KAYAKING

EXPLORING RIVERS IN A KAYAK

A great ways to explore river systems is by Kayak, long sections can be made in short periods of time whilst the water does the work of carrying the loads. Sections that are not so steep, which account for the bulk of the worlds rivers can be easily negotiated even by the relatively inexperienced with the right gear.

Good water flow on the Rio Chiriqui Viejo on the frontier with Panama and Costa Rica. Photo wildxplor

The steeper river sections are another story and it almost seems a rule that the more spectacular the surroundings the more difficult is the water.

Whitewater kayaking is a heck of a lot of fun but requires a great investment in Technique and ability, especially in the fast, high volume and steeper sections, kayakers spend years honing their skills to feel comfortable in the more difficult grades.

River grading runs from 1 which is a slow moving placid flow through to grade 6 which is a hydraulic or extreme section which has not been run before and will have a high chance of fatality if you were to get on it.

Storage is tight and everything is put into sealed containers and dry bags. Photo wildxplor

What matters most is the volume of water and the gradient, it is a  balance which has to be closely watched. Any undertaking on the river is completely weather dependent, you try and keep to your Limit, whilst developing your limits as much as possible.                                                                                             The seasonal rain patterns for the descent you are planning are vital information that you must study beforehand, as well as using the very limited space available in the Kayak to the absolute maximum. Everything has to be as lightweight and as compact as possible, and at the same time you have to bring the food you will need, Maps, Rope, first aid kits, spare clothes and overnight gear if You are planning multi day trips, or even if you think you will be caught out when the river rises unexpectedly.

 

Parking the boat on a rock. Photo wildxplor

Almost instantly after you have got onto a  river you leave behind the modern world and often little is seen of mans intervention,  this is especially the case on the more remote sections,  You can get a glimpse of the world as it once used to be.

The boulder garden upper section of the rio Chiriquicito in Chiriqui. Photo wildxplor

Long distances can be travelled in relative short periods of time if the grade permits it, and for many canyon sections the Kayak is practically the only means of exploration.

LINES

Scouting out each new rapid to pick a good line can make the difference between a disaster and a great trip, it is always a few minutes well spent.I am still looking for a couple of paddles I’ve lost.

Grade 4 boulder garden Photo wildxplor

Many of the kayak disasters I’ve had have been due to not picking out the a good line, but instead just going for it and hoping for the best, this is especially true where I’ve run the rapid before and the water volume has changed and I have not taken this into account.   If the sections are steep and with any volume it is well worth taking your time and moving slowly, a mistake is costly and occurs quickly. Think in terms of four hours actual kayaking per day on steep creeks, longer periods can make you let down your guard and it only takes an instant for things to change for the worse.                                                                                                                           I take a lot of breaks for my body to recover, this seems reduce the chance of ligament and muscle damage also.

If you are running a rapid you have done before and the volume has dropped it can still be a mistake not to scout first, I found this out the hard way when a hydraulic that was fast and fun at a higher volume became a powerful stopper that I nearly did not get out of at a lower water level.

Of course do not kayak alone, but also do not take having people around as your guarantee of safety.

As in everything you do in the wild assume you are alone and take nothing for granted because if you get into difficulties you might find  that this is actually the case, your buddy cannot get to you in time, or is just looking the other way for example.

Set safety on powerful and technically difficult rapids and if you are not sure of yourself then there is no shame in walking it, no matter what anyone is saying.

SOME THOUGHTS ON REMOTE KAYAKING

Getting the Kayak and equipment into a remote river valley, It good to have studied the maps and google earth so as not to waste too much energy, if you are hauling in the boat and gear.                  Exit strategies are not a bad idea either, I take screenshots which are then printed out of the river sections, with simple notes such as exit west from here two kilometers for example

Descending into the Gualaca river valley and Pushing the boat ahead to avoid snakes. Photo wildxplor

If steep canyons are a possibility then some climbing gear is a must, harness, rope, jumars, karibbeners that sort of thing. If there is a lot of jungle a machete is a good plan.

Pushing the kayak ahead to avoid snakes.

THE CANYONS OF GUALACA

Here is a link to a short film of the grade 4 Gualaca canyons section in the  Chiriqui province of Panama.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xi1Ux05IK4