The Sweet Rumble 2010 - Sjoa River

There is never a dull moment in the Sjoa valley. The past week saw the water levels on the Sjoa rise dramatically, this resulted in the Sweet Rumble comp being moved. Aamot gorge, where the rumble normally takes place was at a monster level, thus the event was moved to the Slalom course section of the river, right in front of the Sjoa Kayak Camp. The course was well thought out with a few must make gates which forced some of the "rumblers" through some of the bigger features on the course.

The sun came out and so did the spectators who were able to see the unpredictable finish to the race. Sweet Protection held a fantastic event with some great prize money and of course the winners Belt.

Excitment at the start,

The heats;

Tyler Curtis stomping through the heats.



Womens;

Mariann Saether leading the pack by far in all her heats.



Some action in the Womens semis (above)

Womens Finals ;


The womens finals placement, Mariann had the lead but the river had its way and she ended up missing the bag and the 3rd in the pack ended up hitting the bag to take first place with a great line.


Mens Finals;


Photo finish.


MC on the mic , Logan Grayling

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Ozzies take a Win

Half way through the Sjoa river festival, still lots of action to come this weekend. The raft race was a populare event, a long race down the "play run" had the teams puffing and panting! The Ozzie team took first place with a close fight to the death for 2nd and 3rd. A good effort by everyone with some very entertaining surfing at the end! The festival has something for everyone, stay tuned for a festival update...

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Gudbrandsdølen Dagningen lørdag 3 juli 2010.

Local Norwegian Newspaper article about Planet Rivers next expedition!

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Jolgen Wave, Sjoa River

On the Sjoa play run there is a fast wave called Jolgen. Apparently to local knowledge the wave can be quite fickle. It seems to change drastically with changing water levels and spring melts, needless to say we have been blessed the past 10 days. The wave has been cooking. Nice foam pile, fast, steep with eddy service, if you make the eddy !

Test driving a Dagger Crazy 88 (6.2) a little small but super fast.

Water Break

Stoked

I had the priveldge of meeting Halvor Heggem. Halvor is a norwegian youngboater. The norwegian youngboater programe is an initiative of the Norwegian Paddling Asociation for youth between 13-19 years old. Coached by Tyler Curtis these groms are in very good hands. Having started boating at a young age (which was only a couple years ago) Halvor is ripping, superb technique and great guy to hang out with.

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Post Cards From Norway

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Sjoa River # 1

After a few paddles on the Sjoa I am starting to feel like I'm getting comfy in the Fluid Expedition Solo again.The spring issue of Canada's Rapid Magazine named Sjoa the no.1 whitewater town in the world. That's a big call, but they hit the nail on the head. The Sjoa river offers a bit of everything. Great play spots on the play run, an impressive slolom course with accomodation at the Sjoa Kajak Camp and just below that you can test yours skills on the Riksanlegget section. This monring Ine and myself headed upstream and ran the Aamot Juvet section. A stunning gorge filled with huge waterfall tributaries and some larger rapids. You really can have you cake and eat it on the Sjoa River.

Frida, an old river dog. I'm sure if she could talk she would have some great stories to tell of the kayakers which have passed through the valley over the years.

Rob doing some fine tuning for the Sjoa and Driva Expeditions on Google Earth.

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The Joys of Jet Lag

Wide awake at 2.30am. Now what? Jet lag has become a friend of mine I sometimes wish would not visit, ever. The early rise did provide for some solid planning and a journal entry. Every minute I spent here in the stunning valley of Nerde Heidal, the more I love it. The community is super friendly and everyone has a smile on their face. The hills are green and water crystal clear. Paradise!

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