Somewhere along this journey, there are moments like this— sitting quietly on the river’s edge, taking it all in… with gratitude for what has been, and a quiet sense that something more is still to come.
We’re now a several chapters into this story. And by 2003, things continue to shift —
as they often do on a river.
This wasn’t Nim’s first time in Europe. He had already been there for the World Championships. But this time… it was different.
There was no pressure to perform.
No expectations.
No representing a country.
Just a paddle.
A plan (more or less).
And time on the river.
The journey began in the UK with Pete.
The year before, Nim had been Pete’s guide in Nepal —
sharing rivers, knowledge, and a way of life.
Now, the roles quietly reversed.
Pete became Nim’s guide in Europe.
Together — along with a few other paddlers —
they set off across the continent.
Loaded into the Peak UK van,
moving from place to place,
paddling rivers, joining festivals,
and camping along the way.
France.
Switzerland.
Austria.
Germany.
Not chasing anything in particular — just following the river.
They paddled classics — the Inn, the Sanna, the Ötztaler Ache — each one different, but all speaking the same language.
And for the first time, it wasn’t about training or competing. It was about the lifestyle.
The freedom of moving from river to river.
The simplicity of it.
The joy.
Of course… it wasn’t all smooth. Some borders welcomed them. Others didn’t.
Plans changed. Routes shifted. A few attempts didn’t go as expected. But that was part of it too.
There were also moments along the way — river festivals, gatherings, competitions like the Freestyle Worlds in Graz and the Plattling Rodeo in Germany.
But even then, the feeling was different. Less about proving something. More about being part of it.
Looking back, this chapter isn’t about results or milestones. It’s about something simpler. A time when paddling was just…paddling.
No pressure.
No expectations.
Just rivers, friendship, and the feeling of being exactly where you’re meant to be.
As with any river…you don’t always know exactly where it’s leading.
But if you stay with the current — it takes you somewhere.
(To be continued…)
