A super day in the Kokatahi, NZ

Image above - Graham Charles www.imagematters.clear.net.nz

Finding a way! Tight moves is just how it is in the Kokatahi.

Sam Hughes on hand to spot Graham's landing.

"Its all good down there" Hokitika River NZ, Zak Shaw - photoshoot

Image above - Jess Brown makes ready to fly on route into the Hokitika.
Last week was a good one! After my 65 day stint in the southern ocean I was hanging out to go creeking! The transition from sea kayak to creek boat is always a good one! Things happen fast, the moves feel good and drops get the blood flowing.

Shannon Mast gets it up on "Viagra falls" a rapid that like many on the West Coast changes regularly.
As close as we get to Cherry Bomb! Shannon Mast launches off the wall and back into the breakthrough gorge.
A visit to the gates is a standout experience, one that will keep you going for weeks! Jess Brown and Shannon Mast hanging out at the "Gates of Argonath"

Passing through the gates. Graham and Jess soaking up the rewards of NZ heli kayaking.

Torres Del Paine, Chile.

Image above - Entrance to the Valle del Frances.

Having not used my legs for anything other than walking to and from the dessert buffet on the ship I decided to head off for a week of hiking in Chile. In the process I walked the Torres Del Paine circuit in Chile (93km) over 7 days.
The following images were shot late evening in the Valle del Frances, at dawn from below the Torre spires "mirador" and overlooking the third largest icefield outside of Antarctica - Patagonia's "Grey Glacier"
Enjoy!

Image - Cerro Forteleza
Amazing evening light blankets the towers standing above the French Valley.
Torres Central reaches 2800m
Patagonia and the 17km long Glacier Grey.
Evening light over the icefield.

Kayaking in the Southern Ocean, Antarctica - Photo display

My Antarctic season of 08/09 finished exceptionally well. Plagued by foul weather and more snow than the norm through early spring the Antarctic summer took its time to arrive.
When the sun break through so to did the whales. From both ship and kayak I managed to capture this selection of images.

My favourite image of the season! Unreal! 20feet of Minke Whale 30cm under your seat.... Val Lubrick (kayaker pictured screamed every time)

Orca
Image - Zak Shaw
Elephant seal in the surf zone, South Georgia
Image - Zak Shaw

Some days are colder than others. Cold water, cold air = time to paddle!
Image - Tor Johnson

This is why I earn the big bucks! Sea kayak guiding South Georgia style.
Note the image background (King penguin chicks numbering 60,000 on the one beach!)
Image - Kevin Sampson
Gold Harbour, absolutely standout.
Image - Zak Shaw

Blackbrowed Albatross, West Point Island, Falkland Islands.
Image - Zak Shaw
Humpback Whales - Neumayer Channel, Antarctic Penninsula
Image - Zak Shaw

Paddling amongst fantastic ice sculptures.
Image - Zak Shaw