New Activity for Minakami

Minakami has you pretty well covered for all your adventure needs  - rafting, canyoning, bungy jumping, mountain biking, canoeing and paragliding - several weekends of fun in amongst all of those.

This summer there is another activity to add to the portfolio - lake sailing.

Aqua Ventures are running lake sailing trips at the foot of Naramata Dam. Even if you have no previous experience it is very easy to pick up, as the craft have been selected for their ease of use. Up to two people per boat and help is at hand in the shape of a motorized dinghy if you need it.

Stunning scenery all around and a great introduction to sailing if you haven't tried before. If the wind is blowing you can really pick up some speed in these things, and if not a relaxing clip around the lake is a great way to spend some time off.

Beer For Books Event - July 7-8

Here's a win/win opportunity - drink beer and raise money for childhood literacy. What's not to like?

Beer for Books are having an event at Canyons on July 7th/8th. For every beer you put away, money is donated to this great cause. There's a bus trip coming up from Tokyo courtesy of the Nippon Adventurers Club, there's a BBQ by the river, live music and optional rafting/canyoning trips.

We're hoping for loads of support for this Beer for Books event and personally I'm looking to donate the best part of a library on my own!

Maple Course Check

Twin Pack tours kick off next week - two half day tours in one day with lunch back at the base. The guides have been out and about checking that all the courses are in good shape for a busy summer of canyoning. Maple was next on the list - remote, lush and lots of sliders.

It was cool and refreshing up there on a warm summer's day so the guides made sure to check every possible sliding position. Another tough day at work....

Yoga at Canyons

The guides keep pretty fit but the first of the summer yoga workshops had most of them sweating and groaning.

This is a regular workshop so if you fancy a stretch and a great workout July 9th is the date you need to pencil into your diary.

Beach Party was a winner...

Great night had by all. Thanks to all those who came, especially those who came in their beach wear.

This weekend it is Minakami Extreme with a local band rocking out in the bar. Expect lots of thirsty rafting teams slaking their thirst after a competitive day on the river.

Poison Canyon Course Check

No rest for the wicked. After a busy weekend of trips the guides had to head out and check out Poison Canyon in Kusatsu which is just about to open up for the season.

 It's a unique course with hot spring water coming out of the rocks at different parts of the course - one of only two courses in the world that has hot spring water running through it (though we are hard at work looking for other ones.)

Poison is good to go for the 2012 canyoning season and a great day out if you are looking for a challenging, unusual canyon.

BBQ for the Brazilian Beach Party

The meat order has just gone in for the Brazilian Beach Party on Saturday night. Trust me - you definitely want to be there.

Don't forget to dress the part.