PADDLER 82
“ The Siang’ s rapids are monumental in scale. I often reflected on Darin McQuoid’ s vivid description of The Wall Rapid – a churning behemoth that exemplifies the raw power of big water.”
PADDLER 82
2013
“ The Siang’ s rapids are monumental in scale. I often reflected on Darin McQuoid’ s vivid description of The Wall Rapid – a churning behemoth that exemplifies the raw power of big water.”
2008, 2010, 2013: THE KARNALI – NEPAL’ S CROWN JEWEL
The Karnali, Nepal’ s longest river, is a dream for multiday kayaking expeditions. Its stunning beaches and exhilarating pool-drop rapids make it an adventurer’ s paradise. 2010, I tackled the Karnali self-supported with UK friends, a rewarding ten-day journey from Pokhara. In 2013, I returned with my partner, Esther, who joined me on a stand-up paddleboard( SUP). Despite her limited experience, Esther embraced the challenge, and together, we navigated the Karnali’ s rapids. Her elevated position on the SUP provided a unique perspective to see the rapids and work out the dangers and best routes to swim out.
The Karnali tested us, thrilled us, and solidified its place as one of the finest rivers I’ ve paddled. It is well within reach of the average good club paddler.
2024: THE BRAHMAPUTRA( SIANG) – THE FINAL FRONTIER
My journey culminated with the Brahmaputra, known as the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet. After flowing gently eastward across the Tibetan Plateau, it crashes through the Himalayas past Namcha Barwa, the world’ s highest unclimbed peak, before entering Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang.
The Siang’ s rapids are monumental in scale. I often reflected on Darin McQuoid’ s vivid description of The Wall Rapid – a churning behemoth that exemplifies the raw power of big water. Our raft team flipped on the first rapid, a harrowing 400-metre swim for six stunned rafters. Each subsequent rapid demanded precision, strength, and nerve. The Fantastic Four, a massive Class IV rapid, was a roll of the dice, but the exhilaration was unparalleled.
Arunachal Pradesh’ s Siang valleys are home to the Adi and Galo tribes, whose vibrant cultures added depth to the adventure. Over six weeks of biking and kayaking, we explored the region’ s remote beauty, rarely encountering anyone outside our group.
2024