Adventure

Kayaking another west coast classic

- Text by Barny Young

Since the early 1990’s the developmen­t of plastic, shorter and more maneuverab­le kayaks has allowed paddlers to explore many rivers on the west coast that were previously deemed impossible. Due to picturesqu­e appeal, the niche idea of helicopter access and their steep, remote nature, many of the runs on the West Coast have risen to internatio­nal acclaim. With rivers such as the Arahura, Whitcombe, Hokitika rating highly on any internatio­nal kayakers hit list. It is the "old school" local legends such as Bruce Barnes, however, that can be attributed with finding many of these classic West Coast runs we know and love today.

 ?? - Photo -Carson Lindsay ?? Barny firing up one of the many stacked and continuous drops that make up the Upper Whataroa experience
- Photo -Carson Lindsay Barny firing up one of the many stacked and continuous drops that make up the Upper Whataroa experience

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