The Academy of Huge Experiences traveled to New Zealand and had an amazing time. Our journey started at the action packed Rangitikei River. This is a class IV, V river that goes through an amazing gorge complete with Paragon Falcons, humungous trout, and six-foot long eels. We were based at the comfortable River Valley Lodge. River Valley Lodge is New Zealand’s premier whitewater rafting destination. While in the area we visited the Bliss-Stick Kayak factory. One year ago, on a private trip to NZ, I worked for Bliss Stick kayaks. I called Charles, the owner, and asked if he would be willing to let us take a look around. In true kiwi fashioned Charles replied, “sure mate come down day after tomorrow and we’ll show you the ropes.” Charles greeted us and gave the entire group a V.I.P tour of the factory. Charles, Andi –O and the gang showed us the complete process of manufacturing a kayak. Also while on the Rangitikei River we visited my good friends at the Mangaweka Adventure Company. MAC is based downstream of River Valley Lodge and specializes on rafting trips through a section of river that is best known from the movie, “Lord of the rings.” The Huge students teamed up with MAC to clean up a section of river that had litter from previous floods. The Huge students spent the afternoon picking up litter, tires, and sheep. Yes, there were two sheep that had found themselves stranded at the bottom of a towering cliff. After lots of tries we were able to capture the sheep and raft them out to safety. If you ever have to chance to make it to New Zealand you have to check out the Lord of the Rings trip at Mangaweka Adventure Company. A trip to the North Island of NZ is not complete without hiking the Tongariro Crossing. This famous hikes stretches across Mt. Doom, from Lord of the Rings. Along this walk one can view epic scenery like the Emerald Lakes, Blue Lakes, active volcano craters, bubbling hot sulpher springs and much more.
Our next stop was the Kaituna River, Okeere Falls, NZ. The Kaituna has been a kayaker’s hotspot for years now. The Kaituna comes complete with a waterfall, several nice boofs, a world class play spot, and five minute shuttle. While here the school was based at a holiday park that was a short paddle to the put-in. We spent a total of two weeks here and easily could have stayed longer. The play hole here is perfect for giant loops, endless cartwheels, phonix monkeys, and many more freestyle moves. The play was epic, and the river run was equally as fun. Just down the road about one hour is the Warioa River. This class IV, V river is dammed released and is a NZ gem. We had the chance to paddle here a total of three releases while in NZ. This area of NZ is rich in culture and history. While in the area the school visited a local Maori (Polynesian people of NZ) village and was treated to a theatre performance and traditional hangi meal.
After leaving the Kaituna the school made their way to the South Island. Our first stop on the South Island would be Hokitika. On my previous trip to NZ I spent over one month in Hokitika, as it is known internationally as the place to paddle hard whitewater in NZ. Only a year ago NZ witnessed its wettest year in recorded history. This year was different, we had blue bird skies and wonderful weather. I have to admit it was a nice change from the rainy cold weather from last year. The water levels were lower than normal however the weather was perfect for surfing. The school was located a two minute commute to the beach were the waves were good for most wave moves including pan-ams, helixes, and huge blunts. Thanks to the low water we were able to paddle some rivers that were usually too high to paddle. If anybody were to ask me for one piece of advice for kayaking on the South Island of NZ I would reply with two words, “heli-trip.” It was a personal goal of mine to share this experience with the students of Huge. After days of researching river difficulties and water levels Bryan, Jonathan and I decided on the Whataroa River. The Whataroa River has class III, IV and V rapids and is located just south of Hokitika and is joined by the Perth about ¾ of the way down. This was the perfect river for a big group because anyone who isn’t up to the class V rapids can make a short hike and rejoin the river after the rapid. The day we picked to fly was perfect weather and conditions. One could feel the energy from the students and staff as we waited on the helicopter to arrive at the take out. The students were feeling the rush from riding in the chopper and then knowing the only way out was by kayak. I was more excited that I had a part in making this experience available to so many paddlers. The river was epic, in a good way, and everyone had good lines.
While in Hokitika I also had the chance to sneak off and paddle a couple of West Coast Classics. Jonathan Souter, Scott Wooten, and myself called into work well to paddle the Upper Hokitika. The Upper Hoki had been on my mind for the past year because I had plans to paddle it my first time in NZ. Due to high water I was not able to kayak this river this river last time in Hokitika. The boys and I headed out early one morning and joined a couple other Americans Joe and Tim. We were a bit hesitent about putting on the river because none of us had ever been down the river. The Upper Hoki has a reputation for having several unportagable, unscoutable rapids. After a short meeting with the boys and a quick call to my local mate for some info we decided to make it happen and I’m so glad we did. This day of paddling was magical. We were on a remote, beautiful stretch of river navigating it first D style. For those of you who can relate, it was epic! After the run we were talking to some locals and realized that we ran a waterfall that had only been ran a couple of times. Most of us had good/ok lines, however one team member broke his boat. Another day of wellness Bryan Kirk, Jonathan, and myself made it to the Perth River. I had a wonderful overnight trip here my first time around to the West Coast and was inspired to go back. We joined up several boys from Bliss –stick including Honza, Ben, Andrew, and a couple of other European friends. This time around the water level was much lower and it made the river different in character. The Perth is a river that has water clean enough to drink, steep rapids, and scenery that is second to none. Our group moved quickly down the river and just like I remembered the Perth was a classic. If you ever have the chance to paddle on the West Coast of NZ and you have a strong team, don’t miss the Perth. My last helicopter trip was to the Upper Whitcombe. The Whitcombe River was named after Henry Whitcombe, who pioneered Whitcombe pass and the river valley with Douglas Lauper in 1865. The Whitcombe is steep in character but is unique to other NZ rivers due to its high volume, big water feel. Two of Huge’s stronger paddlers Nathan Silsbee, and Matt Fithian joined me for the day. Both of these guys have been paying their dues and getting 200+ days on the river for years now. Matt is one of the more experienced paddlers in the school and was recently picked up by Team Bliss-Stick. Nathan is an amazing kayaker with a silky smooth style, sensational timing and he loves to, “stomp it.” The three of us joined up with some European friends for an amazing day of kayaking. The Whitcombe River has challenging big water rapids, many are class V. When paddling hard whitewater one has to make many decisions about whether to paddle a rapid or walk around it. For those who have paddled hard whitewater you can appreciate paddling with people who are able to make educated, responsible decisions. Nathan and Matt have the ability to make wise decisions on whether or not to paddle or walk a rapid. On this day while scouting rapids I witnessed these two men considering all factors then making a good decision. The Whitcombe was a challenging and rewarding river. If you have a strong team it is a must do.
Before leaving Hokitika we were blessed with two days of hard rain. This rain made it possible to paddle another classic, the Kakapotahi. On my first trip to NZ I ran this river more than any other. There are two sections the upper and the lower. The upper is a steep creek with two waterfalls and one nasty portage. Our group opted for the lower that is action packed big water rapids. The run started out with a class V gorge that most of the group walked. Bryan, Jonathan, Nathan, Matt, Honza and myself decided to paddle the gorge. The gorge was one long rapid with the crux at the beginning. One large boof over a big hole then it was straight down the middle. Honza explained the line to everyone then we took off one behind the other. This rapid was not for everyone however we who decided to paddle it enjoyed it. After the gorge the we split into a couple of groups and headed down stream. This was one of my favorite days on the river in NZ due to its high water feel.
After Hokitika we made our way north to Murchison. Murchison is another paddling hotspot in NZ. We were based on the Buller River at another cool, little holiday park. While in Murchison we were finishing up school for the semester so paddling took a back seat. However, we made time to get out for a couple of days on the Buller River. Unfortunately the water levels around Murchison were low, however this was probably better for our finals. After all students and teachers were finished with school we celebrated by going to famous Maruia Falls. The students and staff relieved all post school stress by hucking themselves off the near 30 foot falls. After a couple of runs off the falls many students opted to free wheel the waterfall. For those who haven’t seen this waterfall it is the perfect waterfall for practicing technique. Just last year Rush Sturges performed a Hail Mary off the waterfall. A Hail Mary is a front flip off of a waterfall.
Finals are over and the stresses that go along with school are no more. Huge is now ready to make their way to Auckland and fly home. However, we left several days open for our travels back to Auckland. After consulting both staff and students the decision was unanimous to go back to the Kaituna River and the Wairoa River. After a long days drive, taking the ferry, then another long days drive we made it in time for the Wairoa release. After the Warioa we spent the next two days on the Kaituna making multiple runs and playing until we couldn’t paddle anymore. As the saying goes, “all good things must come to an end.” It was time to drive to Auckland and fly home. New Zealand is a magical place with wonderful people, spectacular scenery, and world class paddling. Cheers.
