THE RUPERT

The spring of 2008 proved to be one of the most epic ever. Check out all the action once the film STAKEOUT is released.

[June 1st 2008]

Today we are heading north to the Rupert River. This river is schedualed to be dammed by early 2009. It will be the last chance to ever see this beast in all its high water glory. The team consists of Patrick Camblin, Ben Marr, Phil Quinn and myself. We are fully loaded with creekboats, overnight gear and a dirtbike for driving shuttle. The long drive north starts in Ottawa, up towards Maniwaki, through Val-d'Or up to the small and very remote village of Waskaganish. This town would be our takeout. The Put-in was where the main highway crossed at Oatmeal rapids, roughly 100km upstream of Waskaganish.

to be continued...

Joel Kowalski
Keener Coach

DEEP IN THE JUNGLES OF MEXICO

[Preface]

In 2006, my friends and fellow keener instructors Rafael Ortiz and Nick Troutman were part of an expedition team on the Rio Alseseca in Veracruz Mexico. The full descent was well documented and released in the film Hotel Charlie 2 River of Doubt. In the same timeframe I was in Mexico but with World Class Kayak Academy, unable to take part in the expedition. I knew I would eventually return to run the epic sections they had found, and maybe some new ones too.

RIO JALACINGO

This river is the major tributary to the Alseseca. Their clonfluence is just upstream from the famous Cascada Tomata. The Jalacingo drops quickly, through harsh jungles and in intimidating canyons. We took five days to complete the 13km section. Luckily we were able to break the river into more manageable chunks, spending no nights on the river. Countless waterfalls and slides make this river special and a new classic in an already famous kayak destination. I can't wait to return.


Joel Kowalski
Keener Coach