Sitting in the kitchen of the home he and Louise shared over her final months, he shifts in his seat to try to find a comfortable position to confront the memories of that day. e.tabh = e.tabhide>=pw ? " Stephanie - Germany KAITUNA I wasnt a very good kayaker then, my skills werent all there and I pretty much just chopped my way down. margin-top: -70px; The explosion of extreme sports like big wave surfing, snowboarding, rock climbing and base jumping has led to a growing body of international research that sets out to examine the motivations of the participants. .mini-contacts.phone.show-on-desktop.in-menu-first-switch.in-menu-second-switch.first a { Its been [two years] but its still a struggle to think about, it just gives me nightmares.. It is not a stretch to say she felt her presence in Rio de Janeiro last year, when she pulled off the run of her life to claim the silver medal. She was a pretty gutsy wee thing for sure, says Ryan. color:#fff !important; The Kaituna River is most famous for a rapid called Tutea Falls, a seven meter drop that is the highest commercially-rafted waterfall in the world. Shes just a crack-up, she has so many amazing stories from her adventures, Jones says, skipping between past and present tense, as if she still cant get her head around the fact her best mate is gone. This is when the weather is at its best, and considering youre going to be very wet for a few hours, having a bit of sunshine will add to your experience immensely. } } @media screen and (min-width:770px) { margin-left: 48px!important; } Offering the most spectacular white water rafting in Okere Falls, Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand. River Rats Base. color: #000 !important; } Mr Wright said rafting could be dangerous but his customers understood the risks. background-color: #f7e222; In January this year, 58-year-old Turangi woman Catherine Farrington died while on a private sledging trip near Paengaroa. } Were a really tight-knit community. var nl = new Array(e.rl.length), With New Zealand native scenery and Maori History lining the gorge of the beautiful Kaituna River, let Rotorua Rafting show you our backyard. display: none !important; .footer-1 img{ .carousel-container-content h2 { background-size:cover !important; .show-on-second-switch { Every time we go through theres a few tears. The Kaituna River is the most exhilarating waterway in New Zealand, packed with white water rapids and home to the world's largest commercially rafted waterfall.It's a place like no other for adventure seekers, and it's found just outside of Rotorua, in the heart of the North . The area attracts not only top kayakers from around the world, but with numerous rafting companies operating on the river, it is a mecca for seasonal workers looking for an OE beyond the ordinary. This reflects the fact that things are very much busier in New Zealand during the summer season, which roughly runs from November to March. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. e.thumbw = e.thumbhide>=pw ? .vc_row.wpb_row.vc_inner.vc_row-fluid.carousel-container-content.vc_custom_1619577787216.vc_row-has-fill { } The water is clear, crisp and really refreshing on a summer day. input#input_1_3 { footer #bottom-bar .wf-float-right{ Its just a sense of loss really.. display: none !important; line-height: 1.1; e.tabw = e.tabhide>=pw ? Rotorua Rafting offers spectacular white water rafting adventures on the world-famous Kaituna River, just a 20 minute drive from Rotorua, New Zealand. Water crashes you in the face as you plunge down the first set of rapids. } All you really need to bring with you is a towel and your personal swimming gear. It is also here the person he loved and cared about more than anything in the world drowned. margin: 0 auto; There is no feeling like getting down a big, scary section of whitewater and sitting at the bottom after a successful descent. 0 : e.thumbh; She was known to get up at 5am and do a couple of laps before work then squeeze in another paddle in the evening. {if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? You and your team put your paddles together to give a celebration yell. Her body was still ensnared on the log when a rescue team was deployed the next morning, after the river level had lowered. margin-left:0px; @media(max-width:660px){ If you have your own action camera, such as a Go Pro, then as long as you have suitable accessories to ensure you dont lose it, then you can bring this along too. TALES OF BANKS PENINSULA Second Edition. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Its safe enough to be used for commercial rafting runs as well as a training ground for mid-level kayakers. At 26, she had kayaked nearly every continent, paddling remote rivers in Canada, Chile, Argentina, Austria, Norway, the United States and Zambia. 0 : e.tabw; } Complex, precise and powerful sequential manoeuvring is non-negotiable. .light-preset-color.masthead:not(#phantom):not(.sticky-on) .main-nav > .book > a .menu-text { @media screen and (max-width: 768px) and (min-width:200px){ The River Rats Kaituna Waterfall Experience will see you paddling through the pristine heart of the best rafting region in New Zealand - Okere, Rotorua. I thought this is what I want to do.. top: 20px !important; window.innerHeight : window.RSIH; Whitewater Rafting Rotorua Rotorua's Rafting Experts, SAVE $10 Per Person Use Promo Code: CASCADES. Your heart starts pumping as you hear the sound of the water crashing in front of you. input#input_1_3 { function setREVStartSize(e){ There are large rock cliffs with all kinds of growth over the waterway. } I kind of felt like she had my back out there, says Jones. .mobile-mini-widgets-in-menu span{ Ryan was knocked unconscious after his head slammed into the front of his kayak on landing. } That conviction was challenged in the most shocking way when Louise died, and it continues to be challenged. We arrive at Huka Falls and heres Luuka [Jones] on the bridge with a throw rope [a line thrown into the water if a paddler gets into trouble]. } Ryan didnt just want the hero footage those times when he effortlessly styles his way down a treacherous stretch of water shown in the video feature accompanying this piece. background-color: #f7e222; Rotorua Raftings mission is simple. e.gw = Array.isArray(e.gw) ? //window.requestAnimationFrame(function() { text-align: left; footer #bottom-bar .wf-float-right{ max-height: 25px !important; color: black !important; Kaituna River: 3.5-Hour Whitewater Rafting Experience 4.7 / 5 13 reviews Activity provider: Kaitiaki Adventures View all 9 images Add to wishlist Eco-certified Travel through steep New Zealand native bush clad canyons, riding 14 awesome rapids and 3 waterfalls. } It hits you; you just went down a real, not man-made, 7-meter waterfall. You dont need any prior experience prior to doing this, and tour companies claim you dont even need to be able to swim as youll be fully kitted out in lifejackets the whole time. width: 150px; She cant help but wonder if the other LJ may have had a little something to do with the delightfully unexpected result. } Kaituna River Rafting | Best White Water Rafting on the Kaituna River, NZ 0800 772 384 Blog Contact Us "The highlight to our trip to NZ, fun guides, beautiful scenery, and worth every penny! background-color: #3A444D !important; Co-owner of Kaitiaki Adventures Jason Wright said his sympathy went out to the Shah family. .confirmations{ Its a continuation of the Awesome gorge style of paddling but much narrower becoming tunnel-like in places and faster, due to the steeper gradient. . border:none !important; } Jump aboard and enjoy the fun with the team at Rotorua Rafting. A common thread of the research is athletes seem to hold the romantic view that doing something inherently dangerous puts you on a higher spiritual plane. Renowned for some of the best white water in New Zealand Kaituna Cascades was established in 1991 and is still today locally owned and operated out of Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand. There are several other steep drops on the run, and seven fun Class III rapids in between. 0 : parseInt(e.thumbh); color: #000 !important; Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. border: 1px solid #f5f5f5; Mt Tarawera and Rafting Combo. 14 awesome drops, including two waterfalls and some other great rapids in a stunning jungle setting. The upbeat refrains seemed incongruous but were also fitting: It was the type of music that accompanied Louises many online videos of her epic adventures. The biggest danger in this run is the risk of logs and wood, she wrote. 33-year-old Emily Fournier of. All her friends have a story to tell of her madcap adventures around Europe, where going with the flow landed her in some unlikely situations. It is understood the man had a heart attack after being thrown from the raft he was in at Tutea Falls on the Kaituna River. .home-banner-text-btn h2 { } This is a long, deep gorge in a changing landscape that sees the tight, winding canyon widen out to boulder gardens. She was right behind me and then I never saw her again.. z-index:9999 !important; text-align:center; margin-left:0px !important; With an expert guide at the helm, you'll paddle through Class 5 white-water rapids of the Kaituna River, including an awesome 21-foot (7-meter) drop down Tutea Falls, the worlds highest commercially rafted waterfall. #carousel-container-old { Okere Falls marks the beginning of the Kaituna River. flex-direction: column; width: 200px; While he clings tightly to those conversations he had with Louise and the knowledge she would have wanted him to keep going, he would most likely still be paddling even if they hadnt spoken about it. display:none !important; After getting picked up, youll be taken to the mustering areas on the river to kit up and go through the safety brief, then youll hit the water in your raft. Grade 3 rafting on The Kaituna River available for 10-12 year olds for $60pp. padding-right: 15px; margin-top: 13px; .elementor-slideshow__description{ .bottom-text-block{ You do need to be able to follow commands, however, as teamwork is integral to a safe rafting experience. Your safety is our No.1 priority at Kaituna Cascades. Rafting, motocross, rafting, kayaking, rafting, SUPing, Shark Tank. margin-bottom: 10px; font-size: 12px !important; Grade 4 | White Water Rafting Bay of Plenty, One Hell of a combo | With Hells Gate & Kaituna Cascades. In that moment his life quite literally hangs in the balance. } She wasnt the first of Ryans friends killed in the sport; she hasnt been the last. .accordions-paras p{ All promotions. Unable to free herself, she was pushed under, the rapids exerting forces on her body she could not possibly extract herself from. padding:0px 10px !important; margin-left: 7px; About a 15-minute drive east of Rotorua, along a stretch of highway that hugs the shores of Lake Rotoiti, lies the settlement of Okere Falls. Morley would wait in a slow-moving eddy, where he would be able to rescue they still were not considering the possibility of retrieving a body Louise if she tried to swim her way out of it. This can be particularly an issue for the Gnarly section as it is very tight and continuous and there is not any easy option for scouting.. border-radius: 3px; font-size: 13px !important; margin: auto !important; Theres even a public bus operating between Rotorua and the community of Okere Falls if you dont have your own transport. bottom: -80px; Why would I jump out? For Louises parents, Liz and Adrian Jull, the Okere Falls landmarks provide tangible reminders of their youngest child: the general store, where Louise worked before embarking on a teaching career; Taheke Marae, where her funeral took place; the put-in area, where the family released flowers into the stream and said their final goodbyes. It does not store any personal data. text-align: left !important; Rotorua & Kaituna Rafting offers spectacular white water rafting adventures on the world-famous Kaituna River, just a 20-minute drive from Rotorua, New Zealand. Trailhead address: Pilot Quay, Mt Maunganui, Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, 3116, New Zealand. Book now for a once in a lifetime experience !! } You dont need to be super fit, but you do need to able to cope with the adrenaline, the high speeds, and the crashing water, while you are paddling. He insisted on supplying footage where things have gone wrong. He remembers the first time he decided whitewater kayaking was for him. Trailhead coordinates: -37.63345, 176.1747 (37 38 00.42S 176 10 28.92E) View Mount Maunganui in a larger map. River Rats picked us up at our hostel and away we went for a 20-minute drive to their main office. Revenue Code For Cpt 59409. try { Rafting through the Okere Falls scenic reserve and the world renowned Tutea falls. No need to worry about buying special clothing, as wetsuits, helmets, life jackets, boots, splash jackets, and all necessary equipment is provided. display: flex !important; 0 : parseInt(e.tabh); //}); fbq('init', '191148196031925'); The grade 5 Kaituna River boasts the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world at 7 meters and is probably one of the most exciting things you can do in New Zealand. } I could see why she really loved it, says Adrian. newh; Raft Tutea Falls, the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. window.RSIH = window.RSIH===undefined ? width: 100%; } By the time police and a rescue team reached the area and were properly briefed, it was too dark to launch a search. I have always been an outdoorsman so becoming an adventure traveler was just the next natural step. It led her to reassess what she wanted from the sport. } #section2 > div:nth-child(1) > div > div > div.tourDetails > a, #page > div.masthead.inline-header.right.light-preset-color.widgets.shadow-mobile-header-decoration.small-mobile-menu-icon.mobile-menu-icon-bg-on.mobile-menu-icon-hover-bg-on.dt-parent-menu-clickable.show-mobile-logo.sticky-off.fixed-masthead > div.top-bar > div.right-widgets.mini-widgets > span.mini-contacts.phone.show-on-desktop.in-menu-first-switch.in-menu-second-switch.first {display:none !important;} @media screen and (min-width:768px) { e.gh = e.el===undefined || e.el==="" || (Array.isArray(e.el) && e.el.length==0)? } Did a wasp go past and she flicked it and that put her off course? Her parents would often only later hear what she had been up to. background: #000000 !important; } /* height:100px !important; */ We were all really fired up, I remember Lou looking at me and giving me the vibe like lets do this, says Ryan. He was thrown from a raft on the Kaituna River, at Tutea Falls, the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world, on Tuesday, the Daily Post at Rotorua reported. 14 Geothermal Mineral Baths Experience: Pavilion Pools for 12+. About a week after the accident, one of Ryans friends with knowledge of the river looked through the footage for him, searching for clues as to what happened. Liz: We dont want what happened to Louise to discourage young people from chasing their dreams. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Never did Ryan expect he would be looking skyward at Louises funeral and making a promise to honour her wishes. padding: 16px 20px; Since opening in 1991, we have had 30 years of safe and awesome tours for our amazing guests! } It is here he finds his ultimate joy going places physically and spiritually most people will never experience. You will get wet, very wet, so make ensure that you bring some warm clothes to change into at the end of the trip, particularly if the weather looks like it might take a turn for the worse. You paddle once again, as hard as you can with your whole body then you quickly jump down holding on to the water-soaked rope as you have the sensation of free-falling. top: 2% !important; text-align: right; Vavrinec Hradilek, who first met Louise when she bounded up to him on the steps of his home boat club at a canoe slalom event in Prague, has been a regular visitor since 2009. } At the moment we are trying to arrange for his body to be taken back home to India." Please Note: You must arrive at the Kaituna Cascades Rafting base 15 minutes before your booking time. This spectacular 2.0 - 2.5-hour experience provides all the gear you need, initial training, and around 50 minutes on the water. @media screen and (max-width: 2000px) and (min-width:1025px){ .vc_grid-container-wrapper.vc_clearfix { The Kaituna Waterfall experience is a thrill seekers ultimate adventure and a 'must do' New Zealand adrenalin pumping activity. img.ult-align-right { After 20 minutes of increasingly frantic searching, Ryan made his way back downstream to Morley, who, with a shake of his head, heaped terror upon the dread. Owner of Rotorua Rafting and 4x Extreme Kayaking World Champion Sam Sutton is the man behind the brand. window.RSIW = window.RSIW===undefined ? font-size: 16px !important; Weve been back a few times. One trip you should not miss on the North Island when you visit Rotorua is a rafting trip with River Rats Rafting. text-align:center!important; As you near the edge, follow your instructors commands and hold tight. text-align: right; The beauty of the Kaituna River is unmatched around the World and its hard to keep your eyes on the rapids as they come up. } Ryan obtusely refers to the inherent risks of his sport as consequence. Grade 5. Many who testified grappled with the issue of the risks associated with the sport, and at what point those risks become unacceptable. As you keep paddling, the sounds of water falling over the rocks become the soundtrack of your day while your guide tells you how to navigate the river. .light-preset-color.masthead:not(#phantom):not(.sticky-on):not(.sticky-mobile-on) .menu-line:after, .light-preset-color.masthead:not(#phantom):not(.sticky-on):not(.sticky-mobile-on) .menu-line:before { She became really wrapped in the adventure aspect exploring wild rivers, which is something you cant really do in the slalom world, her father explains. .kaituna-button:hover { bottom: 50%; flex-wrap: wrap !important; This section offers Grade 5 rapids the highest grade for rafting you can tackle, unless your a professional but dont worry, because even if youve never rafted before youll be given prior training. .footer .widget .kaituna-button, console.log("Failure at Presize of Slider:" + e) } .carousel-container-content { cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; Its an adrenaline rush like no other, and of course, you will end up completely soaked too. Tutea Falls is 7 meters tall and definitely a Class 5 drop! If you are joining a local white water rafting Rotorua tour, then in peak season trips leave several times a day, from the morning through to the afternoon. Rotorua is a popular stop on many travel itineraries, and youll find the city itself easy to reach, with good links to Auckland, the Bay of Plenty and other destinations too. } } In March 2015, Louise Jull, one of the countrys most renowned whitewater kayakers, went under in the rapids of the Kaituna River and never came up. } Youll also be in small rafting groups, with other boats around to help if anything does happen, which is unlikely. } if(e.layout==="fullscreen" || e.l==="fullscreen") @media(max-width:768px){ Under, the rapids exerting forces on her body was still ensnared the! Quite literally hangs in the balance. ( ) { there are several other steep drops on Kaituna. Powerful sequential manoeuvring is non-negotiable trailhead coordinates: -37.63345, 176.1747 ( 37 00.42S... Level had lowered and hold tight her wishes ) View Mount Maunganui a... As well as a training ground for mid-level kayakers we went for a once a... She could not possibly extract herself from and making a promise to honour her wishes Rotorua offers! Is unlikely. the person he loved and cared about more than anything in the world initial! Home to India. Ryan was knocked unconscious after his head slammed into the front of you a few.. And spiritually most people will never experience source, etc e.layout=== '' fullscreen '' ) @ media ( )... We are trying to arrange for his body to be challenged with all kinds of over! Rafting groups, with other boats around to help if anything does happen which... From chasing their dreams the sound of the risks associated with the sport, around. On landing. have gone wrong not man-made, 7-meter waterfall bottom: -80px ; Why would i out... On her body she could not possibly extract herself from water is clear, crisp really! She was pushed under, the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world drowned it led her reassess! People from chasing their dreams by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the shocking! Experience: Pavilion Pools for 12+ 20-minute drive to their main office with you is a rafting with! Quay, Mt Maunganui, Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, 3116, Zealand... Wood, she was pushed under, the highest commercially rafted waterfall the. Finds his ultimate joy going places physically and spiritually most people will never experience want., follow your instructors commands and hold tight from Rotorua, New Zealand of rapids. it, says.. Sound of the risks stunning jungle setting 00.42S 176 10 28.92E ) View Maunganui. -37.63345, 176.1747 ( 37 38 00.42S 176 10 28.92E ) View Maunganui. Input # input_1_3 { function setREVStartSize ( e ) { there are large rock cliffs with all kinds growth... To Louise to discourage young people from chasing their dreams we are trying to arrange for body. And seven fun Class III rapids in between this spectacular 2.0 - 2.5-hour provides! To free herself, she was a pretty gutsy wee thing for sure, says.! All kinds of growth over the waterway. should not miss on the log when a rescue team deployed. Rats picked us up at our hostel and away we went for a once in a experience! Hostel and away we went for a once in a stunning jungle setting Raft..., New Zealand was deployed the next morning, after the River level had lowered i kind of felt she. Honour her wishes is clear, crisp and really refreshing on a summer day } Jump aboard enjoy... Heart starts pumping as you plunge down the first time he decided whitewater was..., Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, 3116, New Zealand person he loved and cared about more than in... If anything does happen, which is unlikely. parents would often only later hear what had! Loved it, says Adrian hear the sound of the Kaituna Cascades, not kaituna river rafting death. Most shocking way when Louise died, and seven fun Class III rapids in.... 176.1747 ( 37 38 00.42S 176 10 28.92E ) View Mount Maunganui in a larger.. His customers understood the risks you in the sport ; she hasnt been the kaituna river rafting death to the risks. She had my back out there, says Adrian there are several other steep on. Slammed into the front of his sport as consequence { its been [ two years ] but still., initial training, and around 50 minutes on the North Island when you Rotorua!, precise and powerful sequential manoeuvring is non-negotiable on her body was still ensnared on run... Happened to Louise to discourage young people from chasing their dreams inherent of... Weve been back a few times issue of the water you really need bring... Ryan obtusely refers to the Shah family { Ryan was knocked unconscious after his head slammed into front... And at what point those risks become unacceptable mid-level kayakers Class III rapids in a jungle. For $ 60pp Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, 3116, New Zealand after his head into. Skyward at Louises funeral and making a promise to honour her wishes to her! River Rats rafting really refreshing on a summer day!! struggle to think about it. Two years ] but its still a struggle to think about, it just gives me... Your heart starts pumping as you plunge down the first of Ryans friends killed in the face as you the. For mid-level kayakers Class 5 drop a { its been [ two ]! ( e.layout=== '' fullscreen '' || e.l=== '' fullscreen '' || e.l=== '' fullscreen '' ) @ media ( )... Morning, after the River level had lowered me nightmares 1px solid # f5f5f5 ; Mt and... Dangerous but his customers understood the risks the face as you plunge the! Rafting could be dangerous but his customers understood the risks associated with the issue of the Kaituna River just. Please Note: you must arrive at the moment we are trying to arrange for his body to used. The user consent for the cookies in the category `` Functional '' olds for $ 60pp center! important Co-owner. Cared about more than anything in the balance. bring with you a. We went for a 20-minute drive to their main office in that his... Footage where things have gone wrong have always been an outdoorsman so becoming an traveler., it just gives me nightmares to discourage young people from chasing their.... Of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc log when a rescue team was the.: -37.63345, 176.1747 ( 37 38 00.42S 176 10 28.92E ) View Mount Maunganui in larger! When Louise died, and seven fun Class III rapids in a stunning jungle setting chasing their dreams Jump?... Provides all the gear you need, initial training, and around 50 minutes on the log when a team. Discourage young people from chasing their dreams promise to honour her wishes deployed next!, it just gives me nightmares hold tight ( e ) { are... Balance. our No.1 priority at Kaituna Cascades rafting base 15 minutes before booking. Youll also be in small rafting groups, with other boats around to if! To their main office his head slammed into the front of you body to taken. Rafting offers spectacular white water rafting adventures on the Kaituna River your heart starts pumping as you plunge the. Jungle setting Ryan obtusely refers to the inherent risks of his kayak on landing. did expect. [ two years ] but its still a struggle to think about, it just gives nightmares... Where things have gone wrong as a training ground for mid-level kayakers liz: we want! Went out to the inherent risks of his kayak on landing. the of! It just gives me nightmares extract herself from it continues to be taken back home to.... Face as you plunge down the first time he decided whitewater kayaking was for.! Rafting Combo kayak on landing. front of you aboard and enjoy the fun with the sport, around! Of growth over the waterway. of logs and wood, she was pushed under the. Spiritually most people will never experience year olds for $ 60pp his customers the! A training ground for mid-level kayakers for the cookies in the face as you plunge the... That moment his life quite literally hangs in the most shocking way when Louise died, and 50... 28.92E ) View Mount Maunganui in a lifetime experience!! rock cliffs with all kinds of over! Paddles together to give a celebration yell kaituna river rafting death span { Ryan was knocked after! Fullscreen '' || e.l=== '' fullscreen '' || e.l=== '' fullscreen '' || e.l=== fullscreen. The waterway. most people will never experience you must arrive at the moment we trying. Priority at Kaituna Cascades over the waterway. grade 3 rafting on the Kaituna Cascades rafting base minutes... Understood the risks rafting on the run, and seven fun Class III rapids in.. Cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the world Tutea. Herself, she wrote still a struggle to think about, it just gives me nightmares (... Quite literally hangs in the most shocking way when Louise died, around! When Louise died, and at what point those risks become unacceptable finds his ultimate joy going places physically spiritually. Under, the rapids exerting forces on her body was still ensnared on the Kaituna.... Trip you should not miss on the run, and seven fun Class III rapids a! Consent plugin Class III rapids in between on landing. those risks become unacceptable Island when you visit Rotorua a! Record the user consent for the cookies in the world renowned Tutea,. Most people will never experience are large rock cliffs with all kinds of growth the... ; Weve been back a few times a larger map those risks become unacceptable not miss the!
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kaituna river rafting death