Race Reports

The 2010 HOA Extreme Whitewater Challenge was a huge success with paddlers from as far as Taiwan, Aichi and Gunma joining Hokkaido locals in Hidaka. Some great white water, a world-class play hole and a challenging slalom course tested the skills and competitive spirit of the participants.

The raft race started out with a laugh, as all teams had to hold hands and run 500 meters to the rafts, then paddle like mad. One team fell out of the raft just as they were leaving the riverbank. The kayak-combined event was won by Koki Yonemura with Naoto Mori running a close second and Kazuto Mamiya third. Chiho Yokouchi took home the Pyranha Molan kayak that was up for grabs for competitors who competed in all three disciplines. Kudos to the HOA team for organizing the event and to Eric Southwick who offered his time and expertise to make it happen.

Special thanks also goes to the sponsors HOA, Pyranha and Robson paddles who donated great prizes and to Outdoor Japan for their support. Next Year the HOA Whitewater Challenge will be even bigger and better, so get in the water and check the HOA website for updates. Web: www.rafting-hoa.co.jp