GOPRO MOUNTAIN GAMES & PAYETTE RIVER GAMES 2015

ADVENTURES THROUGH THE WHITE WATER OF THE MIDWEST

While working on new river prototype boards for the 2016 GoPro Games, we’re reminded of the thrill and adventure from a few summers ago when we traveled to two of the season’s biggest competitions, The GoPro Mountain Games in Vail, Colorado and the Payette River Games in little town Cascade, Idaho.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN

Some of the biggest names in whitewater SUP and kayaking like Nick Troutman, Dane Jackson, Courtney Kerin, and Mattieu Dummoulin, Mo Freitas, and Zane Schweitzer come from around the world have traveled to compete at these events and push themselves to the limit on these rivers. At these events, Pau Hana team riders try out and put our new custom made race and river boards to the test while also taking some time off from competition to enjoy their Pau Hana time.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

We left the GoPro games ready for the road ahead to PRG, the Payette River Games stoked for the next leg of our adventure. The Payette River Games was a stark contrast to the grandeur and flash of the GoPro Games, but every bit as epic in its own way. PRG was hosted at Kelly’s White Water Park in the sleepy town of Cascade Idaho nestled in a valley and surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. You feel like you go back in time when you come here. The park is home to a small section or river that boasts a fun river wave and some challenging, but definitely manageable features.

IMPROMPTU SKATE SESSION

Around the park is a great little trail we turned into a skate circuit where we showcased the new Oahu Sk8. In the tall grass around the park you couldn’t walk ten feet before coming across a racer snake. These docile little reptilians seemed to almost outnumber the crowd gathered for the event. We even picked up a few that were content to rest around our shoulders or coil around our arms as we went about the day. After the events ended and the crowds dispersed, while the snakes were slithering back into the grass, we set out the explore the beautiful mountain terrain surrounding the small town.