FIRST DESCENT, RIO PENDERISCO,
COLOMBIA, WINTER 2018
Each year, kayakers explore Colombia’s extensive territory further. The end of conflicts and a new
air of peace means you can now breathe easier, rendering Colombia more accessible for those
seeking first descents. But don't worry: there is still plenty out there for everyone. Last winter,
Charlie Nguyen and Thomas Neime, hungry for some adventures during the dry season in France,
went to the rainiest region of Colombia: El Choco. This area can receive more than 13 meters
of rain per year. The duo planed an incredible and ambitious project with one main goal: reach
the sea from the town of Urrao, starting at 1830 meters of altitude, descending the Penderisco,
Murri and Atrato rivers. They spent ten days on the river, discovering some clean, creeky, class
IV-V sections and low volume whitewater in sizable canyons. However, as usual in Colombian
territory, one big surprise was yet to come. The biggest stretch ended with an unrunnable and
unportagable canyon that forced the team to walk back upstream to find a possible exit and some
mules. After three days (and discovering a few other canyons en route), they finally reached the
Atrato River’s 5000 cumecs of water for more adventures. This river is a valuable resource as it
is the only way for locals to travel or communicate with villages in this region where there are
no roads. Finally, after more than 250 kilometers and only three portages, they motorboated out
the last section of flatwater to avoid the caimans. The success of their expedition could mean
enormous progress and a new future for this still largely undiscovered region.
Report and photos: Thomas Neime
FRAUENWEßENBAC,
SALZKAMMERGUT, AUSTRIA, SPRING 2019
The past few years it has been pretty tricky to catch the creeks in the Salzkammergut area of
central Austria with good flows. This year, however, there was an abnormally high snowpack,
making it possible to enjoy some of the runs into the month of July. The Frauenweißenbach
(Schwarzenbach) is one such river. Though one of the top creeks in Austria, it is usually quite
hard to catch, as it can be both too low and too high on the same day. This year, many groups
managed successful descents on the Frauenweißenbach, reestablishing its reputation as an
Austrian classic. The section starts with a sweet four-meter boof into a tight canyon, followed by
some sick slides and one portage under a small wooden bridge. The lower part is an excellent
section for advanced beginners or those looking to gain creeking experience. Above the standard
put-in is another gorge, which Daniel Mayr and Robert Machacek First D'd in 2018. However,
the section is not worth exploring as it is nearly impossible to get the right water level for all the
rapids. When all the rivers around like Gimbach, Rettenbach, etc. are already getting low, head to
the Frauenweißenbach, stay on the standard section, and enjoy the crystal clear drinking water!
Report and Photography: Robert Machacek
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