Laminar Adventures: Wild Waikaia

So in between all the Nevis runs in spring last year, I definitely got my fair share of Waikaias done! The Waikaia drains the same mountain ranges as the Nevis does, but the scenery and landscape is definitely a lot different. The area is more prone to rain so the river edge is lined with beautiful beech forest. Further up it becomes more open, but it is more farm land. And a southland river trip would be nothing with out a 4WD drive track taking you to the top where there is still a walk in. The rivers character is very pool drop like, but with some very stout rapids, with caves and trees, so having a bit of local knowledge will help speed the trip up. Te start of the river is slow, and flat, eventually you come to a rapid which leads into a horizon line, which is normally the cave rapid which you can normally run on the left, through the cave and off the 14 foot drop. But because of the how the Waikaia attracts trees in flood the cave has filled with them, so it is now a portage unless you can find a line through the rapid in the middle, i've seen someone run it accidentally, doesn't look nice.

This way to awesome kayaking!

Kayakers warning..... contains waterfalls... ohhhh yeah

Wrong place to put a warning sign, too many distractions

Starts slow...

Once you get past that rapid it flattens out again, but then it picks up with a few cool rapids to keep you busy, then a cool rapid leading into a wicked drop, which is normally a portage as it looks quite manky, tight line but its good to go! After this are a few more rapids too keep the blood flowing, then you come to a wicked section, with two awesome rapids, one with a cool 10 footer, with a busy run out, then the waterfall of death. Worth a look if its your first time on the river. All i can say is enjoy the ride!!!

Waikaia puzzle

Wilz sees a line

Puzzle solved!

Waikaia is classy, Wilzy adds some of his own

Whats the line? Hard right... stay away from the tree

Wilz styling, as usual

Ari getting that ever important boof

George enjoying his first ride on the Water fall of Joy

This gorge is amazing!

Getting some air under that boat, Oh YEAH! (P. Greg Allum)

After this the river picks up with some super classy drops and rapids with some very tight lines, Watch out for caves and undercut walls. At the end of the day cool a beer in the ice cold snow melt, and enjoy!