New Zealand

Hello from New Zealand!

New River Academy's trip started off on the Kaituna River. This was a completely epic run, with a fun double drop and a 20 footer on it and numerous other little drops. The run leads into the Kaituna

 hole, which is an unbelievable playspot. It was actually at this hole that a couple HUGE students created the move "phonix m

onkey" a few years back. The area itself was gorgeous. Picture rich rolling green hills 100 yds from lush jungle. The river put in was only around 3/4 of a mile from where we were staying, and the hole only around 1 1/2 miles from us, easy walking distance. It was a perfect set up.

We spent time at the River Valley Lodge on the Rangitiki River. Wh

ile we were there, the river flooded and a cool wave came in. New River Academy knocked off school early in order to play on it. 

We did lots of other runs on other rivers around New Zealand. We even got time in the ocean! There are rough riptides and it is so tiring

 fighting them for hours. But New Zealand coast has sweet waves for sure!

  We got to run Maruia Falls, which are on the South Island of New Zealand. The falls are 35 feet tall, and super

 fun. It is a park and huck, so there is no pressure. We had some interesting runs, including 3 hail marys (which were amazing), numerous free wheels, and even a sort of panam. We also had our fair share of interesting lines as well. No pain no gain though right?

New Zealand

 is an amazing trip, definitaly one I'll never forget.

Happy Holidays!

Tracy d'Arbeloff