" Hawaii-On-Rhone " 
The session of David Arnaud, freestyle kayaker and Eider’s new technical adviser, on this static wave:
" Hawaii-On-Rhone ", is the nickname given to this spectacular static wave located in Lyon , just 5 minutes from the town centre. It’s a beautiful wall of water that can reach 2.5m in height and attain speeds of up to 2500 m3/second, sending as many tons of water rushing under my kayak! In short, it isn’t for beginners!
David Arnaud
Mika Hyla
The site quickly became an unmissable stop-off on the freestyle kayaking circuit for the French, Europeans and those from further afield (Japanese, Australian, Canadian, American and Russian enthusiasts have already been spotted…) Ordinarily it is in spring that one can make the most of the best conditions, when the melting snow swells the waters of the Rhône.
David Arnaud
David Arnaud
In spring, the temperature doesn’t exceed around 7 to 8 degrees… and we sometimes even paddled under falling snow. But the beginning of this summer, 2007, will go down in history as having provided some exceptionally high water levels during the months of June and July. At least the awful weather will have been a blessing for a few lucky ones! Making the most of a beautifully sunny day, we pulled out our cameras and video cameras to capture such rare conditions under the summer sun!
David Arnaud
David Arnaud
The wave was at its optimal level, but its shape proved very demanding, both physically and technically. As a result, the water was very ‘hard’, meaning that catching an edge can be heavily punished and one is often severely thrown around. That said, it was a pleasure to feel the hull slide along the wave’s face, before being launched into the air! It’s the sort of outing one remembers, all the while waiting for next winter’s offering…"
Text: David Arnaud
David Arnaud is a professional kayaker and film maker. Considered as one of the pioneers of French freestyle kayaking, David quickly made a name for himself within the French national kayaking team, and then by taking out 5 th place in the World Freestyle Kayaking Title in 2001. Since then, he has accumulated several victories and podium places in other extreme competitions. Over the years David has also returned to what he considers to be the soul of kayaking, summed up in one word: freestyle.
David Arnaud has just joined Team Eider, and along with Sylvain Mougin, Yves Masson and Fabien Barel, will be one of the ambassadors of the ‘Hike Tech’ range:
http://www.eider-world.com/us/produits/range.asp?genre=1&activite=outdoor&range=hike+tech
