Peak UK Himalayan Challenge November 2007
The 14th Himalayan Rodeo, one of the most exciting white water events in the world, has again taken place on the mighty Bhote Koshi river in Nepal.
October and November are excellent months for kayaking in Nepal, lots of big white water all over the country makes it the perfect autumn playground. Some kayakers go along with the local rafting companies and their professional river guides on long fully equipped trips with gear rafts carrying camping gear and fantastic amounts of excellent food. Some pack their own kayaks and go off on exploring missions. The opportunities are endless, no one ever has enough time to explore all the excellent rivers.
At the end of the season the Peak UK Himalayan Challenge is a great opportunity for paddlers to get together, Nepali and foreign paddlers compete, cheer on each other and of course partying together on Equator Expeditions Sukute beach. This year around 200 spectators, compeditors and river runners gathered, including some of the best kayakers in the world.
The event included an extreme slalom on the class IV rapid Dazed and Confused. An 8 km full on white water downriver race and a unique freestyle event down a 150 meter rapid with five freestyle features which in each, tricks had to be pulled.
Most compeditors competed in all events, fighting to become the overall whitewater champion of Nepal.
Nim îMinî Magar took yet another Nepalese National Champion title and received a new Liquid Logic kayak. Young Nepali Prakash îHitayî Kadel took the junior win and gratefully received a Jackson kayak.
Swedenís Mats Wålstedt took the international title followed closely by GBís Paul Shepherd. Another Swede Simon Eriksson took third and Inka Trollsås won the womans freestyle and total as only female compeditorÖPrices for international compeditors included an Everest flight, a jungle safari for 2, Smith sunglasses and more. As well as this, Inka also won an inflatable crocodile after winning a crocodile race down the freestyle rapid! An awsome event all about having fun, on and by the river with paddlers from all over the world.
For more info on next yearís event, full results and images keep an eye on www.peakuk.com
For more info on kayaking trips and equipment hire in Nepal visit:
www.farawayadventures.com
Images Pete Astles / Sally Ormand / Sam Burdett
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