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.

THE FIRE IS ALIVE.

GALLERY SHOT

NEWS AND HAPPENINGS • 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

Kyrgyzstan The Great Naryn Paddling Along the Eastern Wall • Yevhenii Ivanov came to Kyrgyzstan in search of autonomous adventure and the chance to be in harmony with nature. The wild Great Naryn River, which lies at the foot of some of the world’s highest mountains, proved the perfect—if not fully autonomous—place. Join Yevhenii in one of Kyrgyzstan's remote corners on this little-known classic.

Vénéon Valléy HIGH UP IN THE FRENCH ALPS • Wild. Immense. Isolated. A river so deep and so high in the mountains that it offers a wilderness rarely seen in France. With cold water and steep boulder gardens in boxed walls, the Vénéon has a reputation that intimidates many, redirecting paddlers to the neighboring valleys. But with 30 km of whitewater to choose from, there is something for everyone. Arthur Bernot invites you into a secret, wild river garden in the heart of Isère.

INFO BOX

RETURN TO THE STIKINE A Deeper Look at Kayaking’s Most Iconic River • The Stikine has long been considered a rite of passage for kayakers, yet for the past two years, it has remained tantalizingly out of reach. The stars aligned this past October, and Benny Marr, Todd Wells, and Jules Domine returned to find that while the rapids had changed, the majesty and grandeur of this sacred river corridor had not. Jules Domine reflects on the past, present, and future of the Stikine and the hold it has on our kayaker’s hearts.

A WORD FROM THE TATHLAN NATION

ALEC & HAYDEN VOORHEES • Alec and Hayden Voorhees epitomize the well-rounded, go anywhere, do it all paddler. From running “T-Bs” on the North Fork before hitting puberty to competing in the Freestyle World Championships to waterfalls and extreme racing, Alec and Hayden may share accomplishments, but are very different paddlers. In 2020, they took over the North Fork Championship, along with mom Jody, brother Connor, and dad Mike. With year one under their belt, Alec, Hayden, and the Voorhees family are poised to usher in the next chapter of The North Fork Championship.

GETTING BACK ON THE HORSE • Lessons learned on the way from kayaking gypsy to one of the best in the world. In this column, Aniol shares how to get out of your head and back on the river after a bad swim.

ADVENTURES OF MIDDLEWORTH • Sometimes access issues are internal. In this column, Priscilla shares how navigating a chronic hip injury has led her to re-evaluate her relationship to the sport and how to find reward in “adventures of middleworth.”

TIM REES & THE ROAD TO NOTTINGHAM • 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.

RISE LIKE A PHOENIX • In this column, Bartosz shares the magic of freestyle. More than just learning tricks, developing freestyle skills will progress your...