Kayak Session Magazine — Fall 2017

EXPEDITION

Arthur Paulous

celebrates

perfect levels

at Molly Wave

prior to Stage 4

Paul Palmer

adds style

points to an

aerial flat spin

during Stage

1 at the Ruins

Wave with

downtown

Ottawa in the

background.

Kalob, Dane

and Bren

celebrate on the

podium after an

incredible week!

In the vast lands of Northern Quebec, 25 elite kayakers

gathered in early May to tease the hidden giants out of the

shadows and into the spotlight. Every spring, athletes migrate

to this region of colossal rivers to be with friends, and to try to

progress the sport of kayaking. This spring, a desire to hold a

multi-stage event on the world’s biggest whitewater became

reality, and the first UNLEASHED competition was held in

Quebec, Canada.

The aims were simple: celebrate the unique and enormous

whitewater of Quebec, create an environment where

progression could happen, and settle who is the best all-

around kayaker in the world. To do this, four events were held

over a ten-day window: two races and two freestyle events.

With no budget and no support team, the only way for the

events to run was for the athletes to step up and set safety

for each other, and help with timing and filming in addition to

pushing themselves far outside their comfort zones in freezing

temperatures and massive whitewater. Mother Nature can be

notoriously fickle in Quebec. Nights were spent wondering if

the conditions and water levels would be appropriate, but

all came right, and each stage took place on the biggest,

hardest whitewater available.