Which Chile Kayak Trip – Intermediate or Advanced?

Kevin Dudley, 72, from the UK with vast past experience asks which trip is right for him, “Pucon Classics Intermediate or Advanced Chile Kayak Trip?”

I am looking at the week of 10th to 17th February. As to skill level, I am a undecided. If I give you a little of my background then perhaps you can help advise?

Kayaking Chile offers safe features to learn advanced skills like boofing.

  I am a relatively fit 72 year old and have paddled throughout the UK and Europe, with a year in British Columbia back in the 90’s as well as a 3 week trip to Nepal in 2004 and to the Zambezi in 2006. I lead on grIII and grIII+ over here in the UK. That said I realize my best days are behind me and on a two week trip to the French Alps this June it was mainly grIII with a little grIV. So I’ve got the experience but not necessarily the physical stamina for a continuous grIV run. I definitely don’t run any grV’s now! Both the Intermediate and Advanced kayak trips hold interest for me. I’d like to make the most of a trip to Chile but don’t want to over extend or be a liability to the group so I’d appreciate your thoughts. Thanks for your help Kevin

Kevin, Thank you for articulating one of our most common questions, “Should I kayak the intermediate or advanced kayak trip?” Summed up by your words, “I’d like to make the most of a trip to Chile but don’t want to over extend or be a liability to the group…” Pucon Classics Intermediate Chile Kayak Trips are designed to build confidence for kayakers still mastering combat rolls, and typically require safety and assistance running III to III+. The week starts with a skills assessment on an easier level section and the week progresses in skills development, and river sections. Since, this program is about building kayaker confidence and skills it’s idea for paddlers lacking experience in moves and combat rolling. What if trip is a skills mismatch for me? If the intermediate trip is not enough for an individual the instructors can work to challenge you more. Some of the rivers cross-over with the advanced trip meaning you still get some of the same river challenges. While, there is the possibility for you to step up to more challenging sections it’s vital to align your skills proper. There are two options to switch trip skill levels:

• Pay additional 10% custom fee to hire additional instructor/transport to customize itinerary;
• If an Advanced trip itinerary is running same week then you can just switch groups.

Pucon Classics Advanced Chile Kayak Trips are designed for kayakers possessing more confidence river running and with a solid combat roll. The advanced trip also begins with an easier assessment section on the Lower Trancura (III) to help build confidence and assess your skills. River sections and features focus on making challenging river running skills like mid rapid eddy catching, boofing, piercing and controlling aggressive eddy lines, and even running waterfalls. What if trip is a skills mismatch for me? The beauty in our Chile rivers is that there are many options. Portages on the advanced trips are readily available allowing you to step off the most challenging rapids. And if you are not feeling confident you may even opt out of more challenging river sections like the Upper Trancura and Upper Palguin for an easier backyard section.

• Pay additional 10% custom fee to hire additional instructor/transport to customize itinerary;
• If an Intermediate trip itinerary is running same week then you can just switch groups.

Decision Points.

1. Do you have a solid combat roll? Or are you still developing combat rolling?
2. Do you lean toward developing on safer rivers? Or do you feel you may be above that level… potentially bored?
3. Do you enjoy challenge moves? Or do they stress you?
4. Where is your confidence level when running rapids? Are you capable to run class III+ without support?

Upon reading your description and writing these points I tend to think you would be happier leaning toward the challenge me side on the Pucon Classics Advanced Kayak trip. Keeping in mind the conservative options to portage the more challenging rapids and even alter some to easier sections. Let me know if you have more questions. We’re here to help. Keep Kayaking.

Watch Jer Kayak’s Video of Intermediate and Advanced Chile Kayak Trip.

Tony steps up… but gets crushed.   GOT QUESTIONS ABOUT CHILE KAYAKING TRIPS? Email [email protected] or call +1-828-788-5135 KEEP KAYAKING.  Joy Kayaker