Valentin Grollemund - Pro kayaker

Freeride World Tour 2012

2012-01-06T13:56:00.000-08:00

Well, it looks like a sick adventure is coming pretty soon for me this winter!!
I'll be part of the TV/media crew on the Freeride World Tour!!

5 events in 5 countries on 5 weeks, it will be intense but freaking good for sure!!
Can't wait!!

Here you've the teaser of the 2012 edition!!

So rendez-vous in Chamonix for the first event on Jan. 21st to 27th 2012!!
Here I go for a sweet winter in the mountains to shoot the World best riders!! ;-)

Happy New Year 2012!!

2012-01-06T13:44:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year 2012, wish you all the best!!

2011 was a year a bit eventful in which one I took times for my entourage and myself and enjoyed it pretty well!!
Well, I had great kayaking, mountain biking, golfing, gym training, nice housemates and for sure super nice local parties with everyone!!

2012 should be a real important year with sick new projects, new goals and for sure the same anthousiasm to live at 200%!!

Many thanks to everyone who gave a bit of his time, their experiences, their advices, their smiles and others for me in 2011 and for the next in 2012!!
Many thanks also to my sponsors who help me paddle always more and always better!!

See you soon!!

BIC SURF, Stand Up Paddle promo video

2011-12-03T08:16:00.000-08:00

A year ago, paul Villecourt and David Arnaud, invited me to a BIC SURF photo and video shooting as a model with Evan, Paul's son, and Marion a friend of mine.

I just discovered the video with the David's footage.
Paul's photos are HERE.

The article I wrote last year about is HERE.

Well, a sweet little video well edited and well difused, makes me smile!!
Thanks again to Paul Villecourt and David Arnaud!!

Cévennes area, best fall creeking place!!!

2011-11-26T09:56:00.000-08:00

We were waiting for the rain for a while now, for few months actually, then Mother Nature gave us a lot southern wind which bring the rain on the Ardèche and Cévennes region.
Well, all options of kayaking places were offered to us, just have to choose!!

On Nov. 4th I drove to Aubenas to paddle the Ardèche river between Aubenas and Voguë which is called the "mini Zambezy river" in France.
There i met Stefun Pion, Raph Thiebaut and some other kayaking buddies to enjoy this bigwater section.
It's freaking sick to paddle big waters, but this section is obviously to short!!

Stefun Pion in one of the 1st rapids.

Me surfing in one of the 1st rapids.

The next dayI joined my brother Gautier and we went to the Middle Tarn.
We drove by Sainte Enimie the true heart of the Gorges of the Tarn to visit the grand parents.

Sainte Enimie, flooded Tarn river.

Sainte Enimie, flooded Tarn river.

The Tarn was at 5m80 at the water gauge, just to say you was pushing hard down there!!
Enough hard to make me swim, and what a swim in the 1st rapid of the gorge of Cocures on the middle Tarn.
I was having a look on my brother Gautier who didn't paddle for more than a year, too much to not stay focused on the diagonale of the rapid and biiiim!!
I hit a massive hole and after a fight I pulled on my sprayskirt!!
Then a good mission to find back my kayak... Hopefully I got it back few kilometers downstream stucked in the trees.
Thanks to my brother Gautier for his help!!

Next day, Casper Van Kalmthout and Tim Uneken arrived from Holland.
We went to the Upper Lot the morning and the Middle Tarn the afternoon.

Ready to paddle the Cévennes area, Casper, Tim and I.

Tim and Casper, Upper Lot

Casper in the gorge of the Upper Lot.

Tim in the gorge of the Upper Lot.

Me in the gorge of the Upper Lot.

Casper dropping in the dam of La Vernède, put in of the Middle Tarn.

Tim, on the same dam.

Casper loving Cévennes area and its rivers!!

Me at La Vernède, Middle Tarn.

Casper in the gorge of the middle Tarn, welcome to California.

Myself, Middle Tarn, this is where I swam few day before this run, but there was 2m50 of water more than this photo

My brother Gautier, followed us with his camera and make us a sweet video:

Paddle On The Lower Tarn from Gautier Grollemund on Vimeo.

A good dinner at the house with local food in Sainte Enimie after a sweet first day in the Cévennes area.

The next day we went at the Sources of the Tarn river..

Tim et Casper at the Sources of the Tarn river.

The shuttle to the put in of the Sources of the Tarn river.

Tim et Casper, Cévennes style.

The "Pont du Tarn", put in of the Sources of the Tarn river.

The 1st kilometer of Sources of the Tarn river is totaly flat, but so beautiful!!

The 1est portage of the section after few rapids!!

Casper Van Kalmthout in "la langue de bœuf"rapid.

Tim Uneken

After a good day kayaking, nothing better than a Aligot-Saucisse!!!

Casper.

Tourist shot of the Gorges of the Tarn.

The next day, we drove to the Dourbie river where Romain Chabrol joined us, no images because of the rain, sorry.

For the last day of the Dutchies in the Cévennes area, we paddled the upper upper Tarn river, a quick run to let Casper and Tim drive back home.
Was a pleasure to have you here and guide on my home runs guys!!

After a quick night in Rodez, I drove to the Dourbie for another trip with the friends from the Pyrenees.
We started the weekend with a high water Upper Dourbie, so good!!

The next day, we went to Pont De Montvert to paddle the upper upper and upper Tarn river which was also pretty fat!!
Another good day on the river riding life!!

Nico playing accordéon and drinking tea at the take out of the Upper Tarn!!

The 3rd and last day of this long weekend with the Pyreneans, we went to the Dourbie river to paddle the 2 gorges with a perfect water level and under a massive sun!!

The sunny Dourbie valley.

The 1st "unrunnable rapid" of the Dourbie.

Fabrice "Fafa" Poueyto.

Myself in the "unrunnable rapid".

Flo Duval.

Me in the "Bain Douche".

Fabrice Poueyto.

Flo Duval

Me scouting the last big rapid.

On the way back to the civilization.

Photos of the Dourbie river by Bastien Dantin.

It was 2 freaking awesome weeks of kayaking in the Cévennes area, great atmosphere on the water, the smile all day long, perfect water levels, pretty rivers, and many other good things.
Well, paddle in the Cévennes area it's always good even more with the friends!! ;-)
Many thanks to all of you for those great descents!!
Seeya
Un grand merci à tous pour ces belle navig'!!

2 days canoeing the Orb river - France

2011-10-17T09:02:00.000-07:00

Unplanned trips are often the best ones!!
It goes again this time, I called Paul Villecourt wednesday eve and here I go to a 35km Open Canoe trip on 2 days on the orb river, southern France. And this started the next morning, so Thursday morning.
We were 7 persons to paddle the Orb from Colombière village to the slalom kayak course of Réals near Cessenon sur Orb.

First strokes on the Orb river.
We enjoyed an awesome weather on this 2 days canoeing.

The beach where we slept Thursday night.

Good evening along the river with a camp fire, sausage, french wine, homemade paté, well a real good french bivouac!!!

Second day on the Orb river, still wonderfull!!

Paul Villecourt across one of the villages of the valley.

Myself, in my FLUID BigBang, a really good kayak for the multidays trip, even more on easy class I II III runs!!

Me, what a cliché in this photo, a river, a canoe, a wood paddle, a village with stone house, a old castel, green trees and a massive blue sky... Welcome to southern France!!

Philippe and Christian

Me in a kayak ramp not far from the end of the trip.

Ass slide with Philippe and Christian.

The famous "waterfall" of the whitewater course of Réals... in my kayak...

... And in a Open Canoe!!

A really nice multidays trip on the Orb river, even if the waterlevel wasn't optimal this river is simply amazing and deserves to be paddled more often than it is at the moment!!
Many thanks to my 6 canoeing mates, and once again thanks to Paul Villecourt for his great photos!!

Canyoning at the Sources of the Tarn river.

2011-09-27T06:32:00.003-07:00

Canyoning the Sources of the Tarn river from Val Grollemund on Vimeo.

The 1st weekend of September was announced rainy and sadly sunny, buddies and I also want to move a bit from our hometown Rodez, so we headed to Sainte Enimie at the heart of the Gorges of the Tarn for a day and the next day we headed to the Sources of the Tarn river to go cannyoning this river section!!

Fighting dress under the rain, ready to go canyonning not that far from the Mont Lozère with Arnaud, Yohan and Thibault.

Natural pool on the Sources of the Tarn river.

The classic jump in the Gouffre des Meules on the upper Tarn.

Relax...

A pretty nice little weekend with friends, reaaaaaaaally good!!!
Hope to make it again soon!!!

KanuMesse SUPexpo 2011

2011-09-27T06:32:00.001-07:00

On Sept 18th to 21th I was in Nurnberg, Germany, for the KanuMesse, the international paddle sports tradeshow, the place to be to see all the new products, sell and buy stuffs for the coming season!!!

I was there to give a hand to TyWarp who sponsor me with their sick paddles, and also for FLUID Kayak who also sponsor me.

Holger the TyWarp boss, present you one of my photos of Stéphanie.
How sweet it is??!!

Alex Thomas Keller, TyWarp paddlers and dealer, talking about the brand new paddles with Jeroen Mr Playak.

Myself with the brand new "Bite", the new TyWarp paddle 100% made in Basalt fibers which wan the 2011 KanuMag (Germany) Innovation Award!!

In a other style, I've been part of a photoshooting for Sevylor with Paul Villecourt, and here is the result, my face on massive posters on their booth and also on the packagings.

It's weird to be printed on boxes like that!!!

I also have to talk about the famous "Looping Louie Contest" organized every year at the KanuMesse by our friend and TyWarp boss, Holger Shroeder!!!

Looping Louie Contest!!!

And of course after presented, sell and buy stuffs, nothing better than a good party mixed with great class by Mr McFly himself David Arnaud!!!

Right after the KanuMesse I drove back to France, 12h the ass in the car, alone... Was long...

Many thanks to the TyWarp team and to the RokXat team!!!!
Seeya probably next year!!

Otztal: Austrian whitewater paradize

2011-09-27T06:31:00.004-07:00

Right after the Red Bull Dolomiten Mann I went to paddle with Arnd Schaeftlein not that far from Lienz, Austria, before heading to Otztal valley for a sick kayaking week and then drive north to the Nurnberg Germany for the KanuMesse.

The program of the week in the Otztal valley was really simple, paddle for fun and let the camera in the car!!
Let me say you that was a freaking sick kayaking week, pure descents, perfect water levels to enjoy lot of section of the Oetz river, and for glory a pretty strong Wellerbrucke rapid!!!

Grilled meat and german beers, what else do you wanna ask for??

Max Siech's burger... faaaat!!

Somewhere on the way to Otztal.

Packing the Teva van to go kayaking in Vent upstream Otztal valley!!

Stop at the pub after a kayaking day with buddies!!!

Maxi Siech!!

Maxi Siech walking to a badass Wellerbrucke rapid!!

Happy to be on the water, the only and single time I took my camera that week!!!

Myself in Wellerbrucke, photo Max Siech.

Me in Wellerbrucke.

Seth in Wellerbrucke.

Me, Wellerbrucke.

Max heading to Champion's killer the last drop of Wellerbrucke rapid.

Max Siech in Champion's killer, Wellerbrucke.

Me in Champion's killer, Wellerbrucke.

Many thanks to Arnd Schaeftlein, Ted, Max, Jo, Seth, and all my other kayaking mates!!
Seeya soon!!

Red Bull Dolomiten Mann 2011

2011-09-27T06:31:00.003-07:00

On Sept 8th to 10th, I joined buddies from team Optisport in Lienz, Austria, to compet at the Red Bull Dolomiten Mann 2011!!
An event unique in its kind cause it brings together 4 outdoort sports Trail running, paragliding, kayaking and XC MTBiking.

Team Optisport with Level6 gears!!

There I was on race with Emeric Turquat for the MTBike (on the left), Victor Sebe for the paraglide (middle left), Mathieu Bonnant for the Trail Running (middle right) and myself for the kayak (on the right).

Team Optisport with fighting gears!!

#12 for team Optisport!!

Victor packing his paraglide in the hotel the day before the race.

My kayak, a good old Invader, not the best choise for a 1st participation, but it's good to know what boat should be used for the next edition.

Myself in the start ramp at the trainings, thanks Michel for the photo!!

Event report by Team Optisport:

Start at 10am for the Trail Running, 12km with 2000m G+, Kenyans goes ahead really fast with a 21km/h on the 1st kms. Mathieu took a safe start and keep power for the steep section. Unfornuately he's not in hos best shape, the end of the 2nd wall will be hard. He ended harly the race with a time of 1h57.

Victor took the relay and went fast and goes ahead few ones before the take off area.
His glide's choise wasn't obviously the best and goes a little bit slower than the others.
He managed an awesome 1st landing and overtook some spots on the running section again.
In the last part Victor did a freaking landing to give the relay to myself.
His time 40min 39 sec

Running start for myself across the river before a 7m jump into the river. Went in rapids and gates easyly and managed the upstream section as fast as I can. Some spots wan on the water, I ended with an incredible portage section and a sick whitewater slalom where I wan some other spots.
My time: 37 min 30 sec

After a long section on the road, Emeric went a 1600m G+ section on single tracks and forest trail. Riding hard, he overtook at least 10 spots. The downhill section is not that technic but there're some scaring blind jumps straight down.
He overtook again some spots in the end of the downhill to ended on a super fast section to the finish line.
His time: 1h 40

My report for this event, I'm half satisfed by my kayaking performance, the fact to compet in the pack with tons of kayaker on the river at the time with me and wait at their asses in the upstream sections is really frustrating!! I lost a while there...
This 1st participation shows me also what gears I've to paddle with, if I go there again I wanna compet with the best boat for!!!

A super team atmosphere and a desire to do the things well put us at the 23rd rank in the Pro ranking. Not that bad for a 1st participation.

Many thanks to my team mate, was a real pleasure!!!
Also thanks to Level6 who gave us some clothes and sponsor team Optisport for this event!!
Seeya next year!!

Private party in Rodez

2011-09-27T06:31:00.001-07:00

Soirée Privée Rodez - 2 Sept. 2011 from Val Grollemund on Vimeo.

On Sept. 2nd Friday 2011, Mickael Palous, Paul Salomon and myself organized a private party in Rodez our hometown in the the pub La Chuppa.

The principle of this party was really simple, we invited via facebook few friends, those friends could at their time invite their friends, their friends could invite their friends, etc.
The goal was to meet friends of friends and extend your friends circle.
The only rule was the proper dress code, VIP require!!
We put all together to offer to our guests the best and let them have an awesome party!!

La Chuppa pub, downtown Rodez.

la Chuppa, before all came in.

We were approx 70 persons (50/50 girls/boys) all hot and keen on partying, talk, meet, enjoy and all that in a sweet atmosphere!!

Mickael Palous, Paul Salomon and me, the 3 organizors of this 1st private party in Rodez.

Teva was a main partner of this private party!!! Many thanks to them!!!

Lucky Lemaire, boss of La Chuppa, without him this party couldn't be possible!!

Lucky and Elodie Lemaire, La Chuppa boss, thanks for all!!

It was such a great party, everyone went out with a massive smile!!
Thanks all VIPs to trust in us!!!
Many thanks to Mickael Palous and Paul Salomon, my co-organizors!!
Thanks to Elodie, Marjorie, Arnaud, Marion and Niko to give a hand!!!
Thanks also to Teva, main partner of this private party!!
Many thanks to La Chuppa staff, Elodie, Jojo and Lucky without them this party couldn't take place and cannot be organized!!

We're already working on some more parties, stay connected...

FLUID kayaks team trip

2011-09-27T06:30:00.004-07:00

FLUID Kayaks team trip 2011 - French Alps from Val Grollemund on Vimeo.

Paul Villecourt, Celliers Kruger, Hugh du Preez, David Arnaud, Luke Spencer and I teamed up on mid August in the French Alps for a "FLUID Kayak team trip".

At this time we also testes the 1st FLUID creekboat prototype, the BAZOOKA!!
This kayak was a simple killer, its round hull on the bow allows to drive it easy, to turn easy, and paddle really smooth without forcing to put the nose exactly where you want!!
At the opposite the flat hull on the stern gives speed and nervousness, it catchs the eddy properly and keep really well the line at low and high speed.
The Bazooka allows you to paddle really smoothly and shrewdly, or all at the opposite to propel the gun in its limits paddling it tense and radical!!
Well this brand new FLUID Bazooka will for sure convince lot of you who want a sane, easy, performing creekboat in which one you feel good and in security immediately to paddle your favourite rivers!!

Back to our team trip!!
Rain fell masively the days before we came, we enjoy more than correct water levels for the season!!
We even had the chance to paddle the Chichin torrent, true french alpin jewel!!!

Luke Spencer in the Chichin torrent.

David Arnaud boofing the Bazooka on the Chichin.

Me on the Chichin.

Great feeling after a 1st afternoon more than awesome on the Chichin torrent, so we keep on and went to the Fournel river few minutes away from Chichin.
Fournel is a boof paradize, lot of little drops from 1 to 4 meters where you can work on your boof along this 200meters long section, walk up and paddle down again and again.

Me in one of the drops on the Fournel.

David Arnaud and me.

Celliers Kruges on the Fournel.

Boooooooooof again!!

All FLUID team on the Fournel!!

After a pretty sweet night at the Guillestre campground, we went to paddle on the Guil river.

Unknow paradize, the low-Guil river.

FLUID team at the exit of the Combe of Chateau Quéras, a pretty sweet gorge with amazing scenery!!!

Luke, Hugh and me in the "triple fall".

Myself in "Milenium" rapid on the Guil river.

Awesome scenery after an amazing day on the water of the Guil river.

Put in of the Gyr, the ideal run for the late afternoon cause it works on the glacier melting.
It's cold but it's good!!

After few days in the Hautes Alpes region, we drove to the Grand Canyon of the Verdon, we took the time to enjoy this sick sunny day on the road and enjoy the sceneries, the region is so amazing!!!

David, Paul and I.

At the campground of the Verdon, we unpack all the cars and organize the shuttle, yeah the shuttle of the Verdon river is 2hours long... The 35km of the Grand Canyon of the Verdon could be paddled in 5-6h.

Next morning here we went in the grand Canyon of the Verdon, a 1st time for me and I've to confess this descent is one the most beautiful I have the chance to paddle.
Not because of its gradient, its rapids which are just III-IV+ all along, but more its sceneries, it's atmospheres and its gorges so much different than all I saw previously!!

FLUID boys, early morning in the Grand Canyon of the Verdon.

Isn't it beautiful??

Little slalom with the Bazooka on the green water of the Verdon.

Me in one of the most famous rapid of the Verdon.

Luke underground on the water!!

The entry of the cave, amazing moment!!

David Arnaud in the cave.

David Arnaud.

Hugh du Preez

Luke Spencer and Verdon's lights.

Well, a week with FLUID Kayaks team boys more than wonderful, great waterlevels, sick rivers and descents, awesome sceneries, massive blue sky, so good atmosphere on and out of the river, a true kayaking week!!

Many thanks to Hugh du Preez, Luke Spencer, Celliers Kruger, David Arnaud and Paul Villecourt!!
A hello to all the people we met on the rivers!!
Many thanks to Paul Villecourt for these amazing photos!!

A massive thanks also to FLUID kayaks, who sponsor me since almost 5years now and gives me the opportunity to do always more and enjoy fully my passion for kayaking with great kayaks and amazing services!!!

Till the next FLUID Kayaks team trip, Have the best ever friends!!

Summer time in Rodez

2011-09-27T06:30:00.003-07:00

Summer time with friends at home from Val Grollemund on Vimeo.

This summer I spent lot of time in Rodez and around, my homecountry, I even think it's the first summer I spent so much time in my home place!!!

Sweet white wine of Marcillac and the so famous "farcou", so good!!

Arnaud

Pierre and Arnaud in Sainte Eulalie d'Olt.

Marion

Easy time beside the swiming pool.

Victor

Me.

Paul

Paul ready to drive a flight!!

The Aveyron, my homecountre, view from up there!!

Bruejouls wine fest... yellow mandatory!!
I finally had the chance to enjoy the famous villages party in Aveyron and their famous wine fest!!!

My bro Gautier golfing.

Myself a the "détroit" water jumping spot.

Well, all good in Aveyron this summer, well enjoyed friends, villages parties, good local food and wines, and many other good things!!!
Thanks all locals friends for this memorable summer!!

Sevylor photoshooting

2011-09-27T06:30:00.001-07:00

End of June I took part of a photoshooting for Sevylor shot by the famous outdoor photographer Paul Villecourt.
Here we were for 3 days to smile, shoot, shoot, shoot again, shoot again and again!!
We shot around Marseille (confluence of the Rhone going in the sea) on the Mediteranean sea in the so famous Calanque of Sormiou and on the Sorgue river near Avignon (south of the Rhone Valley)

Calanque of Sormiou.

Calanque of Sormiou.

Off Marseille in a Calanque.

Off Marseille in a Calanque.

Well 3 exhausting days, but we really enjoyed the 3 really amazing spots!!
Thanks to the team Sevylor, Stéphanie, Bastien, Marie and of course Paul Villecourt!!

Evan plays piano

2011-09-27T06:29:00.003-07:00

Evan plays Piano from Val Grollemund on Vimeo.

A quick edit with Evan Villecourt playing his Piano, the opportunity to try my homemade dolly!!
Thanks again to Evan for this sweet moment!! ;-)

Video: "A short Spring by Mat Coldebella

2011-09-27T06:29:00.001-07:00

A short "Spring" from DKayaking on Vimeo.

Here a little video by Mathieu Coldebella with some footages of our trip in the Pyrenees this spring and in Millau during the Natural Games!!
Many Thanks Mat!!

Enjoy and share!!

New video: Gautier Grollemund rides Teva MTBike shoes

2011-07-18T14:03:00.000-07:00

Gautier Grollemund rides Teva MTBike shoes from Val Grollemund on Vimeo.

Here you have my new video presenting the new Teva MTBike shoes, starring my brother Gautier Grollemund riding fat with

We shot that in our home back country near Rodez, Aveyron - France.
Watch and share!!

Gautier Grollemund all smiling during the shooting.

I really love this photo!!

The new Teva MTBike shoes.

Gautier in the massive stairs of Balsac.

Many thanks to Gautier for his sick ride, his confidence and his priceless help, also thanks to Teva for their support!!

Seeya. Ride life.

Red Bull Dolomiten Mann 2011 - Team Optisport

2011-07-18T00:54:00.000-07:00

Team Optisport offered me a spot in their team to compete at the famous RED BULL DOLOMITEN MANN 2011 in Lienz Austria!!!!
It's simply the hardest and the most extreme outdoor sports race by teamof 4 persons!!

Team Optisport and I are looking for partners/sponsors for the RED BULL DOLOMITEN MANN 2011!!!
Our goal: top 5, nothing else!!

Keen on supporting us in this great adventure??

Feel free to contact us, and we'll send you our sponsorship resume.

Team Optisport on Facebook.
www.optisport.fr

Or contact me directly.

Promo videos of the Espace Eaux Vives of Saint Pierre de Bœuf

2011-07-15T13:33:00.000-07:00

During my rafting season in Saint Pierre de Bœuf (near Lyon, France), I realized two little promotional videos for their website and locals medias

Here to begin the trailer (2minutes video clip):

Espace Eaux Vives Saint Pierre de Boeuf - Trailer from Val Grollemund on Vimeo.

Here you have the teaser (Advert clip):

Espace Eaux Vives de Saint Pierre de Boeuf - Teaser from Val Grollemund on Vimeo.

Feel free to contact them for more infos:
www.espaceeauxvives.com
Tel. : 04 74 87 16 09
Cellphone : 06 86 75 44 63

Thanks to the Espace Eaux Vives, thanks also to the rafters, Andy, Gaspard and Florian!!
Seeya soon!!

Natural Games 2011

2011-07-14T14:38:00.000-07:00

As every year took place the last weekend of June the Natural Games in Millau, Aveyron, France.
Teva invited me this year for the freestyle kayak contest and the boater cross, also to make photos during the weekend!!

My bro Gautier was also there invited by Teva also to film the "Teva MTBike Slopstyle" finals!!

Friday, after a long training afternoon in the little hole of Millau, I put my feet in the dust of the "Teva MTBike Slopestyle" course to shoot some photos.

The crowd watching the Teva MTBike Slopestyle finals by night.

Teva MTBike Slopestyle.

Gautier Grollemund was filming the Teva MTBike Slopestyle.
Video will be online soon... Stay connected!!!

Saturday too place the Freestyle kayak contest.
Long time I didn't compet in my freestyle kayak, was hard to found back my marks for the contest in that little hole, but it was so good to be on the water!!
I ended 23rd... So close of the 1/4 finals...
Well I took out back my photo camera and shoot a bit the Freestyle contest...

Mat Coldebella qualifs winner, he'll end 4th at the final!!

Mathieu Coldebella air time!!

Mathieu Dumoulin will win the contest with a sick final run!!!!
Congratz!!

Saturday afternoon took place the boater cross qualifs.

The boater cross semi-final was by night in front of a massive public!!!
There were so many people came along the river course to watch the boater cross, 1st time I paddled in front of a huge public like that!! Siiiiick!!

Welcome to the fight club.

During the boater cross, I got my spot for the semi finals where I got dismissed after a great fight!!!
Eric Deguil wan the boater cross aheading Fabrice Poueyto and Nicolas Peschier!!

Eric Deguil during the boater cross qualifs.

One more time the Natural Games were a sick event, water, sun, good atmosphere, good music, fat ride, well... A great riding weekend!!!
See you probably next year!!

Teva Extreme Outdoor Games 2011

2011-07-08T14:30:00.001-07:00

On June 4th to 12th, I was in Italy with buddies from Pyrenees, more exactly in ValChiusella and Ivrea, to compet at the Teva Extreme Outdoor Games 2011 first stage of the AWP World Series 2011.

We arrived few days before the races to train on the Chiusella race sections.
The water levels were just perfect the 1st days. GO BIG, home is too far away!!!

Teva Extreme Outdoor Games 2011, Italy - Video 1# from Val Grollemund on Vimeo.

Eric Deguil in the 1st big rapid.

Eric Deguil, Max Mitaut and myself just upstream the road bridge.

Max Mitaut.

Moi même in the lower part.

On the evenings we talked about watching our race lines with GoPro video.

Here, a lil vid onboard with myself:

Teva Extreme Outdoor Games 2011 - On board with Val Grollemund from Val Grollemund on Vimeo.

Me at the end of the slide, the last big rapid.

Fabrice "Fafa" Poueyto.

We also paddled the "King of the Falls" section.
There were some cool carnages in it, throw bags, swims... Well, freeriding!!

Teva Extreme Outdoor Games 2011, Italy - Video 2# from Val Grollemund on Vimeo.

Unfornuately water levels dropped quickly and let us a shitty level for the races... Too bad...

Wednesday, race briefing in Fondo.

The race program:
Wednesday = long indiv race + "King of the Falls"
Thrusday = team race.

Right after the briefing, organizors said to Eric and I our kayaks were too long and were more than 2m60...
My FLUID BigBang is 2m70... We drive back to the campsite so pissed off, knowing the next day I'll have to compet with a kayak of a friend which one I never used before... :-(
I've to write here all AWP World Series could be competed with 2m70 maximum...

Hopefuly, Francesco Salvato lent me his kayak for the races.
My indiv long race was more than horrible, I was in the lines but I couldn't paddle my best level and there was'nt any pleasure... I ended 22nd... Damn...

Bastien Dantin in the finish slide.

Martina Wegman ended her indiv long race.

I got a lucky loozer card for the "King of the Falls".
A section I really like, it's steap and pushy!!!
But there again, go big with a boat you used for the 1st time is quite hard and I fuck it up with a 14th...

RonFisher (SWI) wan the race in the good way aheading a brighting Max Mitaut (FRA) and the always smily Sam Sutton (NZL)!!

"King of the falls" section.

Jakub Sedivy in the waterfall of the "King of the falls".

Me in the waterfall of the "King of the falls".

The next morning took place the 1st team race for the Freeride Kayak World Championship by team of Nations.
I competed with Stefun Pion and Bastien Dantin.
We ended 7th.

After the Thursday morning team race

Ivrea whitewater course.

The team sprint by night, where Stefun and I ended 6th with 2 correct runs.

Here we went again the next day with indiv races, Michele Ramazza lent me his kayak knowing I still cannot compet with my FLUID BigBang...
Same as Chiusella stage, I paddled in Ivrea without performing and without any pleasure.

Myself during the indiv sprint where I ended 32nd...
About the slalom, I failed on a disappointing 22nd spot...

The team slalom, Bastien missed the last gate of the slalom course so we had a 50seconds penalty... To ended 10th of that team slalom, last stage of the team races.

At the overall ranking of the Freeride Kayak World Championship by Team of Nation Stefun, Bastien and I were 10th.

Ivrea easy life.

Teva Extreme Outdoor Games 2011, Italy - Video 3# from Val Grollemund on Vimeo.

The classic sunday boater cross.

Sunday too place the boater cross, I got easily my spot for the 1/8 finals, before got dismissed in 1/4 finals after a fairplay matter of one of my German contestant during the run, where he didn't respect the rules... And me, they don't wanna let me compet cause of my too long kayak...
Daaaamn...

Gangsters Eric, Max, Bastien and Steve.

Max Mitaut 2nd of the "King of the falls".

The podium of the Teva Extreme Outdoor Games 2011:
Michele Ramazza 3rd, Sam Sutton 2nd and Mike Dawson 1st.

Best wishes for Valérie Bertrand who had a serious injury during the race on the Chiusella. Wish you a quick recovery!!

The report of my Teva Extreme Outdoor Games 2011 is really mitigated.
I ended 25th at the overall ranking.
Was so happy with what I was doing during my trainings but that shitty kayak switching for the races didn't help me at all to perform there in Italy.
I went back so disappointed, hoping the organizors will steady their rules on the AWP ones, especially concerning the kayak lenght...

I also have to paddle more than I did this winter and I've to work on my power, I'll have to go through the bodybuilding room!!

Well, I've some directions to work for next season...!!!!!!

Pyrenees Buddies Race 2011

2011-06-03T15:14:00.001-07:00

For the 2nd year on mid-May took place the Pyrenees Buddies Race, the only extreme kayak race in France, so you can imagine how we were all waiting for!!!

During the PBR 2011 there were 2 individual races, a sprint (semi final + final) and an extreme slalom. There was also a team race by team of 3 kayakers, it goes on 1 single run on saturday morning.
This year, we made Hugo Cailhol, Mat Coldebella and I made the Level6 team, just because we all paddle for Level6.

Hugo Cailhol in the final gorge.

Well, after a really solid run, Mat Coldo in the middle of the trio who went big, Hugo Cailhol who was closing the team and made an awesome finish and me heading the team, we ended 2nd!!!!!!!!! :-D

Locals from "Pyrenees Extreme Kayak" Eric Deguil / Fabrice Poueyto and Max Mitaut wan the team race heading the race by less than a second on us.
Team 17, Doby / Le-Naour / Lemoule, 3rd was at more than 5 second behind.

Team race résults.

Saturday afternoon was sprint race.
A 1st semi final run will select the 14 fastest kayakers and they will go for the super final.
Semi and final were 2 different races, times were not added, means we've to go big on the 2 runs!!!

At the semi-final run, I did a hypoglycemia crisis at the start (yeah this is it to not make a real lunch... so stupid...), no choise I played it super technic, knowing the physic will not follow, at least at the beginning.
After the 1st section, during the transition rapids, I breathed in came back in my race just before the last gorge.
I did a really solid run anyway!!!!

Nico Fayol annouced the results of the semi final and gave the 14 names of the finalists.
Well, I wan that round, Raph Thiebaut second and Eric Deguil 3rd!!
The final is a new race, all is still possible.

I did a sick final run even if I missed a bit the line in one of the 1st rapids, but Eric Deguil paddled as hell and wan the final. Mathieu Doby 3rd and I ended 2nd!!

Which is pretty good is that I paddled my best level during these 2 super regular runs (138.40sec in semi final run and 138.74 in final) and it's so enjoyable!!!

The results of the final.

The podium of the team race.

The evening with went for the aperitif, the team race podium, then the restaurant and the party till late in the night or early in the morning!!

Sunday morning a Stand Up Paddle race was organized by the friends of Arteka-Ocean!!!
Rrrrr I was super hot even if it was only 6°C with cold wind on the lake...

I wan my qualif round and got a spot for the final.

Mass start at the SUP final race.

At the final run, Mathieu Doby took the lead at the start and didn't let me pass despite my numerous attacks.

Fighting for the win at the finish line with Mathieu Doby!!

And Mat Doby wan after a great fight!!
Pierre Prevost ended 3rd and I took the 2nd step of the podium.

Sunday afternoon took place the extreme slalom, sun finally shined through the clouds and show started!!
A single run will decide between the kayakers, just have to go big!!
The goal is clearly simple, touch the wood log with the end,if you miss a log you'll get a 50 seconds penalty!!

Myself at the start of the extreme slalom.

Me in the game!!

At that game David Pierron wan, Max Mitaut 2nd and Mathieu Doby 3rd, and I got the chocolate medal... 4th!!

The organizors printed the overall results and Eric Deguil wan the Pyrenees Buddies Race, after a great fight I let him my title to ended 2nd. Mathieu Doby completed the podium.
Was a great fight guys, rendez-vous next year for the revenge!!!

Well, was again a great race!!!
Many thanks to Hugo Cailhol and Mathieu Coldebella my Level6 team race mates, the adrenagliss team presents on the event, Pierre Mahé, Franck from Arteka Ocean, Gilles Reboisson for the action photos, and for sure the organizors!!

Rendez-vous next years!! ;-)

Pyrenees trip

2011-06-03T14:08:00.000-07:00

On May 8th to 12th I went to the Pyrenees to paddle there with some buddies from Paris, Jura region and some locals also.
The season in the Cévennes was quite dry and we were all waiting for coming in the Pyrenees and paddle their jewels!!!

We paddled the Core river (yeah Core river sounds weird in english) in the Salat valley.
Was a nice run, really bonny, super steep all along and all that in a beautiful valley!!!
A long time I was waiting for this river!! :-D

Water levels in Salat valley were getting low so we headed to the Hautes-Pyrenees region to paddle in the Cauteret and Gavarnie valleys!!

First day in the lower gorge of the Cauteret river, full smile!!!!

Cauteret is an awesome river, it's wonderful, great boating, and we can paddle all the sections on 3 days!!!

Mat Coldebella in the "800" on the upper Cauteret river.

Mat Coldebella in the waterfall at the end of the 800 on Cauteret river.

Max Mitaut at home in the waterfall of the 800.

The next day we were on the "Cauteret classic", a sick section full on!!

And the 1st rapid of that section is nothing else than "La Raillère", a massive 15m high slide with a beautiful pool at the end!!

Bastien Dantin at home in "La Raillière"

Mat Coldebella filming "La Raillère".

Myself in the right line (the one who kick your back...) in La Raillère.

Mat Coldebella in the rapid next to La Raillère, straight in the Cauteret Classic!!

Eric Deguil, Stefun Pion and Mat Coldebella in the longest and hardest rapid the Cauteret Classic.

Me in the last drop of THE rapid in the Cauteret Classic.

Eric Deguil, Stefun Pion and Mat Coldebella in the Cauteret classic.

Group photo in Cauteret village.

Once we finished to paddle in Cauteret valley we did went in Gavarnie valley for a day.
Gavarnie is one of my favourite run, nothing really hard in it, it's just wonderfull, cristal water (cold also) all that in the most beautiful valley of the Pyrenees!!! Love it!!

photo by Mat Coldebella
Myself enjoying my way to the put in the Gavarnie river, in the background the famous corrie of Gavarnie!!! LOVE IT!!

Mat Coldebella on his way to the put in.

The 1st rapid of the descent, a tricky waterfall!! hehe :-D

I spent a night in Pau and the next day we went to Laruns to compet at the Pyrenees Buddies Race 2011.
...The next in the next post...

Video "A spring wake up"

2011-05-06T11:24:00.000-07:00

A spring wake up from Val Grollemund on Vimeo.

Last morning when I woke up, I was feeling so good on that spring morning atmosphere.
I took my camera and I shot some stuffs. I edited it right after, and here is the result.
I love spring time!!! ;-)

Traning camp with the kids of my region

2011-05-06T10:54:00.000-07:00

A while ago, I was one of those kids invited by the region for a training camp on the holidays, and today I'm one of the coachs!!!
Am I getting old??

The cool thing is that I enjoy to coach as I enjoyed to be coached when I was kid!!

A really nice week in Millau with the 19 selected young kayakers of the region.
We paddle a lot with slalom kayaks and freestyle boats, and we ran a beautiful section of the Tarn river between Les Vignes and Le Rozier.

The beginning of the descent in Les Vignes.

That descent is simply beautiful!!

Happy coach.

Vincent and my kayak.

Mathilde Pichery between blocs.

Marie and Noa.

On the rocks of the "Causses" during the hike.

This training week ended by the canoe and kayak Region Championship in Millau.
The program: kayak polo, flatwater races, white water racen on saturday, and slalom race on Sunday.
I just compete on the kayak polo and at the slalom race.

About the kayak polo, I compete with the 2 teams of my kayak club of Rodez, the "old" team and the "youth".
With the old we were dismissed at the 1st round, with the youth we headed till the quarter final, reaaaaally cool!!!

Hugo at the white water race.

Yannis at the white water race.

At the slalom race, I ended 9th overall senior, and 6th of my region with 2 sweet runs.
I really enjoyed to compete in slalom, a long time I didn't!!

A big up to Loic Vynisale, who's a whitewater race and flatwater race killer, and he ended 5th senior of the region at the slalom race!!

Well, an awesome paddling week in a sweet atmosphere!!
Wanna have more!!

Photo: Jean Grollemund

Open Canoe Festival 2011

2011-05-06T10:33:00.000-07:00

On April 21st to 25th, I was on the Drôme river for the Open Canoe Festival 2011.

The Open Canoe Festival is THE european event for all Open Canoes paddlers and for all those who like the canoe in general, and this on 3 days!!

Paul Villecourt is the organizor of that festival, he asked me to make the video.
You'll be able to see the video on the web in the coming days... I'll keep you update for sure!!

The start of the full day descent, 26 km of nature, clear and fresh water, ... Well the real life!!

Isn't it beautiful?!!

The gorge at the beginning.

The entry of the 1st gorge.

Paul and me.

Paul and me capturing images.

Patrick de Saint Ours enjoying sun and clear water of the Drôme river.

The feet in the water... At work... Siiiiiiick!!

Pierre Villecourt, Stand Up Paddle boarding.

Happy to be on the river!!

Nooo really, this is beautiful, right?!!

The 3 tipis, place to meet and share at the Open Canoe Festival 2011.

Inside of the tipis.

Saturday night took place a concert of The Steam'Box, a folk music duo, reaaaaaally good!!

I made them a little clip: Here

Their website: www.STEAMBOXMUSIC.com

Pierre, The Steam'Box.

Loic of The Steam'Box.

The camp fire on the beach.

The clinics of monday morning.

Evan Villecourt, the new generation of white water lovers!!

Rescue clinics on monday morning.

The good life in the Drôme valley!!

My photos of the event:

Open Canoe Festival 2011

Many thanks to all the staff of the Open Canoe Festival and more to Paul Villecourt!!
I really enjoy to paddle those Open Canoes and at the same time making the video!!
See you next year!!

The Steam'Box - Folk music

2011-05-06T10:30:00.000-07:00

The Steam'Box - Folk music from Val Grollemund on Vimeo.

At the Open Canoe Festival 2011, I met Loic and Pierre from The Steam'Box music band, they were there to make a concert the saturday night!!

I was there to film the event and make them a little clip of their awesome Folk music!!!

Watch, listen, enjoy and share!!

Many thanks Loic and Pierre!!

FLUID Kayaks: BigBang

2011-05-06T10:23:00.000-07:00

It's soooooo sick!!!!!!!!
I recieved last week my new toy, the brand new FLUID Kayak BigBang!!!
Love it!!

A massive kayak as I like!!
I'm quite sure it will also be a sick kayak for expedition and/or easy run multi-days trips.
it's fast, massive, lot of space to carry things... It looks perfect!!

My 3 FLUID Kayaks:
Detox L, Solo L and BigBang.
3 other good reasons to not stay at home!! ;-)

Thanks again to FLUID Kayaks for their support.
Many thanks also to RokXat the FLUID distributor in Europe!!

Stand Up Paddle in Rodez

2011-05-06T10:16:00.000-07:00

On a pretty sunny afternoon, I took my Stand Up Paddle board, Glide 14' by NAISH, at my home kayak club in Rodez and let try it to kids.

The 6 or 7 kids who tryed it really enjoyed it ask for again!!
Yeah there's not only kayak on the rivers, we can also enjoy SUPing!!!!

Hugo on the board!!

Quentin, what a smile?!!

Looks like I'll have to take my board again to the kayak club!! ;-)

Spriiiiiing!!

2011-05-06T10:06:00.000-07:00

Beautiful days are back, means we're spending more time outdoor doing sport, trainings, make shits or just chill with that beautiful weather!!

Spring time ruuuules!!

MTBike ride with Arnaud.

Arnaud.

Hard training on the MTBike with Arnaud, that spring time is quite warm!!

My bro Gautier and Ghys building a MTBike PumpTrack in our garden!!

Yeah baby!!

Time to take out the Pétanque balls and play!!

Nothing better than a Pétanque game.

This is sooo good!!

An international Flatland BMX in my home city!!

Mathias Dandois showing how he goes big, only World champion, the killer!!

Lil' ride at La Colline.

Gautier in La Colline.

Gautier in La Colline.

Gautier in the Palanges.

Me in the Palanges at the end of the ride.

Teva - Live Better Stories

2011-05-06T09:48:00.000-07:00

That's it...
After watching and dreaming in front of many photos and videos of ones of the world best paddlers who were wearing a sweet helmet painted with Teva colors... And it looks like it's my turn to wear that famous helmet!!

I'm not gonna hide you it makes a little bit of pression!!
But it's soooooo good!! :-D

Teva is a famous shoes company and they trust in me for the coming years, so I join Teva Europe team!!!! :-D

The feet in the Drôme river and in my Teva shoes at the Open Canoe Festival!!!

I recieved few days ago a sweet pack with pretty nice shoes in, just have to travel, walk and run to use all that!!!
Another good excuse to do more things!!!!

Many Thanks to Teva to trust and support me!!

www.TEVA.com

Playboating the Drôme river!!

2011-04-06T10:19:00.000-07:00

I was this weekend in the Drôme valley (south western Alps) to pick my FLUID Large Detox back at Paul Villecourt's home.
He took me on a familly picnic, then a sweet descent of the Drôme river with his son Evan and his brother Pierre who was on his Stand Up Paddle!!

A 1st time for me on the Drôme river but not the last for sure, I'll come back for the Open Canoe Festival!!
www.opencanoefestival.com

Achille in a kayak.

Loop.

Pierre on his Stand Up Paddle.

Evan

Evan and moi

Myself.

Many thanks to the Villecourt familly for their welcome, and thanks to Paul for the photos!!

New FLUID Kayak: Large Detox

2011-04-06T10:08:00.000-07:00

Here is my new boat, the brand new Large Detox by FLUID Kayaks!!

I paddle now for FLUID Kayaks since 3 years, and I continue to enjoy all my rides with those great kayaks!!

There are some news from FLUID this year with the new Composite L Element, the BigBang, the L detox, etc.
Well, you'll find for sure the toy of your dreams!! ;-)

Gears for sale!!

2011-03-31T04:14:00.000-07:00

Yep, I'm selling all my stuffs!!
No, I'm not going to stop kayaking but I'm selling all anyway!!

Visit valg-shop.blogspot.com and for sure feel free to contact me for more infos!!

cellphone: +33 664 126 931
email: valentin.grollemund(at)wanadoo.fr
Skype: ValGrollemund
Twitter: Val Grollemund
Facebook: Val Grollemund

New video: Upper Tarn river

2011-03-31T03:14:00.000-07:00

Sunny Upper Tarn river from Val Grollemund on Vimeo.

I was this weekend on the Upper Tarn river (Cévennes region - France) in Pont de Montvert village, for the second weekend of the season.
And yeah, I've to say it was incredible to paddle with massive sunshine and tons of kayakers on the Upper Tarn river!!
Watch the vid', enjoy and share!!

"Le Gouffre de l'Oules" 1st rapid of the section.

Myself at entry of the "Gouffre des Meules".

Some carnage in "La Trompette"!!

The flat at the take out after 4h30 boating!!

Easy evening at the campsite in Pont de Montvert!!

Seeya soon on the water!!

Level 6 Global Team, here I am!!

2011-03-25T06:18:00.000-07:00

It's now official, I join the Level6 Global Team!!!
The canadian companie trusts in me and outfits me with their awesome kayak gears for the next seasons.

It's pretty cool to paddle for a brand created, directed and developed by and for the kayakers!!
White water, sea kayaking, recreational, competition, lifestyle, what ever you need you'll find it at Level6!!

Myself in my sick Drysuit "Barrier"!!

The new team members on the L6 team:
Marlène Devillez, Tyler Fox, Marie-Pier Cote and me.

My team page on LevelSix.com: here

Many thanks to all Level6 staff!!!!!

www.LevelSix.com

2011 season starts!! Hyyyypa!!

2011-03-23T04:58:00.000-07:00

We were waiting for and yeah it comes, THE RAIN!!!
Southern wind always brings rain in the Cévennes Region (center southern France).
So we had to take our kayaks out and go boating in that beautiful region!!!

The program of that 1st creeking weekend of 2011 was my 1st solo descent of the Dourbie river and the Sources of the Tarn river.

Little stop at my Grand Parents place in Sainte Enimie, true heart of the Gorges du Tarn, for the lunch: sausage on sarment barbecue and rissole potatoes!! Hell yeah!!

Saturday 20th, I decided to do a solo descent of the Dourbie river.
A 1st time for me, I never did solo descent before...
Since the beginning of the descent, it wasn't as usual, my kayak didn't hit rock.
It looked like there was a bigger water level or I paddled worse...
When I arrived at the first steep section, I was under the water every where in the holes and boofs... WTF?? It wasn't the same as usual!!!

I stoped in a massive rock in the middle of the river... And i understand the why of the how...
There is way more water than usual... It's gonna be tight!!

The water scale probably moved in Le Mazet village, and the 1m of 2010 switchs in 1m30 or more...

Yep, it goes fat but for a solo descent I had to take out and walk back up to the car at midway of the river...
I'll try again that solo descent soon

In the evening, I had some mails, texts, and calls from other kayakers and we decided to go on the Sources of the Tarn river, which is my favourite river section with the Dourbie!!
Well, on this Sunday 21st, massive blue sky, no wind and around 10 warm degres Celsius... AWESOME!!!

Back on the roads!!

Pont de Montvert village under sunshine, enough rare to talk about!!
Perfect water level for the Sources section!!

Rapid from left to right, view from road:
"the seamstress", "the gorilla" and "the ladies".

The incredible put in at the Pont du Tarn (Bridge of the Tarn river), the oldest bridge of the region!!

Right downstream the Pont du Tarn, look at that massive sun!!

Happy frenchy back at the Sources of the Tarn river to begin 2011 season!!! :-D

The awesome kilometer of flatwater on the causse (=local plateau) before serious stuffs!!
Definitely the best put in ever I had the chance to do, and I did a lot believe me!!

Here we are, "The Norwegian" is right downstream!!
MAGIC to see that flatwater, the sky in the background and trees diving down the valley!!!

Pascal in little rapids at mid-section.

Clément in "The ox tongue".

Pascal exits "The ox tongue".

Stéphane in "the seamstress".

Pascal in the "the seamstress", isn't it beautiful?!!

Clément in "The Gorilla".

Myself at the entry of "The Gorilla".
photo: Marc

Me in "Le Gorille".
photo: Marc

Incredible view of the Upper Tarn valley from the Montmirat, on the way back home.

An awesome 1st weekend for 2011, this season couldn't start better than it!!
It promises some goods for next!!!
The really good news is than I'm a freaking great shape, I'm so happy to paddle and be on the river, and yeah, I'm sooooo motivated for the coming adventures!!!
Rrrrrrr!!

All the photos of the Sources of the Tarn river, here:

Sources of the Tarn river

Seeya asap on the water!!

Astral Buoyancy

2011-03-22T16:37:00.000-07:00

Yep, I'm now paddling with Astral Buoyancy lifevests!!!!
I already tried my Green Jacket and my Willis, I like them!!
Looks like I have no excuse to go on the rivers and run the shits!! ;-)

Thanks Bryan from Astral!!

My Green Jacket and my Willis.

Myself at the Sources of the Tarn river... Happy frenchy!!

Winter ends so well!!!

2011-03-22T16:21:00.000-07:00

Winter ends and long winter evenings with!!
Spring is at the corner and we'll take our kayaks out pretty soon and go boating!!

Well, a winter's end between work, mountain bike and parties with buddies!!

In Lozère region with buddies from Planète 2 Roues MTB team.

Juju and Arnaud, hippy party.

The group of hippies.

Arnaud.

Myself.

My hippy buddies!!

Nooo, there isn't parties... there's also the good and hard MTBike trainings!!
I'm a great shape!!!! Hyyyyypa!!

Arnaud and myself, at the "Your mother never let you go out like that!!" party.

Thibault, Pierre, Julien, Arnaud and me.

Juju, awesome!!!

Arnaud, what a pimp!!

And then, YES IT RAINED!!!!
So the local and famous Aveyron river flowed up and we went to train as hell on our local slalom course in Rodez (my hometown)!!!
Awesome to paddle on white water (even it's little one) and find back all the pleasure of it!!
It's so good after 3 long months of flatwater!! :-D

Spring is here right now, no question to stay indoor, let's enjoy together what mother Nature has to offer us!!

New video!!

2011-03-22T11:13:00.001-07:00

St Patrick à La Chuppa, Jeudi 17 Mars 2011 from Val Grollemund on Vimeo.

My last video, the teaser of the Saint Patrick party in La Chuppa pub in Rodez (my home place).
And my buddy Nico Varin is the guest star of it!! Yeah baby!! ;-)

Course VTT XC "La Castonétoise"

2011-03-16T10:48:00.000-07:00

Jérome Poujol - team P2R- 4ème au scratch.

Une course de VTT XC (= cross country) à 2 minutes de la maison, en plus les copains du team Planète 2 Roues viennent la faire, c'est bon j'me suis vite motivé pour leur faire 2, 3 photos!!

Cliquez sur l'album juste dessous pour voir toutes les photos!!

XC race "La Castonétoise"

Photoshooting Team 2011 Planète 2 Roues VTT Lozère

2011-03-08T05:37:00.001-08:00

I was this weekend in Mende, France, to shoot the 2011 team of Planète 2 Roues VTT Lozère (Pro MTBike XC and DH team).

Check out the photos, clik below:

Team 2011 Planète 2 Roues VTT Lozère

Team P2R - action photos

2011-02-27T14:46:00.000-08:00

Here you have 2 brand new videos!!

First one, the teaser of a dressed up party "Your mother never let you go out like that" in Rodez, my home town.
Footage is from the Teva Extrem Outdoor Games 2010 in Italy.

Teaser party 10 Mars 2011 from Val Grollemund on Vimeo.

Next one, I joined my bro Gautier during one of his DH MTB session in the Palages forest, near our home town Rodez.
If you follow me on that blog, there was previously a post with some photos about that session: here

Gautier Grollemund - Winter session from Val Grollemund on Vimeo.

You wanna watch some more???
Ok, check out my Vimeo: here

Seeya

Interview in La Dépèche newspaper!!

2011-02-24T06:03:00.000-08:00

Hop, a little interview in the local newspaper La Dépèche on Feb. 20 Saturday!!
Cool to have kayaking in the local press!!

Aveyron Department Cuncil price giving ceremony

2011-02-24T05:17:00.000-08:00

Feb. 6th Saturday, I was invited to the the Aveyron Department Cuncil price giving ceremony to the local athletes.

The opportunity to bring together in a sweet atmosphere the cream of the local athletes and the local councillors, with the presence of the local press.

Every athlete recieved a nice tracksuit and a sweet cheque!! ;-)

About kayaking, was presented Gaél Kernin (Millau CK club), Hugo Cailhol and myself (Rodez CK club).

Many thanks to the Rodez CK club which follow me, support and help me since my beginnings!!
I can't forget to thank Marc Cailhol, the president of the Rodez CK club, who make an awesome work everyday!!

Many thanks also to the Aveyron Department Cuncil which support me since few years and put kayaking under the spotlights regulary!!

February starts well!!

2011-02-08T10:10:00.000-08:00

Looks like February starts pretty well!!

I spend all my free time between work, trainings under this awesome sun, and good moments with buddies!!
Not that much of kayaking but there's no rain and so no water in the rivers, so I ride my XCountry MTBike and go jogging every day!!

I also was invited to the local athletes price giving ceremony of the Aveyron Department Cuncil. No worry, I'll write you a post about that pretty soon!!

MTBiking in the heart of the famous wineyards of Marcillac (15minutes from home).

The castle of La Roque in my backyard under a massive smile.
Photo taken during a MTB ride.

Last Thusday took place a sick party in La Chuppa pub, in Rodez downtown, organized by some of my buddies, well we had to go there!!!

Gautier and Arnaud

Family shot, from LtoR:
Gautier, Thibault, Val, Arnaud, Léo and Yohan.

Yohan...

Juju and Matt behind the bar, all good!!

Marion, Claire and myself!!

To wait for the rain and go to paddle our favourite rivers in France and well over, train hard and enjoy life!!

Lazy January...

2011-01-30T13:58:00.000-08:00

Oh, that month looks a bit slow and easy, too much??

Well, I take some minutes to post some news about my winter adventures around Rodez, my home place in France:
A little bit of kayak, many MTB rides, some photos, lot of partys at the pub with friends, and lot of work to fill my bank account.

MTBike DH in Momèche, Marcillac valley.

Victor Salomon in Momèche, Marcillac valley.

THE new Tshirt I bought it on the web, LIKE IT!!

The lil' MTBike winter carnage... Nothing broken that time!!

Léo Chauchard who tryed kayaking for his 1st time... On January!!
Not too bad for a soccer player!!

Lil' selfportrait by night with Rodez full on lights.

Rodez by night, my home place!!

Victor Salomon on the new "whip" spot of St. Jean, Marcillac Valley

Photo shooting with Gautier my bro, in the Palanges forest.

Gautier Grollemund

A try quite conclusive of a photo with a speed of 30/100sec. with low light condition!!

Don't forget for sure the good french food my home region Aveyron, 2 "farçou" and you're ready again!!

Yep, with buddies we also some shits, like here with Arnaud.
We put tons of paper in Antoine's car for his Bday!!

We're all waiting for spring right now, I miss spring kayaking so much!!!
But we're just at the middle of the winter... Damn!!

DVD in Canoë Kayak Magazine #218

2011-01-06T03:28:00.000-08:00

The new Canoe Kayak Magazine #218 (France) will be available on this Thursday and you'll find in it a DVD "Races 2010", with in bonus the film "Dourbie river" by Stéphane Pion in which one I am!!

Awaiting to watch it in HD on the DVD, check it out:

2011 starts well!!

Happy New Year 2011!!!!

2011-01-03T08:56:00.000-08:00

I wish you to all of you an excellent happy new year 2011!!
All the best to you, your friends and familly, many many perfect moments, travels, and for sure BE HAPPY!!

2010 was a year a bit complicated for me with the fracture of my left collarbone with a 1st surgery at the beginning of March to fix a titanium plate on it, then a 2nd surgery at the beginning od December to pull it out.
But right now all work perfectly and I'll try to not break something else on 2011!!

Things are developing in the good way and 2011 will be for sure really interesting, we're working on some pretty cool projects... More infos soon...

Many thanks all for 2010, I'll see you soon at the top or at the bottom of a river, or around a beer!! ;-)

Val Grollemund on Facebook

2010-12-22T03:21:00.000-08:00

=> Val Grollemund on Facebook <=

Besides this blog, you can right now follow me on a Facebook page!!!
It will be a great way to stay in touch easily, I'll post on it all my news, links, photos, videos, etc.
That doesn't means I'll not update that blog anymore!! ;-)

Don't hesitate to give me your feedback on that page.

Seeya!!

Some good news!!

2010-12-18T12:24:00.000-08:00

Hey, some news of that super lazy December...
The scar advanced quite well even if it seems we pulled the staples out a little bit too early.
Well, I'm back on trainings, slowly but surely!!
And it's so good to be in pain after a training after more than 20 days full off!!

1 week after surgery.

2 weeks after surgery... yeah we pull the staples too early... :-(

3 weeks after surgery... Getting better!!

Little walk with my bro not far of the house.

I enjoyed my free time to coatch the kids at my kayak club in Rodez.

I can't practice but I was able to watch sport!!

Snow downtown Rodez...

1st XC MTBiking session since a month, with the snow...

I was yesterday at the 2010 price giving ceremony of the Sport and Olympic Local Comity where I recieved an awesome price!! ;-)
But it's always good and pleasant to recieve something!!

Well I go back to train!!!

Collarbone fixed!!

2010-12-01T14:40:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, on Tueday, I was at the hospital in Rodez my home city to pull the titanium plate out of my collarbone.
Yep, I had it since I broke my collarbone in 4 pieces on a MTBiking session on Feb.!!

The plate and the screws were beginning to make me lot of pain, especially with frictions!!

A lil cross on my left arm, just in case they forget which side they have to open to pull the plate out...

Classic view in a hospital...

A cross on left and a catheter on right arm...

Buddies Arnaud and Marion came to visit me, thanks!!

The drainer... Not painfull to pull it out, just do it quickly!!

Almost in a good shape... Almost...
About the scar they put 39 staples on!!

The plate and screws I had on my collarbone.

At the moment I stay at home, I've to keep the staples for 8 days then I'll have Steri-Strips for 15 days, that will make a beautiful scar in the future!!
Then I'll have looot physical therapy and all will be fine again!!!
I'm really motivated to be back on track asap, but I've to stay careful and do all step by step and take all the time it needs!!
Well, I'll enjoy the end of the year parties!!

I guess I'll be back in my kayak on mid/end of January...
For sure I'll keep you posted!!

A cold Dourbie please!!

2010-12-01T09:53:00.000-08:00

On Sunday Nov. 21st, I went to the Dourbie river with Pyrenean buddies Fabrice Poueyto, Fred Dumont, Thomas Tabaran and Max Mitaut.
There was a little water level on the Dourbie river but it's still good to paddle there!!
However, it was so cold...

The Dourbie valley with late Autumn colors, I took the same photo on Nov. 1st. at the same place... Check out the difference!!

Oooootch sooooo cold!!

A little boof in the middle of the upper upper Dourbie...

...And biiiiiiiiim, stucked down!!!
At that moment I broke the foot plate in my kayak on that shitty boof... Yep and I didn't had the best line for sure!!
And of course I paddled the last 3 hours without that foot plate!!
It's the game!!

Here the result, it's sooo good the plate broke and not my ankles!!!!!!!
Thanks FLUID kayaks!!

Fabrice "Fafa" Poueyto on the upper upper Dourbie.

Myself still on the upper upper Dourbie.

Fred Dumont and Thomas Tabaran in the eddy.

It was my last decent on 2010 because of my surgery on my collarbone the next week.
Thanks buddies!!!

Shooting of "Runnable" on the Tarn river

2010-11-14T14:19:00.000-08:00

"Runnable" (Coming June 2011) from Gautier Grollemund on Vimeo.

Few days ago my brother Gautier asked me if I could be keen on filming some kayaking sequences for one of his next film "Runnable" he was working on.
For sure I was keen on it!!

So, on November 6th, when there was a good water level on the Tarn river, we drove there to shoot the trailer of "Runnable" on one of the most famous rapid in France, the "Gouffre des Meules" (class V) on one of the most famous river in France the Tarn river.

Gautier driving my car... Please slowly!!

Crazy view on a sea of clouds on the Montmirat!!

I said you there was a great view from the Montmirat!!

Let's go down to the put in!!

"Gouffre des Meules" here I am!!

"Gouffre des Meules" rapid.

Me in the S at the top of the rapid.

Me got the eddy just before the last drop.

Me in the last drop.

Val Grollemund on the Tarn river, France from Val Grollemund on Vimeo.

Here a little desciption of the "Gouffre des Meules" rapid by myself.

Once we finished the shooting, some other paddlers arrived at the rapid and I joined them for the rest of the descent.

The turn of the "Gouffre des Meules" rapid.

The last drop of the "Gouffre des Meules".

Stay tuned for more news of "Runnable"!!

Dourbie river = Paradise

2010-11-14T13:42:00.000-08:00

On Nov. 1st, buddies from the Pyrenees came in the Cévennes and we paddled on the Upper Dourbie river.
We enjoyed a great water level and fall colors and still incredible in the Cévennes!!

Dourbie valley.

Max Mitaut on the upper Dourbie river.

Myself. Photo by Fabrice Poueyto.

Kévin Marcade.

Fabrice Poueyto.

Max Mitaut.

Gael Kernin in the "Bain Douche" rapid.

Myself, yep, when you take photos you're often last one at the top of a rapid!!

Rodolphe Fairier at the entry of "Sanglier" rapid.

Kevin swam between "Sanglier" and "Bazard à Bulle"...

Fabrice "Fafa" Poueyto "Sanglier" rapid.

Me in the "Bazard à Bulle" rapid, photo by Fabrice Poueyto.

The crazy fall colors of Cévennes.

Fafa on the way back.

Inside view of the Dourbie valley.

Once again we had an awesome day on the Dourbie river, and we had at the same time the opportunity to get some perfect moments we're all looking for!!
An invariable quest...

SUP on our home lake

2010-11-14T12:52:00.000-08:00

On saturday 30th, I went with my brother Gautier on one of our home lake Pont de Salars at 15minutes from Rodez.
We enjoyed a sweet Stand Up Paddle session on a super warm and sunny day!!

I guess those photos show up clearly how that afternoon on the lake was good!!

Gautier and myself.

FOR SALE:
BIC SUP 11'4'' + Paddle
Used only 2 times on flat water.
Looks like brand NEW, perfect shape!!
599 euros negotiable. URGENT!!

Contact: valentin.grollemund(at)wanadoo.fr

Photo shooting BICsport: Stand Up Paddle and Canoë-Kayak

2010-11-14T11:47:00.000-08:00

On Oct. wednesday 27th, Marion Pelletier and myself drove really early to Vallon Pont d'Arc in Ardèche to join Paul Villecourt and David Arnaud to make a BICsport promotionnal Stand Up Paddle and Canoe-Kayak photo and video shooting on a full day.

Paul Vilecourt is a famous outdoor sports photographer, and David Arnaud is pro videomaker and also TV/video production manager on the ski and snowboard "Freeride World Tour".

About Marion and I, we were there to smile and paddle on the kayaks and SUPs all day long in beautiful places!! ;-)
There's also Evan, Paul's son, who was there to enjoy a day on the water with us!!

Early morning on the road in Lozère country.

Arrived in Ardèche mountains in the morning.

Ardèche river banks at 9am, beautiful!!

The morning we shot the canoe and the kayak.
Here some photos, you can check out all the gallery on:
http://paul.villecourt.com/photos/lightbox.php?path=galeries/84

Isn't it beautiful!!??

On the afternoon we went to an other spot to shoot the Stand Up Paddle.
Here again some photos and again you can check out all the gallery on:
http://paul.villecourt.com/photos/lightbox.php?path=galeries/83

Many thanks to Paul, David, Evan and of course Marion for that great day on the Ardèche river!!

If you've few minutes, have a look on the websites of Paul Villecourt and David Arnaud.

Agout river event

2010-11-14T09:07:00.000-08:00

Left to right: Thomas Tabaran, Patrick de Saint Ours, Gautier Grollemund, Raph Thiebaut, moi même, Fabrice Poueyto and Bastien Dantin.

As every year the last weekend of october takes place the "Agout river event" in Brassac, near Castres in France. Agout river is an easy class III/IV- river with one class V- rapid where loooot of paddlers have some massive carnages!!

Many kayak clubs and paddlers are coming there to enjoy 2 days on the river in a great atmosphere!!

Mat Coldebella in the Vélodrome rapid.

Gautier Grollemund in the Vélodrome rapid.

Eric Deguil open canoeing the Agout river.

Raph Thiebaut Open Canoeing.

Eric Deguil comes upstream for his 2nd run of the Vélodrome rapid.

Gautier enjoys autumn on the Agout river.

The famous "Escalier de le Peyre" rapid where everybody stop to have a look on some runs and carnages!!

Gautier in the "Escalier de la Peyre" rapid.

Raph Thiebaut in the "Escalier de la Peyre" rapid.

Myself in the "Escalier de la Peyre" rapid.

Raph Thiebaut in the "Escalier de la Peyre" rapid.

Me in the "Escalier de la Peyre" rapid.

Gautier has a look on the "Escalier de la Peyre" rapid.

Raph Thiebaut plays in some little rapids of the Agout river.

Eric Deguil filming on the Agout river bank and booooom, here you've the result:

Once again, the Agout river event was a great show for all of us and there's still that great atmosphere!!!!
See you next year!!

2days self-support on the Dourbie river!!

2010-11-14T07:40:00.000-08:00

Video made by Stephane Pion

On October 12th and 13th, I joined my buddies Raph Thiebaut, Stephane Pion and Valentin Corrotte to paddle the full upper Dourbie river in France on a 2 days self-support trip!!

We load our stuffs in our kayaks for 2 days with sleeping bags, a tarp, warm clothes, tin dish, food, etc...
And here we go for 2 days on the river with our 35kg kayaks!!!

Raph Thiebaut in the 1st gorge.

Raph Thiebaut boofing his heavy kayak in the 1st gorge!!

Val Corrotte in the 1st gorge.

Sometimes heavy kayaks don't help you at all... Ask Stefun!! ;-)

At the end of the afternoon, we found a super campsite for the night, you know the one clean, flat with trees to put the tarp on, with grass and no rock!! hehe!!
Here Raph Thiebaut getting warm around the campfire when the night arrived.
A good dinner, tea and grilled chestnut and we were ready for a good long night!!

Myself.

The exit of the 1st gorge of the 2nd day.

So we paddled the 17km of the upper Dourbie on 9h of kayak on 2 days self-support.
It's a really wonderfull section with great class IV/V+ rapids all along and a really smooth and pleasant kayaking style, and all that in a beautiful valley!!

Many thanks to my kayaking buddies for these 2 awesome days of great kayak!!

DownHill MTB in my home country

2010-11-14T06:51:00.000-08:00

Here some DownHill MTB photos I had the opportunity to take on mid-October when I came back from Germany.
My brother Gautier invited me to join him on a local DH course at 20minutes from Rodez, my hometown.
Was a super fast and clean course with some huge gaps and jumps.
Check out the photos:

The 1st gap.

Gautier thinking about.

Gautier landing a massive "Invert" on one of the jumps.

"Invert"

Gautier in one of the super fast turn!!

Go big!!

The last gap!!

Gautier goes big in the last gap

www.GautierGrollemund.com

Still fun to shoot some DH MTBiking!!
I'll try to take more DH MTB photos in the future!!

Stand Up Paddle - NAISH Glide 14'

2010-10-22T10:49:00.000-07:00

That's it, the Stand Up Paddling adventure starts for me!!
I recieved last week my brand new NAISH Glide 14'.
I tryed it last wednesday on my home lake in Barraqueville, and I've to say that board in a real machine!!!
My dad Jean, took some photos at the same time.

Many thanks to the NAISH France team for their great job and their serious!!
I'll try to be part of some of the NAISH Tour 2011, just to see how I paddle on a race and have fun on the water!!
www.naish.com
www.naishfrance.com

KanuMesse 2010

2010-10-21T08:04:00.000-07:00

On October 5th to 7th I was in Nurnberg, Germany, for the Kanumesse SUPexpo, the international kayak and Stand Up Paddling trade show.
It's the place where all the new products are presented and exposed to the dealers, paddlers and all the paddling sports community.
Where all that little world make some shopping and order the new stuffs for the next year.

David editing a video clip.

At the time I gave a hand to David Arnaud, to shoot 2 videos, in french, for Canoe Kayak Magazine's wedsite.
David did all the blabla and the editing, and I did the whole footage!!
Pretty cool to be part of those 2 videos!!

"The Guidebook of Canoeing in France" by Pau Villecourt. www.villecourt.com
Available right now on the Canotier website:
http://www.canotier.com/langue-fr/canoe/ref_G667.html#refG667

Holger Schroeder, TyWarp paddles boss.

The brand new TyWarp 3.1... More news soon...

Mike Dawson was reprensented Cumec Magazine.

Wendy at the saxophone at the 1st RokXat/Fluid party.

The stand RokXat/Fluid party mode!!

Ready for the big party on wednesday eve'??
DJ: David Arnaud will be in da place!!

Looping Louis, don't need to say what this is playing for!!

DJ David Arnaud

Mariann Saether and me.
You can follow Mariann across these 2 videos realized at the KanuMesse:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYoL8oGUMIA
www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5TiTiF7aAs

Another good party with buddy Jasper Polak!!

Oktober Fest

2010-10-10T14:49:00.000-07:00

After the Extrem Kayak World Championship in Oetz, Austria, David Arnaud and I drove in direction of Nurnberg, Germany, where took place the KanuMesse few days later... But... We made a break in Munich, and we had to visit some friends waiting for us at the Oktober Fest!!! ;-)

Here some photos to let you see how it goes down there!!
You must go there once in your life!!

The first one of the evening around 5.30pm.

All fine!!

Half of the tent...
There'are around 10.000 persons per tent, and there're many tents!!

The kayakers:
David Arnaud, Nich Troutman, Mariann Saether, Jared Meehan, Lukas Kalkbrenner, Jacqueline Horn, Sam Sutton, Katharina Uhl, Jakobus Stenglein, Stefi Horn and Anton Immler

11pm. end of the day at the Oktober Fest, everybody go home!!

It was a great 1st time at the Oktober Fest, AWESOME!!
If you've the opportunity to go there, just go and enjoy!!

Many thanks to Markus Leppaenen who offered us a room in his flat in Munich for the night!!!
Thanks again Markus!!

Adidas Sickline - Extrem Kayak World Championship 2010

2010-10-04T06:22:00.001-07:00

As usual the first weekend of october takes place the Extrem Kayak World Championship in Oetz in the austrian Tirol.
This year I drove with David Arnaud on wednesday afternoon.

A bit tired David

Thursday morning I did my only training on the race course.
I paddled a lot on the qualifs section and just once on the Wellerbruke, the Final race course.

Fabrice Poueyto

Eric Deguil

Myself

Mathieu Dumoulin

Me at the entry of Champion's Killer.

Thursday evening took place the registration, we signed papers, took back the bib and we paid 120euros... Ooootch...

The frenchies

Steve Fisher in front of Jared Meehan's camera.

Friday morning was the qualif day.
Warm Up mendatory for all of us and all ran once.
At the end of the 1st run, the 90 fastest go for a 2nd qualif run.
At the end of the end, the 48 fastest go to the quarter finals in the Wellerbruke section.
I ended 38th of the qualifs and got my ticket for the quarter final.

Me in Champion's Killer at the qualifs.

Eric Deguil at the qualifs.

Saturday morning, here we are for the Day of the Extrem Kayak World Championship.
Mendatory WarmUp for everybody again, it's only my 2nd run of WellerBruke this year...
As you can imagine I've to do it by the feeling!!

For the quarter final and semi final, it's a head to head system.
The 1st of the qualif Vs the 48th, the 2nd Vs the 47th, etc...

Here I go!!

Photo: Michael Neumann
Myself at the start rock ramp.
I competed against Tom from UK, I made a shit at the last drop and he was kick off the race...
Anyway I ended 31st of the World Championship, and I've to say I'm really frustrated of how I paddled during my quarter final run.
I've to manage lot of things to be a better and stronger performer next year and for sure keep that great feeling I've on the water!!

The flat section at the exit of the 1st section.

Beginning of the middle section.

Eric Deguil goes with no problem to the final and ended 7th!!

Fabrice Poueyto at the entry of Champion's Killer.

Photo: Michael Neumann
Fabrice Poueyto in Champion's Killer to ended 14th.

Live on Freecaster.

Sam Sutton 1st, Michele Ramazza 2nd and Lukas Kalkbrenner 3rd.
Congratz boys!!

And OF COURSE, we all ended that event with a great party!! Believe me!!

Photos:
Thomas Tabaran
Jens Klatt and Manu Arnu for Adidas Sickline.

Rodez Aveyron Football

2010-09-13T13:59:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I had the opportunity to shoot a soccer game Rodez Aveyron Football Vs Cazeres.
My brother Gautier was shooting the video for the team.
A first experience of soccer photography, I did some good shots quickly but I've to say it's quite boring to shoot soccer...

Thibault Pierre

Léo Chauchard

Gautier, my bro, at work.

Julian Massol gives a head.

Sofien Amghar

Yohan Delmas #6

Yohan Delmas alone against 2, it goes eaaaasy!!

Many thanks to the RAF team to welcome Gautier and me for that soccer game!!!

My 1st video - Gautier Grollemund 4x MTB

2010-09-08T06:20:00.000-07:00

Gautier Grollemund - 4x MTB training from Val Grollemund on Vimeo.

Last week with my bro Gautier we were in Nuces to have a 4x MTB training, 10minutes from Rodez my homplace.
The good opportunity to make a cardio training on that super flat 4x MTB course where you've always to keep and control your speed.

I made my first footage then my first video editing ever!!
Hope you'll like the video!!

Footage and editing: Valentin Grollemund
Shot with: Nikon D90 + Nikkor 18-200 f/3.5-5.6 et 12-24 f/4.
Edited on: Edius 5
Music: Let it fall - Lykke Li, Youth Novels

Holidays in Rodez, my homeplace

2010-09-07T04:58:00.000-07:00

Yep, after working the whole summer, it was time to enjoy good times with buddies for that end of summer.
So, I'm back home in Rodez for 2 weeks off, just taking it easy and do actually nothing!!
Of course I keep on training to be ready for the Extrem Kayak World Championship, beggining of October in Autria.

Easy, my ass in a home river.

Gautier, my bro, enjoys before go back at school.

Arnaud Tranchard taking air!!

Arnaud, Marion and me in the sunnies.

Eaaaasy times on the beach with Gautier, Ludi, Marion and Arnaud.

Secret swimming spot at only 10minutes from home!!

Sweet evenings with buddies; Nico, my beer and I.

Live concert down town Rodez!! :-D

Just great pleasure to be at home and enjoy sweet times with all my friends!! ;-)

Saint Pierre de Boeuf - summer 2010

2010-09-07T04:20:00.000-07:00

This summer I worked in Saint Pierre de Bœuf, south of Lyon, and here you've some photos to summarize that sweet season!!
All good!!

David Arnaud having a look on my camera in the "wash machine".

David Arnaud in the first wave of the course.

David Arnaud goes for the biggest loop of the summer!!

Low speed photo with David Arnaud in the wave.

SUP session with Mr Kayak Session, Philippe Doux.

Myself SUPing.

Photo shooting by night, photo credit Fred Galot.

Photo shooting by night, photo credit Fred Galot.

Some days off in my grand-parents place in Sainte-Enimie in the Gorges du Tarn.

Sainte-Enimie true heart of the Gorges du Tarn.

"La Joute", sport of tradition in the Rhone valley.
The player in red is Florian, a young gun who goes big as we like!!

Paul Villecourt, Open Canoeing

Myself wakeboarding in the green wave of the course.

Mat Dumoulin wakeboarding.

Well, again a super nice season in Saint Pierre de Bœuf, enjoying great times with all the boys!!!

New partnership - TyWarp

2010-07-19T03:49:00.000-07:00

After 2 years going big with AT paddles, I switch paddles partner to join right now the german company TyWarp.
TyWarp makes paddles for all kayakers and for all kayaking styles, from see kayaking to white water kayaking, from begginers to experts, you'll find the paddle you need!!!

Feel free to visit the website TyWarp.com

photo: Gautier Grollemund
Myself with some of my toys!!

Photo: Alban Gardès - adrenagliss.com
Winner of the Pyrenees Buddies Race the TyWarp "Fire 1.1 ergo", 195cm, 45°!!

If you wanna try TyWarp paddles, I've some test paddles, so feel free to come and try!!!

Many thanks to Holger Schroeder, TyWarp's boss, to propose me that partnership, for his availability and his quickness!!!

Right now, I just have to go kayaking and go biiiiig!!

Adrenagliss Summer Festival 2010

2010-07-17T03:30:00.001-07:00

For the second year, the clothes company ADRENAGLISS, only on internet, made its birthday party on the first weekend of July in Rivières near Albi (France southern center).

The program was simple: water jumping shows with all the Adrenagliss team riders, free activities for all and a massive party with a live concert!!

Adrenagliss team riders had a meeting on friday night... ;-)

Adrenagliss shop

1er test on the MTB ramp.

and 1st Tail-whip on that ramp

Sam Ruel dirt-wind-surfing

Myself at the top of the kayak ramp.

3 jumps on the 3 ramps

Jeremy Lucas skating and Gaél Kernin kayak

Me, lasy-trick

Front flip on the MTB ramp

Simon Belin in a massive SuperMan seat grab

Beach-volley, VIPmodels VS Adrenagliss team riders for the round of beers tonight?!!

Adrenagliss fashion show with VIPmodels

The dirt MTB jump by Riders Inc. from Toulouse.

My bro Gautier was the videomaker for this event.

Seb Bonhomme, wind-surfer on the Adrenagliss team

Buddies and my beer!!

Nothing better that a party with buddies with beers!!!

Alban, Seb, Seb, Adrien, Thibault, Antoine and me.

Jeremy Lucas

Live concert Amoul Solo

Thibault, Adrien, me, Antoine, Gautier, Imanol and Seb

The video of the Adrenagliss Summer Festival, footage and editing by Gautier Grollemund.

Well a pretty nice weekend as we like, all good, good, good and good again!!
Congratz to the Adrenagliss team to organize that great event.
See you next year!! ;-)

More infos on ADRENAGLISS.com

Natural Games 2010 - Millau, France

2010-07-17T01:19:00.000-07:00

Since 3 years in Millau, the last weekend of June takes place the now famous Natural Games!!
That event brings together MTBikers DH and Dirt, kayakers, paragliders and slakliners for 4 days of contest, show and party of course!!!

I was there this year to enjoy the event without competing on the kayak contest.
All good!!!!

Show of acrobatic paragliding.

Sorry for the Red Bull publicity but it's a pretty nice photo!!

3 Adrenagliss team riders, Eric Deguil, me and Simon Belin.

The local Dirt MTBiker Fred Austruy at the Dirt MTB show by night.

The party with some of the best european DJ at the moment!!

Elisa do Brazil mixing on saturday night eve'.

On saturday, Eric and I were competing on the River Trip, a 2seater kayak race of 10km on the Tarn river. The start were at the Natural Games village till the famous "Viaduc de Millau".
We wan ahead a team od raiders and so we wan one kayak each with paddle and PFD!!

For sale: 500 euros for the all, brand NEW!!!!!

Sunday morning, Arnd Schaeftlein lended us his Stand Up Paddle, and I've to be honest, it will be probably my next toy!!!

Eric Deguil

Myslf on a SUP

Sunday, at the kayak course, took also place the boater cross.

Martina Wegman

Eric Deguil ended 2nd at the boater cross final.

Emily Jackson really sexy in that awesome pink underwear for men!! ;-)

Once again, the organizors of the Natural Games made the things in big to offer us aweome days with crazy show and contest of outdoor sports, Natural Games are becoming one of the major outdoor sports and music event in Europe

See you next year!!

Many thanks to Sok and Marina who were in charge of the Canoe Kayak Mag shop, Eric Deguil of course, also Arnd Schaeftlein, barry Schmits and Ella Oesterhold from Teva.