| Erik "Bonobo" Hurxkens Hi kayakminded-people! 
First i wanna say that i feel honoured to do my article on Soulboater.com (thanx Team SB) Okay, let's tell something about myself. My name is Erik Hurxkens, Bonobo for others (if you really wanna know what bonobo means, look it up in a dictonary or encyclopedia and search for the Bonobo-ape, you'll be surprised), i was born on the 18th December 1975 in the south of the Netherlands. I am just paddling since 1994, but the last two years i paddle almost every week. And that's how i got hooked up with Ies and the rest of Team Fokiwa, cause they are on the water every week somewhere in Europe. With the help of Ies kayaking became to me just that lifestyle that i wanted to live. Going for a day of Park'n Play on the Erft, paddling some steep creeks in Austria or Switzerland, compete in the best European rodeo's, meeting up with friends on the Eiskanal or just party somewhere near a river or playspot. That's what we do and that's what kayaking means to me! That's Team Fokiwa! My favorite boat at the moment is the Pyranha Prozone. My favorite kit i currently own is my Wonderland Carbon helmet. I have a small helmet-disease, that's buying a new one almost every six months. My favorite rivers are the Verzasca and the Sanna and my favorite playspot is the "Isarwelle" in Plattling. And the best rodeo of last year was Lofer to me, not because of my ranking, but because of the Superparty that went on despite the rain. The "Fokiwa Approved Tour 2000" was also a big succes last year, check out the new video oming out real soon on our website www.fokiwa.com 
My future plans will be competing for the Netherlands at the World Freestyle Championships 2001 in Sort, Spain. Also still hopeful waiting for the artificial whitewater-course in Grave, the Netherlands, so that it is possible for us to train a lot in our own country. Of course looking forward to the Fokiwa Tour 2001 and our overseas paddle trip! We keep you in touch of all our paddle trips and competing rodeo's on our website. 
I want to give a big special thankx to Ies(for making this all come true), my girlfriend Kim, all the Fokiwa-members and a big hello to the rest of my friends and family!! See you on the water……… Erik |
