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Within a year of learning how to roll, I put a Uganda trip to surf the Nile Special on my ‘to-do’ list.  For the past 3 years I have been haphazardly making plans and searching flights to Entebbe, hoping to check it all out before the dam flooded the top section.  Finally, this November Craig Kleckner, Dave Fusilli, Jessica Yurtinus, and myself spent 3 weeks on the White Nile; surfing the Special and paddling some of the biggest whitewater I have ever experienced.  And with some bittersweet luck, we paddled the top rapids 2 days before the dam was actuated and they were buried under the Nile Reservoir.

Surrounded by spectators, tourists, and a painter, Dave paddles Bujagali Falls only days before the Bujagali dam started submerging the upper rapids.

When we visit Bujagali Falls 3 days later, the scene is quite different.  Half of the rapid has been swallowed and trash floats in the newly formed eddy above what used to be dry rocks.  There are still people along the banks, but the town is quieter than before.   Bujagali Falls and the whitewater rafting of this section was a prime tourist attraction.  Will tourists continue to come and see the Nile Reservoir?  It is uncertain, but regardless, the locals who will experience whatever changes this dam brings will not benefit from the power it will produce.  We hear about similar circumstances constantly, but it was powerfully emotional to witness such a deep-lasting event, if only superficially and for a brief moment.

Left: The brown claw IS universal.

Right: We never saw any hippos, crocs, or other typical African megafauna….But, we saw plenty of harmless & venomous snakes.

Dave above and below clean blunting the JEDi prototype, which proved to be super fast, loose, and an overall awesome big wave surf kayak.

After spending  our first days at Kayak the Nile’s Jinja compound, we moved to the Hairy Lemon Island for the rest of our time in Uganda.  With delicious meals, friendly staff, and a mere 15 minute paddle to the special, the Hairy Lemon was a wonderful, relaxing place to live for 2.5 weeks.

Left: That’s what friends are for?

Right: The Hairy Lemon = Kayaker’s Paradise

Craig Kleckner doing some good stuff

Nothing beats a Nile Special at the Nile Special.

Stoked I finally made  it to surf the Nile!!

Craig getting in a last surf before floating down to the Lemon & the delicious meal that awaited.  I finally made it to the Nile. Now I can’t wait until I can go back…  with a SMALL JEDi!!!!

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Before the van headed back east, we spent a week in Colorado trying out the NEW Shiva prototype on a variety of Colorado classics and showing it off at the 2nd Annual Baileyfest.

Here Dave enters the Cauldron on Lake Creek. (photo – Craig Kleckner)

An unplanned stop, Baileyfest was the van’s last event in the West before returning to the east coast.  Usually low this time of year, it was great to paddle Bailey with the extra water released for the weekend’s festivities.

Above Dave boofs the commonly portaged 1st of 4 Falls.

Above and Below – Dave testing the Shiva in Supermax

There was a great turnout for Baileyfest.  Many thanks to Ian and American Whitewater for organizing this event!  Friday and Saturday night we had a blast hanging out and watching kayak movies on the big screen at the festivities’ riverside campground.  And, with food and beer at the take-out on Saturday, Baileyfest is not to be missed!  (Remember to buy your American Whitewater membership!)

Even though there was also a Sunday release on Bailey, we decided to hit up another Colorado classic before the long drive.   With the high water year, Gore Canyon was still at a fun higher level.  The first hour of flatwater can be a bit tedious, but we spotted pelicans and a bear!!

Above Dave and I take different lines down Gore Rapid.

Below running Tunnel Falls (Photos – Jed Selby)  While scouting this rapid we watched about two dozen fish jumping into the curtain and get trashed in the hole….also, cool..

To really experience the Shiva on a wide range of rivers and creeks, we took it to Lake Creek to sample it on a low water (really low) steep creek.  Above Dave boofs the Brains.  Below he takes the left line on Paralyzer.

Dave enters the Cauldron (photo Craig Kleckner)

After a week of Colorado testing, Dave found the Shiva easy to roll and boof, very forgiving, fast, and comfortable.

The van is past Kansas by now.  I’m still sitting in Buena Vista, CO, putting off the long drive back east for another month.

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After a good, but long week hanging out with the Pyranha family at Outdoor Retailer in Salt Lake City, we headed back to Colorado for some actual kayaking. Here in the inner Crystal Gorge, Josh Bechtel is trying out the new creekboat; the Shiva.

Sporting Astral’s new ‘Down with the Brown’ shirts during Outdoor Retailer’s Open Air Demo.  There were tons of new toys to explore at OR including these shirts, and more importantly the creeker Shiva protoype & new old-school playboat; the Loki.

After cleaning up after OR and saying farewells, we hit the road and arrived in Carbondale, CO at 4:15am, crashed until midday, and then managed to motivate for a Crystal Gorge mission.  Perhaps owing to our post-OR tiredness, our trip in the gorge was unnecessarily epic.  But, after years of living in Colorado, I am glad to finally have seen this remarkable gorge.

Pine Tree Falls – Nate (above) Dave Fusilli (below)

Josh Bechtel Shiva-ing through the inner gorge where we found  lots of sticky boxed in holes.

Looking back upstream at the inner’s entrance.

Kayak porn

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Usually by the end of June when the Pyranha van is rolling out of Colorado to head to the Northwest, the rivers in Colorado are dropping; most of the creeks have come and gone and the rivers have already spiked.   We left Colorado full of water with most creeks still left to be run.  Before our last stop at the Gunnison River Festival, we ventured down to Silverton, CO to find Mineral Creek still under snow, Ice Lakes Creek filled with wood, but were able to run the Lime Creek classics.  Above Dave Fusillil enters Adrenaline Falls on the 1st Gorge of Lime.

Mike Patterson dropping Adrenaline Falls.

Dave running the wood siphon portage on the 3rd Gorge of Lime.

We brought overnight gear with us & after  the gorge enters the Animas, we found a camp spot and spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying the sunshine.  The next day we paddled the Animas in search of another tributary; Crazy Women Creek.  We found it a bit too low and continued down the Animas through the Rockwood Box.

The weekend was the Gunnison River Festival, which was yet another high water Colorado river event.

With the high water, we were able to enjoy Gunnison’s newest play feature; a rowdy hole.  Here Dave watches Craig throw a big ole loop.

Raft Rodeo…

Demshitz killed it at the rodeo and stole the podium!

1st – Craig Kleckner

2nd – Mike Patterson

3rd – Dave Fusilli

Sayonora Colorado!  We’re now in Montana where the water is also high!

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This past weekend demshitz hung out in Salida, CO for the annual FIBARK.  Due to high water the usual punishing ‘Pine Creek’ Race was held on rapid #4 instead and the rodeo became a touchy wave rather than a hole.   But, FIBARK is always a good time with deep fried snickers, live music, and carnival rides!  Here David Fusilli and Mike Patterson lead the pack in a preliminary round of the #4 boatercross.  Dave finished 1st overall and I ended up 3rd.

Here’s an amazing high quality video of the boatercross: http://vimeo.com/25311854

Dave, Craig, and Mike taking their rodeo practice ride.  They all placed somewhere between 6th-10th and I ended up 3rd.

On Sunday Mike and I raced the FIBARK 26-miler, which is one of, if not the oldest whitewater race in the US.  Mike won the rec. boat class using a Speeder and I would have as well, but I used someone else’s bib so my official result was a DNF.  Regardless, it was fun in one of those painfully long with the wind in your face kind of ways.

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While the rest of Demshitz competed in the Lyons Outdoor Games, Dave and I headed to Frisco, CO to visit Tenmile Creek Kayaks‘ owner Matti Wade and hang out at the local river festival.  It was great to meet a new group of friendly kayakers and check out their scene.

The shop is super cool with bar seating in front of a flat screen playing kayak videos and hand painted outdoor scenery.  Matti set up a living room for us to spend the evening and we still were able to sleep under the clouds.  Thanks for the hospitality!

Tenmile Creek Kayaks is fortunate to have a fun play feature right across the street from the shop.  The Saturday evening event was a big trick competition under the lights.  Here Brenton Petrillo shows shows off to a gathering group of local Frisco spectators.

Sunday included a freestyle rodeo and the classic Tenmile One Mile downriver race.

Showing off dem’ boats at the Frisco Whitewater Park.

Riding the chairlift in the back of Matti’s shop.  It’s a very cool shop… If you’re passing through Colorado on I-70 you should check it out!

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After the Teva Mountain Games we spent a couple of days surfing Glenwood Springs Wave at ideal levels before heading back to Vail for a Kayak Demo Session with Alpine Quest Sports.  We had fun playing with the bladders to adjust the Vail hole and trying to avoid hypothermia while throwing loops with our buddies Ross and John from Alpine Quest.

Whilst surfing Glenwood, Craig took Pyranha’s new river running playboat; the Varun out for a test drive.  We already knew it was a great river running boat, but it was good to see how well it also surfed big waves.  Craig was throwing all sorts of tricks.

Above and below Craig shows off his Molan surfing ninja skills.

Mike Patterson throws some backwards tricky maneuver

Pink helmet… that’s me

Dave can blunt forwards, backwards, left, and right… wizardry

Above picture says it all.  Below Mike Patterson shows off for the crowd.

There will be a Glenwood video.. coming SOOOOON!!

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To kick-off last weekend’s Teva Mountain Games in Vail, demshitz headed to the new Bonfire Brewing Company in Eagle, CO to celebrate the beer of the month; DEMSHITZ BROWN ALE!  In addition to being super delicious, the Demshitz Brown Ale can be ordered by simply throwing out the brown claw at the bar.  Very nice!

Although he couldn’t celebrate the inauguration of Demshitz Brown Ale, Stephen Forester still killed it in the Homestake Creek Race.  Read on for more Teva Mt. Games updates including zunderwear burrito eating.

Go get one today!  Come home with a growler to share with your friends and family!

Dave Fusilli on Homestake making the 50% cut

Hannah Kertesz & myself throwing down for a Demshitz women’s tie.

Craig Kleckner throwing out the obligatory crowd-pleasing brown claw while Dave Fusilli does a brown claw-less space gorilla

Jonny Meyers special combo move.. impressive huge loop to spit-up…

Mike Patterson in the process of WINNING COLORADO!!  He placed an impressive 7th overall in the freestyle and will now WIN the rest of the events including Lyons, Fibark, and Gunnison!  We love you Mike!

Sharing burritos in your zunders.  Demshitz are gentlemen!

A great way to conclude the Teva Games on Sunday is the 8-ball race, which is an exciting boatercross involving 8-ballers (kayakers, rafters, and SUPers) trying to knock the racers off course.  Good times for the spectators and participants, this year I won the women’s category and Dave placed 3rd in the mens.

This weekend Mike, Craig, and Jonny head to the Lyons Festival, while Dave and I go to the 10-mile River Festivities.

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Though the grapevine we heard that this creek running out of Forbestown, CA was claimed by a long time Cali boater to be “the best thing going.”  Hearing this we happily made plans for the mission.  All we knew was the name of the take-out and the put-in.  Can’t deny it was a good adventure.  But, whether or not it was “the best thing going” at the time is up to boater discretion.

Able to find Forbestown on the map, we went to the only local store for directions to the two reservoirs, which were to be our take-out and put-in points.  Upon realizing that the person assigned the task of running the 14 mile shuttle after the river was in for an epic adventure because neither of the roads looked easily hitch hike-able, Dave stopped back in the local store to see if anyone could help us set up shuttle that night.  A friendly Forbestown local named CJ, happily took the $20, the beer, and met Dave at the take-out to drive him back to the put-in in his beast truck.  Taking short cuts straight up the hillside, I think that night was the highlight of Dave’s Forbestown Creek adventure.  Above Craig is scouting the damn and what could be seen downstream as we waited for Dave.

The first half of the river was characterized by sieved boulder gardens in between trees.  The creek must rarely run because we were paddling through a forest most of the time.

Pictured are Craig Kleckner (above) and David Fusilli (below) running one of the better drops on the second half of this run.  If you enjoy river running with lots of scouting because most drops either land on a rock or involve maneuvering around series of sieves, than this is the river for YOU!

I forgot the mention all the thorn bushes conveniently crowding all the eddies.  I’m not trying to sound overly negative, but I guess not all trip reports have to be of sunshine, butterflies, big waves, and clean waterfalls.

Lost in Cali

Here’s a video Dave put together of the adventure.

More snow in California!!!  Next stop is sunny Colorado.  We can all only hope it lives up to its’ reputation.

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This past weekend we had fun gambling, kayaking, and experiencing city life during the Reno River Festival.  The rest of Demshitz have been on official summer tour for awhile, but it was my first stop and I was stoked to get back in my Molan and Burn!

Hannah Kertesz our only 1st place finisher for the weekend!!  She won the Junior Freestyle Competition.

This year David Fusilli, Craig Kleckner, Johnny Meyers, and myself will be traveling around in the Pyranha van.  At the moment, Johnny is up in Canada representing at the Grand Prix so I can’t give you insight on his pre-competition routine.  But, here is how the rest of us prepare for rodeo competitions.

I like to do gratuitous amounts of face splashing before dancing to radio Top 10 Pop Music.

Dave likes to lay back and take er easy, while Craig sits and smiles pretty in case any TV or newspaper media personal are present documenting him.

Doing some loops while listening to Katy Perry’s “Last Friday Night” ….  this Friday night we’ll do it all again!!

So, the competition was held at a hole, which granted was a much deeper hole than Reno Festivals in the past, but, regardless did not warrant Craig’s full-on air screws.  These ninja skills landed Craig a spot in finals and a 5th place finish overall.

Dave throwing down after accidentally grabbing a snake on the bank…. He says, “It was terrifying”

Brown loop… because regular loops won’t get you into semi-finals.

With the high water this year coming through the Reno River Park, the race coordinator added an upstream gate to keep everything interesting.   Gate 4 certainly provided some spectator excitement.  I think Tyler Muntz is squirting someone in the face while Dave is paddling back through the gate against mayhem traffic.

Hannah and myself getting ready to race.  Here Hannah’s paddling past the competition during one of her heats.

Looks like Tyler Muntz is running someone over again!  Nice work.  I have no idea who’s winning or losing here.  But, they all have to paddle upstream through that gate at some point.

Dave roosting past the competition for a 2nd place finish!

Why like this??  No, seriously, why like this?  WHY WHY WHY is it snowing in Reno right now?  The festival is over and we want to go creeking in Cali.  But, it’s SNOWING.  Don’t get me wrong, I love snow… But, NOT when I’m kayaking. It hailed on us today while we were kayaking.  But, it’s going to be sunny with a high of 80 degrees tomorrow!!!