Some Summer Sun – Memories from Norway

So I’ve been stuck here in the lovely UK for a while now, technically a student again, but pretty much working a full time job as a teacher. With the exception of a few cheeky runs in Devon and South Wales, the paddling season hasn’t been the busiest. The brutal cold has now briefly let up, but with the rain gods still not offering any proper rain, I’ve found myself longingly looking back at this summer’s adventures. Here’s a recap, I hope to have something new and exciting as soon as some more of the wet stuff comes around…

Here are some of my favourite pics from the season to inspire anybody else who’s cold and can’t paddle. Enjoy!

Hang time on the Gronda – if you hit this one right you can fly!

Throwing down on the Egua – Look out for the Gene17 Freeride cup, coming this spring…

An epic trip down a very short section

Something new in the Heart of Norway – A hike is worth the reward.

Hugh ‘Huge’ Graham steps up and straps on…

My Favourite River – Pocket sized fun for all the family.

The first time you run this one, you’re not allowed to look – follow the rules and you’ll be rewarded!

Another pocket sized classic, and one of Fleming’s ex homeruns – the Bygdelva

Always time for some soul surfing on the Sjoa playrun – this, for me, is why we kayak.

Some more shots from Satu V.W. – an Evening session at Jolgens, back again this year!

Paddle throw – pushing the frontiers of freestyle.

A Helix in the Crazy – Yours truly

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The ever creative Finn B bringing back the old school:

My Vengeance – fast, spanky, and radical.

Hope you liked the pics, Here are some key lessons I’ve learned this Year:

1) Say yes to yellow – My colour scheme was on fire this year, but just wait for 2011!

2) Go for a hike, you never know what’s waiting for you!

3) Don’t always just pile on down after your mates. Better to take a little longer but make it look good: Inspect, and then throw down!

4) If you’ve got Gnarly Boots, put them on, it’s time to get extreme.

4 b) Before you put them on, make sure everybody knows about that cave.

5) Never underestimate the energising power of a soul surf.

Check out some excellent footage of this summer’s adventures in Norway, as well as excellent action from Iceland, Russia, Nam, Thailand, and some other parts too in Max Bilbow’s new film which premiered last month, available now from mopmovie.com, or your local kayak shop.

Means of Production 2 from Max Bilbow on Vimeo.

Glitz, glamour, and kayakers – the Mop 2 Premiere:

Some of these adventures are also available in Finn and Hugh’s Norway adventure, an excellent series of vids, which can be found here:

Click on the blue text!

Enjoy!