Mundaca Rapid had teeth during the competition. Beatdowns were issued to many a competitor.
The mountains surrounding our camp at Cara Del Indio were shrouded in clouds for the 10th day in a row. Weeks of Patagonia rainfall have done their best to demoralize the staff and students of New River Academy but to no avail. We have been training everyday; racing and surfing, studying lines and practicing strokes. Our team has been focused on the prize, victory at Futa Fest 2012. Our coach Stephen Wright has been working students individually to prepare them for the three-day event; entailing a short kayak boater cross through the legendary Mundaca Rapid followed by a giant slalom in the same rapid. The next day would be the bridge-to-bridge downriver race followed by a freestyle throw down on the magic carpet wave.
Keaton Strongman Charges across the finish line for second place in men's boatercross.
The rain was relentless, but only strengthened our resolve. After all, what else can you do in the rain other than kayak? The waters rose on the Futa waves, grew in size rapids swelled and pulsed against the banks of the river. Mundaca, known for the infamous wave hole at the bottom of the rapid, turned into a challenging rapid with a monsterous stopper wave, which would form the crux of the slalom/boatercross race course.
In Patagonia, even the rainy days are breathtaking
On the morning of the festival’s first day, we stepped out of our cabanas to see the smokey Patagonia mountains towering above our humble camp. The rain had subsided, albeit momentarily. Our competitors started their day with a yoga workout to stretch and prepare for the race.
Our cabin at Cara Del Indio. A riverside campground for kayakers
Spectators lined the bank for the Mundaca boater cross; a head to head race with 2 heats. The racers would be eliminated if they didn’t make the first place in their heat. It was a highly competitive event and racers from all over the world had stepped up to the challenge. There were many local paddlers who knew the river intimately; this would pose the most difficult competition for the New River Academy team. Our racers made an impressive show. With Drew McEachern taking first in men’s playboat giant slalom, a race that requires paddles to pass gates in addition to navigating the rapid. Eric Bartl also took first in men’s creekboat giant slalom. An impressive feat considering his competition; Eric narrowly beat Pangal Astorga a Chilean paddler and reality TV celebrity. Our former coach and Alumni Tino Specht took first place in men’s creekboat boater cross. New River Academy girls performed exceptionally well with Hayley Stuart taking first place in women’s boater cross.
Hayley "Hail-Storm" Stuart is virtually unbeatable as a downstream racer.
The bridge-to-bridge downriver race was hosted the next day. Eric Bartle stepped up to the competition and claimed second place in men’s playboat following close on the heels of Santiago, a Chilean paddler. Lorenzo Andrade Astorga, a New River Academy coach and Spanish teacher claimed first place in men’s creekboat. The ladies of New River Academy performed exceptionally well with Hayley Stuart taking first in women’s playboat followed by Anna Bruno in third place. Kira Tenney took first in women’s creekboat.
Tino Specht a New RIver Academy coach and alumni charges Mundaca for first place in men's boater cross.
The freestyle competition was an open jam session that resulted in an overwhelming success for New River Academy. Men’s freestyle was won by our coach Stephen Wright and second went to Galen Volkhausen. Tino Specht a New River Academy coach and alumni claimed third place. Women’s freestyle resulted in the gold going to Anna Bruno with Sara-Jane Daub taking the silver. Hayley Stuart would finish in third place.
Tino Specht crossing the finish line and narrowly missing "Mundaca"
All in all I am impressed with our results. All of the hard work and training has truly paid off. I am proud to see our staff and students stand on the podium adorned with medals and trophies. The overwhelming victory marks a great day for New River Academy.
Eric Bartl held his own, taking a first in giant slalom and second in the downriver race.
We have one week left here in Futaleufu, let’s hope the rain gives us a break so we can dry our gear and enjoy a few more days of relaxed non competitive padding.
Interested in Applying to New River Academy? Call Us today and we will happily answer your questions, 304-574-0403.
New River Academy just had an excellent article published on Sun Valley Magazine, written by our very own Kira Tenney. Check it out here: 
