Kayaking Endau River (Day2)

First day of kayaking, starting with getting the gear ready. Lots of it, kayaks, helmets, pumps, PFDs, paddles, dry bags etc etc. At least we didn't have to pack food, that was taken care of by the local Asli guides. They were amazing btw, they brought tons of eggs, fresh food and one big LPG gas cylinder and stove, all onto one narrow river boat. They cooked every meal, close to 40 people, 3 times a day! And they were the essential bank spotters during rapids. What would we do without them....

Finally we're on the water. Some took a bit longer to get the hang of paddling together, but eventually all got it. Paddling is really an experiential learning action, everyone will eventually know how to paddle even without any teaching. Of course having some teaching will help, but somehow the human body and brain will teach itself how to move the paddle in the water. 

Doing the stand-up thingy on a flowing river, no matter how slow the river flow, was also a challenge. 

Paddling in a doubles means the 2 partners have to work together, they don't have a choice! Everything, including emptying water, was a team effort. 

This is Jun Hien and Liam, 2 awesome guys I got to know from this trip. Both were former SJI boys, Jun is a teacher (in SJI, where else?) and Liam is an A&E doctor from TKK Hospital. Having a doctor on a trip is always useful. Check out the consultation queues every night if you don't believe me! 90% of the injuries just needed a plaster though. 

The first phase of paddling was down Kinchin river, a short stretch that lasted until lunch point, at the junction of Kinchin and Endau river. It was there that I was first amazed by the standard of the food served by the Asli guides. There was freshly cut cucumber, tomatoes, bottled orange juice, freshly cooked eggs and fried fish! Heck, having any food freshly cooked by the river bank was definitely a luxury! 

After lunch we were officially on Endau river. Rapids were the order for the day! Only grades 1 and 2, but having rapids on the first day of paddling nevertheless pumped up the adrenaline! Some capsized along the way, but all were safe. Having the float drill before attempting rapids was essential. 

The campsite was right after the 2nd and last rapid of the day. Nice family chalet, having an attached bathroom, lights, separate rooms and just a roof over our head was a surprise luxury! 

End of day2.