“I’m Yak, and I used to live the dream, and chase rivers all over the world.” – Yak Vandam

After a canyoning accident left guide and expert kayaker Brent ‘Yak’ Vandam a paraplegic, the rivers and sports that once defined his life felt impossibly far away. Six years later, packrafting appeared on his radar—offering a new way to get back on the water, and Yak, once again, was all in.

In the thundering rapids of the Upper Buller Gorge on New Zealand’s South Island, Yak puts himself, and the craft, to the test. More than just a boat, the packraft represents possibility: a versatile tool helping expand who gets to run rivers, and how. For Yak, it’s a way back to the water, and more importantly, a way back to himself.

Don’t miss Riverbound – The storybook has just begun. Now on YouTube. 

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Featuring: Brent ‘Yak’ Vandam, Deane Parker, Tina Grove, Jared Capey, Corine Pontbriand
DOP: Dylan Gerschwitz
Producer: Deane Parker
With thanks to: NRS, Further Faster, Alpacka Raft, Aqua Bound paddles, Lumix NZ, Packrafting Queenstown, Blue Duck Packrafting, Riverside Campground—Murchison.