Area 47 Freestyle Ramp
Claire O prepares at the top of the 45 foot ramp |
As part of our Europe tour we were
invited to test out the new kayak ramp at Area 47, an ultimate
adventure and extreme sports centre in the heart of Austria. Area 47
has been a base for people to come and take part in many extreme and
adventure sports for the last few years and now hosts a 45 foot high,
custom built, kayak ramp amidst its impressive water park.
Den goes huge |
When we were first asked to test out
the ramp I was a little bit dubious about how sensible it was to
launch of a high ramp into a glassy green lake midway through the
main competition season. But I needn't have worried, we arrived to
find a custom built kayak ramp running alongside the traditional
freestyle ramp. Running out level onto the water, instead of
launching you of an 8 foot + high kicker ramp we could fly off the
kayak ramp and create our own bounce, as on a wave. Transferring the
energy from the ramp, all 35mph+ of it, into a bounce to launch the
boat into the air without the worry of landing (every time) hard onto
a pool of green water.
Claire O flys |
We spent 3 days playing on the ramp
trying to master the bounce and figure out its potential to get big
moves. Den dialled it in quickly getting some massive air screws and
pan ams from day one. I took a little longer to get used to the
timing and technique getting some massive wipe outs and big air
bounces, distracted by the excitement of just flying down the ramp at
such speeds. By the end of the last session I finally had it dialled
and it was amazing being able to throw air moves left and right,
front and back without having to have the perfect levels on the
perfect wave. The ramp was exhausting with a 45 foot
vertical climb back to the top for every ride, but so much fun.
Here
is a video and slideshow of photos from our action filled Area 47 days...
Thanks to Arnd and Area 47 for giving us this great opportunity I am looking forward to going back.