Though we are blessed with an abundance of whitewater here in the West of Austria, what we really lack are great park and play spots. We constantly see on playak and kayakers blogs and sites over the pond the parks and development of waves and holes but here in Austria and especially on the Western side we can be a fair few years behind in developing our resources and also the sport.
⬆A rainy day in paradise
However, when the water is up we have a couple of spots and none sweeter than the Kirchbichl Wave. Basically when the River Inn starts to get big they open up the gates and it feeds a high water channel. A big concrete pipe has been laid across the river and at certain levels forms a sweet wave.
Usually this wave works a few times a season but this year with so much snow in the mountains of the Arlberg, Paznaun and even the Engadin in Switzerland it has made the wave somewhat constant - even at weekends.
⬆Andy stealing my boat while I looked on through the lens
⬍Andy just showing what he can do!
With this in mind we have been sacrificing some of our usual home runs to make the most of the wave. One of the beauties about the Kirchbichl Wave is that it has something for everyone, be it a first time park and play kayaker to the experienced White Nile playboating specialist.
⬆ Life gets even better when the sun comes out!
⬆Ute was also getting to grips with the wave
Even Arndt is on the wave on his tray, though we all agree he would look way cooler in his kayak!
There are a few surfers around and the whole atmosphere is laid back and friendly, just how it should be!
⬆Old Man River?
⬆Mathias putting his hole riding into practice
At the moment you will find us making the most of the wave as we just do not know for how long it will last. So after an amazing ski season where I was actually getting bored of powder face shots we are not only going to have a great river running season but one of the best seasons in memory for surfing - thanks Mother Nature!!
