Tucked away in the rugged West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, the Barlow River presented a challenging first descent that tested the physical and mental endurance of renowned whitewater paddlers Ryan Lucas and George Snook. Their journey began with a grueling 12-hour hike to reach the river on a steep, tussock-filled alpine terrain. The ascent was tough but rewarded with a stunning sunset at camp, perched at around 1,850 meters (6,000 feet). A frosty start on the second day gave way to clear skies as they navigated steep ridges without a marked trail. After pushing through harsh conditions, including a glacier crossing, they finally reached a vantage point and caught their first glimpse of the put-in. On the third day, after five hours of bushwhacking, they arrived at the…
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Kayak Session (Digital) - 1 Issue, Spring 2025