Kayak Session Magazine

The biggest whitewater kayaking magazine in the world. If a photo speaks a thousand words, then Kayak Session is an encyclopedia. Dubbed the ‘National Geographic’ of whitewater kayaking, we collaborate with some of the best photographers and most acclaimed writers in the outdoor industry. Our photo concept is to show stunning images of kayakers in their element. This photos-first idea is coupled with a creative layout and fresh content, sure to inspire our readers with every issue. Kayak Session is the essential reading for whitewater kayakers worldwide.

UNKNOWN SOLDIERS

GALLERY SHOT

WORLDWHITEWATERNEWS • This ongoing column is a place to report on the current news, latest descents, expeditions, people and trends in the Whitewater world. The world is indeed a big place but the river connects us all. This column attempts to keep us in touch throughout the world paddling community.

EVENTS

DESCENTS

ENVIRO

The Road to Humla Traveling overland for a descent of Nepal's last free-flowing river • Typically, the road to the Humla Karnali isn't much of a road at all. It's more of a bus, fly, hike kind of mission that takes you seemingly to the edge of the entrance to the divine realms. In November 2022, David Sodomka made his pilgrimage to the Humla, traveling overland to discover a canyon with far more rapids and life than he had anticipated and a river no expedition paddler should miss.

CANYON CREEK The Siren Stream of Southern Washington • Canyon Creek combines waterfalls and sheer gorge walls with turquoise-colored water that lures countless paddlers to obsession. Answering the siren's call earns clean boofs, twisting gorges, and Class IV+ rapids that keep the smile wide lap after lap, nestled into the scenic splendor of the Cascade Range. The pool-drop perfection of Canyon Creek is an iconic backyard classic that has shaped generations of paddlers in the Pacific Northwest.

The Austari Jökulsá Iceland's Beast of the East • Those who make it to Iceland's Austari Jökulsa, or East Glacier River, know immediately that they've found something special. From the first rapid, the aptly named “Commitment,” to Screaming Lady and the Green Room, the powerful rapids command attention. These same rapids nurture a diverse landscape and rich whitewater community, leaving a legacy for all who pass through the canyon's walls. A legacy the community is fighting to preserve for generations to come.

Interview RATA LOVELL-SMITH • There's good kayakers, and then there's good kayakers to be on the river with. If you don't know the difference, odds are, you're not as good a kayaker as you think. Rata Lovell-Smith epitomizes what it means to be not just a skilled boater but a good teammate. If you've paddled on New Zealand's West Coast, you know why that matters as much as you know that Rata and her husband, Phil, and two people you want on your crew. But if you haven't heard of her, don't worry about it. She likes it better that way.

BE THE EXCEPTION, BE THE VOICE, BE THE BENEFIT. • In this column, Dane reflects on how holding yourself and others accountable for the basic elements of group safety can help shift the outcome of a dangerous or unlucky situation.

ARCHIE GILL WHITEWATER DOWN UNDER: TRIALS AND VICTORIES OF AN AUSTRALIAN FREESTYLE KAYAKER • Up and coming paddlers help keep our sport growing and evolving. In this column, World Class Academy Principal Capo Rettig interviews new, young talent to explore themes of the whitewater scene.

FREESTYLE BY THE RULES COMPETITIVE STRATEGY • In this column, Bartosz shares how to use the rules of the game to maximize your competition strategy and further unlock the magic of freestyle.

JEFFY THE BEAR • While the river strengthens our community in ways that transcend friendship, it can wound us in ways that may never...