the time I look at my map I'm well below Elves Chasm. I guess I need to leave some places to explore for the next time I’m on this river. I find a lovely, elevated rock shelf to soak up some sun, dry out my tent and enjoy another coffee while I catch up on some writing. Back on the water I am drawn into specter canyon. I scramble up for a shot under the waterfall, rad place. Then I'm back at it like a bad habit. I float into bedrock and decide to investigate the left side. Very cool scrub boof off the left side of the slot entrance (I can see how that would be a difficult move in a raft as the lead in is quite boil-y). The next rapid was super cool with a few sizable holes. I pull over on a nice beach around mile 135. Clouds have over developed, and I get to enjoy some virga to the south and a snowy upper canyon during dinner.
It's still raining in the morning, so I gear up in my tent. I float through the Granite Narrows enjoying the barrel cacti growing in the most peculiar spots. I stop at Deer Creek for a short hike, as I’m approaching the top the rain switched to hail. Luckily, I can duck into the slot canyon for shelter. There are paw prints from ringtails all over the trail, but I'm not fortunate enough to see one. As I emerge on the other side, the clouds part, and I see the sun. I strip off my dry suit, pull my runners out of my watershed, and go for a quick rip up to raging thunder spring. What a wild spectacle it is. By the time I get back to my boat, a raft trip has pulled up. I have lunch with some new friends then as they begin the hike, I continue downstream to Matkatamiba Canyon. There is a cool eddy to catch then a fun slot canyon scramble up to a big amphitheater. I was told about a big flat rock in the middle of the amphitheatre that if you strike it with a large rock it echoes throughout the amphitheater. I was not disappointed and rang it like a drum. I found my first tarantula slightly farther up the canyon and spend a few minutes playing with it and watching it rear up. I somehow paddled right past my intended campsite at mile 152 and end up on a small one-tent beach a couple of miles downstream. I put the tent up in the dark after an outstanding day of side adventures.
I spend my morning drinking coffee and reading a chapter of my book about Havasu creek. It seems fitting as I’m heading there as soon as I convince myself to leave my sleeping bag. I pull into the eddy and the stunning blue water is totally captivating. I paddle straight into the canyon find a rock to stash my boat on and clamber up the rivers edge and head up for about an hour. The lush green plants, cottonwood trees and striking blue water are quite a contrast to the Colorado river that has become my new normal. Back to my boat and to find some sun for lunch. Brie quesadillas, coffee and gummy bears fuel my afternoon of surfing and exploration of Fern Glen Canyon. The lush green lives walls are a must see. Mile 171 for camp at a massive site and a sunset dinner (as good of a sunset as you get in the bottom of a massive canyon).
Cinnamon rolls for breakfast! I’m in a particularly good mood this morning and after a meditation I’m headed for Lava falls. The ten miles from camp to Lava take no time at all. Thinking back to a picture a friend showed me before I put on I rally into the rapid. I instantly feel one with the river and it feels like im almost watching myself paddling. It was such a peculiar yet addictive feeling. Directly below the rapid on the left I see a small creek pouring into the river. I paddle over and run my hand under it and its hot! I find the next eddy on the left grab my e-reader and walk back upstream. Im pleased to find a small pool just big enough to sit in upstream of the falls and strip off for a soak and some reading. A little fuel up of coffee and brie while my gear finishes drying then I'm back on the water. I found a beautiful ledge campsite 30 feet above the river to set my tent up on and enjoyed some sun while making a curry. I left my boat floating tied to up to the cliffs I climbed out on. Slightly nervous about leaving it in the water overnight so I put my skirt on the boat and cam strapped the tunnel shut as to not lose anything if it was to flip.
My boat is still there and upright yay! A lovely morning reading about Edward Abby’s float down Glen Canyon before the dam went in. Sounds splendid, fuck dams. Had an intimidatingly large pot of oats for breaky, then precariously packed my boat from the cliffside. What a day to be alive. After a morning of wavetrains I find a nice sunny spot to read and have a chilly bath before lunch. Back up on the water, I catch up to a rafting trip of Moenkopie Outfitters Staff. What a friendly bunch! I was fortunately invited to join them for the night and to hang around a fire over dinner, which I was happy to accept. I was instantly welcomed by the group and flattered by their generosity. It was a lovely night spent around a fire listening to stories of travel and adventure.
I often struggle with finding a balance of independence and solitude while still creating and growing connections. In the morning, I decide to take off on my own again. I enjoyed a quiet float to the diamond takeout where I met up with my friend Kaya who was joining the raft trip I had just met for the bottom section of the river. Over coffee, lunch and chats I decide to hang out with the group for a few days and explore this next section with friends. Our first stop was at Travertine Canyon, we followed a cool section of rope ladders up to a gorgeous canyon with some fun climbing. Then time for some surfing and to continue downstream to Travertine Falls for camp at mile 230. The falls at camp where a gorgeous seep with a unique calcified build up on the wall. I catch myself slipping out of the moment around the fire thinking of future adventures, likely some ice climbing back home in the Rockies.
An easy morning and feeling very grateful to not have to make coffee of breakfast this morning. I’ve been really enjoying getting to know this group that outfits trips for Grand Canyon adventures. I must say, they have perfected the gear and food required for a Grand Canyon adventure and I’m quite impressed. I snuck away in the morning to find a nice quiet spot to write and meditate before we hit the river. What a rad awe inspiring place to spend some time exploring. I am glad that I didn’t really look into the river before my trip without too much outside perspective allowing for a high level of novelty exploring the canyon. The rapid called Fang was fantastic, moving at raft pace allowed for some surfing and a number of laps which was amazing. At separation canyon, we met up with the raft trip I was fortunate enough to spend time with earlier on in my trip. We exchanged some stories before moving on to mile 243 for camp, glow in the dark botchy ball and a fire.
Woke up to a dew turned to frost (probably should have used my tent fly…). Some great conversations in the morning ranging from art to river morphology before I have to pack up say bye to my new friends and make up for lost time. I rallied about 40 miles of flats and slow current to just before Pearce Ferry. I spend the day back and forth between being in the moment and feeling sad for being so close to the end of the trip/ thinking about the next adventures. A few of the straight a-ways seemed never ending in this section and there were lots of helicopters buzzing around throughout the day. A tourist skywalk and powerlines mark the return to civilisation. I arrive at camp just as its getting dark and make dinner hot chocolate and brownies from bed. I am lulled to sleep by the Pearce Ferry rapid, filling me with excitement for the following day.
Today is the day I finally get to lay eyes on a rapid I’ve received some conflicting stories about. I’ve built it up quite a bit in my head but not sure what to expect as from what I’ve heard its always changing. I scout from the left and am pleasantly surprised by a quite open line on the right of the river. I start centre to carry some momentum to the right avoiding a hole straighten my boat on the crest of the main wave and crash through the second river wide wave hole. My loaded boat sails through and puts a smile on my face. As I paddle to South Cove I am pleasantly surprised by a mile meandering wave train and two more lovely big water rapids that I was not expecting. Some beautiful white sandy beaches and highwater lines way above me from where Lake Mead used to sit. I even found a paddle sticking out of the silty shore 5 feet above the water. I feel like King Arthur as I pull it out to retrieve my prize. As I paddle out of the Colorado and into Lake Mead I am surrounded by silty chocolate milk water mixing with the stagnate bluey green lake. It’s quite a spectacle. Across the bay, I see my van waiting for me marking the end of this trip and the beginning of the next adventure.
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Last month was a busy month with NZWA teaching high school groups on the Aniwhenua River. Technically I was there to work, but I love camping, beautiful rivers, and paddling with friends, so it never felt like work at all and rather a heap of fun camp trips with cool people. On a typical day there, I unzip my tent door to the soft morning light, climb the hill over Lake Aniwhenua and cross the dewy grass to the NZWA marquee for some breakfast. After that, it's time to load up and head to the put-in. Five minutes drive, and a couple of new additions to my Spotify playlist later, we give the kids a quick safety refresher and help them put on the river. Once all the kids are happily on the water, we take turns running back and get a quick lap of ‘Aniwhenua Falls’, which drops into the pool where all the kids sit waiting. It's hard to beat a day of work that starts like this!
Below the falls the river is a gorgeous mixture of mossy green, tumbling springs, and chiselled rock cliff. One of my favourite things about teaching people to kayak here is being able to get people into a place like this and show them how pretty everything is down there!
The kids were all awesome humans with hilarious chat. Most of them sign up to learn to kayak as part of their outdoor ed class at school, so they tend to be pretty enthusiastic about the whole experience. It's pretty cool getting to show kids down their first rapids and see how excited they are at the bottom. Lots of these kids finish the camp with a new love for kayaking and want to do more which is awesome. Personally, I have a lot of happy memories of learning to kayak as a kid, so my main goal when teaching is for everyone in the group to have the most fun possible on the river.
Instructing has been a learning curve for me as well. My barrel roll has never been better and my deep water rescues are a lot more productive these days.
All in all, Instructing has been a sweet addition to my summer jobs and I'm looking forward to doing a lot more!
]]>Hey Stig how was your interview? "I kept it real"
Read more on of our CEO keeping it real in the Ottawa Business Journal 🤙
Yes that is the brand new Lettmann kayak in the background!
]]>Adventure Report was initially founded by local blogger Meg Kelly in 2017 with the goal of sharing detailed information about local hiking trails. The intention was to provide adequate, original information so that people in Ottawa could feel more confident getting outdoors and knowing what was available to them in the region and beyond. Check out www.adventurereport.ca for detailed trail reports.
Since that time, Meg’s understanding of the barriers that exist when it comes to getting outdoors has grown, and so has Adventure Report’s approach!
In 2020, when the Covid pandemic began and everyone was staying close to home, staying indoors, and feeling (beyond) stressed, Meg was struck by just how crucial to her well-being it was to spend time in nature.
She and her husband had been camping together for years, and she thought that sharing their camping gear with others might help get some people outdoors who wouldn’t otherwise go.
Meg started the Adventure Report Camp Kit Program in 2020, loaning out camping gear for free, and almost immediately knew that she would need more help because of how popular the initiative had become.
Local outdoor enthusiast, baller, snowboarder, and friend Asiya Hilowle quickly came on board to help grow the program!
Adventure Report recently wrapped up its 3rd year of lending and now has a team of 10 volunteers throughout the city who help to loan out car camping, backpacking, and canoe camping gear.
Camp Kits are designed to have every piece of gear needed to go camping, so borrowers have one less thing to think about when planning. Included are tents, sleeping bags + pads, camp chairs, headlamps, stoves, fuel, pots and pans, plates and cutlery… Everything but the kitchen sink!
They’ve also done their best to include gear that works for all community members, from a Halal Cook Set to Plus Size Sleeping Bags.
Last year alone, Adventure Report loaned gear to over 100 campers, and the team is excited to see what 2024 brings as they expand their program to Montreal!
If you’d like to see what’s available to borrow, you can take a look here.
If you’d like to donate gently used camping gear to the program, feel free to DM Meg on Instagram at @adventurereport. And if you’re interested in supporting the program financially, Adventure Report is able to accept donations here.
Level Six’s Donation
Level Six has donated some gear to the Adventure Report Camp Kit Program for next season. So in addition to having car camping and backpacking kits, you can now borrow a Canoe Camping Kit from the Adventure Report>
What’s included when you book the Canoe Camping Kit?
-Level Six’s Algonquin 55 Waterproof Top Loading Backpack
-Level Six’s Algonquin Waterproof Canoe Tripping Pack
-Level Six’s Bad Hass Barrel Pack
(plus everything else you need to go canoe camping)
www.adventurereport.ca
We are incredibly proud to donate gear to this incredible organization and encourage all who are able to do the same. Every little bit that helps make the outdoors more accessible is a win!
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Casey is a long-time whitewater kayaker with incredible skills behind the camera! He currently works at Ottawa Kayak School (take a course and thank us later) and is married to another one of our ambassadors Katie Kowalski. This dynamic duo absolutely crushes it on and off the water. While both amazing on their own, they go on some pretty epic adventures together, be they on the river or on their journey toward becoming new parents they exemplify the values that Level Six stands for. We are stoked to have them as part of our team.
]]>This is a river steeped in history named “Kaituna” by the Maori which translates to “Food - Eel,” and was a major food source for the people who lived on its banks in earlier days.
This river is good to go for kayakers at 500s or less and can be run higher keeping in mind that each level presents its own challenges and kayakers should not run the river blind. This iconic run starts with an optional seal launch or a more chill water-level entry.
Sliding off the seal launch - Photo by Rod Hill (rod_coffee)
The first 200 meters is a great warm up section where local and international slalom kayakers train with a slalom gate course, great play eddies, and a surfable feature called “The Chute”. If you are comfortable playing in this feature, then that is a good sign for the rest of the run!
Playing on the Chute. Photos by Rod Hill
If the Chute proves too much for you, you can take out on the river left of the next rapid which is also an awesome spot to practice your roll and do some hole boating before carrying on. After this, the river drops down to the right, and you are in “The Rapid of No Return.”
From here on the Kaituna turns into a beautiful mix of steep drops, play eddies, surf waves, and creeky good times. With classic rapids like “The Powerhouse,” “Tail Race,” “Tutea Falls”
Freewheeling off the right line on the Power House (left) and sliding off the Tail Race (right) - Photos by Rod Hill
This is also more than a whitewater play run but also a river steeped in history. From indigenous Maori cultural importance, past power generation, to a modern-day paddling landmark this river has been many things to many people. At the Powerhouse Rapid where the power generating plant used to be you can find a Maori statue on top of the concrete remains. Be sure to take a moment here as it is a celebration of Hine (female) element and energy. It was placed there as a celebration of Louise Jull’s life, the energy she brought to the local community, and the inspiration she provided.
Tutea Falls also got its name’s sake from the Maori Chief, who was laid to rest behind it. Now at 7 metres, it is the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. A truly epic rapid to run going left to right with a solid left boof. If you mess up hold on for the ride and there is a cave at the back of the big pool that is perfect for emptying your boat. Some of these caves surrounding the falls were used in times of war by women and children of the local Hapu (clan), who would descend using ropes to hide out and avoid bloodshed.
Boofing Tutea Falls - Photo by Rod Hill
The bottom half of the river starts from the waterfall pool. People who are looking for a little more to paddle, but aren't keen on a full lap yet, can access this part of the river down “Hinemoa’s Steps,” along the river track and put in here.
Playing in the Bottom Hole - Photo by Rod Hill.
The bottom half is characterized by holes, fun but tight eddies, small chutes, and gorgeous scenery. Notable rapids include “Skateboard Ramp,” “Boiling Pot” Swimmers,” “Eta Riffles” after a chip advert filmed there, “Abis,” “Stand up,” and “Bottom Hole” which is the perfect rapid to throw loops and other fun freestyle moves.
The takeout is on the river left after the “Bottom Hole.” Signs for the recommended exit. Don't miss it. It is followed closely by another drop named “Trout Pool” which can be a nasty one. Don't run this without scouting and someone on safety as it is very recirculating, and you won't be swimming out without a bag. Once you are here, you have made it down the mighty Kaituna and can tick it off of the bucket list because if it is not on there, then it should be!!!
The Takeout above Trout Pool - Photo by Rod Hill
The lower Kaituna gorges start downstream of Troutpool. These are stunning untouched gorges of solid class 4 and 5 whitewater. They are a good 4-6 hour mission and can be very dangerous due to them being narrow and logs falling in. Do not run these unless you are an experienced paddler and are with a good crew of locals or people who know the run and the risks. The first gorge is “Awesome Gorge,” followed by “Gnarly Gorge” which is usually portaged, and finally “Smoky gorge.” The takeout for these is at the Maungarangi road bridge, approximately 25 km from Okere Falls.
This Blog was written by River Mutton, a Level Six ambassador based out of Okere Falls, New Zealand. self-described part-time beater who loves nature, and having fun in her kayak. She also loves to paint and would love to write stories about all the rivers she visits. We are stoked to have her on our team. Stay tuned for a full breakdown of the lines on the Kaituna from River.
]]>What is Paddling Maps?
Paddling Maps is your all-in-one app / website for everything you need to know about where to find your next paddling destination. It features put ins, take outs, water descriptions, water features, ideal water levels and much more.
Website: http://www.paddlingmaps.com/
IOS App: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/
Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.apero.PaddlingMaps
How to: https://paddlingmaps.com/pages/how-to
After submitting all your trips and you would like to redeem your discount code please email us at: paddlingmaps@levelsix.com with how many trips/resources you have added along with if you are located in Canada or the USA.
]]>Packrafter Waldo Andrés Aguayo Riquelme embarked on a eight day journey to discover the San Quintin glacier with fellow packrafter Andres Mora and Jorge Diaz. Embark on this journey and learn about his experience!
]]>Packrafter Waldo Andrés Aguayo Riquelme embarked on a eight day journey to discover the San Quintin glacier with fellow packrafters Andres Mora and Jorge Diaz. Embark on this journey and learn about his experience!
The Start of it All
In September of this year, before leaving on my trip to Puerto Natales. I was contacted by Andres Mora, who last year had attempted a packraft expedition in the area, but the weather was not so friendly and his attempt failed.
It took almost a year for Andres to plan another expedition in the Aysen region. This time, inviting me to be part of it. How could I refuse this invitation? The destination was to the largest glacier in the Northern Ice Field, the "San Quintín".
After several years of working as a guide in Laguna San Rafael and the national park, the San Quintín glacier was on my list of pending trips. Together with Andrés Mora and Jorge Diaz, we embarked for eight days in one of the most beautiful and wild scenery that Chilean Patagonia can offer.
The Expedition
Andres and Jorge arrived on October 31st in the town of Puerto Rio Tranquilo. We started the trip by vehicle from the town to Exploradores Bay and we boarded the "Destino Patagonia" tour boat, which brings you to Laguna San Rafael. Around noon, my friends Eduardo Carrillo and Alvaro Martinez, and the boat crew, left us on the beach. They continued their tour and we were already on the road to begin what would be eight days of long paddling and hiking.
We camped on the beach and started early the next day, to complete the crossing of the "Isthmus of Ofqui". On November 2, we did about 28 km in a span of 12 hours. We walked for 2 hours from Laguna San Rafael, through the tracks left by the works of the
We arrived at the beach of Golfo de San Esteban, which is part of the famous Golfo de Penas and overlooks the sea and the Northern Ice Field. The San Quintín Glacier was already visible and in a kind of trance. We then went up 8km of the Nevados river to reach the Pro-Glacier lake on the main face of the San Quintin and camped.
We were very lucky with the water level brought by the river, this can vary greatly depending on rainfall and melting of the icebergs coming from the glacier. In a day of 6 hours, we managed to reach the Lake-Pro glacier. The amount of icebergs was impressive. We paddled 5 km more between the icebergs, to find one of the most unreal camps I have ever been.
On November 5, we paddled 5 km more between icebergs, to make a crossing of almost 4 km to another Pro-Glacier lake, where two "arms" of the San Quintín fall. In the first 200 meters of walking through the mountain, we were trapped for about 4 hours. The Panorama was quite hard, but we found a better path to make the remaining couple of kilometers, in a couple of hours. We arrived that same day to the small lake where these glaciers fell. It was a very hard day, and the reward was indescribable. We were in one of the most remote points of the expedition, in a sector very little visited by man, on small white sandy beaches, surrounded by evergreen forest and with a view of the Northern Ice Field.
On November 6, we knew that one of the difficult sections would be the crossing that we made yesterday and the descent of the Blanco River that we would make today. Prior to the expedition I had a call with my friend Isaí Madriz, Entomologist and explorer. Isaí had done a route similar to ours and helped me to identify the most dangerous points of the expedition. The Blanco River was at the top of the list.
Knowing this we started the descent of the river, which on Google Earth and other maps, it appears as "Cajas" river. The river has sections that are quite normal to other rivers. However, some sections of the river had logs that were blocking the path. To prioritize the safety of the group, we passed through a section by portage. One of the most dangerous points is in the river Delta, where a bad choice of route can lead you to a place where you would not want to end up with your packraft.
The arrival at the confluence with the San Tadeo River was a relief. We had already passed the most dangerous point of the expedition and with one day of expedition left to reach Laguna San Rafael, we already felt at home.
The next day, we went up the river and walked through the peat bogs. We arrived at San Rafael, where on November 8 we would be picked up by the boat that would take us back to Exploradores and then home to Puerto Rio Tranquilo.
Acknowledgments
First, I would like to thank Andres and Jorge for inviting me to be part of their expedition, for the motivating conversations about books and expeditions in Patagonia. I want to thank all the people who have been involved in teaching me and sharing their knowledge. I had to apply everything I have learned over the years in eight days.
As always, I want to thank my family and friends for their kind vibes before and after the expedition, the brands that have supported me, Level Six, Patagonia Raft and Coffee Jam. And to finish by thanking Patagonia itself, which on this occasion gave us wonderful conditions to achieve this expedition.
Waldo Andrés Aguayo Riquelme
]]>Two weeks ago, Level Six was awarded the coveted Sustainability Award at the International Paddlesports Show in Lyon! Here are some thoughts on receiving this award from our CEO Stig Larsson:
"We were up against every major global brand, and we came out on top with our environmental, corporate and social sustainability initiatives.
Level Six has been working towards this moment for the past eight years by really rethinking our corporate role in the world and ensuring we leave the smallest footprint with our products but, equally important, the most significant footprint in our social and community involvement and in our watershed conservation initiatives.
We have come such a long way from sewing and designing paddling gear and board shorts that we sold out of the back of our van to becoming a global leader in our industry.
Things like this don't happen; you have to dedicate your life and surround yourself with the best people with the same vision. Lucky for me, the people who put up with me daily are the best and most dedicated."
Be advised that this is by no means a blanket statement, and every warranty/repair claim will be determined on a case-by-case basis. We still welcome you to reach out to our warranty team for an assessment.
Warranty Clauses:
Level Six’ official warranty policy hinges on a few, very important, clauses. There are two that we see more commonly than others which we would like to highlight in this post.
The two clauses we will touch on are:
When submitting a warranty to Level Six, if the presence of mould or chemical deterioration is detected, the warranty is void regardless of whether the defect is related to those things. The main reason for this is that mould and/or delamination around the collar and cuffs is the first indicator to us that a piece of drywear hasn't been properly cleaned and cared for in its lifetime.
An example of delamination caused by chemical deterioration or the presence of mould.
The inside of a mouldy drysuit (left) vs a dry suit that was properly cleaned and maintained over its lifetime.
These issues cannot be fixed by our warranty/repair team, so steps must be taken from the start to prevent them from happening.
Getting the Most Out of Your Gear:
To get the fullest lifetime out of your technical drywear, they need to be cleaned very regularly. It is the most important thing you can do for maintenance. Just like you wouldn’t buy a car and never change the oil, when purchasing a technical garment, you should ensure they are properly maintained in order for them to continue working properly.
They should be both rinsed off with fresh water after every use and left to fully dry, inside and out. If being used frequently, you should consider cleaning them with a pro-cleaner on a weekly to bi-weekly basis.
When purchased new, Level Six drywear has a Durable Water Resistant (DWR) coating woven into the face fabric, but this will naturally wear off over time. When the water stops beading from the material, the DWR should be reapplied. If left without this coating, water will absorb into the material, trapping all the pollutants in, which in turn hastens any wear or delamination associated with not cleaning it.
Resulting Issues from Lack of Cleaning:
1. Material - The waterproof and breathable membrane in the lining of the material relies on fine pores in order to release moisture from the inside. If these pores are clogged with dirt, sweat, oils, or residue from the body of water it is used in, then it no longer has that breathability, and the user will be left with an uncomfortable, swampy feeling inside the suit. This also occurs when the DWR coating is gone, and water is absorbed by the outer nylon face fabric.
2. Seam-Tape - If left unwashed, the bacteria left by sweat, dirt, and moisture is the perfect environment to breed mould. This is obviously not good for many reasons, first and foremost being for the health of the user, but also because mould can form in and around the adhesives used in the seam-seal tape. This contributes to seam tape lifting and seams no longer staying dry. Once it is present it can be seen visually usually in the form of small, black dots or as a splotchy patch of pink. When this happens any subsequent repairs won’t be as effective, as the presence of mould never truly goes away. The simplest way to prevent mould growth is by cleaning the suit regularly with a pro-cleaner and allowing it to fully dry out between uses.
3. Deterioration/Delamination - Many oils and chemicals, like sunscreen, bug repellant, deodorants, and even body oil, can lead to the eventual failure and delamination of the material. The lining is a chemical compound that is susceptible to breaking down if exposed long-term to such oils and other harsh chemicals. So, if you get sunscreen on the collar of your drysuit, then it needs to be washed with cleaner as soon as possible. It is also for this reason that we recommend using a pro-cleaner in the wash instead of a regular clothing detergent, as many regular household solvents can lead to the breakdown of the material. Once the delamination has begun, it is impossible to repair, and will eventually cause a “wetting out” as the breathable membrane no longer works to stop water from penetrating the material.
4. Shortened Lifespan - Consider the longevity of your investment. Drysuits are highly technical garments and can be quite expensive. The 'lifetime' of a drysuit varies greatly based on factors such as the user's washing schedule, care after use, care during use, exposure to chemicals like sunscreen and bug spray, and overall use. Like most things in life, the expected 'lifetime' of a drysuit is a spectrum that depends on how it's used and cared for. A weekend warrior who wears their garment 10 times a year may get a much longer lifetime than a professional guide who wears theirs every day. Conversely, a weekend warrior who abuses their garment and neglects basic maintenance may get less usage from it than a guide who uses their suit daily but takes meticulous care of it. The best way to maximize performance and the lifetime of your garment is to dry it after each use, clean it regularly, and make minor repairs caused by wear and tear before they become major issues.
Our Recommendations for Cleaning:
To make it easier, we suggest using a front-loading washing machine on a gentle cycle on cold. Always hang dry out of direct sunlight. It is important not to wash it in hot water or put it in the dryer. If you don't have a front-loading washing machine, then hand washing in a big bucket filled with pro-cleaner and water should work as well. Just make sure to agitate it frequently and thoroughly rinse all the cleaner out with fresh water before hanging to dry. Use this time to thoroughly inspect your suit for tears, mould, or any other issues you may not have noticed.
For pro-cleaner and DWR finish we recommend GearAid products which can be found under the Outerwear Repair and Replacement page.
Once the garment is fully dry (we mean dry-dry, not mostly-dry-but-still-kinda-damp) you can then store in a cool dry place for long-term storage.
Check out the link below for a review of our redesigned ACE Sprayskirt by the talented Wade Harrison!
]]>
We will be raffling a prize pack featuring:
1x Helium Yoke Pad
1x Voyageur Canoe Seat Pack
1x Bad Hass Adjustable Barrel Pack
1x Algonquin 55 Waterproof Backpack
1x Algonquin Waterproof Canoe Tripping Pack
The raffle tickets are $5 each (unlimited entries per person) for a chance to win our canoe tripping prize pack!
100% of the proceeds from the raffle will be donated to Project Canoe to help support their core program offering, a summer wilderness canoe trip program, complimented by programs in Toronto throughout the year.
Project Canoe uses the outdoors, including these wilderness canoe trips, to create a transformative environment in which youth develop life skills, social competencies, and resiliency. All young people should have the chance to experience the benefits of canoe tripping and therapeutic programming regardless of their economic situation.
The raffle runs until August 31st. One winner will be selected at random and announced on Facebook/Instagram on September 2nd. The raffle is open to residents of the USA and Canada only.
]]>Construction & Materials Highlight:
The Pathfinder Shorts are constructed from a 94% Nylon/6% Elastane blend fabric. This nylon is durable, rugged, and quick-dry, while the elastane gives it a 4-way stretch that moves with you no matter the activity. These versatile shorts are packed with features that make them super functional.
Product Features:
Fit & Care Instructions:
The best way to find the perfect fit is to go to your local shop and try a few sizes on. Check out our dealer locator to find a Level Six dealer near you!
If that isn’t a viable option, you can find the right fit by looking below at our size guide and measurement instructions.
If the fit really isn’t right Level Six offers a hassle free 30-day returns & exchanges window, for more details head over to our returns and exchanges page.
Care: Machine wash in cold water on a gentle cycle with like colours. Do not bleach. Hang to dry out of direct sunlight. Do not dry clean or iron. For best results, wash using a performance wash cleaner like the Revivex Pro Cleaner.
Sustainability:
As lovers of the outdoors and a brand that has been built around being on the water, we recognize our role in creating a sustainable future. As industry leaders it is our responsibility to make changes in our manufacturing process that focus on sustainability and reducing our impact on the environment. Beginning in 2018 Level Six has taken steps to eliminate all single use plastic polybags from our operations. Last year alone we managed to cut 20,000 single use plastic bags from circulation by rolling and tying our products using fabric trimmings left over from productions. In 2022 we will cut an additional 80,000 from our production cycle.
To further our sustainability practice, we continue our 1% for Watersheds Program in which we take 1% of our direct sales and donate to watershed conservation in Canada.
For more information on our sustainability practices and our future commitments to creating a greener future check out our Going Green Blog Post and the Paddling Life Interview with our Head Designer; Addison Dark.
Other Items to Consider:
Take a look below at some of our recommendations for gear to pair with your Pathfinder Shorts.
Reviews:
We hope you enjoyed this deep dive on the Pathfinder Shorts, if you have any questions after reading this please don’t hesitate to contact us. We can be reached via email (info@levelsix.com), Chat, or by phone (1-877-253-8356). You can also find us on social media through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
See you on the water!
]]>Construction & Materials Highlight:
The Guide Shorts are constructed from a 94% Nylon/6% Elastane blend fabric. This nylon is durable, rugged, and quick-dry, while the elastane gives it a 4-way stretch that moves with you no matter the activity. These versatile shorts are packed with features that make them super functional.
Product Features:
Fit & Care Instructions:
The best way to find the perfect fit is to go to your local shop and try a few sizes on. Check out our dealer locator to find a Level Six dealer near you!
If that isn’t a viable option, you can find the right fit by looking below at our size guide and measurement instructions.
If the fit really isn’t right Level Six offers a hassle free 30-day returns & exchanges window, for more details head over to our returns and exchanges page.
Care: Machine wash in cold water on a gentle cycle with like colours. Do not bleach. Hang to dry out of direct sunlight. Do not dry clean or iron. For best results, wash using a performance wash cleaner like the Revivex Pro Cleaner.
Sustainability:
As lovers of the outdoors and a brand that has been built around being on the water, we recognize our role in creating a sustainable future. As industry leaders it is our responsibility to make changes in our manufacturing process that focus on sustainability and reducing our impact on the environment. Beginning in 2018 Level Six has taken steps to eliminate all single use plastic polybags from our operations. Last year alone we managed to cut 20,000 single-use plastic bags from circulation by rolling and tying our products using fabric trimmings left over from productions. In 2022 we will cut an additional 80,000 from our production cycle.
To further our sustainability practice, we continue our 1% for Watersheds Program in which we take 1% of our direct sales and donate to watershed conservation in Canada.
For more information on our sustainability practices and our future commitments to creating a greener future check out our Going Green Blog Post and the Paddling Life Interview with our Head Designer; Addison Dark.
Other Items to Consider:
Take a look below at some of our recommendations for gear to pair with your Guide Shorts.
Reviews:
We hope you enjoyed this deep dive on the Guide Shorts, if you have any questions after reading this please don’t hesitate to contact us. We can be reached via email (info@levelsix.com), Chat, or by phone (1-877-253-8356). You can also find us on social media through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
See you on the water!
]]>Product Introduction:
The Bad Hass barrel pack is the perfect tool for keeping your gear dry on your water-based expeditions. It features a fully integrated harness system, air mesh padding throughout, and a structured shoulder harness and waist belt to protect your back during those long portages. The Harness is fully adjustable for compatibility with both 30L and 60L barrels (*Barrel is not included*). The Bad Hass barrel pack is as versatile as you are.
Feature Highlights:
Other Items to consider:
Look below at some of our recommendations for gear to pair with your Barrel Harness
Make your canoe feel like it is floating on your shoulders with the Helium Yoke Pad
Sustainability
It is our duty to preserve and cherish the environment, not only for the preservation of paddling but for the health and well being of the planet.
With every online order, we will donate 1% to various Watershed conservation organizations. Level Six does this by supporting local organizations who work towards protecting vital watersheds at the grass roots level.
Insert video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szqdH1DUg-E
Click here for more information -https://levelsix.ca/pages/conservation
Diversity In The Outdoors
We have teamed up with the Yonkers paddling & rowing club and their Hudson River Riders program to give young people and adults from disadvantaged neighborhoods the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities, environmental education, recreational paddling and skills training in kayaking & stand-up paddle-boarding.
Click here for more information
We have also team up with Project Canoe. They offer therapeutic and educational outdoor programming to Ontario youth in both wilderness and urban environments.
Their focus is on youth who might otherwise miss out on the experience of outdoor adventure as a result of systemic or mental health barriers they face in their lives.
Click here for more information
Reviews and Further Information
Don’t just take our word for it check out the reviews on the Bad Hass Barrel Harness below and see what other people are saying
Also check out this Level Six Bad Hass Harness review by Marty Morissette here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-lp04xgm_0
We hope you enjoyed this deep dive on the Bad Hass Barrel Harness, if you have any questions after reading this please don’t hesitate to contact us. We can be reached via email (info@levelsix.com), chat, or by phone(1-877-253-8356).
You can also find us on social media through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
See you on the water!
]]>Product Introduction:
The Helium yoke pad is designed to make those long portages feel a little shorter by adding some cushion between your shoulders and your canoe yoke. Air mesh padding makes your canoe feel like it’s floating on your shoulders while our Grip-Tex fabric the Helium Yoke Pad stays in place even in the most extreme circumstances.
The Helium yoke pad is an easy lightweight addition for short and long canoe trips. A great piece of equipment for both the beginner paddler and the experienced tripper.
Feature Highlights:
Look below at some of our recommendations for gear to pair with your Helium Yoke Pad
Just like the Helium Yoke Pad, the Bad Hass Barrel Harness incorporates air mesh padding to protect your back and shoulders during long portages. Able to adjust to both 30L and 60L, this harness is as versatile as you are.
Easily load your canoe on your vehicle without the use of cross bars.
Community Development & Sustainability Initiatives
It is our duty to preserve and cherish the environment, not only for the preservation of paddling but for the health and well being of the planet.
With every online order, we will donate 1% to various Watershed conservation organizations. Level Six does this by supporting local organizations who work towards protecting vital watersheds at the grass roots level.
Click here for more information: https://levelsix.ca/pages/conservation
Diversity In The Outdoors
We have teamed up with the Yonkers paddling & rowing club and their Hudson River Riders program to give young people and adults from disadvantaged neighbourhoods the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities, environmental education, recreational paddling and skills training in kayaking & stand-up paddle-boarding.
Click here for more information
We have also team up with Project Canoe. They offer therapeutic and educational outdoor programming to Ontario youth in both wilderness and urban environments.
Their focus is on youth who might otherwise miss out on the experience of outdoor adventure as a result of systemic or mental health barriers they face in their lives.
Click here for more information
Reviews and Further Information
Don’t just take our word for it check out the reviews on the Helium Yoke Pad see what other people are saying!
We hope you enjoyed this deep dive on the Helium Yoke Pad, if you have any questions after reading this please don’t hesitate to contact us. We can be reached via email (info@levelsix.com), Chat, or by phone (1-877-253-8356).
You can also find us on social media through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
See you on the water!
]]>At Level Six we have always stood behind our products and repaired our own equipment but it was a dream of ours to have a better setup to ensure all repairs were done so perfectly you couldn't tell it was a repair and came from the factory directly. Now that dream is a reality! When we moved into our new building last year the first thing we built was a dedicated repair room. We have been up and running a few months now with an amazing repair team.
By providing warranty and repair services on site, we as a company can keep our products out of landfills and extend the lifetime of your purchase.
Remember to keep up on your dry-wear maintenance:
https://www.levelsix.com/pages/care
If your interested in our services as well as gasket replacements and would like tp purchase those services online please go to:
https://www.levelsix.com/pages/gasket-replacement
In Episode 11, Sami and Annika sit down to talk about Annika's Trip to the Grand Canyon and discuss products that she brought with her down in the States along with general recommendations for anyone looking to take a paddling trip to the Grand Canyon!
Let us know any topics you want covered in future episodes by sending us your questions at info@levelsix.com!
Photo: Sedivy Jakob
In wildwater, as in every other discipline, the critical edge is given by how well you master your Jedi mind tricks. The paddling isn't what's really difficult. Don't get me wrong, it absolutely is difficult. However, the art of manipulating a paddle and boat in turbulent currents represents, with all its challenges, still a fairly tangible set of skills. There are differences, of course, between extreme racing and wildwater, which mostly takes place on safe, artificial courses. But in the heat of the moment and in the face of the challenge, it feels equally hard. As we were warming up for the qualification heats in Bratislava, my friend from Croatia who knows that my main passion is with the steeper stuff, asked me a question. She asked: "When you paddle such scary whitewater, the big stuff, how do you do it? How do you manage being scared?" For instance, I could tell her that the consequences of messing up are so much less severe on a safe artificial facility vs. sections like the Wellerbrucke or the finals section of King of the Alps. I've spent my fair share of time crying on the banks of either type of whitewater, a physical reaction to an internal conflict between the desired performance outcome and the fear of failing at achieving it. When it comes to executing the plan however, it hits different if the consequence is mere embarrassment (which at the end of the day, no one cares about except ourselves) or a serious injury or worse. In the first case, it's easier to let go of whatever anyone else thinks and just send it. But the real answer to her question, how I manage fear was: "I don't!" Which of course, doesn't mean that I do nothing. Those days that I begin terrified out of my mind are a regular occurrence, have been for a long time. I've worked a great deal to get out of that perpetual detrimental state of paralyzing fear and into something more manageable, a place where I found still fear, but also joy and purpose. Entire books have been written about the patterns taking place inside our minds and how to manage them, and I have been reading a few of them. 'Rock Warrior' by Arno Ilgner is one of my favourites, and 'La methode Target' by Christian Target and Ingrid Petitjean for those who can read French. All the study helped to a point. But I still found myself with my boat by the riverside and my cojones nowhere to be found because they had gone on vacation (without me of course). What really began to make a difference and what I meant by "I don't" was: At some point I stopped fighting myself.
It comes down to a few things that are very hard to put into practice and yet very simple:
Let’s break it down:
Acceptance - You cannot fight your demons. You have to become them. You have to accept that they are there, or even make them your allies. You have to come to terms with the fact that they will always be there and won’t go anywhere, no matter what you do. Believe me, I’ve spent more than 10 years doing my best to fight my fear, and I’m one hell of a tenacious fighter! However, I never made much progress. One day, I realized: This is pointless! I can either stop paddling to avoid this immense discomfort, or I could accept: This is just what my mind does and I cannot do much about it. I am scared! Period! And also: it’s natural to be scared. It’s ok! It’s important to make wise choices, and look at what positive things the river brings to you, despite the fear.
Bruce Lee (ok, he’s not a Jedi/Star Wars character, but still awesome) once said:
“In order to control myself, I must first accept myself by going with and not against my nature.”
Perception - This one is one of the greater gifts I received from my coach, Gregor Becke. A true Jedi Master who has a unique and inspiring way of using the Force, so to say. Whatever the situation is, and no matter how dire and unnerving it seems, you could always ask yourself: What positive could the situation have? What positive things could come from it? I may be scared shitless by the rapid I’m about to run, but what if it goes well? I could learn a great many things from running the rapid, it could be an amazing, fun experience. Or, I have to complete a training session on the water, despite cold, nasty weather conditions. Do I look at it as an annoying chore? Or do I look at it as an opportunity to get stronger, a gift (I get to paddle, yay!!) and a chance to spend time and have fun with my friends?
Confidence and solution-oriented thinking
We have a problem. Do we really? James Weir, a good friend of mine, says: There are no problems, there are solutions. So, chances are that for whatever challenge that presents itself, you already have skills and solutions to address it. If not, there are solutions you can find and skills you can learn. What I’m trying to say here is: Your energy is always directed towards what you focus on. Instead of saying “This is hard. Can I do this?” you could rather say: ”Ok, this is hard. HOW can I do this?” What solutions and skills do I have to address the situation at hand, and how could I learn new skills that are necessary? This way of thinking, instead of blocking your brain by a sense of being overwhelmed, opens up more pathways and more creativity to actually come up with a solution. In 10+ years of racing, I’ve been nervous at the start line every damn time and always experienced various degrees of uncomfortable physical sensations. Eventually I realized: I do feel like sh**, but that has always been the case, before nearly every race or big rapid I have ever done. And yet I have often mastered the challenges at hand and achieved a good performance, by accepting those uncomfortable emotions and sensations as part of my reality and then getting to work.
Photo: Milos Jakobi
Cutting a long story short – what does all of this mean? I'm still scared AF and the journey is far from over. As you take your steps, from Padawan learner to Jedi knight and one day maybe even a Jedi master, the more you realize how much you still have to learn. But I have accepted that the fear is there and that it won't go anywhere, no matter what I do. Which allows me to look a bit further.
Your focus determines your reality (Qui-Gon Jinn)
The fear is there, but so are other things. What do you look at the most, what do you focus on? What good things could possibly happen, what positive aspects does the situation have? What did you do and learn in similar situations you have faced before, what can you remember and acknowledge from when you’ve handled a situation well?
Question yourself. But never doubt yourself ! (Quinlan Vos, Star Wars Legends)
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