Lessons from cold-hand gurus

by Rafael Ortiz | May 16, 2019 | Instructional, Internationalisation, Mexico, Whitewater, Whitewater Instruction

7 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, Whitewater

Here 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...

OKC, Rafa video!

by colinkemp | Sep 14, 2017 | Antix, Clinics, Event Coverage, Events, Internationalisation, Playboating, River Running, rivers, Trip Reports, Trips, United States, Video, Whitewater, Wrap Ups, WW Disciplines

Take a look at this great video that Michael Zubach made of a great event this past weekend in OKC. As I worked with Rafa and Dave at OKC to organize this event I knew it was going to be good based on my own experience teaching with the community in OKC, but even more...

The Lefty Day

by Rafael Ortiz | Aug 11, 2017 | Creeking, Internationalisation, Mexico, Whitewater, WW Disciplines

I 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, Whitewater

With 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...

5th Annual Alseseca Race and Switch Run!

by nicktroutman | Jan 16, 2013 | Whitewater

5th Annual Alseseca Race   Well we just finished the 5th annual Alseseca Kayak race here in the little town of Tlapacoyan, Vera Cruz Mexico. This is either my 8th or 9th trip down here to Mexico, I start to loose count. I have been coming down since 2006 when I...

WWGP Stage 4 Results: BOATER CROSS on the FUTA!- Chile- Video

by JK Team | Dec 13, 2012 | Whitewater

Results: JK Karma takes the Lead with Dane in it! One more Race to go, and its 20 minutes long! Best of Luck to Dane to who will be facing two very consistent fast paddlers: Isaac and Eric Deguil. Isaac is an ex slalom paddler who retired from Slalom only this year,...

Tacos, Waterfalls and Tequila: Rafa’s Guide for kayaking in Mexico

by Rafael Ortiz | Oct 30, 2012 | JK University, Trip Reports, Whitewater

Tacos, 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...

Tacos, Waterfalls and Tequila: Rafa’s beta for kayaking in Mexico

by Rafael Ortiz | Aug 21, 2012 | Whitewater

Tacos, 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...