Mekong Expedition
Describing the Mekong would not be right without first detailing the drive. The drive from Lijiang first required a layover in the town of Jadien. Jadien is a town resting on the slopes of the Tibetan region of Shangri La. Much of the road was high above the Yangtze and we saw the famous “First Bend of the Yangtze.” Students would dance with Tibetans after dinner, and return to our cold mountainside hostel.
The next day we would cross a 15,000’ pass en route to Duqin. The drive was remarkable. Students would hang their heads out of the windows taking photos; we enjoyed a snowball fight, lost our breath running, and rave about the sunny weather. Duqin rests at 10,000’ sitting on a slope surrounded by peaks. The town is nothing less than gorgeous. We would buy some last supplies and eat a Chinese style dinner we had grown accustomed to.
Mekong Day 1
Everyone was excited after breakfast in Duqin. We drove from a chilly 10,000’ to around 7,000’. En route to China’s Mekong River we stopped at a monastery over a thousand feet above the desert like river canyon. The drive winded around the mountainside much like the now familiar goat and yak trails. Everyone took photos while Cael, Daniel, and Tino caught audio of a monk chanting as he engraved a bracelet he would certainly sell. As we drove the tight road students would often yell around turns as we stared a cliff edge leading our eyes hundreds of feet below.
Mekong Put-in
Jed Weingarten escorted our group of 20 to our first China run in the Tibetan region known as Shangri La. Levin Brown, Will, and Tashi would work 12 miles down river to rig raft support and setup Mekong Base Camp 1. After lunch and a safety talk we put on the Mekong. Michelle was feeling sick and Charlotte opted to not make the first day on the Mekong.
The first section would be the most challenging and packed full of glassy surf waves and large holes. After our normal paddle warm up routine we paddled into a large class IV rapid. The river left provided both a scout and portage option. The left bank also formed two giant holes. The right line was fast, pushy, and ran parallel to the right wall. Photographers and videographers captured good lines by all.
Teen Chowder
At an estimated 15,000 cfs even the flat water moves fast. Soon we arrived at what I immediately named “Teen Chowder.” Teen Chowder is a fast steep rapid beginning with a wave train that has two six foot crashing waves. Both of which could easily flip even the best boaters. In this Grand Canyon style water the crashing waves would not be a problem, as they would only flip a boat. The problem was one of the largest crashing waves I have experienced. The wave must have been 15’ from crest to trough, was steep, and at least 30’ wide. Anyone who hit the wave would surely be tossed prior to being released. It was obvious this was not a keeper due to its wave nature. It was equally apparent someone was going to hit it and take the ride of their life.
Everyone decided to attempt to cross current and punch the right corner. Daniel Stewart, Kyle Dinnel, and Brian Boyle were the only ones to narrowly hit the right corner and escape the waves vortex. Sam Fulbright and Matt West both hit the wave and were tossed for air prior to surfing out. While, Eli Spiegel and myself were both knocked upside down by the wave above. We opted to not roll just prior to the wave and punch it upside down. This worked but we were both upside down in the difficult to roll in current for what must have been over 30 seconds.
Sunny Waves in Tibet
We paddled the remaining section passing waterfalls and surfing giant glassy waves. I was impressed by the quality of play. Soon we paddled around a corner to a monastery with prayer flags flying everywhere. Our rafts and camp were waiting. The excitement did not cease until we went to sleep after dinner.
Mekong Day 2
GPS coordinates: 28 degree N 18m 08.1s 98 degree E 52 m 22.9s
Day two began with a surf session on one of the best waves I have surfed. The left shoulder was a perfect piece of steep glass with a shoulder. The right shoulder had a foamy pile that even at times formed a pocket and a curl. We split into two groups: One would shoot photos or videos while the other group surfed.
The sun was out again, and another 12 miles of river provided even more impressive play. Students took turns hopping on waves and throwing tricks. We arrived at Base Camp 2, had lunch, and began school. Again, we were amazed by the remarkable play this section offered.
Day 3, Day 4, and Mekong Base Camp 3
GPS coordinates: 28 h 07 m 56.3 degree N 098 degree E 53m 17.3s
On day 3 we paddled a longer section of river, and continued to play in sunny weather. The waves continued, and Jed had us stop at a photogenic spot. We arrived at our base camp just downstream of a nearby village.
Students and faculty would walk into the village to take shots of the surrounding 23,000’ Shangri La Mountains of Tibet. Many of the shots with this article are from this layover. We ended up having a layover day here, enjoying a day of school on the beach, and just relaxing. For afternoon workout I introduced a fun beach version of human tug-o-war that everyone asked if we could play again in the future.
Mekong Day 5
We paddled out of the Mekong for 7 km. We spent the morning de-rigging, and then drove to Lijiang. It was a long ride and we were all excited to return to familiar beds in Lijiang.
What a Huge Experience the Mekong was.
Original post by New River Academy and software by Elliott Back
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