The PaddlerUK magazine September 2015 issue 4 | Page 28

Kokatahi River, NZ

Paddler Barny Young
Photographer: Blair Trotman

A group of paddlers are mesmerized by the
beauty of one of the Kokatahi's spectacular
gorges
Photographer: Barny Young

BarnyYoung

PADDLERUK 28

“Why:
1. “My home run – only an hours drive from where I live on the west coast
of New Zealand.
2. “Heli access – while I’d be lying if I said I didn’t wish the Kokatahi was
roadside, there is a certain buzz about jumping in the helicopter
alongside a group of your best friends and committing to a day of some
of the most spectacular whitewater on this planet!
3. “Crystal clear turquoise water.
4. “Continuous grade 4-5 boulder gardens – the Kokatahi is one of the
most continuous runs I’ve ever been lucky to paddle with only the short
intermittent pool breaking up the classic boof and smear style moves that
characterize this 15km run.
5. “Spectacular gorges – steep sided sheer walled gorges that might add a
commitment factor but the buzz of floating through these majestic
gorges far outweighs the fear of floating in…
6. “Drinkable water – there’s nothing better than being able to drink the
pristine water that your paddling on and know it’s better than what you’ll
get from your tap!”