New Zealand kayaker drowns in Norway

2006-07-10T15:11:07+12:00

On Tuesday 4 July, Sam Rainey drowned on the Sogndals Elva river in Norway. He was in a party of five, and information from his paddling companions is that he was caught in a hole and washed out of the hole without his kayak. Sam was described as uncharacteristically passive, so it is likely that he hit his head while capsized. He was chased through numerous rapids but his companions were unable to rescue him. Sam had been an instructor at the NZ Kayak School and was instrumental in setting up the West Coast White Water Rescue Team. Sam was widely respected in the New Zealand paddling community and his expertise and leadership will be sorely missed. The NZRCA Executive offer their sympathies to Sam’s family and friends.

Safety