White Nile, UGANDA

AFRICA!

This is, by far, one of the most remarkable (if not THE most) paddling destinations in the world. As I alluded to earlier, this was somewhat of an impulse trip, but it was so worth it, and I'm hell bent on going back before the Silverback section is dammed. In the time that we were there the rapids were already changing from blasting. Nothing short of a tradgedy (I know, I sound dramatic).

So let me tell you about the White Nile... it's MASSIVE. From the moment you get on the water, it's a bit like staring down Great Falls, a dozen or more different channels, so it's imperative to go with someone who knows the ropes. Luckily there are a plethora of kayakers, so it's easy to meet fun people and rally.

I don't think words can do justice to exactly what goes on at the Nile, so here is some eye candy to get your visuals in juicin'.

Monica dropping into Bujigali Falls, one of the epic rapids soon to be drowned. Photo: Daryl Balcombe

The mighty UK's Pete Smith drops into Bladerunner, one of the back channels about 2 minutes before a massive thunderstorm. Photo: MonicaG

Francie takes a boda boda back to camp... she was office queen. Nile locals are fun people, they can drink a whole lot of booze. Photo: Andy McMurray

We took one day off of paddling to visit an orphanage that Alison had been volunteering at. It was definitely a memorable experience. There are about 15 kids who live with Susan and Jeoffry, a Ugandan couple who take in kids off the streets and who've been orphaned by the AIDS epidemic. The orphanage also includes a number of widows, who help look out for the children. Everyone makes paper beads and weaves straw mats to help generate income for the small community, but they still rely heavily on foreign benevolence to feed everyone. We learned how to make traditional African samosas (mmm about 120 of them in fact) which made for full bellies by the end of the day!

Nini and her fan club, haha! Photo: MonicaG

Making paper beads! They come out really pretty though, don't they? I tried the weaving but I was pretty shit at it... the mats are beaut'iful! Photo: MonicaG

The kids are amazing. They're so loving, so generous with affection that they can't help but sneak their way into your heart. Geoffry, age 2. Photo: Nini Bhondus

On the Nile there are two key sections, Silverback and 'Day 2'. Silverback has better rapids, humungo! Day 2, however, is home to the infamous Hairy Lemon and Nile Special wave. The wave is INCREDIBLE. I would definitely say it's faster than Skook.

Have a look at Leigh throwing down---see? It's a biggun'.... better each'chyo breakfast o' beans & chapati!! Photo: MonicaG

It's a big challenging to get on, and has a shoulder that kicks like a donkey. Needless to say, the feeling of bouncing big on the wave is incredible. It's one of the first times that I've been able to clearly see my progression in playboating... I'm usually pretty shit at it. More than ever I'm stoked for Center Chute to be in upon return home... look for some baby blunts and backstabs! Yeeehaw!

Monica loving the Nile, bounce bounce baby, make it graaaavy. Photo: Andy McMurray

Hopefully the photos explain themselves... Uganda is a very special place. Very very special. I'm definitely planning to go back... you know when i make millions of dollars and stuff. But really, what a sick place. Get there, friends. Get there.

Leigh leaves us with a final message. Don't forget it peeples. Photo: Andy McMurray

THIS IS AFRICA

...i miss the rains down in Africa...