This time round I was pleasantly surprised, it wasn't too difficult to get in (once you know how) and when in it was possible to spin and go for ends. I spent some time working on a cartwheel in the Chute with the help of Hugh while Dave and Laura worked on squirts and eddy line moves in the current below.
Laura going for a squirt
Dave later hoped in Hugh's prototype large Nemesis and gave it a spin in the Chute. This new Fluid playboat looks awesome, it seems much faster than the Fluid and with harder edges give more control. Dave also said it is more stable on ends, I tried but being way too light for the boat never came close to getting it vertical. It 's a sweet boat though, can't wait to try out the medium.
Hugh and the large Fluid Nemesis
I spent some more time in the Chute working on ends, I nailed one cartwheel but the rest generally ended up in me being upside down. Dave swam onto the rock about the chute and got some awesome photos and video. Marius, many will remember from Bivane, was there. This kid is really looking good, I'm sure in a few years he will be an awesome paddler.
Our paddle was short lived because Laura and I had to head back to JHB early. I'm sure we will be spending a lot more time at the chute this year as it is often at this level throughout winter.
Neil initiating a cartwheel and landing up in a "I hate myself" bow stall
Marius styling
3 comments:
Yup, if there was ever a boat that deserved the title "Eleanor", the Nemesis is it. It's like driving a sportscar, and as Hugh puts it "It's like its alive". It's a little tight (makes my L Flirt feel like a bus), but for a high performance playboat, not too bad. Especially since it's the only high performance playboat I fit into! "Awesome" rails, and a fun boat to play in. The only thing is, "Fun" at 14 cumecs on the Vaal probably translates to horrible thrashings on a "real river"... But I want one anyway, I'm still trying to wipe the grin off my face.
I really recommend this level for beginner kayakers, or those who are really rubbish (like me) and needing to perfect (or learn) the first-time-roll! I need way more time at this level before I even attempt at a different level... yes, i'm a slow learner. I enjoyed learning to squirt though, thanks Daav!
Can you see google video from Wits? Has it also been blocked by the stupid proxy.
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