Last weekend the second race in the Norwegian Whitewater Cup took place at Trøndelagsrunden, a small kayaking festival in the wild valleys of Sør Trondelag.
Due to low lying snow remaining far down into the Ena valley, this year the race course had to be moved. This meant the morning started with competitors learning the new course, trying to find the fastest lines and avoid the many holes along the way.
Beth H watching Beth M on the first rapid of the racecourse – Photo: Maddy Goadby
Nicole styling her race lines – Photo: Maddy Goadby
Beth M halfway through the race – Photo Maddy Goadby
Despite the varying weather (sun, rain, snow, wind and rainbows) it was a great event on the challenging, technical course. Beth Morgan (who travelled over from the UK for the event) and I finished in the lead in the womens event, split by only 0.3 seconds!
Following the race, we headed off to paddle the local classic; the Bua Canyon: Paddling doesnt get much better – 11km of continuous fun in a spectacular gorge – the sort of run where you catch yourself giggling without even thinking!
Beth M and Eveliina Kallioniemi deep in the Bua Canyon
Back at the campsite the Trøndelagsrunden party lived up to its reputation: BBQing, dancing, kayaking games, fire poi, and of course the all important moustache competition (a local requirement in the Trøndelag area). At this time of year it doesn’t get dark so why would you want to sleep?
Rainbows over camp
Kristoffer Vansvik made a great film of the event:
The following days of the long weekend were spent kayaking in the spectacular valleys of Østerdal – wild, continuous paddling in deep gorges.
Beth H in the Mistra Gorge – Photo: James O Raghallaigh
Beth M in the Mistra Gorge
James O Raghallaigh in the Mistra Gorge
The festival was once again a great event, in a spectacular area of the country, rarely visited by non-norwegians. If anyone is looking for a weekend adventure next year why not put it on your list?