Martin Belden boofing across the finish line.
This year was my fourth Cali Burn Fest. For anyone who has not been to this awesome weekend before, it begins with an informal surf comp. at the beach on Friday at whatever local spot is breaking that afternoon. Then, Saturday morning everyone meets at the Burnt Ranch put-in, hungover, for a head to head race down the first half of the Burnt Ranch Gorge, a beer slalom through Hennessy Falls (a paddler and spectator favorite), and a notorious party Saturday night.
The beer slalom event is loved by all.
When many other regions are feeling whitewater withdrawals as summer ends and fall creeps in, here in Humboldt, we are gearing up for another six months of swollen rivers, manky creeks and solid surf. This festival is a great way to ring in the new season and rendezvous with parted paddling buddies while drunkenly swapping paddling epics and first D wet dreams.
Everyone hanging out at the finish line, Burnt Ranch Falls #2.
With baseline flows out of the upstream dam being navigable, paddlers from all over the west come to this annual fall event to feel the good vibes of cali and enjoy the dependable flows.
Paul and Emily after an epic finish line flip.
Paul helps make this annual event possible as well as all of the regulars that keep returning to this rad homegrown event.
Kobe!...
Rush winning the downriver race.
Orion Meredith styles Hennessy.
