The Global Paddling Community

With the soccer world cup taking place in South East Asia we thought we would get a quick low down on some Japanese creeking from Team Perception's Clay Wright. Clay just got back from a sweet trip with a number of first descents to his name.

I just came back from filming in Japan with Nate Nash's 540 Productions. Pat Keller and I joined Eric Soutwick, Sam Drevo, and Brian Eustis at Hiddaka Outdoor Adventures rafting company on the Northern Island Hokkaida and went in search of fresh whitewater... We found it!

Our hosts had searched the island and scouted out drop after drop, but we also managed to find a few on our own. In total we ran 13 river sections (many park'n'huck) in 12 days. We think at least 5 were first descents, and a couple were real winners.

Highlights: - Sushi at every gas station, Pipeno river with a 23' dam and 3 class 5 rapids. - San Dan no Taki, a 3 drop roadside attraction with cheering Japanese tourists. - Chiroro, the local canyoning spot offered 2 big dams/waterfalls and a couple miles of tight walled canyon; one 12' slot in particular will make the video for sure.

And best for last, the company owner's father took us to some scenic waterfalls for our last day and it proved to be an exceptionally classic creek as good as any in the States. The Nunobe Gowa required a bit of hiking and some snowy traverses, but offered waterfalls of 10, 15, 20, 25, and 35' high! Not your typical no-brainers, but Pat ran them all and I feel with a couple more cfs they would all be sweet. It took us 6 hours to finish the 2-3 mile run, and you can bet we were all still buzzing as we got on the plane the next day. An incredible trip! Look for the footage in Nate's next video.

Clay

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