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Riley O'Connor

@riilezy

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Winter was bloody quick this year!

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Link in bio -

The locals call out: “Vazaha! Vazaha!” ( “Whites people”). We walk down the street. It’s busy, there are so many people. Everyone is working hard just to live. The local boys are welding in bare feet with no safety glasses. We stand out like sore thumbs. It’s busy, but it doesn’t have the smell like India.

Madagascar has been on our minds ever since Shanny and the boys got back 10 years ago. This year Phil and I decided we would go, even without a team. Word got around that the young fellas, Riley, Eli and Benj, were going. We asked if they wouldn’t mind a couple of washed up 30 year olds joining them. There were lots of cool things about this trip, but going with those boys was one of the best parts.

Mada is sad and beautiful at the same time. The poverty is confronting. Women and children struggle to survive in the city. To them, a vazaha brings hope that they might get enough money for food.

The villages close to the river have little to no money. They work from dawn until dusk, and their children work hard too. But their smiles radiate a good life. There must be a lesson in that…

The trip was full of big emotions, at times it was overwhelming, and at others so much stoke!

The kayaking is good when you get it, and yes, there is so much flat water! We had everything from low water to flooded rivers. Here’s a grassroots Captain Phil account of our trip through Madagascar.

A huge thank you to Kenny and Amanda at Waka Kayaks. They genuinely care about their people and the sport.
Being good people to be on the water with is more important than being the best kayaker.

Quote of the trip

“Never be wishing for the next moment, because it could be worse.” — Hendi

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I’m terrified of the conservation amendment bill. Regardless of the changes planned to the bill by the conservation minister, giving our government the ability to sell or develop our public conservation land is not good.

I’m lucky to have built a large portion of my life around exploring our whenua with many many people. It’s not letting one of our precious resources get sold, it’s letting THE precious resource. The land, the special places we get to explore on our weekends, the rugged mountains and rivers that create the most outrageous adventures I’ve had…

Make a submission in my bio, talk about this issue with your friends and let’s protect our special island.

If you have any questions about the bill or what to write, send me a message!

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My official Lettmann Machete 85 in Magenta and sky blue appreciation post, thank you @lettmanngmbh for crafting such a delicious specimen.

Wicked Bullerfest photos by @_wandering_wild

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The main event is just two days away! Here are some of the notable rapids down the Waimakariri river.
The rapids in order:
-rock garden 2
-entrance rapid
-Hamilton’s rapid.

Safe times and fast lines from the Topsport team 🫡

🦅 @twodashproductions

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Maruia Sesh in the new biddy

#ANTIX3.0
#kayakfishing

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1 or 2?
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Beyond stoked to supported by @jackson.kayak !!!
Ever since I sat in a Gnarvana two years ago, I’ve been hooked on there designs. The boat provided an unmatchable feeling of stability on the water, while being the lightest creek boat I have ever carried. I’ll be putting the clutch and the antix 3 through the best the West Coast has too offer this year!

@furtherfasternz has just brought in a fresh stack of @jackson.kayak boats, get your hands on them while they are hot!

#subfocus
#shityeahbaby
#furtherfaster
#maruia

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An assortment of photos from an epic trip north 🌎 ✈️
• Upper Cheakamus (Canada) 🇨🇦🛶 - home of the worst boof in town
• Redwood National Park (USA) 🇺🇸🦅 - giants that have watched centuries pass
• Banana Slugs 🍌🐌 - natures reminder that you can be slow, slimy, and still iconic

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Photo comp entry,
"anddd I’m whioingggggg gooooooood"
- Riley O'Connor

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56km later - Waimakariri river - Coast to Coast Gorge Trip ✅

Guided once again by the amazing @riilezy & @dmf_ward duo. NOT FOR THE FAINT-HEARTED ‼️ a humbling experience, unreal scenery, managed to stay in the boat the whole way down - somehow. No complaints - from anyone else but me 📢 10/10

Thanks @topsportkayaking 🙌

#waimakariri #waimakaririgorge #kayak #multisport #coasttocoast #kmdc2c #c2c

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Mullos left handed hammer - west coast weekend .

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Pulling the summer holiday out of the winter blues

1) mt robson
2) clean drain dry
2.5) 5 star in so many ways
3) first peak of the chief
4) cal-cheak, keys out of the ignition sort of park up
5) shuttle wag up valemount
5.5) overlander falls scout 🐔
6) one of many family dinners- better location then others ;) we love the pit though 🔨
7) rest days include, posing for whio kayak club
7.5) upper cheak takeout sunshine
8) 🐿️

- namastay daniels fine camera work

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