Yerko Jara
ITA
Yerko “Yako” Jara is one of the strongest and most recognizable faces of Chilean kayaking, having grown up between Neltume and the powerful waters of the Fuy River—a river that is home, gym, and horizon to him. His motto—live and let live—reflects an approach to the river built on respect, balance, and freedom: living intensely, but letting the river remain what it is.
Specializing in slalom and technical lines, Yako chose EXO for the quality of the materials, the hydrodynamics of the designs, and the durability of the boats. But above all, for the way the brand values its athletes: sharing, listening, and a real social media presence that makes you feel part of a family. The Zion Slalom Large is his go-to boat: fast, stable, and comfortable, capable of accompanying him both in play and through Class V rapids. For him, it’s the perfect mix of fun and safety.
The Fuy is the river of his heart: a unique place in the world, with massive rapids, giant waves, and a series of runnable waterfalls ranging from 2 to 30 meters. An endless training ground, accessible all year round with simple logistics. Among his most intense memories is the descent of a portage in the central section of the Fuy: a physical, technical, and mental challenge—a rare experience that only a few have lived. His dream? To complete the descent of Puma Falls, a waterfall of over 30 meters on the Fuy: the last big project missing on his home river.
Your base and your favorite river
Neltume — Fuy River.
Why do you paddle for EXO?
First of all, because I consider the kayak models and the plastic quality to be truly excellent: they have great hydrodynamics, they’re durable, and the outfitting is very comfortable.
Also, there’s great work on social media: EXO shares the audiovisual material that we athletes produce, and initiatives like this questionnaire make me feel truly valued by the brand. I believe there’s no better way to grow than by gathering user feedback to continuously improve every detail.
Your favorite EXO kayak?
Zion Slalom L. It’s an incredible kayak: fast, stable, comfortable. It lets me go to the river to play, but also gives me the confidence to tackle Class V rapids. It’s the perfect mix of fun and safety.
Your favorite river spot ever?
I’m lucky enough to live on one of the most beautiful rivers in the world: the Fuy.
Throughout the year, regardless of the water level, it always offers Class IV and V sections. It has massive rapids with giant waves, and you can find runnable waterfalls of 2, 4, 7, 15, and over 30 meters.
Considering all this, and the easy logistics, I think it’s one of the best rivers in the world.
The best day ever: where the stoke was at 100%?
A few months ago, I ran a portage in the central section of the Fuy.
It tested me physically, technically, and mentally. It’s not a rapid that many have run, but it was a challenge I set for myself years ago. I did it with my Zion Slalom: it wasn’t my best line, but it was an unforgettable experience in a wonderful place.
The feeling of being in a place—or running a rapid—that only a very few people in the world have faced is truly indescribable.
Your dream: which river is at the top of your list?
There are many rivers and rapids I’d like to run, so it’s hard to choose just one.
But I think I’ll stay home: Puma Falls, a waterfall of over 30 meters on the Fuy. It’s the only runnable rapid I haven’t run yet on my river. It’s a project I’m working on and hope to complete in December.
