Since my last update, we departed Puerto Williams, Chile and headed down the Beagle Channel and out across the Drake Passage to return to the Antarctic Peninsula. Things are warming up as the short summer takes effect. Penguins are raising their young chicks; the wiener Elephant Seals are growing fast and whales are becoming a […]
Author Archives: Chris Hipgrave
December
06
South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula
posted by Chris Hipgrave
After 2 weeks of exploring South Georgia and the Antarctic peninsula, we crossed the Drake Passage, made a pit stop at Cape Horn where the Pacific and Atlantic oceans meet, and then headed into Puerto Williams to resupply and change a few guides and guests. The past few weeks have been nothing short of incredible […]
November
18
Beginning the Antarctic Adventure
posted by Chris Hipgrave
In 1982, Argentina invaded a tiny, inhospitable island in the South Atlantic I’d never heard of. Soon there after, the British Task Force was dispatched to sail south and deal with the situation and as an impressionable teenager growing up in the UK, I spent the next 74 days glued to the TV as our […]
October
24
VIDEO: 2016 Lord of the Fork
posted by Chris Hipgrave
GoPro footage of my 2016 Lord of the Fork race. Tried a few different lines this year. Not sure if they are any faster, but they felt good. Ended up 3rd and very happy to be on the podium again. Winning this race, however, has been elusive. New year!
October
12
2016 TVCC OCOEE RIVER RACE
posted by Chris Hipgrave
The annual Ocoee Race has quickly become one of my favorite whitewater races. With excellent organization, great participation, 5 miles of fun whitewater, plenty of opportunities to train with friends leading up to the event, and knowing that your entry fee is helping a great cause, it’s easy to see why. 2016 was no exception. […]
September
28
REPOST: Russell Fork is on!
posted by Chris Hipgrave
This weekend marks the beginning of Russell Fork season. Breaks Interstate Park and the Russell Fork gorge are among my favorite places on earth. The high point of this month of releases is the Lord of the Fork race on the last weekend. Like many of you, the releases leading up to the race, give […]
September
19
The Cough-town Showdown
posted by Chris Hipgrave
Beautiful and historic Charleston again played host to a fantastic paddle sports event this past weekend. The 4th edition of the Chucktown Showdown would take us along the famous Charleston Battery, around Shutes Folly and into the heart of Charleston Harbor before returning to the start/finish line at Brittle Bank Park 9 miles later. Although […]
September
09
REVIEW: PYRANHA OCTANE / THINK NITRO
posted by Chris Hipgrave
With manufacturers turning their attention to introducing polyethylene surfskis and lowering the financial entry barrier for the sport, this is an exciting time for the growth and popularity of surfski. Doing so will open the door to surfski performance for paddlers everywhere, leading to, what I suspect may be a rapid increase in those using […]
August
10
Paddle Grapple – Fontana Lake
posted by Chris Hipgrave
Nestled at the southern foot of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Fontana Lakes cool emerald green waters offer a unique venue for a race. While most of the east coast is sweltering in heat, the mountains provide cool respite and an attractive venue for recreationialists, enthusiasts and expert paddlers looking for a mid […]
July
28
Gorge Downwind Championships
posted by Chris Hipgrave
With incredible scenery, almost guaranteed perfect daily downwind conditions, simple fast shuttles, great organization, abundant support from almost all the industry and a well contested competition … you are probably thinking of somewhere in Hawaii, South Africa or Australia. But no … this is the Gorge Downwind Championships in Hood River, Oregon and it is […]
