The Paddler Issue 26 Autumn/Fall 2015 Kayak cover

PADDLER The International digital magazine for recreational paddlers

ezine

BAVARIA Steve Brooks

The great little rivers of

WORLD CHAMPS ICF Freestyle

CATALONIA Rebecca Skirrow Margaret Anthony

Issue 26 Autumn/Fall 2015

The Noguera Pallaresa

Contents

Dane Jackson, Nich Troutman, Mat Dumoulin and Bren Orton ICF Freestyle World Championships, Quebec, Canada. Photo: Dave Wortley Editor

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Covers

Kayak: Ute Heppke, Duerrach River, Germany by Steve Brooks SUP: Casper Steinfath with Kai Lenny,Turtle Bay, Hawaii by Waterman League/Donovan Bebout Salty: Costain Léonard Pacific northwest coast by Jaime Sharp Canoe: The Upper Reisa River, Norway by Laurie Gullion

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 Winter 2015 with a deadline of submissions on November 20th. Technical Information: Contributions preferably as a Microsoft Word file with 1200-2000 words, emailed to submissions@thepaddler.ezine.com.

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Issue 26 Autumn 2015

004 The Paddler’s Planet

By Christian Wagley.

006 John ‘Rob Roy’ MacGregor

By Steffan Meyric Hughes.

012 Coaching

Principles of learning by Dave Rossetter.

018 Testing, testing

Kit reviewed and tested by our contributors.

032 Enjoying wild adventures

By Richard Harpham.

044 Favourite locations and why 26 world-class sea kayakers give their answers.

074 My first expedition By sea kayaker Markus Wiggin.

084 The Vikings are coming - part 3 Greece – Turkey by Chris Paton.

094 ICF Freestyle World Champs From Quebec, Canada by Margaret Anthony.

110 Bavaria, Germany

The great little rivers of Bavaria by Steve Brooks.

122 Catalonia

The Noguera Pallaresa by Rebecca Skirrow.

134 SUP Slovenia

SUPing, exploring & indulging by Marko Senegacnik.

146 SUP coaching

Landing waterfalls by Corran Addison.

154 Interview with…

Denmark’s Casper Steinfath.

160 Portugal

The endless search by Ollie Denton.

168 Coaching

Preventing a capsize by Paul Bull.

172 Norway

The Upper Reisa River by Laurie Gullion.

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PADDLER’S PLANET by CHRISTIAN WAGLEY

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Islands bring us lessons for p A recent trip to the middle of the Pacific Ocean gave me a first-hand look at our future – a better future. It’s one with clean renewable energy, respect for nature, each other and a smarter sharing of resources.

For more information on how you can participate wherever you may be on the Planet visit www.supradioshow.com Stay tuned for my weekly podcast of The Paddler’s Planet with my guest host Christian Wagley on www.supradioshow.com, “Where we are Standing Up for the Planet!”

It was my first visit to Hawaii, and one that was truly spectacular and life-changing as my family and I explored the special nature of a chain of volcanic islands rising from the remote ocean blue. What inspired and informed me was the natural beauty of the tropical islands and the ways in which people can live in a more connected way with their surroundings – in this case an isolated island environment.

Many things are special about ecology and human settlements on islands.There often are fewer species of native plants and animals than we find in mainland areas, but the ones here are more likely to be rare or even endemic – found only on one island or a chain of nearby islands. For humans, the isolation historically forced island cultures to subsist pretty exclusively on what they could grow and catch on and around their island.

But for modern humans, our ingenuity and spirit have allowed us to get around some of these limitations by bringing to islands many of the things we need – or in some cases think we need. The original settlers were Polynesians who sailed thousands of miles across the open Pacific to get here and they brought along favoured seeds and roots and a few other select things they knew they would need on their new home island. In today’s Hawaii, industrialization and

cheap energy have brought foods and products shipped from the mainland U.S. that have supplanted much of the traditional Hawaiian island culture and economy.

The historically-limited resources of the Hawaiian islands necessarily forced islanders to create systems for sustainably managing the land and sea so that there would always be enough to survive.

Hawaiians developed some very special attitudes about sharing with and respecting their fellow woman and man – attributes that are actually fairly common in many traditional cultures, but especially helpful on an island where space and resource constraints mean that it’s in everyone’s best interest to get along.

As for sustainable living, Hawaiians maintained a system of land management called ahpua‘a, which typically divided islands into pie-shaped sections that extend from a broad area at the ocean edge and taper to a point inland atop the mountains. These areas were chosen because they followed the natural climatic and geologic boundaries, usually covering a valley with a stream running down from the mountains to the sea. Within each ahpua’a was a source of freshwater, land for both agriculture and harvesting of wild food sources, and access to the fish and other resources of the ocean.

Local chiefs restricted access to certain fish and plants at times to maintain a sustainable balance of resources. It was a system that made beautiful sense for the islands—a perfect response to local conditions that traditional societies had to make or they perished.

In modern Hawaii, one of the most tangible environmental indicators is the spread of solar energy. Looking out across the rooftops of any neighbourhood in the islands I saw more solar panels than I’ve seen anywhere in my life.That’s a simple response to the highest electric rates in the nation, once again driven by the isolation and the high cost of bringing fossil fuel energy to the islands.

There’s also a huge movement for local food in the form of farmer’s markets full of local produce.

Creating a sustainable future depends on people just as much as nature, and the native Hawaiians developed ways of sharing and respecting each other that persist to this day. They live the values of “‘olu’olu”—described as compatible, mellow, and non-dominating. Then there’s the familiar “aloha”, today used as a greeting but traditionally

people and nature

© Judith Scott

meaning caring, sharing, inclusiveness, and love, as described by Poka Laenui, executive director of the Wai’anae Coast Community Health Center, in the Spring 2013 issue of YES! Magazine.

On our visit these values were reflected in the simple way in which Hawaiians share the road.

When we arrived we were told by an island friend never to blow our car horn in anger and no one did. Everywhere we went drivers waived-in drivers ahead of them and immediately stopped for any pedestrian looking to cross the street.

The sustainable culture that Hawaiians developed can inform the rest of the world’s island dwellers – such as those who reside on a living planet surrounded by an abyss of the cold, dark lifelessness of space. That island should sound familiar, since it’s planet Earth – the island that we all call home. All the same elements of finite space and resources apply just as they do in the Hawaiian islands.

As the paddling community continues to work toward a sustainable future for both people and nature, we can take lessons from Hawaii and other islands that were pushed toward better ways of living on the land and with each other.

With that, what’s happening first on remote islands around the world can be brought to our own communities all across the living island planet we share.

Why not join the Marine Conservation Society?

The Marine Conservation Society (MCS), the UK charity that protects our seas, shores and marine wildlife, needs your help.

With one of the longest coastlines in Europe, the UK has around 1,300 beaches and 8,000 species of marine animals. Yet just 0.01% of our seas are fully protected.

By becoming a member of MCS, your support will help us to:

Join us today and claim your free Rapanui marine-themed organic cotton T shirt.

• • • •

www.mcsuk.org/join

Protect marine wildlife Clear beaches of litter Reduce pollution in our seas Promote sustainable seafood

When you join you will also receive a welcome pack full of information and gifts, plus four issues of Marine Conservation magazine every year.

Marine Conservation Society, Overross House, Ross Park, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire HR9 7QQ. Telephone: 01989 566017 Registered Charity No: England and Wales: 1004005; Scotland: SC037480.

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STEFFAN MEYRIC HUGHES

Happy birthday

kayaking

Steffan Meyric Hughes switches his attention to the best and most influential kayakers the world has ever seen, starting with the first – John ‘Rob Roy’ MacGregor.

Happy birthday the sport of kayaking.You are 150 years old this year (2015).What, you didn’t know? Well, it’s official. Kayaking, unlike many ‘sports’, can trace its origins fairly decisively back to a particular time, a particular voyage, a particular man and the book that he wrote about his experiences.

The time was 1865, the voyage was a long meander through the canals and rivers of western Europe, the man was John ‘Rob Roy’ MacGregor and the book was 1,000 Miles in the Rob Roy Canoe. Of course, kayaks and canoes both predate this Victorian adventurer by millennia – possibly by up to 4,000 years or more. But it was not until the 1860s that MacGregor, a Scottish patent lawyer living and working in London, was taken by the idea of having a ‘canoe’ built solely for the purpose of enjoyment.

In fact, his ‘canoe’ bears little resemblance to the craft of today: it was designed by MacGregor, a man of many talents who was among other things a reasonable draughtsman, and built by Searles of Lambeth, more accustomed to the building of rowing skiffs. Rob Roy chose Searles because skiff builders were, at the time, at the limit of light-displacement boatbuilding.

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Photo: Exhibition of Rob Roy held at the Pyranha stand at the ICF Slalom World Championships at Lee Valley.

Photo: Peter Tranter

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Hurley Wier Photo by Antony Edmonds

And the craft they built him, 15ft (4.6m) long by 2ft 6in (76cm) wide in cedar planking on oak frames and weighing about 35kg (77lb), was paddled in a sitting position by a double-bladed paddle or propelled by a small lugsail, in which instance the paddle was put to use as a rudder, but with a very large, open cockpit, such that you might have to debate whether it was, in fact, a canoe or kayak.

Photo: Rob Roy’s canoe at the Pyranha stand at the ICF Slalom World Championships at Lee Valley.

Photo: Peter Tranter

It was in essence, according to David Lawrence of the Royal Canoe Club, a mixture of skiff, canoe and kayak, although we’ll refer to it as a kayak here. Compared to the kayaks of today, many of which will fit in the back of a hatchback if you fold the backseats down, it was enormous, although it would have been considered minute at the time. It was, in fact, of a

size calculated by MacGregor to fit inside the guard vans of trains for ease of transportation.

And so he set off, in the summer of 1865, down the Thames, across the English Channel and into the waterways of Europe for 1,000 miles of placid water touring. The following year, he published his first book – 1,000 Miles in the Rob Roy Canoe – and it sold 2,000 issues in five days.

Royal Canoe Club

That same year, 1866, he established the world’s first canoeing club, the Royal Canoe Club in Teddington, just west of London on the Thames, which is still active to this day. And the craze exploded almost immediately

Joe Morley Photo by Jordy Searle among the upper reaches of Victorian society: converts to canoeing included Edward VII, the Duchess of Sutherland and Robert Louis Stevenson, who went on a similar voyage of his own in 1878, which resulted in the book An Inland Voyage. MacGregor himself would go on to own a succession of at least half a dozen more Rob Roy type canoes, and take them on voyages to the Baltic and Middle East, publishing three more books on his travels.

To claim that Rob Roy invented the modern sport of canoeing is no exaggeration. He was clearly a dynamo of energy. In addition to his life as a kayaker, he was a mover and shaker of Victorian London. He was a

moderate, but very devout, Christian (he was in fact secretary of the Protestant League no less and believed in a ‘muscular Christianity’ based around exploits like kayaking), a widely-published travel writer (he wrote of his voyages in Punch and the London Record) and chairman of the Humane Society.

Shoe-Black Brigade

He moved in high circles counting Charles Dickens and Robert Louis Stevenson among his friends, both of whom he persuaded to take up paddling. More than anything, MacGregor was instrumental in social reform in Victorian London, by association with another important friend, the Seventh Earl of Shaftesbury. Together they set up the Shoe-Black Brigade to offer better education prospects to the

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Eric Jackson on the Zambezi

by his novel form of transport, is a little stiff for readers of today. But if he wasn’t the best paddler of all time (and he certainly wasn’t), he was definitely the most influential. His achievement on the water was “practically inventing the sport of kayaking” (BCU).

The seed he sewed grew into all the branches of kayaking we know today, and also had a big influence on the development of sailing yachts, leading to the lovely cabin yawls designed by sort of wastrels that Dickens wrote about and would take MacGregor to see on his famous long, London walks.

Gun-toting paddler

MacGregor was a champion marksman (we will return to gun-toting paddlers when we cover my favourite of all, Walt Blackadar!), a competent musicologist (from a later journey to the Middle East, he brought back the first notations, by his own ear and hand, of Arabic wailing songs), a Cambridge graduate and could write in Latin and Greek.

These days, his paddling exploits seem tame in the extreme and his writing, while clearly relating the joy of his ‘muscular’ and spiritual existence, as well as some of the ecstasy of freedom afforded

George Holmes and, later, the likes of Albert Strange. But more than that even, he was among the first, if not the first, to see the rivers, canals and lakes of this world as a playground.

MacGregor was such a singular figure, with such a strong legacy; what a worthy foundation stone to the sport we practise today.

Future issues

In future issues, we will move beyond the ‘wooden kayak’ era to folding boats, the dawn of whitewater river running, the first serious expeditions in the GRP era and the indestructible age of plastic boats that we know today.Thank you David Lawrence and Graham Mackereth in researching this article, particularly David, who was good enough to ply me with wine and pasta in his flat on a cold winter’s night while relating his enthusiasm for all things MacGregor.

Further reading: John MacGregor, A Biography by Edwin Hodder (1894) and Explorers Extraordinary by John Keay (1985).

register now Marcio R. Pereira southern Brazil

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By Dave Rossetter – Head of Paddlespo

Principles of learning Introduction The previous articles have focused on different areas to do with coaching.

These have covered areas such as what we do to improve, psychological aspects of paddling, technical skills along with tactics and planning.

However, as a coach one of the critical areas is that of the learner. What factors or baggage do they bring to the coaching session? Considering these factors I want to look at some critical areas that have been found to underpin successful learning.

“The conditions that we create for our learners are vital with the emphasis of learning being on the student who is learning.” (Jarvis 2006)

orts at Glenmore Lodge

Principles Studies (Race (2014) ) have been undertaken with students from all age groups over extended periods of times and crossed many cultures. This research stands a testament to the need for these key principles to be evident for effective learning.

These principles are as follows: Wanting to learn

The need to have high intrinsic motivation for the area to be learnt. If the ‘want’ is powerful enough, success is likely to follow.

Needing to learn

Learners often have specific areas that are required. The learner however, needs to take ownership of this. Without the ownership then ‘need’ won’t be established and learning will struggle.

Learning through feedback

Without ‘feedback’ how can we move on?

Learners need to ensure that ‘feedback’ is available and available quickly to aid the learning. This is of course closely aligned to the ‘doing’ area and especially the trail and error phase.

Verbalising orally

The ability once a learner has made sense of their learning to converse with others deepens the understanding. It smooth’s off the edges, helps the learner adjust and explain their learning. This is so much more powerful than just writing.

Assessing: making informed judgments

This is where our learning intensifies and deepens and is the ultimate test for the learning. By ‘making judgements’ we are able to assess our own learning and again deepen it.

Learning by doing

I have talked through this area in previous articles but we need to ‘do’. Paddlesport is an activity that needs repetition and trial and error.

Making sense

‘Digesting’ the information and processing it to allow you to understand and use it. If learners can’t make sense of something then it could be the best information but it is rendered useless.

This ‘light bulb’ or eureka moment is about making sure the learner has ‘digested’ the information so that it can be used when required.

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Relevance On discovering these I looked at my own journey in learning. Immediately the relevance and specifically my frustrations going through school were evident. I wanted to learn but did not feel the need to. I loved the ‘doing’ and still to this day I learn best when I am doing and engaged.

Entering further training and reflecting on what I do as a coach has certainly helped with the ‘making sense’ of me as a learner. What aids me a learner has been the intrinsic motivation to succeed, the strong community of those around me and the ability to put learning into practice via making judgements (whether this is on assessments or training sessions). This ability to gain feedback and verbalise my thinking with peers and learners has been an amazing journey and one that I believe has had an impact on those that I coach.

When I think back to coaching sessions and learning situations now I wonder whether one or more of these areas was missing from the learner.

Relevance – training sessions

I found the text enlightening around the ‘want’, having a high intrinsic motivational factor where it is so powerful that students are likely to gain success because this ‘want’ is so strong.What is important is ensuring that there is also a ‘need’.

When working with paddlers that have accepted that there is a ‘need’ to achieve then these have had degrees of success.This is due to there being individual ownership of the ‘need’.

Paddling is a doing activity and most paddlers do not have any issue with the doing part. The reference though to the trial and error as well the repetition was the bit of interest.

During a recent coaching episode where I was observed it was noted that this trial and error and time for repetition was something that I should focus on. This can often be a struggle in short contact or episodic sessions.

I reflect back on my early delivery and now recognise the process that I went through. I would aim to run whatever the course was a variety of times in short succession before feeling that I had a strong secure product. This led to plenty of trial and error along the way, however once at this stage it gave plenty of

reflection and allowed a secure platform to adapt and move the course on. This of course gave plenty of opportunity for feedback. I was struck by what Race states, “The quicker the feedback, the better it helps learning” and this is something that we should take note of.

The last three principles are around the cognitive understanding. The analogy that comes through is one of ‘digesting’. This ability to turn whatever it is into something that can be used is a very powerful one. Just because we say we have it or we understand is a bit like eating something that doesn’t fuel us. There is information going in but we don’t get the benefit from it. This ability to turn the information into something useful that can be repeated, articulated to someone else or used to make judgments truly measures the success of the learning.

For example do you conclude training sessions with any discussions? Are these group discussion or smaller groups such as pairs? This could make the difference in ensuring that everyone has to be involved in the conversation and allowed peer review, feedback and the ability to vebalise the learning.

Exercise To aid you in focusing your own learning have a go at the following: Think of something you are good at.

Now write down how you became good at it.

Think of something that you struggle with or don’t do so well at.

Now write down what went wrong in your learning of this.

Think of something that you do well now but at the time you didn’t want to learn.

What kept you going? Why did you persevere with it?

Think of something that you have taught / helped someone to do something. In particular the first time you had to do it.

How did you get on putting it into words?

Thinking of that time you taught / helped someone – think back to the moment you attempted to see how well they got it.

How did it aid your understanding?

Once you have completed the questions compare your answers to the principles. Convergent?

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Summary Learning Environment

When looking into these factors there are a concept of ripples. This analogy that one ripple effects another is something that comes through when I reflect on my own learning or that of students that I have taught. With the doing comes the feedback but adding in the verbalising changes the needs, wants and so on.

The ripples also work for me from a depth point of view. This depth shows that we can deepen our ‘making sense’ of it or how strong our ‘want’ is. The notion of depth is one that Moon (2004) describes when looking at reflection where it is not just surface level. This deepening and ‘making sense’ has been evident in the discussions with peers where the verbalising our take on something and how we are applying it has been invaluable in moving my learning and understanding on. This is also aided by the peer reviews where making judgments has deepened our thinking.

What if there is not a ‘need’ or ‘want’ though?

The seven principles give us a framework to help engage with a learner. By providing the inspiration and the context where things are ‘needed’ helps the learner by doing and brings them back into ‘making sense’ of what they have been doing.This creates the ’need’ for something and so the ‘want’ to continue can be established.

A question to the coaches:

How do you ensure that the learning environment you create adheres to the principles of learning?

To finish with here are a series of suggestions that all learners should adhere to whatever the skill being learnt -

1. Want to succeed. Be determined to achieve.

2. What are the outcomes and do you understand them enough to use them?

3. Create some goals along the way to help you.

Every journey needs to start with a small step.

Build it up as go.

4. Don’t avoid doing the things that you don’t want. Keep going one stroke at a time.

5. Keep records of your feedback. Awesome way to reflect as well as motivation to see the improvements.

6. Build up a network of friends to help you and learn together. Chat with them along the way about what you learning.

7. Use your friends to help with making judgments but don’t forget to assess yourself.

These principles and suggestions have become important to me as a learner and as a coach.

Remember though learning to paddle should be active and fun!

Happy Paddling and hope to see you on the water.

Dave Rossetter Dave is Head of Paddlesports 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.

http://www.glenmorelodge.org.uk

IInspiring

We are Scotland’s National Outdoor Training Centre

www.glenmorelodge.org.uk

White water

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Open canoeing

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Sea kayaking

LLearn, develop or qualify in an adventure sport of yyour choice. Our goal is to inspire adventure by tteaching beginners, coaching intermediate/advanced aand delivering training and assessment courses for lleaders and instructors.

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llocated in the heart of Cairngorms National Park.

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Testing, Pyranha 9R Large www.pyranha.com

By Phil Carr www.unsponsored.co.uk

Specs:

Volume: Length: Width: Weight: Paddler Weight:

I was hooked up with a pre-production prototype of the new large Pyranha 9R a few months ago.The boat is essentially the same as the production model with the exception of some of the Connect outfitting.The boat has been paddled extensively since that time so it is now time for a full Unsponsored review.

340 litres 272cm 68cm 22.7kg 75-125kg

Now if you were to sit this 9R large (9R L) next to the already released model it would be very clear that the 9R L isn’t simply a scaled up version of its little brother. Almost every area of the hull has been changed in some way yet they still have stayed true to the purpose of the boat, i.e. a fast fun boat that sits under the magic 9ft length.

Pyranha have spent a fair bit of time looking at the performance of the smaller model and have significantly changed the profile of the kayak in a number of key areas to produce this version.

The most noticeable change is the shape of the stern. The grab handle has been moved to the very end and the scoop usually associated with the grab handle has essentially gone. In addition the drain bung now sits on the side that will make it easier for paddlers who carry the boat on their right shoulder to drain. Great for those who carry their boat on that shoulder.

Other changes at the stern can be seen including a revised rocker and slight V at the very rear. The side wall transitions have also been softened out. It can just be seen in the images but is far more evident in real life.

The aim is for the stern of the 9R L to be more that little bit more responsive making turning much easier. The rocker at the front is fairly significant. Add in the bow fins (aka wave deflectors) and you have a design that is pretty nippy on the turn and will ride high over stoppers. I found the 9R to be agile, responsive and stable. Which to me is a superb combination.

The hull is planning with relatively soft edges, this aids with the stability but also means that this large boat surfs pretty well. It paddles a lot smaller than it actually is if that makes sense. As with many of the boats I have paddled recently the 9R comes alive when it is driven hard and for someone in the middle of the suggested paddler weight range the 9R is a pure joy to paddle.

On the front deck (just behind the grab handle) is a system that will allow the secure attachment of an action camera mount in the same way as you can with the Jackson range of kayaks.

The other notable change is a much-needed update to the Connect outfitting system. I would normally spend quite a bit of time detailing the outfitting system but as the boat I

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paddled had the older system it would detract from the rest of the review. Suffice to say the Connect outfitting works really well, great contact points and plenty of adjustability.

One of the major changes that Pyranha have made to the outfitting in the production model is the Stout seat that can be seen within the red 9R. With revised padding and a raised profile I think that this will take the Connect outfitting to a new level.This seat will also be available in a number of other Pyranha kayaks that are in the current line up.

The 9R L feels damn light on the shoulder. The new outfitting, Connect C4S with the Stout seat, will no doubt add a little weight but as it stands it is very impressive for such a large boat.

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Box contains

Camera Remote control Underwater housing Battery Camera frame Bike mount Helmet mount 2-pin-adapter 2 helmet straps 1x flat adhesive pad 1x curved adhesive pad 2x3M sticker 1 quick release mount USB cable Manual

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Rollei Actioncam 410 http://www.rollei.com Chris Stubbs

The POV camera market is a busy but congested one.The companies who got in first like GoPro are those that have dominated the arena but there are many companies now who have similar products that are just as good and like many tech companies before GoPro that have held the majority of market share, they are going to have to keep on their toes – remember Netscape, Nokia or Kodak?

Rollei are one of those companies leading the chase with a strong line of products to challenge anyone in the POV market. The one we were given to test is the middle of the range Actioncam 410 and you certainly get a lot for your money. It’s perhaps the only camera that I am aware of that can be used for any activity straight out of the box without having to purchase additional add-ons.

So along with the camera you will find various helmet/bike mounts, waterproof case and a wrist mounted remote-control, which comes in very handy and is a bonus at this price range. The camera itself is unremarkable and looking very GoPro like with its boxy appearance and has three buttons to control on/off, recording modes, which are mounted on the top plus a Wifi button located on the front.

On the reverse is the LCD screen that contains the menus etc and on the sides are located the power and USB input and outputs plus the microSD card slot (up to 32GB) and a battery compartment. The screen is a little disappointing as it’s grainy and not touch screen and therefore you have to rely on repeated pushing of buttons to gain access to certain areas etc but perhaps I’m expecting more than I should do when the camera can be bought for just under £100.

I preferred to connect to my iPhone over the WiFi and set the menu from there through the Rollei App – very easy to setup. You can also control the camera from the phone up to a distance of 15 metres. If the phone is inconvenient, then the included wrist remote control is a real bonus. No screen included but the three buttons means you can take video and photos and switch the camera off to save battery life - a very nice addition on a camera in this price range.

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Zipka Headlamp http://www.heinnie.com Peter Tranter

Along with the camera we also received the safety mount, which means that in the event of a collision with the helmet for instance, the camera detaches in a manner that doesn’t cause injuries due to increased forces to the head or the camera – when enough force is applied it detaches itself from the helmet.

Enough of looks and own to the nitty gritty of what the camera is for: to record pictures.The video output is either 1080p at 30fps or 720hd at 60fps, which are perhaps the two most popular recording modes and for photos there is a 4MB stills processor.

There’s nothing extraordinary about the image quality of both video and photos but they stand up to the competition at this price level.The video is sharper outside of the waterproof housing and of course you can hear the sound that much better.

Stills are good enough size for postcard printing and does have a burst mode to compensate for the lack of slow motion on video.

That’s what you have to remember though. You can spend a lot more money and arm yourself with many more recording modes (see the 4k Rollei 420), more megapixels, etc but if you want a straight out of the box camera for under a hundred notes, that can record anywhere including up to 40m below the waterline with reasonable results, then you cannot go wrong with the Rollei 410. We’ll be reviewing the 4k Rollei 420 in the New Year issue of the Paddler.

A really neat and simple idea in so many ways from the people at Zipka. As head torches go, the two LED light modes are up there with the best at 100 lumen brightness but what makes this little device stand out from the rest of the crowd is its compactness.

The elasticated retractable drawcord eliminates the need for any bulky head straps and you finish with a torch the size of a small plum. Looking at the string cord at first and you feel it may be a little uncomfortable by cutting into the skin – however, it’s not – in fact the opposite is true – it’s very comfortable and snug. The torch is kept in place very well, so well in fact, that I have started to wear it on my upper arm when going out for an evening run.

The other neat idea is the phosphorescent reflector that helps you find it in the dark. A very effective solution as the winter draws in.

See the full range of Petzl headlamps at: http://www.heinnie.com/lighting/headlamps/f/brand/petzl

Features:

Weight: Beam pattern: Energy: Watertightness:

68 g wide 3 AAA/LR03 batteries (included) IP X4 (weather resistant)

https://youtu.be/ruQpwHAXQYs ThePADDLER 21

ThePADDLER 22

in association with

in association with

Crewsaver Petfloat www.crewsaver.co.uk

By Anne Egan

Dogs on board, well not quite a board or a canoe, we tested the Petfloat from Crewsaver with our two Havanese whilst enjoying a Sunday afternoon punt in Cambridge. Now Frosty and Bobo are not exactly renowned for their love of water. However being part of the Paddler family it was only fair that they dutifully donned their beautiful floats and set sail on the River Cam. Petfloat is an attractive piece of kit, red and black, with reflective strips and a zipped pocket, designed to assist your dog to float should they find themselves overboard. It consists of a paddled jacket that sits on the back and sides and is secured to a more thinly padded chest piece via a system of straps secured by buckles.

The sensitive areas like underarms are free and the fitting allows the dog to move normally.

The float is easy to fit, especially if your dog cooperates and stands nicely whilst you position the

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float and fasten the buckles. For ease of rescue there is a central grab handle which can be used to hold onto the dog and to help haul the dog back into/onto your boat and out of the water. .

We are unable to say how it is to lift the dogs out of the river using the handle as neither of our dogs went in on this occasion. However we did lift the dogs using the handle whilst on the punt and felt that in the event of needing to grab and lift it would be perfectly easy to do this particularly as our dogs are small at around 7kgs.

We passed many other canoes, small boats and punts that afternoon with two or three others with dogs on board. This stimulus could have been enough to encourage one of our dogs, Bobo, to take a flying leap into the water. It was very reassuring that they were wearing the floats. We felt that should they jump, or fall in, they would not come to any harm before they could be helped back out of the water. Thus the experience of having the dogs on the craft with us was more relaxing.

The dogs took a few minutes each to adjust to their new attire but then happily wore them and moved around the punt for around two

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, TOURING R E T A W E IT H W k a Y e Th L rangeS A N IO T A E R C E R D N A

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yourself YakAdventureEquipment.com

hours. In retrospect now I realize that I should have ordered the smaller size as perhaps they were a little too big for our dogs. That was my mistake as there is a sizing guide on the Crewsaver website.

Towards the end of the journey I removed the jackets as I thought perhaps that after a few hours on they might be a little hot on what was a very pleasant warmish afternoon.

I would definitely use the floats with the dogs again and hope to take them paddleboarding with me in the Spring. Should your dog become tired, or if the water was very cold, the PFD would give them some buoyancy and warmth in the very same way as a buoyancy aid does for paddlers, whilst waiting to be rescued.

Available in red and black and five sizes ranging from extra small to extra large.

BRE LINI ATHAB LE NG CIR IMPR MESH CUL O ATIO VES N TABLE ADJUSLDERS SHOU IAL CORE AX WITH HNOLOGY C TE

A ST 4D CAM FO LOGY NO C E T H

For more information and pricing see www.crewsaver.co.uk/Leisure/p/578/petfloat Here you may also watch a video of the float worn and being actively used by a variety of dogs in a swimming pool.

Main features: l l l l l

Comfortable soft closed-cell foam Easily adjustable and quick to fit Integral handle to safely lift your pet aboard Pocket for lead and disposable bags Size measured from collar to base of tail

https://youtu.be/bAiV6RjdIMY

G 70N R U B N GREE BUOYANCY AID

ThePADDLER 24

in association with

in association with

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Joby Action Jib Kit http://joby.com

By Dale Mears

The Action Job kit is the best accessory I've found for your action camera. It allows you to achieve a range of shots with your Contour, GoPro, Sony or any other action camera with ease. A jib kit is used to gain a wide range of shots from crane shots, low and high vantage shots, ability to track a subject, get shots from above your subject and many more.

The product itself is two bolt on attachments that can clamp onto any diameter pole or monopod. I personally use mine on my monopod as its is then easy to fold up and expand when I want to use it. This makes it an ideal companion on the river or in he boot of your car. Once set up on a monopod it takes no longer than 60 seconds to have set up making it easy to get out at a drop and quickly get the shot you want.

The mount for the camera has a GoPro mount and a screw on 1/4 inch attachment making it suitable for any camera or device. The rubber strip keeps it secure so there is no slip. The handle is plastic and rotates so as you move your arm the camera rotates so that it is always

pointing at your subject. This allows for drone like shots, super smooth panning and great angles you previously couldn't achieve.

The jib kit is supplied in a drawstring bag with both pole attachments and a variety of bungee cord to suit a range of pole length. If you don't own a monopod I recommend you buy one but Joby also sell the jib kit with a pole pack.

It's super easy to use once you get the hang of it and weighing only 320 grams it's light to carry and move around.

https://vimeo.com/124706373

To advertise email: ads@thepaddlerezine.com or call +44 (0)1480 465081

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in association with

in association with

Palm Arcadia multisport / touring jacket wwwpalmequipmenteurope.com

By Richard M Harpham

The Palm Arcadia is a lightweight ventilated touring jacket which zips up well to provide good protection from the elements, wind, rain and spray. It comes in a choice of colours for men of green (on test) and sherbet (orange colour), whilst the women’s version comes in a vibrant red.

First and foremost the cut, colours and features of the jacket are fantastic. On test we had two other paddlers come up to us wanting one of these. The chest pocket is useful for bits and bobs and the hand warming pouch is perfect for colder days or in between paddling sessions. It has the usual features of an adjustable hood, double waist for spraydecks and Velcro cuffs.

The votes are in and the decision is unanimous, everybody from the team who has tried the Arcadia has loved it. Our test jacket has been out on an SUP Safari, sea kayaking at the Needles, on the Duke of Edinburgh’s scheme and for general activities. It is a good looking and comfortable technical jacket that would be at home cycling or as it would be on the water.

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Features: l Palm’s XP fabric with 2.5 layer configuration l YKK AquaGuard zipped kangaroo pocket l Handwarmer pocket with fleece lining l ¼ zip neck for venting l Exoskin gaskets with Velcro adjustable cuffs l Twin waist for spray decks l Drawcord adjustable waist l Adjustable zip off hood (helmet compatible) l Reflective detail Options Men: l Colours: (Green or Sherbet) Sizes: S-XXL Women: l Colours: (Red) Sizes: WS-WXL Paddler review: l Durability l Features l Value for money l Comfort l Look/feel

4 4 4 5 5

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E-Case iSeries™

www.cascadedesigns.com/e-case

By Richard M Harpham

E-Cases are designed to keep your mobile phones, tablets and electrical products safe in watery environments.We have tested the product over the last few months on kayaks and SUPs as well as an overnight coffee wet/dry test.

The overnight coffee wet/dry test was designed to simulate the immersion test with an E-Case left filled with good Italian blend coffee underwater. After 24 hours below the surface it had not allowed any moisture in through the seal.

The E- Case and SealLock system is simple and robust keeping your phone dry for all watersports activities particularly for anywhere salty. It fits neatly into a BA pocket or you can attach a lanyard to the last points.The smart phone and camera features worked well through the clear screen window and porthole!

Check out their other products for smart phones, tablets and other electrical products.

Features: l Model-specific, high-clarity windows allow direct access to touchscreens, cameras and voice functions with full protection. l Every case is individually tested to meet IPX7 standard of withstanding submersion in one-metre of water for 30 mins. l One-step, waterproof SealLock™ zipper and rugged RFwelded seams guarantee protection. l PVC-free materials and UV-resistant windows. l Die-cut lash points for tethering. l Fits all iPhones® up to iPhone®6 Plus.

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Alpha The Alpha is our minimalist PFD, trimmed down to the essentials, easy to adjust and cleanly styled. The same ripstop shell material as the Fuse jacket, with 60 N of floatation, and our 3D waist to hold it firmly in place. ICF accredited for use in slalom competition, it’s just as smooth competing on whitewater as it is cruising around the bay on your SUP.

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in association with

in association with

Lunatec Aquabot http://lunatecgear.com

By Dale Mears

I first saw the Lunatec Inc. Aquabot doing the rounds on Instagram and thought what a great idea.The concept of having a standard bottle that can spray shower, stream and mist patterns is great, I've seen larger versions of this concept at the garden centres but to have a bottle that is suitable to carry around is amazing.

The product itself comes in a range of stylish colours, however if you just want to buy the Aquabot lid this will fit on a number of bottles such as the Nalgene On The Go, On The Fly and 32 – 48 ov and Camelbak Eddy and Chute 63mm wide-mouth bottles. The bottle itself is also BPA free.

The version I've had to test is the 24 ounce bottle and it is a great size, what I was surprised with is how long the water lasts.

For a product that has a 25 ft range, fill this bottle up and it seams to give you consistent spray for a long time! You can really use it to clean, refresh or re hydrate. I’ve found it useful for cleaning gear, drinking from and now lives in the boot all the time.

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The pump mechanism is in the lid and is easy to grip even with wet hands. It's also very sturdy to pump, at no point have I thought it would snap.

From a full the bottle the Aquabot takes just 6 pumps to pressurise sometimes less. You know when it's ready as you can't put the handle back down so have to release a bit of water using the release button which is located at the back of the bottle (the grey part in the photos). To release the water you press the grey button and can either hold the button down or use short bursts of pressure. To alter the water between Jet, stream and mist settings is easy simply twist the nozzle on the bottle it couldn't be any easier.

The lid has two gear mounts to attach a lanyard or strap if wanting to clip to gear or in a boat.

There is also a neat little feature of changing your bottle between a blast mode and stealth mode. Inside the bottle is a small rubber tube that can be altered to make the bottle less powerful and silent for drinking and hydrating, as opposed to the burst mode which is used for day to day cleaning.

All in all this is a well thought out bottle design that really does the job if your out and about in the great outdoors. For more information check out the videos on President and Founder Nick Rhea’s Youtube channel

https://youtu.be/qbipt5ahcMM

in association with

in association with

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OverBoard Pro-Vis Waterproof BackPack 30L www.heinnie.com Peter Tranter

You will be seen with this hi-visibility, quality backpack and whilst not always the deal clincher when using whilst paddling, it is a huge bonus for when biking etc.You have to be seen particularly in these coming winter months.

It’s rated at class 3, which means it can be temporarily submerged without the contents getting wet and that works perfectly fine. basically you chuck your stuff in, roll the top down, clip it up and off you go.

So it’s an all-rounder really, perfect for a variety of uses and not paddler specific but a great addition for when you do go paddling due to that class rating and the very fact that is obviously splash proof etc.

One nice big compartment does the job of storage and there is a smaller zipped inside pocket for the smaller items. It’s very

comfortable to wear too. There’s also a D ring and attachments loops for additional lighting etc plus two handy mesh side pockets for quick to grab items.

Overall, a quality backpack, ideal for keeping your camera, phone, spare set of dry clothes and wallet etc dry while kayaking or paddleboarding

Features: l Roll-top 100% waterproof backpack - Class 3 - IP66 l High Visibility PVC tarpaulin so can be seen day or night l Floats safely if dropped in water l Top carry handle l ventilated back panel with air-flow design l Adjustable waist strap and sternum strap with emergency whistle buckle Available at: www.heinnie.com/carry/dry-bags-stuffsacks/f/brand/overboard

Gripping stuff

CAMBER SHOES

Rubber R you can rely on. We use the stickiest compounds from Vibram for our water shoes.

palmequipmenteurope.com/camber

By Richard Harpham www.canoetrail.co.uk

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Paddlespor

rt and enjoying wild adventures I love being outside and for me one of life’s simplest pleasures is to paddle a canoe, kayak or stand up paddle board with my camping gear and spend the night or nights in a remote location. My adventures, great and small have seen me canoe, kayak, bike, SUP and ski almost 8,000 miles of trips and expeditions, plus of course lots of day to day paddling. Each one is special for a multitude of reasons, the team sharing the journey, food cooked on a stove or campfire and of course stunning colours, wildlife and other shared moments.

My canoe trips have seen me paddle the Great Glenn Canoe Trail twice including the river sections, the length of the Great Ouse (140 miles), The River Till, parts of the Tweed, much of the Wye, parts of the River Severn and Thames as well as various other locations further afield. In 2010 our Big 5 kayak challenge team sea kayaked almost 1000 miles from Vancouver Island to Alaska and also canoed 700 miles of the Yukon River.

One of my most memorable jaunts was to canoe around Holy Island, Lindisfarne with my expedition buddy and owner of Active 4 Seasons, Olly Jay. This resulted in time ‘canoeing with dolphins’ and a little swim after surfing in a big wave around the Northern sand bar. More recently I headed out to Mallorca with Cody White of Nomadic SUP to attempt a circumnavigation, which clashed with the worst storms in 10 years. Wild Camping skills have been transferrable to other expeditions such as Cycling the Sahara on fatbikes where again we used tarps for shelter.

This article is intended to provide some ideas and tips to help inspire you to dust off your paddling weapon, canoe, sea kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) and plan a journey.

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ThePADDLER 34 Planning your route

Many of my adventures are dictated by tight schedules due to pressures of modern life.

Personally I am happy to paddle long days and then make camp, eat and sleep. Other people prefer a more leisurely pace. For longer trips it is better to know your preferred paddling rate and distance before you start. This can be determined with a few training or short overnight trips.

Like most people I enjoy exploring different points of interest on the route such as historic sites, finding the perfect campsite, wildlife and moving water or rapids for playing.

It is also important to consider the ability and fitness of any paddlers in your group. Part of the planning is also to understand the river grade or tidal conditions and how it might change during different weather. Prior to starting your trip you should of course get an accurate local forecast and keep relevant people informed of your journey for safety and risk management. Pesda Press in the UK have great books covering some canoe, sea kayak routes and destinations.

Packing to avoid the kitchen sink

One of the benefits of a canoe for camping trips is that they have a huge load carrying capability and retain relatively good handling characteristics. In short canoes such as traditional prospectors designs evolved to be the ‘Mule of the paddling world’. Conversely sea kayaks and the new generation of touring kayaks can really cover large distances at speed with a fair amount of kit on board.They do of course handle differently. SUPs offer another adventure craft although you need to pack even lighter for these. Our Mallorca trip was planned with tarps, no tent, one change of clothes and one stove to share.

Over the years through my adventures I have learnt that no one thing seems to weigh very much but the combination of kit soon mounts up. Deciding on the right kit for you can make a real difference and ensuring you have talked to your paddling team mates to avoid two or three duplicates can really help.

It then becomes a series of trade off ’s of space, weight and comfort. The new generation of camp mats are super lightweight and increase the likelihood of a good nights sleep.

Alternatively if the terrain is suitable then a hammock or bivi bag is also very light.

You can reduce weight by adopting some of the following ideas: l l l l l l l l l l l l

Using water purifiers such as the Katadryn Water Bag. Opting for freeze dried foods.

Using a tarp or hammock rather than a tent.

Selecting thinner drybags as opposed to heavy duty.

Consider the weight of each item of kit and alternatives.

Cutting up Life Venture pack towels for different purposes (drying pans and drying yourself).

Removing packaging and using sandwich or similar bags.

Powdered milk.

Opting for versatile footwear for daily paddling and possibly flip flops or sandals for evenings.

Reviewing kit amongst your team to remove duplicates.

Reviewing kit list and identifying needs versus wants and which items are essential.

Identify shops or towns where you can resupply and or organize supply boxes at specific locations.

Top tip:

Herbs – keep a stash of simple herbs and spices to add flavour to your recipes and food food.

Top tip:

Make cooking part of the magic rather than a chore. It’s a real social activity and something positive long after the memories of cold or rainy days has passed.

It is a strange fact of adventure life that generally nothing weighs very much at all

but collectively it all seems to weigh quite a lot On some expeditions we have eaten dehydrated Be-Well Expedition Foods and packed Mountain Fuel drinks for additional energy. These options only need simple cooking facilities such as an MSR reactor stove.

On less remote trips then we might opt for a cooking set and create culinary treats as part of the joy of camping and sharing good times with your paddling group. A bottle of tobasco, some Parmesan Cheese and a few herbs makes a real difference.

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Developing your adventure and paddling skills

It is incredibly rewarding to develop and use practical and adventure skills on your paddling trips and journeys. It provides a real sense of satisfaction to tie the appropriate knot, put up shelters, light fires with flint and steels or cook a feast on the campfire or stove.

Similarly developing your canoe skills to include lining and tracking if there are whitewater sections or poling shallow sections can be great fun. Sailing your canoe is also a different challenge with either a formal rig or impromptu sail made from a tarp or emergency shelter.

Often when you look back at trips it is these bits that spice up the tales of ‘daring do’ and fond memories of time in the great outdoors.

Paddling on the sea with a loaded SUP also provides a real sense of satisfaction but beware of strong winds against you. Quite literally on our SUP adventure in Mallorca we had 25 knot winds and two-metre swell pushing us in the wrong direction and spent most of the days on our knees to reduce windage.

It is also worth developing your paddle skills on moving water particularly if it involves a change from your normal preferred paddling option.

Surfing a canoe or sea kayak on moving water or breaking in and out of eddies is equally fun and uses many generic principles and paddle strokes.

For me personally learning to solo a canoe in different conditions and learning the ‘song of the paddle’ has been great.

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For your trip you might want to experience both tandem paddling and soloing and also different types of blades. In canoes I love using a deep water blade and knifing the blade back through the water for each stroke. In sea kayaks then a choice of kayak wings and an Aquabound sea kayak blade give me different options for the conditions. Building time for these elements in your trip will help make you a better paddler and coach, if you go that route, and ensure each micro adventure or journey is a more rounded experience.

As part of this article I have included some top tips and hints for simple things to improve your wild camping trip.You can see a full kit list on our Canoe Trail website at: www.canoetrail.co.uk

Top tips:

I have included three golden rules for trying to reduce our impact on the environment and ensuring safe and friendly trips are organized and enjoyed. Finally there are some suggestions for places to try out your paddling and wild camping skills.

Develop your paddling and adventure skills – try poling, lining and tracking and sailing as part of canoe adventures.Try moving water, rock hopping, surfing, and different conditions in sea kayaks or SUPs. Camp Skills such as fire lighting and shelter building are also great fun.

Paddle full – paddle your boat, kayak or board fully laden in similar conditions prior to experiencing it during a bigger trip. It does handle differently so being able to pick your line or knowing your limitations can be important.

Richard is a human powered adventurer and paddler www.richadventure.com who has completed over 7,800 miles of adventures by kayak, canoe, ski and bike. He runs www.canoetrail.co.uk with his wife Ashley 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, 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, Sealine Drybags. Richard and Ash are members of Viking Kayak Club based in Bedford.

Top tips:

Treat yourself – find the simple treats that really ‘float your boat’, from malt loaf to campfire popcorn, Green and Blacks chocolate or a simple dram of single malt. Embrace the concept of a reward strategy.

Ask the locals – hire kit, book guides and speak to the locals if your are not sure of river conditions or need help. It removes a large part of the stress.

THE GOLDEN RULES Leave no trace

It is important to protect our planet and leave campsites and rivers as you would want to find them.

You should consider whether an open fire is allowed, use a stove if not. Find suitable a location for the toilet and of course take everything with you. Better still collect rubbish and plastic on your journey and reduce the burden on our environment.

Respect other users

There is no doubt that you will almost certainly have to share your journey with other animals and people. A smile and a pleasant greeting are the best form of response to any negativity. Ultimately we have to share our rivers and coastline with rowers, fishermen, wildlife, tourists to name but a few. On rivers then check any local access agreements and try to stick to them. If you are going to wild camp then seriously make yourselves invisible otherwise you might enjoy yourself and ruin it for future paddlers.

Paddle safe

The best adventure is the one that you take. But it doesn’t make a great story if you are injured or put yourself or your group at unnecessary risk. Make sure you understand the conditions, have sufficient safety equipment and paddle within your ability and that of the group. Understand self rescues and how to help others when needed.

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Top Tips

Kit list – review your kit list and ensure all the essential items are included and packed such as suncream, mosquito nets, spare torch, insect repellent.

Pack light for SUPs particularly.

Using tarps – pack a tarp and paracord for making camp in rainy conditions.

It makes such a difference to be able to set up a shelter.

Canoe and camping locations to cut your teeth on…

Canoeing and kayaking the River Till and Tweed

The Till and Tweed in Northumberland, United Kingdom is a great river for canoeing and camping.The normal section paddle includes Grade 3 and plenty of Grade 2 and 1 sections.

There are some incredible campsites the local www.active4seasons.co.uk can provide kit, shuttles and the best advice on camping and paddling.

Canoeing SUPs and Kayaking the River Great Ouse Canoe Trail

The River Great Ouse is the fourth longest River in England at 143 miles of which half is navigable from Bromham, near Bedford, to the coast at Kings Lynn. The stretch near Bedford offers stunning rural paddling with www.canoetrail.co.uk’s woodland campsite accessible from the river and also a second campsite downstream run by the Camping and Caravan Club. Contact Ashley at the award winning Canoe Trail for more information. www.canoetrail.co.uk

Sea kayaking the Inside Passage

The Inside Passage is one of North America’s most challenging sea kayak routes stretching from Seattle in the south, through British Columbia into Alaska and up to Juneau, Skagway and Glacier Bay (UNESCO World Heritage Site) in the north.

You can hire sea kayaks in many of the places along the route from local outfitters accessible from the brilliant ferry system. You can also check out: Comox Valley, Vancouver Island www.comoxvalleykayaks.com Above and Beyond, Juneau, Alaska http://beyondak.com

Canoeing the River Yukon

The River Yukon is a mighty Canadian river offering a vast fast moving conveyor belt of water with incredible camp sites, Gold Rush history and plenty of wilderness. It is located in one of the last great wilderness areas on our plant and people usually paddle from Whitehorse down to Dawson City, some 420 miles. Speak to the team at Up North Adventures for more information. www.upnorthadventures.com

Great Glenn Canoe Trail

The Great Glenn Canoe Trail is an iconic Scottish paddle spanning Scotland from Fort William in the south and 60 miles north up to Inverness. There are some great Grade 2/3 river sections as well depending on the direction you choose as well as the incredible 26-mile long Loch Ness, with Castle Urquhart and so many magical views. There are trail blazer rests, wild camp sites and hostels to ensure great camping on your trip. www.greatglencanoetrail.info

Exploring Key West by SUP

Cody White and Ryan Saca of Nomadic SUP provide bespoke tours, tuition and adventure in one of the most incredible paddling locations, at the southern tip of the United States in Key West. As the name implies they can also organize trips further afield and have plenty of paddling experience. www.nomadicsup.com

Check out other UK canoe trails You can find more trails by visiting: www.canoe-england.org.uk/oursport/places-to-paddle/

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 bus & 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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PADDLER Salty

044 Favourite locations and why 26 world-class sea kayakers give their answers.

074 My first expedition By sea kayaker Markus Wiggin.

084 The Vikings are coming - part 3 Greece – Turkey by Chris Paton.

The UK’s largest sea kayak shop and so much more…

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National Kayak School Trips, expeditions and courses for all levels of ability.

To advertise email: ads@thepaddlerezine.com or call +44 (0)1480 465081

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ThePADDLER 44

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Gordon Brown Greg Paquin Helen Wilson James Manke Jamie Sharp Jarrod Gunn McQuillan Jason Self Jeff Allen JF Marleau Justine Curgenven Leonardo Esch Marcio R. Pereira Mark Tozer Martin Rickard Ollie Jay Sean Morley Simon Osbourne Tara Mulvany

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Malin Head, Co. Donegal Rep. of Ireland “My favourite place to sea kayak is Malin Head, the most northerly tip of the Irish mainland with cliffs and cove beaches washed by Atlantic swell and swept by tides racing to and from the Irish Sea to the east.

“Fantastic scenery befits this remote coastline with caves, arches, stacks, tunnels, cliffs and the Garvan Isles, a rocky offshore archipelago. Wildlife abounds: seabird colonies, seals, otters, dolphin, leaping tuna, minke whale and the occasional orca and breeding ground for basking sharks.

Adrian Harkin

www.inishadventures.com

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“Offshore (and further north again) lies Inishtrahull and the Torr Rocks.

The crossing to ‘the island’ takes careful planning, an exercise that every time satisfyingly tests the sea kayaker’s skills.

“Out there, alone from the rest of the world, the kayaker rests after an arduous sea journey, having battled tidal race, pitting mere mortal wits against the energy and vagaries of a boundless ocean.

“With only the company of lamenting seals and the primeval churring of that ocean wanderer, the tiny storm petrel, calling a mate from nests in stone walls, the sea kayaker can sense the wildness of an island with no boat service, deserted by man for 90 years.”

Barry Shaw

Anglesey,Wales United Kingdom

“The South Island of New Zealand certainly offers the expedition paddler a few challenges.The relentless west coast surf and the exposure on the outside of Fiordland have given me memories that will probably stay with me forever.

“The wilderness of Tierra Del Fuego on the southern tip of South America has to be the most remote place I have ever paddled. It’s South Atlantic coastline made me feel incredibly vulnerable as did the channels and passages where day after day we would be alone.

“Yet still after week upon week throughout every year I never become tired of paddling on the Anglesey coastline. Probably the most exciting trip for me is a day around the Stacks with a choice of tidal races to play in. Penrhyn Mawr one day can be a place where beginners would

think nothing of passing through and the very next day it can become anything from a challenging playground to somewhere that the most experienced sea kayaker would not even consider venturing.

“My first ever day of kayaking was a trip to the Skerries from Cemlyn Bay on the north coast of Anglesey and I have been completely hooked on sea kayaking ever since. The very next day I was taken on a journey around the Stacks and for me these two trips still have to be the finest kayaking destinations in the world.”

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Goat Rock, Sonoma County California, United States

BillVonnegut

http://calkayak.com

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“I would rate this area number one in the Bay Area for rock gardening play!

“The rock gardens are located just north of the Russian River on California’s Sonoma Coast. There is access to this area nearby at Goat Rock State Park. I recommend launching at the sheltered south beach. There is a one mile paddle north to what I call the 'entrance to the rock gardens’ which is a double tunnel that then opens to the next two miles of entertainment.

“Beyond the entrance there is at least a full day of fun in this short section of coast. With many of the features located off shore in fairly deep water, access to play spots can be found when conditions are too large for shallower areas where waves could break.

“I have included a clickable Google map below showing most of the play spots in this area.”

https://youtu.be/btv95tAY4rA

Nā Pali Coast State Park Kauai Island, Hawaii United States

“The Nā Pali Coast State Park runs along the north east edge of the Pacific island of Kauai. We paddled the 16-mile length in August at the end of the tourist season.

“Between magically waterfalls and mysterious sea caves, the beauty of untouched landscapes hewn by volcanic eruptions combine with the power of the prevailing ocean conditions to make an amazing day trip the likes of which I have never found anywhere else.”

http://qajaqrolls.com/profile

“Huge lush green prehistoric volcanic valleys plunge from the wettest peak in the world to the pristine blue Pacific Ocean. The trade winds drove long deep swells that picked us up and we rode them, seemingly for miles.

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www.jerseykayakadventures.co.uk

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Les Minquiers Bailiwick of Jersey

“Living in Jersey means I’m spoilt with so many great sea kayaking locations on my doorstep. My favourite is Les Minquiers, a 12-nautical mile open sea crossing from Jersey. At low tide the reef dries to the size of Jersey but at high tide only a few hundred square yards remain. A few fishermen’s granite huts cling to the islet.To awake in a hut and watch sunrise through the salt encrusted windows is fantastic.

“The trip across is tricky and in the past I’ve had a few epics. At some stage you’ll be six miles from land so you have to cope with feeling very tiny and exposed. For me the best bit is when ocean and horizon merge – and on a calm day pure silence surrounds you. Once at Maîtresse Île, the waters are invariably Caribbean like in colour. You can even use the most southerly toilet in the British Isles. Here I always feel like a visitor, even the seagulls strut about with attitude.”

Pete Astles. Dorset. UK. Image: Paul Ramsdale.

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QUALITY • PERFORMANCE • DESIGN

Newfoundland, Canada

www.committed2thecore.com

Christopher Lockyer

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“Newfoundland is a province rich in history and a strong connection to the sea.The ocean was a means of income, recreation and exploration.

“Its rugged shore are littered with ghost towns from the past. Many of these towns we abandoned and left as if there was a natural disaster. Clothing still hangs in the closets and the beds are still made. Visiting these areas is a peek into the past as well as an eerie view of the ways people used to live in these communities.

“I have a special place in my heart for Newfoundland as it is the place that I grew up as a child with both my parents being bore in Newfoundland when it was still part of the United Kingdom. A world-class paddling destination that would thrill any sea paddler.”

Erin Bastian

Scotland, United Kingdom “Hundreds of islands to explore. Crystal clear water, teaming with wildlife.The cliffs and caves add another dimension to Scottish sea kayaking. I’ve paddled through subterranean passages over 200 metres long, tunnels which cut through sea stacks and rounded headlands decorated with every possible size of sea arch.

“You can find excitement and relaxation, high seas and flat calm.

The wildlife never fails to take my breath away. Colonies of sea birds perch chaotically in cliff cities, dolphins and basking sharks glide past only metres away from you kayak and on a low spring tide you can explore shore lines riddled with marine creatures.

“I love to travel with my kayak but I can't say there are many places that beat the wonders of Scotland.”

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Bergsfjorden Senja, Norway

www.senja365.com

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“This is our favourite place to paddle, no doubt! You have easy access from several places – just park your car, drag the kayak 30 metres and you are on the water!

“Talking about the water, it’s crystal clear! Some people think this is the Bahamas when they see the photos, until they see the snow on the mountain tops. The colour on the water changes with the weather and season. In the winter it becomes dark green and blue – it’s magic.

“Because of the 99 islets and reefs in the archipelago, you can either have a calm and easy day on flat water or you can paddle on the outside to get big water surfs and rock hopping – it’s up to you. Eat your lunch on one of many beaches with white sand and green water while enjoying stunning mountains. Most likely you will see a curious seal and a eagle or two.

“In the summer is does not matter what time you paddle, the sun never goes down. In the winter you can paddle with Humpback whales and Orcas and be sure to look into the sky when you strap your kayak on the roof of your car, you might see northern light if you are lucky.

“All this at one place. Could you ask for more?

“See you on the water.”

Photos:Wivian Wiggen

“What I love about Skye is the absolute variety of paddling that exists here. From farmland to vertical rock to mountains to tide races to caves, stacks and arches to surf beaches and reefs… It really does have everything in a compact area. Oh… it also has a distillery.”

Isle of Skye Scotland United Kingdom

Gordon Brown

“My most favourite place to kayak on the oceans of the earth has to be the Isle of Skye. I am fortunate to be able to live and work on the sea and have travelled most of the world doing just that.

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Long and Fishers Island New England, USA

“It looks like a placid basin of water, but take another look. Its entrances look like the bottom of funnel and look again and you will see what the glaciers left behind – huge sea bed ridges, otherwise called Terminal Moraines that form numerous over falls and tidal races. Our tidal ranges are not huge, but with the restrictions both vertical and horizontal we certainly have some flow moving around.

Greg Paquin

www.kayakwaveology.com

“One of my favourite paddling grounds is my back yard or my home waters.

Shouldn’t any paddler position themselves in a dynamic playground? My home waters are the entrances to Long Island and Fishers Island Sounds in southern New England.

“These coupled with Atlantic swell and approaching weather fronts and systems, and you have quite a playground. All the more reason to be a BCU/UKCC coach in these waters, helping paddlers stay safe by promoting a high level of seamanship, personal paddling skills and leadership.”

Photos: Kayak Waveology, LLC

Trinidad, California United States

“All that said, two places fall into my ‘mood’ quite frequently. They are Greenland (all of it) and Trinidad, California. Greenland is, simply put, magical. The culture, majestic glacier ice, sea ice and clear Arctic water are all things that contribute to the sense of awe that a paddler experiences in Greenland.

“Equally, Trinidad, California is home to me. It's where I learned to paddle, and it's the water that I know the best. I travel over 300 days a year, and it's always nice to know that Trinidad's rock gardens, whales and play spots are waiting for me when I return.”

Helen Wilson

“The world is a big place, and with so many bodies of water, it's really difficult to pick a favourite paddling location. My favourite is often the place that I'm in the mood for.This could be somewhere warm and tropical, or somewhere cold and icy. It might be exciting rock gardens, or a calm, quiet lake.

www.greenlandorbust.org

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Jordan River British Columbia, Canada

“The west coast of Canada offers some pretty diverse paddling and to narrow down a specific spot if a pretty tough thing to do. For myself personally, I really enjoy surfing and tend to spend most of my time during the winter at Jordan River just down the road from my house.

http://qajaq.ca

“If timed right, Jordan River can offer up some big steep long rides which some have claimed rides of up to two minutes in length! It is an ocean point break allowing kayakers to ride big waves then cut out without even getting your head wet! The river itself pushing out heavy flows helps define the shelf and also offers a free ride back to the lineup.

“Flow and swell direction play a key part in timing this magical place. Many paddlers get skunked coming here when forecasts read high. But when it’s good, it’s GOOD.There are definitely dedicated areas for crafts and surf

education is a must. Run a circuit if you are at this super busy venue and look out for others. If you don’t have the skills, this is not the best break to practice at.

“Surfers tend to stay right at the point, SUP tend to hug surfers left and kayakers favour deep centre jumping on large swells which forms three defined breaks on the big days with the first set closing out heavy and generally two defined breaks on smaller days which tend to be the classic JR days.

Notoriously known for it’s big long steep green waves… for a kayak surf bum there’s not much better than that!”

Photos: Rowan Gloag

Jaime Sharp

Pacific northwest coast Canada

“Over the years I have paddled the world, from the southern hemisphere to the north, the tropics to the high Arctic and all sorts in between. However, despite coming from one of the most beautiful countries in the world (New Zealand), still the place that sits close to my heart as one of the most spectacular areas to sea kayak in (as well as just be one with nature) is the Pacific northwest of Canada.

“What keeps me coming back? The large expanses of true wilderness packed with wildlife, the sheltered inside passage or the exposed west coast, tranquil paddling with whales to 14 knot currents with waves you can push your surf skills on.

http://worldwildadventure.com

“Then there is the amazing fishing, and copious large marine life; all coupled with stunning scenery and amazing camping areas. Now more than ever with the threat of industrial development, we need to cherish and preserve this magical coast for generations of humans and wildlife to come.”

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Brier Island Nova Scotia, Canada

Jarrod Gunn McQuillan

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www.committed2thecore.com

“A long ridge of basalt bedrock that forms North Mountain stretches along the Bay of Fundy from Cape Blomidon to the western most part of Nova Scotia, Brier Island.

“This offshore island juts out into the mouth of the Bay of Fundy and provides what I think is one of the most dynamic, diverse and beautiful paddling locations in Canada. I remember my first time visiting this Island as a tourist on a whale watching tour and being greeted to a wonderful display of humpback whales.

“The area offers a diversity of sea birds and marine life, bringing out the nature seeker in me. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the significant tidal range at this location and tight passages are what truly bring me to this Island. While this area doesn’t boast the 50 plus foot tidal ranges found in the Upper Bay of Fundy, a healthy 20-feet on springs provides plenty of moving water for a fun filled day.

“I also love the area as there is the opportunity for a full day of playing in tidal races, as there are play spots on both the flooding and ebbing tidal streams. I have found it to be the perfect spot to get away with a group of paddlers to have some fun on and off the water. ”

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The far northern California coast is a challenging place for sea kayakers.

With hundreds of miles of sheer cliffs and unforgiving boulder strewn beaches, there are very few opportunities for all but the most skilled and brazened paddlers to experience the magnificent beauty it has to offer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Trinidad Head is one of very few places that offers protection from the Pacific's constant onslaught against the shore. Towering sea stacks and offshore reefs provide ample habitat for seals, sea lions, thousands of migrating sea birds, otters, porpoise, whales, and a myriad of other incredible sea creatures. Enormous coast redwood, eucalyptus, cypress, and spruce trees cling to the edges of cliffs, themselves crumbling into the ocean!

For those with proper skills and a sense of adventure, paddling north of Trinidad Head will not disappoint. With full exposure to the prevailing north west swell and wind, exploring the miles of cliffs, hidden pocket beaches, coves, sea stacks, arches, caves, offshore reefs, surf breaks, and pour overs is something not to be missed. This stretch of coast is rugged and unforgiving, but for those willing to face its challenges, the rewards are overwhelming.

www.pacificoutfitters.com

Paddling south from the protected harbour will give you a gradual increase in exposure to north west swell and wind for two to three miles before you get to Moonstone Beach, where a long, sandy, exposed shoreline begins and runs south for 20 miles with several river mouths along the way before you reach the

jetties of Humboldt Bay near Eureka and your next opportunity for protection from dumpy beach break landings.

Jason Self

Northern California United States

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Northern Norway

www.seakayakingcornwall.com

“Being asked where is the best place you have paddled is to an expedition paddler a nightmarish question. Why? Well, the thing with sea kayaking isn’t about where you’ve been but where you are going, we sit forward facing in our sea kayaks, leaving the places we have been before, in our wake, we are quite different to ocean rowers who are continually looking backwards to where they were.

“But if in all the thousands of miles I have paddled I were forced to make a recommendation for you to go and visit, I would offer you one location which is very close to my heart and this would be northern Norway, this is not just because of the Tolkienesque Mountains, which run all the way down to the ocean and it would not be because of the many hidden white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.

“The thing that entrances me the most about northern Norway is the contrasts of light, something ever changing and quite entrancing, I can sit for hours and just watch on how the light changes the way we perceive our surroundings.

“The area is a continual archipelago of islands and the coastline is deeply riven by fjords cutting cleanly through the mountain peaks. It’s a beautiful place for any paddler to aspire to. ”

Skookumchuck, British Columbia, Canada

“It is difficult to single out one specific place as my favourite destination.

Depending on whether I want to play, socialize or travel, I will opt for different locations.

“Clayoquot Sound and the Canadian Arctic for sea kayak touring are deeply inspiring, kayak surfing at home in Ucluelet on the west coast of Vancouver Island is a much needed therapeutic routine, for playing in the currents and socializing with friends and clients, Surge Narrows and the charm and warmth of the Discovery Island Lodge on Quadra Island is truly a magical place.

However, there is one specific place that is absolutely outstanding and world class to surf an almost endless green wave pending appropriate tides and currents' speeds. This place is called Skookumchuck. It is a First Nation name meaning turbulent water or rapid torrent. True to its name, you can play on a large green wave formed by high flowing water rushing underneath your kayak. I am amazed by the power of nature. The rush created by surfing this powerful tidal wave is overwhelmingly good.

But don't be fooled... What awaits you, not if but when you miss your exit will make your eyes go wide and your heart skip a beat.”

Photo by Alix Albertini featuring Rowan Gloag

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www.cackletv.com

Bardsey Island,Wales Wales, United Kingdom

“The Queen Charlotte Islands has its blended culture and natural beauty, New Zealand challenged me with her ring of surf and the Aleutian islands dazzled me with her wild remoteness, rich wildlife, unknown currents and stark beauty.

“I love travelling the world and paddling in unknown, untouched places. I’m always wanting to know what’s around the next headland. But there’s beauty and magic all over. When I’m home in north Wales, I always know I’ll have a special day if I head to the charming island of Bardsey at the tip of the Llyn Peninsula.

“Bardsey is only a few miles in surface area and just a couple of miles from mainland Wales but there’s magic crammed onto that little island. A stripy lighthouse adorns one end and a bulbous hill stands proud opposite it.Over a 100 seals, 36 nesting shearwaters, choughs, guillemots, puffins and many other birds make it their home.

“The Welsh name, Ynys Enlli, means ‘Island in the currents’ as currents of up to 6 knots swirl around the island, apart from a brief slack period. In wind and swell, a turbulent wave train blocks the way to the pretty island. Despite this – or perhaps because of this – Bardsey used to be a destination for pilgrims. Seven visits to Enlli was equivalent to one visit to Rome and 10,000 saints are said to be buried on the island.

“One family lives on the island year-round, looking after the sheep and cattle who graze the land, watching the winter storms, making honey from bees and weaving rugs from wool. I alway look forward to my own pilgrimage to Bardsey, I wear a quiet smile the whole time I breathe in the fresh island air and I leave with a deep contentment. There are magic places all over our world, but there’s something extra special about your own local piece of magic.”

Photo by Steve Porter

www.kokatat.com l www.systemxeurope.com

South east Brazil “Imagine paddling in a place with mild weather, where the mountains are covered by lush forest that comes down to meet the sea. Or do you want white sand beaches, protected from bad weather or maybe open challenging waters?

Caves? Rock gardens? Do you want more islands than you could ever explore in one lifetime? Or want to paddle in a tropical fjord?

Leonardo Esch

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“In south east Brazil all of this is possible, and you will never need to paddle wearing a dry suit! Please look a little video about the Sugar Loaf of Mamanguá (tropical fjord): www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BOggeRV NVM”

“Imagine a place with tropical climate where you paddle between islands with crystal clear water and beautiful spots of deserted and paradise beaches; a place where you can paddle on sheltered waters or open water with turbulent flow.You can even surf on perfect waves. A place for paddlers of all levels.

“Believe me, I have found this place. It is situated in the state of Santa Catarina, in the region of Porto Belo, Brazil. At least twice a year I go rowing in this region and each stroke is always a great surprise.

Sometimes, I find dolphins, other time sea turtles and have had pleasure of seeing penguins.

“I have not had the luck to see whales yet.

Although it is not common, I know they usually go through this region.

“Because of all this I reported I will come back soon and bring some friends with me, so, they will know more about my favourite place to paddle.

Marcio R. Pereira

Santa Catarina Porto Belo, Brazil

“I would like to invite all paddlers to come and know this paradise. I am sure, you will be amazed.“ .

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www.greenlandorbust.org

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Greenland

“For us, Greenland is a place of great contrast, and it’s coastal waters offer sea kayakers some of the finest paddling experiences in the world. A combination of incredible mountains and seascapes together with the ancient settlements existing side-by-side with contemporary Greenlandic life will capture hearts and minds.

“Whether gliding over mirror-like fjords at sunset, or battling through moving pack ice in stormy tidal passages, time spent traversing its shorelines will not be easily forgotten. An aspect that always captures our imagination is the sense of wonder in following the routes set out by such explorers as Knud Rasmussen and Gino Watkins.

“By travelling to Greenland, we also hope to take back knowledge to help keep traditions alive and accurately portray the Inuit culture through attending such things as the Greenland National Kayak Championship. Wherever we go, we find intense contrasts and beauty.The wildlife, miles of unpopulated shoreline, the calving glaciers and icebergs, as well as stunning light conditions make for a rich and varied time on land and water.”

Martin Rickard

Angmagssalik region Greenland

“For those who know me and especially those who have joined me out there, it will be no surprise that my all time favourite paddling destination is the Angmagssalik region on the east coast of Greenland. In this day and age it’s easily accessible, but still retains a very remote and wild atmosphere.

“The scenery is second to none, huge cliffs and rugged snow capped mountains where good landings can be few and far between, while inland fjords provided equally spectacular, but more sheltered paddling and access to small remote settlements where the hunting culture is still very strong.

“The Greenland ice cap is stunning, and creates the many huge ice bergs we paddle amongst. Sea ice creates a constantly changing environment, experiencing the ice is one of the most rewarding and exciting aspects of padding in this area. Camp sites are spectacular often with good fishing and just enough wood for a small fire.

“The abundance of ancient settlement sites, turf houses and burial tombs highlight the fascinating history and culture of this amazing area. I have been visiting this area regularly since 2000 – and now guide trips each summer - it’s different every time – I’m hooked.”

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West coast of Hoy Scotland, United Kingdom

Ollie Jay

www.active4seasons.co.uk

“My favourite paddle location has to be down the West coast of Hoy. Quite an exposed section of coastline that has been hammered by Atlantic swell for many thousands of years, not unique in the UK but the view of the Old Man of Hoy (137m – UK’s tallest sea stack) is stunning from the water.

“Starting at the Bay of Creekland, the 10 kms of huge cliffs you encounter before you reach the Old Man has some fantastic caves and one huge arch that can be navigated in most conditions as it lies west to east. As you go through it you just think of the immense forces that have created it.

After passing the old man you then have the potentially interesting landing on the storm beach of Rackwick Bay.

“A very interesting lunch spot with bags of history – visit the Cra’as Nest museum to find out more about crofting life before the clearances. Once refreshed a further 20kms will get you round the bottom corner back to some shelter at Aith Hope after less stunning but equally interesting cliffs with very little chance of landing anywhere unless completely calm.

“An amazing 30kms of paddling for the more experienced paddler – best done with a bit of swell in my opinion.”

Point Bonita California United States

“Marking the north side of the entrance to the Golden Gate, Point Bonita is a spectacular outcrop of pillow basalt topped by what was once the last manned lighthouse on the California coast.

“Tide, wind and swell collaborate to erode rock thrust upwards by tectonic forces defined by the San Andreas Fault that divides the earth’s crust just a couple of miles offshore. Despite this, man has created one of the most recognizably stunning architectural wonders of the world. Point Bonita offers one of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge with Alcatraz and the San Francisco skyline as a backdrop.

“The Pacific Ocean has carved many exciting features into the rocks of the Marin Headlands, none more spectacular than the natural arch that adorns the rocky cove overlooked by the lighthouse. Long period swell from the north west is persistent in the winter and south swell is not uncommon in summer.

“As a general rule, anything more than 10-foot at 10 seconds will shut down all the best features.

There are more complex rock garden areas on California’s west coast but Point Bonita is all about power and beauty and should always be treated with respect.”

www.riverandocean.com

“This fact hints at the potentially treacherous nature of this unique location. Why unique? Well, possibly nowhere else do you find the interaction of the greatest natural forces on earth so beautifully displayed and yet enhanced by man’s own contribution.

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Finistère, Brittany, France “I have been taking groups to Brittany for many years and it is always a highlight of my calendar.The incredible variety of environments is what makes it special for me.The tidal races of Pointe du Raz are simply breathtaking.The tide rips around the headland over a series of jagged rocks that stretch out into the Atlantic.

www.seakayakingcornwall.com

“Combine this with exposure to the North Atlantic swells, it is a testing environment on even the calmest days. The rock hopping is some of the best I have ever found in the world with miles and miles of coastline with stacks caves and arches. Top this off with lots of sheltered water options and surf beaches you really can find some great paddling whatever the weather.”

Fiordland southern New Zealand “Because it's like the final frontier, you can go paddling for weeks, even months and barely see anyone. It's wild, remote and incredibly beautiful and for more days than not, the weather forecast is for storm or gale warning in force, torrential rain and 5+metre seas.

“Vertical walls of the fiords are covered in thick rainforest and you can paddle under plummeting waterfalls, beside snow covered mountains and up meandering rivers. Then in the evenings you can light raging bonfires on beaches and cook your catch of the day – the biggest blue cod you'll ever see!

“It’s a place you can go to escape and immerse yourself in the wilderness, where life is simplified and everything around you is raw and powerful.

“When the storms come so do the birds, and huge albatross come out to play. On calm days you'll see seals lazing on the rocks, penguins hopping up into the undergrowth to their burrows, and if you're lucky, you can surf the wakes of the dolphins. It doesn't get much better than that.”

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MY FIRST EXPEDITION By sea kayaker…

MARKUS W About the author…

Markus is five-years old and lives at Senja, which is Norway’s second largest Island.

Markus is in his second season as a Sea Kayaker. He got his own sea kayak, named ‘Lightning’ (because it is fast as lightning) and he only uses a Greenland paddle.

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WIGGEN

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At last the day has come â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I am going on my first expedition!

We have been talking and planning this expedition for a year now. I have been on the water many times this year, so the expedition has been expanded in many ways since the first planning. Now we were up for a real challenge â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we are going distance!

Last year I paddled my dad’s Ivalu, a Greenland kayak. A super awesome kayak, but it was way too long for me and almost impossible to turn left and right. I was in need of a kayak for my size plus a drysuit. The wetsuit I used was OK for an hour or so but not to for an expedition.

If adult paddlers use top notch equipment, then me also being a sea kayaker – I wanted to have top notch gear as well! I had to have a talk to my friend Alf, who owns the local kayak shop Alfa Fritid in Tromsø. He was the right man to sort this out!

So off we went to Tromsø, and as usual I was welcomed by Alf with a ‘high five.’ He asked my dad and Wivian to do something else, while us boys found the gear I was in need of.

Don’t let the grown ups pick your gear – you can do this by yourself!

So this is the gear ended up with: Prijon Seayak Junior, a kayak that is made for rough use – and kids need that! Yeah, we need to learn how to take care of our gear, but that must not be the main focus – paddling and fun is our number one priority! You don’t want to be afraid of paddling into a rock!

This kayak has a net for emergency gear in the bow (this means you can have candy in a waterproof bag located there) and you need some of that stuff on an expedition. It has one hatch in the stern, for my own gear such as sleeping bag, mat, candy and other things you need It also has safety ropes all around so you can do rescues. Doing a cowboy scramble with this kayak is no problem!

Drysuit

Alf found a nice red drysuit for me – a Sandiline Pro and it’s always nice to have gear called ‘pro’.

The suit has braces on the inside so it does not feel too big, is reinforced in several places for rough use and is a junior size, which means I can use it several years. I have been doing some rescues with it, swum with it and it’s a thumbs up from me – recommended gear!

Paddle

My dad and Wivian persuaded me to use a Greenland paddle, which I like a lot. It does not matter which way you hold it, just grab it and paddle – it’s smooth and it looks cool! The paddle is made by the famous Danish paddler living in Norway,Anders Thygesen. Hope to paddle and show him a trick or two someday as watching dad and Wivian, it seems like you can do some really cool stuff with it.

You can even roll a kayak holding the paddle under the hull. Hey, I want to learn that stuff soon!

PFD

I chose a PFD from Baltic. It has a pocket in the front for my camera, and its comfy on my body.

PS! Always wear a PFD!

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So I have the gear I need, let’s get on the water…

Expedition rules:

What to see: Between the fjords and mountains on the west coast of Senja you will find Hamn i Senja, a holiday and activity resort offering panoramic view of the midnight sun or northern lights (depending on the season) and the Arctic Ocean.

My dad picked me up from kindergarten on Friday afternoon, and ‘Lightning’ was on the roof – I couldn’t wait! We went home, had a quick meeting and a brief about the expedition. I had to be part of the planning process and write down what I had to bring. I packed my gear into my own waterproof bags, had a short stop to buy some food and was then go all the way.

We launched our kayaks from a friends, with the distance of the first paddle being 4km – and what a day! The sun was very low with no clouds and the water was completely flat! We just paddled slowly and enjoyed the moment – this is just the coolest thing to do – ever!

We had planned to go to an island, but as we were getting close we saw some people there, so we changed our plans and found another island and this one was even better. I mounted the tent with dad, while Wivian had her night bath. She asked us about doing the same, but we were busy… We were starving, so we had dinner early. Real Turmat (Real Meal) with pasta is my favourite and it’s ready in five minutes!

So I crawled into my sleeping bag at the same time as dad and Wivian after enjoying the heat from the campfire and watching the sun go down.

You can stay up as long as you like.

You can eat as much candy as you want (as long as you can paddle the next day)

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Next day we woke up to the very same nic

ce weather. Calm water, sun and no clouds.

We had a planning meeting and decided to paddle to ‘Hamn’ to buy ice cream before we went home, however, before I could paddle we had to do ‘lesson of the day’.

First Wivian did a swimming exercise with me wearing a drysuit, then some fun stuff and finally Wivian showed me how to do a Cowboy scramble. When it was my turn to do the Cowboy scramble, my dad tried to explain how to do it, but that was not necessary. I had seen it once and that was enough for me. It’s cool to be able to get in the kayak by myself. It gives me more confidence and I feel safer.

Let’s go get some ice cream

We paddled about 4km to ‘Hamn’ and it was cool eating ice cream sitting in the kayak. A lot of people were smiling at me and taking photos.

Now though, the expedition was almost over but there was still 4km to get to the car and I was getting pretty tired. My dad had to help me a little, but hey, I am only five years old! This is a long distance for me.

Getting back to the car I was pleased and very proud of what I had done. Seeing the faces of my dad and Wivian and I think they were even prouder.

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This was not going to my last expedition! Now I am planning for a new one next year. As of now it’s a secret as to where we are going, but it’s going to be super awesome!

If you ever paddle at Senja, and see a red Prijon kayak it’s probably me. Drop by and have a talk!

See you on the water.

Markus – sea kayaker, five-years old

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The Vikin Greece –Turkey

By Chris Paton Sitting on a Turkish beach, bunching the sand between their toes, Lars Simonsen, Suzi Oud,Tiuri (8) and Liva (6) are waiting for a break in the wind before completing the last 100 kilometres of their 7,200 kilometre kayak journey, from Copenhagen to Istanbul.

The landscape around them is about to change, as they swap the wild coastline for the outskirts and suburbs of Istanbul, the city that has been their goal for one and a half years.As Suzi and Liva tease the boys about their reluctance to continue kayaking in the rough waters, Lars reflects on the last leg of their journey, and we pick up their story from their arrival in Greece.

“I have just spoken with the Greek Coast Guard,” Lars told me during an hour-long mobile phone status update.“They said we should be careful.They might not be able to rescue us if we get into trouble.They think they might run out of fuel in the next few days.” Apparently, the Coast Guard officer was laughing when he said it.Travelling through a country in the midst of a national economic crisis was going to be interesting, Lars mused. However, in the spirit of the Life is Good: FOLLOW US! family expedition, Lars wasn’t going to let a minor detail such as rescue slow the family down.The more immediate problem of where to sleep was of a greater concern.

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On the Greek island of Othoni, the family were welcomed by the Mayor, only to be shooed off by the Harbour Police just a short while later. Relocating 20 metres further up the beach, the authorities were placated and the family could enjoy landfall after the long crossing from Italy. As Lars prepared the written posts, photos and videos to be uploaded to Facebook, he smiled at the islanders preferred means of communication. “They just shout at each other, from house to house, across the valley,” he explained.

There were plenty of things to wonder at while kayaking between the Greek islands in the Ionian Sea. Tiuri and Liva, ever the curious explorers, tried to make sense of the tent being completely closed up in the middle of the day. Peering inside Liva called out, “Daddy, why are you shaking?”

“And where are mummy’s trousers?” added Tiuri.

“It can be hard to find time for each other,” Lars told me. “But what can you do?” Laughing it off, he went on to talk about the difficulties of finding somewhere to camp.

“I asked around about remote places to camp. An Austrian traveller explained that when they get moved on, she and her husband just pack up the camper van and come back in a few days.They had been doing that for eight years.”

Finding a good campsite was not the only challenge the family had to overcome. It was getting hot. While making a crossing in southern Italy, the wind blowing down from the mountains had been so cold, the kids had peed in their drysuits to keep warm. The opposite was to be true in Greece. Paddling through the summer months, using the Hobie flipper drive system when the wind was at its lowest, the family looked for creative solutions to cool off. “We swam a lot,” Lars told me. “What else could we do?”

After the generous hospitality of the Italians, Lars and Suzi were a little anxious about how they would be received in a country whose economic survival was being hotly debated across the world. It wasn’t long before the family began to appreciate that the Greeks were both enthusiastic about their journey, and more than pleased to introduce the family to the Greek way of living, their culture, and not least their food.

Local hospitality was not the only thing to be offered. Information provided by local fishermen, sailors and even pro-surfers was to prove valuable and entertaining.

“If you cross between the islands in the Aegean Sea,” explained Minos from Lampiri, “don’t let the kids swim in the water.There are sharks that eat the leftovers from the fishing boats.”

The family take such things in their stride. They have been on the water for so long now, experienced so much, that everything is relative. Lars and Suzi’s son, Tiuri, paddled solo in a small sit-on-top kayak, just for a change. Lars called out encouragement from the Hobie catamaran as Tiuri paddled through the waves. “Ah, it’s nothing,” Tiuri called back, “they are only one metre high.”

The Greeks were both enthusiastic about their journey, and

more than pleased to introduce the family to the Greek way of living, their

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Of course, there are times when even the most experienced must head for land and get off the water. Travelling as a family, Lars and Suzi have always had safety as a top concern. When they were told about the Meltemi wind, they listened.

If it blew at night, the locals explained, it would be chaos on the water the next day. “You may as well stay on land.” And they did.

A day on land would give the family chance to rest, play, fix their equipment and write new updates to post online. Such posts, taken out of context, might occasionally make readers smile.

Like when Lars forgot to add the word kayak in a video: I need to check Suzi’s bottom. There’s a crack that needs patching. Despite the occasional online gaff, there was plenty to occupy the family as they kayaked through Greece.

Added to this was the constant need for maintenance

as the kayaks, with thousands of kilometres under their hulls, began to suffer

The thought of island hopping in the azure blue waters of Greece had been one of the motivating factors when planning the expedition from their home in Denmark. The reality of doing so was to exceed all expectations when, surfing on the waves, the family was joined by a pod of dolphins leaping between the kayaks, accompanying them for a kilometre or more.

But it was not just dolphins who would accompany the family on their journey. Despite being constantly on the move, Tiuri and Liva enjoyed the company of Vasiliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s children as he and his family joined them, snorkelling in the sea and climbing into the mountains to bathe under a waterfall. After so many days of suncream and saltwater, a freshwater shower was a welcome distraction.

However, the shadow of the Meltemi was ever present. Strongest in July and August, it threatened to capsize Suziâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kayak. Added to this was the constant need for maintenance as the kayaks, with thousands of kilometres under their hulls, began to suffer. With a hole in the bottom of his kayak, Lars pumped his way into Athens where they emptied over 50 litres of water from inside the hull. Cannibal Kayak House repaired the leak and the kayaks were, more or less, watertight again.

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The kayaks have been tested again and again, but not least during a marathon journey of 27 hours and 114 kilometres past the island of Athos. The island, home to Eastern Orthodox monks, is out of bounds for women. Lars and Suzi decided to paddle through the night to pass it. While luminescent plankton entertained the family for some of the darkest hours, it wasn’t enough to keep them all awake. Lars towed Suzi’s kayak behind his as he struggled to keep his eyes open. Life is good, but it can also be tough going in between.

Despite the trials of travelling, one thing has remained constant. In all of the countries they have travelled through, local people have opened their doors to this family of adventurers, demonstrating time and again that regardless of economic difficulties, different cultures, ages and social standing, people are interested in people. The latest family to shelter Lars, Suzi and the kids from the storm was Rahim’s – plying the kids with good food and introducing the adults to Turkish Raki. As the children slept, Lars and Suzi enjoyed Turkish hospitality, and a mandatory period of rest the following day.

The border

Before enjoying Rahim’s food and drink, and the care packages of food brought by locals to the family as they camped on the first few beaches in Turkey, Lars and Suzi had to get across the border.

Unlike the Greeks, the Turkish Coast Guard had plenty of fuel. After more than five hours in the custody of the Turkish authorities, the family were sent on their way. Due to a public holiday, they could not get their papers for five days. They were advised to lie low and stay out of trouble. Lars grinned when he told me, “We were on the run!”

One could say that the family has been running for over one and a half years now.

They have had many interesting encounters with the authorities from different countries, all of which have ended peacefully. One might ask, however, what it is that they have been running from? And what will they do next?

Lars grinned when he told me, “We were on the run!”

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At the close of an epic family journey, the first of its kind, Lars and Suzi are sitting on the beach, playing with their children, and anticipating the end. With more than a little anxiety, they have been planning the end of their adventure, and preparing for the next.

Sponsored by BMW, they are looking forward to returning to Denmark by road in an electric car.

They can also look forward to giving illustrated talks, writing a book, and finding a house to live in and a school for Tiuri and Liva. While acclimatising and readjusting to daily life, Lars and Suzi are not yet ready to quit the adventurous life. New plans are being fleshed out and developed as they turn away from the south and head north, all the way north.

Links

http://lifeisgoodfollowus.com/ https://www.facebook.com/lifeisgoodfollowus https://twitter.com/lifeisGOODfolus

After 18 incredible months of paddling towards the Middle East, the family have heard the Song of the Yukon as it sings through the pines of the North American wilderness of the Yukon Territory and Alaska.They wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget the people, the nature and the experiences they have enjoyed during the course of the journey from Copenhagen to Istanbul, but neither will they be able to just stop and click back into a more traditional family way of living. No, for Lars, Suzi and the kids, life is good, and it has to be lived.

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094 ICF Freestyle World Champs From Quebec, Canada by Margaret Anthony.

110 Bavaria, Germany

The great little rivers of Bavaria by Steve Brooks.

122 Catalonia

The Noguera Pallaresa by Rebecca Skirrow.

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Story: Margaret Anthony Photos: Dave Wortley

GB

Throughout the summer athletes arrived at the famous Wilderness Tours rafting site in Forresters Falls, Ontario with the excitement building as the training regimes began.

Wilderness Tours nestles in a lovely spot on the river, one of the most beautiful places in the world and an area that is regarded by many as the pride of Canada. Led by Matt McGuire and his devoted team, it opened its doors to the athletes with a hearty welcome, lovely lakeside cabins and, most importantly to our kayakers, great wholesome food. It must be said that the steak nights at Wilderness Tours, in particular, are the very best. Every night after training our athletes relaxed and watched the sunset over the beautiful lake while they enjoyed listening to local Canadian singers, sitting in the hot tub or playing snooker or darts.

This was a time when lifelong friendships were forged amongst young people from all over the world. Funsters Islay Crosbie and Heidi Walsh led the way finding new friends and paddling companions amongst paddlers everywhere.

at the 2015

ICF Freestyle Canoe World Championships

OTTAWA

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The GB team

There are many lovely spots to kayak on the Ottawa River but the world famous and aptly named Garburator is the most impressive of them in terms of size. Paddling or rafting through it is enough excitement for most people but our athletes had only a few weeks or even days to learn to negotiate every inch of it in preparation for their competition runs. Our juniors, who were all in that long, post exam summer, were lucky enough to start training at the beginning of August with trusty GB coaches Jacko Jackson and Dennis Newton. Undoubtedly, they developed and grew both as paddlers and as people.

The Brits formally commenced their team bonding with a gentle sunset cruise from the Owl rafting site; they were all in high spirits, yet it was a blissfully uneventful outing. A senior member of the team loved it so much; he is considering a career in cruise captaincy.

As everyone arrived training times were split between countries, giving an hour a day to GB between 9am and 5pm. Our paddlers rose to this challenge and combined their daytime slot with out of hours training at 4am or 10pm to hone their competition runs and perform their best. Training in the dark is not recommended for any but the most confident; some would say mad, kayakers but Wilderness Tours put on flood

lighting at the Garburator to assist training for all of the dedicated athletes.

The event kicked off with a wonderful opening ceremony in Beachburg, Ontario, a small town with a big heart.The town had spent a lot of time and energy preparing for the procession of the Canadian armed forces, beauty queens led by Kathleen Barr, vintage cars, trucks, a fire engine, the Wilderness Tour floats, the local school float, Scottish and modern dance troupes which were followed by our athletes with each country lead by a child flag bearer from Beachburg. Local support was incredible as the people of Beachburg sat outside their houses and cheered all the athletes on as they filed past. Houses and businesses were decorated to celebrate the coming of the championships.

All filed into the stadium where Paula Troutman and Eric Jackson presented a jamboree of local talent and speeches were made by the great and the good including the Mayor of the Whitewater Regional Council and the CEO of the International Canoe Federation himself.

The official opening was finished off with a superb beef banquet and masses of chocolate cake to feed our ever hungry kayakers.

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Claire O’ Hara takes Squirt title

Monday saw an exciting start

to the events with the men’s and women’s squirt boating events. Our team-old hands Alex Edwards, Claire O’ Hara and Ben White and youngsters Jen McGaley and Sam Wilson.The top of McCoys rapid was an excellent spot to perform the difficult and sometimes dangerous mystery move, descending to the river bed at the top of the rapid overspill, which all of our team managed to achieve. It was great fun to watch and I know many of the world’s best kayakers will be trying out this sport in their home waters now. In the end some good results with Claire taking gold and a marriage proposal, Ben bronze, Alex and Jen fourth and Sam in the near semi-final position of 12th. Our youngsters certainly look to be going all the way to the top in the future.

Tuesday was heats day,

the event shifted on to the enormous and powerful Garburator wave starting with the men’s C1 kayaking heats. Our youthful team comprised George Heyworth-Hill, James (Ibbo) Ibbotson and Adam Ramadan. In tough and extremely voluminous water James made semifinals in tenth place with George and Adam just missing semi-finals.

Next were the junior heats. Our juniors had been training all summer on the Garburator with GB coaches Jacko Jackson and Dennis Newton.

It was now time to prove they had done some good work. In the junior women’s event were our tough duo Sophie McPeak and Emma Witherford. The girls slid comfortably into the semi-finals in second and fifth place. Our junior

men’s trio, Hugo Anthony, Charlie Brackpool and Hugo Scott progressed to the semi-finals with ease taking a tremendous fourth, fifth and first place. Hugo Scott managed the competition best junior score of 801 points.

The women’s heats included powerhouses Nicola Beeby, Lowri Davies, Claire O’Hara and Emily Ward. Claire and Emily made semi-finals in ninth and fourth place, with Nicola and Lowri just missing out on a place. Our men, all world renown in the sport of kayaking were Gav Barker, James (Pringle) Bebbington, Doug Cooper, Bren Orton and Alan Ward (finalist in 2013). In this immensely competitive event only Bren and Alan made it through to quarter finals and after a battle only Bren made it to the semifinals later that day.

Hugo Anthony and Hugo Scott

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The semi-finals were held on Friday and the pressure was building as the stands and surrounding woods became fuller with families now in place from all over the world. The Brits rose to the occasion and a whopping seven of them made the final, making the proud and pleased competitors the best five in the world in their respective categories. Our brave seven Brits had a short training session and one evening to mentally prepare themselves for Saturday’s finals. Where better for mental preparation than the beautiful Wilderness Tours site, watching the sun go down over the river from the easy chairs or the hot tub.

A hot, sunny morning greeted us on Saturday at the Garburator. The stand, the river banks and the woods were brimming with spectators as Canadians joined the crowds to catch the events. The air was heavy with excitement and expectation. Photographers Bruce Jolliffe and David Wortley were at the ready for this last day of photo shots and footage, looking to capture the best action yet.

Young Sophie McPeak was the first of our finalists to paddle out into the Garburator for the junior women’s final. Having trained all summer with the junior men, she was prepared.

In this, her first International event, Sophie was up against fearsome American opponents, Sage Donnelly and Derby McAdams. Sage’s scores would intimidate most senior men. After a tough first run and supported by coaches Jacko and Den, Sophie produced her medal winning run and claimed bronze, grinning as she took her last run down the rapid.

Next on, an amazing three Brits in the Junior men’s final, to the immense pride of Den and Jacko, Hugo Anthony, Charlie Brackpool and Hugo Scott. Three good friends who trained together all summer with the junior ladies, all growing in skill and stature as the summer went on, but with some cost. Charlie’s rallied against a shoulder injury that was known only to those close to him. Medal chances depended on the best of their three runs and they were really up against it facing Fabian Lanao from France and the famous super powerful kayaker Alec Voorhees from the US. Hugo Anthony piled the pressure on and set himself up as the one to beat in his first run. Two runs later and despite a strong, last run, challenge from Alec, he emerged as the Champion with Hugo Scott taking bronze and Charlie coming in fifth.

Sophie McPeak

Charlie Brackpool

Hugo Scott

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Hugo Anthony Junior Men Freestyle World Champion

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U.S.World Champs… 1, 2, 3…

Clockwise: Dane Jackson (Men’s K1 & C1) Sage Donnelly (Women’s Junior K1) Emily Jackson (Women’s K1)

Mat Dumoulin, France (3rd Men’s K1) Dane Jackson, US (1st Men’s K1 & C1) Nich Troutman, Canada (2nd Men’s K1)

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Hitomi Takaku, Emily Jackson, Claire Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hara, Ekaterina Kulkova, Emily Ward

Find out more about Wilderness Tours at:

www.wildernesstours.com

on our senior ladies, the reigning world champion and top of the leader board Claire O’Hara and Emily Ward who is also a previous world champion. They launched into the finals up against world renowned Emily Jackson from the US, Hitomi Takatu (a squirt boat medalist) from Japan and Ekaterina Kulkova from Russia.

This was not going to be easy and Emily Jackson stamped her winning mark on the first run, following through with an even better score in the last run. Claire raised her game to take the bronze medal and Emily took fifth place.

Paul Ramsdale. River Dee. Image: Pete Astles

The sun beat down

The ultimate men’s final saw our Bren Orton up against fellow stars of the kayaking stage, Mathieu Dumoulin, Quim Fontane Maso, Dane Jackson and Nick Troutman. Dane nailed the first round with an epic 1560 points.

Mat came close in the next round only to be soundly defeated in the third round by Gold medallist Dane. Bren performed bravely in the face of enormous pressure and came in fifth just behind Quim. We look forward to a re-match in the next World Championships.

On Saturday after the events came to a close, Wilderness Tours put on a closing banquet and the presentations were made. To our pride, the National Anthem was played twice for Great Britain. A party to end all parties followed with a fantastic disco.

Team GB was able to let its hair down before a proud and triumphant return to Britain.The next World Championships are to be held in Rio in 2017 and our young team hope to return yet more impressive and eager to get the best positions and the most medals.

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BAVARIA

BEER LEDERHOSE AND SOME GREAT LITTLE RIVERS!

It is not your standard destination for kayakers outside the German speaking world as a lot of most paddled sections and rivers are around Class 3. However, the location of these rivers such as the Upper Breitach, DĂźrrach or Loisach are second to none.

In the Spring we still manage to have a few days free to kayak and as we are based in the heart of the Austrian Alps in the ski town of St Anton am Arlberg, it is just about an hourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drive over a couple of passes to cross the border and arrive in Bavaria.

By Steve Brooks

Bavaria is world renowned for its beer and of course the Oktoberfest that draws in millions of tourists to the city of Munich. However, if you come earlier in the season and get off the beaten path, you will find some fantastic rivers tucked away in some of the most stunning scenery in the Alps!

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The Allg채u Our first port of call was the Allg채u region and to visit local kayaker and matador

John Blake The region is pretty much the furthest south you can be in Germany and it has the pre-Alpine lands steeped in farming tradition with plenty of cow bells chiming away and is generally known as the gateway to the northern Alps.

I have known John for many years and we have had some amazing escapades kayaking the deep canyons of Peru, the jungle rivers of Ecuador and a fair few Spring road trips through the Alps. He married a local girl and has settled fully into the community, even being accepted into the local allotment club. His knowledge of the whole river systems of the Allg채u is second to none!

In the Allg채u the main river is the Iller where plenty of side streams bring an abundance of water during the Spring melt from the snow covered mountain tops. The Ostrach is a great little river with crystal clear water that offers the intermediate paddler the opportunity to kayak in a 60m deep gorge with Class 3 pool drop rapids. The other one of note is the Upper Breitach, again a Class 3 river with pool drop rapids and plenty of rocks and features to really improve your creeking and river running skills.

Ute Heppke kayaking the Upper Breitach in the Kleinwalsertal Region of Austria

Creeking on the Upper Breitach

The Upper Breitach is actually in the state of Vorarlberg Austria, however, unless you want to walk over some pretty high mountain passes with your kayak on your back it makes way more sense to drive in from Bavaria! The river has seen many changes over the past 5-10 years, as a devastating flood ripped the heart out of the river. However, the local authorities put a plan together and with plenty of hard work the river is getting back to its former glory. The Upper Breitach is really only known outside the German speaking kayaking community to the British military. This is how I came to paddle and learn about it.

It is just a five-minute walk down to the river from the car park to the put-in where a gorge with great rapids await! It can easily be scouted as there is now a footpath that follows the river all the way down. You get a few hundred metres warm up and then you drop in. A couple of ledge drops followed by a small flat water box canyon and then a few more drops and waves to punch before the gorge opens out and the light shines in!

region Between the rapids you will spend a bit of time waving to the walkers along the track who all stop to give encouragement and of course to take photos.

kayak and of course set up safety! A novelty factor is that for much of the way, you are actually kayaking right on the border between Austria and Germany, though just remember to scout the take-out as below is the Breitachklamm, a deep box canyon with an unrunnable rapid that would have grave consequences! When the water is high, there are a couple of waves that you can spend the entire day surfing on, they are just so sweet!

Many of the rapids and drops mean you can work on your creeking skills such as boofing and flaring rocks and with it being Class 3, there are no real consequences if you miss your stroke or get the line wrong. It really is a great little river to practice on. With plenty of eddyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s around it gives you lots of time to Now it is just a steep walk up the track to the gather your thoughts, scout the lines from your carpark and a few weiss biers!

It is not just about the whitewater, the stunning Ostrachklamm in the Allgaeu Region of Bavaria

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The next day saw us head towards Hinterstein and the Ostrach Valley.

It is a secluded area and the road into the valley is privately owned, but there is a bus service which can get you to the nearest stop.They are used to having kayakers on the bus and it takes just a few minutes to put the boats down the middle of the aisle much to the bemused trekkers and walkers.

The driver gives you a bit of information about the gorge but you cannot see into it! From the bus stop it is a five-minute walk down to the put-in where you can get a glimpse of the first drop into the gorge.

The scenery is stunning and with roughly 10 pool drop rapids in the gorge, it is well worth the effort and you will also find yourselves alone while kayaking it. Once the gorge opens up the river drops to Class 2 and it is a nice chilled paddle all the way to the take-out. If you are in the Allg채u area and there is water, then it is well worth the paddle.

The last drop in the gorge and then we meet the forest for the final part of the Ostrach

Crystal clear water, peaks looking even bigger from the river and a deep blue sky, kayaking on the Ostrach

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The Loisach We said farewell to John and headed east to the ski town of Garmish-Partenkirchen and one of Germany’s most revered rivers – the Loisach.

Griesenschlucht section

The Upper Loisach is actually in Austria and is a great little paddle when there is water in it.

However, it is the Griesenschlucht section of the Loisach that is the most fun! A Class 3-4 technical piece of whitewater with the feeling of being a long way away from civilization. This is not actually the case as there is a road following close by.

As soon as you go around the corner from the put-in the river tightens up and the rapids just keep on coming. There are plenty of rocks and eddy’s around and for those who have not paddled a lot of technical whitewater – it will come as a shock!

Trying to stay one step ahead of the game is the plan on the Loisach. When the river is getting close to its high water mark, small groups are way better and easier to control as it does start to get pushy and the feeling of having time between the moves and drops reduces considerably!

Austria's equivalent of the Rohtang Pass in India, the Hahntenjoch Pass

Ute kayaking the staircase rapid on the Loisach River

Ute running a sweet drop on the Loisach River

The Dom is a famous rapid where you can paddle through a one-metre wide gap between two rocks, but for me it is the moves just before the Dom that will keep you on your toes! After the Dom it starts to calm down with a lot more breathing space between the rapids. It is only when you pass under the bridge that you know the river will pick up again. Tight technical lines moving from one side of the river to the other await. Some of the drops you will not be able to see if they are clean until the last minute but remember it is all read and run Class 3-4. The staircase is the main rapid on the river, a steep set of drops punching through holes and waves

depending on the water levels. With plenty of speed and the correct angle you will punch everything and after eddying out you look upstream to admire the gradient! The rivers mellows out and there are a few cheeky little moves and rapids that will keep you on your toes. If you paddle the Loisach in the Summer then keep an eye out for the nudist beach on the river right. I had to fish out a boat there a few years ago, luckily I was allowed to keep my river kit on!

The take-out is not too far away and also fresh made ice cream in the centre of Garmisch is not that far away either!

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Karwendel Situated to the east of Garmisch, it is set in some of the most dramatic and amazing scenery the northern Alps

has to offer!

The area is within a protected park and there are plenty of hiking and biking trails that crisscross the two borders.

Our goal was the Dürrach, a small river set in a deep and very tight gorge.The river levels are critical and it took a few attempts to finally be able to kayak.The road that takes you to the river is closed to vehicles that are not working in the park so it is either a walk with your boat and kit on your back or do what most of the Germans do and put it on a wheeled contraption that push and pull the boats to the abseil point.

Unlike all the previous rivers the Dürrach does not have a reliable gauge. After the Spring melt there is a lot of sediment, rocks and gravel that alters the online gauge. So the only way to know for sure is to check it yourself.

There is a road bridge high above the river where you can see the final three drops, this is where you should ask yourself is there enough water to kayak. If it looks big and pushy from way up on the bridge, then forget it as the gorge above this will be extremely dangerous and possible un-runnable and as you cannot climb out, maybe even fatal!

It will take you over an hour to hike to the putin. It is then a short abseil down to the river bed.

If the river looks bony and not very appealing then you will probably have the right level! As soon as you set off the gorge closes in and it is very rare that you will see any sky! Again it is all Class 3-4 but this is a very deep and tight gorge making it more of a mental problem than a technical one! If you are claustrophobic then this is not the river for you!

You can generally scout and sometimes portage rapids throughout the gorge except for one place! Most of the drops you can get to an eddy and ‘rubber neck’ it to see the line. There are a couple of syphons at the start of the gorge and you will easily know where these are.

As the character of the river becomes more familiar you will find that everything starts to flow quite smoothly, then around two-thirds of the way down you get to the part of the gorge where it is so tight and twisty that you cannot see what lies beyond.

Also you cannot scout or portage this short section, instead you have to go with your intuition and run it – it really is the only thing you can do, hence the water levels are critical. When I have run it before we had slightly more water making more of a pillow wave at the entrance and plenty of water pushing through, this time however the pillow wave acted as a diagonal kicker. In reality this would be fine, however as the gorge is so tight you cannot put in a paddle stroke to keep your angle or if you are an old school groover a low brace as there is no room.

I flipped over and it was a case of holding onto the paddle with one hand while trying to push my upturned kayak along the gorge wall until I finally came to a place where I could put my paddle in and roll back up! Ute got the same treatment and smile from me at the bottom!

Now the gorge started to open up, we could finally see the sky and all that was left were the last three drops below the road bridge.

Region

From here it is a 200m paddle out of the gorge and onto the huge lake. Another 20-minute paddle brings you to the take-out and hopefully you do not have a head wind!

Our mini-road trip to Bavaria was at an end and we had kayaked some little gems. There are all sorts of rivers for every grade of kayaker in this region of Bavaria and a Spring trip is the ideal time to make the most of them!

Walking to the Duerrach River in Karwendel

From 50m above on the bridge the rapids were looking simple, once you get there you realise just what they were all about. The first drop is a sweet one, the second one has a nasty syphon on the left which takes some mental strength to run (though it can be portaged on some very slippery and angled bedrock) and the final drop is a fun slide and wave.

Whitewater kayaking is referred to as the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;King of Sportsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in German and these rivers are surely a fitting tribute to accompany that title!

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Steve spent his Summer holidays kayaking in Austria and Germany before moving permanently to Austria in 1998. He immediately fell in love with the rivers, mountains, culture, lifestyle and of course the people. He is now married to an Austrian who happens to be the only local female kayaker in the region and throughout the Spring, Summer and Autumn you can find Steve and Ute coaching, guiding, leading and spending whatever free time kayaking one of the amazing rivers or sections that Austria has to offer. When the weather starts to get too cold and the rivers start to dry up they head to the Indian Himalayas to kayak and it is great to know that they have had the perfect training ground back in their home country - Austria.

Steve is also currently writing a whitewater kayaking guide book to Austria and its neighbours. Once known as a mecca for Alpine kayakers it has fallen somewhat off the English speaking radar, hopefully the guide book will change that and give an insight into some of the rivers that would generally be overlooked or not even heard of!!

Stay tuned to the Paddler for more info about the bookâ&#x20AC;Ś

For more information about ourselves and the Kayak School Arlberg please check out: www.gokayaking.at and www.comingdowngently.blogspot.com

Ute Heppke running a sweet drop on the Duerrach River,

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CAT

Rebecca leading Bethan

KAYAK TALONIA

BY REBECCA SKIRROW

SORT, CATALONIA isn’t the most famous of paddling destinations in Britain despite Aniol and Gerd Serrasolses calling it their home town and the World Freestyle Championships in 2017 that will be held in ‘the hole below the Bridge’. However, despite this I have been travelling there every so often from childhood to enjoy the local river… the Noguera Pallaresa.

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I received a message

from Erik at the Dutch canoe club Drie Strommenland (Land of the Three Rivers) saying they were heading out and did we want to join them. In addition a few other local boaters fancied a trip, this escalated in to a teenager, a family or two and some lads new to paddling with about three months experience.

In Spain it really is the more the merrier.

Having started a new job and faffed about getting married and then having a scary but jolly old time in Italy I fancied a proper holiday. So here is a guide to having a proper but boating holiday.

Our Dutch contingent also brought a raft and I guess an inflatable kayak would’ve achieved similar things. This meant the less able paddlers and none paddlers could join us on the water.

One of our group, Marie who is not a paddler named this as the highlight of their trip as she got to spend time on the water with her family and was not left behind to shuttle.

This was also the first time on a kayaking trip for Bethan Illman, 15 and travelling without her parents for the first time. I was a ‘proper adult’ for once and returned the favour of endless dog sitting by her mum and transported her and her gear 2,000 miles.

Bethan has been paddling for approximately five years and can style grade 3 at home. I did have concerns in my ability to protect her from a beating but Bethan took the top section in her stride. So much so she got on for second run twice as fun in the rain and didn’t seem the slightest bit phased by the water level rising twofeet in 20 minutes. A scream from behind did indicate that getting air off big waves is a newfound joy.

Kevin feeling the sting in the Pastice’s tail

Big thanks to Pyranha Kayaks, especially the lovely Mat for lending Bethan a small Jed to enjoy on the play waves and in the holes. It was much appreciated.

The Dutch contingent

Bethan at the wave above the bridge

Wayne sampling the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Classicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; waves

Having started a new job and faffed about

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This was also the first time on a kayaking trip for

One of the perks

to paddling here is the river is dam fed by the Esterri d'Àneu reservoir. The tap doesn’t get turned on until midErik the Viking on ‘Pastice’ morning so there is no need to be up on the classic section any earlier than mid-day.

Being a mountain region when it rains it really rains! This time around we experienced a magnificent thunderstorm whilst on the water which increased in intensity whilst we were sampling the local beverages off the water. What this meant was near perfect water conditions for the best part of a week.

I tend to stay at Beta Camping in Baro (http://www.campingbeta.net) about 9km out of Sort. The reason behind this is Gasper and his family. Seriously if you’re competing at the Worlds in 2017 his campsite is the place to stay.

Gasper freezes his beer glasses, the bar will stay open as long as you can buy a drink and there is a regular flow of legendary bar snacks.

In terms of our group we had a very mixed bag.

Two families who had been before, a father and daughter completely new to paddling, some die hard MTB boys who were coming to the dark side and some more experienced paddlers just on their jollies to escape the daily grind.

The river snakes its way past the campsite and you fall asleep and wake to the sound of white water.

Wayne on ‘Vulture's Leap’

I’ve asked Wayne Beck, one of our group members to write a few words on his experiences…

“We are going to Spain this year 23rd July” shouted Kev from the showers after our evening paddle session at the pool, or to be more accurate a week in Sort on the Noguera Pallaresa, which is a dam fed river in the Pyrenees and has sections going by such names as Vultures Leap, the Classic, Pastice and the Gorge, which does genuinely have circling vultures ready to pick the bones of unlucky swimmers.

Well the day duly arrived and van packed we set off for a two-day travel across France into Spain. My wife who is a non-paddler but would like to do a raft trip, my son Josh and myself who have 18 months paddling under our belt and run grade 3 confidently.

We arrived at the campsite, which is located right on the river and in the middle of Gorge and Classic sections and it’s great to lay in the tent listening to the water flowing in the evening.

The paddling holiday tends to be have a lazy morning waiting for the dam to release. Being such a large group we eat together so evening meals need careful planning and then we break in to groups for paddlers, rafters and dog walkers.

A quick talk round and decisions made, would my wife like to do raft ride in Nic’s capable hands? Yes that would be great and the rest of us go off to do the Classic.

Out on the Classic section it is raining hard, – really hard and this section contains Vultures Leap, a nice little rapid which starts to run into a series of fantastic wave filled rapids. Wow this is great and looking round at Josh I shout, “You will remember today forever!”

Back at site, Marie, my wife, is back with a grin on her face and says she really enjoyed the raft ride, “We went down sideways” she says. After we all get off the water a nice cold beer and an excellent meal are the order of the day.

During the week we get the chance to run the Gorge, which is a pleasant paddle and spend 30 minutes lying back in our kayaks watching the vultures.

The highlight has to be running the Classic two days in a row with high water and seeing my son, a new paddler, handling it with ease and even throwing a few rolls in and loving paddling.

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Kevin running to the Gorge

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The low down The Classic – Llavorsi to Rialp

This takes a playful 2-3 hours and varying in difficulty.

This is about the hardest section and is especially fun when it rains and becomes big and bouncy. It is about Grade 3 with a few holes you may or may not want to avoid and contains the only named rapid: ‘Vulture’s Leap’.

Rialp to Sort

This section is probably the easiest consisting of mainly grade 2 bimble rapids with a bit of a weir halfway down. This is shootable but probably worth a look if the base level is higher.

Sort to Baro

This is the best section for a quick run. You can be dumped in Sort to play in ‘World’s’ hole and get out at the campsite beach! It has more of an Alpine feel to it and winds its way with the road above to Baro.

This section starts with a rocky broken weir, ‘World’s’ hole and another smaller hole. The latter two are both playable, although there didn’t appear to be as many locals on the water as when the hole above the bridge worked (this is now just a surfable wave in both low and high water).

Baro to La Gorge des Collesgats

This is by far the most spectacular section of white water and probably the first gorge I went through as a child. Immediately after the campsite is a harder rapid called ‘The Pastice’ by the Dutch. It is a rocky affair when the river is low but has a sting in its tail.

Our group had a few spills and five stitches! When the river is high it is more big and bouncy fun.

As you go past the chapel high on the mountainside there are some more large waves in high water but in low water. Although proceed with caution in lower levels as the rocks at the bottom of the rapid await and could potentially crack a boat. There is the option of a take out at Geri de la Sal. La Gorges des Collesgats is stunning in every sense of the word. Granted there are infinitely harder gorges to be paddled but in terms of accessibility most paddlers will be able to take on the entrance rapid and enjoy the scenery and vultures circling above!

There is also more steep creeking out here than you could shake a stick at but trips would have to be much earlier (April/May).

Mark Skirrow boofing the ‘Pastice’

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134 SUP Slovenia

SUPing, exploring & indulging by Marko Senegacnik.

146 SUP coaching

Landing waterfalls by Corran Addison.

154 Interview with…

Denmark’s Casper Steinfath.

160 Portugal

The endless search by Ollie Denton.

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Nine days of SUPing, exploring and indulging “Why would I go on a SUP holiday?” My friends asked me almost in shock as I explained to them my plans to spend my summer off on a standup paddle board.Then I showed them the photos on the web page. Slovenia offers a great variety of amazing places, all condensed into one small country and we were about to discover the best ones – on a SUP.

SLOVENIA

Discovering

By Marko SenegaÄ?nik

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The Slovenia Grand Circle tour is the longest SUP tour in our repertoire.

In eleven days ahead of us, we would travel through five geographical regions to discover nine SUP spots: the Alpine Lakes of Bohinj and Bled, the emerald-green Soča River (well known amongst kayakers), then the coastal town of Piran and the nearby salt-pans, followed by Lake Cerknica, the largest intermittent lake in Europe, and the remote Kolpa River canyon on the border with Croatia and finally closing with the island-town of Kostanjevica on the Krka River and an evening SUP paddle through the Old Town Ljubljana.

However, this tour isn't just about paddling.

Along the way we also discover rich historical and cultural sights and indulge in local cuisine and cosy boutique hotels.

Day one: Arrival in Ljubljana Welcome aboard! Finally, after a few months of emails and preparations, we are all here – a small company of five, gathered at the welcome dinner in the lively streets of Old Town Ljubljana. One couldn’t imagine a more colourful team – an Australian rowing veteran, surfer and stand up paddler in his 70s and his wife with a career in politics. Add to them a UK doctor working with aboriginal tribes in the Australian outback – a novice to SUP and finally, two SUP guides with advertising and graphic and interior design careers. A one-ofa-kind combination is promising an interesting week and a half ahead of us. High spirits and great expectations are in the air, tomorrow we hit the road...

Day two: Lake Bled The next morning we make a 40-minute ride from Ljubljana towards the Julian Alps, to Lake Bled, a world-famous lake, featuring an idyllic island with a church and a medieval castle high above the lake. After checking-in at our villahotel on the waterfront we are ready to glide.

Lake Bled is known as a rowing paradise,

as God himself created the lake just for rowing

Lake Bled The official world cup rowing track is waiting for us – but this time we take it as easy as possible, as it is the views and the sights we are after, not a sprint. Nevertheless, we paddle the full length before stopping at the island for coffee and smoothies. Barbara - who doesn’t SUP arrives at the lake with the pletna boat, a traditional wooden man-propelled boat that can only be operated by the descendants of original Pletna paddlers, similar to gondoliers in Venice. Mike has been at Bled many times before, competing as part of the Australian rowing team, so he has many stories to tell. We learn that in their circles, Lake Bled is known as a rowing paradise, as God himself created the lake just for rowing. The fact is that the length of the lake corresponds with the official length of the rowing track, exactly 2000 metres.

An easy paddle takes us back to the villa, followed by a short drive up to the castle where we indulge in traditional Slovenian cuisine – with a phenomenal view of the lake, the island and the surrounding mountains.

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Day three: Lake Bohinj The next morning we drive about an hour deeper into the Alps to a more natural and intact Lake Bohinj, which opposed to Lake Bled it is much less visited, with almost no touristic infrastructure. Being there in late September we are alone on the lake.

We set for an easy 4km paddle across the lake, enjoying the reflections on the glassy surface, stopping a few times to rest and enjoy the tranquility of the place. As we reach the other end we spot the Savica Waterfall pouring out of the mountain wall in the distance. Its freezing cold water is feeding the lake as the Savica River.

Up the Savica River

The water of the Savica River is relatively high this day so we can paddle up pretty high on the emerald-gold shallow water. We have our first swimmer! Alan falls off the board and gets a taste of what 7 degrees Celsius feels like in liquid emerald-green state. No worries though, we

have dry clothes with us for such cases. This experience upgrades his skills from beginner to intermediate:) After having paddled for a few hours now, we reward ourselves with fried Bohinj trout and a glass of malvazija, before we paddle back across the lake. Later in the afternoon we make a 20minute hike up to the Savica Waterfall which turns out to be bursting with water and offering spectacular sights.

On our way back to Bled we stop at the Alpine Dairy Farming Museum to meet centuries-old local traditions of cheese-making and mountaineering. By this time everybody has noticed strange ladder-like structures standing on pastures all along the road. Time to meet the hay-rack, more than 99% of the existing ones can be found in Slovenia.

For dinner we choose a restaurant with traditional Slovenian cuisine, famous fo

The Savica Waterfall

Day four:

or buckwheat dumplings, sauerkraut, carniola sausage, boar and bear goulash among many delicacies. Our guest’s daughter and her boyfriend from the UK join us as their mountain biking trip in Slovenia crosses our route.

A family reunion was not in the itinerary but turns out to be a nice addition on to the evening.

We make a 20-minute hike up to the

The Soča and Idrijca River The weather doesn't look good today and we realize we should have been grateful for the past two perfectly sunny and warm days with no wind at all, which is more of an exception than a rule in the Alpine region. Today the clouds are closing up and it’s raining already.

However, having an exciting time ahead of us, we are not letting this spoil our adventure.

So we take off from Bled to Bohinjska Bistrica, pull our van onto a train and cross the mountain ridge through a narrow old-timer tunnel, built in 1904 during the AustroHungarian reign. The diesel engine pulls the car-loaded train through in 11 minutes of complete darkness… on the other side the Soča Valley is awaiting us – and it’s not raining!

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We get on the water as quickly as possible. Starting on the Most na Soči, we paddle downstream on the emerald-green Soča River. Soča is widely known as a wild river with rapids and gorges and that’s why it is recognized especially among kayakers for its whitewater, the emerald-green colour and pure natural scenery. Its significant colour comes from the melting limestone that the river washes away in the upper part. However, on this part of the river we are paddling, the water is almost still thanks to the dam a few kilometres further downstream.

Soon we turn into the Idrijca River, which opens into a spectacular canyon with rocks scattered around as little islands.The rain finally starts but that doesn't bother us and we have to turn around anyway due to the low water levels. After a few kilometres of rain-paddling we are back at the starting point, sipping warm tea and coffee in a bar.To Alan’s content, today we were all wet.

We drive up the Soča valley to Kobarid for lunch to try delicious local iota and later visit the Kobarid Museum, dedicated to the WWI battle of Soška fronta (Isonzo Front), which was one of the largest battles in the hilly terrain in the history of mankind.

Ernest Hemingway served there as an ambulance truck driver and has described the softer side of the battle in his masterpiece, ‘A Farewell to Arms’. I am not surprised to find the book later on Barbara’s seat in the van.

The Kobarid Museum

The remainder of the afternoon we spend driving down the Soča Valley to the coast, to our accommodation for the night in the tiny Venetian town of Piran.

Its Soča’s significant colour comes from the

melting limestone that the river washes away in the upper part

The Soča River at Most na Soči Day five: Piran - rest day

The weather is still moody, cloudy, with strong bora winds blowing off land to the open sea, making up to 1.5m waves. We are tempted to go on the water but even the areas sheltered by the houses at the waterfront and in the harbour are not safe.

So we take a day off for walking along the cliffs, chilling in the cafes and exploring numerous art galleries in the narrow streets of the town. We meet again at dinner to indulge with home-made gnocci with scampi sauce and delicious house desserts.

Entering the Idrijca River at Most na Soči

Day six: the Sečovlje Salt-Pans

The wind is gone and we are eager to hit the water and explore the coast and the town from the water perspective. As we bring our boards out to the pier,

The Kobarid Museum Roof-terrace hotel in Piran Gnocchi scampi sauce, spaghetti with sea shells

a nice surprise awaits us. It is the Royal Clipper, a magnificent five-masted cruise ship that can frequently be spotted when passing Piran.Today it has dropped its anchor just a mile or so from the shore, proudly presenting itself to spectators.

We paddle out towards it to admire it from upclose, stopping at the stairs to ask whether we could come up for a cup of coffee. But unfortunately all the crew have gone ashore to get supplies so the bar is closed. Next time… and we decide to explore the Piran Harbour instead.

Later we drive to the Sečovlje Salt-Pans to crown our final moments on the coast at the best fish restaurant in the neighbourhood and as usual – we order a bit too much!

The afternoon is reserved for a visit to another world-famous attraction – the Postojna Cave, with its 20km of underground passages and spectacular halls full of calcite formations, stalactites and stalagmites abounding in a variety of shapes, colours and age.

To round-up the day we have one more surprise awaiting us. Tonight we are trading our 4-star hotel for a 200-year old farmhouse, completely renovated and turned into a self-sustainable luxury guest house. A very special place – we all agree – as we are enjoying a delicious domestic donkey goulash, sitting in an ex-barn, now turned into a restaurant.

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Day seven: Lake Cerknica We get up early and take a 30-minute drive to Lake Cerknica, a spectacular Karstic Lake which is declared the largest intermittent lake in Europe and when full of water is also the largest Slovenian lake.

Unfortunately this is not the case today, since there hasn’t been enough rain recently to fill the lake. So, the vast lake we were expecting to paddle has shrunk significantly. Nevertheless, we launch our paddleboards and enjoy the scenic landscape until a strong wind turns against us and switches our leisure paddle into a serious workout.

Comfortably tired we drive to a nearby village to visit the Museum of Lake Cerknica featuring a 3D living model of the lake. Still under the impression of paddling on the water… our experience is further enriched by numerous fascinating stories and facts about the lake and its intermittent nature.

In the afternoon we head south towards the Slovenian-Croatian border to discover another region of Slovenia – Bela Krajina (the White Land), named after the forests of birch trees. This is also the land of vineyards, famous for its red and white wines, so it would be a pity to miss the opportunity to explore that part of Slovenian culture.

So, we trade our dinner for a private guided tour at one of the best wine cellars around, with wine-tasting led by the owner himself. It happens that Mike and Barbara’s families are also engaged in wine production so we turn out to be rather interesting guests. The owner is overwhelmed by the questions we ask and consequently extends the wine-tasting from five to seven wines and from a planned 90 minutes to three hours.

Lake Cerknica

Royal Clipper Before we leave we have a couple of boxes of the award-winning dessert wine sent to Australia.

Late at night we head back to our hotel in an old-timer fire-truck (and even older-driver) – a surprise from the staff at the Hotel Bela Krajina where we will be staying for the next two nights.

Day eight:The Kolpa River Canyon At the hotel we double check the water conditions with the locals and as all seems fine we set out for the most demanding paddling course on our tour. The Kolpa River canyon is one of the most remote places in Slovenia.

Even from our hotel in Metlika, it takes us nearly an hour drive to reach our starting point, however, it is well worth the effort. It’s a 10 km descent on the wide and mostly calm river, with small rapids and dams changing its rhythm every few kilometres.

Traditional wooden boat making

Ex-barn transformed into a restaurant

Jo탑ef Prus, the owner of the Vina Prus wine cellar

Our retro transfer

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The Kolpa River This place is truly magical – high, steep slopes of dense forest rising straight out of the winding river. Here you can taste the tranquility in person… until, just as we get on the water, we hear a bear roaring from the slope above us and then… another one on the other side.

Paddle on, guys!

The later part of the river is quite challenging for SUPers, a place to test our skills to the upmost.

Paddling against the wind channelled through the canyon, walking across the shallows, crossing the dams by stepping on rocks through the running water or just paddling over the rapids, kneeling down or standing up – it is demanding, versatile and fun! With a little help of neoprene nonslippery shoes and inflatable boards we all pass it well, especially Alan, who joined the tour as a SUP novice. It is a pleasure watching him paddle over the rapids with confidence and comfort.

Being so far away from civilization, one wouldn't expect a lunch bigger than a sandwich. But we like to do things a bit different so we order in to our private island on the river – a delicious stew, buckwheat dumplings with cottage cheese, panna cota and the magic ingredient of wilderness. Again, all credit to Matjaž from the Hotel Bela Krajina for his warm surprise.

Day nine: the Kostanjevica on the Krka River and night paddle in Old Town Ljubljana

It is time to leave Metlika and head towards Ljubljana. I can tell we are all a bit tired, but still cannot wait to reach our next paddling site – Kostanjevica on the Krka River, which is a small town on the island, with two beautiful wooden bridges connecting it to land. Before we hit the water we drive Barbara to the Božidar Jakac Gallery, which is hosted in a nearby ex-Cisterian monastery and features a collection of works by major Slovene artists connected to the region.

Two and a half hours would be just enough to get a quick impression of the show and for a quick SUP around the island and maybe exploring the Krka River even further.

The SUP is good, the water level is unusually high which gives us a unique opportunity to paddle over the shallows and explore a part of the river we haven’t seen before. On the way back a light breeze turns into a strong wind against us to spice up the session. However, nobody struggles with that – on the contrary!

After seven days of paddling it feels good to see everyone in such good shape.

We reach Ljubljana in late afternoon which gives us some time to refresh at the hotel and check out the lively scene in the streets of the Old Town before we take off for the night SUP. As the night starts to fall we are back at the waterfront, this time at our club just around the corner from the Old Town. The river is almost still and glassy, letting the city lights magically spill over its surface. At this hour the boat-traffic on the river is ending for the day so we are alone on the river, enjoying the privileged views of the Old Town from a new perspective. As our guests decide to have the rest of the evening for themselves we drop Alan and Mike in the city centre and pull their boards back to the club.

Day ten: the Ljubljanica River

The next day we take it easy. Just a late morning paddle on the Ljubljanica River through the marshes of Ljubljana followed by light lunch in our favourite waterfront restaurant.

In the evening we gather for the last time by the pool on the roof terrace of our hotel to sum up the impressions. It is not hard to discover that during a week and a half we have become quite good company, with much more in common than our passion for standup paddling. We have learned a lot from each other, shared our stories and experiences… and had many good laughs on our accounts. Over all, I would say we have also become better stand up paddlers – perhaps more in a spiritual sense rather than technical;)

Day eleven: departure home

As our guests head to the airport and back towards Australia, Samo and I have a talk about their well-intended recommendations, “You could go lighter on meals” they said. Well, this could be a tough challenge as in sLOVEnia we say that, “LOVE goes through the stomach.” But we promise we’ll do our best. Nevertheless, less time eating and more time paddling sounds like a great idea!

Thank you Barbara, Mike and Alan for spending a wonderful eleven days in our company. Also great thanks to Matjaž and the staff at the Hotel Bela Krajina for original and superb facilities.

You can find more information on the Slovenia Grand Circle SUP tour on http://sup-slovenia-discovery.com Marko is co-founder and guide SUP Slovenia Discovery

Exploring the Krka River

A wooden bridge to the island at Kostanjevica on the Krka River

Through the marshes of Ljubljana; the Ljubljana Castle in the background

Night SUP in Old Town Ljubljana

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Landing

BIG

We’ve all seen those photos of people paddling off the top of waterfalls, but have you noticed how inconspicuously missing the photos of people paddling away from those bases are?

Well, that’s because it’s really hard to do?

DROPS Words: Corran Addison

Photos: Christine Pinsonneault and Yannick larouche

Let’s start with the first problem. Like it or not, as you paddle over the lip you give a little jump on the board like you’re doing an ollie on a skateboard. If you work really hard at it you can get this down to a minimal amount, but we invariably all do it. If you’re paddling with fixed fins, you almost have to so that they don’t hang up, but even with flip up skegs we do it.

If the drop is a few feet, this is no big deal.There isn’t enough free-fall time for the board to get away from you, and the Dan Gaveres of the world have made it into a cool trick – the ‘jump boof’. Its origins came from necessity – to disengage the fins at the lip, but it’s a neat little trick. On a small drop. The problem on big drops is the board gets away from you. The larger the drop, the more time the board has to get away. This can

either be by ‘falling faster’ (stick with me here) or by starting to rotate along its long or short axis under you. However it’s moving, any deviation from directly under your centre of gravity is a recipe for success.

Now we all know a pound of feathers falls as fast as a pound of lead, so why does the board appear to fall faster? It’s that little hop you give at the beginning. For an instant you’re generated momentum up on your body while at the same time exerting a force down on the board. It may seem trivial, but that downward push on the board and slight unweighting of your body means that on a drop even as low as about 10-feet, by the time you get to the bottom the board has had time to do its own thing. And thus the low success rate of landing drops. This is the first problem.

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Hooks Now onto more issues: the ‘kayak boof ’. Getting the nose up as you launch off the drop makes sense, since it reduces nose dive at the landing. But how to get it up, without having so much weight on the back that on landing you get ‘back endered’? In the early days of drop running, back endering (or a combination of back ender and falling over one rail) at the base was the major cultrate for low success. But as we’ve sorted this out, there is a new problem that has arisen that happens about a second later (you only encounter this if you surpass the back ender stage); and that’s flying over the nose as the board suddenly undergoes massive deceleration and your body does not. Inertia just keeps you going while the board comes to a near stop.

So the odds are stacked well and truly against landing large drops. Fins catching rocks, the need to ‘lighten the board’ to get the nose up, stepping far back to get the nose to lift, and then flying over the front on impact (assuming you don’t go flying off the back).

While there might be people out there that have found other ways of dealing with these issues, the following is how I’ve accomplished it, and the result has been a success rate increase of about 10% on anything over about 4-5 feet to almost 80-90%, and on drops over 10-foot, an increase of success from about 1% to closer to 50%. This is significant. I still swim a lot, but now I paddle into drops with a better than average ability to successfully run it, rather than just paddling off the lip for a photo, and then crash and burn.

The first and known solution was a kick up skeg or fin. I don’t particularly like paddling with no fin at all as you loose directional drive. This is the known solution and it completely eliminates the need for the little hop at the top of drops. This doesn’t mean the natural instinct is not to give that hop, but it’s no longer required. That’s a big one.

I experimented with foot loops (kiteboard style) to stay connected to the board back in about 2008.The problem was it took too long to get into them and was almost impossible to do in the seconds approaching the lip of a drop, and in the event that you do fall, put severe pressure on ankles to the point of being potentially hazardous. So I created a hook I call a Stomp Hook that allows me to slide my front foot into without even looking down a stroke or two before take off. This was a game changer as it requires me to step less further back to lift the nose as I can physically pull up on my front foot at take off, lifting the nose without over weighting the tail (problem on landing). It keeps the board connected to me during the entire fall, eliminating most of the boards pitch and yaw that happens on taller freefalls, and allows me to physically pull my body weight over the centre of the board on landing so I don’t fall over the back on impact.

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Technique This however only made worse the next problem. Because I was pulling my body forward over the centre of the board, as soon as the board began to decelerate, I would lurch forward over the nose. Over two-thirds of drop running failure for me in recent history has been this. So I added a new hook facing the opposite way in the back.

This allows me to do the same with my back foot as I am with the front, slipping it under an instant before take off, and then on impact pulling up against it to stop my lurch forward over the handle bars.

If you’re going to seriously start running drops, you’ll need a board with these features if you want to apply the techniques I’m using. So, what are those techniques?

As I approach the lip of the drop, I like to use a ‘cross grain’ method of momentum. If I’m boofing over the drop to the left eddy, then I start further right than I want to be, and I get momentum right to left.This is where a fin or skeg is important (I find I just can’t get this to really work without one). About two strokes before the lip (depending on how rough the water is here) I step back into a classic ‘surfer stance’ from my normal ‘kung fu’ stance, and rotate my front foot into the front stomp hook, and slide my back foot into the back one. I keep my weight very centred between my feet – I do not lean back or weight the tail. MY last stroke is right on the lip.

The tendency is to be bracing here (we all do it) but really you want to be powered up (see the last edition of the Paddler).This gives the board drive to both lift the nose without weighting the tail, and to pull away from the hole at the base.

As I make this stroke, I lift my front foot, lifting the nose. I try not to weight the back foot in doing this. As I lift the front foot I also try to keep my body centred over my feet, not leaning back.

Wait and watch the landing zoom at you.

As I hit I try to go into a power up stroke, but invariably there is a brief moment of a brace stroke to help stabilize on impact, that I then turn into a forward stroke as soon as I can.

It’s right at this moment of that brace stroke that suddenly the board comes to almost a stop while you’re still technically falling. I bend both knees to absorb the impact, and suck me closer to the board for stability, and I pull back against the back stomp hook to keep me centred. The board should glide away from the drop with you still standing.

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ThePADDLER 152 If you simply cannot stop yourself from going over the handlebars on impact, the nose is most likely diving too much and the brief moment of deceleration that is normal and anticipated is becoming a long and permanent deceleration that’s too powerful to overcome.You’re either not getting enough nose lift off the take off, not enough speed off the lip at take off, hanging up a fin at take off, or the nose of your board is too wide and flat and is ‘holding water’ on landing. I can’t help you with that last one, but the other issues are all addressed earlier.

If you’re going over the tail of the board, you’re using too much back weight to lift the nose on take off, rather than pulling up on the nose. It’s like dropping into a skate park ramp – if you lean back you crash.

If you’re falling over the side you just need to practice keeping your weight centred over both the board and equally between you feet. In fact, this is really the key to success – centred weight.

What to do if your board doesn’t have a flip up skeg or stop hooks? Well this is the part where I tell you to, “Get the right tool for the job.” You wouldn’t take a sedan 4x4 off roading right? But, if you’re on an epoxy board, you can install some by gluing in inserts with epoxy and then screwing in a set of hooks. If you’re on an inflatable, I don’t have a solution for you other than, “You’re on the wrong tool for the job.” They have their place – hard whitewater and running drops just isn’t one of them. On most boards you can install a flip up skeg on the tail using inserts in epoxy, or a glue on bracket for inflatable, so there is a fix for that problem.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how you run a drop on a SUP.

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E N A D G N I K I V THE STEINFATH INTERVIEW C ASPER

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Casper with Kai Lenny at the World Series at Turtle Bay Photo: Waterman League / Donovan Bebout

What I love about SUP is that it has an inclusive feeling.There’s no snobbery and everyone is welcome to get involved…

That’s what’s unique about stand up paddling.

And the people involved are really cool, in a good way. So you are a professional surfer and a stand up paddle, how did that come about?

My dad’s from California, so basically I grew up on surfboards and surfed my teen years. Stand up paddling came about seven years ago for me. Basically I jumped on it and immediately got hooked, it offered another way to have fun on the water.You don’t need waves, which makes it fun.

How are you coping with the British weather?

You know what, the way I look at it, it’s very similar to a Danish summer. This year it’s been a very weird summer in Denmark – some would call it a warm winter.

What are your thoughts on Surf Snowdonia and artificial waves?

I think the wave garden at Surf Snowdonia is a game changer. This technology opens up a whole new dimension for surfboard sports of opportunity.

Traditional surfing has always been locked to the ocean, whereas now this technology allows us to go other places in the world and share the stoke that we all feel.

Like here, for example, with the International Surfing Association’s Olympic campaign, we now have the technology to go make a wave pool and compete on it anywhere in the world.

Do you think stand up paddling will become an Olympic sport?

I hope stand up paddling becomes an Olympic sport, right now the ISA, surfing and stand up paddling are two of eight sports being shortlisted for inclusion in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

There have been some changes that allow the host country, like Japan, to nominate sports they would like to see included in the games. Japan has nominated surfing and stand up paddling.

it’s a process and that’s why I am here today as vice president. The president is working today on this application; there’s a lot of positive things happening right now. We all have to work to make it happen. Inspecting the waves here today to see that we can have regular waves of the same intensity and quality.

It opens up new opportunities.

There are many aspects to that, performance aspects, training and safety and, like you say, that’s why the sport is taking off here in the UK and all over the world. That’s a big boost. If you look at stand up paddling it has the qualities of an Olympic sport.

And it can be very inclusive from the point of view of including people with various disabilities.

Traditional surfing has always been locked to the ocean, whereas now this technology allows us to go other places in the world and share the stoke that we all feel.

With sports like surfing and SUP you are not limited to being a world champion.You can go out on a SUP and have fun and within five minutes you are paddling and you are engaged.

It’s a feeling, a freedom, I think mentally, it’s incredibly positive. There is something unique about standing on water and gliding along. That’s what it’s about, sharing and passion.

How did you become a Naish rider?

I was quite curious about stand up paddling and I talked my dad into driving me down to Germany for the 2009 Hamburg SUP World Cup, where I met Robby Naish.

To cut a long story short, I somehow ended up using his personal board. I was not old enough to race. I was only 15, and not 16 for two days. I met Robby there and since then our relationship has deepened. I am really happy to have Robby as a mentor and a sponsor.

Do you have a favourite global location for paddling?

It’s hard to just name one, that’s the problem. Either Tahiti or Iceland. I know they are two contrasts, I think Iceland caught me the most. I was on a field trip with school. We went SUP surfing, humbled by the sheer mass glacier, I felt like a little tiny ant in the face of these big glaciers, that was a big experience.

Stand up is a perfect way to go experience that.

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ThePADDLER 158 Do you have any top tips for anyone looking to step it up in surfing?

I’ve grown up surfing, so for me it feels natural.

The thing with surfing is it gets very frustrating but it’s also very rewarding. Surfing is just about letting yourself loose, you may be tumbling around for a while but try to follow the rhythm of the wave. There will be ups and downs but just follow your passion.

I must try it…

Make sure you go out in what you are comfortable with. Don’t go out in waves or conditions that are beyond your ability, so make sure you talk to someone who is experienced. Ask where you should go out, perhaps avoiding where all the pro surfers are.

What equipment are you using at the moment?

Naish 12.6 x 26” Javelin LE, a standard production board Why 12.6 rather than 14?

In most of the races I compete, like the ISA world championships and on the world racing series, they use the 12.6.

But why? Why do they use that size?

I am happy you asked the question, it’s a really deep discussion. Part of it comes down to travelling. A 12.6 is under four metres, which is acceptable to some airlines. Talking with other elite athletes, smaller boards are often more dynamic, more versatile, allowing you to make tighter turns.

Watch the Paddler interview on video on Youtube at: https://youtu.be/ReZYjK2cBJQ

What is your perspective on the International Canoe Federation in terms of the future governance of SUP? The way I see it is that stand up paddling has ancient roots. We at the ISA view SUP as a surfing-related sport. We are working on developing instructor courses, on hosting international championships. I think stand up paddling is just another way of surfing. The International Canoe Federation is doing great things as well. It’s just a process, and I respect them, but we are maybe taking different paths.

I think why SUP is so successful is because it is related to surfing in so many ways, you don’t need waves but it is embedded in the surfing culture.

Does surf culture need to be more accepting of SUP? Did you ever hear about when snowboarding came along? There was the same thing. When kitesurfing came along it was the same with windsurfers. When something new comes in, it’s about showing respect and tolerance. For me I think the balance will find itself, we can’t hate each other. It’s an evolutionary process – when sometime new comes in it takes time.

Surfers become stand up paddlers, some even become champions of the world, so there is crossover…

The way I see it, you can be an asshole with any type of equipment, it doesn’t take a paddle. It’s about showing respect and tolerance and time for anything new to become established.

Casper competing at the World Series at Turtle Bay Photo: Waterman League / Donovan Bebout

Thank you for taking time to speak to the Paddler ezine. We wish you the very best for the future.

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Like most paddle boarders, I find myself making the endless search for those perfect waves. Over the last few years I have had the chance to explore Portugal’s coastline and see what the beautiful beaches have to offer.

Story: Ollie Denton Photos: Ollie Denton and Vanda Abreu Photography

Every time I step off the plane at Lisbon airport I’m greeted with a satisfying sense of warmth. The mix of 25 degrees air temperature and the smell of the sea breeze gives me the feeling that this is going to be a great trip.

There are a few surf spots in Lisbon worth visiting. Carcavelos is a very popular beach in Lisbon with an awesome hostel just up the road. After staying at the Carcaevlos Surf Hostel and meeting the guys that run the facility I got a real feel for what the Portuguese surf environment is about. If there are waves you will know about it because everyone is up and out the door bright and early. Although Carcavelos is an awesome beach to surf, it does seem to get pretty busy. A beach full of surfers means that you get a pretty hectic night on the town in the evenings too – with many bars and restaurants there is a lot to do in Carcavelos.

As a SUP surfer I tend to like a quiet beach where I can paddle with other paddle boarders. This is why I head to Pria da Parede, where every year I am greeted by one of the friendliest, most knowledgeable stand up paddle boarders I have ever met. The guy who started my passion for stand up and taught me everything I know today. Manuel Roman represents stand up in one of the best ways I have ever seen. He runs a great little paddle board school on the beach but also spends half of his day rescuing swimmers who get caught up in the rip tides. I remember the first time I paddled with him and watched him surf an old, beat up board he uses for teaching. He walked the board and turned it effortlessly. Put him on more of a performance board and watch him flow beautifully with the waves, dancing his way up and down the board, it just looks effortless.

I make sure I go back to visit Manuel every time I visit Portugal as there is always something to learn from this man. Known as the original stand up paddle boarder in Portugal, Manuel has set up Get Up Stand Up Paddle and Longboard (GUSU) on the beach of Pria de Parede. This is the place to learn how to SUP! After paddling with Manuel for many years, he asked me if I wanted to start up a UK version of GUSU. This was an opportunity I couldn’t refuse and Get Up Stand Up Paddleboarding (GUSU UK) was born.

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Spending time in Lisbon is always fun but if you want to experience what Portugal really has to offer then there is a lot of exploring to do. Manuel took me to Odeceixe and showed me this beautiful little town with a cracking beach that is perfect for learning to surf on. I had my first experience of SUP surfing here five years ago and it has set the tone for my style of surfing and how I paddle.

Being shown how to walk the board and how to make the board flow with the wave was something I had never been taught on a surf board but it made stand up surfing so much more relaxed and enjoyable.

Watching Manuel walk the board to get up on the nose and surf with the biggest smile on his face set the tone for me.That is how I want to look when I surf.That is the way I want to spend my time in the water. I will always remember the first thing I was taught by Manuel and that was, “The person who comes out of the water with the biggest smile on their face is the best surfer out there.They might not get the biggest waves or do the biggest airs but they will be the best surfer in the water.’’

PENICHE

Odeceixe

Surfing the smaller waves has always seemed much more enjoyable to me. Looking over and seeing my dad catching waves next to me on his inflatable filled me with joy. Knowing that I get to share this surf break with him, where we both are having an absolute blast, beats any other day in the ocean.

On bigger days paddling here I have chosen to go with a hard board to really tear up the super clean Portuguese waves.You can get real nice 5-8 foot waves come through where carving up and down the wave gives you such a rush. When the swell picks up it becomes a pretty special beach to surf, somewhere I would come back to time and time again.

Standing out the back, waiting for a set and looking down to be able to see the floor of the ocean and all the sea life underneath you is a feeling you don’t often get in the UK. This makes a pretty epic spot for grabbing your waterproof camera and snapping the waves as they break over your head.

If you’re looking for something a bit more testing and intense then head over to Foz do Arelho. Surrounded by some of Portugal’s finest golf courses, you have a giant lagoon

The person who comes out of the water with the

biggest smile

on their face is the best surfer out there After coming back to Portugal year after year, one of my favourite spots has become Peniche. It’s a beautiful looking beach with plenty of space for all surfers to enjoy the incredibly clear water and super smooth breaks. Peniche is situated just south of Foz do Arelho and also right next door to the infamous Supertubos. I have been lucky enough to surf here a few times now and on a variety of boards. Most recently testing out some inflatables on a very nice 2-3 foot wave with not much wind. Surfing the inflatables on a small swell felt incredible it didn’t matter what wave you paddled for, you ended up surfing the whole wave into the beach.

that is perfect for some flat water cruising or, when the wind is up, a great downwind paddle. The lagoon stretches around 5km in length you can really catch a superb downwind paddle. The surf at Foz is a testing beach break. On a big day Mother Nature likes to show her strength by providing some real big waves. On a standard day at low tide you get some nice fun waves that you can surf pretty aggressively. If you go out at high tide you have to contend with the extremely heavy shore break that can give you a good beating if you read it wrong. I unfortunately have been on the wrong side of that shore break and it gives you one hell of a pounding.

Ollie Denton at Peniche

Manuel Roman at Peniche

Jack Horsfield at Peniche

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ThePADDLER 164 Overall Portugal provides some pretty epic surf. But it’s not just the surf I come here for; the people and culture are incredible.

You feel so welcome and almost like part of the family. With every trip to Portugal I have always left wishing that I could stay here and not go home. But once I get on that plane I know that my exploring hasn’t finished and it’s time to plan my next adventure, as the search continues…

You can find out more about Ollie and Get Up Stand UP SUP Club at www.facebook.com/GetUpStandUpPaddleboardingClub

The UK’s only home grown SUP magazine SUP Mag UK ace autumn issue is go!

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SUP and Biarritz

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Broad SUP

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Interview with… Chris ‘Guts’ Griffiths

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Discovering Cádiz

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Wake SUP surfing

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Marshall Islands

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Dad and lad 20 questions - the Laddimans

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Interview with… Casper Steinfath

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Young gun - Drew Lees

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River Célè and Lot

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Comparison - Fanatic Stubby 8.6ft/Stylemaster

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For overseas buyers please contact us: 01480 465081 Email: anne@supmaguk.co.uk

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PADDLER Canoe

168 Coaching

Preventing a capsize by Paul Bull.

172 Norway

The Upper Reisa River by Laurie Gullion.

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By Paul Bull –UKCC Level 3 Coach at Paul Foundation Open Canoe Skills

In the last article I described some methods for turning a canoe whilst on the move.This time I’d like to concentrate on what to do when it all goes a bit pear shaped and we have to prevent a capsize.

Notice I’ve specifically called this article ‘Preventing a capsize’ rather than support strokes? I am a firm believer that there is more to preventing a capsize than just the default low recovery or low brace stroke!

So, we are paddling along, down our river and hit a rock or another obstacle that starts to capsize the boat or maybe we catch ourselves out on an eddy turn or a wave and the boat starts to capsize. Whatever the cause, follow a few simple principles and we can pretty much avoid a capsize and swim…

PREVENTING 1

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Bull Coaching Disassociation of the top and bottom half of our bodies:

When learning something new, or when something unexpected happens we have a tendency to stiffen up and become rigid in our movements. This is exactly what we want to try and avoid happening to us when we attempt to prevent a capsize. If we allow our bodies to become rigid we will soon have our centre of gravity outside of the gunnels and the boat will continue on it’s capsize path. By “rolling with the punches” as boxers do and being flexible, keeping our centre of gravity over the boat we are often able to absorb the impact and allow the boat to move underneath us. At that point, if we disassociate the top half of the body from the bottom half, shift the weighting from the knee nearest the gunnel that we are capsizing towards to the opposite knee the boat will start to flatten. If we then follow this movement with our torso and upper body we can then get our centre of gravity back over the boat and prevent a capsize from occurring. .

A CAPSIZE 3

Having an active, weighted blade:

Trimming the boat differently changes the shape of the boat in the water. When we trim towards the back of the boat we deepen the skeg of the stern in the water and the boat wants to go straighter. If we trim forwards, we release that skeg and the bow bites into the water and the boat pivots around more quickly.

Once we have initiated our turn we can then microtrim the boat to achieve different outcomes, or shapes of turns. If we want to achieve a wide turn, we can trim ourselves towards the stern of the boat, accentuating the skeg effect. If we want a tighter turn we can trim ourselves towards the bow.

A low recovery:

When all else has failed and we have gone beyond a point of no return and our gunnel nearest the paddle is just entering the water line beyond our boats point of secondary stability, we may now have to perform a low recovery stroke. If we have tried having an active blade (and attempted to power out of the capsize) we will find our blade at the back of the boat. Am I going to take my blade out of the water and start a bracing stroke with the paddle at 90 degrees to our canoe or am I going to start the stroke in the water after I have completed my forward stroke? I choose the latter, so I maintain my active weighted blade for as long as possible.

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ThePADDLER 170 For me, the low recovery starts towards the back of the boat, with a blade almost flat on the surface of the water. We then drive the paddle forwards towards the front of the boat in a big wide arc, with the leading edge of the blade slightly upwards so that the paddle skims over the surface of the water and does not dive deep. I feel this is better and more proactive than a simple slap downwards with the paddle at 90 degrees to the canoe as the paddle remains nearer the surface of the water; is active for longer; and allows us to transition into another forward power stroke if required.

As we drive the paddle forwards we perform the same transition of knee pressure as described at the start of this article transferring our weight from the knee nearest the lowest, capsizing gunnel to the opposite knee. Following this movement with our body recovers our centre of gravity back over the boat and hey presto we are still upright and the boat still occupied!

Paul Bull I'm an enthusiastic full time UKCC Level 3 Coach who’s passionate about helping people to develop and enjoy kayaking and canoeing whether that be more advanced skills on the more technical or bigger volume rivers of the UK and Europe or grass roots sessions nearer to home. I deliver a range of BCU and Personal Skills courses in both Canoe and Kayak around the country and from my recently opened centre at Tittesworth Water, Staffordshire. More information about me and the courses I offer can be found at www.paulbull.co.uk or via Facebook via Facebook at www.facebook.com/PaulBullCoaching

A three-stage process:

Think of these three elements as consecutive events - disassociation of top and body, then active/weighted blade and then finally a low recovery. I don’t just wait until the boat goes beyond a point of no return - i’ll start at the most relevant point and reserve my “low recovery” top trump card until the end! With practice it will become a natural process.

So what should we do if we capsize towards our off-side, away from the paddleside?

There is no real ideal solution for this other than to attempt to transfer our centre of gravity back over the boat as described above or to attempt a pry stroke or draw stroke. The pry or draw is only going to be effective if we can reach the water however, and this is not always possible when the boat is capsizing away from the paddle side.

Have a go at these concepts if they are new to you and let me know how you get along!

Happy paddling!

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By Laurie Gullion

The lure of

Norway’s UPPER REISA RIVER

Our group of seven American and Norwegian solo canoeists peered through the fog and spitting rain at the two feet of snow obscuring the dirt road to Guolasjavri, the mountain lake that would begin our three-rivers tour of north Finland and Norway. On our drive from the coast we had gained more than 1,000 metres of elevation.The last stretch was all narrow dirt roads and tight switchbacks that sprayed our foldable canoes and our gear with mud and gravel.

Alv Elvestad, our trip leader, expressed his dismay with Norwegian understatement. “I’ve never seen this much snow at this time of the year,” he said quietly. Then he stepped onto the snow pack and promptly sunk to his knees.

One mile to go, and no way to get there unless we post-holed across a frozen pond, trudged across another mile of snowy tundra to our destination lake, which was clearly frozen.

Then we’d have to traverse two more miles of high plateau to the headwaters of the Poroeno River.

Alv and Wes Rusk, a Pennsylvania paddler, were able to portage into this starting point four years ago, but low water in July had created a descent that was more damp rocks than flowing stream. Here we were, trying to catch higher water in late June, and we’d had the misfortune to plan it in summer 2015 when Arctic Norway had five times the amount of snow as normal and a cold, late spring.

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Photo by Darlene Patterson

Our ultimate destination was the upper Reisa River – a remote, steep-sided valley of neck-craning waterfalls and Sami reindeer herding traditions—as our final reward in a three-week tour of rivers in Arctic Norway. Some call the Reisa one of Europe’s last wildernesses, and the ruggedness of its upper canyons demands that paddlers make prudent decisions.

It’s an intimidating river for canoeists, and we knew that any extra time in the snow-covered Finland headwaters would eat up any reserve that we might need once we reached the Reisa.This concern proved to more true than we realized.

The 120-kilometre river is best known for the 50-pound salmon migrating up its sandy and cobbled lower valley in July and August. But before the river widens at The river cuts a series of upper spectacular Imo falls, the river canyons that offer cuts a series of upper canyons that offer 30 kilometres of challenge to kayakers and canoeists.This of challenge to kayakers national park is wild enough and canoeists to be home to wolverines and lynx, and I had fallen in love with it on two previous trips.

30 kilometres

The plan? Start our journey in June to catch higher water on all three rivers, which aren’t short on tumbled rocks left by the glaciers that once covered Norway. Our intent was to navigate the Poroeno River in Finland, portage into Norway’s Kautokeino River, and get a shuttle 40 kilometres to the Reisa, which would bring us back to the sea near the small, full-service town of Storslett.

We punted a Plan B from the resort town of Kilpisjavri and flew into a mountain lake 1,000 metres lower. Snow still clung to the surrounding ridges, but the Poroeno River was wide open and running high. Spring hadn’t completely given up its grasp, so we paddled the first two rivers in colder temperatures than is usual for an Arctic region usually warmed by the gulf stream. Reindeer still wandered everywhere on the tundra.

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After a week, we shuttled to the

Reisa’s source – an upland vann or lake with a convenient hytta—one of Norway’s 460 mountain huts— to ease the transition under rainy skies back to river canoeing. Now we looked at steelgrey current nosing into the bushes—high, but not high enough to ring the warning bell.

The Reisa begins as a slow stream at 444 metres (1,456 feet) on the Finnmarkvidda—a stunning mountain plateau with open tundra— but quickly leads to a mandatory portage around its first canyon.There is no obvious trail amid the exposed ledges and small birches that cover the canyon rim, and talus gullies lead back to the river 300 feet below.

Earlier that day we stared at Mt. Halti, Finland’s highest peak glistening completely white to the northwest. Alv, who has hiked and fished along the Reisa for more than 50 years, looked stunned. “I’ve never seen that much snow on Halti.”

The Reisa isn’t fed by big rivers or lots of large lakes, and numerous beautiful waterfalls usually drop off the vidda with minimal effect.

Some go dry in the summer. It was our bad luck that the air temperature finally exceeded 21C (70F) when we faced the narrowest portions of the river, and snow melt created gushing waterfalls.

Alv, who has hiked and fished along the Reisa for more than 50 years, looked stunned.

“I’ve never seen that much snow on Halti.”

Photo by Darlene Patterson

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Alv grew up on the lower river – his family’s farmhouse sits riverside – and he knows the river goes up and down quickly.

Now we peered over the rim at his traditional put-in below the canyon, and it was obviously unsuitable for our solo canoes. Fast current hit steep walls and offered no protection for us to line the canoes if necessary.

The river wasn’t really subsiding this year, and we were familiar with one narrow pinch that heightened the challenge considerably with high water.We portaged a kilometre farther

until we could slide our boats and gear down a forested gully without belaying over any steep ledges. And, of course, a hot sun continued to dump snowmelt into the river.

I was waiting to reach one steep-walled section about a kilometre before the Mt. Tierta waterfall, which involves getting past a pushy side tributary and a fast outside corner before the river begins to drop more dramatically again. We climbed ledges to scout the drop after a long day of cautiously making our way downriver.

All Photos by Darlene Patterson

Alv and I looked at each other in dismay. The Reisa is an active river geologically, and new rock fall blocked any safe path for canoes. Tumbling water cascaded from the tributary and pushed strong current into this new maze of boulders. Our only option was to portage out of the canyon and find another entry beyond the steep cliffs. Then we were stunned as we hauled canoes up a seemingly endless gully to watch two kayakers scout the tough corner, climb higher on the opposite river side to find their best path, and then nimbly descend quickly out of sight. Amy Hood of Indiana, from her belay position 90 metres (300 feet) above the river, looked dumbfounded at the first people we’d seen on the river, and stated the obvious, “We’re in the wrong boats!”

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Photos by Darlene Patterson

The upper Reisa at any water level is a real challenge for skilled canoeists, but it’s a kayaker’s dream as long as you do it fast with lighter gear, given the two inescapable portages around the first canyon and Imofossen (falls). It took seven days in the canyons above Imo to cover what took four days in 2003. High water wasn’t our friend in 2015.

We mostly portaged, lined, and walked our boats until we reached the more forgiving and fertile lower valley – a welcome float of fast, easy current around gravel bars. North Norway is an exquisitely beautiful landscape for fishing, hiking, and paddling, and it’s well worth exploring with a flexible schedule that compensates for weather and water levels.

Trip planning Innovation Norway for trip planning assistance at: www.visitnorway.com/us/aboutvisitnorwaycom/innovation-norway/ Norwegian Trekking Association for hut location at: http://english.turistforeningen.no/

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