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.

Kayak Session Magazine

PADDLING ON THE MOON.

GALLERY SHOT

WORLD WHITEWATER NEWS • 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

SVALBARD BORN OF ICE • 600 miles from the North Pole, arctic waterfalls thunder off the Nordaustlandet ice cap, borne of the rapidly melting Austfonna Glacier. For Aniol Serrasolses and Mikel Sarasola, Europe’s third-largest glacier provided an otherworldly backdrop for a boundary-pushing project that was the culmination of years of dreaming, planning, and hard work. Their journey was a testament to a fragile, ephemeral environment and a reminder of what can be achieved with the right mindset and a spirit of adventure.

Albania-with a dash of Montenegro Discovering Europe's Blue Heart • To the west, golden beaches but up against the azul water of the Adriatic Sea. Further inland, lush green meadows, valleys, and canyons give rise to the Accursed Mountains, whose snow-capped peaks are equal to any in the Alps. Welcome to Albania. After decades of isolation, this small country is emerging as Europe's newest outdoor adventure paradise. But fair warning: not all the adventure comes easy, nor is the future of Albania's natural wonders guaranteed.

2023 FREESTYLE WORLD CHAMPiONSHiPS • Adaptability. Precision. Consistency. The sheer unpredictable nature of the river. The 2023 Freestyle World Championships took place on the Chattahoochee River this October, returning to a wave for the first time since 2015. With it came new faces, the revitalization of a community, and a reminder that if you build it, they will come. When a region-wide drought forced changes to established norms, it breathed new life and energy into competitive freestyle and a hinted at what the future of the ICF could hold.

Interview DAVE FUSILLI • In the early-mid 2000s, a Ford 350 van with an orange Pyranha logo, stickered with the word "Demshitz," was traveling across North America, going from event to festival to hardcore creek. Their mission: paddle, party, enjoy, repeat. As both witness and player in the era of freefall, the legacy of Demshitz still echoes throughout the sport, be it in paddling feats or personal ethos. Frequently at the helm—literally and figuratively—was Demshitz founding father Dave Fusilli. One of the most beloved humans in the sport, Dave defines whitewater legend. Now 42, Dave still rips like a 20-year-old stud, his trademark smooth style honed from decades of experience.

THE BETA ON GIVING BETA. • In this column, Dane shares tips on giving the best beta to ensure everyone in the group can have the best day on the water.

THE NEXT GEN OF ZOOTOWN HUCKERS FEATURING JUDE FRANCZYK • 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.

CHASING THE WAVES: WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2023 • In this column, Bartosz reflects on the 2023 ICF World Championships.

UNABLE TO PORTAGE OR PADDLE • In this...