The Paddler ezine WW kayak collection 2013 | Page 194

ThePaddler 194

France

On the Sunday evening, we hightailed out of there
heading for Briancon and L’agentire. I noticed
Chamonix was on route so we decided to stop
there for a few nights for a change of scenery. We
met up with my oldest friend Dougal Tavener, a
pro kayaker turned glacier guide now based in
Chamonix. After a nice night catching up, we were
out early to the local mountains for a days leading
and top roping. David and myself were happy
with some 5c-6c routes for the day whilst Dougal

Colossal holes, waves that dwarfed kayakers and eyes
that popped out of paddlers heads frantically trying

to find a line

and his climbing partner were warming up on 7c.
This guy can climb. Used to be junior C1 slalom
champion back in the day and paddling for Peak
and Riot but always had climbing in his heart. We
had a wicked time, now we were ready to hit
L’agantiere and student week.