thorpie's update

Heya crew.
Just an update from my corner of the globe. Im Just back in Tassie now after a sweet little creeking trip to New Zealand, me and the lads managed to get a lot of the classic runs done. Based in Hokitika on the wild west coast of the south island. The majority of the runs in the area involve a heli shuttle to get into the put ins at the base of the Alps, which isnt too expensive- even as NZ drops into recession, choppers cost on average about $100 each- a bargain considering how pristine and staunch the runs are. We managed to hit up the Perth, Arahura, Waihtaha, Hokitika and Kokatahi to name a few. Not really much carnage- apart from Kiwi mate Jimmy getting sieved on the Perth, Boat, paddler and paddle all went in for a few seconds and luckily flushed out the bottom of the boulder. I Guess it wasn't Jims time to go- as he was bloody lucky to survive. Thats one thing about NZ its sieve central, a place where mistakes have large consequences.
Well im now working and saving for the next mission. Off to Far north queensland next for some tropical creekboating then I fly to the middle east. Am going to do some work and explore the rivers of Turkey, am also in the process of getting a visa for Iran and hope to head there to explore some rivers. After all that its off to Norway for the rest of the northern Summer, Rafting and trying to make my kayak fly.
happy hucking
Thorpie.

New River Academy was all set to spend two amazing weeks at the Futaleufu in Chile, when the volcano Chaiten erupted again. We were all super disappointed to miss the epic Futa, but David Hughes, owner and founder of New River Academy quickly rallied and came up with a new plan of Pichilemu and the Maipo River up north. So here I sit, in a little internet cafe on the streets of beautiful Pichilemu. Pichilemu is a chilean surf town, which is cool all on its own. Plus, the waves here are unbelievable.

David Nelson Jones, a senior at New River Academy

catching a big wave...

(c) Tracy d'Arbeloff

David Nelson Jones 3 seconds later...ouch

(c)Tracy d'Arbeloff

There are two spots to surf. One is right on the main beach, a block away from where we are staying. The other is a short shuttle away at a place called Punta De Lobos. Point of Wolves. Yes, be scared. These waves can be up to 30 feet tall and live up to their name. It is either go big or go home. Punta de Lobos has certainly gotten a big taste of New River Academy in the past week. Students have been throwing huge...and experiencing huge beat downs. It is all in good spirits though. I mean, there is nothing better then comparing who's munching was the worst at the end of the day. Surfing the ocean is so much different then surfing a normal river wave. For starters, they will not flush you out like river waves do. Also, it is super tiring; you constantly have to paddle to fight the riptide, not to mention boofing big piles every five seconds. Sometimes I feel like I am on a treadmill out there!

One of the Pichilemu "taxis"

(c)Tracy d'Arbeloff

The town itself is beyond cool. Instead of taxis here, they have horse drawn carriages! There are tons of cool little cafes and restaurants, plus cute local markets all over the place. The one downfall is the the surfers are...I think it is suffice to say not pleased that 20 kayakers have invaded their "territory." Although I sympathize, they are annoyingly rude. So much for chill surfer mentality! Add into that a language barrier? Yeah...not good. At least New River Academy has gotten to brush up on their um...surfing etiquette? Rule number one: ALWAYS give the surfer the wave. Rule number two: if asked to "discuss" on land, do not accept. Seriously!!

Jason Craig, sophomore at New River Acadmey

throws a huge airscrew at Punta de Lobos, Chile

(c)Tracy d'Arbeloff

Ok so it is not that bad. As long as we are polite and do not steal waves, they tolerate us. Barely. But we still get our share of waves, and they are more then worth the wait.

And despite being terrified of sharks...and jellyfish...things are absolutely perfect. I am truly lucky to be here.

-Tracy d'Arbeloff

Low Water Winter

This winter started off with a bang, but has now wound down to minimal rain extending this biblical drought we've been suffering through in Alabama for the past few years.

However, I have been fortunate enough to get on low water Little River Canyon a lot. The canyon takes on a different character at these low levels and is way more technical and dangerous in most places, than at normal flows. Here's some pics of low water lines from the suicide section of the canyon...

Me entering Terminal Eddy. This rapid gets really dangerous at low water because of sieve on river left. pic by-Lauren Smith

Low water line at Avalanche. I don't feel safe on this one without my WRSI face bar- pic by Lauren Smith.

Cruise Quenille on the same rapid-pic by Lauren Smith

Lauren Smith catching air on Mushroom Boof-pic by Charlie Mix

Lauren Smith running the first drop of Cable Falls-pic by Crusie Quenille

Getting old school on the bottom drop of Cable-pic by Cruise Quenille

Me again on the last drop on Alabama's classic Pinball-pic by Kenny

Until Next Time,

-Charlie Mix

Jay Panther

Hello everyone,

Yesterday was the singles event at the Calgary Nor Am and it went great.  First and foremost I was able to ski my competition runs...with the aid of 17 ibuprofen and a tightly wrapped ace bandage.  My qualifying run was not only the first time I skied the course and hit the airs, but the first time I skied since I hurt myself in A-Basin a week ago.  I skied a great run, all things considered, and qualified 10th.  In finals I skied another great run and once again had the fastest time of the day.  The judging was a little suspect to say the least, as I ended up 13th, but yesterday really wasn't about the result.  Yesterday was about exploring my mental and physical toughness, and really finding out what kind of competitor I am capable of being.  

We had today off, tomorrow is a day of training (another day of rest for me), and we compete in duals on Sunday.  My ribs are still in a lot of pain so there is no guarantee, but I have every intention of competing Sunday and taking it one run at a time.  Thank you all so much for your prayers and positive thoughts, they worked!  I will let you know how Sunday goes.

Jay Panther

Ducky Anyone?

Ah yes. We've all done it, seen it done, laughed at it: the famous ducky. And I do not know about you, but I have gotten totally munched trying to control the darn thing on a rapid. So, why not take it down a thirty foot waterfall? Um...what? Somehow New River Academy students got their hands on a three person ducky (inflatable kayak) and decided to take it down Los Leones Falls in Chile. Los Leones is a 25-30 foot waterfall on the Rio Fuy, and is pretty much clean. Maybe this seems like nothing to you guys, and it's true that I have seen raft guides take groups down a 20 footer in New Zealand (no thank you!), but I was a little um...uncertain. It sounded...uncomfortable.

Stephen Forester at the top of Los Leones Falls on Rio Fuy in Chile

Lots of cheering and laughter later, New River Academy junior, Stephen Forester, paddles the large ducky off the falls. Turns out it was perfectly safe, similar to jumping off a high ledge into water (except harder to mess up). But oh man, Stephen's face! It is definitely a different way to experience a waterfall! He looked like the guy from Scary Movie 2...what was his name? Scream? Or was the the first Scary Movie. Whatever, those gave me nightmares. Yes, I realize they are comedies. I don't want to talk about it.

Can you see Stephen Forester's face? 

Anyway, Los Leones falls is a sweet drop to practice tucking, boofing, and stomping. You can even just "park and huck", although the trail can be tricky to find...or maybe I am just completely obtuse (there was a big sign, but in my defense, it was sorta off to the side...and I did not go too far past it!). I would not recommend trying any freewheels or anything because there is a kind of shallow rock shelf, but other then that, it is a good practice spot for any skill level. You can make it as hard or as easy as you want.

Head of New River Academy, David Hughes, tries a different

technique off of the falls. Jump Dave, Jump!

I have decided to take the Ducky down the Trancura run here in Chile. It should not be so hard, but I am so wearing nose plugs. I'll let you know how it goes. Am I the only one who is kind of scared of Duckies? Is that weird? 

Peace!

-Tracy d'Arbeloff

Rio Fuy!

Hola!

Estoy al Rio Fuy en Chile con New River Academy! Although pouring rain for the past two days, the area is still unbelievable. We are nestled in a little hostel in the middle of the tiny town of Choshuenco. Everyone here is so nice and welcoming! Even the stray puppies living under the hostel are really friendly and happy. Despite the language barrier, I can tell that this is a small town where they take care of their own. It is intere

sting that even in such a closed community, they treat outsiders like they belong!

The Fuy River itself is beautiful. The water is this turquoise blue, and warm! Apparently because the river comes from a lake, it is solar heated? Point is, no dry tops!!! With the rain, it is not quite skin to wind weather, but I am sure once the sun shows itself, I'll get a snazzy lifejacket tan. The upper and middle Fuy are class 4-5 runs that include tons of drops, ranging from a few feet high to over 50! The lower is a stunning class 2-3+ run. It is super chill, and worth doing at least once. 

Unfortunately, the water level is super low right now, and petons are numerous. It can make for an uncomfortable ride in some of the shallower rapids! But! With all this rain, who knows! Hopefully the level will come up!

Chile is a whitewater haven. And in a week, I'll be at the Futaleufu!

Adios!

-Tracy d'Arbeloff

Chile!!

Hello from Chile!!!!

I am having the time of my life, and it is only day two. After New England winter, these long summer days are absolute heaven. Not to mention, it is absolutely stunning here. Big mountains on all sides, including a smoking volcano! Cool right? I am half expecting it to blow at any mo

ment! The rivers are cold, but refreshing, and both of the playspots New River Academy has been to have been super fun! Several of our students have thrown 

such huge air loops, I think Steven Wright would be jealous! Well, maybe not quite. But you get the point. 

It is hard being in areas where very few people speak english, but it is definitely an

 experience meeting chilean paddlers. The locals are all really friendly, and the food is delicious. This is a must do trip for sure. I mean come on! The water is clean enough to drink! Not many places like that in the States. Pretty sweet right?

While here with New River Academy, I'll get to paddle the Fuy and the Futaleufu, visit patagonia, hike a volcano, and so much more. Keep watch for more posts on my travels!

-Tracy d'Arbeloff