Central Asia vlog post
While lying in the sand with my hands over my stomach, I think, “how did I get here?” I’d been throwing up for hours and hadn’t slept more than ten minutes at a time. My mind runs in circles: “This is really bad — we are literally in the middle of nowhere.” Being on this river was a lifelong dream I didn’t even know I had. Here I was, officially on the legendary Sary Jaz River. It was night one of nine, and all I hoped for was to stop throwing up.
Journal entry 4/27/24: “South Yuba 3100 cfs. Got beat in first rapid. Paddle harder towards first boof.”
Thinking back on the yuba season that lit a new fire of inspiration. Looking forward to more laps down this river, and sunny days at Bridgeport.
Flows lined up and the south fork trifecta went down. South Silver for breakfast. Lower Silver Fork for lunch. Golden Gate for dinner. Good day out with my dawg @camstrap_
The only two photos taken inside the Secret Stash. The crew sharing a life straw.
Years ago a friend told me about this legendary section of whitewater. So stoked to get in there with @benmckenzie.art and figure out the puzzle. The rapids and poison oak has humbled us both.
Thanks @benstookesberry for the early morning shuttle! @kokatatusa
Leaving Meghalaya, taking home an illness for a souvenir. After a month of amazing whitewater with a stellar crew, I grew to learn the beauty of Meghalaya was not just in the rivers but also the people. Everywhere we went locals where always willing to help us. People would often want to enjoy a small conversations about where we are from, and of course take a selfie. My trip ended with our drivers family taking care of me while I was sick. They gave me a bed, food, and company. They began to consider me apart of the family. What they did for me is something I will always remember.
Go to Meghalaya, you will be taken care of and run some this best whitewater in the world. @banjop_iawphniaw
📷 @kayakerdude
📷 @oliver_english_@camstrap_@harry_hasselman@mitchell.lamb@lucasquintero.m@pierce_huser
One day this past spring I called Abel for a Golden Gate lap. One of his favorite runs. Abel had just got off the river and he still agreed to do a lap with me. Putting on around 6pm I was nervous there wouldn’t be enough light. Giving me confidence. He told me we would be fine. We put on and raced down the river with no eddies and without speaking. Bombing down, Laying treats, and the occasional look back and nod. As we got to f-111 the sun had set and we boofed into darkness. The stoke was next level as we floated to the take out car in the dark of the night. We ended the day by eating In-an-Out while chatting about how are lives will play out.
This is one of hundreds of memories I had with Abel.
I can’t help to think that Abel helped change the trajectory of my life. He was like an older brother to me. He helped cultivated an energy on the river that made me push myself. He taught me how to have style in my kayak. While also teaching me to be kind to everyone. He was there for me on and off the river. Abel was on his way to becoming a nurse, with the end goal to help others. He was caring, kind, and brave. Abel will continue to live in my heart everyday.
To his family and his cali river family, Wish I was home to give everyone a hug. I’ll be thinking about him everyday here in India. Please feel free to comment your favorite moments with Abel. I’d love to hear them!
Love you all❤️ #paddlelikeabel
Life at the Green River Narrows. I appreciate getting to kayak with the community behind this river and spend time on this iconic section of whitewater.
This is Cameron, he’s a great friend of mine and the second best play boater on the west coast. His understanding of rivers is something I will always admire. If you haven’t kayaked with him. You should. #bestphotoboaterever
After a successful rescue on Upper Cherry. The party made to call to take a rest and eat some fruit snacks. Remember to give yourself a break every once and a while.
