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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.
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
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 !!

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!!!!! :-)
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