tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26521619320244240312011-10-30T17:20:49.034+01:00Stevenoreply@blogger.comBlogger421100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-88570058382783912062011-10-30T17:20:00.001+01:002011-10-30T17:20:49.063+01:00

After a tortuous ride from Manali to Rishikesh we met up with Shalabh and got a lift up to his place on the Alaknanda. It was not long before we were running the big water of the Alaknanda River. The girls were loving it, so very different to the Chandra River. We even decided to do a multi-day trip.  This camp was unbelievable and with enough driftwood from the monsoon we did not have to

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-75162032505686888422011-10-30T17:20:00.000+01:002011-10-30T17:20:30.240+01:00

Nach einer "Ralley-Fahrt" von Manali nach Rishikesh trafen wir Shalabh und fuhren mit ihm weiter zu seinem Heim / Resort am Alaknanda Fluss. Es dauerte nicht lang, bis wir auch schon im wuchtigen Wildwasser des Alaknanda unterwegs waren. Die Mädls hatten jede Menge Spass mit dem, im Vergleich zum Chandra, doch recht anderen Flusscharakter. Wir entschieden uns sogar eine Mehr-Tages-Tour zu

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-52981376491059097862011-10-12T12:20:00.000+02:002011-10-12T12:20:35.307+02:00

Dieses Jahr war die Reise nach Manali relativ einfach.  Nach unserer Ankunft in Delhi mussten wir nur die Kajaks zum Busbüro bringen, einen Preis aushandeln und dann konnten wir auch schon mit Shalabh auf ein Bier gehen (oder mehrere!).Am nächsten Tag genossen wir einen wunderschönen Flug nach Kullu, wo Chris, seine Frau Shanta und sein Freund Tom schon auf uns warteten.  Als nächstes stand

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-14056440718377217742011-10-12T11:30:00.000+02:002011-10-12T11:30:39.712+02:00

 The journey this year was rather easy to Manali.  After landing in Delhi, getting our boats to the bus depot and managing to negotiate the transport of the boats to Manali we met up with Shalabh and beers flowed!The next day saw us flying up to the small airport of Kullu where Chris, his wife Shanta and his friend Tom came to meet us.  Chicken was on the menu, the day was Sunday and so we paid

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-56401968085488685292011-08-22T15:44:00.000+02:002011-08-22T15:44:15.587+02:00

Nur noch einen Tag hätten wir als Reserve gehabt, um die Untere Lechschlucht zu fahren und wir hätten es nicht besser planen können! Blauer Himmel, warmes Sommerwetter und ein guter Wasserstand boten die perfekte Möglichkeit für eine letzte Befahrung in der Saison 2011. Die Lechschluchten gehören zu den besten Wildwasser-Strecken auf der Welt und sind dennoch ausserhalb der

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-51342335823636060582011-08-22T15:33:00.000+02:002011-08-22T15:33:25.185+02:00

With only one day left this year for the Lower Lech Gorge it could not have been better planned! Blue skies, warm weather and a great water level gave us the perfect opportunity to make our final run for 2011. The Lech Gorges are world class, not so well known outside of the German speaking kayaking community they are well worth the drive to come and kayak. If the Lech Gorge was in

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-72181290795134498812011-06-11T13:58:00.000+02:002011-06-11T13:58:00.936+02:00

Wieder zurueck in Kathmandu, machten wir das meiste aus der Vielfalt an angebotenen Speisen in und um Thamel herum und versuchten so wenig Reis wie moeglich zu essen.  Fast jeden Nachmittag oder Abend regnete es nun.  Man wurde das Gefuehl nicht los, dass der Monsoon schon etwas frueher durchstartet.  Trotzdem hatte ich den Sun Koshi in Dolaghat noch nie so niedrig gesehen und auch der Bhote

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-33724471210746812372011-06-11T13:57:00.000+02:002011-06-11T13:57:26.173+02:00

We were now back in Kathmandu making the most of the various cuisines on offer in and around Thamel.  The rain was starting to fall almost every afternoon and evening.  It certainly seemed as though monsoon was arriving early in Nepal.   So where to go next?  With the Sun Koshi the lowest I had ever seen it at Dolalghat and the Bhote Koshi low the Trishuli had by far the best levels in the

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-40778043459099133162011-04-29T13:25:00.000+02:002011-04-29T13:25:41.305+02:00

It has been close to 2 weeks now since Ute and myself landed in Nepal. ↑ Looking out over Kathmandu ↑ Monkey Temple (Swayambhu) After a few days in Kathmandu taking in the atmosphere, surroundings and a few sights we headed down to the Trishuli River to meet up with an old friend Ram and his new family. ↑ RBC on the Trishuli The River was warm and even clean!  The colour changed from either

Stevenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-45130898092616094112011-04-13T13:52:00.002+02:002011-04-13T13:52:35.479+02:00

After a fair few hours in front of the Mac the Kayak School website is up and running.  With details of our latest courses for all abilities, guiding and adventures in foreign lands we hope there is something for everyone.  With the season not too far away we are heading to Nepal to get warmed up and paddle fit. We hope to see you in the summer on any one of the classic rivers in our area of

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-62782175103641580092011-02-20T12:15:00.002+01:002011-02-20T12:17:59.062+01:00

With one of the worst winters so far in Austria for years I have been keeping busy not only servicing and repairing skis, I have managed to update my website.  So grab a tea, coffee or matecito and check out some photos that I have taken along the way! www.stevebrooks.at

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-32294672478242309792010-12-13T20:56:00.001+01:002010-12-13T20:56:58.361+01:00

2010 war sicher kein schlechtes Jahr!  Hier ein paar Fotos davon.... CHILE.... Anfang Jänner schaffte ich es ein paar Wochen von meinem Job (Skiservice) in St. Anton frei zu nehmen und nach Chile abzuhauen.  Schon seit einigen Jahren war es mein Traum nach Chile zum Kajaken zu fliegen und es war genau so lässig, wie ich es mir vorgestellt hatte! Eines meiner absoluten Lieblingsfotos!!  David

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-31201525835900948422010-12-13T20:56:00.000+01:002010-12-13T20:56:31.496+01:00

It has certainly been a great year!  Here are a few photos and pieces about 2010.... CHILE.... Right at the beginning of January I managed to get some time off from servicing skis in St Anton to head to Chile.  I had been dreaming of Chile for many years and it really did not disappoint! I just love this shot!!  David and his son Felipe at the take out of the Rio Maichin. In April we got

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-40181354693630993612010-11-29T10:40:00.000+01:002010-11-29T10:40:28.549+01:00

Eine kleine Auswahl an Fotos von unseren 2 Monaten im Indischen Himalaya.  Da der Monsun dieses Jahr der stärkste seit 1929 war, mussten wir des öfteren unsere Pläne ändern. Viel Spass.... Manali eine gemütliche Stadt und das Tor zum nördlichen Indischen Himalaya. Der Einstieg für den Tsarap Chu Fluss.  Dies Aufnahme wurde Ende September gemacht.  Als ich diesen Fluss vor 2 Jahren allein befahren

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-43180578227195959522010-11-29T10:39:00.000+01:002010-11-29T10:39:55.358+01:00

Just a quick show of our 2 months in the Indian Himalayas.  With the heaviest monsoon since 1929 our plans were constantly changing.Enjoy.... Manali a laid back town and the gateway to the Northern Indian Himalayas. The put-in for the Tsarap Chu River.  This shot was taken near the end of September.  When I ran this 2 years ago solo the river was brown and pumping from the snow melt of the

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-86400847460239397402010-11-28T12:58:00.019+01:002010-11-28T13:52:56.891+01:00

Ein Interview mit der Zeitung Rundschau, welches noch vor unserem Flug nach Indien im September gedruckt wurde..

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-37232067197831331032010-09-15T11:14:00.000+02:002010-11-26T15:05:26.258+01:00

John Blake making the cover of the local newspaper here in Stanzertal.It has caused quite a stir in the local community with everyone believing it was un-runnable!

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-5657660511499105112010-08-17T13:59:00.000+02:002010-11-26T15:05:26.258+01:00

With our kayaks stashed from the previous days adventures it was a nice mellow walk down to the start of the lower Section. This Section of the Lech Gorges has some of the best whitewater in Austria.  The action comes thick and fast with some cracking drops, boofs, slides and all set in one of of the most picturesque gorges!  If this is not enough to wet your appetite then one of the last

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-63224728254033214022010-08-08T12:36:00.000+02:002010-11-26T15:05:26.259+01:00

In the far west of Austria lies a gem of a river.  While the Lech is well known as a class II easy intermediate river with lush alpine meadows and mountains all around, the Upper Lech Gorges are very unfamiliar to the English speaking kayaking community! Starting high up in the Arlberg mountains the Lech begins its journey down to the infamous ski resort (aptly named Lech am Arlberg!) before

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-57512719049290618312010-07-13T12:24:00.013+02:002010-11-26T15:05:26.259+01:00

It has been 5 years of planning, scouting, checking the seasonal river levels and finally this July the boys dropped into the Rosanna Gorge in St Anton am Arlberg.  St Anton is famed for its hardcore skiing and backcountry routes but for a bunch of local kayakers it was the gorge that has been working away at them. There is not much information about the Gorge, apparently it has been run but we

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-30168971678454322582010-01-16T19:15:00.000+01:002010-11-26T15:05:26.260+01:00

It has been 6 days since I arrived in Pucon and I have been boating everyday, we have ran some classic stretches of river around Pucon like the Rio Puesco, Upper Palguin and the Upper Trancura. Here are a few photos for you all to enjoy....... Pucon The Upper Palguin is a classic, a bunch of drops in a little gorge with beautiful water.  It is just 20 minutes from the centre of town!! David

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-13515184507019964162010-01-13T13:49:00.000+01:002010-11-26T15:05:26.260+01:00

With abysmal snow conditions in St Anton and a big freeze hitting Europe it was time for me to head to Chile! I arrived in Santiago with the temperature at 31 degrees and clear blue skies.  David picked me up from the airport and after having lunch at his in-laws house we packed and got ready to head south to Pucon. David getting the final stickers put onto his van in Santiago The Marina

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-48905282594213919142009-12-06T16:58:00.000+01:002010-11-26T15:05:26.260+01:00

Nobby had now left and it was now our turn to say goodbye to Manali and head to the Ganges.  We faced either a 2 day journey by chicken busses or a 6 hour taxi ride at breakneck speed.  6 hours later we got to Rishikesh, just the road to Silversands to go, oh they are still moving all the landslides and are also trying to widen it! 2 hours later we reach Aquaterra's Camp, Silversands. From

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-42171085230776515162009-11-29T19:07:00.002+01:002010-11-26T15:05:26.261+01:00

Life has been hectic, I have been over in rainy England for the past couple of weeks with Ute and also John.  Watch this space for more info.  In the meantime check out my new website!! www.stevebrooks.at Chao Steve

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-35924720769206367802009-10-11T20:16:00.015+02:002010-11-26T15:05:26.261+01:00

We finally got back to Manali. The snows had arrived early, we could not kayak the Upper Indus due to there being no water. The put in at Mahe was just below the snow line! We even had to wait a few days for the passes to open!!Nobby arrived, we hired our Royal Enfield Bullets and then waited for 4 days for the rain to stop!! When it finally did we headed off towards Spiti and the Rohtang Pass.↑

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-83765819164871054372009-09-28T14:04:00.001+02:002010-11-26T15:05:26.261+01:00

A journey down the Grand Canyon of Asia, the Zanskar River. After running this last year solo, it was the perfect expedition for the two of us. So off we went down this amazing canyon for 4 days of river running.. The canyon is absolutely unreal, with the river running its highest for some considerable time we had big waves to hit, a couple of holes to avoid and some interesting boils....

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-56812222046521973492009-09-26T07:08:00.010+02:002010-11-26T15:05:26.262+01:00

The Zanskar Gorge...This time we took a bus over passes of 4500m, braved the switchback roads, sun, cold at night to get to one of the most spectacular canyons on earth! Check out a few of the photos from the drive in........ We got a safe passage of travel from a local Buddhist Lama and also a Hindi ceremony was performed by our local Peak UK representative!!!!A 3 day drive from Leh in Ladakh

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-50231285106138844232009-09-25T08:15:00.004+02:002010-11-26T15:05:26.262+01:00

So on the 22 April Ute and I got married up on the Rufikopf in Lech.We could not think of a better place to get married, the weather was great, the views were awesome and with friends and family there we could not have asked for anything more!! Not only getting married but checking out the ski lines around Lech The happy couple!!Thanks goes to all our of friends and relatives for coming, Hassi

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-27329544899596942132009-04-29T16:21:00.006+02:002010-11-26T15:05:26.262+01:00

What a winter!!As I could not ski last season because of a blown ACL and MCL, I certainly managed to make up for it this season.I ended up working at night servicing skis and though the money was crap the hours were good and I skied some epic snow.In fact I can honestly say I had THE best powder days of my life!!With some shots from my Canon I entered the Anton 09 photo awards and won the

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-32682856065609742892008-12-18T13:14:00.008+01:002010-11-26T15:05:26.263+01:00

Having had enough of Peruvian "Chicken Buses" we decided to pimp our  journey from Lima to the southern city of Arequipa to a flight!In Arequipa we met up with Kent Miller, caught up on some 10 years and then gave him a 5 day break from Derek, Crystal and Anne plus with Carlos too we had a group for the Cotahuasi Canyon, reportedly the deepest in the world!!Gustavo styled us to the put in, a

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-28107243680008959592008-12-04T11:40:00.005+01:002010-11-26T15:05:26.263+01:00

After a brutal bus journey out of the jungle to Lima, we headed on another 12 hour bus journey to the remote colonial town of Pozuzo.Here we had the opportunity to test out our local German dialects with the relatives of the Austrians who founded Pozuzo.We made some friends ate some decent food, drank the best coffee in Peru and John even got a cake for his birthday from Maria!!We paddled the Rio

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-70459345893555383202008-11-27T16:30:00.004+01:002010-11-26T15:05:26.263+01:00

The Acabamba Abyss, a 7 day relentless river expedition!!For 5 days you are negotiating some of the deepest, darkest, gnarliest canyons the planet has to offer.Don't forget the river is pushing up to continuous class V+, the gradient is steep and chocked full with wood and syphons.Once you get to Puente Pasajes, most boaters get out.  The danger of drugs and the Shining Path Guerillas are ever

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-52836970860470515012008-11-25T15:13:00.005+01:002010-11-26T15:05:26.263+01:00

Met up with some old friends then ran the Upper Apurimac with Noel (a local boater) from the confluence of the Rio Velille.  A full on syphon infested river.  Expedition boating Peruvian style!!It took us a day to run the Upper section to where the Black Canyon started.The next day we were into the Black Canyon, some great waves and drops at the start and some good rapids near the exit of the

Stevenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-54796894043125081362008-11-20T16:23:00.010+01:002010-11-26T15:05:26.264+01:00

A 7 day solo descent of the Tsarap Chu and Zanskar RiversIt was time to leave Manali, I said my farewells and got on the bus to the Baralacha La Pass.  The Rohtang Pass was amazing, got to see THE chicken bus that everyone relates to when in the Himalayas.At Baralacha La, the driver left me with my boat and expedition kit in the wind and snow as he did not want to drive another 20 minutes to the

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-69687293549779273832008-09-12T23:17:00.003+02:002010-11-26T15:05:26.264+01:00

I just wanted to say that all is well here, since returning from the Zanskar I had 30 hours to sort myself out and then head out to Peru.I am having a nightmare trying to upload photos here in Peru so unfortuanatly you will all have to wait until I get back to Austria.In the meantime click on this http://www.peakuk.com/peakuknews.php?article=124&filter=-1&sample=0 and check out my incredible

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-9608486109653420002008-08-13T11:41:00.001+02:002010-11-26T15:05:26.264+01:00

Hi all, I am now back in Leh after an incredible solo descent through the Grand Canyon of Asia. At the moment I cannot upload any photos in Leh so please hold on for a few more days until I get to Delhi.ChaoSteve

Stevenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-37598933468661887502008-08-04T05:42:00.006+02:002010-11-26T15:05:26.265+01:00

The past few days have been great, I am now getting used to being on my own and not having to worry about 12 teenagers trying to cause havoc in India!! A big thanks go to Kate D, Steve, Thomas, Anais, Joe, Kate S, Cathy, Sophia, Matthew, Maghan, Grace and not forgetting Jo and Graham for a great monthI had a few days to chill, I also got hold of an Royal Enfield Bullet and went cruising around

Stevenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-91173013980608557162008-08-01T13:57:00.013+02:002010-11-26T15:05:26.265+01:00

We have been busy boys down in the Alps this Spring/Early Summer. The Middle Oetz (one of THE runs in the Alps, a class V/IV sections with some amazing drops and gradient) plus the Upper Pitzbach, another continuous class V gem were just the right way to warm up, finally the Melach was run in high water to just test the nerve!With the late winter the rivers were full to the brim and we were

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-41917207783394552752008-06-15T09:47:00.004+02:002010-11-26T15:05:26.265+01:00

Life is good in the Alps, we have been kayaking loads and putting our Peak UK kit really to the test.  I will get an update on the blog by the end of the week.  In the mean time click on this... PEAK UK  and have a look at Peak UK Expedition team to get some more news,  suerte Steve!!

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-22874153877445591242008-05-19T10:45:00.005+02:002010-11-26T15:05:47.233+01:00

I have had the privilege of kayaking the past week with Andy MacDonald.  Andy is one of the most naturally talented kayakers I know.  He is happy blasting down his home run of the Middle Oetz (one of the most challenging section of rivers in Austria) or catching HUGE air on any world class wave!  These shots were taken in the Engadin (the Romansch speaking part) of Switzerland.  This is the Ardez

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-21406070660364772342008-05-03T18:16:00.008+02:002010-11-26T15:05:47.234+01:00

New kit for me...........What a day.....A special delivery from the Team @ Peak UK.  Not only has my 2008 gear arrived but also a nice new Riot Magnum!All we need now is weather to warm up and the 3 metres of snow up in the mountains to start melting and the rivers will be up!All photos by Ute Heppke!!!

Stevenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2652161932024424031.post-31322201789705064122008-03-20T15:30:00.000+01:002010-11-26T15:05:47.234+01:00

Welcome, Servus, Benvenidos!  We are currently constructing our blog so bear with us and check back later.ChaoSteve

Stevenoreply@blogger.com0