So when most people think about surfing a wave like the Nile Special airscrews, backstabs and the occasional helix come to mind. For me at my current stage of paddling surfing a wave like the Special involves front surf, flat spin and faceplanting. At the end of March 2009 myself and 2 Norwegian paddlers (Nini & Barbora) headed over to the Nile for round 2 of 'Chicks on the Nile - Extreme Edition'.
For Nini and myself this was our second adventure to the Nile for kayaking. My first time over mainly involved river running, this time it was all about the Hairy Lemon (where eating food involves just putting a spoon into your mouth and swallowing - no chewing necessary) and the Nile Special, only to venture to NRE in Bujagali for the weekend benders.....
We were also joined by 3 Irish paddlers training for Worlds this year in Thun, Switzerland (Mark, Sibohan and Sinead), Erika, Matt, Andy, Flo, Kristof and caught up with old friends such as Vanya, and Katya from Russia. For majority of the trip the girls definately outnumbered the blokes, but I don't think any of them were complaining!
Highlights from this trip were most definately having our own private party at the Nile Special with the locals - including flood lights (well a couple of light bulbs), roast pig and speakers with Swollen Members blasting from them whilst we were surfing on the Special, Mark & Sibohan's leaving bender at the Lemon where Nini managed to get herself stuck in Marlow's baby chair, adopting some random puppy who's favourite food was 'noodles', and finally having for most of the time a 'girl's only trip' - a first for me.
For those kayakers thinking about venturing over to the White Nile, now is the time to do so. Most people seem to think the Day 1 section will still be around until early 2009 and predict that once the dam is complete the Day 2 section (including the Nile Special) will remain at the level it is now. For more information about water levels, and the damming progress contact Jamie at Kayak the Nile http://www.kayakthenile.com/
Here is a video I put together from our trip this year, enjoy!
For Nini and myself this was our second adventure to the Nile for kayaking. My first time over mainly involved river running, this time it was all about the Hairy Lemon (where eating food involves just putting a spoon into your mouth and swallowing - no chewing necessary) and the Nile Special, only to venture to NRE in Bujagali for the weekend benders.....
We were also joined by 3 Irish paddlers training for Worlds this year in Thun, Switzerland (Mark, Sibohan and Sinead), Erika, Matt, Andy, Flo, Kristof and caught up with old friends such as Vanya, and Katya from Russia. For majority of the trip the girls definately outnumbered the blokes, but I don't think any of them were complaining!
Highlights from this trip were most definately having our own private party at the Nile Special with the locals - including flood lights (well a couple of light bulbs), roast pig and speakers with Swollen Members blasting from them whilst we were surfing on the Special, Mark & Sibohan's leaving bender at the Lemon where Nini managed to get herself stuck in Marlow's baby chair, adopting some random puppy who's favourite food was 'noodles', and finally having for most of the time a 'girl's only trip' - a first for me.
For those kayakers thinking about venturing over to the White Nile, now is the time to do so. Most people seem to think the Day 1 section will still be around until early 2009 and predict that once the dam is complete the Day 2 section (including the Nile Special) will remain at the level it is now. For more information about water levels, and the damming progress contact Jamie at Kayak the Nile http://www.kayakthenile.com/
Here is a video I put together from our trip this year, enjoy!
Information on getting to the Nile:
Airlines:
Most people fly into Entebbe Airport, Uganda which is located about 2-3 hrs from Bujagali. Air Brussels will take your kayak for free when booked through KTN. Emirates will also take kayaks for free as long as it is within your total checked in baggage restrictions (usually about 23-28kg checked baggage allowance depending on where you are flying from). Other airlines include South African Airways, Kenya Airways, KLM - all will take kayaks but will most likely charge anywhere up to 300USD to take your kayak (if your lucky you may be allowed to take it for free!).
Getting Around:
A taxi to or from the airport will cost you 100,000-120,000 Ugandan Shillings. When arriving it is best to have pre-arranged transport with either NRE, Hairy Lemon or KTN to avoid hastle, especially as most flights will arrive at Entebbe late at night.
Boda Bodas are a great way of getting to and from Bujagali to Jinja (~5000 Shillings return), or as a shuttle back to NRE from the Silverback takeout on the Day 1 Section (~3500 Shillings).
Delicas (4WD style minivans) and Matatus are a good option if you have a lot of gear or more than 4-5 kayakers. Price will depend on if you are using the same driver all the time, if you are willing to spend the time on negotiating a price with the locals or if you would prefer someone from KTN, NRE etc to book it for you.
Where to Stay:
Most kayakers stay up at Bujagali Falls if they are running the Day 1 Silverback section or if they are wanting a weekend bender. Good options here are NRE (Nile River Explorers) which is home of the infamous NRE Bar (guarenteed to induce some carnage) or Eden Rock (which is a less busy quieter option if your liver is in need of a rest).
If surfing a big wave and getting some air is more your style then staying down at the Hairy Lemon is where all the other kayakers are usually found. Here you will be provided with 3 cooked meals per day (remember everything can be eaten with a spoon!)
*Please note that all prices quoted were for April 2009 and may have changed
