Lessons from cold-hand gurus by Rafael Ortiz | May 16, 2019 | Instructional, Internationalisation, Mexico, Whitewater, Whitewater Instruction7 years ago I was THAT guy. It was the middle of March, 65* out and I’d still be wearing poggies. I did grow up in Mexico paddling warm water, so this new cold water topic was tough. Fast-forward to this winter, I managed to stay away from using my...
The power of repetition by Rafael Ortiz | Sep 16, 2018 | Antix, Internationalisation, Mexico, WhitewaterHere is the deal: kayaking is not a repetition sport. I mean, only when playboating you try moves over and over again, but river-running… you really only hit that one move once a day. You see, I come from skateboarding. When I was a kid I would play...
My secrets for getting sponsored by Rafael Ortiz | Sep 28, 2017 | Featured Post, Instructional, Internationalisation, Mexico, Whitewater I signed my first contract on a napkin 13 years ago with Kristine Jackson. I was 17 and getting sponsored was the coolest thing that ever happened to me. Today I call myself a professional whitewater kayaker: I do this for a living. Over the past decade, I’ve...
The Lefty Day by Rafael Ortiz | Aug 11, 2017 | Creeking, Internationalisation, Mexico, Whitewater, WW DisciplinesI was right above this scary big rapid last month and was trying to get out. The water was surging and pushing me violently onto the rocks on my left side. There was no room to turn around- I would probably get swept into the rapid if I tried. And something in my mind...
How to GoPro kayaking better Part I by Rafael Ortiz | Oct 29, 2014 | Instructional, WhitewaterWith the evolution of GoPro cameras, we’ve been able to document our adventures better. And through this 3 part tutorial, I want to pass along my tricks to help you get the best shots. Enjoy. Types of mounts Head The most basic and the best for capturing POV (point of...
Running the Lower Jalacingo / Running from our doubts by Rafael Ortiz | Mar 26, 2014 | WhitewaterRunning the Lower Jalacingo / Running from our doubts By Rafa Ortiz There’s a special feeling when you leave the car and start hiking towards the water. It’s mostly nerves, anxiety: you know it’s THAT river that requires your maximum performance. Maybe it’s time to...
Karma on the Ldub by Rafael Ortiz | Feb 17, 2013 | WhitewaterKarma on the Ldub By Rafa Ortiz To put the Little White Salmon River (AKA Ldub) in a few words, it’s the most quality, continuous piece of whitewater I’ve ever paddled. People live here because of this river; others drive hours; other of us fly just to paddle it....
Tacos, Waterfalls and Tequila: Rafa’s Guide for kayaking in Mexico by Rafael Ortiz | Oct 30, 2012 | JK University, Trip Reports, WhitewaterTacos, Waterfalls and Tequila: Rafa’s beta for kayaking in Mexico Part II, Veracruz- The Alseseca It was several years ago that we completed connecting the dots on this famed river. Ever since the old Twitch crew days, and even other earlier explorers’ times, this...
Jackson Kayak on the Apple Website!- Palouse Falls by Rafael Ortiz | Sep 22, 2012 | WhitewaterCheck out the quick write up and photo of Rafa Ortiz running Palouse falls! Thanks to the sick shot by Lucas Gilman! http://www.apple.com/aperture/action/gilman/
Amazon Warzone by Rafael Ortiz | Sep 19, 2012 | WhitewaterAmazon warzone by Rafa Ortiz In front of us another class V horizon line that I was ready to run blind in order to get out of there. Â It was the same feeling as the one from a war movie when the soldiers are in the trench and surrounded, one of the most dangerous...
Tacos, Waterfalls and Tequila: Rafa’s beta for kayaking in Mexico by Rafael Ortiz | Aug 21, 2012 | WhitewaterTacos, Waterfalls and Tequila: Rafa’s beta for kayaking in Mexico Part I, The big picture Mexico is radical. Over the past couple of years I’ve been watching my backyard exponentially grow into one of the top destinations for creek boating. Not just the amount of...
JK Team Member: Rafael Ortiz Featured on MSNBC! 128 Ft Waterfall!! by Rafael Ortiz | Feb 9, 2011 | WhitewaterCheck it out here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/41491510#41491510 JK
