Our final day of paddling started slowly. As the trip has been coming to an end motivation and drive to paddle has begun to lessen somewhat. In spite of this we decided to head up the valley from our campsite to take a look at the slide on the Rjuade, have a wash and then take another look at Nosebreaker (a waterfall on the Raundalselva).
Upon reaching the Rjuande we walked up the bank to find the tunnel rapid. This is where, surprise surprise, the rivers goes through a man made tunnel underneath the railway line. The rapid that hides within is a steep, fast slide. Chase and Matt decided it looked good (although it took Matt some time to decide this) and they returned to the van to get kitted up. Chase went first whilst Matt watched. The ride was very fast, and very bouncy. Chase stayed upright and got to the bottom where Eddie was waiting. Now it was Matt’s turn. Some more deliberation… Then some more. Spooked somewhat by the bouciness and fear of a capsize onto the rock he then decided to walk the rapid. Carrying back over the railway line Matt and Chase then paddled down to Kittelbreaker.
The water levels were low, but the line looked easy and the pool aerated enough. After a fair bit of scouting Chase prepared to get on. By this point a small audience had converged on the bridge upon sighting the adventure sportsmen by the fall. After Team Photography (Eddie and Guy) were in position Chase broke out of the eddy and proceeded over the lip. His line was pretty good although there was a spot of leaning back and burning man upon touch down. After a little more deliberation Matt gave the thumbs up and headed back to his boat. The audience was still waiting with baited breath the outcome of this second perilous descent. Going a little to the right of Chase at the top Matt landed on the ledge halfway down which nicely kicked him up for a good landing. No injuries and photo evidence…result!
After this we ate lunch and headed to Nosebreaker. Chase was keen to do this after out first inspection earlier in the week and now with more water the line had cleaned up nicely. Chase hit a perfect line flying off the lip in the text book ‘tuck’ position.
Chase on Kittelbreaker
Matt on Kittelbreaker with a nice tight crop
Chase hitting a perfect line on Nosebreaker
