Kayak expedition ‘exciting’

Press, 13 April 1989, Page 22

Kayak expedition ‘exciting’

By

ANABRIGHT HAY

Wonderful white water, ominous crocodiles and friendly locals were some of the findings of six Christchurch people who recently completed a three-month kayak expedition in Napal. The group, which called itself the New Zealand Himalayan Kayak Expedition, left New Zealand last November and returned in late February after having kayaked on seven

Nepalese rivers over 29 days and clocking up some exciting adventures in the process. Inspired by the feats of a Christchurch kayaker, Mick Hopkinson, one of the group, Craig Kennedy, wanted to pit himself against the Karnali River in Western Nepal. The Karnali is the longest and largest river in Western Nepal and Mr Hopkinson was one of the first to descend it in a kayak. Mr Kennedy’s ambition

came a step closer to reality when his friend, Ben Willems, agreed to join him on the expedition. Fellow kayak enthusiasts, Mike Brewer, David Mills, Chris Abraham and Sarah Anderson, compeled the group. They flew to Singapore and then on to Katmandu, where the group based itself and set about getting the required rafting and trekking permits for the expedition.

Mr Kennedy said he had heard several stories about the Karnali being the best white-water river in the world and he wanted to find out for himself. After having kayaked on it he agrees it is a great experience and the best of its type for kayaking. The rivers kayaked included the Sun Khosi, Trishuli, Marsyandi, Modi Khola, Kali Gandaki, Karnali and Bhote, which ranged in difficulty from

grade three to five. Mr Willems said the Nepalese were puzzled by the six New Zealanders who numbered among them a young woman that none of the men were married to. Tummy bugs and bureaucratic snags were all part of the adventure but both Messrs Kennedy and Willems agreed it was well worth while. The other four members of the group are still overseas.