Issue 22 Feb 2015
ThePaddler ThePaddler ezine com ezine com ..
International digital magazine for recreational paddlers
PADDLING the ALEUTIANS DORSET’S Jurassic COAST DENMARK to TURKEY Justine Curgenven
Richard Harpham
Kayak by peddle & sail
RegularPaddler
KayakPaddler
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SUPPaddler
CanoePaddler
Contents
Four-year old Markus ready for his first paddle Photo: Frode Wiggen Editor
Peter Tranter peter@thepaddlerezine.com Tel: (01480) 465081 Mob: 07411 005824 www.thepaddlerezine.com
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Covers Kayak: Joe Morley SUP: Candice Appleby Salty: Sarah Outen by Justine Curgenven Canoe: Inverpolly by Calum Rogerson
Additional contributor credits: Phil Carr, Aidan Egan Tranter, Tez Plavenieks, Lynne Percival, David Bain. Jordy Searle, Tim Burne, Mark Skirrow, Amie Burne, Sarah Outen, Wivian Wiggen, Jim Walsh, Greg Panas, Harry Wiewel, Onit Pro, Mike Leeds Not all contributors are professional writers and photographers, so don’t be put off writing because you have no experience! The Paddler ezine is all about paddler to paddler dialogue: a paddler’s magazine written by paddlers. Next issue is April 2015 with a deadline of submissions on March 20th. Technical Information: Contributions preferably as a Microsoft Word file with 1200-2000 words, emailed to submissions@thepaddler.ezine.com. Images should be hi-resolution and emailed with the Word file or if preferred, a Dropbox folder will be created for you. The Paddler ezine encourages contributions of any nature but reserves the right to edit to the space available. Opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publishing parent company, 2b Graphic Design. The publishing of an advertisement in The Paddler ezine does not necessarily mean that the parent company, 2b Graphic Design, endorse the company, item or service advertised. All material in The Paddler ezine is strictly copyright and all rights are reserved. Reproduction without prior permission from the editor is forbidden.
Issue 22 February 2015
004 The Paddler’s Planet Christian Wagley
006 Eight of the Best
The best paddling films from around the planet
008 Testing, testing
Tons of new kit reviewed and tested
022 Coaching
Planning by Dave Rossetter
025 Photography
Dale Mears - positioning, location & post production
034 Chile
Patagonia’s kayak stewards by Patrick J. Lynch
042 Scotland
Inverpolly by Calum Rogerson
054 Interview
adidas Sickline champ Joe Morley
062 Mexico
A paddler’s wonderland by Rebecca Jones
074 Europe
The Vikings are coming by Chris Paton
084 Europe
Pyranha tour of Europe part two by Matt Cooke
096 South Africa
The Triwaters tour by Franz Fuls and Troy Glover
108 United States
The Aleutian Islands, Alaska by Justine Curgenven
118 Norway
Postcards from Norway by Frode Wiggen
120 England
The Jurassic Coast by Richard Harpham
132 United States
WW SUP skills by Corran Addison
141 Interview
Six-times BOP Champion Candice Appleby
ThePaddler 3
h e ls i vic e o l L o K
Photo: Joan Vienot
ThePaddler 4
The joys of the winter season For more information on how you can participate wherever you may be on the Planet visit www.supradioshow.com/wpftp Stay tuned for my weekly podcast of The Paddler’s Planet with my guest host Christian Wagley on www.supradioshow.com,
By Christian Wagley
It is the height of winter in the northern hemisphere, a time of long cold nights and short days that push us to slow our pace. I find more joy than ever as growing wisdom helps me adjust to and appreciate the subtleties of the season, both on and off the water.
In my yard, I notice the long shadows of winter are cast a bit shorter as we’re now more than a month beyond the solstice and days are getting a bit longer every day. Even “Where we are Standing Up as days lengthen and the sun feels warmer on my face, for the Planet!” the winter garden goes dormant as cool temperatures halt kale and lettuce plants that stand straight but grow no taller. In the kitchen my tastes turn to warm and often hearty fare-root vegetables, soups, beans, and sautéed greens from the garden. North Florida gets cold but not bitter, with a few nights getting down to about -6 degrees Celsius – what we in the US call the low 20s Fahrenheit. I still venture out on the water on some of the fairer days of sun and calm, when temperatures can climb into the low 60s Fahrenheit. I’m rewarded with scenes that only a winter paddle can bring. North winds push water away from the bay shore, exposing mud flats supporting mussels, oysters, and the occasional fossil horse teeth or shards of Native American pottery. The water is clearer, an annual change that happens as cold temperatures kill much of the tiny plankton that often tint the water brown or green. Wintering waterfowl bob on the bay waters, and there is much solitude as the ambitious paddler enjoys open waters while other boaters stay home in wait of warmer days.
There are also lots of foggy days as warm moist air moves over colder near shore waters. It’s an interesting paddle when enveloped in the moist grey that wafts ashore, making for an eerie scene as the fog further quiets the placid winter waters on which I paddle. Despite the layering of protective clothing, the always cool mornings and occasional breeze carries cool and damp air into my core. A protected spot on shore calls me to rest and warm-up. Steam rises as I open a flask of hot tea and another of curried sweet potatoes and lentils—one of my favourites. I savour them anywhere in winter, but especially on the water. The warm meal fills my belly and relaxes me like a child. I ease into the softness of the salt meadow hay for a gentle nap in the sun. The return paddle chills me again but makes the comfort of home more savoury as I return to my warm bungalow soon filled with the smell of baking cornbread. After dinner I relax on the sofa beneath a fleece blanket, a favourite book held close as I squeeze-in next to the warmth and light of the lamp. My eyes grow heavy early on these long nights. It is in appreciating the seasonal changes and living in concert with winter that I thoroughly enjoy it.The way the light projects across the sky, the birds wintering on the bay, the dormancy of the garden, the comfort of warm food…It is the subtleties of the season that make it special.
In Search of the Hidden Glaciers
Erin Bastian Patagonia;, Chile
Fly Air Inflatable XL
Fanatic International Australia
The Mackenzie River
Carlos Rodriguez Canada
Lofer Lettmann Granate L
Philipp Brunner Austria
IDH - Rocking the Ages
Neptunes Rangers United States
The Island of Death
GBPaddling Ireland
Canoeing Cyprus Caves
Hans Roelofs Greece
Canoeing & Wildlife
ThePaddler 6
DonnyOutdoors United Kingdom
Kayaking is fun… Bruce Jolliffe Kayak Coaching Kayaking Catalonia – Spanish Pyrenees In 2015 we will be offering our: Revolutionary Week – for budding freestylers, freeriders and freedom fighters. This week will be focussed on playing, both park and play and downriver fun. (Freestyle 3 Star and possibly 4 Star available on request). 4-11th July. Improvers Evolution Week – for river runners that wish to push their grade in as forgiving a learning environment as is possible. 11-18th July. Learn to Guide Week – for those that wish to grow their river sense and look after others on the water, this includes the BCU WWSR and 4 Star WW Leader course. 18-25th July.
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Testing, Joby Suction Cup and Locking Arm/ GorillaPod Arm http://joby.com By Dale Mears
I have been using Joby’s new Suction Cup since the prototyping stages and the ability to stick onto a kayak with ease is something many people just don’t seem to try. I assume it’s fear of losing their precious camera but things have definitely moved on.The Suction Cup comes separate to the locking arm allowing you to use this with the full range of Joby Action Series products. On top of the Suction Cup is a quarter inch thread to screw in the Locking Arm or any other device. Once tightened this doesn’t budge and holds in place thanks to a small rubber washer supplied on the Locking Arm even when wet this holds in place and allows you to continue shooting.
Joby has been releasing great accessories for action cameras (POV) for many years now. The original GorillaPod being an outstanding product and now available in all sizes, colours and materials to hold whatever you can throw at them or fit in www.nswatersports.com The Suction Cup itself looks like any other however has with your fashion. Easy to carry, intuitive to 01642 520234 use and outstanding performance. So what is a good amount of travel before locking into place, some suction cups are very shallow so you do not get a very Joby’s latest offering and how will it improve good airlock.This allows you to use the Joby Suction your game? Cup on not only flat surfaces but a good range of The Joby Suction Cup and Locking Arm/GorillaPod curvatures (test it first, as this is hard to measure). I have Arm is another suction cup to add to the current used these or seen them used on my Wavesport market. Now I know there are quite a few knocking Recon, Wavesport Mobius, Pyranha Burn, Lettmann about, GoPro produce one, Contour produce one, Granite, and Zet Raptor with ease. My one bit of advice you can also go on eBay and pick one up for a is to keep it to a shiny surface. However, Joby has a reasonably cheap deal, but like those annoying sat range of cool stickers to allow you to expand your nav suction cups they fall off, or simply don’t have the stickability – they really have thought of everything! suction to hold onto most surfaces.
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Low profile foam panels. Slimline front pocket with inner compartment, key ring clip. 3D anti ride-up waistbelt. Easy Glide strap adjustment throughout. Continuous loop failsafe shoulder straps with strap keeper pockets. Reflective detail on shoulders, front and rear panels.
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The Locking Arm features two ball joints and one allows you to pivot through 180 degrees and rotate through 360 so you have full control how you position your camera. I am a Contour user, so for me having the adjustability is great. Both ball joints lock in place The front hugelock andknob is easily accessed via aand easy to thanks to pocket a singleistwist making it quick large adjust.zip. Inside is a useful clip in point, D ring and small mesh panel for keys etc.The zip is easy to spot as it is in My advice for the most secure system is to lock on the Suction a contrasting colour to the rest of the PFD.The pocket Cup first, separate to the locking arm and then screw in and and the foam slab sit low on your body, which again tighten the Locking Arm in place before tweaking your positioning. gives great levels of movement for paddling and dare, I This way your Locking Arm is tight into the Suction Cup. I always say it, makes swimming pretty easy. recommend using a tether with the Suction Cup for extra In addition to the main pocket is aa couple small knife pocket. security, I have knocked mine off of times but only due to This is located above the when main pocket and freestyle runs hitting it with my paddle on a short kayak and of horizontally at the top of thepoles! foamAmazon slab. Thesell pocket course the dreaded slalom someischeap 3M easy to find/access and job. is fastened shut with a presstethers that do a great stud. I have tried a couple of folding knives in this I used these earlier on this summer when filming for Joe Morley who pocket and have found that it works well. was cartwheeling his creek boat with the Suction Cup and it stayed Palm havewith made really good looking and highly on strong noaproblems. functional PFD with the FXr. It has taken the FX, which is a superb PFD to a new level. Palm has a PFD that I think will be a huge success with a wide range of paddlers who will love the fit and comfort of the PFD. Creekers and river runners will like the robust fabrics and addition of the rescue belt. You have therefore a PFD that can be used equally as well in a number of different scenarios. The only negative I have spotted is the odd fact that Palm may have inadvertently created a lower cost PFD that is actually better in many respects that the Amp PFD.
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The Suction Cup is very intuitive, it has a red rubber band around the exterior, which can easily be gripped and twisted to lock the cup. I use these and have had no issues on my kayaks in the wet, or on my car bonnet, windscreen etc in the rain. I shall be taking mine skiing in February to try out on a ski/board too. Oh yeah and I’ve even stuck it onto a storm troopers helmet!
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www.nswatersports.com
View Palm FXr video
9 ThePaddler 11 ThePaddler
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kuk.com
two new pants in the 14.
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in association with
Dagger Roam
www.nswatersports.com
www.nswatersports.com
01642 01642520234 520234
Lowepro Dashpoint AVC cases http://www.lowepro.com By Dale Mears
ultisport Pants are om tough x2.5Dagger have launched the Roam, a cross These purpose built lightweight with reinforcements performance sit-on-top kayak.The Roam composite cases have been places. The flat delivers a package of great designed for use with all action ckcord waist and ro ankle seals manoeuvrability, make solid tracking and cameras. I’ve been using both al not only for stability, combined with predictable the and for a pen boating, but spot between the AVC1 FX and FXr is theAVC2 addition of www.palmequipmenteurope.com ergonomic activities such thoughtfully-designed, as Palm’s rescue belt. Thisnow is the same system used on while and both are By Phil Carr ing, saving you Palm’s entire rescue PFDs and includes a metal Ooutfitting and storage space. handy sizes for storing The FX PFD from Palm Equipment has ace in your luggage! ring for clipping in to. The belt is threaded through been around in one form or another for the fabric ofyour the PFD,gadgetry! which gives the PFD a really “Daggeryears recognizes thatone today’s outdoor Pants are made and has been of Palm’s top sellers nice and clean look. Both the metal O-ring and co-friendly recycled throughout its lifetime. In 2013 Palm took enthusiasts need a boat that broadens the on- rescue belt can ThebeAVC1 is the smaller of the two easily removed. eature an Aquaout the FX and totally overhauled its fit and the the-water possibilities without compromising The FXr likecases holding a single double Aquaout the FX ideal is a slabfor design that is put on material used. etch neo coneperformance,â€? says Jessica Prescott, Dagger’s over the head. The slab and is a much better fit than camera accessories orontwo The new FX has been such a success that it seemed ls. The Semi Pants the previous FX model, as it has been shaped to to make sense to “The move things up a not gear and develop marketing manager. Roam only satisfiescontour withaction cameras. ost scenarios and your torso. A betterThis fit is a case safer fit.lives In a rescue vest using the same platform. Palm have done www.nswatersports.com erfectly Peak’sthis new demand, but offers addition thein lowthe profile design ofmy the car FXr allows for a boat with rounded boot of usually exactly this and have released the FXr in early 2014. 01642 great range of movement. Adjustment to all of the520234 utility for multi-sport athletes.â€? carrying a Joby Suction Cup straps is simple and straightforward. The waist I have used the FX for almost a year for playboat ultisport and Semi coateda with rubber material (3d anti fewa other bits and duties and have used a Palm Extrem River Vest whilst band/belt is and available nowThe and Roam features the new Contour Surround ride up), which helps to keep the PFD in place. out in my creek boat of river runner. The FX is a d ÂŁ115 bobs and a Contour seat system, comfortable, superb designed bit of kit and to I wasbe intrigued to see how the The fabrics used are pretty heavy duty 500D Cordura, camera. The case FXr would and measure up againstThe both the FX and manoeuvrable versatile. Contour the same as used in the more expensive Extrem River Extrem PFDs. features easyused to inopen Vest and match in colouran to those the dry top Surround seat system cradles the body with fore range.The FXr is available ingood Sherbetplastic (a bright orange In many respects the FXr is just the same as the FX. zip with a and aft The seatmajority back ofadjustment, complemented by with contrasting blue zips/stitching) and Aqua (a bright the features have remained the to open easy even if green zips/stitching). Nice little touches same. However, some improvements have been side bolsters that are comfort-inspired from blue with limekeyring stitching and reflective piping really made in a number of key areas. The easiest change to like the contrasting damp or Inside you are white water hip pads. The outfitting features makes the FXr stand out. muddy.
Palm FXr PFD
ergonomic thigh straps, which, when combined with the boat’s leg lifter, allow more connection with the kayak for quick responsiveness. Storage options include two deck hatches, multiple lashing points and a mesh tank well storage bag with a zippered sealed enclosure. The thigh strap can also be attached to the mesh bag, converting it to a courier-style daypack for hiking.
A confidence-inspiring hull design is powered by a mould similar to the popular Axis crossover boat. The boat’s spring-loaded adjustable skeg allows for steady tracking in flat water, and a water-shedding trim boosts buoyancy in whitewater. www.daggereurope.com www.dagger.com
The front pocket is huge and is easily accessed via a large zip. Inside is a useful clip in point, D ring and small mesh panel for keys etc.The zip is easy to spot as it is in a contrasting colour to the rest of the PFD.The pocket and the foam slab sit low on your body, which again gives great levels of movement for paddling and dare, I say it, makes swimming pretty easy. In addition to the main pocket is a small knife pocket. This is located above the main pocket and runs horizontally at the top of the foam slab. The pocket is easy to find/access and is fastened shut with a pressstud. I have tried a couple of folding knives in this pocket and have found that it works well.
Palm have made a really good looking and highly functional PFD with the FXr. It has taken the FX, which
greeted with a slightly padded lined case and a is a superb PFD to a new level. Palm has a PFD that I think willtop be a section huge success with a wide range of simple velcro divider that can be placed to suit. In the who will love the fit and comfort of the PFD. of the case is a drop down divider that features paddlers a velcro flap that secures it Creekers and river runners will like the robust fabrics and prevents it from opening. Inside this flap panel is a removable ofhave therefore a and addition of the rescuepiece belt. You PFD that canloops be usedfor equally as well in a number of lined and padded board with various elastic attachment securing different scenarios. The only negative I have spotted is your bits and bobs, mine generally has relevant cables, attachments the odd fact that Palm mayetc. have inadvertently created a lower cost PFD that is actually better in many
The larger AVC2 case is roughly double the size allowing store much respects that theyou Ampto PFD. more within the case. The AVC features two dividers and a larger top Features include: section so more accessories can be stored such asLowremotes, profile foammounts panels. etc. â—? â—?
Slimline front pocket with inner compartment, key
Both cases come in a navy and black colour scheme and feature a grab loop ring clip. 3D anti ride-up which you can use to attach to a carabiner or backpack with waistbelt. ease. These Easy Glide strap adjustment throughout. cases also easily stow away in a backpack and areContinuous very compact. loop failsafe shoulder straps with â—? â—? â—?
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I find them very useful and a great way to protectReflective my action cam gear.front At and a rear panels. detail on shoulders, low price tag of ÂŁ26 and ÂŁ30 respectively, these are quite affordable. â—?
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Peak UK 2015 Whitewater Jackets
Peak UK have updated their popular Freeride and Combi jackets for 2015. Both jackets are now constructed from Peak’s X2.5 recycled polyester and will be available in brand new colours orange or blue.
www.nswatersports.com
The Titan pump http://redpaddleco.com
The Titan pump (A Red Paddle Co registered design) dramatically reduces the time taken and effort required to inflate your board.The pump mixes double chamber performance and a clever switching system and unique Hi-Flo handle system to achieve the new bench mark in inflatable board pump technology.The Titan is part of Red Paddle Co's commitment to producing inflatable boards that offer an authentic paddling experience. Stiffer boards create a better ride. One of the major contributing factors to board rigidity is the pressure inside the board. www.nswatersports.com
The Freeride is an enduringly popular all round whitewater jacket, featuring double neoprene / latex wrists, double waist and neoprene cone neck with tension strap. Suitable for freestyle, river running and surfing all year round, the Freeride is available in sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, and 01642 XXL, has an RRP of ÂŁ155 and is out now. Red Paddle Co founder John520234 Hibbard explains more, “We’ve pumped up a lot The Combi is one of the most versatile paddling boards since 2008 and we’ve come a jackets around, featuring double neoprene / latex long way since we started! The arm seals with the ability to attach Peak’s Combi current crop of high pressure style Sleeves (sold separately) for a full winter jacket! pumps came from our close Like the Freeride, the Combi also has double partnership with the leading pump waist seals and a supersoft neoprene neck cone manufacturer. They work ok for small, low volume with tension strap and is suitable for all types of boards but we wanted to upgrade and whitewater paddling. The Combi comes in sizes produce a pump that addressed the S, M, L and XL, has an RRP ÂŁ155 and is also in major issues of the inflation process – shops now. time taken and effort required.
“Using a Titan Pump can half the inflation time and, unlike the dual action style of pumps used by many brands, it drastically reduces the amount of effort required to reach the correct pressure. We prefer to spend our time paddling rather than pumping so for us the Titan is a game changer. We can’t wait to share it with everyone. “We always want to offer a hand pumping solution. While electric pumps can be used in some circumstances they are expensive and most can't reach a high enough pressure to give the best paddling performance. You also need a power or recharge source. Not so with the Titan Pump.Take it anywhere!� The Red Paddle Co Titan pump offers turbo like performance with a maximum power output of 62mph! More than double the air speed of standard pumps.
Pump comparison https://vimeo.com/116194023
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MAKING LEARNING EASY Stable and forgiving, the Katana C is the ideal fleet kayak. The gentle rocker, built-in skeg and soft chines inspire confidence, to develop essential skills and make it easy to simply enjoy paddling. Outfitted for quick set-up with proven durable parts.
AC
KATAN
WWW.DAGGEREUROPE.COM
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AVAILABLE IN EUROPE FROM PALM EQUIPMENT
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Neptune 10ft Allrounder
http://www.neptunesups.com By Tez Plavenieks
Here at The Paddler ezine we’re keen to lay our hands on new products – especially ones from fledgling brands such as Neptune SUP.  Their 10ft Allrounder has been getting a bit of attention in the world of social media and we wanted to check out what the fuss was about. Coming in good looking bamboo veneer finish with black wrap around rails and deck, the 10ft is certainly distinctive. Designed for a mix of flat water and small/moderate waves, we were keen to get it wet.
Conclusion
Neptune’s 10ft Allrounder is a stable yet lively platform www.nswatersports.com 01642 520234 capable of cruising around your local spot and checking Jumping on board, the Allrounder offers a stable ride out the coastline. However it really starts to shine once with its full rounded nose rising just above coastal chop the waves turn on.Taking drops with ease, feeling loose and flotsam. In a straight line it was fine at covering from the tail, the 10fter loves a liquid wall and flatters distance, although if this is your thing then check out those with a longboard paddle surf riding style. Good the brand’s Race/Cruiser. for beginner surfers or those looking for a moderate surf wave board. As much as the Neptune 10ft Allrounder is billed as ‘do it all’ we feel it’s actually kick ass as a nose riding You can see a video of the board being tested here longboard style surf SUP. Dropping into waist/shoulder high sets the Allrounder comes off the bottom smoothly and is happy being sent full chat into a crumbling lip.
During testing a number of other riders commented how similar it looked to a traditional longboard surfboard. And we concur – as much as the 10ft Neptune Allround is good on the flat, it’s a real treat once out in some moderate surf. Neptune also offers a Pro version that comes with carbon rails and carbon honeycomb performance fins.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ek9ZJUE_cXw
Price: ÂŁ549.00 (regardless of size) or ÂŁ649.00 for the Pro version (+ÂŁ100 more to include adjustable carbon paddle). Info: info@neptunesups.com
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BOBY FRIESER LIKES IT SPORTY. HERE AT THE DEVILS SLIDE AT THE SORBA RIVER HIS STIKINE BENTSHAFT IS HIS LOYAL COMPANION. LEARN MORE ABOUT BOBY AT SPORTBANDE.DE
Scan QR-code to find your nearest dealer
www.wernerpaddles.com
European Distribution by System X www.systemxeurope.com
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Testing, testin
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kuk.com
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in association with
Sealskinz midlength sock
in association with
www.nswatersports.com
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Palm Gear for 2015
http://www.palmequipmenteurope.com/ Extrem – women’s whitewater PFD
ultisport Pants are For 2015 Palm have re named their flagship women’s PFD and introduced two om tough x2.5 with reinforcements bright new colourways. An updated version of Palm’s Luna, the Women’s Extrem places. The flatI’ve used Sealskinz for some time includes the full set of whitewater safety features, in a foam shape designed to ckcord waist and now whilst walking, biking and provide exceptional fit and comfort for female paddlers. Failsafe shoulder straps ro ankle seals make kayaking either inside my dry suit al not only for are stitched right through to the waistband, creating an integrated harness pen boating, but for added warmth or under my spot between the FX and FXr is the addition of www.palmequipmenteurope.com system, and you’ll a quick release activities such as Palm’s rescuefind belt. This is the same systemsafety used onharness, plenty of pockets for gear, Palm Paw shoes when wanting to By Phil Carr ing, saving you Palm’s entirereflective rescue PFDs detailing. and includesFor a metal Oand high visibility female paddlers who require the best in FXdry PFDand fromwarm. Palm Equipment has feet The keep myThe ace in your luggage! ring for clipping in to. The belt is threaded through whitewater flotation. been around in one form or another for the fabric of the PFD, which gives the PFD a really socks always keeping myone feet Pants are made years and has been of Palm’s top sellers Size: XS/S, XL/XXL; Aqua/Sherbet; Price: £169.95/₏219.95 nice M/L, and clean look. BothColour: the metal O-ring and co-friendly recycled throughout its lifetime. In 2013 Palm took super dry and cosy. I recently rescue belt can be easily removed. eature an Aquaout the FX and totally overhauled its fit and the receivedmaterial a few used. new pairs in double Aquaout The FXr like the FX is a slab design that is put on etch neo conemedium and thick mid length over the head. The slab is a much better fit than on The front pocket is huge and is easily accessed via a The new FX has been such a success that it seemed ls. The Semi Pants Palm’s mid-range whitewater jacket, Surge, has been re-launched for 2015, the previous FX model, as it has been shaped to largethe zip. Inside is a useful clip in point, D ring and small sock from the new range. Is there to make sense to move things up a gear and develop ost scenarios and contour with your torso. A better fit is a safer fit. In mesh panel for keys etc. The zip is easy to spot as it is in with new colours and bright contrast detailing. Palm’s do it all whitewater a rescue vest using the same platform. Palm have done www.nswatersports.com erfectly Peak’sany new difference? addition the low profile design of the FXr allows for a contrasting colour to the rest of the PFD.The pocket exactly this and have released the FXr in early 2014. workhorse made from breathable 2.5-layer fabric, it features latex neck 01642 520234 great range of movement. Adjustment to all of the and the foam slab sit low on your body, which again Yes, the new socks have been straps is simple and straightforward. The and waist wrist seals to keep thegives I have used the FX for almost a year for playboat cold stuff firmly on the outside. After great levels of movement for paddling and dare, I ultisport and Semi duties for and have used a fit Palm Extrem River Vest whilst band/belt is coated with a rubber material (3d anti it, makes swimming pretty easy. a better for available nowredesigned and extensive fabric testing andsayrefinement of its construction and taping ride up), which helps to keep the PFD in place. out in my creek boat of river runner. The FX is a d £115 your feet, noticeably the to see how the In more addition reliable, to the mainand pocket is a smallworking. knife pocket. superb bit of kit andaround I was intrigued process, the Surge is back; harder The fabrics used are pretty heavy duty 500D Cordura, This is located above the main pocket and runs would measure up new against both the FX and toe areaFXrand also sport Size: Red/Blue; Price: £169.95/₏219.95 the same as used in the more expensive Extrem River S - XXL; Colour:horizontally at the top of the foam slab. The pocket is Extrem PFDs. Vest and match in colour to those used in the dry top styling, new colours and more easy to find/access and is fastened shut with a pressrange.The FXr is available in Sherbet (a bright orange In many respects the FXr is just the same as the FX. stud. I have tried a couple of folding knives in this branding. I personally think this is with contrasting blue zips/stitching) and Aqua (a bright The majority of the features have remained the pocket and have found that it works well. what the socks were missing. blue with lime green zips/stitching). Nice little touches same. However, some improvements have been The Zenith is Palm’s do it all three season whitewater jacket. Palm have made a really good looking and highly made in a number of key areas. The easiest change to like the contrasting stitching and reflective piping really functional a PFD with the FXr. It has taken the FX, which Available in a male or female versions, it features GlideSkin makes the FXr stand out. With regard to quality I have not is a superb PFD to a new level. Palm has a PFD that I neck seal for comfort, with latex wrist seals, and bright, contrast think colour noticed any difference. They still will be a huge success with a wide range of detailing. The Zenith is made from Palm’s XP 2.5-layer fabric, andpaddlers features who a will love the fit and comfort of the PFD. hold the water off and offer Creekers and river runners will like the robust fabrics new neck seal construction for improved longevity. Whether you’re incredible warmth – I describe and addition of the rescue belt. You have therefore a paddling rivers, playboating, or surfing, the Zenith is the perfect one them as my own little PFD that can be used equally as well in a number of different scenarios. The only negative I have spotted is jacket to keep you on the water from spring to autumn. microclimate! I truly love these the odd fact that Palm may have inadvertently created Size: S - XXL, WS - WXL; Colour: Men’s: Sherbet/Green, socks and due to the current a lower cost PFD that is actually better in many respects that the Amp PFD. Women’s: Plum; Price: £149.95/₏199.95 winter weather have been
Palm FXr PFD
Surge – whitewater jacket
Zenith – whitewater jacket
wearing them not only under walking boots and for paddling but inside my trainers for day to day warmth.
Bora – touring Jacket
Features include: â—?
Low profile foam panels.
Slimline front pocket with inner compartment, key New for 2015, the Bora is the premium touring jacket from ring clip. Palm. Constructed in lightweight, durable 3-layer ripstop 3D anti ride-up waistbelt. Glide strap adjustment throughout. fabric for warmth and comfort, the Bora isEasy loaded with features to keep you warm Continuous loop failsafe shoulder straps with and safe in foul conditions. strap keeper pockets. â—?
â—? â—?
If you’re wanting a good waterproof sock constructed from merino wool, waterproof, comfortable, warm and stylish then look no further than Sealskinz, especially if you participate in a wide range of outdoor activities. Dale Mears
â—?
â—?
Reflective detail on shoulders, front and rear panels.
Inner and outer zipped neck closures, with a fleece lined ventilated collar and volume adjustable hood allow you to configure the Bora for a variety of conditions. Asymmetric cuffs keep wind off the back of your hands, and you’ll find a fleece lined handwarmer pouch for hunkering down against the wind. The Bora is available in both male and female versions, in three bright, safety conscious colours. Size: Men’s S-XXL, Womens S-XL; Colour: Mens: Red / Yellow, Women’s: Aqua; Price: £249.95/₏329.95
Vantage – touring jacket
Palm’s versatile Vantage touring jacket is available in three new colours for 2015. At home on the water or on land, the Vantage is a pullover jacket constructed in Palm’s unrestrictive 3D cut. Featuring a fleece lined handwarmer pocket, zipped storage pocket, long asymmetric zip for ventilation, it will even pack down into its own hood for easy storage. Keep wind and spray off whilst paddling, wear it on your bike, to the pub at the end of the day, or pack it as a back up on your summer paddling trips. Available in Yellow , Green, or Purple, with contrast zips and detailing. Size: Men’s S-XXL, Womens S-XL; Colour: Mens: Green / Yellow; Women’s: Purple; Price: £99.95/₏129.95
Vi
Great Barford
Canoe & kayak hire Stand up paddle board safari
Bromham
Wild campsite located next to river Tuition, guided tours & multi day trips Canoe & kayak sales Group deals, kids parties & corporate days
The Embankment
Activity vouchers, bushcraft & adventure activities Other locations including the River Thames, River Ivel & River Wye
Bedfordshire Canoe Trails
Call Ashley on 07960 087235 or Richard on 07710 616520 Proathlete ltd trading as Canoe Trail
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Confluence Outdoor Acquires Boardworks Confluence Outdoor has announced that it has acquired Boardworks, a premier surf and stand up paddle board company based in Carlsbad, California. Boardworks’ product line includes stand up paddle boards, surf boards, paddles, and accessories under the Boardworks brand name as well as Infinity, Badfish, Morrelli and Melvin, Hynson, Strive, and Hansen. “We have been carefully and patiently watching the SUP market since it emerged as a growth category in our industry several years ago,� said Sue Rechner, President and CEO of Confluence Outdoor. “We knew SUP would be an integral part of our strategic plan, and we have enjoyed watching the success of Boardworks as we worked towards entering this category. Boardworks has established itself as a true leader and innovator and we are excited to welcome them into the Confluence family of brands. We know this new partnership will provide an even more well-rounded set of offerings to our consumers and will enhance our ability to foster passion and enthusiasm for outdoor adventure.�
in association with
http://www.katadyn.com
These filters simply use the power of gravity to filter water and therefore require no pump action or battery power. This makes them particularly suitable for use around camp, where the filter will continue to work without any interaction from the user, freeing up time to set up tents/cook etc. The filtration systems are built around Katadyn’s new Ultra Flow Filter, which is a pleated glass fibre filter with a pore size of 0.2 microns that meets the industry standards for reduction of bacteria and www.nswatersports.com protozoan cysts. It is extremely lightweight and its 01642 520234 pleated nature means that it has a huge surface area for water to filter through. This vastly benefits the flow rate of the system and allows the Ultra Flow cartridge to filter water up to 2L / min – the fastest filtration rate of its kind. Glass fibre depth filters like this, in comparison to hollow fibre filters, are less prone to clogging which omits the need for back flushing. They are also much more frost resistant, making them suitable for use in all conditions. The cartridge has a capacity of around 1,500 litres but this will depend largely on the water quality used. It is therefore worth always choosing the cleanest possible water source available. To get the most from the cartridge, Katadyn have implemented a few design features, which essentially act as pre-filters: firstly, the cartridge sits slightly above the base of the bag over a small recess called the sediment trap. In use, gravity will pull larger particles past the filter element towards this recess, preventing the sediment from entering the filter cartridge even when all the water inside the bag has been filtered. It is also supplied with a cleanable protective screen which wraps around the cartridge. This traps the majority of any remaining suspended
matter before it enters the filter. If the output rate slows, the protective screen can be cleaned using the provided sponge. The reservoir consists of a rolltop drybag with welded seams and a water level indicator window. The outlet cap features a Quick Disconnect system which is self-sealing – until the outlet hose is connected, there will be no throughflow of water. To fill up the bag, you can either use a separate container where available or the bag itself, taking care not to let contaminated water get in contact with the outlet connection or end of outlet hose. Roll down the rolltop closure at least three times and clip the buckles together. This can then be used to suspend the system. To start and stop the flow of water, simply open or close the pinch valve. If you have a compatible hydration bladder (e.g. camelback), you can connect it directly to the outlet hose. As with all portable Katadyn water filtration systems, the Gravity Camp and Base Camp Pro are supplied with an outlet hose bag, to prevent any cross contamination in transit. When not in use, the entire system packs away into the black carry bag to aid transportation. The range will consist of two products: the Gravity Camp 6L filter and the Base Camp Pro 10L filter. The base camp pro features D-rings and a shoulder strap to aid suspension or transport – its larger capacity makes it ideal for group use when you don’t want to carry in lots of drinking water.
http://youtu.be/weMQbJMVKIo
g
www.nswatersports.com
01642 01642520234 520234
Katadyn Gravity Camp 6L
Boardworks' operations will continue business as usual at their Carlsbad campus.The management teams from both Boardworks and Confluence will work closely together on a plan to determine the best ways to optimize the strengths of each organization to achieve future goals. For more information visit www.confluenceoutdoor.com or www.boardworkssup.com
www.nswatersports.com
When the filtration systems are not being used to filter water, they can be easily converted into a solar shower using the optional shower adaptor. Simply fill with water and let the power of the sun do its job.
Price: ÂŁ90 for the Gravity Camp (6L) or ÂŁ100 for Basecamp Pro (10L). Replacement filter cartridge: ÂŁ45 Shower adapter: ÂŁ10. For stockists: www.lyon.co.uk/outdoor/all-stockists/katadyn
in association with
in association with
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Yak Riwaka dry top Chinook Dry Trousers Hallertau PFD http://www.crewsaver.co.uk/YAK Phil Carr on Unsponsored
Yak are the paddling side of the Crewsaver company. In the past Yak have catered for the middle to lower end of the market with some fantastic kit for centre and club use. Although functional and hardwearing they didn’t have the same appeal as some of the more well known brands. Over the last few months I have been testing a few pieces of Yak gear including the Riwaka dry top, Chinook dry trousers and Hallertau PFD. Yak Riwaka dry top The Yak Riwaka in a very loud green has arrived at Unsponsored HQ. Now this is the third bit of gear from Yak that has landed here at the HQ in as many weeks and once again Yak have made a really good impression (I need to find out who is designing this stuff) – here’s why.
The top comes with both latex neck and wrist seals with additional adjustable wrist seals and a neoprene neck seal. The neck seal is pretty damn good. It’s formed by a cone and then joined to an additional band of neoprene at the top. The seal on my 15.5� neck is snug but comfortable and creates a really good seal. It’s a small design feature that I really like. The waist has the usual Velcro adjustment and deep inner tunnel. Matching it up with a spray deck is very straight forward and initial impressions of the seal created is good. The Riwaka has a couple of small pockets, one on the chest and another on the arm. Useful for storage gear that is OK to get wet. My car keys in an Aloksak dry pouch fitted nicely inside each of the pockets. So initial impressions are very good. The fit and feel of the dry top really puts it up there with some of the best offerings out there. A couple of nice little touches help it stand out. www.nswatersports.com
The Riwaka is a fully featured dry top that appears to be made out of a fabric that should stand the test of time. It feels After a few months of very regular use the Riwaka is 01642 520234 tough without being too rigid. The cut still as bright as ever and still performing well. Even has been designed for paddling after a couple of nasty portages late last year, the and has clearly been tailored well. fabric is still holding up really well and the DWR I have the large size and it fits me treatment is still in place. without any form of restriction or discomfort whilst at the Yak Chinook Dry Trousers same time it doesn’t have an The Chinooks come in a very subtle yet practical grey excess amount of material colour. – this is the only colour option. Both the outer flapping around. waist and outer ankle seals have Velcro adjustment. Darts in the rear of the jacket whilst the Knees and bum allow greater freedom of are re-enforced with a movement.They also hide some 500d Cordura type reflective detailing. I am sure that it material. has some performance advantage The inner waist band is but I would prefer them not to be taller than the outer and included within the design. includes a deep elastic The fabric is both waterproof and section with a series of breathable as you would expect in silicon rubber strips, that a dry top that has a RRP of £200 should help keep (can be found for less online). everything in place. This There has been some careful twin waist arrangement consideration given to how the should allow the Chinook jacket is pieced together and pants to be paired with any where/how the separate elements twin waist dry top to come together. The taping within the create a pretty good two jacket looks good and has been well piece system. I have used executed. the Chinooks with Yak’s Now the colour won’t be everyone’s cup Riwaka and Sweet’s of tea but I do really like it. I have several bits Supernova dry tops of gear in GREEN but this has to be one of without out any issue. In the brightest.The contrasting blue logos and fact the seal between tops detail works well and matches the new Yak PFD and the Chinooks was very perfectly (as you would expect). impressive even whilst swimming.
g
testin
www.nswatersports.com
www.nswatersports.com
01642 01642520234 520234
The double fabric knees even have built in drain holes as does the reenforced seat area – a great idea that has been well executed without compromising comfort by using a grommet/metal drain hole. There is no chance of these grommets being ripped out.
ThePaddle r ez ine te
Just like the Riwaka dry top the quality of the taping within the Chinooks is very impressive. Underneath you can make out that all joints have been double stitched before being taped over.
If you want yo tion. u r sta pr st
Throughout the winter, the Chinooks have been used extensively and have mainly been paired with the Riwaka dry top. Again the performance of the Chinooks as been impressive. The taping remains in place and the additional layers of tough fabric has allowed the Chinooks to stand up to some serious abuse.
cold hands. Palm have made a really good looking and highly functional PFD withthere the FXr. It has taken theThe FX,Hallertau which isn’t short of First and foremost is loads of storage. ispockets a superb PFD to aYak new PFD that I card cut outs at all. In fact haslevel. gonePalm as farhas as aincluding little think willwhat be a accessories huge success withbea stored wide range of of the areas. This showing could in each paddlers love with the fit and comfort of thepocket PFD. with lanyard. includes awho knifewill pocket lanyard and a whistle Creekers and river runners will like the robust fabrics The addition QR rescue harness is the same thetherefore ones found and of the rescue belt. You as have a on most other rescue PFDs and includes a steel ring for clipping into. PFD that can be used equally as well in a number of The strap along with mostscenarios. other PFDs almost completely within different Theisonly negative I havehidden spotted is the fabric and creates a nice clean look to the PFD and minimises the the odd fact that Palm may have inadvertently createdchances of a strap whilst or off the water. other straps have slots in asnagging lower cost PFD that on is actually better in All many which the loose ends can be stored, thus once again reducing the chances respects that the Amp PFD. of snagging.
Features The PFD has a include: great deal of adjustment and getting a secure fit is super
foam easy.Low Theprofile Hallertau sitspanels. nice and low and has an incredibly low profile. Slimline front pocket compartment, key is very easy Paddlingwith and inner swimming in the Hallertau ring clip. with no adverse signs of movement and certainly no â—? 3D anti ride-up waistbelt. hint of the PFD riding up. â—? Easy Glide strap adjustment throughout. One superb little feature is the shoulder padding. It â—? Continuous loop failsafe shoulder straps with works really well and has just enough padding to take strap keeper pockets. away some of the discomfort suffered during long â—? Reflective detail on shoulders, front and rear panels. portages with a kayak on your shoulder. â—? â—?
dle rs - e mail us: r eviews@t hepad dler ezin e
Conclusion
m .co
In addition to the main pocket is a small knife Thepocket. Hallertau has a large zip This is located above the main pocket andon runs the front and is put on horizontally at the top of the foam slab. The pocket much like isa coat. This means easy to find/access and is fastened shut with a pressthat it is easy to get on even over bulky dry suit zips. The zip seems solid stud. I have couple ofis folding this plastic press-stud. It and the toptried of thea opening securedknives with ainsmall pocket and have found that it works well. works well but can sometimes be a little fiddly to snap into place with
est pad to
The Hallertau is a top spec river running PFD with a quick release harness and all the The front pocket is huge and is easily accessed via aoptions you could storage large zip. Inside is a useful clip in point, D ring andwant. smallIf I were to draw ever mesh panel for keys etc.The zip is easy to spot it is in list of all the up aasshopping a contrasting colour to the rest of the PFD.The pocket features that a rescue PFD and the foam slab sit low on your body, which againhave – then the should gives great levels of movement for paddlingHallertau and dare,would I have it say it, makes swimming pretty easy. covered.
ter of in
Yak Hallertau PFD
e will b nd it ed a view t re uc od
If I had the chance to improve the Chinooks in anyway I would increase the height of the inner part of the twin waist and even include some sort of bib/straps. This in addition to a pee zip would take the Chinooks up into a completely different league.
Having been familiar with older Yak designs I was expecting gear that was functional at a very basic level, i.e. the gear would do its job well enough but would not compete with the big names in the market place. However I have been blown away by the style, fit and function of all the new Yak gear that I have tried to date. Aside from a few minor niggles the Riwaka dry top, Chinook dry trousers and Hallertau PFD are all well worth checking out.
View Palm FXr video
21 ThePaddler 11 ThePaddler
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By Dave Rossetter –paddlesport instruct How big is your ‘recipe’ book? I have been coaching, running coach education courses, running leadership training and mentoring other coaches/ leaders for a long time. As the saying goes, “Everyday is a school day” and this past year has certainly been true of that for me.
I am currently studying for the British Canoeing Level 4 award. This is for a Postgraduate Diploma in Performance Coaching (Paddlesport) through the University of Stirling. For those that don’t know me, this is a big thing to enter the world of education after coming out of school to kick a football around. This didn’t happen for me so the world of skiing and paddling came instead.
I enjoy the variety of environments, the challenges that need to be overcome, the stories to be told and the sense of freedom that travelling through the stunning environments. We will come back to this!
Having been exposed to great coaching (and not so great coaching) over the years I have a fair handle on what the attributes of a good coach should be.
One thing that I was always impressed with is that they always seemed to have plenty of tasks and activities for everyone. It didn’t seem to matter at what level the skills were getting worked on or the ability of the student the coach always had something for them to do. This is something that keeps the sessions happening and learning continuing.
Planning – building y
ctor at Glenmore Lodge Planning The more experienced the coach the more I started to see good flow in the session and very intuitive decisions being made. As I assess coaches at all levels this flow is something that I look for but how do you train it?
Some of the answer goes back to the variety of experiences that we have as a performer. We have solved problems ourselves and therefore we as coaches are keen to prevent others having the same problems. This problem solving approach is one that is great for the challenges that we have in our boating. It aids the students in understanding the context and the reason why a lot of paddlers come and get some coaching. They are looking too short-cut the problems and get someone to aid them who have already solved them.
This ‘recipe’ approach is one that the sports coaching educationalists mention at length in a variety of sources. These ‘recipes’ use existing knowledge that may come from a variety of places.
your ‘recipe’ book!
On coach education courses we often help the new coaches with how to deliver sessions so give them our ‘recipes’. This gets the new coach up and running and gives them a framework to work from. The ‘recipe’ can also come from the coach’s own experiences. Sessions that they have delivered in past that were previously successful. It can also be templates they have seen in books or videos.
These ‘recipes’ are to be encouraged and are a great way to get up and running. However, the challenge within running based on a ‘recipe’ is do you have you the right ingredients for the paddlers in front of you. As coaches we need to ensure that we have the correct ingredients to form the ‘recipe’.
Intake
Who are you coaching and what are their wants but particularly what are their needs?
With the experiences that I have as a paddler and that I do a lot of coaching over many years, I have many of these ‘recipes’ to choose from. However, I still lose sleep at night working out what to coach and how I am going to deliver to these wants and needs.
By ensuring that I work with the paddlers, that I help them to achieve their goals and aspirations, aids in getting the correct solution for the challenges in their boating. By putting the individual paddler at the heart of the coaching challenges our ‘recipes’.
One size doesn’t fit at all. Some get what they need but others don’t. As coaches we can fall short of meeting the paddlers wants and needs. Also like earlier where the great coaches always had the next task/activity if working to just a ‘recipe’ we can run out of the ingredients and therefore now what?
This falling short or what next can leave the paddlers that come for coaching feeling frustrated and not engaged.
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Summary Options
In my own coaching when working on new courses, courses that I haven’t delivered for a while or having a new challenge to solve then I need to put a bit more into the planning.
There is the real formal approach where using a proforma session plan can aid the coach. This helps with thinking through variety of strategies such as timing, where, types of practice, delivery strategy and space for our notes. By having this written down aids the coach. The saying ‘ink it don’t think it’ comes to mind here. This can be a lot to hold in the head.
By spending time before the activity reflecting on existing ‘recipes’, looking at the ways to deal with the challenge, writing down our thoughts it aids focus and forces the coach to have a ‘plan’. Even if we don’t follow the plan we have thought through our options.We have options – plan ‘B’ / ‘C’ / ‘D’ and so on. We have thought about our questions and what we are asking them for.
Coaching is a messy unpredictable beast. It is ever changing and the challenges keep on coming. Be they because the manufacturers keep changing the boat design, harder pieces of water are looking to be paddled, our understanding of the sport is ever increasing and as paddlers come to us looking for different challenges / problems to be solved. We, as coaches, need to adapt and overcome. We shouldn’t forget the ‘recipes’ of old but we should be using them to help us create new and exciting programs / solutions for those that we coach. So my question for you coaches out there is, “How big is your ‘recipe’ book?” Happy Paddling and hope to see you on the water.
By having adopting this planning approach it can aid in getting a good night’s sleep knowing that I can at least get up and running with the session. Sometimes for the more challenging courses or new courses these plans can be a big mind map.
Being able to write it down and read it helps with my thoughts and ensures that I follow the great coaches that I have witnessed and have enough tasks / activities for the paddlers that I coach.
One of the challenges to the formal approach can be the sticking to rigid plans. Not allowing our natural decisions making instincts to kick in can lead to the same frustrations as the ‘recipe’ approach.
To help me overcome this and something that you see a lot of the great coaches do is to write down in bullet point format the top line information. Taking these bullet points out onto the water with me gives me the starter of the ‘recipe’. If I am stuck or unsure of where next I have my plan to go back too.
Keeping the ‘recipe’/‘ingredient’ analogy going.When you watch the cooking shows we see the chef start of with a recipe.They get the ingredients out. Missing ingredient or different taste requirements no problem we see them adapt to meet the specific need at that time. So it is with coaching. We have the existing knowledge / plan and recipe in mind. We write it down and check it over. Meet the paddlers and adapt as required.
This more formal approach or writing them down in what ever format builds on our existing experience. It starts the process over as we have added to our ‘recipe’ book.
Dave Rossetter Dave is the full time paddlesport instructor at Glenmore Lodge – Scotland’s National Outdoor Training Centre. He has been involved in the development of the new awards and provides expert advice throughout the industry on all things to do with coaching, safety, leadership and personal paddling. He is passionate about all things paddling and specialises in white water kayak and open canoe where he will most often be found. He is supported in his paddling adventures and coaching by Pyranha Kayaks, Mad River Canoes and Palm Equipment. http://www.glenmorelodge.org.uk/ http://www.pyranha.com/ http://www.palmequipmenteurope.com/ http://www.madrivercanoe.co.uk/
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location and p So you're heading out with your camera, you have got your gear and have an idea what settings you're going to try out on location. Great! However have you thought about where you are going to locate yourself? When I talk about location I am referring to you and your camera, where do you need to be? What is safe and what will get you good results? Hopefully I can shed some light on the situation for you.
By Dale Mears
postproduction ThePaddler 27
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The first bit of advice I have for every photographer, you've made your purchase and are in love with your gadgetry,
so get it insured.
Most decent photography insurers will insure your camera, lenses, flash guns etc for a reasonable price depending on the value of your kit. Why is this so important? Well, if you are like me and every other water sports photographer and you’re constantly around water, we always want to get closer to the action and suddenly: splash – you’re in the drink! I always said this wouldn't happen to me but working at Holme Pierrepont Whitewater Sports Centre in Nottingham every weekend for three years, it was inevitable it was going to happen at some time. I went in with a Canon 7D and a L series 28-300mm lens (sorry Dave at Rapid Focus). Luckily the gear was insured. I have many friends who have lost cameras in the Nile and other locations so you are better safe than sorry. My advice is to look for an insurer that definitely covers water damage and replaces new for old.
Now the sensible bit is out the way, it’s time to have fun. Obviously if you are heading to a white water course check that you don’t break any of their rules before getting started. Most will insist on where you can and can’t stand and some (most) insist on use of a buoyancy aid or vest of some description. If you’re hitting the riverbank I guess you have to make a decision based on where you are stood. I always carry a buoyancy aid in my boot just in case. In my last article I mentioned getting up close and personal to the action and shooting with a nice wide lens – this is still one of my preferred options when trying to capture freestyle action. It relies on you being able to get right out to the edge of the water and securing a good footing. In this location I often like to get down low and lie on the bank sometimes hanging my camera over the edge to get even closer. From there it’s hard to see what your camera is taking, so shoot nice and wide and time your shots (always worth a few test shots to ensure your settings are correct). If you are close to the water’s edge, try and find something to anchor to or hook your foot around. If you are really concerned then maybe secure yourself with a sling on your buoyancy aid – I find a decent hand or shoulder strap helps too. I use a Joby UltraFit hand strap as I prefer this to a shoulder strap but used to wrap a strap around my wrist a few times to secure my camera. Now this is a great technique for certain shots but what happens if that’s not the shot you want?
it’s hard to see what your camera is taking, so shoot nice and wide and
time your shots
Always look to alter your location, can you get a better vantage point, other photographers are always looking for new shots something to make them stand out, so do the same. Is there a fence you can climb? Can you get a higher vantage point? I like to mix up my location during a shoot and hills provide a great shot looking down on the action – a mix between taking photos from an upstream position and downstream position can give you very different viewpoints on the action. Try to avoid shooting into the sun as your camera will struggle to calculate the correct exposure often resulting in poor images. Have you tried both banks if possible? If looking over a big drop or waterfall have you tried taking shots from above? Below? Midway down the drop? Further down stream looking up? The key is to mix up what you are doing and always keep looking for a new location. Take inspiration from other sports photography. Ski and boarding photography is superb, so do some research and see what maybe hasn’t made it over to the paddle sports world yet.
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Post processing Post processing can often be seen by purists as cheating. Is it cheating or is it taking on board the advantages of modern technology? I think there are many small changes you can make to your photos to really make them stand out. Here are a few basics tweaks that will quickly enhance some of your shots. I use Adobe Lightroom, I find it the best suite for editing photos along with Adobe Photoshop, however, most software will also complete a most of these of these post processing tweaks.
BEFORE SHADOWS AND VIBRANCE
Exposure
Let’s face it, sometimes you copy your photos on to your computer screen and they don’t look as incredible as you first thought. Most of the time the image may be under or over exposed (too dark or too light) and most software will have a slider that you can alter the exposure to compensate either way. This can often bring back some of the image that you thought had been lost.
Highlights/shadows
As most of the time your camera is trying to meter a scene and make adjustments sometimes you will lose a lot of detail. Around kayaking often you lose the detail in the water with a quick adjustment you can pull back some of this detail by adjusting the highlights slider. Likewise with the shadows slider often we lose detail as our camera is having to find a balance. Again play around with this slider and see your lost detail return from out of the shadows.
AFTER SHADOWS AND VIBRANCE
Vibrance
Often here in the UK, conditions can be a bit grey and dull and our beautiful green grass looks not quite so green! Our lovely gear might have faded and the colours again don’t look as sharp as they once looked. The vibrance slider is another great tool to add a bit of va va voom to your shot.
Sharpening
Most packages will offer a sharpening tool, this will add a slight amount of crispness to your image. Again use this wisely you can overdo it! The more you add the noisier your image can appear. I usually aim to sharpen between 25-30 in Lightroom.
Noise reduction
ORIGINAL SHADOWS
AFTER SHADOWS ADJUSTED
Image noise is usually caused when shooting at the wrong exposure, over sharpening or when shooting at higher ISO’s. Sometimes on a DX body you will have to ramp up your ISO to get the shutter speeds you require and the higher you go the more noise you will see in your image (this is the grainy effect). Most software will offer a noise reduction slider this will remove some of the grain you see in your image but be careful the more noise reduction you use can make your image a lot softer potentially causing a loss in detail. It is all a careful balance. There is no right or wrong thing to do when editing your photos, I guess you have to look at it and decide if it looks natural or have you enhanced your image and made it look highly false. Even then it’s a dark art photography and very subjective. My advice to anyone is to open up a few of your old images that you were once happy with and play around with a few of these controls. If you start to see your images improve then you’re onto a winner.
SHARPENING
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Sharing is caring
Many thanks Your photos are no good sat on your computer for no one to see, but then again you can share too many. A Dale Mears good way to host your images is to pick a social image sharing site such as Flick or 500px.These websites allow you to upload and share your images with the world. Twitter @DMPhotogrpahy
Advantages of using these sites:
Instagram BACK UP OF YOUR PHOTOS. If you want access to your photos anywhere in the world you can quickly pull them up @dmphotography_uk to share with friends. If you have issues with a hard drive your photos are often backed up and you can download the original images. Flickr www.flickr.com/dalemears TAG YOUR PHOTOS. You can tag your photos this means using hashtags such as #kayaking a hashtag is a way users can find your images, so someone searching for kayaking will find your new images.Think of it as a way to filter what you want Facebook to see. Dale Mears Photography GROUPS. There are a few groups amongst Flickr for kayaking ‘Whitewater kayakers’ ‘Action Photography’ and many other groups are set up by users for like-minded people to share their goods. A great way to see what others are doing and show off your work. ALBUMS. You can also set up your own albums, maybe by location, event names, or simply by dates. Albums allow people to browse your images with ease. Also allowing you to share an album of a recent event you have attended.
Like any sites most ask for a fee for more features such as statistics and more uploads but Flickr has a free version with limited uploads. Check the small print and it will explain what you get. I pay for a pro account for about $24 – it’s not a lot really for what you get. I hope my articles have given you an insight into paddling photography and how to get yourself up and running, producing some great new images and share them with the world! I would love to see what you come up with so feel free to tweet or share your new photos with me.
© DayMen U.S., Inc.
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Chile’s Kayak River
Stewards
A
ll over the world, our planets’ rivers are at risk. Rivers need stewards to monitor their health and communicate what they see to groups who can take responsive action. Who better to do the job than paddlers? This article by American attorney Patrick J. Lynch introduces the Kayak River Stewards program, a new effort by Futaleufú Riverkeeper, Patagonia’s First Waterkeeper. Interested readers can visit their website at www.futaleufuriverkeeper.org to learn more about the program.
Riverkeeper volunteer Jane Koopman travelling the rivers of Chile to set up the Kayak Stewards Program
Paddling in Chile has never been just about the quality of the rapids. It’s also about seeking inspiration. It’s about joining a community, a select group of adventurers who have made it to this far corner of the world in search of some of the best whitewater around. And increasingly, it’s about discovering ways to give back. If you come to Chile for the summer paddling season (November through March), you’ll find plenty of festivals along the way to get you started. These festivals can introduce you to local causes like ours and keep you motivated. There’s the Adventure Film Fest up in Santiago, the country’s capital and the starting point for many adventure seekers. From there you can hit up the threatened Maipo River (which has weekly protests and flotadas to fend off AES Gener’s devastating Alto Maipo project) or go straight to Pucón, where you can camp out at PuescoFest. PuescoFest was a new one in 2014 but brought together over a 1,000 paddlers, locals and indigenous leaders from the Curarruehue region. Pucón is also home to the Kayak Film Fest in December, which is co-hosted by Patagonia Inc. and Rivers Lakes and Oceans. These are just some of the prominent events each year that unite people and inspire action. Futaleufú Riverkeeper and our volunteers celebrating at each one, talking to people about what it means to protect a watershed. And one thing we discovered is that people want to help, but don’t always know how.
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It’s because of this realization that we are introducing the Kayak River Stewards Program
This program aims to strengthen a growing network of river protection groups in Chile, from the Maipo to the Futaleufú. Many paddlers who have experienced Chile’s rivers have expressed frustration that they want to help but don’t know how.
How can you help?
You can become a Kayak River Steward by travelling to Chile and filling out the survey when you’re done with your trip. The survey allows you to act as stewards of the river throughout your travels, treating you not only as our eyes and ears on the river but also as a way local communities can pass along sensitive information. Any information you can gather and report is useful. Basic observations, informal chats and photos can all add key details to the stories about these rivers that will help us illustrate to government and big industry why river conservation in Chile is so important. This survey will also help us establish a method for more detailed reporting in the future.
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Why now?
Now is when we need paddlers to play an active role in showcasing the need to protect Chile’s rivers. The potential for cross-pollination of ideas and information is tremendous and the number of paddlers is expected to grow. By 2020, the Chilean government estimates 500,000 people will visit Patagonia’s two largest regions each year. Thousands will stop by Futaleufú along the way, from countries all over the world. However, Chile’s government is largely ignoring the long-term benefits of this influx in favour of damming these rivers for hydropower, which would bring a new mining boom to one of the most wild and scenic places on earth. The only way we can convince the government that these rivers are far more valuable when protected it to show them. We need to be coordinated, vocal, and extremely visible. Each and every paddler who visits the country and joins the Kayak Steward Program becomes an ambassador for these rivers. By uniting with the cause you bring your entire network of people with you, all of whom together can make an already visible campaign to protect Chile’s rivers go global.
A movement has been growing among the paddling community in Chile. Are you travelling to Patagonia this season? If so, please help us and become a Kayak River Steward by filling out the online survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RWBMHVG
Futaleufu Riverkeeper is a member of the Waterkeeper Alliance, an international network of clean water advocates working around the world to protect our planet’s waterways. They protect the rights of communities to free-flowing rivers by uniting struggles across all watersheds in the country, many of which are threatened by large dams.To support this initiative visit
www.futaleufuriverkeeper.org/donate
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Canoe Paddler 042 Scotland
Inverpolly National Nature Reserve by Calum Rogerson
The Prospector 15 is a scaleddown version of our larger Prospectors, that’s faithful to the original lines in every way. You get all the great handling features that make the Prospector a paddling legend in a package that’s smaller but more responsive. Great for all round paddling, a good rocker and high freeboard suits white water and offers a good level of capacity for tandem tripping . Now available in roto-moulded polyethylene
A great boat with budget pricing whilst maintaining all the characteristics offered above.
Available March 2015 in colours of red, blue, green.
£799.99
White Water Consultancy
Old Village Hall Bronwydd Carmarthen SA33 6BE
wwc.co.uk
Tel: 01267 223555
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A canoe unknown By Calum Rogerson
adventure into the
For most people in the UK, they are unlikely to know much about, or indeed heard of the Inverpolly National Nature Reserve in the north west of Scotland. It’s about as remote as you can get in the UK and really can be considered as one of the last true wildernesses on our shores.That’s what makes it such an awesome place to explore by canoe! So, why should you go paddling there?
Ok, it takes a long time to get there from just about anywhere south of Inverness. It does have the odd midge or two during the summer months sniffing out tasty human prey and it occasionally gets a bit breezy, but that’s all part of the fun!
TIP one Travel as light as possible, yet don’t leave anything behind that could really spoil your trip
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For those of you interested in what lies beneath our feet, the rocks you’ll find in the Inverpolly area, and indeed that run up the north west coast of Scotland, are about as old as it gets, in geological terms. These rocks provide the foundation for a stunning landscape, which is so different to what you see anywhere else in the country. Indeed, the North West Highlands has Geopark status, endorsed by UNESCO as an area with a high quality of geological heritage (http://www.nwhgeopark.com).
As you approach the reserve, the landscape becomes more barren; only after a while does it dawn on you that you haven’t see many trees recently. You’ll see plenty in the way of water, with lochs and lochans stretching off into the distance as you drive up the A835 towards Elphin. Even in the height of summer this area will remain relatively quiet and should you decide to take your canoe with you, the chances are that you won’t come across another living soul out in the wilderness.This really is an adventure waiting to happen.
Where should you paddle?
There’s one particular route I wanted to tell you about that provides an opportunity to get well off the beaten track with your canoe, although I should add, not without a bit of hard work. This trip is also tempting because it offers the chance to don your walking boots and rucksacks for a bit of uphill exploration. One such diversion from your canoe journey might be to climb the iconic Suilven, which rises from the barren landscape like nothing else you’ve seen.
Suilven
TIP two It’s extremely important that you carry out all your rubbish and leave campsites as you found them.
Think ‘leave no trace’
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TIP three
You won’t find much in the way of firewood to burn so don’t plan on having campfires. If you take your own wood, use a firepan to
protect the ground
Allow yourself three
or four days for this trip, and starting at the tiny village of Elphin, make your way from the road, down the track to Loch Veyatie. Unless you’re lucky and the gate is open, this will involve a 500-600m portage to the water, so take your trolley!
In terms of paddling, the distances you’ll encounter aren’t huge, but what they lack in size, they certainly make up for in interest. Paddling west along Loch Veyatie you have Cul Mor to your left and Suilven will gradually come into view as you approach Fionn Loch. It’s only around 11km to the far end of Fionn Loch, where the River Kirkaig starts its tumbling descent to the coast about 5km away.
Once you reach Fionn Loch you have the ideal opportunity to pitch your tent in the shadow of Suilven, and if daylight permits you could even nip up for a glorious west coast sunset that evening. Alternatively, you could nip up the next morning after porridge and coffee, to take in the awesome views that await you across to Canisp and Quinag in the north.
A choice
At this point you have a choice: return the way you came to Elphin, or with a bit of hard work get out and pull your boat! From Fionn Loch you paddle for a short distance on River Arkaig, landing again soon and making your way over land to Loch Sionascaig. However, if you have time to spare you can take a wander down to see the Falls or Kirkaig, but probably best to avoid them in your canoe!
You may need to empty some of the contents out of your canoe, depending on how many home comforts you take along with you. You’ll have a portage of around 600-700m over to the next lochan before jumping in your boat again. After a short paddle you have a similar length of portage before reaching Loch Sionsacaig. This can understandably be tiring, so do think carefully about what equipment you take along with you on this trip. You need enough to be self-sufficient, as you won’t find any convenience stores out there, but you do have to lug it all everywhere you go. Loch Sionsacaig now awaits you, with islands to explore, wildlife to watch and mountains to climb if your legs are willing. You could easily spend another day here taking in all that is on offer and camp for another night. For this particular journey, the end point isn’t far away, but the more adventurous amongst you could exit the loch via Loch na Dail (at the northwest corner) and wheel your boat down the minor road to Loch Bad a Ghaill. From here you can paddle back towards the A835 at Drumrunie, although to reach there would involve a 3.5km portage along the minor road.
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However, for our
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trip we’ll exit Sionascaig via Boat Bay in the north, across to Loch Buine Moire and out at the roadside, where you will hopefully be reunited with a car that you remembered to leave there! The logistics of this journey do involve a bit of inconvenience if you’re running shuttles yourself, but it’s totally feasible if you have sufficient roof bar space and take the time to plan it. Alternatively, pre-arrange a shuttle service to collect you and your equipment and take you back to your vehicle at Elphin.
This really is an awesome experience, made all the richer by the sense of achievement you’ll get having completed it. You’ll be tired, midge-bitten, badly in need of a shower and looking forward to a cup of tea with some fresh home baking. However, you will have ventured where only a tiny proportion of the population could claim to have been. This trip certainly isn’t for everyone, yet it’s not so difficult that it should be automatically added to the ‘out of my league’ list of canoe journeys. With careful planning, a bit of determination and perhaps a bit of advice from those in the know, this really could be a trip to remember for all the right reasons.
TIP four Take your time to enjoy the experience
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Inverpolly adventure Toby does 12 lochs, 10 portages By Lynne Percival
Flag illustration by Garyck Arntzen http://garyckarntzen.deviantart.com
Our Easter trip plan for 2013 was to link up a series of lochs in a round trip, including an ascent of Suilven, in seven days. The mountains of Assynt and Inverpolly inspired me to visit, what I think, is the most unique landscape to be found in the British Isles.
Read more… http://joom.ag/c58X/p142 Doom on Doon By Matt Thompson
It didn’t turn out to be so gloomy after all! Doom on Doon was meant to be the tongue in cheek moniker for a hare-brained idea of a canoe trip in Galloway, Scotland. Starting and finishing at Loch Doon, this circuitous journey was nothing if adventurous and verging on the pointless.
Read more… http://joom.ag/RNNX/p38
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Kayak Paddler 054 Interview
adidas Sickline champ Joe Morley
062 Mexico
A paddler’s wonderland by Rebecca Jones
074 Europe
The Vikings are coming by Chris Paton
084 Europe
Pyranha tour of Europe part two by Matt Cooke
096 South Africa
The Triwaters tour by Franz Fuls and Troy Glover
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WITH ADIDAS SICK
KLINE CHAMP JOE MORLEY
Interview: Peter Tranter Photo: Jordy Searle
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F
irstly, where was your first paddle? The River Ure - Sleningford Watermill, Ripon
…and where was your first descent? I can’t remember, probably the Washburn.
What got you hooked on white water kayaking? The freedom and the challenge.
Only early doors but what is the biggest accomplishment of your career so far? There have been a few biggies but probably my second Sickline title. After I won the first time around a few people were giving me chat about getting lucky, so it was nice to show them!
What would be your ultimate achievement? To make a living out of kayaking. It would be beauty to be able to devote 100% of my time to kayaking.
Can you describe the feeling of winning the adidas Sickline Extreme Kayak World Championship? It was a huge buzz! We got a big apartment with a super good crew, so there was a beauty atmosphere all week and when I won it just amped everyone up. It was mint to be able to share the experience with everyone!
I was born in the greatest city in the north of England/possibly the world: Leeds. I grew up just outside the city in a pretty suburban setting with my mum, dad and older sister. I was well into MTB and rode my bike everyday until one day aged 11, I said to my dad, I want to go kayaking… So, we went kayaking. Dad got involved too and we did the weekly pool session with West Yorkshire Canoe Club in Wakefield. I got into the slalom side and trained at Bradford and Bingley Canoe Club. Once I’d finished school I moved down to Nottingham to train full-time at Holme Pierrepont. I perused slalom and paddled white water a bit on the side until 2012, where afterwards I packed in the slalom, did a ski season in France and cracked on with the white water scene.
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What are your goals for the next 12 months? Have you ever been scared and if not – what would it take? I get scared on the river all the time, its all part of the fun!
Any advice for those starting extreme kayaking? Get with a good crowd of competent boaters and get amongst it as much as you can!
Competition or river running – which gives the most satisfaction? Winning a competition for sure! Nailing a rapid is sweet but nailing a rapid quicker than everybody else is super satisfying.
When preparing for an expedition to a far away place in challenging conditions – what are the qualities you look for in a fellow kayaker? They have to be good mates, good paddlers, organized and quick at getting ready. Faff is the enemy!
West coast camp
I’m aiming to hit the Little White Race this year and spend more time in the States, improve on eighth place (from 2014) at the North Fork Race and another Sickline title.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years? Hopefully still getting at it and living the dream – possibly with a family.
Besides kayaking, what other sports do you pursue? I still ride MTB and love to surf. I’ve been getting into SUP surfing – it’s epic!
Can you talk about your training? Greatest inspiration? Who/what kept you motivated? My old man is a great inspiration to me, he’s still super fit and trains pretty hard. I get a kick out of pushing myself physically and love competition so I find it easy to be motivated. I guess I just want to beat everyone – all the time.
I’m a paddler and looking for the perfect river, where would you recommend? That depends on what kind of water your into, big volume? Steep? Gorge? Scenic? I’d probably say get yourself to Norway, there is so much good stuff, huge variety and compact!
What river would be on your bucket list? I really want to get down the Zam – before the damn dam!
Chilling down under
facebook.com/joe.morley.9
Who are your kayaking buddies?
That’s pretty dependant on where I am. Over in New Zealand this season I’ve been paddling a lot with the baby bird (Ryan Lucas). I’ve also spent a lot of time paddling with David Bain and Jenny Chrimes. My next mission is to Croatia with David, Barney Prees and Oscar McBurney.
Where would you like to see extreme racing go in the future?
I’d love to see the sport keep growing the way it is. The events are getting bigger, the rivers we race are getting bigger, the participation is getting bigger and the attention it attracts is getting bigger. There is nothing better than watching a load of beauty boaters battle it out on some burly white water with a DJ cracking out tunes from a Redbull truck on the bank. It’s sick to see big name brands like Redbull, GoPro and adidas getting involved and I’m excited to see how big it can go with the right backing. There is definitely scope to go huge with it, there are rivers over in New Zealand that could easily host races that would be an absolute spectacle!
Watch Joe’s 2014 Sickline winning run
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Quickies…
If you could paddle with anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be?
It would be a right laugh taking Keith Lemon down a river. He’s well funny and I reckon it would be easy to scare the shit out of him!
Which one sports personality has inspired you? Paul Ratcliffe
Pick two celebrities to be your parents Travis Pastrana and Holly Willoughby
Favourite iPod track?
That’s a tricky one… my iPod is pretty diverse. It’s totally mood dependent but Cornerstone by the Arctic Monkeys never gets skipped.
Cats or dogs? Dogs!
Facebook or Twitter?
Facebook. Twitter is terrible. I don’t really care what people have to say, I just like looking at pictures which Twitter seems to lack.
An ideal night out for you is?
All the boys round mine, heaps of drinking, stupid fancy dress, wander into town to rage in a dirty club.
What one luxury item would you take with you on a desert island?
If a fully stocked, fully staffed five-star luxury hotel counted as one item, then that. If not, a helicopter with enough fuel to fly to the closest civilization. If not, a torch or Holly Willoughby.
What do you get really angry about?
People being amazed that I don’t like tea. I don’t like tea… get over it! Also tea.
If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare for us? Probably the best curry of your life.
Any broken bones? Fractured skull. Back.
If you could be a superhero for one day, what superpower would you choose and why?
Hum… that’s deep. I’d go for the aqua man breath under water thing so I could huck the biggest dirtiest rapid of all time and not worry about it.
Favourite sport’s team?
Im not really into team sports, too many of them involve chasing balls. I’ll watch international rugby when it’s on but I follow the downhill world cup and a lot of action sports.
What’s the most boring question you are often asked? If I would like a cup of tea…
Fill in the blanks:
I am – fired up for 2015!
Any final shout outs?
I’d like to say a big thanks everyone who supports me. The guys at PeakUK for making the best kayaking gear in the bizz, Lettmann for making the best boats and paddles in the game and obviously my mum! Plus you guys for being interested! Keep your eyes on my Instagram – joe.morley and my athlete page on Facebook for the latest on what’s going down!
Joe Morley Cheers Joe…
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The water is a tropical temperature, bright azure blue and crystal clear
Totonac temples, tacos and tourist yakking
Story: Rebecca Jones Photos: Rebecca Jones,Tim Burne and Amie Burne with Mark Skirrow I’m not going to lie, Mexico was never really on my to do list. If you had asked me six months before where my next paddling trip was going to be I would definitely have said the Zambezi. However, a chance text message from a friend and a boyfriend refusing to grapple with crocodiles meant that the invite was accepted. So in November 2014 Tim and Amie Burne, Mark “Skiz” Skirrow and myself headed off to Heathrow. We had booked flights with a vague plan to spend two weeks travelling around the states of San Luis Potosi and Veracruz. Mexico is a really varied paddler friendly country. Yes, there is gnarl but there is also something for everyone.
e on Burn Tim a cc be Re dit Cre os. Mic
Jon es
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Rebecca on El Salto Credit Tim Burne
TiM BuRne ToP RiveR exPeRience: The oTheRS MighT lynch Me foR SAying ThiS, BuT The MoST MeMoRABle RiveR foR Me wAS PRoBABly The SAnTA MARiA. noT So Much foR The quAliTy of RiveR – TheRe weRe SoMe nice RAPidS, BuT TheRe wAS An enoRMouS flAT SecTion And SoMe of The MoRe MeATy RAPidS weRe A liTTle hARd (And SiPhon filled) foR ouR SMAll TeAM MeAning A fAiR ShARe of PoRTAgeS. howeveR,The STunning TAkeouT followed By The AdvenTuReS TRying (And foR A long TiMe fAiling) To find ouR dRiveR MAde foR An enTeRTAining SToRy – in ReTRoSPecT AT leAST. i love A good doSe of dRAMA!
Travertine central After arriving in Mexico City at 5am we set off on the bus leg of our journey. The bus companies are super helpful with kayaks and they were never really a problem as long as you turned up first in line to get the luggage on board. It’s many miles to get from Mexico City to Ciudad Valles so after spending pretty much the entire day on the bus, when we arrived at the bus station we walked across the road to the nearest hotel we could find. Ciudad Valles is an industrial town so there isn’t a great deal of accommodation choice. So after a night in an interesting hotel we were picked up by a driver and taken to the Cascadas Micos. There is no other way of describing this than Disneyland for kayakers – especially with the queues of Mexican adventure tourists waiting to jump off the falls. I cannot get across in words how beautiful this river is. The water is a tropical temperature, bright azure blue and crystal clear. What follows is a series of super happy fun slides and drops that range in size from about eight to 25 feet. The travertine is a bit weird. We kayaked the Micos when it was considered to be high which meant more water was flowing over the travertine than in the guidebook pictures, which is no bad thing. This opens up a variety of lines and means that you can walk on the slides and drops without slipping. However, as Skiz found out some of the holes at the bottom of the falls are a little bit sticky. We hired some camping pods at the Aldea campsite which went down a treat for Skiz and I who had earlier in the year enjoyed the hospitality of the Hairy Lemon, Uganda. It’s a similar idea, food at regular intervals and beautiful riverside surroundings at the bottom of the cruisey section of the Micos.
What is travertine? Travertine is a form of limestone deposited by mineral springs, especially hot springs.Travertine often has a fibrous or concentric appearance and exists in white, tan, cream-coloured and rusty varieties MARk SkiRRow ToP RiveR exPeRience: i ReAlly enJoyed el SAlTo eSPeciAlly The STeP RAPid, which i Pinned My BoAT on And SwAM down. ☺
Rebecca enjoying the beauty of the Alseseca. Credit Tim Burne ThePaddler 65
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Tampaon With our jet lag kicked in to touch we were really keen to do the Tampaon. This is the classic Ciudad Valles rafting section so it’s pretty easy to take a lift up to the put in with a rafting company in exchange for some safety kayak cover.great deal of accommodation choice. The common theme to Mexican rivers is the astounding natural beauty. The Tampaon winds its way through the forested countryside before being funnelled through a rather boily gorge. However, it is classic grade 3 kayaking throughout and is a lovely warm up run.You’re rewarded with a spectacular natural land bridge spanning the entire river, which disappears underneath. We had freeloaded with a less organised outfit and got a bit stranded at the take out, this proves to be a common theme to our trip.
AMie BuRne ToP RiveR exPeRience: The MicoS wAS definiTely My BoATing highlighT of The TRiP. AlThough SoMe of The hoRizon lineS looked TeRRifying fRoM ABove,They weRe All ReAlly fun fRiendly..
Something I was not expecting in Mexico was the chilly weather. The day we paddled the Tampaon was decidedly cold and I had packed for much warm weather – so take thermals kids!
Tim on El Salto Credit: Rebecca Jones
El Salto Another day another river, we managed to agree a lift with a more reliable driver and took a ride up to El Salto. At the put in, the river has been faffed with to the point where it is diverted through a power plant and the put in is the outflow. We had read that there was poison ivy at the put in and as we didn’t really know what poison ivy looked like opted for seal launch straight in to the swift flowing narrow channel. Fortunately being Brits, we felt quite at home in the tree jammed ditch, which cruises down to the start of another travertine beauty where the river joins its natural course. El Salto is not as spectacular as the Micos but is definitely more varied and probably more fun. There is a mixture of bigger volume falls at the start but as everything is portagable it is definitely worth it for less able boaters. The travertine forms little dams and it is always worth looking back upstream to see the fishbowl like windows where the travertine has collapsed. The take out is a must-make above El Salto del Meco, which has been ran but was less than successful and made the Rider of the Year Carnage Reel! Tim and I were pretty keen to do the Santa Maria so we headed back to accommodation in Ciudad Valles. We used Patta del Pedro – a dog themed hostel that is pretty boater friendly and dirt-cheap. Locating a driver is not that easy in Valles as the area isn’t as commonly paddled as Veracruz but we found our chap in the form of a jolly Mexican called Nico. Much to Skiz’s disgust we arranged a very early departure and bought some river food from the supermarket in the form of tortillas, cheese and salsa. We were aware that the river was a pretty long day but perhaps with hindsight you will probably agree we should have given this more thought.
Fortunately being Brits, we felt quite at home in the
tree jammed ditch Rebecca on the Tampaon Credit: Tim Burne ThePaddler 67
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Santa Maria We were picked up by Nico in a Chevy AKA a Vauxhall Corsa. We’d had a lost in translation moment and Nico didn’t realise there were four boats to take. However undeterred we tied our boats on and piled in to the little car. Nico babbled on to us in Spanish talking mainly about tequila and played La Cucaracha on the radio. I don’t think we could have had a more stereotypical experience unless of course he had a Chihuahua. The Santa Maria is a fair drive away and Nico wasn’t always sure of the way and had to stop for directions… several times. This delayed us further on what was going to be a long day. We made the put in which was in the middle of a tiny village way off the main road, this river was by a long way the most remote we paddled in Mexico and for the majority is a long way from the road. However, it again is stunning with many grade 3 and 4 rapids, which are scoutable and portagable for the most part. We were making pretty good progress and decided to stop for lunch ahead of the more challenging gorge. Unfortunately our progress was less good from this point in. The levels were not ideal for running the sieve laden grade 5 and there were a few very visible siphons, which were very much in play. As time was pushing on we made the decision to portage, which was a bit of a mission in itself. However, happily back on the water we continued through beautiful steep boulder gardens more than aware we needed to make it to the take out with daylight left. The Santa Maria take out is easily the most beautiful I have ever seen. The Cascada de Tamul joins from the left in the form of a 300-foot cascade of the Rio Gallinas in to the main flow and you take out at the base. Unfortunately what follows is one of the grimmest hike outs I have ever experienced. Zambezi style ladders… very large spiders… a river crossing… no driver… in the jungle… and in the dark. Just at the point where I was ready to put my ‘just in case’ dry clothes on and bed down in the emergency shelter we saw the headlights of a Vauxhall Corsa appearing out of the black, Nico had saved us. I don’t think I have ever been so pleased to see a Corsa in my life! We treated him to midnight tacos and beers at Taco Richard in Valles ,as we had also not eaten since lunch and we owed him a pretty big thank you. Quite the day trip adventure, which despite the sense of humour failures, sweaty climb out and 5k walk back to the road I would actually do again tomorrow. Nico dropped us off at the bus station complete with bracelets as presents for Amie and I. He was the kindest stranger you could ever wish to meet. We had also learnt the meaning of, “Proper preparation prevents ‘cough, cough,’ poor performance!”
Veracruz To get to Tlapacoyan from Valles is a further day’s travel and as we had pretty much exhausted our paddling options with the current water levels we decided after the Santa Maria epic to head over to Aventurec and some R&R. A day’s bus ride to Veracruz followed with some pretty tasty gorditas. The last bus driver was really helpful and for a small tip dropped us off on the doorstep of Aventurec. We were very pleased to find a well stocked bar, a pool, sunshine and comfortable accommodation in the form of little jungle facing bungalows. Tim headed off to do the Roadside Alseseca but we were still in bits from the carry out so opted to sun bathe and stretch! We hitched a lift with the Aventurec rafters and paddled Rio Filo-bobos, initially unaware of another hot, long and jungle walk in. You can pay locals to carry kit down (‘cough, cough,’ Tim Burne got an old lady to carry his boat ‘cough, cough’) but this river is a real grade 3 treat. No real flat sections and lots of play waves and boulder gardens but some of the sections might be less than fun in low water. Tim and I stayed on for the lower section and got the opportunity to visit the Totonac ruins. These are only accessible by kayak or on horseback by crossing a river. There is a sacrificial (ball game court) palace and a pyramid. It seemed pretty strange to be wandering around ruins in kayaking kit and no other tourists, as it was late on a Sunday evening.
Filo-bobos riverside ruins Credit Tim Burne
We had also learnt the meaning of, “Proper preparation prevents ‘cough, cough,’
poor performance!”
AMie BuRne ToP geneRAl MexicAn exPeRience/geneRAl TRAvel TiP: The highlighT of My Mexico TRiP wAS ReleASing BABy TuRTleS inTo The wild duRing ouR non-PAddling week on The coAST in oAxAcA.
Rebecca and Skiz on the Cascada de Tamul, Santa Maria Credit Tim Burne ThePaddler 69
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The Roadside Alseseca section Unfortunately Tim hurt his back so Skiz and I had to latch on to another group to run the Roadside Alseseca section. This is a short fun steep run where most things can be portaged which was lucky as I certainly did not fancy Sticky Hole and S turns but it was great to watch Julian run it. I was pleased we had locals with us who were familiar with the run as it is horizon line after horizon line. Some need a look (and maybe a cheeky portage) but most go without too much trauma. The water in the Alseseca is known to be a bit grim and we didn’t want to risk getting ill before going home so we used the local cure – tequila and lime. Spectacular end to a wonderful trip! Tim and Amie had a paddling free week in Oaxaca and took an internal flight. Skiz and I had a day spare just before our flight and the hotel we had found were really accommodating. Not only had they allowed us to drag kayaks through their pristine reception, given us a free late check out, fed us the best steak we’d had all trip but let us put our kayaks in to the airport shuttle bus for free. It is well worth having a tourist day in Mexico City at the end of the trip and we really enjoyed the day at Teotihuacan, topped off with some sun bathing by the pool and a beer before our flight back home. What made our trip such a fun time were the people we met along the way and helped us out. Big shout out to Nico, Raft Huaxteca, Aventurec staff – especially Terry the Chihuahua for living up to the Mexican stereotype. Finally to Pyranha for the discounted boats and quickly making me a medium Burn. Whilst Mexico is known for its large cascades, do not under estimate the fun that can be had on the cruising sections. The Burn was playful and yet reliable when I needed it the most..
Discover Mexico –
TiM BuRne ToP geneRAl MexicAn exPeRience/geneRAl TRAvel TiP: The STReeT food. iT'S fReAking AweSoMe. TAke Any oPPoRTuniTy you'Re given To SAMPle AS Much of iT AS PoSSiBle. find A BuSy STAnd (The oneS ouTSide BuS STATionS AlwAyS SeeM To do A RoARing TRAde) And geT involved! To Be fAiR All MexicAn food, AlThough SoMewhAT diffeRenT To ouR ideA of MexicAn food, iS PReTTy ouTSTAnding.
MARk SkiRRow ToP geneRAl MexicAn exPeRience/geneRAl TRAvel TiP: The ABSoluTe highlighT of The STReeT food wAS A diRTy Pulled And deeP fRied PoRk And cheeSe SAndwich – diScoveRed in vAlleS.
it rocks! ThePaddler 71
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6 of one… half a dozen of the other By Seth Ashworth
Flag illustration by Garyck Arntzen http://garyckarntzen.deviantart.com
A Canadian, an American, a Mexican, a Peruvian, an Irishman and an Englishman set out together with one goal. Sounds like the start of an awesome joke right? Actually it is a true story of six kayakers, on one epic adventure. The goal they set out was to explore uncharted white water in the volatile state of Michoacán, Mexico.
Read more… http://joom.ag/wqFX/p54 Waterfall paradise of Mexico By Seth Ashworth
You may have seen Mexico depicted in the Rush Sturges film ‘Frontier’ and ‘Source’ as a warm, waterfall paradise. Perhaps you have read about it in magazines and on the internet as well. You may even have looked into organizing a trip of your own but have been a bit stumped by the lack of data available.
Read more… http://joom.ag/h48X/p6
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The Viking are coming,
and this time they are bringing the kids! Part 1: Denmark – Italy By Chris Paton During the interview for an outdoor education job, Lars Simonsen, 38, from Denmark, secretly hoped that he would not get hired, and that Plan B would be the only option available. Plan B involved a kayak expedition that would transport Lars, his partner Suzi, 37, and their two kids – seven-year old Tiuri and five-year old Liva – 8,000km from Copenhagen to Istanbul.The usual critics thought he was crazy, family and friends shared mixed thoughts, yet strangely enough the career guidance counsellor approved. Lars listened to the feedback from the director and accepted his rejection with a sense of adventure: it was time to get to work.
gs
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14 Y IN MAY 20 LAUNCH DA
They’re now in , a it r e h g r a M a t San , ly a It , a o n e G near
on ating the kayaks km since first flo 0 00 4, e d or le m el av er having tr Lars to discov I caught up with s, May 3rd, 2014. d peddling – ye preparation an , ng ni an ure. pl nt e ve th about onth ad in this epic, 17-m d lve vo in – g peddlin ought of such a put off at the th be ld ou w es r Lars and Suzi Most famili children, but fo l al sm o tw ith travelling with long trip w required when n io at d ar ep pr l ble. Lars planne the specia than being flexi e or m t tle ge lit to d fter failing kids involve on Istanbul. “A ed ss cu I fo ; s, ar th ye halffor six mon b for the next ’t look for a jo gle were oo G d a real job, I didn an s .” Road map ip tr is th r fo d as just planne and the GPS w planning phase, essential to the ARMIN. sponsored by G in Tiuri and Liva ures cycling with nt ve ad had a us ic io er ev Pr South Am elling through av tr d . What an le ia ib al ss tr po Aus ything was an y, lit bi xi fle ith doors and proven that, w way of opening a d ha va Li d an i elling that was more, Tiur that made trav rs ie rr ba l ra ltu cu n planning breaking down nsideration whe co t es gg bi e th , use. bit easier. In fact ort they should form of transp t ha w as w ip the tr d Lars’ k with Tiuri an sit-on-top kaya ie ob H d the a te d ia le ec Lars appr Having padd t in Denmark, lin K s øn and M ie nd ob lked to H mother arou e kayaks. Lars ta es th of and Isl ty ili em ab irage Tand speed and st deal for two M p hi d rs an so i on ur sp Ti decks for worked out a gers, a sail and ig tr ed. ou w lo ith al w s e on hen conditi kayaks complet r homework w ers ei riv th d do an d ls an t on the cana bu Liva to play on d, le dd pa d at d be sailed an ddling system th The kayaks coul ge Drive – a pa ira M e th o d tw re er er ef ddled ov Lars and Suzi pr 700km they pe , the flippers. The 1, of t se a y off. However e pa lik works was about to ia al tr aded us A -lo in lly e kids bicycles. Fu months with th avier than the he t bi ch. at ea s th lo be ki ing to eigh 150 kayaks were go ys, the kayaks w da e yak is fiv ka r fo by od and fo , “Travelling with gear, water rs believes that La e, re, and nc tu re na ffe e di e weight ly experienc al re d an pe ro Regardless of th rough Eu ld be safer e doing it wou way to travel th ar ly u on yo e t th ha t w os m al ay. If you know so the safest w it’s probably al rope. of wn through Eu ove to be one than cycling do ns and would pr er nc co y ar nt im differe Lars’ pr sing and trying ater was one of cially when choo Safety on the w pe es all, thin girl , sm ng a ni is an pl and Liva. Liva g aspects of i ur tin ci Ti r ex it fo e ly or al m the ts, especi challenge. But lines and drysui be the greatest ty ld fe sa ou , d w ds r un ai fo he cy r ly buoyan They on drysuit fo between sizes. t that finding a as gh w ou he th s as nt d re fin lt to and her pa the most difficu uit that proved off. t se to was Tiuri’s drys e were du days before they w fe a ly on e on
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copenhagen to
germany Travelling from Copenhagen to the German border, the family got to grips with handling the kayaks in strong winds and wet weather. They stopped at various times to be interviewed by the Danish media. They caught up with family and friends at different points along the way before leaving Denmark and entering the Kiel Canal. They were the first to navigate the canal in that kind of kayak. The ships sailing through the canal are so big they push a bow wave ahead of them that leaves a trough a metre deep behind it. Peddling in the middle, Lars and Suzi used all their energy to just stand still, like peddling uphill, until the peak of the wave at the stern of the ship picked them up and they would surf along in the ship’s wake. Several ships sailing the canal blew their horns as the family sailed alongside them. A police boat was dispatched and Lars wondered if the trip was going to come to an abrupt end less than 100 kilometres from the family’s home country. The children clung to their mother, frightened that the police were going to take their father away. There are strict rules on the canal and travelling under sail is prohibited. This was to be the first, but not the last time, when the family were stopped by the local police. Fortunately, the police were charmed by the kids and slightly awed by the family’s undertaking. An appropriate fine was agreed, and Tiuri and Liva were invited onto the police boat as they escorted Lars and Suzi. The family travelled mostly by canal through Germany, but going out onto the North Sea at times to get around points and to explore interesting areas, such as the Wadden Sea, recommended to them by people they met on the way.
As their adventure unfolded, the family found a rhythm. Getting up around eight each morning, they would take their time having breakfast and packing the boats. They would have lunch before getting on the water and would peddle, paddle and sail for three to four hours before stopping. They chose their locations carefully and, allowing time for bad weather and extended visits in specific areas, they enjoyed the hospitality of local people who invited them to spend the night and dry their gear. This became a common and welcome experience, especially as the children seemed to attract people curious about where they had come from. The most common question was always “Where did you park your car?” “In Copenhagen,” Lars would reply.
A police boat was dispatched and Lars wondered if the trip was going to come to
an abrupt end less than 100 kilometres from the family’s home country.
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the netherlands
to italy By June, the family had reached the Netherlands, Suzi’s home country. Paddling through the low country, they enjoyed, once again, local hospitality and the growing fervour of excitement surrounding the football World Cup. Belgium introduced the family to canals and locks. But in France, in just one day they descended 80 metres, travelling through 26 locks over six hours. What started out as merely interesting would prove to be the greatest test of morale for the family as they continued through the lock system of the canals of France. With their sights set on the Mediterranean, the family slogged through the French countryside enjoying more hospitality but they were still desperate to reach the sea.
Wind-bound by the Mistral, the family were resupplied by firefighters training nearby, sharing water and food at the end of each day. Liva’s birthday was fast approaching and pink flamingos were at the top of her wish list. As the family reached the coast, Liva woke up to a flock of flamingos just 100 metres from their tent. Life was good. Often, it was the people that the family met that put them in touch with the media. It wasn’t just kilometres that the
family were leaving behind them, but a trail of memories, articles and TV spots, comments and likes on their Facebook page and website. More and more people were becoming aware of this crazy family of Vikings travelling through southern Europe. When the family arrived in Monaco, the local reception swept the family from the sea and into a hotel suite. The Yacht Club de Monaco did things in style and they were welcomed like royalty. They had battled strong winds at sea and waves reflecting from the harbour walls. They were tired, cold and wet. As the club’s motorboat sailed out of the harbour to greet them, Lars could be forgiven for thinking the formally-dressed man standing in the prow was the Prince of Monaco. Now six years old, and halfway through their journey, Liva continues to amaze her parents with her confidence at sea. Tethered to the kayaks with safetylines, the children are free to move around. When the line attached to the sail popped out of Suzi’s grasp, it was Liva who jumped up to secure the sail from snapping and flapping in the wind. And Tiuri, now eight, has given talks about their journey in French schools. Between them, the children are proving to be an integral part of the expedition. As they travel through Italy, Lars and Suzi look forward to meeting more people, listening to the wisdom of fisherman, planning each day according to the weather, and educating their children along the way. Despite obstacles and challenges or, perhaps, because they’ve discovered the joy of overcoming them, their sights are ever firmly set on Istanbul. See the April issue of The Paddler ezine to see how the family fare on their way to Turkey from Italy.
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Hobie MirageTandem Island
Maiden voyage http://youtu.be/sS8NgHNPfSU
Happy New Year!
This is the best http://youtu.be/I-JkCJqSClY
France and Monaco
http://youtu.be/c1qPpH2mwgs
Germany the Movie
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http://youtu.be/-zbv4HWGx28
Links
Web: http://lifeisgoodfollowus.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifeisgoodfollowus Twitter: https://twitter.com/lifeisGOODfolus
Belgium
http://youtu.be/9yB1DYDhL5s
Holland the movie
http://youtu.be/3O5DqxyINr4
TV2 EAST, was here
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Pulleys to drag kayak on land
Hobie Mirage and all Hobie models available from Hobie Catcentre http://hobiecatcentre.co.uk or 01202 671661
http://youtu.be/YdNaonSSqYg
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Quest Folding Kayak
The Quests combine great looks with comfort and efficient cruising performance. Quests are ideal travel kayaks. Very light, yet ruggedly-built with space-age polyurethane materials which contain no toxic chemicals – the planet will thank you!
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PakCanoes
PakCanoes are excellent for remote wilderness trips or adventures closer to home. Light-weight, compact for easy travel and storage, yet rugged, dependable and easy paddling.
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For summer 2014, Pyranha Kayaks, once again, sent a team of kayakers over the channel with a fleet of kayaks to visit European Pyranha dealers, compete in some of the prestigious white water kayak events of the season and have a damn good road trip to boot.
This issue we follow the team as they head north to Scandinavia. as Matt Cooke takes up the story. We still had a few more stops to make before making the long drive to Norway. After dropping Dave Hollins and Barney at the airport we drove back to Italy for the King of the Alps race. The race course was one of the toughest I have seen in Europe. Not for the faint hearted Johnston who came awa junior catego gi
EUROPE PYRANHA TEAM TOUR
By Matt Cooke Photos by Matt Cooke and David Bain
II
d! Ben ay winning the ory, ’Prince of the Alps’ ives his account of the event.
I
“The team arrived in Merano, Italy after a long drive from Croatia for the well known extreme event, King of the Alps.The event was held in the quiet, stunning alpine town of Moos, Passiria, where more than 60 kayakers gathered together for this Sickline style event. “The event was held on two different sections of the Passer River. The first race was on the lower section with a mass start and lasted an astounding 25 minutes.This marathon race really tested your fitness and endurance.The top 16 competitors then qualified for the next stage of the race at the section just above Passer Gorge.
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“For the semi finals competitors raced on the upper racecourse.This was simply the fastest competitor against the slowest competitor and so on. Myself and David had done a few laps of this section before the race to find the fastest lines, however, due to water levels rising, the lines changed dramatically. As David came third in the marathon race he was soon up for his event, unfortunately after making a few mistakes on his race run his opponent produced a faster time which resulted in David just missing out on the finals. I was last up to race and the pressure was building as everyone would be at the bottom watching my run. I seal launched down the start ramp and made my way down the most aggressive race section I have done. I made a few mistakes including a roll but luck was on my side as I achieved a faster time than my opponent placing me in the top eight and the finals.�
Ben Johnston
For a well deserved break after such a gruelling race in Italy and some hard days boating in Oetz, I took the crew, now consisting of myself, David Bain, Barnaby Prees, Ben Johnston and Louise Fingleton to one of my favourite small towns in Switzerland that has two awesome surf waves for kayaking and board surfing. Bremgarten, close to Zurich, was host to the Quicksilver Wave and Wheels festival back in 2007 that combined multiple extreme sports.The unique upper wave in town is a wave hole formed from a man made channel and is, after good rain, one of the best freestyle features in Europe and our luck was in. The lower wave is also formed from a man made weir, not so great for freestyle but longer boats and surfboards can happily enjoy this mellow wave situated next to a peaceful woodland, the best place to park up for the night just out of town. We only had enough time for one days boating but was enough to have a long session on both waves and take a walk around the beautiful old gothic town centre reminding me much of Prague.
ITALY
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Hunningue
Once everyone had their fill, we did a quick clean of the van and set off to Hunningue, France. Hunningue is a small white water course situated just a few miles outside of Basel. We liaised with Norbet Sommer who runs Can Can Canoe Shop next to the course. Norbert has a fantastic shop that is well stocked and well worth a visit if your in the area. For the weekend, we set ourselves up on the course with our demo boats prepared to give technical support and coaching sessions for all. We actually arrived on the Thursday afternoon giving us some time to fit in a local river on the Friday. We headed to the Reuess for a nice day out. We had not been there before so were going off directions given to us from Norbert.The team successfully paddled the river but missed the take out causing them to commit to a class 6 canyon. Not ideal as you can well imagine.The team, led by David Bain started to paddle the section unaware of the dangers ahead. It did not take David long to read the terrain and came to the conclusion that something was very wrong.The team made it through the warm up and managed to stop before floating into the first major section. David entered the first section and somehow managed to get through and find a place to exit, luckily managing to rejoin the group and make the tough climb out of the canyon to a green lane where I was waiting with Louise who had exited the river following a swim on the upper section. We had been waiting at the take out with no sign of the boys. We now had David, Barney, Ben and Rowan who had managed to call me as they were climbing out so we could find their egress. A heart stomping scenario that was
dealt with without hesitation and was a perfect example of skill and experience when faced with a difficult situation. The team arrived back safely to the shop for a BBQ and social to kick of the weekend.
FRANCE
Over the two days, 60 demo boats were tested, 50 people got free coaching and four boats were sold. Our host Norbert is a Canadian now living in France, bilingual and father to Timo, age nine. Norbert really believes in Pyranha and loves the boats. He is our most enthusiastic dealer and loves our visits. We stayed in the shop for the duration of our visit, assisting Norbert by mostly cooking and offering coffee to the customers when we were not at the stand. There was a good atmosphere in the shop, with people getting the best advice and walking away happy and stoked for boating. A real delightful stop for us on tour. Sunday afternoon, we packed up and said our goodbyes and started our six-hour drive to L’Argentiere in the Southern French Alps for the Student Boater Cross on the Durance. We spent four days in town providing free coaching and technical advice to the students as well as teeming up with Bangor Uni canoe club to organise the races that were held on the lake at L'Argentiere La Bessee and the adjacent rapids. The races are mass starts with the winner taking all. There are four categories, the floater cross, novice, advanced and old boys. Our time in the valley was productive. The team led groups down the local classics and made time to squeeze as many runs in as possible so we could document some of the rivers for our media use.
Being down in L’Argentiere meant that for Ben and Louise, this was their last stop on the tour. The van was to leave for Norway after the event with myself, Barney and David. It was sad to leave them behind but the journey so far had been a wild ride of ups and downs, lefts and rights. We had made new friends and formed some lasting professional relationships. It was now time to make the long drive to meet our old friend and team mate, Anton Immler in Copenhagen for our last section of the tour, Norway.
France, Hunningue Blog: http://www.teampyranha.com/?p=16635 Movie: http://vimeo.com/99177968 Web: http://www.cancanshop.eu
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TheVoss
We picked up Anton with his partner Rachel, where he took over driving to relieve us after our long tag effort since the south of France. We were both out like a light until we hit Oslo to pick up Pyranha Demshitz rider Jared Seiler. We left Oslo and headed for Andy Phillip’s place in Voss where we were to stay for the duration of the 2014 Extremsportveko festival. On the journey we came across an unexpected issue with the van’s back right tyre. In all my years of driving over the world, I have never experienced a blow out. I was asleep at the time and woke up thinking we were all going to crash and that something really bad had happened. Luckily, Anton was driving slow and never lost control of the van, bringing it to a safe stop on the side of the road. We managed to fit the spare and continue safely to Voss. Our first, unplanned team exercise.
NORWAY
Once we arrived in Voss, the team wasted no time and hit the Brandseth and Myrkdalen rivers on the way into town. Becoming a tradition now, these rivers are perfect to get a taste of class 5 Norwegian white water. In just a day we had a new crew and started firing up as many rivers as possible and preparing for the kayak races and guided sessions we hosted for Voss kayak club. Our new team now included myself Matt Cooke, David Bain and Barnaby Prees from the UK, Anton Immler (SWE), Jared Seiler (USA) and Adrian Kiernan (AUS) and our host, Andy Phillips (UK) now living in Voss with his partner Marianne BÌra. Voss week is the world’s largest extreme sports festival welcoming athletes from all over the globe. There is a substantial marquee by the lake that shows all the daily videos and is where the nightly parties are held, you can hear the music in neighbouring towns and is a quite the experience. Anyone can enter this festival but the races are not for the inexperienced. The race this year was held on the Myrkdalen and won by Kiwi, Sam Sutton. Adrian was second in the qualifying and ended up seventh overall, well done to Adrian. The race line-up was fierce seeing the top boaters from all over the world competing on this very challenging section.
Norway
Festival: http://ekstremsportveko.com Movie: http://vimeo.com/99528307 Shop: http://www.god-tur.no
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THANKS
After the festival, there was just one more official stop to make at the Masters of the Water Festival in Sweden. The team had two weeks before the festival to utilise the van and the crew to hit up as much white water as possible. As soon as the Sweden event was over, the team hopped on a ferry from Copenhagen back to the UK to conclude the 2014 team tour — it was now time to go back home and enjoy some creature comforts. I would personally like to thank Pyranha owner, Graham Mackereth, for allowing the tour to continue for yet another summer. Another big thank you has to go to all team paddlers who were involved in this year’s tour and good luck for the 2015 season, your input and enthusiasm has been invaluable and was a pleasure to paddle with all of you in some of the most beautiful kayaking locations in Europe.
Sweden
Blog: http://www.teampyranha.com/?p=16832 Final movie: http://vimeo.com/99528307 Shop: http://kajaktiv.se
DRY TOP+ DRY SUIT
IDOL
into the water
www.kokatat.com l www.systemxeurope.com
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Paddling deep in Montenegro By Deb Pinniger
Watermark Experiences youth ‘Tara River Kayak Expedition’, was a weeklong kayaking expedition to Montenegro. Two days were spent as a warm up, kayaking on the Moraça River, followed by a day of equipment and food preparation, before embarking on a three day self support white water kayak expedition on the Tara River Canyon, the second deepest canyon in the World and a UNESCO World heritage site.
Read more… http://joom.ag/F48X/p50 Following the paddle strokes of Oscar Speck By Sandy Robson
In 1932, a 25-year-old German electrician called Oscar Speck jumped in his folding kayak and began paddling through the waterways of Europe looking for work. Along the way he fell in love with the journey itself, and carried on until he reached Australia, seven years later. Australian expedition kayaker Sandy Robson, set off to recreate Speck's astonishing adventure in several stages.
Read more… http://joom.ag/h48X/p72
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RUNNING
DRY
Triwaters journey so far – ATRIATHLON February 07, 2015 Written by Franz Fuls and Troy Glover The Triwaters Eco-Expedition has made good progress under strenuous conditions, with 70kms hiked in the first four days as planned. The team had a great reception at Siyacathula Primary School in Breyten (Mpumalanga Province, South Africa) where the first riverside talk was held and conducted daily miniSASS tests, monitoring the health of the river.
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After a rest day the team loaded their boats to float them for the first time on the N2 Bridge between Ermelo and Piet Retief. What followed was three days of torture. The river’s water level was exceptionally low and for the next three days the team were mostly dragging their boats over boulders, around willows blocking the river and over sandbanks, bringing the total distance covered to date at 125kms. Of the 55kms of planned paddling, half was actual paddling, the rest of the time the team was dragging heavy boats over difficult obstacles. During this time Triwaters received an unexpected welcome and exceptional hospitality from the local farmers who were visibly interested in river health and sustainability. According to them the river is at the lowest it has been in two decades. The team started showing symptoms of exhaustion as the third day of paddling came to an end at the old sandstone bridge near
the N11 highway south of Ermelo and Brett, our Australian team member, was rushed off for medical treatment.Troy and Franz also went for a doctor’s visit the next day. It became clear the Vaal River has become unpaddleable for the foreseeable future. Recently the Department Water Affairs reported the outflow at Grootdraai Dam (Standerton) at 1.24 cubic metres per second – this is way below the required flow for paddling the river! The team agreed to take two rest days to recover and to see what rains fall in the upper Vaal catchment. The first notable rain only started to fall on Sunday evening, 25th January, too late to hold to the planned schedule of reaching Alexander Bay on 4 April, aligned with the maximum visa periods for Brett and Troy. In the meantime Troy, our Canadian team member, received bad news and had to return to Canada due to a family emergency. But Africa requires resilience, and the tour will go on. After driving by car for the Standerton Riverside Talk on Monday 26th January, the remaining team returned to the last stop and cycled to Villiers just upstream of the Vaal dam to float their boats again on the Thursday. This ensured a continuous source-to-sea and allowed them to catch up on lost time due to the previous slow advance and health issues.
Recently the Department Water Affairs reported the outflow at Grootdraai Dam (Standerton) at 1.24 cubic metres per second –
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Since putting the kayaks in again in Villiers, the team has made significant progress. They paddled across the Vaal Dam, battling strong winds and slow moving water. Fortunately, dam security allowed them to take a shortcut, saving an even longer portage around the dam wall. They continued into Gauteng Province just south of Johannesburg where the surrounding scenery transitioned from beautiful Highveld grassland to South Africa’s industrial capital.
They continued into one of the highlights of the entire expedition, Vredefort Dome near Parys, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is the largest meteor impact crater in the world and the single greatest energy release in our planet’s history. The scenery was breathtaking and the aquatic bird life abundant. This is also the region with some of the most whitewater kayaking the team will see. With only a fall or two, they made it through the rapids making great time.
Franz Fuls Troy Glover Brett Merchant
About the team
FRANZ FULS is the expedition leader. Based in Ermelo, close to the source of the Vaal he has witnessed the slow deterioration of the environment along the headwaters of the Vaal River. Franz is an industrial engineer, freelance investigative journalist and adventure sport fanatic (rock climbing and white water kayaking). TROY GLOVER hails from Wemindji, Canada – Ice Road Truckers country. His spring hobby is to monitor pack-ice forecasts and when conditions are right he launches his ocean kayak into James Bay, dodging icebergs on multi-day expeditions.Troy is a teacher with a B.Sc. in a water related discipline and he is passionate about experiential education, especially with First Nations students. His education and science background with his passion for conservation will be invaluable on this trip. BRETT MERCHANT, a prospector from Adelaide, Australia with adventure in his blood. Brett did a source to sea expedition of the Murray River in Australia in 2013, mostly solo. His experience on this journey of similar length will be very valuable. Brett will lighten up the trip with his home grown Australian humour and maintain the balance between conservation and industrial growth needs with his career background.
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The main question still remains unanswered: Why is the upper Vaal River so low?
Although rainfall this summer has been below average, the team feels that it should still be possible to paddle by kayak from the planned put-in. Some changes in the region and South Africa may have contributed to the low river. ●
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Thirsty invasive trees like Wattle (Australia) and especially the Weeping Willow (England) have systematically started to invade the riverbanks of the upper Vaal. These trees use water from the river and surrounding stream and wetlands feeding the river, lowering the water table and thus potentially reducing the flow in the Vaal. Some farmers and activists claim that the increase in open cast coal mining in the region is affecting the water table, possible reducing the flow in the Vaal. But without this coal South Africa’s power stations cannot operate, and the national economy will be hurt by reduced exports. At Grootdraai Dam, water is diverted to industry and power stations for cooling and most of this water then evaporates into the sky, away from the river. Yet without this cooling water the power stations will not be able to run and South Africa will experience an even greater energy crisis. Below Grootdraai Dam, farmers rely water pumped from the Vaal River to irrigate crops. Without these crops South Africa’s food security may be under threat. Many towns along this section of the Vaal River also rely on its water for human consumption and industry.
It seems that the Upper Vaal River will become dependent on increasingly heavier rain in years to come to create the minimal flow required by a healthy river unless a balance can be found. It looks like the upper parts of the Vaal River may be dying. The diverted plans of the Triwaters team serve as evidence of the imminent water crisis facing all water users, including large parts of Gauteng, relying on it and this is an indictment on humanity as a whole. The people of South Africa must find a way to become custodians of our water or we may soon also be adding water to the list of shortages we experience in our homes.
https://www.facebook.com/triwaters Photo: Deon TerBlanche
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Support theTriwatersTour documentary project! The Triwaters Tour would like to ask the public and any business with a vested interest in conservation efforts, to support our documentary film project capturing the tale told by South Africa’s Vaal and Orange Rivers as they paddle from source to sea. Triwaters Tour 2015 has made it a priority to feature its current project in a feature-length documentary. The documentary will cover far more than a couple of adventurers paddling the length of the Vaal and Orange Rivers while educating people on river conservation and the importance of potable water along the way. Instead it will be explore the history of human settlement along the river and their dependency on one element: water. Triwaters has teamed up with highly acclaimed Canadian production studio Flyingfish Productions whose clients include National Geographic, BBC and Discovery Channel to name but a few. Flyingfish will assist Triwaters in the filming of the documentary using aerial equipment, as well as the assembly of a post-production team and facilities. With the help of a distributor, the film will be submitted to film festivals worldwide, sold on iTunes and other online entertainment stores, and will be shown at screenings in both Australia and Canada, as well as South Africa. In order to make this film a reality,Triwaters rely on the generous support of both the public and sponsors. Triwaters firmly believes in value-added support and are happy to work with potential sponsors to target exposure to specific markets and needs.
The public can support the documentary directly through the documentary page on the Triwaters website at www.triwaterstour.com/film For more information contact Hybrie Morgan on fulsadmin@mweb.co.za (+27) 17 819 4696 or Troy Glover on troy@triwaterstour.com (+1) 416 886 5735
About Triwaters Tour The line from the source of the Vaal River to the ocean via the Orange River is the largest continuous water body within the borders of South Africa covering a distance of more than 2,500 kms. In January Troy, Brett and Franz Fuls will follow this line from the source of the Vaal River close to Breyten to the mouth of the Orange River at Alexander Bay. The team will be engaging with local communities on river conservation, with a focus on education and biodiversity.
We’ll catch up with Franz,Troy and Brett in the June issue of The Paddler ezine, when they will have completed their journey.
Working Working to t secure secur South Africa’s Afric Africa’ precious pr water wat wa w resources resour r
“Amongst the many things I learnt, as a president of our country, was the centrality of water in the social, political and economic affairs of the country, continent and indeed the world. I am, therefore, a totally committed water person.” Nelson Mandela
For almost 90 years the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), an environmental conservation NGO, has been working for the conservation of South Africa’s natural heritage, including its life-supporting ecosystems, biodiversity and water resources. We address water issues in catchment areas, in river and estuarine systems and in human settlements, where we run a variety of projects that enable individuals and organisations to use the natural resources sustainably and effectively. One example is the “Healthy Rivers – Healthy People” project funded by the British High Commission. Through this project we are equipping our government and civil society partners with an accessible citizen science biomonitoring tool – the free and easy to use Stream Assessment Scoring System (miniSASS) – which encourages enhanced catchment management for water security in a climate stressed society. We also provide training to local and regional government officials to help them understand the collection and analysis of the data so that it can be used to guide sustainable water management practices. This project is being implemented in South Africa and in the wider Southern African Development Community trans-boundary region. To learn more about this and other high-impact projects visit www.wessa.org.za
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The Aleutian Islands, Alaska by Justine Curgenven
118 Norway
Postcards from Norway by Frode Wiggen
126 England
The Jurassic Coast by Richard Harpham
Anglesey Sea Kayak Symposium
Main Event: Saturday 2nd - Monday 4th May Courses Week: Monday 4th - Friday 8th May Tide Race Weekend: Saturday 9th - Sunday 10th For more information please visit www.angleseyseakayaksymposium.co.uk E-mail: symposium@seakayakinguk.com
Tel: 01407 765550
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ALEUTIANS “So close, yet so stuck� a friend wrote to us on day 99 of a 2,500km paddle along the Aleutian Islands and Alaskan peninsula. Reading the email in the warm cocoon of our little red tent, which was being buffeted around by the wind and rain, I let out an ironic half-laugh. Homer and the first road to somewhere was merely 100km away but a barrage of strong winds were preventing us from making our final two 16-mile open water crossings.
It started in April 2011 when I joined Sarah Outen on the start line of her round-the-world human powered journey. We kayaked from London to France, and Sarah cycled from there to Russia. I joined her again to island hop from Russia to Japan (see The Paddler issue http://joom.ag/H48X/p54).
JUSTINE SARAH CURGENVEN OUTEN
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Sarah set off alone to row the Pacific Ocean to Canada
but 600 miles out her boat was damaged by a tropical storm, not to mention the mental damage to Sarah who endured over 20 capsizes and water leaking into her boat for a 48 hour period. On her second attempt to row the Pacific a year later, her rowing boat was the play thing of unseasonable winds. She was pushed north and back towards Japan, finally realizing after four months that she wasn’t going to make Canada before winter storms hit. Looking at a map and scratching around for solutions, her eyes were drawn to a mysterious chain of islands 500 miles to the north, which are dotted between Russia and Alaska.
I was sitting at my desk working in August 2013 when I had a phone call from the Pacific Ocean and a friendly voice asked if I would kayak along the Aleutian Islands with her the following summer. It would be from wherever Sarah landed in her rowing boat to the nearest road, so she could jump back on her bike and continue her journey.
I didn’t answer straight away. I was doing calculations in my head about how long I’d need to be away for and what whether the substantial challenges would be too much for us to take on safely.We’d be taking on over 20 open water crossings of over 15 miles in an area of strong – but undocumented tidal streams, in a virtually uninhabited archipelago, over 1,000 miles from the nearest coastguard station.
Sarah is one of the most determined, tough people I know
but at that stage she didn’t have a reliable roll, wasn’t able to read the water and had very limited experience of rough conditions, surf landings or controlling her boat in strong winds. I’d love to go to the Aleutians myself but was it reckless to go with Sarah?
After some research and a lot of faith in Sarah’s ability to train and to cope mentally with challenging situations, we decided to do it. Over the winter in the UK, Sarah learnt to roll and her rough-water skills improved dramatically.We decided to take Flat Earth kayak sails which would increase our speed and therefore make us more likely to land in the daylight on the longer crossings. If we couldn’t paddle for any reason, we may be able to raft up and use the sails to take us towards land (whether that was in front of us or behind us).
In April 2014, we flew to Adak, the westernmost inhabited community in America and got ready for a paddling journey to the mainland that hadn’t been attempted since Aleut people used kayaks to hunt from 300 years ago. It was exciting (and at times nerve wracking) to discover the conditions for ourselves, figuring things out along the way. While there are a few small communities dotted along our route, it’s primarily a large swathe of untouched wilderness and we felt lucky to spend several months weaving our way along the shores, watching her burst with life during the short summer season, and seeing the landscape turn from the treeless, rocky volcanoes of the Aleutians to the lush, green spruce-laden slopes of Kodiak.
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Aleutian Islands Alaska, United States
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The highlights are too many to list,
much of the joy was in the simple fact that every day brought new scenery and experiences and life was boiled down to the basic pleasures and necessities of food, safety, shelter and living in the now. A naked Sarah coming face to face with a curious brown bear while washing in a stream, barbecuing fish in the embers of a driftwood fire, washing off the grime and sweat in the delicious heat of a hot spring, being woken up at 4am by three sea lions hauling their giant bulks ashore besides our tent, watching hundreds of mother otters swimming on their backs with their babies clutched close to their chests, and jumping between the driftwood logs along a vast empty sandy beach as the last of the sun turns the sky pink. These memories and more help make this one of the most special trips that I’ve made.
We visited eight of the ten communities that are scattered along the Aleutians and the Alaskan peninsula. Twice we needed to cover 250 miles between villages. We shipped food ahead to these communities and we carried enough food for a month. There are short stretches of road in all the habitations but the only way in and out is by plane or boat so the people who live there chose to exist close to nature and appreciate being able to harvest much of their food from the land.
Delights we sampled included sea lion soup,
smoked salmon, canned salmon, baked halibut, reindeer bolognese and sea urchin eggs slurped straight from the shell.These times spent with people who chose to live on the fringes of modern society were really special, although ironically the modern tool of Facebook will allow me to continue to watch these new friends as they catch salmon, harvest berries and beach comb for glass balls. Some of the paddling was really committing and we didn’t always know how long it would take us to buck currents and reach land. On one 30-mile crossing we were swept away from land for two hours, not knowing if or when the current would change to allow us to reach solid ground before it got dark. Once the current relinquished and allowed us to inch towards land, a headwind ensured our progress remained slow, and our bows crashed into oncoming waves, losing momentum and requiring continuous hard work to reach safety. Sixteen hours later, I felt like kissing the ground.
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On day 100, after five days of waiting for a weather window, we set off on our last crossings to Homer. Crossing number 1 to the Barren Islands started slowly but the current changed and gave us a helpful push north. We decided to make the most of this favourable current and continue with crossing number 2. Being close to Homer, we had current predictions for once but that doesn’t mean they were accurate. We were once again swept away from land into the middle of the sea.
Kayaking the Aleutians
It was two weary but happy paddlers that pulled into Homer spit after 101 days of challenging paddling in wild and beautiful Alaska. We’d covered 1,350 nautical miles which is 2,500 km or 1,550 statute miles. Sixtymiles, four of those days we paddled and we spent 37 days on land. Sarah is now cycling across North America through the winter winter, and will set off to row the Atlantic in the spring of 2015 – see www.sarahouten.com
You can see the trailer here… http://youtu.be/6gYn0-QDH0E
“Superb filming to go with a superb adventure! Justine and Sarah are kayaking alone through one of the most challenging and dangerous environments in the world. It is incredible that not only did they make it, but that they were able to create a high quality documentary without a film crew following along. Their film not only communicates the hardships and dangers of the expedition, but also conveys the rich backdrop of wildlife and culture in this region.” Colin Angus, National Geographic Adventurer of the Year
NEW DVD and download out NOW! “Quite simply, it is the best yet from Justine Curgenven and chronicles her 101 days spent kayaking with Sarah Outen linking together the inhospitable yet beautiful Aleutian Island chain off Alaska." Simon Willis http://www.cackletv.com/sea-kayaking-dvds/kayaking-the-aleutians
www.cackletv.com
Photos: Frode and Wivian Wiggen
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De syv søstre (The Seven Sisters) is a mountain range on the island of Alsten in Norway
Postcards from Wivian. paddling the 5km crossing to LemmingsvĂŚr, south Senja
Wivian trying to walk on water after a lunch on one of the many small islands in Bergsfjorden, Senja
NORWAY Trude. paddling with Humpbacks and Orcas in Bergsfjorden in January
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Britain’s south coast offers so many incredible places for sea kayaking whatever the conditions from sheltered water to extraordinary geological features through to fast and testing tide races. The Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled on English side of the Channel. It is simply stunning and a paddlers paradise with incredible scenery and some challenging places to kayak. Locations are awarded the UNESCO World Heritage status for a reason, they have a sprinkle of magic, a connection to our heritage and something so special that for visitors it represents an opportunity of a lifetime. The Jurassic coastline stretches 95 miles from Orcombe Point in East Devon to Studland cliffs in Dorset. If you are in the area then there are also other great sea kayaking trips on offer, including circumnavigating the Isle of Wight and threading the Needles or exploring Poole Harbour. The Jurassic Coast and nearby locations features some truly iconic locations for sea kayaking, which I want to inspire you and to add to your bucket list and to pay a visit.
Sea kayaking the
JURASSIC
COAST and surrounding areas By Richard Harpham
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Circumnavigating the Isle of Wight My original introduction to sea kayaking came with a project to complete five challenges for charity called The Big 5 Kayak Challenge.The challenge included 1,000 miles of sea kayaking from Vancouver to Alaska on the Inside Passage; a 32 NM (nautical miles) from Lands End to the Scilly Isles and circumnavigating the Isle of Wight. Despite paddling for what seems like a century, I didn’t even own a sea kayak, something of a late developer you might think! The diversity of coastline around the Isle of Wight is extraordinary from winding estuaries near Cowes and mud flats to dodging hovercrafts near Ryde. The southern side also offers more changes in scenery with chalky cliffs, shallow reefs, sandy beaches at Ventnor and the exposed St Catherine’s Point before eventually approaching Freshwater Bay and Needles. It is famous for sailing with Cowes Festival and the ‘Round the Island Race’ but is equally brilliant for smaller craft like kayaks. Our trip back in 2009 was defining in so many ways, leaving Southampton Boat Show and paddling past the massive refinery at Fawley and then crossing to the island. We were so tentative
Big 5 kayak challenge team at the Needles, Isle of Wight. L to R: Dean Buckingham, Rob Bates, Richard Harpham, Aisling Ni Chuinn, Helen Reeves, David Gordon, Aaron Buckingham, Geoff Tilford, David McCarthy Sea kayaking up Southampton Water
hurrying through the busy waters crammed with dinghies and yachts. We passed the shallow sand bar where locals hold the annual cricket match at low tide and on towards the pier at Ryde with darkness now in place. Our plans were not the best laid kind and we ended up dodging hovercrafts in the dark on the mud flats and getting hit in the face by jumping fish. This was of course marginally better than getting hit by a hovercaft! We eventually scrounged somewhere to rest, not before one of the team had discovered the anti gravity slippery jetty scoring high marks for a big wipeout. He was of course treated to roars of laughter with limited sympathy. On the South side of the island we got a little bit of surf and also managed a cheeky ice cream break, like all good tourists. We were certainly in calorie credit! By the time we reached Freshwater Bay we were tired and planned to pitch our tents with a perfect 10 wild campsite. Reality broke and we ended up pitching our tents next to a public toilet on some grass but did manage some liquid refreshment from the local bar. The highlight of the trip was the Needles, covered below. After threading the Needles, Bamboo Clothing’s Dave Gordon confessed to an ‘armchair moment’ where he would have given anything in the world to be back in his armchair at home. The last stretch back round the final quarter was
torture as a yacht cruised in front of us cooking bacon for breakfast, Despite our long faces and desperate looks they motored on, out of sight but not out of our minds!
The Needles
Although they are located just to the east of the Jurassic Coast, The Needles are another beautiful destination for sea kayakers to tick off their list. Threading the Needles by kayak and surfing in the races provides a great photo opportunity. I returned here the following year to film a piece with Mike Bushell of BBC 1, for a short feature and have been back a few times since. By now it has become habit rather than paying for the local ferry. A shorter paddle from the sheltered harbour of Keyhaven can make the Needles a very accessible day paddle. Be aware there can be a fair amount of marine traffic with commercial craft and a huge sailing community based on the south coast. You could make your Needles visit even more challenging by paddling around to Freshwater Bay and portaging over the island to meet the estuary at Yarmouth. My late gran spent a large proportion of her life living in Bournemouth and latterly Mudeford, so any dutiful visit usually meant a roof rack adorned with a kayak. Mudeford, Bournemouth and Poole Harbour are all worth your paddling time.
Threading the Needles in Sea kayaks for BBC1 filming our challenges
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Mudeford
Mudeford is a mecca for windsurfing and paddle boarding enthusiasts with a shallow tidal lagoon. Some of the most expensive real estate in the UK is situated just across the entrance from Mudeford Quay. Further up the estuary is Christchurch Quay and the River Stour. The flow out can be interesting on the spring tide when coupled with wind and waves in the inlet. It provides confused and refracting waves and chop making a bumpy ride. I have literally been drenched as a double height wave has landed on my head, right in front of the tourists on the quay. Keep cool Rich! On the outside of the sand bar you can often find lovely two-foot green waves heading towards the quay, which make for good kayak or ski surfing.
I was promptly informed that their
comfort zone had stretched to breaking point
Click for Google map
Poole Harbour
Poole Harbour was made famous by Lord Baden Powell and Brownsea Island, where he hosted his first experimental camp in 1907 that led to the formation of Scouts in 1908. Now owned by the National Trust it guards the entrance to Poole Harbour and has some restricted access. A great place to launch for a day trip taking in Old Harry and Poole is from the estuary at Wareham on the River Frome. You will need to check out the tide times to ensure the appropriate conveyor belt of moving flow. The lagoon is sheltered but can be cluttered with sailing dinghies and other boats. On one trip with relative beginners, we poked her noses out into Studland Bay only to find some particularly lumpy swell in a Force 4 where upon I was promptly informed that their comfort zone had stretched to breaking point. We turned carefully and beat a retreat. To leave the harbour you will need to dodge the chain ferry patrolling the entrance.
Our last visit to Old Harry rewarded us with a Peregrine Falcon diving for prey and a few seals for company.
Old Harry Rocks Old Harry Rocks are chalk white stacks (pillars) protruding from the seabed lying east of Studland Bay on the Isle of Purbeck.They are continually hammered by the elements and have been slowly eroded.They make great paddling with stony beaches, small tide races and plenty of nooks and crannies to investigate. Apparently Harry’s wife crumbled and fell into the sea some time ago leaving Harry and a few of his mates. Old Harry sits in between Poole Harbour and Swannage, which make for convenient launch sites and if you are launching from Studland Beach then check out the coolest beach café ever called Joe’s Café, which is a pimped up beach hut that offers a mean evening paella feast from time to time.
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Lulworth Cove
Lulworth Cove is a huge natural harbour formed by the erosion of clay and green sands, leaving a more resilient limestone layer to form the outer perimeter. Wave diffraction hollowed out the huge circular shape and it is a sheltered place to launch kayaks to visit the nearby Durdle Door. You will need to get permission for this and there is a fair carry down from the National Trust Car Park. Once on the water the carry is soon forgotten. The harbour is like a massive sink hole open to the sea. Be warned though as it can be rough outside its calm waters, so poke your nose out into the wind and assess conditions. There is a small reef on the right hand side of the bay where you can practice surfing your boat. One of my buddies had a small washing machine experience there by not watching the following wave – luckily a quick roll later and he avoided a swim. If you are in the area without a kayak then there is a local provider who does have sit-on-tops.
Durdle Door
Durdle Door sits just down the coast from Lulworth Cove and is a stunning coastal arch. There are also plenty of caves and inlets to explore on the way there. Unlike the majority of sea kayaking, which is away from the general public, this location almost guarantees pictures, waving and the occasional cheer from the masses visiting this picture postcard destination. We even got the opportunity to appear in a Bollywood film last time, when we were there with the heroine wading in the sea and rejecting the amorous advances of a suitor. Not sure if they wanted sea kayaks in the shot but they got them! Heading down the coast you are overlooked by imposing chalky cliffs and a few rocky outcrops. There is a small archway further down the bay, which can be fun in rough conditions. Our last trip provided more fun and sights than referenced in any tourist guidebook. We rounded a rocky outcrop to find a group of women and two lads skinny dipping. Our innocent approach by stealth kayak added to the excitement as they stampeded bare bottomed up the beach to the safety of their towels.
Portland Bill and Chesil Beach
Portland Bill juts out into the English Channel and is truly imposing and exposed. I have surveyed storm force conditions from land, scary seas with thunderous crashing waves beating the battle worn rocks. I have yet to experience this section in my sea kayak but as you so often hear it is good to have something to come back for. Once you round the Bill you reach Chesil Beach which is 18 miles long and over 15 metres high and essentially once of the biggest pebble mountains you will ever see! Be warned the Portland Race off the Bill can reach 10 knots on the spring tides and even the smaller inside race can be 3.5 to 5 knots.
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I truly hope that you have felt interest and inspired to go and visit this remarkable stretch of coastline for yourself. Paddle Safe. You can read more about routes, tidal conditions and ideas for your trips in ‘South West Sea Kayaking’ by Mark Rainsley. Pesda Press. ISBN 978-1-906095-28-4.
Richard is a human powered adventurer and paddler www.richadventure.com who has completed over 7,600 miles of adventures by kayak, canoe, ski and bike. He runs www.canoetrail.co.uk with his wife and co founded www.inspiredlife.org which inspires young people and communities. He is a motivational speaker drawing on his stories from adventure, in corporate life and managing the Ghana ski team at the Vancouver Winter Olympics. Richard’s adventures test equipment in the harshest conditions and he is proud to be supported by: Paramo Clothing, Valley Sea Kayaks, North Shore Kayaks, Up North Adventures, www.bambooclothing.co.uk , Leatherman tools, Scott Skis, Mountain Fuels, Canadian Affair (airlines), Aquabound Paddles, Reed Chillcheater, Surly Fat Bikes, USE Exposure Lights, Garmin GPS systems.
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WW SUP skills by Corran Addison
141 Interview
Six-times BOP Champion Candice Appleby
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In this series I’m going to be covering a lot of different skills, from some really basic ones, to some really hard ones. Should I start at the beginning with simple things like stance, strokes or balance skills? Or something to get your blood rushing to get you excited about progressing with whitewater SUP? Something that’s really a more advanced skill, then down the road we can back off, start from the beginning and work forward. Consider this like the preview to a good film – straight into the action even if we are a little ahead of ourselves.
Addison
By Corran
So today we’re going to look at punching large holes.You know, the kind that as you’re barreling down towards it you think to yourself “I’m f#@ked!” and the first instinct is to bail off the board. There are really two kinds of ‘holes’ out there you’d need to punch. The most obvious is the ledge drop, where the ledge could be anything from 12 inches to… well, a waterfall. Since this enters a really wishy-washy area of whether it’s a hole punch or a waterfall run, lets stick today with something more impressive looking: BIG BLOODY HOLES. First off, I’d suggest testing this out on something that’s closer to a breaking wave than a hole. No sense getting your clock cleaned as you learn the skill. Something that has a relatively flat entry into the hole, and the hole itself is more of a foam pile stacked on top of racing water, rather than a drop where you begin your journey by driving down into some nasty pit. I realize we’re getting ahead of ourselves here, since we have not even addressed what a ‘Side Stance’, ‘Kung Fu Stance’ and ‘Surfer Stance’ is in this series, but bear with me here – this is a preview remember. We’re learning to run here – and we’ll deal with crawling later. For clarities sake, lets dispense with a sideways stance as something you’d never use in a rapid anyway. So your ‘stock’ stance (Kung Fu) is relatively wide side to side, with the toes of your back foot just slightly behind the heel of your front foot, and a surfer stance is basically standing on the centreline of the board, front foot about board centre, and back foot somewhere near the tail.
Got it?
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The key is to look at how the current is creating the hole…
You can’t paddle efficiently in a surfer stance, so as you approach the hole in question, be in a bent knee, comfortable Kung Fu stance. Not overly wide or ‘staggered’ – comfort for effective paddling. The key is to look at how the current is creating the hole. Is the hole slightly off camber? Is it not perfectly perpendicular to the general river direction? Because we can’t brace diagonally into waves like a kayak and tend to get knocked off the board when getting side slapped, the number one way of stacking the odds in your favour is to always hit every wave, current and hole dead on. This means a lot more zig zagging of the board in rapids, but it’ll pay off. So you look for a part of the hole that you can hit squarely from where you are, that has the most predictable water flowing into it (no ledgy drop offs or other oddities). Get some speed going into it (but you don’t need to race into it). About one paddle stroke before hitting the hole, step across to the centreline
A split second before the nose of your board connects the hole, sweep the nose up with a powerful stroke…
with your front foot, and step back to the centreline with your back foot as far back as is comfortable. In theory you can’t be too wide for the moment of impact, but the wider you are the harder it is to get back into a paddling position once you’re through. If you have a boof buddy (a foam hook for the front foot), that moment you step across to the centre line with your front foot is when you’d hook it under the boof buddy. This works like a ‘kayaks thigh brace’ but for your foot, allowing you to brace and stay connected to the board no matter how abrupt the impact. A split second before the nose of your board connects the hole, sweep the nose up with a powerful stroke, while at the same time bending the front knee to allow the board to climb upwards, while pushing down with the back foot. If you have a boof buddy you’d actually pull the nose up with your front foot rather than just flexing your knee upwards.
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Now this is the tricky part… While you are seemingly applying all this pressure to the back of the board to lift the nose, and your back foot has all the weight on it, your body is in fact well over your front leg. If you lean back, you’re just going to go over the back on impact when the stern grabs. So it’s important to have a ‘front foot favoured’ position over the board, with your hips positioned squarely over the front foot, all the while actually applying pressure to the back foot. Sounds contorted, but it’s not. The reason for this is the instant that the nose impacts the hole and rises, you immediately want to transfer all your weight back to the front foot pushing the nose back down. The whole time you will have ‘rubber knees’ (bent and flexible) which will give you balance, allow you to adjust side to side movement if the board gets kicked out, and keep you over the front foot. It’s almost as if you were springing off the back leg onto the front leg like jumping a hurdle as the board passes over the wave. With a boof buddy the board can stand almost vertically as you pass over the wave without falling off it. Without the foot brace it’s theoretically possible but much harder, and the ‘spring’ back onto the front foot timing is critical. DO NOT be in a bracing position with the paddle. A vertical, active paddle that’s pulling you forward, up and over the hole is key (we will address this in another issue). The more your paddle is just bracing, the less chance you have of making it over, despite the false sense of increased security or stability. A vertical, powered up paddle is what you need, but be ready at any time to go into an on-side or off-side brace should the board get kicked out. Try not to brace. Try always to use footwork and hip movement for balance so your paddle is always available for powering or steering the board. The more often its in a ‘dormant’ bracing position, the less often it’s available for actually guiding you down the river.
Got it? Good!
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Creating my WW dream paddleboard By Dan Gavere
Paddling white water on a stand up paddle board is most certainly a challenge, but the fun factor has me frothing for it more than anything else I have ever done.
Read more‌ http://joom.ag/5S3b/p122 Introduction to WW SUP By Ian Smith
We embrace the increasing speed and power of the current beneath our feet. From our vantage, the river falls away beyond a horizon line where the drop, similar to a small waterfall, begins. The anticipation gnaws at our nerves as we pass the point of no return, committed to downstream.
Read more‌ http://joom.ag/H2jX/p24
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Interv
Candice App
view with
pleby
Six x BOP champ and all-round‌
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F
irstly, what boards are you using? I just recently joined the Infinity SUP team for SUP surfing and I race custom Joe Bark paddleboards.
When did you discover SUP and what prompted you to get involved?
Photo: Jim Walsh
I first saw stand up paddle surfing when I was surfing on the west side of Oahu At Makaha Beach, practicing for professional longboard competitions. At Makaha, every type of wave riding is celebrated and encouraged. For about a year, I watched some of the best true watermen in the world, as they utilized their paddle to accentuate manoeuvres on waves and I committed to memory what I had seen. I was given a paddle by friend Russ Keaulana, brother of Brian Keaulana and son of Buffalo, and would then hustle the beach boys of Waikiki to borrow the big rental surfboards. At the time the only real SUP boards available were the custom ones being ridden by the Hawaiian surfers of Makaha. I self-taught myself based on everything I had watched at Makaha and quickly excelled, eventually landing a SUP sponsor by the end of that first summer. That was in 2007.
What and where was your first competition? I began competing in surfing at the age of 10, at San Onofre Surfing Beach, in San Clemente, California as part of the San Onofre Surfing Club Classic. I still compete in this event every second week of September, when I’m not travelling the world chasing SUP events. My SUP career began on Oahu, surfing in HASA (Hawaiian Amateur Surfing Association) events.
Before moving to the San Clemente, I lived in Glendora, a good hour from the beach. I started surfing at age nine and competing at age ten, which made living inland somewhat torturous. When I was 12, my sister and my dreams came true when our family moved to one of the best surf towns in the US. I competed in Longboarding and Shortboarding all through my adolescence. While in high school I was the captain of the National Champion San Clemente High surf team. Upon graduation from high school I was asked to participate in the world games in South Africa as a member of the US amateur team, however I declined the offer as I already had prior plans of moving to Hawaii to further my education and athletic career. I graduated from the University of Hawaii in 2008, with a Bachelors of Science degree in Tropical Plants and Soil Science. During the eight years I lived in Hawaii, I met some amazing people and was mentored my some great athletes. I currently reside in and San Clemente, California.
How does SUP give you satisfaction? I love everything in the ocean; shortboard, longboard, bodysurf, canoes surf, etc., But SUP really allows me to utilize all of my upper body strength along with surfing ability. It’s also fairly new, so that makes it fresh and exciting. Ultimately, if I’m on the water on any craft that is when I’m most satisfied.
Only early doors but what is the biggest accomplishment to date? The answer should have two parts; the measurable and the immeasurable. My most measurable accomplishment(s) would probably have to be my six BOP titles. But even more important that than that, or more fulfilling I should say is the amount of incredible people I have been able to connect with because of this sport. The relationships are definitely my biggest accomplishment.
Candice Appleby
In SUP competition – who would you say is your closest competitor?
Over the years there has been much new talent introduced to the women’s side of SUP. In surfing, girls like Izzi Gomez, Iballa Moreno, Nicole Pacelli and Aline Adisaka are all fierce competitors. In racing there is an especially deep field of top female competitors such as Lina Augitus, Annabel Anderson, Jenny Kalmbach, Angie Jackson, Morgan Hoestery and the list goes on. At the end of the day, I can only control my own performance, so in that, my biggest competition is within myself. I don’t mean any disrespect to my competitors, but I have no control over what they do, so honing my own skills to rise above this incredibly competitive field is really the greatest challenge.
Are you naturally competitive? Yes, definitely. I’m the youngest of three girls and there are no princesses in my family. I have professional sports in my blood, so being competitive is unavoidable.
SUP training routine?
Most recently Anthony Vela and I launched an adult SUP training club with our business named Performance Paddling. I’m getting a lot of water time with the club, as we meet five times a week for a low monthly price of $165. I also train on Wednesdays with the Infinity Speed Freaks coached by Brody Welte of Paddle Fit. I also like to mix up my training with other sports including prone paddling, beach volleyball, running, surfing, etc.
Getting hugs from my niece and nephews at the finish of the Stand Up World Series, Huntington Beach. Photo: Greg Panas ThePaddler 143
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What would a typical food day be for you from breakfast to supper?
Group photo SUP Fiesta 2014 Photo: Harry Wiewel
Breakfast: organic blueberries, organic vanilla greek yogurt and granola. Post am: workout meal: two free range organic eggs cooked over medium over a bed of organic arugula or greens with a fresh juice. Lunch: turkey/avocado sandwich on organic seeded bread w/ hummus or a salad made from our garden. Dinner: wild caught salmon baked with herbs and sea salt, organic pesto raviolis and a side salad or vegetables. Favourite snacks: Mamma Chia Squeeze Packs, Justin’s Nut Butters, Bobo’s Oatbars, and fruits Guilty pleasures: organic popcorn, Talenti Gelatos.
Tell us a bit about your anti-bullying campaign:‘Stand Up for the Children’ This is a project that I’ve had in the works for a while, and plan to fully bring to fruition this year. Stand Up for the Children is an outreach for children who are a target of bullying and any sort of abuse either at school or home. My plan is to connect with those youths and share my story with them to let them know that they are not alone and that someone cares for them, as I too was tremendously bullied in school. By taking these kids paddling and giving them an uplifting fun experience on the water, I hope to give them a new confidence and assurance that they are not alone, someone cares, and that it will get better. My plan is to reach out to the schools that I attended throughout my youth and then expand from there.
When Anthony Vela and I launched or coaching and training business Performance Paddling back in 2012, we wanted to do something to give back to the community and also work with kids. We started the Performance Paddling competition team, which has grown from 10 to 30 kids across the US and Brazil, who have been selected by Anthony and myself not only for their athletic abilities, but the way they carry themselves in a sportsman like manner. We do monthly workouts in various locations, and send out training plans for the kids. We also give the kids fun uniforms so that they have that feeling of team camaraderie. This is a voluntary program from Anthony and I, as there are no cost to the families. It has also given many
kids something to work towards, in the hope of getting picked for the team. We also put on what has become the premier SUP event for kids, the Performance Paddling Junior Pro and Youth Sup Fiesta. We are going into our third annual this year and It’s going to be great. The event has a junior pro SUP surfing invitational with equal gender prize purse for the top young guns of SUP surfing, as well as seven age groups for SUP surfing and SUP racing. If you’re a paddler under the age of seven or younger, you don’t want to miss this event. We have kids come out from eight different states, including four of the Hawaiian Islands and even some international athletes from Brazil. This year we expect to have even more international competitors.
www.candiceappleby.com
How else do you use SUP to help others in life?
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Stand Up World Series Huntington Beach. Photo: Greg Panas
Mom cheering for me at BOP. Photo: Onit Pro
Infin
www.candiceappleby.com
nity Welcomes Candice Appleby to the Team
Have you ever been scared and if not – what would it take?
Yes, I’ve been scared. Fear is healthy is certain situations. It makes you more aware and humbles you. I have issues with driving on the freeway, especially the 405 in California. I got in a real bad accident in high school where we flipped and rolled across five lanes, ending up in the fast lane upside down facing traffic! I moved to Hawaii after high school and felt very comfortable on the HWY there, being that the maximum speed is 55mph. However, I’ve been back in California for almost four years now and haven’t fully been able to shake the freeway anxiety. Other than that, I do have a healthy amount of fear in the ocean when the conditions are large. It’s important to have that respect for the ocean because it is much bigger than us. I also get pretty freaked out when SUPing down rivers. It’s kind of funny actually because I’ve done really well in whitewater events and won the last three that I’ve competed in over the past few years against some expert whitewater paddlers, but I’m probably the most scared out of the bunch. It’s not my comfort zone and I really don’t want to get hurt. I have a lot of respect for the whitewater experts and know that I have a lot to learn from them.
What has been your best ever day on the water?
Everyday on the water is the best day, but I think most recently it has been sharing my love of surfing with my niece and three nephews. They are picking it up so fast and I just love to see the joy on their faces when they ride waves.
You’ve been doing a lot of travelling in the past year – what’s been your favourite experience?
Yes, tons of travelling and more to come. Last year I went to Brazil twice, Dubai and hit many of the states. This year I will be hitting Brazil again, along with, Japan, Germany, France, Morocco, Mexico, and probably a dozen of the US states.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
Hopefully raising teenagers in a nice San Clemente beach home, while still being a part of the ocean community and furthering my professional career.
I’m into SUP and going on vacation, where would you recommend?
I’ve heard really great things about Costa Rica and it’s relatively affordable. Infinity SUP does a really fun SUP surf camp there a few times a year. Hawaii is also great. Visiting Waikiki, the birthplace of surfing is very special and a timeless experience.
Payette River Games. Photo: Mike Leeds
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ThePaddler 148 If you could paddle with anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be?
My Grandpa George. Whenever get the chance to wear the number 32 in a race, it’s like he’s there with me.
Pick two celebrities to be your parents: Jackie Robinson and Goldy Hawn.
Which famous person would you most like to see play you in a film? Jennifer Lawrence.
Favourite film?
The War, or anything with Denzel.
What would you do with $20 million?
Buy a house within walking distance to the beach. Take care of my sister and her four kids. Go on a sweet vacation to surf my brains out and create some sort of get away to help victims of domestic violence.
Cats or dogs: Dogs.
Facebook or Twitter: Facebook.
What would I find in your refrigerator right now?
A bunch of Organic stuff; Yogurt, Berries, Fruits, Vegetables, Chicken, Eggs, Bacon, Fresh Pastas, Goat Cheese, Kombucha, Kona Brew Beers, Pesto, and of course Ice Cream (in the freezer).
If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare for us? Salmon with Pesto Pasta and one of my favourite salads.
What one luxury item would you take with you on a desert island? Hairbrush. That is of course if I already had a knife and fishhook.
An ideal night out for you is?
Sushi and Karaoke with my man or a movie at the fancy theatre with the chairs that recline.
Bucket list top three SUP locations: Tahiti, Indo and South Africa.
If you could be a wild animal – what would it be? Octopus. I’ve been infatuated with this animal since I was nine.
Fill in the blanks: I am ______? Human.
Final shout outs?
So excited to be a part of the Infinity SUP team. I’m extremely grateful to have two master shapers (and their second generation shaper sons), building me the best equipment on the planet. Between the Bark and Boehne families, I have the best of both worlds when it comes to equipment. Also want to give a shout out to my man and Performance Paddling partner Anthony Vela, for always being in my corner and pushing me to be the best me I can be. Thank you to all of my sponsors: Quickblade Paddles, Maui Jim, Kona Brewing Company, FCS, Sweet Waterwear, Pualani Hawaii Bikinis, and of course my family and friends for their continued support.
Training at home Photo: Greg Panas
Candice Appleby
OK Candice let’s finish with something short and snappy‌
Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule:) ThePaddler 149
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