LOW FLOW ON THE STYX

Dispite being very low Isaac, Whity (Andrew White) and Benis (Ben Algie) and myself went up the Styx for a run. Whity and Benis were making somewhat of a comeback to the kayaking seen after a lengthy layoff. For Whity, Ben and myself it was a bit of a reunion of sorts after not paddling together since studying back in 2006!

Isaac Leading the charge on the walk in.

Whity starting to remember what it like to walk in with a boat on board.

At least the side creeks were not dry as Whity takes on some H2o.

After getting to the top it seemed that there would be enough water for a run down.

Isaac and myself having a look a bit further up.

And after much discussion on where to go this is what happened. And giving the camera to Benis this is what he got.

Howie

Isaac

Myself on the first major drop. After almost deciding not to run this due to the large rock half way down I managed to hit a good line and got a sweet boof at the end. Isaac took control of the camera for the series of photos that follow.

Isaac back in his boat making his way through the numerous boulder gardens.

Normally it is me following Ben's line but after some time off the water it was Benis watching my line but after having a look he fired it up. Good to see him back in his boat afer 4 year layoff and it did not even look like he's been out of if! I will be following him again very soon I suspect.

Isaac finding a boof.

Whity

good to see Ben has not lost the facials as well.

LABOUR WEEKEND ON THE MOKIHINUI

Mokihinui! click on images to view larger!

What to take?? Gear carnage morning of day one.

Everyone out of the mazda... might not make it.

Virgin flyers- Isaac and Ricky.

Chris Sinclair. Or should that be Pilot Sinclair.

Flying over, the first crew of the day preparing to run from the forks down the lower Mokihinui Gorge.

There were three choppers for us on the day due to larger numbers flying to the forks earlier in the day. It meant for a fast efficient start to the trip. Lucky we showed up just in time to catch the flight.


The Crew from left to right, Chris Sinclair, Brendon Robertson (Bezel), Nick Leach, Craig Adams, Sophie Ballagh, Isaac Wilson, Ricky Hurst, and me in front (Howie Wilson).

Isaac Wilson liking what lies ahead.

Believe this is some of New Zealand's best untouched wilderness.

Ricky Hurst picking his line.

Adams giving the new boat a work out.

Bezel showing us the line on one of the trickier drops.

Nick Leach picking the right lines.

The crystal clear waters of the North Branch of the Mokihinui.

Craig Adams taking the direct route.

Sophie Ballagh having some time out from teaching kayaking. Get amongst it SOPH!

Chris Sinclair, the style master, still has it even with a lengthy layoff.

The team finding their way down.

Thats a strange looking rock

The green machine Ricky Hurst lining it up.

Great hut but make sure you take insect repellent! The sand flys here have to be some of the worst on the coast. It's got six bunks but we managed to get 11 in for the night.

Look closely. Being a photo boater requires more than just shots on the river, but capturing some of the things that you get to see by being out there.

The Forks clearing.

Night life on the river.

Gearing up for day two.


Plug the first rapid on day two if you want to cure your hangover from the night before! Bugger all that GOON!

After two days of paddling it was time to enjoy the scenery that the Mokihinui has to offer in the lower gorges.

Bezel and James having some quality time together.