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Playspot: Sweden, Norrbotten, Pite River, The Palt Hole.

What's it like

Paltvalsen or the Palt Hole is a big, fast and fun wave/hole. It works at all water levels but is best at normal or high flows. All wave and hole moves are possible and there is a huge eddy which takes you all the way up to the action again when you flush! It's even safe to swim, just try to avoid a sticky little hole some 100 meters downstream.

The name Palt comes from a local dish made of mashed potatoes and pork rolled into little balls which are then boiled. The palt balls tumbles around in the boiling water until they are done and mysteriously pop to the surface. It's exactly the same way with The Palt Hole. When you paddle into it you tumble around for a while until you're done and mysteriously pop to the surface.

The whole area, which is called Trollforsarna (Troll rapids), offers superb kayaking for all likings with lots of excellent playspots, river running, creeking etc. Check out www.forsguiden.com for a thorough description of the Pite river and other rivers and playspots in Sweden.

How to get there

Drive north on road 45 from Moskosel in Northern Sweden until you cross the Pite river. Take the second road left and follow the signs to Trollforsarna (about 16 km). You'll arrive to a caravan park by the river. The Palt Hole is in the first section downstream from here. You'll find the hole at the end of this rapid (scout the rapid from river right).

Locals

Fishermen and German tourists with moose signs on their RVs.

Info source

Erik Wettergren.