LAOS - 4000 Islands

Waterfalls and Rapids on the Mekong!

By KAVU

May 9^th, 2017

'Si Phan Don' or 4000 Islands

There are great paddling destinations all over the world but, nothing quite as unique as the '4000 Islands' section of the Mekong River. The impressive power of this 13 km wide stretch of water, made up of numerous and complex, channels, creates a series of waterfalls and big rapids as it descends through a 20 meter drop in elevation. It's a whitewater paradise and a natural wonder that's always been on Jordy and Ari's mind, prompting a trip there in early 2017 with Sam Ellis and Chris Atkinson.

SOMPHAMIT WATERFALL PARK

Thousands of tourists flock to the Somphamit Waterfall Park every year to observe the incredible natural beauty of the area. There is a walking track, complete with a bar right beside five class IV - V rapids! Needless to say the Gradient and Water boys spent a fair few days here during their trip.

DAILY EXPEDITIONS

Because the river is 13km wide and splits between thousands of islands, it's a bit of a mission to get to and from the more isolated channels. After several days running the waterfalls at Somphamit, the boys began to further their search towards the Cambodian side of the Mekong, and then later, towards the Laotian mainland. This involved using a GPS to ensure they'd drop into the planned channels. The boys had to paddle laterally to pre-planned exit routes using a mixture of hiking, tuk-tuks, dodgy dealings and a couple of nears misses; KAVU Adventure!!

MR Clean

A powerful 30' waterfall, this was possibly the cleanest 'big water drop' that any of the crew had ever paddled. It looked to have a retentive landing zone, but Ari decided to give it a go and came away with a perfect line. The crew had more than 30 successful descents during the two mini-missions out to this area. Rumor has it, some British paddlers named this drop after one of their friends cats. Either way, its an apt name for a clean and classic drop.

LIFESTYLING

It wasn't all whitewater and mini expeditions. The crew tried the local 'Lao Lao' (the worlds cheapest whisky), relaxed on loungers hanging over the Mekong, partook in local celebrations and became part-time locals during their 18 days on the island. Living KAVU days is all about livin' Local Worldwide and they were taking full advantage. Warm water, hot days, long nights, hard whitewater, friendly locals and smiles for days. KAVU DAYS!