Tyler Fox - Bottoms Up Kayaking

NZ Extreme Race Series - Kaituna & Wairoa Races

2012-02-20T01:37:00.000-08:00

Its been a pretty full on couple weeks of competition/action down here in Okere Falls, NZ. We've recently wrapped up the 'unofficial' Andy Duff race (a mass start race down the Kaituna River at open gates-High water), the Championship Race (a bike, swim, paddle, run, beer chug around Okere Falls), and most recently, this past weekend, we held the back-to-back events of the Kaituna Time Trial (2 combined time trials down the Kaituna River) and the Wairoa Xtreme Race (time trial seeds a Head-to-Head bracket).

Thankfully there are a lot of fairly to extremely competitive people living in the area, so it has been easy to organize a good turnout. Even though the river was at open gates there were at least 20+ that showed up for the 'Unofficial' Andy Duff Face. Unfortunately my gopro was knocked off the nose of my boat early on in the race and I had to pull over to remove it, missing all the mayhem. No surprise here local racing guru Kenny Mutton battled off all the young pups and took the win.

The Championship Race is the brain child of imaginary Jamie Sutton. Members of the Okere Falls Massive are known for there multiple activities in one day, whether it be paddling, surfing, mountain biking etc... so Jamie decided to smash as many diciplines into one race as he could fit, born was the championship race. A short sprint to your bike followed by an immediate uphill road bike which eventually turns into a sweet downhill trip. you ditch your bike and run and dive into Lake Rotoiti and swim down the outlet towards the start of the Kaituna River. Getting out to avoid the control gates it is another short swim down a couple smaller rapids. Hoping in the kayaks it is a full river race to the bottom of the river, where you have to carry your boat up to the car park. From here it is a short 1.5km run to the Okere Falls Store where a nice cold German beer is waiting for you .... to skull as fast as you can !! Your time ends when you are finished the entire beer. Needless to say it was an amazing event, won by the event organizer Jamie Sutton. Myself and Josh took out the first place for tandom, we rode a sweet tandom bike and paddled a topo-duo.

Myself and Josh team up for a tandom go at the Championship Race

The Kaituna Time Trial went off with out a hitch, the weather was perfect and lots of good people showed up to have a fun day on the water. The results are at the bottom of this post if you want to check them out. Unfortunately, with helping organize and racing we were unable to get any photos.

The 2012 Kaituna River Time Trial Winners, Louise Jull & Kenny Mutton

The Wairoa Xtreme Race was the sunday event. The river has been constantly changing since the giant floods, that moved lots of rocks around and ripped out all the vegetation on the sides, last summer, so it was pretty much a new race for all competitors. The first part of the day was a time trial from the seal launch at the put-in to the eddy above the waterfall. Everyones times from the time trial then seeded them into a bracketing system, which played out with head-to-head races down the waterfall rapid and rollarcoaster. The rollarcoaster rapid has changed the most and made for a rowdy end to a short, fast, action packed race course. Through the day there were lots of epic battles and huge upsets making for one of the best events of the year. Results at the bottom.

We were lucky enough to have Shilo Gibson there to snap some shots for us, as once again I was helping run and racing in the event. Also big thanks to Lousie Urwin, Brendan Bayly and Neil & Patti Sutton for organizing the race. Check out some of the better shots from the day.

Louise hard at work

sometimes drastic matters are needed to get peoples attention

The boys discussing pre-game strategy

Josh Neilson ... I can do this with my eyes closed, Dan Riley ... outta my f***ing way

Making the crucial boof stoke to keep yourself on top of the water

Not making it leads to syncronized submarine racing

After spending that much time underwater you just can't get enough air!

Baby Bird spending some time surfing the hole

Ryan about to be passed after getting surfed

Ryan not going to take it, with a sweet spin out and win of the race

Jamie showing Josh why he's king of the Wairoa

Toni George looking for the victory over competitor Kim Dodd

Lu Jull trying to go up and over Nikki Whitehead

Amazing ender!

Just Amazing!

Tyler Fox staying one step ahead of Carl Whitehead for a quarter final win

Sweet helmet and Willz Martin both looking super stylish

Kenny getting some pop out of the cauldron

Looking rather happy about his semi final win

Looking for an opening at the finish line

Toni George heading for her second Wairoa Race title over Nikki

Mens final looking a bit sloppy through the cauldron

Jamie back out in front for second time in the race

Jamie getting a bit tail stood, while Kenny Mutton stays in the fast water

Kenny about to take the lead for second time in the race

It doesn't get any closer than this for a Final Race, mere meters from the finish banner

I think Kenny wants to strangle Jamie after a super close finish

The 2012 Winners of the Wairoa Extreme Race, Toni George & Jamie Sutton

Huge Congrats to Jamie Sutton who has just won himself the first announced position in the 2nd Annual White Water Grand Prix, to be held in Chile this coming Dec

Here are the Results

Wairoa Extreme Race Results 2012

Mens

1. Jamie Sutton
2. Kenny Mutton
3. Tyler Fox
4. Willz Martin
Quarter Finalist placed according to Time Trial Results
5. Ryan Lucas
6. Carl Whitehead
7. Tim Trew
8. Julian Stocker
Preliminary Finalist placed according to Time Trial Results
9. Ben Robson
10. Sam Ricketts
11. Josh Neilson
12. Greg Clark
13. Cameron Shailer
14. Laurence Brown
15. Peter Vander Meij
16. Scott McGrath
17. Dan Riley
18. Joerg Waidelich
19. Matt Hern
20. Ima Badiola
21. Mark Thomas
22. Shannon Hayes

Womens

1. Toni George
2. Nikki Whitehead
3. Louise Jull
4. Laura Cashmore
5. Kim Dodd
6. Courtney Kerin

Juniors

1. Patrick McKee
2. Sean Curtis
3. Ryan McDonald

Wairoa Extreme Race Time Trial Results

1. Kenny Mutton        5:35.03
2. Willz Martin        5:38.06
3. Ryan Lucas            5:42.53
4. Carl Whitehead        5:44.74
5. Tyler Fox            5:45.06
6. Jamie Sutton        5:45.18
7. Tim Trew            5:53.59
8. Ben Robson            5:55.24
9.Julian Stocker        5:58.37
10.Louise Jull            5:58.40
11. Sam Ricketts        5:58.81
12. Josh Neilson        6:00.15
13. Dan Riley            6:04.74
14. Greg Clark            6:05.24
15. Toni George        6:05.47
16. Joerg Waidelich        6:06.03
17. Matt Hern             6:09.87
18. Cameron Shailer        6:10.84
19. Laurence Brown        6:10.93
20. Nikki Whitehead        6:11.59
21. Ima Badiola        6:15.59
22. Sean Curtis        6:21.03
23. Peter Vander Meij        6:24.27
24. Laura Cashmore        6:25.03
25. Mark Thomas        6:27.24
26. Patrick McKee        6:27.93
27. Shannon Hayes        6:29.47
28. Scott McGrath        6:41.77
29. Kim Dodd            6:49.15
30. Ryan McDonald        6:52.81
31. Courtney Kerin        DNS

The NZ Extreme Race Series is shaping up for an exciting finish at the up coming Citroen Extreme Race down in Queenstown, March 10. There are half a dozen men all within reach of the title so it could be anyone's, especially with the tough and tricky Citroen Race still left. It has been known to deal some huge upsets. After 2 races Jamie Sutton & Kenny Mutton are tied for 1st with 195points each, Willz Martin is in a close 3rd with 170 points, and tied for forth is myself (Tyler Fox) & Ryan Lucas with 160.

Photos: Shilo Gibson

Tyler Fox

Lifestyling with the Okere Massive

2012-02-12T14:46:00.000-08:00

Disclaimer: This post has nothing to do with the actual act of Kayaking!

This is all about Lifestyling, and to me this is a huge part of the reason why I kayak. The people we meet on our adventures can easily make the trip just as epic as any number of amazing rivers can. Traveling around the world has given me the privilege to meet many friends/paddlers along the way. Most paddlers to an extent are nomadic, given they probably grew up in an area that doesn't support their need to get that whitewater fix. These paddlers will typically leave home, join other paddlers and then roam the globe in groups searching out that fix. However, as is built in our DNA, eventually the urge to put down roots, something at least semi-permanent, kicks in and we start searching out these rare places that seem suitable to act as a "home base". Everyone has there own ideas as to what this perfect area is, I've traveled to many of these amaing places; Pucon-Chile, Turrialba-Costa Rica, Ashville & Colma-USA, the Ottawa Valley & Squamish-Canada but this post is about only one such place ... Okere Falls-New Zealand, a place I've found myself coming back to year after year.

The kayaking here in Okere Falls is pretty amazing, we've got the Kaituna River in our back yard a 5 min paddle from our house, and plenty of steep creeks a short drive away in the Kaimai ranges. But this post isn't about kayaking, its about Life Style, something I feel Kiwi's take great pride in.

The Okere Falls Massive ... its all about kicking back, enjoying the sun, good company, maybe a couple cold beverages and what ever fun activities you feel like getting into.

Enjoying some Sun with our boy Si, those were the days.

Lu pulling out the big guns

Nothing like a potator gun to get things fired up

Time for some Margies. Chur Chur

Or a cold delicious cerveza.

Pump the Tunes ...

Get a little crazy

Shit is that a brown claw...

Not that crazy

Oh ma God whats that?

Ladys fancy a swim?

Yep !

What was in that drink ... mid day nap.

Nothing like a float in the lake to cool down.

Swims over

The Mayor holding down the barbie duties

Leela holding down some serious relaxing

Ok whos gonna provide some entertainment

Watch this !

This is gonna be so good ...

Ohhh snap! suns going down. Sick day

Cheers to an even better Night

This is for all my homeboys and girls back in N.America, I'll return with the summer sun and we'll have plenty of days just like this one. Till then hold in there.

Photos: Tyler Fox & Louise Urwin

Tyler Fox

White Water Grand Prix - Short Photo look back

2012-01-31T20:30:00.000-08:00

Without a doubt the Highlight of 2011 was the White Water Grand Prix. As a competitor it was more then I could have imagined, in so many ways, but even for the spectators this event took everyone by surprise. Everything seemed to be firing for event organiser Patrick Camblin; the water levels were cooperating to the fullest extent - Gladiator wave after a 4 year hiatus decided to come in on the opening day, and all the race courses were at the top levels of race-ability. The media team was absolutly nailing the coverage of the event, never before has there been so much anticipation to the release of results or even more so the daily highlight video. And to top if off 25 of the worlds top paddlers showed up with there big boy/girl pants on to compete on the hardest whitewater Quebec could throw at them.

A personal highlight of this event was just geting to hang with so many of your good friends, there were no attitudes among competitors so it made the events seem a little less daunting. I mean we all wanted to go faster and bigger then the guy sitting next to you in the eddy, but for most of the events we all shared a common goal ... survival.

Normally I would take heaps of photos while paddling with this many talented paddlers on such amazing rivers, but unfortunately competing made it very difficult. I didn't get that many shots, and I missed a couple events all together, but here are a few shots that I managed to get.

Hope you enjoy!

Tyler Fox

The Valley Lads holding the bar down; Joey Hitchens, Kegan Grady, Tyler Curtis

Tyler Fox, Bryan Kirk, Ben Marr and Chris Gragtman celebrating life after the 2nd event

Dane Jackson, Joey Hitchens and Tino Specht talking business

Gladiator Wave towering over Dane Jackson

Dane picking his moment and launching a huge air on Gladiator

A quick glance at the bottom section of the steep creek course.

Our tail gate party outside our hotel in Lac St. Jean

The Wave Sport vehicle chillin ...

TC throwing down on teh second wave at Pilars

Gragtmans carving up his Fish on the top wave at Pilars

Dane 'The Hammer" Jackson smashing out another beautiful airscrew

A new trade-mark trick for Dane the over-vert-revert

Capo getting the job done, interviewing Logan Grayling

The Cobra Aniol styling it out

The young ripper Kegan looking for some style points on his set up

Bryan Kirk pounding out the basics with a sweet blunt

Style in motion, one of the cleanist paddlers on the wave - Mr Ben Marr

coming all the way around for a big landing

Lu Urwin trying to utilize that sweet green wave

Crusha Rush Sturges showing his "one love"

The remains of the skunk insidence

Head Judge Duece Farhun scoping the slalom course

The crew checking out the top of the course

Tyler Fox getting an early practise run in on the bottom drop

Kegan dropping in ... about to get smashed in a large sticky hole

Evan Garcia about to set the courses fastest time

Bryan Kirk coming into the giant rooster

Tino coming out of the giant rooster

Katya hitting the gates in the mid section of the course

Louise Urwin coming through the mid section

The Boys clearly stoked on more great media

The Girls stoked to have survived the WWGP

Louise going for her victory lap down the last big drop

YEAAAAAAAH !

Claim ! you want it come get it ...

Well White Water Grand Prix - Chile is still another 10 months away, but beleive me the fire is burning hotter then ever. If you missed out on the first one make sure to tune in and follow the sequel because it is shaping up to be even more EPIC !

To see more media coverage from the WWGP visit: http://tribealliance.com/

Big Cheers to Tribe, Wave Sport, Level Six, H20 Paddles, Hydraulics and Teva for all your support and helping me get to the WWGP.

Peace

Bottoms up Kayaking hits the Blogisphere

2011-09-02T13:35:00.000-07:00

Wow! Here I am, Bottoms Up Kayaking has hit the blogisphere. Don’t be worried you can still check out older B.U.K post at www.Bottomsupkayaking.com .

First post … lots of pressure. I guess I will just give everyone an idea of what to expect from this Blog.

Stouts this way. Photo – Tyler Fox

Lots of Stouts!!! I am always on the mission to find and fire the goods.

Tyler finds the line on the 1st drop, Huit Chutes. Photo – Josh Neilson.

There will be tales of heroic feats and epic adventures into the far reaches of the globe.

“All I can think about is the number one rule while lost … stay calm. How the hell can you stay Calm when you’ve been separated from your group for over an hour, the sun is setting, and you’re in a km wide (crocodile, snake and spider filled) labyrinth of Pandanus hundreds of kms from the nearest signs of civilization” Tyler Fox – Fitzroy River Expedition, Kimberley Region AUS. Day 8 of 22

Tyler & Jesse finding there way through the trees. Photo – Kayak the Kimberley

There will be lots of stunning scenes and amazing Photography.

Brendan Bayly deep in the heart of Tree Trunk Gorge, NZ. Photo – Tyler Fox

Thomas ‘Deuce’ Fahrun nailing a helix at High Tension wave. Photo – Tyler Fox

Shannon Mast fires Big Kimshew Falls, Cali. Photo – Tyler Fox

   Graham Ball finding the sweet spot at Poutu Falls, NZ. Photo – Tyler Fox

It will be used to showcase captivating films and kayak porn alike.

                                                   http://vimeo.com/19636154
                     Okere Falls Massive have a day on the Wainui River, NZ. Edit - Tyler Fox

It will be used to Celebrate Life, Lifestyle and Friendship.

The Okere Falls Massive living it up. Photo – Louise Urwin

Simon Davidson – The best friend a person could ask for – RIP - I Ride With Si

At times the blog will be used to account details from river trips, a sort of river guide.

See link: http://www.bottomsupkayaking.com/kayaking/NZ%20Kaituna.html

At all times I will shamelessly support the people, companies and products that have helped me do this thing that I do.

Good to go. Photo - Tyler Fox

Basically this blog is a means for me to document my adventures, most of which will evolve around my passion for Whitewater. I hope you enjoy stepping into my world!
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Tyler Fox enjoying some Quebec Wilderness. Photo – Josh Neilson

Cheers,

Tyler Fox

Bottoms up Kayaking & Five 2 Nine
Team Member - Level Six, Wave Sport, H20 Paddles, Hydraulics
Sponsors - Goal 0, Teva, Smith Optics