Blyde X-Fest 2008

The following morning we got up and gathered our gear for the day ahead. Some people struggled to shake off the effects of the previous nights’ booze but eventually everyone clambered onto the truck that would take us on the long but beautiful drive to the put in. The format of the event was simple and the same as the year before. We would paddle down the roughly 8 km section of river and have three races down three different rapids. There is no other option as one cannot access the gorge in any way, other than a helicopter. We hadn’t gone very far when a large stone lodged itself between the twin set of wheels at the back of the truck. After a bit of a struggle it was freed and on we went. The drive up was very slow in the truck but the scenery really great. If you haven’t been to this part of South Africa before then you’re really missing out. I won’t go into the whole deal about the Blyde Canyon and it being the third largest canyon in the world and what not. If you’re interested then check out my trip report from the 2007 Blyde X-Fest for more information or just Google it.

Once down at the river it was a relief to be in the still, morning air. The brown waters were the only disappointment as the usually crystal clear water is a real bonus and something of a rarity when it comes to paddling in South Africa. Because of a plantation being cut upstream, the waters have turned brown and they reckon it will take about another two years to clear up. For now, we’ll have to paddle this brown river and get used to taking water bottles along while doing so.

For the full article and loads more photos, click HERE!