2008 Wrap Up:Video

2008 was an exciting year for me with some great moments and a few really scary ones. In April I competed in the Little White Giant Slalom where I finished 4th overall. I did great in the slalom segment, finishing second and even beating Tao. Unfortunately I was rusty from the winter and paddling a broken boat and finished a mere 13th in the DR segment. In May I finally paddled Beaver Creek Falls after three years of scouting. In June I camped out for week at Pingston Creek ensuring I would be able to paddle it. Since hydro development its has been difficult to get a good read on flows. July, I hit up St.Leon Creek, Nemo and Cultus. August found me driving with Scott and Kelsey to Squamish via Revelstoke. We had a great two days in Revy paddling Perry, Sorcerer and Jordan before heading towards the Ashlu Drainage. There I finally paddled Tatlow, something I've been trying to do for the last few years. September saw us making weekend trips to the Spillimacheen where I had one of the best days ever on the water. Finally in October I made it out to paddle the lower canyon of Howser Creek, a phenomenal run with a gorgeous 30 footer and couple other stout rapids in a deep canyon to keep things exciting.

In 2008 I also witnessed the four scariest moments I have ever seen on the river. All but one was on a relatively easy Class 4 - 4+ river and all were due to a lack of concentration and complacency. It has made me a lot stricter about who I paddle with and where and hopefully it will keep me and my friends safe for a long time. I hope 2009 proves to be as exciting as 2008.

I edited a shameless self promo movie to help me make it through the cold winter months, I hope you enjoy. Filmed entirely during 2008 in B.C. and Alberta.

See you on the river.

Mikkel


B.C. and Alberta 2008 from Mikkel St.Jean-Duncan on Vimeo