Paddle Nepal

07/05/2026

Throwback Thursday…

After weeks of sharing Nim’s story — the competitions, the travels, the years learning and guiding abroad — we finally arrive at the beginning of Paddle Nepal.

A small kayak clinic in Pokhara.
First guests.
First trip.

A leap of faith, built with a small fleet of kayaks, borrowed gear, close friends, and family support.

Looking back now, it’s hard to imagine what that first trip would eventually grow into.

If you’d like to read the full story, we’ve shared it on our website (link in bio).

07/05/2026

Throwback Thursday — and finally, the beginning of Paddle Nepal.

The beginning of Paddle Nepal — Nim’s first trip with his own company, a small kayak clinic with his first guests on the river.

30/04/2026

Throwback Thursday…

Back in Kathmandu after Japan.

A café in Thamel.
Dashain festival.
A simple conversation at table 13.

And just like that… everything changed.

If you’d like to read the full story of how Nim & Kelly first met, we’ve shared it on our website (link in bio).

https://www.paddlenepal.com/category/reflections/

23/04/2026

2004 — Japan 🇯🇵
Beyond the river.

An intense summer of learning.
New systems. New disciplines.
A completely different standard.

More than just guiding—
this was about responsibility.

Over the years, that commitment would grow—
eventually recognized through contributions to river safety and rescue in Japan.

But for Nim, it was never about staying away.

It was always about learning…
and bringing it back home to Nepal.

Full story in bio 👉 https://www.paddlenepal.com/nim-bahadur-magar-japan-beyond-2004/

16/04/2026

2004 — A new chapter.

New country.
New language.
New job.

A lot to figure out.
A lot that didn’t come easy.

But something bigger was already beginning…
even if it wasn’t fully understood yet.

Full story in bio.

09/04/2026

2003 — For the love of the river.

Not every chapter is about competition.
Some are about friendship, freedom,
and simply being on the water.

Sometimes, you pause…
and realize some dreams are already coming true.

Full story in bio 👉https://www.paddlenepal.com/nim-bahadur-magar-kayaking-europe-2003/

09/04/2026

ThrowBack Thursday. New weekly blog post is out...

Follow Nim Bahadur Magar’s 2003 kayaking journey across Europe—paddling for pure joy, friendship, and the freedom of the river.

02/04/2026

Throwback Thursday is back…

(We may have missed last week — Kelly bhauju was busy doing cartwheels and celebrating her birthday 🤸🏽‍♂️🤣🤸🏽‍♂️

We’re now a few chapters into this story — and in 2002 things continue to shift in unexpected ways, much like the river current.

The Nepal Rodeo evolved into the first Peak UK Himalayan Whitewater Challenge.

Four disciplines. One boat.
A whole new challenge.

Nim finished on the podium that year — and came away inspired by what the event could become.

If you’d like to read the full story, it’s up on our website (link in bio).

19/03/2026

One of the most important connections in Paddle Nepal’s story.

Nim first met Peter Astles at the Nepal Rodeo in 2001.

He won that event.

A year later, they met again in France at the Freestyle World Championships and paddled together on the river Isère.

Later that same year, Pete came to Nepal with a group.

Nim was their trip leader — sharing not just rivers, but the places, traditions, and everyday life that shaped him.

What began as a simple connection became something much more.

A friendship.
A shared respect.
A sense of belonging.

It was just the beginning.

Full story now live on the blog. Link in bio.






KayakFamily

Clean, accurate, and still very much in your voice.

13/03/2026

A special moment at the Himalayan Whitewater Challenge.🥇🥇🥇

This year marks the 24th Himalayan Whitewater Challenge, and Team Paddle Nepal returned to the podium — taking 1st place in the raft race.

A total of 11 teams competed, including two teams from India and 3 teams from Israel.

In fact, two Paddle Nepal teams crossed the finish line first and second. But after the mandatory flip drill, the first team lost a paddle and was disqualified — leaving our second team to officially take the win.

It’s been a few years since Paddle Nepal has topped the podium. In recent seasons, Nim has been focusing more on training, education, and helping develop the next generation of river professionals.

So, this win feels extra special — especially in Paddle Nepal’s 20th year.

Nim was there as always, serving as Technical Coordinator of the event — and also coaching the Paddle Nepal teams.

A full-circle moment on the river.

Congratulations to our whole team of strong, fun & passionate young men 🇳🇵

And big shout of thanks and congratulations to all organizers, judges, volunteers and athletes for making another HWWC happen 🙏🏼

12/03/2026

Throwback Thursday

After competing at the World Championships in France, Nim returned home to Nepal.

Soon after, he found himself back on the river for another Himalayan Rodeo.

Another win.
And another boat.

The prize this time was a Perception 3D kayak, presented by kayak designer Sam Benedict, with whitewater pioneers Peter Knowles and David Allardice there to celebrate the moment.

Together with Nim’s earlier Eskimo Kendo, the 3D became part of the small fleet that would eventually help launch Paddle Nepal.

This week’s blog post is live.
👉Link in the bio.