freestyle 2009 from pion stephane on Vimeo.
mardi 10 novembre 2009
jeudi 5 novembre 2009
La Lemme River
Here are some pics of the Lemme river session, unfortunately this river is rarely flooded enough.
So, yesterday the water level was good and the river run was awesome : three kilometers, four waterfalls and some drops!!!
and there are a second part along the road with a big drop.
The big drop five or six years ago ;-)
more photos clic on
 |
| La Lemme |
Have fun
Stefun
lundi 2 novembre 2009
La Malate
Here are some pics of the footbridge in the process of being built just above the Malate wave. The stone dam allows workers to have access at the center of the footbridge easily.
This week, the stone dam was removed and by chance there have been no floods this year on the Doubs river and therefore nothing must have moved on the wave!!!
So, we will go paddling on the Malate wave when the water levels will be in…
However, there is still a ban on the navigation because the footbridge is not yet finished being built and as the workers are still working just above the wave, it’s dangerous!!!! (The French workers are clumsy…:-))
On the other side, we still have the weekends when they will not be working, wich is the same case for us also ;-)
More news soon about this ban.
See you on the wave.
Stefun
Here are some pics of the footbridge in the process of being built just above the Malate wave. The stone dam allows workers to have access at the center of the footbridge easily.
This week, the stone dam was removed and by chance there have been no floods this year on the Doubs river and therefore nothing must have moved on the wave!!!
So, we will go paddling on the Malate wave when the water levels will be in…
However, there is still a ban on the navigation because the footbridge is not yet finished being built and as the workers are still working just above the wave, it’s dangerous!!!! (The French workers are clumsy…:-))
On the other side, we still have the weekends when they will not be working, wich is the same case for us also ;-)
More news soon about this ban.
See you on the wave.
Stefun
samedi 31 octobre 2009
mercredi 23 septembre 2009
mardi 18 août 2009
French Alps waterfalls mission
The waterways of the French Alps seemed to suit kayaking perfectly. All classical rivers work each year in the summer and thousand of people come from all Europe to Durance and Ubaye valley to paddle Gyr, Durance, Guil, Ubaye and more.
At this period of year the water levels are low and many rivers don’t run, so it’s a good opportunity for me and my friends (Romain, Sylvain, Damien, Coldo and jean-Claude my father) to make a mission in the Ecrins massive.
I’ve been paddling for few year pretty often in the french Alps but I’ve never found bankable waterfalls like these ones.
For several years that walked on the way of the Dormillouse village In the Freissiniere valley, I spotted a great waterfall but not really accessible easy.
So, we were exploring one new section in the deep gorge of the Biaysse river. After one day walking and climbing through the mountain thoroughly scouted the falls, we were sure that this deep creeks section 200 m of long is good to running!!
One time on the river, after the abseil of 45 m, Coldo and Stefun went running the first drop then launched the first 16 meters waterfall. One last little drop and here we are at the great, massive and last 22 meters waterfall.
We did this short and steep section in 2h30, not long but an exciting mission !!!
Many thanks to Sylvain Riffet, Romain Guirao for the pics and footages, Damien Jacket and my father for the rescue and Mathieu Coldebela who paddled with me.
You can check here some pics of the week. (clic on the photo)
See you on the water.
Cheers.
Stefun
The waterways of the French Alps seemed to suit kayaking perfectly. All classical rivers work each year in the summer and thousand of people come from all Europe to Durance and Ubaye valley to paddle Gyr, Durance, Guil, Ubaye and more.
At this period of year the water levels are low and many rivers don’t run, so it’s a good opportunity for me and my friends (Romain, Sylvain, Damien, Coldo and jean-Claude my father) to make a mission in the Ecrins massive.
I’ve been paddling for few year pretty often in the french Alps but I’ve never found bankable waterfalls like these ones.
For several years that walked on the way of the Dormillouse village In the Freissiniere valley, I spotted a great waterfall but not really accessible easy.
So, we were exploring one new section in the deep gorge of the Biaysse river. After one day walking and climbing through the mountain thoroughly scouted the falls, we were sure that this deep creeks section 200 m of long is good to running!!
One time on the river, after the abseil of 45 m, Coldo and Stefun went running the first drop then launched the first 16 meters waterfall. One last little drop and here we are at the great, massive and last 22 meters waterfall.
We did this short and steep section in 2h30, not long but an exciting mission !!!
Many thanks to Sylvain Riffet, Romain Guirao for the pics and footages, Damien Jacket and my father for the rescue and Mathieu Coldebela who paddled with me.
You can check here some pics of the week. (clic on the photo)
 |
| French Alpes 2009 |
See you on the water.
Cheers.
Stefun
jeudi 6 août 2009
Rheinfelden summerwave
This summer, we unfortunately don’t have much water on our French’s spots. This means, that if we want to paddle, we have to move away in order to find an appropriate spot! But we are lucky, because the Rhine offers us some great waves for kayaking and surfing. The best thing about it is that the river lies on the frontier between Switzerland and Germany, not so far away from the French boarder. By car, you need about 2 hours from Besancon to get there. The wave is running when the water level is bellow 1500 cubic, but it changes day by day! A wall made out of rocks was built for some construction works in the middle of the river. They destroyed it just after they finished their work. This led to the creation of a new section of waves on the river. Unfortunately, we don’t know how long those spots will exist. It’s a very good opportunity for the local paddlers to learn how to behave on waves and also to train for the upcoming world freestyle championships in Thun at the end of this month.
August 1st was a national holiday in Switzerland, so we had the chance to see a great firework next to our “camping cars” on Saturday night.
see you on the next wave ;-)
Stefun
enjoye the pics here :
This summer, we unfortunately don’t have much water on our French’s spots. This means, that if we want to paddle, we have to move away in order to find an appropriate spot! But we are lucky, because the Rhine offers us some great waves for kayaking and surfing. The best thing about it is that the river lies on the frontier between Switzerland and Germany, not so far away from the French boarder. By car, you need about 2 hours from Besancon to get there. The wave is running when the water level is bellow 1500 cubic, but it changes day by day! A wall made out of rocks was built for some construction works in the middle of the river. They destroyed it just after they finished their work. This led to the creation of a new section of waves on the river. Unfortunately, we don’t know how long those spots will exist. It’s a very good opportunity for the local paddlers to learn how to behave on waves and also to train for the upcoming world freestyle championships in Thun at the end of this month.
August 1st was a national holiday in Switzerland, so we had the chance to see a great firework next to our “camping cars” on Saturday night.
see you on the next wave ;-)
Stefun
enjoye the pics here :
 |
| Rheinfelden wave 2009 |
mardi 28 juillet 2009
The French Kayak Film Festival 2009
The French Kayak Film Festival took place in L’Argentière (French Alpes). I presented two films: « French Tour 2008 » and « Eastern Corsica Kayak 2008 »
I won the Image Prize with « French Tour 2008 » which already came second at the European Film Festival in Germany this year.
The others results:
• Jury Prize: The Gispy Family in Corsica by Mat Coldebella
• Image Prize: French Tour 2008 by Stéfun Pion
• Adventure Prize: Volcano Ride by Stéphanie Augras
• Best editing Prize: Volcano Ride by Stéphanie Augras
• Public Prize: Volcano Ride by Stéphanie Augras
Many thanks to the organizers.
Have fun !
Stefun
Here is the video :
The French Kayak Film Festival took place in L’Argentière (French Alpes). I presented two films: « French Tour 2008 » and « Eastern Corsica Kayak 2008 »
I won the Image Prize with « French Tour 2008 » which already came second at the European Film Festival in Germany this year.
The others results:
• Jury Prize: The Gispy Family in Corsica by Mat Coldebella
• Image Prize: French Tour 2008 by Stéfun Pion
• Adventure Prize: Volcano Ride by Stéphanie Augras
• Best editing Prize: Volcano Ride by Stéphanie Augras
• Public Prize: Volcano Ride by Stéphanie Augras
Many thanks to the organizers.
Have fun !
Stefun
Here is the video :
French Tour 2008 from pion stephane on Vimeo.
Natural Games 2009
This major outdoor’s sports event took place, for the second time in Millau (south of France).
A large scale of activities was represented in the area, such as rock climbing, paragliding, down hill mountain biking, kayaking, and slaklining.
It was four days of competitions and every night, competitors and spectators were meeting altogether for different shows such as live concerts, demonstrations (sack-line, dirt, etc…) and other contests. The athlete’s village hosted almost 20 000 for the Saturday night party.
The freestyle’s kayak contest set on the artificial channel of the Tarn River.
The competition was awesome!!! A lot of people were on the bank enjoying a great show and if all the person doesn’t fully understand the rules of freestyle kayaking, however, everybody clapped their hand when they looked a kayaker doing a massive trick. It was an incredible atmosphere, the music, the sun and the spectators pushed the kayakers to their limits.
Finally, this second edition of the Natural Games proved that it’s possible to organise an event which is gathering a lot of outdoors activities, athletes, beginners and spectators.
Congratulations !!!
Stefun
here is some pics :
This major outdoor’s sports event took place, for the second time in Millau (south of France).
A large scale of activities was represented in the area, such as rock climbing, paragliding, down hill mountain biking, kayaking, and slaklining.
It was four days of competitions and every night, competitors and spectators were meeting altogether for different shows such as live concerts, demonstrations (sack-line, dirt, etc…) and other contests. The athlete’s village hosted almost 20 000 for the Saturday night party.
The freestyle’s kayak contest set on the artificial channel of the Tarn River.
The competition was awesome!!! A lot of people were on the bank enjoying a great show and if all the person doesn’t fully understand the rules of freestyle kayaking, however, everybody clapped their hand when they looked a kayaker doing a massive trick. It was an incredible atmosphere, the music, the sun and the spectators pushed the kayakers to their limits.
Finally, this second edition of the Natural Games proved that it’s possible to organise an event which is gathering a lot of outdoors activities, athletes, beginners and spectators.
Congratulations !!!
Stefun
here is some pics :
 |
| Natural Games 2009 |
samedi 20 juin 2009
Teva Extreme Outdoor Games
The famous Teva extrem race was organised in Italy the second week end of June. Usually, this competition takes place in the Val Sesia. This year the staff decided to move the race in two different areas in order to get the best conditions:
- the grade V race was set on the Upper Chiusella, a top river section lost in the middle of the mountain of the Val Chiusella,
- the slalom race took place on the artificial river of Ivrea.
There were definitely two perfect choices !!!
As every year, two French team were ready to compete. The first one was composed of Pyreneans fella : Fafa Pueto, Max Mitaut et Eric Deguil and the second team included Feuille, Val Grolmound and myself.
The first day, we discovered a very exciting river with a perfect water level. By the way, we really took our time to scout all the details in order to choose the best lines for the long and technical section of the qualification. We also scouted the section of the Upper Chiusella (finals). Very steep and challenging, perfect for a real extrem kayaking race!
During the first two days, the spectators could see the individual race (I finished 30th, I made two big mistakes on the qualification section) and then, the team race. Fafa, Eric et Max did kayak pretty well, they finished second. We were less lucky. Val and I finished alone the race because our friend Feuille broke his boat on a rock (a 40 cm slit).
“Magic Feuille, don’t change yourself !”
Nothing dramatic, it is the rules! We were all happy to be in this beautiful area with good friends, sunshine, and a real challenging river!
The most important is to enjoy, and we did so, especially during a freeweel session on the last waterfall.
The next events were organised on the slalom section at Ivrea where a mountain bike, climbing and running competition took place in parallel.
The slalom race was very difficult: this start with an “American slide” from a slope, then a set of challenging gates, a lot of full power kayakers on an overflowing river. A small mistake can cost you a lot time at the end.
The results on the Chiusella were combined with different races during the slalom in Ivrea. The Pyrenean dudes realised a really good performance, they finished second of the team race. Well done guys!
We did the slalom race for fun, because we lost all the chance to access on the podium on the river…
This week end was great: an amazing atmosphere created by people coming from all Europe.
Well, a great outdoor sports meeting under the sun with a lot of friendly spectators. I won’t forget it, and I won’t forget the last night and the all kayakers with their crazy fancy dress. So fun!!!
Enjoy yourself!
Stefun
Thanks for the pics at Peter Lintner and Raph Thiebaut
The famous Teva extrem race was organised in Italy the second week end of June. Usually, this competition takes place in the Val Sesia. This year the staff decided to move the race in two different areas in order to get the best conditions:
- the grade V race was set on the Upper Chiusella, a top river section lost in the middle of the mountain of the Val Chiusella,
- the slalom race took place on the artificial river of Ivrea.
There were definitely two perfect choices !!!
As every year, two French team were ready to compete. The first one was composed of Pyreneans fella : Fafa Pueto, Max Mitaut et Eric Deguil and the second team included Feuille, Val Grolmound and myself.
The first day, we discovered a very exciting river with a perfect water level. By the way, we really took our time to scout all the details in order to choose the best lines for the long and technical section of the qualification. We also scouted the section of the Upper Chiusella (finals). Very steep and challenging, perfect for a real extrem kayaking race!
During the first two days, the spectators could see the individual race (I finished 30th, I made two big mistakes on the qualification section) and then, the team race. Fafa, Eric et Max did kayak pretty well, they finished second. We were less lucky. Val and I finished alone the race because our friend Feuille broke his boat on a rock (a 40 cm slit).
“Magic Feuille, don’t change yourself !”
Nothing dramatic, it is the rules! We were all happy to be in this beautiful area with good friends, sunshine, and a real challenging river!
The most important is to enjoy, and we did so, especially during a freeweel session on the last waterfall.
The next events were organised on the slalom section at Ivrea where a mountain bike, climbing and running competition took place in parallel.
The slalom race was very difficult: this start with an “American slide” from a slope, then a set of challenging gates, a lot of full power kayakers on an overflowing river. A small mistake can cost you a lot time at the end.
The results on the Chiusella were combined with different races during the slalom in Ivrea. The Pyrenean dudes realised a really good performance, they finished second of the team race. Well done guys!
We did the slalom race for fun, because we lost all the chance to access on the podium on the river…
This week end was great: an amazing atmosphere created by people coming from all Europe.
Well, a great outdoor sports meeting under the sun with a lot of friendly spectators. I won’t forget it, and I won’t forget the last night and the all kayakers with their crazy fancy dress. So fun!!!
Enjoy yourself!
Stefun
Thanks for the pics at Peter Lintner and Raph Thiebaut
lundi 18 mai 2009
Corsica
18 years ago, I was on a holiday in Corsica together with my parents. I remember that my father paddled a few rivers but I was still too young to go with him. The landscape and even the black pigs with in it were awesome. Today, Corsica still has a beautiful landscape and is well known for its paddling conditions. You have to know that at that time, there was a forest fire in Corsica. I was young and I thought that the pink pigs were black cause they had caught fire. Later on, my parents explained me the real reason for this phenomenon.
Well, I had my first session in Corsica about three weeks ago, where I also joined the ‘Easter Kayak Corsica Sessions’. An event, which was organised by Raphael Thiebault, Joel and Philippe Doux in collaboration with Canoe Kayak Magazine and Kayak Session. The event was simple, but effective. More than 400 paddlers from all over the world (USA, Italy, Germany, Canada, Norway, Belgium, Great Britain, France etc…) were paddling on all of Corsica’s rivers. The organiser’s goal was to bring together as many paddlers as possible and have them all paddling in Corsica. An easy object, considering the fact, that Easter surely is the perfect season to go paddling around here. The Ernella base camp in the east was 20 minutes away from the city of Corte, where the campsite ‘Prat de Milou’ is located. A place, where all the guys met each other and exchange their information about the rivers and water levels. In the evenings, there always was a big bonfire and everyone told their story of the day and counted the pieces of skin being torn off their fingers.
During this week, a local TV team, called FR3 sera, was filming a group of kayakers on the Restonica river. The broadcast was about the general development of kayaking in Corsica. http://www.vimeo.com/4372652
my video :
Have fun with them!
Many thanks to ‘Milou’ for the nice reception at the campsite.
See you in the water
Stefun
photos : Valentin Grollemund and Stefun
18 years ago, I was on a holiday in Corsica together with my parents. I remember that my father paddled a few rivers but I was still too young to go with him. The landscape and even the black pigs with in it were awesome. Today, Corsica still has a beautiful landscape and is well known for its paddling conditions. You have to know that at that time, there was a forest fire in Corsica. I was young and I thought that the pink pigs were black cause they had caught fire. Later on, my parents explained me the real reason for this phenomenon.
Well, I had my first session in Corsica about three weeks ago, where I also joined the ‘Easter Kayak Corsica Sessions’. An event, which was organised by Raphael Thiebault, Joel and Philippe Doux in collaboration with Canoe Kayak Magazine and Kayak Session. The event was simple, but effective. More than 400 paddlers from all over the world (USA, Italy, Germany, Canada, Norway, Belgium, Great Britain, France etc…) were paddling on all of Corsica’s rivers. The organiser’s goal was to bring together as many paddlers as possible and have them all paddling in Corsica. An easy object, considering the fact, that Easter surely is the perfect season to go paddling around here. The Ernella base camp in the east was 20 minutes away from the city of Corte, where the campsite ‘Prat de Milou’ is located. A place, where all the guys met each other and exchange their information about the rivers and water levels. In the evenings, there always was a big bonfire and everyone told their story of the day and counted the pieces of skin being torn off their fingers.
During this week, a local TV team, called FR3 sera, was filming a group of kayakers on the Restonica river. The broadcast was about the general development of kayaking in Corsica. http://www.vimeo.com/4372652
my video :
Easter Corsica Kayak Sessions from Kayak TV on Vimeo.
Have fun with them!
Many thanks to ‘Milou’ for the nice reception at the campsite.
See you in the water
Stefun
photos : Valentin Grollemund and Stefun
 |
| Easter Corsica 2009 |
mardi 31 mars 2009
First Malate session 2009
The floods started last weekend on the Doubs river and it was the opportunity to paddle on this wave one last time before the beginning of the construction of a footbridge upstream of the wave.
The micropower project brought us lots of worries for the La Malate wave but we were only just informed of a new complimentary project. « The footbridge » will be used as a « green path » for the people of the besancon city. This footbridge will be right above the wave and will be perfect for the photographers to do some footages but also for spectators who will see the paddlers much better.
So, this footbridge wasn’t a worry for us but two weeks ago, they told us that the building process will start on the first of April with the two pillars on the right side and on the left side.
To build the footbridge, they must make a rockdam upstream of the wave. This will start in June. So, the wave will be unattainable and forbiden for paddling for at least 18 months.
They must remove the rockdam after completion of the footbridge but I hope the floods will not get the gravel in the wave and change its configuration.
Check the water levels or send me an email if you would like to come to the La Malate before the month of June or if you would come in La scie ;-).
Stefun.pion@gmail.com
More soon.
Here are some pics of this great session.
Have fun
Stefun
The floods started last weekend on the Doubs river and it was the opportunity to paddle on this wave one last time before the beginning of the construction of a footbridge upstream of the wave.
The micropower project brought us lots of worries for the La Malate wave but we were only just informed of a new complimentary project. « The footbridge » will be used as a « green path » for the people of the besancon city. This footbridge will be right above the wave and will be perfect for the photographers to do some footages but also for spectators who will see the paddlers much better.
So, this footbridge wasn’t a worry for us but two weeks ago, they told us that the building process will start on the first of April with the two pillars on the right side and on the left side.
To build the footbridge, they must make a rockdam upstream of the wave. This will start in June. So, the wave will be unattainable and forbiden for paddling for at least 18 months.
They must remove the rockdam after completion of the footbridge but I hope the floods will not get the gravel in the wave and change its configuration.
Check the water levels or send me an email if you would like to come to the La Malate before the month of June or if you would come in La scie ;-).
Stefun.pion@gmail.com
More soon.
Here are some pics of this great session.
 |
| first Malate 2009 |
Have fun
Stefun
vendredi 27 mars 2009
Free Kayak Tour 2009
Last weekend was the first Free kayak tour (french freestyle championship) of this year.
Ore than 160 competitors on the first FKT, with 86 senior kayaks on the shortlist and some very good paddlers.
So, the first places were going to be difficult get win.
After cold night, I finished 10th during the qualitfying heats on Saturday morning.
Saturday evening was the quarterfinals and I finished 13th of this competition.
It was a imemorable weekend, sunny was there all weekend, a very good atmosphere, the level of paddlers gets higher and higher espacielly for the junior paddlers (one run at 1340pts),
Some harsh juries judging, one perfect organisation, a small video projection and a very good french party…….. ;-)
Here is some photos
See you on the water
Stefun
Last weekend was the first Free kayak tour (french freestyle championship) of this year.
Ore than 160 competitors on the first FKT, with 86 senior kayaks on the shortlist and some very good paddlers.
So, the first places were going to be difficult get win.
After cold night, I finished 10th during the qualitfying heats on Saturday morning.
Saturday evening was the quarterfinals and I finished 13th of this competition.
It was a imemorable weekend, sunny was there all weekend, a very good atmosphere, the level of paddlers gets higher and higher espacielly for the junior paddlers (one run at 1340pts),
Some harsh juries judging, one perfect organisation, a small video projection and a very good french party…….. ;-)
Here is some photos
 |
| FKT tournon |
See you on the water
Stefun
vendredi 13 mars 2009
The 12th film festival.
Every year, the European film festival organized by Olaf Obsommer is held in Rosenheim (Germany).
In the first part of the festival, six videos of 5 mins were presented including my video « French Tour 2008 » which shows the best shots of 2008 on the most beautiful rivers and spots in France and Europe.
The festival results are judged by the public, I finished second just behind Benjamin Jung and his film « The Lucky Ones » that won the "Pacelog Headcam" award.
One the professional level, the Olaf Obsommer won with his film.
The Big-O award went to Tobias Görlach's « Fading Glaciers » that explains the continuous melting of the glaciers.
The evening was closed with a song improvised live by Rush Struges, a performance that really impressed the more than 650 attendees. Rush Struges was also rewarded for his film « African Revolution ».
Video :
French Tour 2008 from pion stephane on Vimeo.
video in HD here
Enjoy !!
Every year, the European film festival organized by Olaf Obsommer is held in Rosenheim (Germany).
In the first part of the festival, six videos of 5 mins were presented including my video « French Tour 2008 » which shows the best shots of 2008 on the most beautiful rivers and spots in France and Europe.
The festival results are judged by the public, I finished second just behind Benjamin Jung and his film « The Lucky Ones » that won the "Pacelog Headcam" award.
One the professional level, the Olaf Obsommer won with his film.
The Big-O award went to Tobias Görlach's « Fading Glaciers » that explains the continuous melting of the glaciers.
The evening was closed with a song improvised live by Rush Struges, a performance that really impressed the more than 650 attendees. Rush Struges was also rewarded for his film « African Revolution ».
Video :
French Tour 2008 from pion stephane on Vimeo.
video in HD here
Enjoy !!
jeudi 5 mars 2009
Kayak sesion N°29 is available now.
http://www.kayaksession.com/kayak-magazine.php
in this issue, there are two nice articles on the river of Japan and Switzerland.
An interview on the phenomenal Yappa and his new kayak brand....
Without forgetting the portfolio part ;-)
It’s always a pleasure to see some nice photos (river and freestyle) of the world, especially when some of them are of waves of Doubs river.
Represent!!!!! :-)
jeudi 22 janvier 2009
Not many paddling in this winter period, the opportunity to recall the cold Canadian. Here is two videos : Inercity in USA and Chambly in Canada.
Where we had paddling in the extern conditions to prepare the world freestyle championship 2007.
Two years ago but always likable have to look ;-).
Footage ans editing : Les 4 magnifiques
L'age de glace III
L'age de glace III from pion stephane on Vimeo.
Chambly
Chambly from pion stephane on Vimeo.
lundi 19 janvier 2009
Done with the shellfish and the fois gras!
Nothing beats a good barbeque in January next to the wave at Charnay. After a small fire and some motivation, the frogs commence their freestyle session at 0ºC. This temperature is perfect to work on moves, particularly loops. Naturally the key is not to get your head wet too often, otherwise it stings….. ;-)
photos of weekend :
Nothing beats a good barbeque in January next to the wave at Charnay. After a small fire and some motivation, the frogs commence their freestyle session at 0ºC. This temperature is perfect to work on moves, particularly loops. Naturally the key is not to get your head wet too often, otherwise it stings….. ;-)
photos of weekend :
 |
| Charnay 2009 |
mardi 6 janvier 2009
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