überdog magazine by überdog magazine

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meet ‘the dog’

loud & d unleashe It’s great to be finally let off the lead, free to rant and rave about überdog, the extreme sports magazine that’s set to rock the great outdoors!

e’ve been teasing you for

Belfast, but generally, I lay low and worked

such as downhill pro Ben Reid, adventurer

weeks now, promising a

on getting my coat into shape for the

Noel Hannah and parkour devotee Gary

cracking read for everyone

summer season while everyone else did

Whelan and you can get the picture that

who likes to live life on the

the hard work.

when it comes to showcasing the best of

edge, and I think we’ve delivered one

You’ve now got the end result of all those

the outdoor sports scene in the north of

wicked magazine.

months of sweat and toil in your paws and

Ireland, this dog means business!

I’ve spent the last few months holed up in my kennel as Team Woof worked around the clock pulling this monster of a magazine together for your enjoyment. Of course I was brought out for a few very special occasions such as the Irish Downhill Winter League and the 7stanes event in

But it’s not all about skills and

off, überdog is designed to You’ve now got the end showing be fun as well as informative so it’s packed with competitions, fashion and result of all those pages on the latest kit and gear on months of sweat and the market. Plus überdogs’s roving reporter reviews some of the key toil in your paws... events of the last few weeks and dairy now all that needs answered is the question everyone’s been barking. What’s inside? We’ll we’ve been lucky enough to hook up

dates the ones still to come. Now that überdog has hit the shelves, the Team Woof mascot - that’s me- has come out of hibernation and promises to be loud

with some really skilled people who know

and unleashed, popping up at events

their sports inside out and who are

around the country and making regular

dedicated to making the sporting scene in

Woof Alerts letting you know what Team

our part of the world bigger and better.

Woof is up to. Keep up to date with my

Thanks to them we’re able to bring you

travels at www.facebook.com/mutt.snutts

features on mountain biking, kayaking,

Until next time, keep ‘em clean...

BMX, surfing and canoeing, all penned by

yours

people who really know their stuff and illustrated with pictures taken by some seriously sharp snappers. Add to that a few cracking interviews with local sporting icons

Be a fan of uberdog magazine: www.facebook.com/uberdogmag

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Why the passport office rejected it, I’ll never know...

Butlins, Emperor Ming Look-a-like Runner Up ‘98

Use the force Luke - and maybe the brakes as well...

A rare picture of Ricky in front of a camera...

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NAME:

Rob Doherty

tara Craig

DOES:

Big Dog at überdog

Editor & Wordsmith

BLURB: Rob has been working with publications in Northern Ireland for over 20 years and was the original creator of überdog back in 1996. Steering the magazine along in a style akin to a stagecoach going down the side of a mountain may look easy, but Rob has perfected this ‘controlled chaos technique’ over many, many years.

BLURB: An award winning magazine editor, überdog is Tara’s first venture into the world of extreme sports and she’s having a blast! When she’s not at the computer you’ll usually find her in the great outdoors trying to tire out her three kids - anything for a good nights sleep!

Start ‘em young, that’s what I say...

NAME:

Iain Walker

Victor Lucas

DOES:

Hobbit Body Double

photographer

BLURB: Deadly good freestyle kayaker, Iain’s Uncle thinks he might be part fish. “My wife says I can drink like a frickin' fish anyway so he might be right.” Not adverse to a bit of climbing Iain recalls: “One time I walked up that big hill in France on my own - Mont Blanc, but that was back in the 20th Century when you could still get two pints and some Taytos for a fiver with change.”

BLURB: Victor Lucas is a freelance photographer who concentrates on the sport of mountain biking. He spends much of his time travelling to cover the Mountainbike World Cup races, as well as bike adventures in out of the way places. His photos and video are used by magazines and bike companies around the globe.

Have camera, will travel... quite literally anywhere.

NAME:

Dave Youngs

Iain Gilmore

DOES:

MTB Jedi Master

Surf Guru

BLURB: Dave will be taking you from mtb novice to nutter over the next six issues. Dave started out on his trusty Grifter 22 years ago, complete with lollipop stick attached to the back wheel for extra speed and noise! He developed his love of mountain biking after buying one off a bent copper and has mastered the art to become Ireland's most qualified guide and coach.

BLURB: Jersey born, Iain is a champion surfer living in Fanad, County Donegal. With 28 years surf experience and a string of awards to his credit, we thought he was the perfect man for the job of ‘surf correspondent’. When he’s not down on the beach, Iain can be found at his Adventure One Surf School on Ballyheirnan Bay, Fanad.

Getting extremely ‘board’ the Gilmore way...

NAME:

Ricky Woodside

Gavin Snowdon

DOES:

Photographer

Team Woof Video

BLURB: A freelance graphic designer/photographer who live and works out of Belfast and can be seen floating around in the Atlantic most weekends somewhere off the west coast. His photography spans across most extreme sports - surf, skate, bmx, mtb, kite-surf, wake-board and into fashion, architecture, landscape, nature, Press & PR.

BLURB: Gavin, or Shaggy to his mates, is the official überdog ‘Team Woof’ helmet-camera monkey. Never one to shy away from the chance to have a camera strapped to his head, handlebars or saddle and be shoved down the nearest mountainside. These exploits can be seen on the überdog YoüTube channel. Get to it via www.teamwoof.co.uk

See the footage from this race at www.teamwoof.co.uk

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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the

issue one april/may 2010ad

s t n e t n o c 5

Puppies Privates

Mutt Snutts, uberdog’s roving reporter reveals the latest word on the street

The Dog’s Diary

Want to know where Team Woof will be over the next couple of months? Check out our diary pages for April & May

10 17

The Dog Digs

uberdog sniffs out the latest products, kit and gear on the market

From Novice to Nutter

David Youngs guides the beginner and intermediate mountain biker through two essential skills

If You Go Down To The Woods…

A round up of the Irish DH 2010 Winter League

Club Corner

BOMB share their club secrets

7stanes Shakes up Belfast

Pictures from the 7stanes event in Belfast

Be A Lightweight

New generation lightweight jackets

River Review: Glenarm

Located on the North Eastern coastline of Ireland lies one punk of a river

39 40

Club Corner

Causeway Coast Surf Club

Get Ready To Play

überdog’s kayaking expert Iain Walker gives the low down on Kayak Surfing

Get in Line

Surfing ace Iain Gilmore talks the intermediate surfer through the two most popular methods used to get out to ‘The Line Up’

Trail Blazer: Rostrevor Bikes at the ready, Rostrevor offers a variety of terrain options and plenty of escape routes…

COVFR STAR www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

Reid All About It

Ben Reid, Northern Ireland’s s only professional downhill racer talk about his new team and his hopes for podium success in 2010. Photographed by Victor Lucas Picture published with the kind permission of Victor 3

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contents

Seven Wonders of Noel

flannel panel

World record-breaking adventurer Noel Hanna on the highs and lows of his seven-summit-to-sea-level challenge

Do Try This At Home

40 things worth giving a go in 2010. Warning: reading this article may change your life!

57 62

50 Top Drawer T-Shirts

Reinvent your look with a cool tee

Bowled Out

From concept to deconstruction – the history of Omagh’s unique BMX bowl

Concrete Resolution

How BUS are working to change the scene for BMXers and skaters in the north of Ireland

Parkour: The Art of Movement

uberdog meets parkour devotee Gary Whelan and learns there’s a whole lot more to this discipline than scaling walls

Going Ball-istic

Guide to bouldering

Bouldering is the first in überdog’s series of how to investigate, spectate and participate

Get on Your Bike

Dubbed ‘Europe’s Adventure Capital’, Scotland is a pedal paradise

big dog: Robert Doherty email: rob@uberdogmagazine.co.uk telephone: 077 1184 6246

editor: Tara Craig email: editorial@uberdogmagazine.co.uk telephone: 077 4042 2787

sales: Andy McCombe email: andy@uberdogmagazine.co.uk telephone: 077 0860 9872 Keep up to date with Team Woof at

www.facebook.com/uberdogmag For exclusive magazine updates visit

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

überdog magazine Volume 2: Issue 1 was published by

Pig's Ear Publishing llp. email: info@pigsearpublishing.co.uk web: www.pigsearpublishing.co.uk printed by

W&G Baird, Antrim web: www.wgbaird.com

uberdog investigates why a paintball phenomenon is sweeping the country

team woof:

distributed by

EM News Distribution Belfast & Dublin web: www.emnewsdistribution.com Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. All prices and dates correct at the time of going to press but are subject to change. überdog cannot be held responsible for unsolicited material or photographs or for the views and opinion of our advertisers. For competition terms and conditions visit www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk The views expressed by contributors and correspondents in articles, reports, reviews and other contributions do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Accordingly, the publisher is not responsible for any such view, nor for any act or omission on the part of any such contributor or correspondent. Neither is any responsibility accepted by the publisher for any loss or damage caused to any person relying on any statement in, or omission from überdog magazine.

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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the street... Mütt Snutts, überdog’s roving reporter reveals the latest word on

Are you hard enough?

Surf for charity ALIVE SURF SCHOOL and Woodies Surf

2pm, 14 - 18 years old (16 places) and

Shop have teamed up to raise £1000 for

3pm - 5pm, 18 - 99 years old (16 places)

Toddsleap.com are hosting the annual

the RNLI. On Sunday the 9th of May 2010,

And as if this wasn’t enough, Woodies Surf

Norn Iron Man Challenge on the 18

based from West Strand in Portrush, they

Shop is offering all participants (and their

April in aid of Action MS. 100 extreme

will be offering 48 surfing lessons for £20

friends and family!) 20% off wetsuits,

sports enthusiasts are being called

per person with 100% going to support the

wetsuit accessories and clothing.

upon to take on this heroic challenge

RNLI.

To register call Ricky on

which will see contestants battle it out

Each lesson will last for two hours and will

07935 952 532 or by emailing

in an extreme running comp over hills

include all tuition, equipment, water, tea,

lessons@alivesurfschool.com

and streams, with 50% of runners being

coffee and sun cream (if they get lucky

Even if you are not taking part, go along

knocked out every 5km. Entrants must

with the weather!). Lessons will be split into

and enjoy an awesome day in Portrush

raise a minimum of £100 sponsorship

three age groups and times; 9am - 11am,

and any additional donations for the RNLI

money with all funds going to Action

7-13 years olds (16 places); 12 noon -

will be more than welcome!

MS. Free tee shirt and bags of kudos for all entrants! You’ll find an entry form in this magazine or visit www.actionms.co.uk for more information. COMING SOON: Toddsleap.com continues to build on what is already the best outdoor experience in the country with the opening of a thrilling Zip Wire course and a challenging Rope Course in mid April. Visit www.toddsleap.com for more info.

Facebook opens new chapter for OutdoorNI

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

SINCE its launch in July 2007

Northern Ireland. Another new feature on

OutdoorNI.com has grown from strength

OutdoorNI.com is the Adventure Blog

to strength, keeping activity enthusiasts of

where activity experts will be sharing their

all ages and abilities up to speed with

thoughts on everything from paddling one

everything ‘outdoor’ in Northern Ireland.

of Northern Ireland’s high quality canoe

Now covering 34 separate outdoor

trails to the best value adventure days out

activities, the OutdoorNI.com team

for the whole family. The current blog might

recently launched an exciting new

inspire you to take part in some exciting

Facebook page keeping their fans

adventure races and challenges this

updated with all the latest news and

summer. Have a look today at

events surrounding outdoor activities in

www.OutdoorNI.com

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team at uberdog magazine sat down

individual who wants to stand out and

to design our gear, signage, posters

get noticed then you need D-Signs &

and promotional material for the

Displays on your side. They can take

launch of our new mag we called on

your design ideas and turn them from a

32, yes that’s 32 Marathon Challenge!

the experts at D-Signs and Displays

concept into a reality creating

IT MAKES me tired even thinking about it

for their help in producing the coolest

everything from signs, stickers, vehicle

but two long distance runners, Gerry Duffy

clobber out there!

skins and banners, to coats, hats, t-

and Ken Whitelaw, plan to run over 800

shirts and more with your name, logo

miles in a month and a day. That’s the

and image expertly displayed.

ambitious challenge these two local lads

Team Woof supported by D-Signs and Displays IMAGE is everything and when the

These guys have been the best on the block for 12 years, providing quality signage and promotional

If you’re a team, club, organisation or

Give them a call and enjoy a free

have set for themselves next July and

goods throughout Northern Ireland

consultation over a cup of coffee, free

August when they aim to run 32 marathons

and the UK. Team Woof is just one of

design, free catalogues and free

in 32 consecutive days across the 32

a number of clients who appreciate

embroidery. Then let the experts at D-

counties of Ireland to raise money for

that D-Signs and Displays innovative

Signs & Displays get to work showing

autism charities Autism NI and Irish Autism

technology has allowed them to

you different concepts that are

Action. Better still, they are encouraging

develop an amazing reputation for

guaranteed to get your brand noticed.

you to take part.

delivering quality signage,

Visit www.d-signsonline.com or

A number of high profile celebrities have

promotional gifts and embroidered

telephone 028 8774 7844 and don’t

already come on board to lend their

corporate clothing.

forget to say that The Dog sent you…

support including Dame Mary Peters, actor and Boyzone member Keith Duffy and singer Brian Kennedy, who have all said they will join Gerry and Ken by running some miles with them along the way. The challenge will come to the six counties of Northern Ireland from 22nd July- 27th July and Gerry and Ken hope to be joined by 32 different runners each day as they run around Ireland and Northern Ireland. For those that don't feel up to the full 26.2 miles, there'll be a half marathon option each day. A runner who signs up for a full marathon is asked to raise £1,000 whereas a runner tackling the half marathon distance is asked to raise £600. If you’re interested log on to www.32marathons.com for more information on the event as well as training plans and tips, FAQ’s and more.

Craigavon posed to get new super leisure plex CRAIGAVON Council have been presented

an eight-lane 50-metre pool, with moveable

with a detailed report from Mace

floors to reduce and increase depths; a

Consultants proposing the replacing of the

diving area; an eight-court sports hall;

borough's three leisure centres in

fitness suites; a climbing wall; children's

Portadown, Brownlow and Lurgan with a

facilities; outdoor facilities and a water

£28.8 million super-centre on the banks of

centre tailored in with the lakes. The

the Lakes. Should it get the go ahead the

decision will rest with the monthly meeting

facilities at the newcomplex would include

of the council on Monday, April 7.

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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Tollymore transformation nears completion

boüt ye... it’s a mini interview - a minterview!

WORK at Tollymore, the National Outdoor

NAME: Andy Yoong aka Honcho

Centre is nearly finished with the new

WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A LIVING?

facility due to open at

I am the owner of Honcho Designs.

the end of May. New

I make videos, do a bit of graphic

facilities will include a

design and web design.

kayak rolling pool, improved residential

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THAT?

accommodation and dining areas, drying room and

Honcho Designs was originally an extreme sports clothing

equipment stores, meeting rooms and all other facilities

company, but that was a pretty hard business to be in, so it

expected in a state of the art centre.The £5 million project is

changed course when I figured out there was more money to be

funded by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure,

made in graphic design and video production. During this time

through Sport NI, who own and manage the centre.

(from around 1997 to 2004) I raced with the Irish Downhill team

Check out photos of the redevelopment on

at various World Cup World Championship races and got the

www.facebook.com/pages/Tollymore-Mountain-

opportunity to shoot some video while I was there. I produced

Centre/101227117084 and visit www.tollymore.com

my first VHS release in 2001 called 'Heavy Metal' focusing on the international downhill racing scene. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR HIGHEST POINT TO DATE?

Jumping for joy...

2009 was quite a good year in terms of achievements. I finished Break the Cycle which premiered in Belfast in November. The film was quite a success and got loads of coverage for the local scene in magazines and websites all around the world. I also finished up third at the 2009 Masters World Championships. It was a pretty hard race to prepare for because I was trying to finish off Break the Cycle and train at the same time, but it paid off in the end! WHAT'S NEXT IN THE PIPE LINE FOR HONCHO? At the moment I’m working away at Honcho Designs shooting various commercial jobs. I don't have any more films planned for the foreseeable future but that could change. I'm not too fussed on racing in 2010 either, I’m happy just getting out on my hardtail and having lots of fun. WHERE CAN PEOPLE FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOUR FILMS AND PURCHASE THEM? If you want to know more about the film or buy the DVD you can

JUMPING for joy... that is exactly what Miss Belfast Claire Murray was

go to the website at www.breakthecyclefilm.com

doing when she launched this season's 'must have' fashion collection the first range of clothing to be produced by the Deep RiverRock

The dog’s got some ‘Break the Cycle’

Belfast City Marathon. Designed by the event's sportswear providers,

DVDs to give away - take a look on

New Balance, and featuring tops, shorts and tracksuits, the stylish

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

range will definitely turn heads toward anyone out training for the May

for details on how to get

Day race, and is available online from www.belfastcitymarathon.com,

your grubby mitts on one.

or from Up And Running in Wellington Place.

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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d get Get up off your lazy backsidefoan taste a r rs oo td ou t ea gr e th to in out y… of the action in March, April & Ma 12-14 March:

18 April:

Paddlefest

Norn Iron Man

Share Centre, Lisnaskea

Todd’s Leap Activity Centre, Ballygawley

CANI's annual paddle sport event is

An extreme running competition with a twist. 100 competitors

designed to bring paddlers of all ages and

slog it out across 25 kilometres of the toughest terrain County

abilities together for one fun filled weekend.

Tyrone has to offer with 50% of runners being knocked out at

Develop existing skills or try a new

the end of each 5km stage.

discipline during the varied programme of

In aid of Action MS for details, visit www.actionms.co.uk

events and coaching. For more details visit www.cani.org.uk

20 March:

27 March:

Good Times BMX Jam

Scrabo Tower Absail

Unit 13, Dunmurry

Scrabo Tower looks impressive, rising into the sky

Good times are what it's all about.

and towering over the Ards Peninsula, but how

War of the Shamrock 2010

We know the BMX fraternity like to

would you fancy stepping off it? Experience

rock out and this event will be no

incredible views and an unforgettable head rush,

exception. As usual expect

all in aid of the Marie Curie Cancer Care. Pre-

mayhem and a welcoming

booking is essential and there is a £10

Unit 13, Dunmurry

atmosphere. Noon - bedtime.

registration fee. Jumpers must raise a minimum

For more information visit

sponsorship of £55. Interested?

Arguably the best

www.ourbus.org

www.mariecurie.org.uk or tel: (028) 9088 2060

or call 02890738884.

27 March:

Scrabo Tower, Newtownards

skate gig of 2009 returns to the Unit 13 ghetto pit for

15 May:

another instalment

Diamond Quest Ireland

of Irish folklore. Best Trick Comps,

Adventure Race through the Mourne and Coolie Mountains

Ramp Champ Jam, Tag Team Game Of

Diamond Quest Ireland is an exhilarating mountain running,

Skate, Prizes and a whole lot more.

biking and kayaking race with the aim of having fun whilst

Noon till late.

raising money for the African Schools Trust charity. Competitors cross the beautiful scenery of

For more information

the Carlingford and Mourne Mountains in an adventure race that promises to challenge

visit www.ourbus.org

participant’s strength, stamina and agility More information www.OutdoorNI.com

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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Diary Dates

April & May:

22 May:

Coasteering sessions

70 Wild Miles

Various locations

Northern Ireland’s spectacular headland. All

Share Holiday Village, Fermanagh

participants will be given a full wetsuit, helmet and

70 Wild Miles is an adventure triathlon in aid of

buoyancy aid. There are adult sessions and family

children with cancer, with charity CLIC Sargent

sessions with kids from the age of 8 upwards most

(Caring for Children with Cancer), receiving every

welcome. If body-surfing waves, scrambling up cliffs

penny raised from sponsorship from the race. If

and flinging yourself into

you’re the kind of enthusiast who thinks the idea of

deep water from heights

cycling 47 miles (75km), canoeing a loch for the next

of up to 20ft sounds like

10 miles (16km) and finishing with a 13 mile (22km)

fun, then contact The

run sounds like a fun day out - then this might just be

Adventure Team.

what you are looking for!

Tel: 028 8164 8390

For more information on 70 Wild Miles and

or email info@theadventureteam.co.uk

other outdoor events in Northern Ireland

for dates and more information.

visit www.OutdoorNI.com

The Adventure Team is offering all adrenaline junkies coasteering sessions at various locations along

28 March:

10-11 April:

McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes Mud Madness

Portrush Open Surf Competition

Foymore Lodge Country Pursuits, Portadown

Over 100 competitors are expected

Mud and mayhem return to Foymore with

which gets underway each day at

McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes Mud Madness. Can you

10am. Watch the surf or enjoy the

face the ultimate muddy challenge across fields,

beachside entertainment including

bogs and ponds, under a cargo net and over a

a classic VW car and van display,

climbing wall? The event is open to and suitable

skateboard demonstrations and

for anyone over the age of 17 and there is a £16

film screenings.

entrance fee. Marie Curie Cancer Care is the

For more information on the

charity partner for the event and prizes will be

event contact Causeway Coast

awarded to the fastest finishers, teams and best

Surf Club on

fancy dress.

info@www.causewaycoastsurfcl

For details visit www.mud-madness.com

ub.co.uk or the Irish Surfing

or tel: (028) 9037 2515

Association on www.isasurf.org

to take part in this exciting event,

April & May:

1-2 May:

Irish downhill NPS

Achill Mountain Marathon

Various Mountain sides

Achill Island

It's been a few weeks since the Winter

2010 will see the staging of the inaugural Achill

League wrapped up and the mb fanatics

Mountain Marathon. This mountain marathon

are ready to hit the trails again.

will provide competitors with unforgettable

Time to hose down the bike and get

memories of this fantastic island, which sits off

ready for some dirt. Life's sweet!

the west coast of Ireland. The event will follow a

NPS Rd 1: Cahir 3rd-4th of April

traditional mountain marathon format in which

NPS Rd 2: Killarney 17th-18th of April

participants (solo or teams of two) navigate their

NPS Rd 3: Dunmanway 1st-2nd of May

way around a two-day course on Achill Island,

NPS Rd 4: CullaHill 15th-16th of May

albeit with a few twists! A range of courses will

NPS Rd 5: Cahir 29th-30th of May

be available to cater for experienced elite

For regular race updates

athletes and first timers.

visit www.irishdh.com

For more information visit www.26extreme.com

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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LIGHTING THE WAY Integrating two light sources for versatility, the Petzl Tikka Plus head torch, £37.50, features one white, high-output LED and one red LED. The white LED delivers 50 lumens in maximum mode and lights up to 35m, with a burn- time of up to 140 hours in economic mode. The red LED provides spare lighting to preserve night vision or can be used as a strobe light for increased safety.

GO EXTREME The Suunto Core Watch, £230, is the ultimate sports instrument for any adrenaline packed outdoor activity. Its advanced ABC functions (altimeter, barometer, and compass) combine with other useful features like a depth meter, sunrise and sunset times and storm alarm that help you stay safe, whatever your location. Available from Cotswold Outdoors, Belfast and online.

THREE-IN-ONE FLEXIBILITY A great value fleece and jacket combo, The North Face Evolution Tri-climate Jacket, £160 offers stylish and flexible functionality. A technical three-in-one waterproof with a HyVent breathable exterior and a soft fleece interior this jacket is built to cover a wide range of temperatures, conditions and activity levels. Available from Cotswold Outdoors and other North Face dealers

EVIL CUSTOM BUILT MTB Built by Ricky and Gilly at Chain Reaction Cycles. Available from Chain Reaction Cycles £1633.83 For more info visit: www.chainreactioncycles.com

TIPPED FOR SUCCESS A three-season grippy glove for cool conditions, The North Face E-tip Glove features special finger and thumb pads that let you have full control of your MP3 player's click wheel or mobile phone touch controls, silicone gripper palms to stop you dropping your prize piece of kit. From Surf Mountain and other The North Face stockists.

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SHED THE POUNDS, KEEP THE PUNCH Leatherman’s new Skeletool CX, goes back to basics with only the most necessary of multi-tool features, because sometimes that's all you need. With a 154CM combo stainless steel blade, pliers, bit driver, pocket clip and carabiner/bottle opener, you're all set. Who says more is better?

MUSIC TO YOUR EARS In the current cold snap with plunging temperatures and arctic winds it can be difficult listening to your favourite tune, without freezing your ears off. The solution is a Headphone Beanie an ingenious piece of gear, this beanie with in-built headphones allows you to listen on the move without getting cold. Available in several styles and colours costing £34.94 from www.thetravellingsouk.com

LOVE YOUR LAYERS Helly Hansen’s new HH One is described as ‘the world’s most versatile base layer’. Made for all-season use, it features hollow fibre LIFA similar to polar bear fur on the interior to efficiently retain heat, and a light polyester exterior that helps draw moisture away from the skin. Soft to the touch, HH One has a slightly looser fit that makes it ideal to wear as a single layer during the summer or as a base layer under a fleece or jacket when the temperatures drop. Available in a variety of styles with exclusive graphics and prints for men and women from HH stockists.

CAMELBAK HYDRATION PACK Carry all the protection and hydration you need to bomb that mountain. As well as your liquid sustenance this pack is designed to carry your full-face helmet, body armor, goggles, extra layer, snacks, tools, pumps, spare tube and electronics. New colours available for 2010. Available from McConvey Cycles, Belfast. £59.99.

TIME CHECK Girl’s Mooji watch by Animal Available at Surf Mountain, £56.99

GET A GRIP FiveFingers ‘Glove Shoes’ are fast becoming a global phenomenon and have become a firm favourite for many barefoot runners. Acting like a second skin and offering a gecko-like grip over a variety of terrain, they are ideal for protecting bare feet from rocks, gravel, and sharp objects. FiveFingers Speed Black shoes, £98.99 from www.lovethoseshoes.com

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OLYMPUS µ TOUGH-6010 CAMERA This 12 Megapixel powerhouse is the ultimate companion. Shockproof, waterproof, and freezeproof, it ensures extreme fun. Available from Jessops, Belfast £229.

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Reid all

If you’re into the mountain bike scene you’ll have heard of Ben Reid, the north of Ireland’s only pro downhill mountain bike racer. The Dog caught up with him in his hometown of Newtownards as he prepares for the 2010 season and sets his sights on podium success...

about it When did you first get on a bike?

When did you realise you were good on a bike?

Like most kids I got my first bike at a young

I don't really know, I just kept riding cause I

age, I think I was about two, but I was around

enjoyed it.

It was the 3rd and final round of a Photograph: Victor Lucas

four when I got on a real bike

What was the first race you ever took part in and how did you do?

without any stabilisers.

What are your first memories of riding a bike? When my brother Johnny and I

dual salom race series held at a farm up in Craigantlet and there was a mountain bike up for grabs to the winner of the Junior and Elite category. I can remember being amazed at all the expensive mountain bikes, it

were kids we used to hold races

was like a dream come true for me

around the housing estate where

and Johnny to be at an official race

we lived. We would get all the

with a real dirt track, loads of

kids involved and it was like the

people to race against and no

BMX GP of Loughries. It was a

police to tell us off. There was no under 16

mass start of about 20 kids doing four laps round the block dodging cars, prams, lamp posts, kerbs and so on. Johnny and me thought we where Joel Smets and Jacky Martins and we even had the Kellogg's

the gate dropped and the the Juniors but I was just happy a race and so I pulled out the trusty red mist came down, toBMXbe toat have a go. .. it. r fo After winning my first few heats my dad nt we I just category and I had to race with

came up to me and said “keep her lit son,

clickers rubbing on the back wheel so it

you could take the overall if you keep this

mid race to tell us off. Little Johnny said,

When did you get into mountain bike downhill racing?

“Watch out mate there’s a big race on

When I was about 14 I first heard about the

against was jumping all the big jumps and

here” and the policeman replied, “that’s

sport and started doing the odd race on

was the man to beat. There was a big double

why I’m here son”

my BMX.

on the track right out of the start that I hadn't

sounded like we were on motorbikes. I once remember the police showing up

going”. That got me fired up good, which was just as well, cause the next guy I was up

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mountain bike

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I like most tracks as long as they are steep enough to require the use of brakes...

Photograph: Victor Lucas

What’s it like making a living from riding your bike?

What tracks do you most like racing & why?

For me it’s perfect. I enjoy

these type of tracks, winning is about a

riding my bike and

person’s ability to handle their bike, not who

everything that goes with

can peddle the hardest.

I like most tracks as long as they are steep enough to require the use of brakes. On

it. Sometimes people think

bike every day and get

What have been the biggest challenges of your career to date?

payed for doing it but

Every season presents its own challenges

there’s a lot more to it

but I don't have one that stands out.

you get it easy though and that you just ride your

than meets the eye. jumped yet, it looked massive to me and was

much more to take care of. I would pretty

How was 2009 for you - what were your highs and lows?

way rough for a little BMX. When the gate

much work round the clock from the end of

It definitely had its ups and downs. It started

dropped and the red mist came down I just

one season to the start of the next pulling it

out pretty badly when I dislocated my collar

went for it and I won the race. I had also

all together. In the winter sometimes I'm lucky

bone while training out in Portugal. The injury

gathered enough points from my races too

to get out on the bike at all.

saw me miss the first World round in South

With running my own team there is so

take the over all prize and came home with the new bike.

Who is your inspiration and why?

Africa and really held me back for the

What is your training regime like? Talk me through a typical day…

beginning of the season. Half way through the season I was getting back up there and after some good podium

From September to after Christmas I take a

finishes out in Europe I regained my

Different people have inspired me along the

good long break for training and really

confidence and speed and started getting

way but the one that still stands out most is

knuckle down on sorting all the team stuff.

things together again at the World Cups.

Ex-Motocross World Champion Joel Smets.

From January onwards a typical day could

When my dad was the Husaberg dealer for

be a XC or Road ride in the morning followed

series but there were a few occasions were I

Ireland Joel stayed in our house after the 95

by some work on the team and then in the

felt it could have gone better for me. Taking

GP in Ballykelly. Seeing the dedication he

evening I would go to the gym. I try to mix it

the last round in Schladming for example

had definitely helped me get things into

up as much as I can and throw in some MX

were I was fastest in timed practice and then

perspective.

and even the odd bit of running, depending

qualified 8th, after this I had the podium in

on the weather.

my sights but a crash in my final saw me

When did you turn pro?

I had some good results in the World

throw it away.

was 18 and haven't worked a full time job

Where are you based for the bike season?

means, I finished 34th overall in the World

since, but I would say it’s only been the last

Home is my base but for the season,

series despite having missed the first round

3-4 years that I’ve been full time with the

I’m pretty much on the road from April to the

and I also won the Irish Championships,

mountain biking.

end of September.

which is always nice.

I finished serving my time as a joiner when I

My season was not a right-off by any

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mountain bike

What are your aims and objectives for 2010?

the official race team for Dirt Magazine. We will be on board Norco Bikes and running as

And one thing you’ve never told anyone

I will soon have a new bike to get used to

the Dirt Norco Race Team. Confirmed Co

There’s a reason why I haven't told

so that is something that I need to get my

sponsors are Sram, Truvative, Avid, Troy Lee

anyone!

head into, after riding my previous bike for

Designs, Gamut, Funn,

four seasons it’s a big change for me. The

Fenwicks, Sun Ringle. Keep

World Cups this year are mostly on tracks

an eye on

that are very steep and suited to my style,

www.dirtmountainbike.com

so if I play my cards right it should be a

and in the magazine for the full

good season for me to make a mark and I

sponsor list, which will be released

would like to be consistently running in the

very soon.

top 10 and perhaps even have a crack at the big podium.

Where do you hope to be in five years time?

What are the main dates on your calendar for 2010?

I don’t know but I hope to be telling überdog all about it.

World Cups five rounds in Europe and one in Canada, some British nationals and the

Tell me five things about yourself

Mega Avalanche.

I enjoy a good cup of tea. I like

the US; the World Championships in

being on the road. I listen to rock n roll. I like riding in the wet when the

This year myself, Ali Beckett and Dan

most things and always try to get it

Stanbridge have taken on the task of running

right first time.

Photograph: Victor Lucas

Who are your sponsors this year?

sun’s out and I take my time over

The new plexiglass sides on the team bus let in much needed light but didn’t afford much in the way of privacy...

Ben’s Hall of Fame the thunder truck •running own team • times myIrish eight Champion •4th Junior World Champs • 6th Red Bull Rampage ‘04‘04 • 10th World Cup •Schladming ‘07 14th World •Champs ‘07

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TOG’S JAY MUSIC MILATEX JACKET Comes with Connected Wear technology so you can listen to music on the slopes. Waterproof, windproof and breathable, control modules available separately for the Jay jacket include a volume controller, an iPod controller to manage play/pause and forward/backwards modes and finally an iPod/Bluetooth. Price: £219.95, Available from the Tog 24 store at The Outlet, Banbridge and online at www.tog24.com

SHARP SHOOTER Capture every move with this slick and compact GoPro Helmet Hero Camera Wide, £169.99. Boasting an impressive 5 megapixel this wearable sports camera features improved low light performance, faster “Photo every 2 seconds” mode, and mega-wide 170 degrees lens. Perfect for mounting on your helmet, bike, board, vehicle or other gear you can think of, it’s also waterproof to 30m. For examples of what this baby can do, check out the dog’s videos on www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk Find out more: Chain Reaction Cycles, Ballyclare. (028) 9334 5515

RAISE A GLASS... Take the guesswork out of your water purification process with a Steripen Journey LCD Sterilising Pen, £100 at Cotswolds. Journey’s LCD screen displays your choice of how much water you want to purify (1/2 or 1 litre), battery status and a countdown timer to tell you when the process is complete and your water is safe to drink. Lightweight and fast it takes just 48 seconds to purify six ounces (0.5 litre). www.steripen.com

SALOMON XA PRO 3D ULTRA GTX The ultimate trail running shoe just keeps getting better with improved cushioning, easily transitioning from the track to the trail with unparalleled stability, any season and any time. Available from Cotswold Outdoors, Belfast and online.

KEEP ON COURSE Sharpen your cycling performance with the Garmin Edge 500, £179.99, a lightweight GPS-based cycling computer loaded with technology. It tracks your distance, speed, location and elevation with high sensitivity GPS. Available from McConvey Cycles, Belfast.

CHECK MATE Be the coolest kid on the block. Get your hands on this Fat Face Balance Check Shirt, £45 and layer it with a Stamp Hooded Tee, £35. www.fatface.com

TIME CHECK Hurricane watch by Animal Available at Surf Mountain, £94.99

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Tricks & Tips

überdog has teamed up with Dave Youngs from Youngs MTB Instruction, Ireland’s most qualified mountain bike coach to bring you a step-by-step guide to improving your mTb skills. Think you know it all? Think again… Pictures: Jake Samuels

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ver the next six issues

and equipment youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d need for epic

coupled with a steep descent. Before

we will show you how

wilderness riding or a quick blast on

attempting any of the skills over the

to transform your

your local loop, Dave will be your guide

coming issues check your run in,

riding on the local

every step of the way. In issue one we

obstacle, and run out. Start steady and

trails you ride. From

start with a skills lesson for the beginner

build up as your confidence grows.

the basics, such as revealing a few

and one for the intermediate rider.

Practice with your mates so you can

simple tips when setting up your bike

This features slabs and slate and is

pick up good and bad habits from each

that will transform your riding, to the kit

particularly difficult when wet and

other.

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NOVICE / BEGINNER:

RIDING ROCKY Approach

Obstacle

Centre your pedals. We all have a

Relax and approach at a slow

Exit or run out As you exit the rock and the

leading foot, if you don’t know which one

walking pace, no less as you need rolling

ground levels out move back in to the

it is pedal around for a while and see

speed to take you over the edge and

middle third of the bike. You need to get

which foot you always have facing

forward momentum. Scrub off any speed

rid of any extra speed you have gathered

forward. It will also be the one you set off

by feathering the brakes. Don’t snatch the

on the slab or rock. Feather the brakes

with in your sub coconscious when you

brakes as the front may wash away. As

and keep the pedals centred. Don’t stay

start to pedal. Bend your knees and

you descend you will naturally drop your

fixed in the rear third of the bike as you

elbows and relax, they are like an extra

head - make an effort to look at your run

will have less control to place the bike

few inches of suspension. Keep your chin

out or exit point. You are now committed!

where you want it to go. Think of the

up and look ahead. Don’t look at the front

As the gradient increases move your

American Chopper all stretched out with

wheel or you will ride on what’s called the

weight in to the back third of the bike

poor control and turning.

single point of focus. Look about 4-5

whilst keeping your heels down. Don’t

metres in front. Keep your weight in the

snatch the brakes. Keep your centre of

middle third of the bike.

gravity low. Whilst learning keep your weight well back and as you get better

work towards finding a comfortable position in the middle to rear third of the bike, Better to fall off the rear than face plant over the bars!

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

work towards finding a comfortable position in the middle to rear third of the bike. Better to fall off the rear than face plant over the bars! Keep on the line you have picked and look towards the exit. If you move your hips and heels left to right, that weight will transfer through the bike and start to make it fish tail, so stay relaxed.

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ADVANCED:

DROPS

Drops are best learnt at home in the street. Once you are able to hold the bike with the front wheel in the air, riding off a kerb until the front and rear wheel land together, you are ready to hit the big stuff. The science bit! The faster you go the further you will travel and the less time you need to hold the front end up. o

Approach

your weight ard and stay off the brakes. Keep Centre the pedals leading foot forw t to end wan you re whe look the launch point, instead in the middle third. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t focus on settled. are you so drop the e about one metre before up. All your work needs to be don the lip on e freez â&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Don . walk steady jogging pace or fast Make sure you are travelling at a exit. the Before the drop look at and grab the brakes. Commitment!

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Obstacle As the front wheel leaves the edge it will drop away so move your weight in to the rear third of the bike . If you feel a rapid nosedive, gently pull the bars towards your chest. Exte nd the body to allow you to absorb the landing. Keep looking ahead and turn your heels slightly down.

Don’t focus on the launch point, instead look where you want to end up...

Landing

to crash and don’t Don’t tense up like you are about transition into the landing close your eyes, otherwise as you Pogo Stick. As you feel the area you will fly off the bike like a elbows and knees to wheels touch the ground, bend the y. Start breathing again! absorb the shock. Pedal or roll awa

■ Ireland’s most qualified coach and guide, Dave Youngs has over 15 years experience in the field. Dave holds the MIAS Level 6 Coaching Qualification, endorsed by the CTC and Association of British Cycling Coaches and is a qualified First Aid and map reading instructor. Youngs MTB Instruction have recently been working with a number of high profile European holiday companies and local activity centres to ensure mountain bike standards are maintained and Dave has also been training local Down Hill champions wanting to make the transition to coaching and guiding.

In issue 2: Overcome your fear of North Shore and Rock Gardens and learn about the different mountain bikes on the market so you pick the best tool for the job. www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

Whatever you ride, Whatever your style, Reserved or extravagant... We’ve got you covered. ŚĂŝŶƌĞĂĐƟŽŶĐǇĐůĞƐ͘ĐŽŵ The World’s Largest Online Bike Store

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The worlds Largest Online Bikestore | www.chainreactioncycles.com

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Are you hard enough... to be the Norn Iron Man? Sunday 18 April 2010 Start time 11.00am Todds Leap Road, Ballygawley

norn iron man Northern Ireland’s Leading Multiple Sclerosis Charity, Action MS supports people living with multiple sclerosis, their families and carers across Northern Ireland. It provides an extensive range of services, free of charge, including information, advocacy, Medicare Breaks, the Des Keenan Holiday Home in Portstewart, legal advice, focus groups for young people and support for children & families. Every penny it raises is spent on providing these services for local people. Action MS could not continue this work without your generous support.

Pitch yourself against 100 other die hards as you slog it out for 25 gruelling kilometres, over the roughest terrain Tyrone can throw at you and help raise £10,000 for Action MS. • 50% of runners are knocked out at each stage. • Prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd • PLUS a special award for the top fundraiser.

Think Focused... Think Iron... Think Extreme Running... With a twist

SIGN UP NOW - strictly limited to 100 competitors. Please complete this entry form to secure your place in the FIRST EVER Norn Iron Man contest or enter online now at www.actionms.co.uk FREE T-SHIRT FOR ALL ENTRANTS I enclose a deposit of £20. Please send sponsor book to; Name: .......................................................................................................................................................................... Address: ...................................................................................................................................................................... Town: ..............................................................................................................Postcode:............................................ Tel: .............................................................................Email:........................................................................................ DON’T FORGET GIFT AID! If your sponsors tick the gift aid box, the government will add 25p for every pound you raise! Sponsor Books and all donations must be returned by Friday 9th april 2010. Please note minimum sponsorship of £100 applies. Please note - all cheques should be made payable to Action MS Northern Ireland. Action MS, Knockbracken Heathcare Park, Saintfield Road, Belfast BT8 8BH T: (028) 907 907 07 E: info@actionms.co.uk Reg Charity No: XR7885 Find out more about the work of Action MS at www.actionms.co.uk

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downhill rider Chain Reaction Cycles Christopher McGlinchey

o G u o Y f I e h T o T n w Do Woods -UP D N OU R UE AG LE R TE IN W L IL H N OW D H 2010 IRIS

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downhill

Round One: Bree 17th January 2010 Bikes were gleefully brought out of hibernation for the first

Wicklow Cycles Brian Con way on his way to 2nd in the Sport Category place at Mon eyscalp

round of the 2010 Irish Downhill Winter League held in Bree, Co. Wexford. A revised version of the track last raced during the 2008 Irish NPS was fast and furious but still great fun, presenting a conquerable challenge to new and experienced riders alike. Shiny bikes and sparkling new racing kits took a bit of a bashing as the rain lashed down, but even burst river banks and flooding didn’t deter over 100 riders traveling into Enniscorthy during the weekend. Despite the downpour the track remained well preserved, although it was slippy in places. Few riders managed to get over the big table top at the start, with most going around it, but it was the roots at the end of the track that proved the toughest obstacle, throwing several riders including Michael Cowan who damaged his ribs landing on a stump during practice. Another injury on the day was Rob Davis who was escorted to A&E by ambulance where, we’re pleased to report, he was given the all-clear. Unfortunately due to Rob’s crash the last few elites were unable to do race runs,

but this didn’t affect the overall standing and the results from the first round stood. It was a thrilling and eventful first round league and a great start to the season. Chain Reaction Cycle’s did notably well, with three of their riders taking 1st place on the podiums.

ROUND TWO: CLOON WOOD 30 & 31 JANUARY 2010 Just a couple of weeks later it was back to Co. Wicklow where the second round was being hosted by the Epic MTB club in Cloon Forest. Despite the sun making a rare appearance, freezing temperatures meant the middle section of the track was frozen solid for most of Saturday and conditions worsened on Sunday with falling snow and a biting wind creating a minus zero chill factor. Respect to all those die-hards who braved the plummeting temperatures in their tents! Over 150 riders signed on for a piece of the action and there were some memorable moments with numerous Marc Potts, Winter League Senior winner at Moneyscalp

crashes providing plenty of entertainment for the frozen marshals.

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ROUND THREE: MONEYSCALP 13 & 14 FEBRUARY 2010

EPIC MTB rider Silvia Gallagher

There was a mood of competitiveness rather than love in the air at Moneyscalp this Valentine’s Day. The form was good and the excitement was tangible as the sun shone down on hosting club Chain Reaction Cycles and the Mourne Mountain venue throughout the weekend. Practice started early on Saturday morning with the track holding up well having had the opportunity to dry out thanks to a spell of good weather. CRC’s Ian Brown took to the PA on Sunday entertaining the crowd who had turned out to support the 110 riders racing at the event.

brought Bikes were gleefully for the out of hibernation 10 Irish first round of the 20 League Downhill Winter Seanan O’Riordan, Flow Racing

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n, Under 16s Dan Sherida Flow Racing

Chain Reaction Cycles rider Ian Mcintyre, Veteran Category

Victor McMinn, gory BBCC, Super Veteran cate

ROUND FOUR: MONEYSCALP 27 & 28 FEBRUARY CANCELLED - Freezing conditions and inches of lying snow caused the powers that be at CRC’s to cancel the event for health and safety. Don’t you just hate our weather... The league tables will remain as per round three. League presentations will take place at the first NPS in Cahir.

League rankings after Round 3: Moneyscalp ELITE

SENIOR

1. Seanan O’Riordan Flow Racing 2. Gareth McKee 3. Greg Callaghan Epic MTB

JUNIOR 1. Christopher McGlinchey Chain Reaction Cycles 2. Gavin Kelly Flow Racing 3. Chris Murphy 4. Michael Rea Chain Reaction Cycles 5. Paul Smyth

MASTERS 1. Dale McMullan Chain Reaction Cycles 2. David Lenehan Lakeside Whs Mullingar 3. Eamon O’Reilly Wicklow Cycles

1. Marc Potts 2. Bobby St Ledger 021 Racing 3. Kevin Coughlan LCR

SPORT 1. Brian Conway Wicklow Cycles 2. Wesley O’Connor 3. Barry Langrell Wicklow Cycles

SUPER VETERAN 1. Victor McMinn Banbridge CC 2. Thomas Sheridan Flow Racing 3. Karl Thomas Epic MTB

VETERAN 1. Ian McIntyre Chain Reaction Cycles 2. Carl Young Dublin Blazers 3. Gary Williams Epic MTB

WOMEN 1. Silvia Gallagher Epic MTB 2. Orla Power Epic MTB 3. Nathalie Jedda Epic MTB

UNDER 16 1. Dan Sheridan Flow Racing 2. Adam Tarbett Flow Racing 3. Cameron Comforth

UNDER 14 1. Jacob Dickson 2. Leon Spencer 3. Luke Comforth

With thanks to irishdh.com for supplying information

want to know more ? check out www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk/winterleague.htm for more photographs and video to view and download... 28

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WHO IS THE CLUB FOR?

A growing part of our work is bike

In reality we are more of a charity than a

repairs, we appreciate that many

club, the leaders in our club are all

young riders in the area don’t have

experienced mountain bike riders and we

the help or the money to keep their

exist to give people a taste of the sport we

bikes running properly; it’s

love, frequently people who would not have

something we all struggled with

the chance to experience anything like it.

as young riders. We have the tools and the knowhow to keep

WHAT DOES THE CLUB DO?

bikes in tip-top condition so

Our scope is pretty varied - if it involves

we offer as much help as

playing with bikes we’re there! We have a

we can to anyone having

fleet of mountain bikes that we use to take

bike issues. Obviously our

groups of people out into local trails where

faith is really important to us and we exist to

we challenge them to have a go at some

share that with anyone interested. We aren’t

proper mountain biking. We also have a fleet

preachy in your face Christians, we just love the

of novelty bikes for use with younger groups

life we live and want to share it out.

to organise competitions indoors. Last year we helped organise a mountain bike run for

WHEN DOES THE CLUB MEET?

the riders and pit crew involved in the North

Some of us will be out on a trail near you most

West 200, working with the race chaplains is

Saturdays, we also meet in the clubrooms once a

something we hope to develop further over

month, that sounds grand but it is really an old

the next few years.

shed with a few chairs and a toolbox. The format isn’t very formal and we usually spend the night fettling bikes or watching the latest biking DVD. ARE THERE ANY CLUB FEES? We offer a service to people free of charge, We believe that the money we need will be provided for us and so far that has been true. We must thank Chain Reaction Cycles for the support they have provided over the last few years, we would have really struggled without their help. We are a registered charity and would like to develop further, we are currently looking for land to develop a small mountain bike trail centre with a freeride area and a 4X track. Obviously that will cost a lot of money so donations will be gladly received. WHAT IS THE CLUB ETHOS? Live life to the full, its biblical (John 10 v 10) o

track them down at: Contact:

Darran Moody Tel: 078 0817 49 73 Email: one_way@li ve.it Web: WWW.Ridedirt .com or on facebook

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d to Custom House ke oc fl es ag l al of ns fa e bik in ta Moun February for the Square in Belfast on Saturday 20th 7Stanes Mountain Bike Showcase... www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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event

the 7stanes display team performed a series of jumps and stunts throughout the day using ramps, obstacles and even a van in their show... 32

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event

un by the Forestry Commission Scotland, the 7stanes

freely available along with some free goodies. Taking centre

are seven mountain biking centres spanning the

stage however was the dramatic stunt set-up for the 7stanes

south of Scotland, from the heart of the Scottish

display team who performed a series of jumps and stunts

Borders to Dumfries and Galloway. A fine blend of

throughout the day using ramps, obstacles and even a van in

family trails and rough and tough for the more experienced rider, many of the centres also feature cafés, bike hire and shop facilities making them a great day out. Visitors got a real taste of what’s on offer at the 7stanes information points where maps and information on the trials were

their show. Watching Ben, Ali and Ross do their thing put a lot of spectators in the mood for trying a few moves themselves and kids and adults alike had fun testing their mountain bike skills at the Rock UK ‘give it a go’ area. Anyone who really fancied themselves as a bit of pro got the opportunity to win a Trail Badger Jersey with the top prize going to the person who could balance on their bike the longest. Top prize of the day was a cracking mountain bike donated by Chain Reaction and being given away by the Forestry Commission in a prize draw. Sunshine ensured a great turnout to the event and there was a chilled and relaxed atmosphere as people browsed around the stands which included Stena Line promoting their special fares for mountain bikers heading to Scotland; popular website mbr rider, Trail Badger, Chain Reaction, Monster Energy Drink and of course - überdog magazine. A great day out and a real eye opener as to what trails and thrills are available to us just across the water. For more information on the 7Stanes check out www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/achs-5RJEKY

DID YOU KNOW? www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

'Stane' is the Scots word for stone, and at each of the 7stanes locations, you'll find a stone sculpture reflecting 33 a local myth or legend.

034 Trailbadger Page.qxp

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trail Review

Trail blazer:

Rostrevor A great place to start an epic, Rostrevor offers bikers a variety of terrain options and plenty of escape routes…

find it:

car park, turn left and climb zig zag to the

turn right then after climbing a steep hill turn

Located just east of Warrenpoint, Rostrevor

cairn. From here it is down the descent to

left. Follow this track for approx 150 meters

is signposted from Newry or Newcastle on

Cloghmor and back to the Foresters Hut.

and then turn up the trail which will bring you

the A2.

Yellow LOOP Ascent 3: From the

to Cloghmor stone. From here climb up one of

Access it:

Foresters Hut follow the hill towards Fiddlers

the previous descents to the top of the

Park in Rostrevor village or Kilbroney Park.

Green. Stay on the low track until you reach

mountain. Descend via Slievemeen and

Extensive Forest from Slieve Martin to

the open mountain. Follow track along the

Rocky Mountain.

fence / wall until you come to a metal gate.

Ballynagelty. o

experience it:

Turn left and climb on this road / trail until you

local crew ‘Not the Sunday Run’. They

Popular with XC and DH bikers, with great

come to the mast. Descend via Fallow and

have a great website where you can see

climbs, mental descents and some great

back to Foresters Hut.

lots of trail maps and photographs of trail

sections of singletrack. A great place to start

Red LOOP Ascent 4: Follow hill all the

conditions. Contact the guys there for

an epic, with lots of options and escape

way up to Fiddlers Green this time and from

more detail, as they know every inch of

routes. Has everything from forest track to

here turn left. Follow this trail until you come to

the place. Or, you can go straight to the

singletrack and open mountain. Be careful, as

a tarmac road; turn right and then take the first

‘Not The Sunday Run’ Gallery and Maps

round Kilbroney in particular is a popular place

right again up a stony hill. At the next junction

page - www.notthesundayrun.com

This part of the world is best known by

for families / walkers, so safety and courtesy are of the utmost importance.

The “Slieve Martin Slaughter” Pioneered by Rostrevor’s Not The Sunday Run, the Slieve Martin Slaughter involves four ascents and descents of Slieve Martin, all by different routes. It incorporates some of the most heart-wrenching climbs and exhilarating singletrack in the country. Any of these routes, or variations, provide a great day out, with trail times ranging from a couple of hours to an all-

1st Loop: Green 2nd Loop: Blue 3rd Loop: Yellow 4th Loop: Red

day ride. Slieve Martin cairn stands 485 meters above Rostrevor Village and there are four different routes that will take you almost to the peak, as follows:

start: Foresters Hut, Kilbroney Park GREEN LOOP Ascent 1: Take the hill to Fallow and through the tunnel out onto the mountain. Climb to mast and from here over to fence. Cross fence and onto cairn. Descend via Slievemeen and Ballyedmond wood back to Foresters Hut.

Blue LOOP Ascent 2: Take hill towards Fallow and turn off at first right. Follow road up the mountain to the top car park. Through the

This material is Crown Copyright and is reproduced with the permission of Land & Property Services under delegated authority from the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, (C) Crown copyright and database right Permit No.100030

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038 Glenarm River Page.qxp

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River Review

Glenarm River Located on the North Eastern coastline of Ireland, tucked up inside one of the many lush Glens that meander a river... down to the Irish Sea, there lies one punk ofWords: Andy M Murray c

he Glenarm River first became

This results in the rare Irish Whitewater

The river carves itself through a basalt

popular in the mid nineties with

situation of being able to paddle a great

layer which gives a genuine deep pool

the development of kayaks and

river in blue sky conditions!

drop nature to the river. Slides and clean

has retained its reputation as a

river that delivers thrills every since. Not the preserve of water sport enthusiasts, the river is also a very popular salmon river and grouse shoots

McCartneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bridge services the South

drops into natural amphitheatres are what

tributary, while Bryvore Bridge services

give this river its deserved classic status.

the North tributary. Parking at both access

However basalt lends itself well to

points is extremely tight.

undercuts so even innocuous looking

Please keep cars to a minimum and kit

drops are deserving of respect and safety cover.

do take place along the lower stretches,

tidy. There is no gauge apart from the

but if discretion is used, this has never

obvious deduction to be observed; low

proved to be a problem.

but paddleable the drops will go but the

As a result the 3kms of flat paddle down

The grin factor on this river is immense.

in between will be a scrape. It wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be

to Glenarm Village at the end flows easily.

the Antrim Plateau and is quite amenable

tedious as the drops will keep you

Styled lines are relived and humorous

to rain, holding its water well. It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

giggling and in anticipation for more.

beat downs are recounted. This truly is a

The river gathers itself in the low hills of

have to be in spate to run so even medium rainfall is usually enough to get her going a day or so after it has fallen.

o Slides and clean drops into natural amphitheatres are what give this river its deserved classic status... fine Whitewater experience.

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

039 CLUB PAGE Causeway.qxp

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Page 39

WHO IS THE CLUB FOR?

To us, surfing is all about meeting new

amazing coastal environment of the

The CCSC is for everyone who wants to

people, having fun, getting fit and

Causeway Coast.

enjoy the thrill and fun of riding waves.

discovering the amazing marine

Our aim as a club is to increase club

We’re always stoked up here on the North

environment of the North Coast.

membership from across NI, train new members of all ages and genders to surf

Coast! WHAT DOES THE CLUB DO?

both recreationally and competitively and to

HOW DID THE

The CCSC brings together people who surf

coach and develop young people to

CLUB COME INTO BEING?

shortboards, longboards and bodyboards.

compete at national and international level.

The CCSC club has existed since the 1980s,

We exist to help people of all ages who want

(There already exists a National, European

however in 2009 the coming together of

to get into surfing, develop their skills,

and World competitive format).

various North Coast surfers was the spark

compete and enjoy the ocean and the

that generated a “mood for change”. These

WHEN DOES THE CLUB MEET?

people ranged in age and life experience

We have a calendar of events listed on our

and were a combination of free & soul

website, which range from National contests,

surfers and competitive surfers. This mixed

social events, parties, BBQs, freestyle fun

bunch was drawn together by a common

surf events and environmental work on

desire to make surfing and its lifestyle more

beach cleaning.

accessible for people living in Northern

The CCSC committee meet once a month to

Ireland. The CCSC is the only surf club in NI

plan and direct the aims and goals of the

and are the only group working to develop

club.

the sport. ARE THERE ANY CLUB MEMBERSHIP FEES? Frees start from £10 for a social member. Junior membership is £20, Senior is £30 and Family is £50. Prices include liability insurance. WHAT IS THE CLUB ETHOS? Go surfing, you’re always stoked! o

track them down at: 9 Millstone Court Portstewart T: 07825 771149 e: info@causewaycoastsurfclub.co.uk W: www.causewaycoastsurfclub.co.uk Key contacts: Chairman: Gerard McAuley Secretary: Lisa Quinn

040-043 Kayak Surf Pages.qxp

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Get Ready to

Play

überdog’s kayaking expert Iain Walker gives the low down on Kayak Surfing, revealing what you need to get you started and the features that make a great playboat…

urfing is one of the fastest growing areas within kayaking, and Northern Ireland has its fair share of venues, mainly along the North

Coast. This branch of kayaking is also one of the most accessible, though as with any aspect of paddle sports, it is important to have the correct training and equipment. So what’s the point? Well, there’s much more to kayak surfing than simply sliding forwards down waves although there’s even plenty of fun in that. With the right pilot a suitable kayak can front surf, back surf, side surf, spin, carve, and get air.

there’s much more to kayak surfing than simply sliding forwards down waves although there’s even plenty of fun in that...

There are dozens of stunts from relatively simple 360° flat spins to full airborne manoeuvres. Unlike our friends on surf

AN APPROPRIATE KAYAK

boards, kayakers can pick up and play with

£200-£1,000

even the smallest waves and because you

Pretty much any kayak can surf but not

can paddle back out easily, you get as

every kayak can surf well. In this edition we

many runs as you like in a session. 2ft surf

show you some of the features to look for

PADDLE £35-£300 Choose from plastic

and you’ll still have fun; 6ft and you’ll be

but in fairness most kayaks classified as a

/ fibreglass / carbon composites depending

getting aerial.

‘playboat’ are going to get you shredding

on the size of your wallet. Put simply, you

the waves. It’s worth noting that there are

want light and stiff. Put less simply, you’ll

also specialist no-compromise surf kayaks

have to consider shaft design, length,

for the job and these are well worth

blade design and feather. Guidance on

consideration if you already have a more

paddle choice needs an article in itself and

SOME BASIC KAYAKING SKILLS!

general purpose boat or are only interested

we’ll also look more closely at this in a

Hopefully this is an obvious point. We’re

in surfing. Here we’ll mainly look at

future edition.

talking about taking to the sea in a kayak

playboats as these give you the greatest

which is likely to be less than 7ft long.

versatility. This style of boat will also be

CLOTHING £30-£400 You have some

White Rocks on a 5°C windy day with 6ft

ideal for the basic river running and flat

choices here; again depending on whether

waves probably isn’t the best place to have

water play that we’ll look at in future

you’re interested in wider aspects of

your first paddle ...

editions.

kayaking or only surf. If it’s just surf or if

So what do you need to get involved?

In fairness most kayaks classified as a ‘playboat’ are going to get you shredding the waves

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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kayak surfing

Page 41

HELMET £20-£150 Duh, it goes on your

for a swim and things can and will go

head and keeps your brains inside. OK so

wrong at some point. It’s nice to have

you’re kayaking on a sandy beach and

someone to laugh at you help you avoid

you’re fairly sure there are no rocks on the

drowning and besides, if you don’t have

sea bed. There are however lots of other

any mates with you who’s going to vouch

users in the water with surfboards,

for your first blunt?

bodyboards, and big pointy kayaks and not all of them will be in complete control all of

Choosing a boat

the time. Consider a tap on the head with the pointy end of a 17kg kayak containing

The überdog paddle guys all agree that

an 80kg kayaker travelling down a wave at

poor kayak choice for a first outing has put

just 10mph. Yeah - get a helmet.

countless would-be paddlers off the sport for life, whether in rivers, surf or even a

MATES PRICELESS! It’s a standard

swimming pool session ... if it’s not fun you

you’re staring out you can make good use

rule in kayaking to never paddle alone and

might not give it a second chance. Forget

of that wetsuit hanging in the garage. If

this also applies to surf. No matter how

the 11ft long cigar shaped boats many of

you’re more serious or interested in also

good you are there is always the potential

us were issued on cold days at outdoor

paddling on rivers your best bet will be a

centres back in the old days; they just

good quality dry-cag.

aren’t fun, for anything - they weren’t even all that easy to paddle. When it comes to

SPRAY-DECK £20-£100 A big neoprene skirt that goes round your waist and stretches over the cockpit of the boat to keep the water out. That’s pretty much it. More money gets you tougher material, some reinforced sections, and better sealing. Not all kayaks have the same size ‘hole’ so make sure the boat and spray-deck are

Did you know? • The earliest surf kayak contests happened in the uk in the 1960's using perception dancers. • Tao Berman (big time danger etc) junkie, paddles off waterfalls is trying to surf a kayak on thek biggest wave he can find to brea the surf kayak record, it will need to be over 30 feet. a • There is a big festival in Sant Cruz California at the end of March if you fancy a sunny trip abroad.

compatible.

surf and river play you’ll want a playboat to properly do the business look for the following features ... get it right and you won’t believe what it’s capable of! FLAT HULL SECTION: This is essential for many basic moves. Boats with a v-shaped hull (like touring kayaks and sea kayaks) are built for straight line efficiency and speed (i.e. tracking). The ‘v’ cuts through the water to minimise friction and keep the boat going in the intended

BUOYANCY AID £25-£100 This helps you avoid drowning if you have an unplanned exit from your boat. You can buy something simple or something with lots of pockets, reflective straps and a place to fit a big knife. überdog say simple is best unless you’re leading a group down the Zambezi. The most important thing for playboating is maximum freedom of movement and somewhere to keep your Twix. All buoyancy aids have a recommended weight range for the user so make sure you choose something suitable for you.

RIGHT: When it comes to surf and river play you’ll want a playboat - get it right and you won’t believe what it’s capable of!

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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kayak surfing

Forget the 11ft long cigar shaped boats many of us were issued on cold days at outdoor centres back in the old days; they just aren’t fun...

SOME BASIC DEFINITIONS TO GET THINGS STARTED

BOW: The front STERN: The back HULL: The bottom half of the boat DECK: The top half of the boat COCKPIT: The hole you sit in ROCKER: The curvature of the hull RAILS: The bottom edges that run along the sides of the hull SURF KAYAK: A dedicated surf boat with very pronounced rails and minimal rocker PLAYBOAT: Versatile small kayak which should be playable on waves, holes, and river features - will also have some river running capability SIT-ON-TOP: Not interested FLAT SPIN: Basic stunt where the boat rotates 360° while surfing BLUNT: An elevated flat spin where the stern is lifted out of the water and whipped around 180° landing in a back surf AERIAL BLUNT: As above but fully airborne !

direction. Playboats have a completely

It’s important in surf as you don’t

different philosophy in design, the most

want the front of your boat

important aspect of which is a planing hull.

digging into a wave when you’re

Like a surfboard the boat pushes water

pitching down a steep face.

ahead of it and then rises over the water.

Upswept bows allow you to pick

This makes the boat loose on a wave and

up waves which are almost

is essential for moves like flat spins.

vertical without getting forward

LOW VOLUME ENDS: Strictly speaking

flipped and the raised bow tip

this isn’t critical for surfing but it is an

also improves the planning

important feature for other aspects of

action of the hull.

playboating, helping you get the boat

ROCKER: This is connected to

vertical and therefore greatly assisting in

the last point. Rocker describes

learning to cartwheel on rivers or flat water.

the degree of curve in the hull.

Makes sense: the more air there is in the

For pure surfing purposes just a

ends of your boat, the move difficult it is to

little is a good thing; a surf

submerge them, and sometimes this is

kayak will have a gently

what you will want to do.

upswept bow to avoid

HARD RAILS: The rails are the main

unintentional submerging with

‘edges’ of the boat, along the sides. ‘Hard’

an otherwise flat bottom to give

in this context means sharp; the bottom of

a good planning surface. A

the hull might be 90° to the side of the boat.

versatile playboat, especially one designed

Surf kayaks have such hard rails they are

with river running in mind, will have more

the key design features when kayak makers

actually convex. You can have fun without

rocker at the bow and stern. There is also

started building boats to get maximum air.

hard edges and a beginner might want to

an important difference here in how boats

A short stern makes it easier to get the

avoid very pronounced rails as they can

‘get air’. Surf kayaks tend to get air by

whole boat out of the water and core

catch out the unwary but it’s better to learn

carving up to the lip of a wave whereas

moves like blunts are therefore easier. The

to handle them as hard edges are your

playboats can bounce on the face of the

downside can be a loss of speed and

friends. Leaning on the edges lets you

wave to get air. More rocker generally

directional stability in inexperienced hands.

carve aggressively which lets you build up

means less speed so a playboat won’t be

OUTFITTING: A lot of what you are paying

speed so they are essential for many play

as fast down a wave as a surf kayak.

for in a boat but easily overlooked. All of

moves. Some boats have optional

However the playboat has the advantage of

the above points look at how the external

placements for fins to improve the carving

more bounce and easier landings front or

design and shape of your boat will affect its

(and therefore speed) even further; these

back.

performance. To get the best from it

can be removed for use on rivers.

SHORT STERN: For starting out this is

though you’ll have to fit it well, and that

UPSWEPT BOW: This is a standard

perhaps the least important feature and a

means snug and secure. If your backside

beginner is likely to find a boat with a

is sliding around your seat you won’t have

reasonable amount of stern easier to

much joy with fine control and setting an

feature on all playboats.

handle in surf. A short stern naturally means a short boat and it was one of

überdog’s old Riot Air 45 (orange). This now discontinued kayak was one of the seminal designs from 2001 when paddlers started pushing aerial stunts. More recent playboat designs feature increased volume around the knees to assist with front loops but the Air still offers all the key features for a good day’s surf in a very easy to handle package.

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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kayak surfing

edge to carve a wave. By the same

10 years have been offered in a range of

measure you don’t want to be strapped in

sizes to best suit the weight of the paddler.

wave on one side and carve with those

so tightly that you can’t get out quickly if

If you’re at the top of the weight range you

hard rails, you can use the back face of

you have to. Generally the more expensive

might be able to throw the boat around

your paddle for support if needed ... now

boats will offer advanced fitting systems

more easily but it will also be a little harder

you’re surfing! Learn to cut left and right at

which tightly brace you into the boat using

to handle when running a river. Similarly if

speed, climbing back into the face of the

adjustable hip pads, back rests, footpads,

you’re too light for the boat you won’t be

wave. Each carving turn will increase your

and knee or thigh braces. A boat with

able to make the most of its

speed and you’ll be on your way to nailing

more basic fittings can be improved greatly

manoeuvrability.

those big aerial moves! If you don’t have any kayak skills, no kit,

with aftermarket outfitting products but it can take a bit of trial and error to get this set up well. New playboat prices start at around

Next time start to lean into the face of the

Enough lecturing from us - it’s time to hit the water...

no friends who kayak but you want to have a go, get in touch with one of the many good local centres or clubs listed in the club directory at the back of the magazine.

£450 while a top-of the range ride will give you very little change from £1,000. You

So you’ve learnt the basics and bought or

All have introductory courses and regular

can find good used playboats from around

borrowed a playboat and all the gear.

training sessions for every experience level.

£200. Clubs are probably the best way to

You’ve just paddled out through the

If you see an überdog paddler have a word

find a decent used boat. If you’re looking

breaking waves and reached the back of

- we’re friendly, usually sober, and always

for something used that’s gonna work well

the surf. Pick your wave; no need to wait

good at sounding like we know what we’re

on waves check out some überdog

all day ‘cause you can take as many as you

on about. o

Investigate: Check out these websites for more info...

• www.nisurfkayak.com The official website for surf kayaking in Northern Ireland

• www.bcusurf.org.uk British canoe union surf kayak page

• www.surfkayaks.com Website for Mega. Maker of composite and plastic surf kayaks

• www.riotkayaks.com Maker of some nice whitewater boats as well as surf kayaks

• www.fluidkayaks.co.za Maker of a nice surf kayak with a new fin type system as used on surf boards, also available on their small playboat.

Spectate: recommended 20th century oldskool

like. With the wave face building behind

classics: the Riot Glide or Slice / the

you get your boat perpendicular to the

Wavesport xXX, or for something from the

wave (i.e. facing the beach) and start to

last decade look for a Riot Disco, which

paddle hard as the wave surges under you.

eats surf and will do the business on a

Keep paddling and lean forwards and you’ll

river as well. For easier aerial stunts you’ll

find yourself shooting straight down the

want one of the newer generation super-

wave. If you’re new to it this will be fun

short boats.

enough but you’ll find that you actually surf

Last point on picking a playboat is get the size right ... most models over the last

off the wave and lose your speed until it catches up with you again.

Want to see it for yourself? These are some of the best vantage points...

• WHITEROCKS, PORTRUSH Easily accessible with great car-parking sure of a good turn out most weekends

• WHITE PARK BAY, ANTRIM COAST Off the A2 between Bushmills and Ballycastle. Busy in summer with acarpark and youth hostel nearby.

• CASTLEROCK, NORTH WEST COAST Just off the A2 from Coleraine or Limavady. Easy access and right in the middle of a little seaside town.

want to know more ? check out www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk/surfkayak.htm for more photographs and video to view and download... www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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Get in Surfing ace Iain Gilmore talks the intermediate surfer through the two most popular methods used to get out to ‘The Line Up’ ready for those breaking waves…

Pictures: Richard Woodside

astered standing on

the rank of an intermediate surfer and

‘out back’ pick a nice clean day with

the board and riding

are ready to leave the shore and get

shoulder high waves. There are two

the white water

out to the line up where the waves are

methods you can use to get through

straight in to the

breaking,

the white water and out to the line up.

shore? If the

answer’s yes, then you’ve graduated to

This challenge can be a feat in itself, but before you get carried away with

that is easy The ‘Duck Dive’ is a manoeuvre to perform on a lower volume board

The first is the Eskimo Roll which is better suited to people riding a larger

technique, it’s

volume board such as a mini mal or

important to

longboard between 7’6-9’0 in length.

remember the basic

• As the wave approaches, simply grab

safety rules; Never

hold of the rails or side edges of

surf alone and

your board and when the white water

don’t go out in

is about 2-3 feet from the nose of

seas above your

your board, shift your weight to the

level or in adverse

left hand side of the board and take a

weather conditions i.e. very strong winds.

deep breath. • Hold both rails tightly and the board will turn upside down. Hold on tightly

For your first

and the white water will pass over

attempt at getting

the top of the board. Once it has

before you know it you’ll find yourself in the line up with all the other surfers at your local break www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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surfing

n Line... What it’s all about getting ‘out back’

passed you can tip the board back over so it’s deck side up, get back on the board and start paddling towards the line up. This method can be hard work but will get you out to the line up. The other main method for getting through the white water is the ‘Duck Dive’ a manoeuvre that is easy to perform on a lower volume board

• Keep one knee on the deck of your

you know it you’ll find yourself in the

such as a shortboard.

board and extend the other leg as

line up with all the other surfers at your

• As the white water comes towards

you go under the water.

local break.

you, grab the rails of your board

• As the wave passes over the top of

about a third of the way down from

you, angle the nose of your board

NEXT ISSUE: We’ll teach you how to

the nose and push downwards,

towards the surface and if need be,

do a Bottom Turn, the most important

sinking the nose of your board

kick your legs to give extra

manoeuvre in surfing.

underwater.

momentum to get to the surface.

• Keep your arms straight to help sink as much of the board underwater as possible. • Make sure you take a deep breath before you submerge the nose!

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

• Once you have surfaced continue to paddle out to the line up.

■ Iain Gilmour is a qualified ISA Surfing Coach and owns Adventure

The key to both these methods is

One Surf School in Donegal. He has

timing. Learning to submerge at the

over 28 years surfing experience in

right time will take practice but before

breaks all over the world.

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adventuring

Seven Wond e of

Noel

Not one to follow the crowds, adventurer Noel Hanna set himself an epic challenge to become the only man in the world to summit the highest mountain in each continent and descend to sea level using manpower alone. In January he defied all odds and completed the challenge, and already this extreme sports fanatic is asking himself, what next?

using a combination of walking, skiing,

seasoned adventurer

“Don’t get me wrong, when you’re sitting

Noel Hanna has never

in a tent in gale force winds with zero visibility

mountain biking, kayaking and so on. That

been one to settle for

you can’t help thinking to yourself, what am I

had never been done before, so that was

second place and in

doing! But if I wasn’t doing this I’d be bored.

what I set out to achieve.”

2005 his passion for

This is what I live to do,” he says.

pushing the boundaries

of endurance sports led him to a new and

So how and where did Noel’s record breaking challenge all begin?

Contacting the Guinness Book of Records, Noel was given strict guidance on what he needed to do, and how he needed to go about it, in order to be a record breaker:

as yet unconquered challenge - to climb the

“Basically I wanted to do something

seven summits of the world’s highest peaks,

different,” he reveals, “A few mountaineers

“They set out the rules, the way everything

followed by seven arduous and top-speed

have done the seven summits - i.e. climbed

had to be done, where exactly sea level was

descents to sea level.

the highest mountain in each continent so I

and so on,” he explains. “I knew from the

thought, ‘right why not be a wee bit different

outset exactly what they wanted and I have

has earned his place in the Guinness Book

and add an extra twist to the challenge?’ So I

statements of proof for every step of the

of Records and has more than a few

came up with the idea of doing the seven

journey I made which I now need to lodge

traveller’s tales to tell.

summits and then going from the highest

and have verified.”

Five years and seven continents later, Noel

Looking refreshed and rested, Noel appeared quite at home in the comfortable setting of a local coffee shop, but as he chats me through the pictures of the final leg of his journey, Mount Vinson in Antarctica, it becomes clear that he lives for those moments when his life is quite literally hanging on the edge.

peak to sea level by human power alone,

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adventuring

d ers

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Noel and climbing partner Pat at the summit of Mt. Vinson

adventuring

and wait for night to pass, so that allowed us

bring home the momentous scale of the

to keep up a good time.

challenge he faced.

“We’d wake up from a few hours sleep

moments Noel says: “One of the toughest

inches of snow. It’s not that a big pile of

aspects was Everest on the south side in

snow fell, but the wind blew huge amounts of

2009 - The Khumbu ice fall has 50 or 60

loose snow around and we’d have to dig

ladders set up crossing crevasses and was

ourselves out,” he explains.

completely exposed. All I could think about

Summiting Mt Vinson on the 22nd

pounds worth of kit, some common sense

been swept away by an avalanche, one

disappointment on reaching the top and

sherpa of which was never found. Luckily

explains why he wasn’t celebrating success

we were at base camp resting. At times like

just yet: “We were climbing for 5-6 days and

that it really hits home that no matter how

every day was beautiful, but unfortunately the

good you are, how fit you are and how safe

weather changed on summit day and

your equipment is, you are still at the mercy

visibility was really poor. That’s the one day

of the elements - there are lots of things that

you want to try and get some nice photos,

are beyond your control.”

day it was against us.” He continues: “It was good getting to the

and a black cat key ring (his only lucky

top, but for me the challenge isn’t over until I

charm) Noel set off for Aconcagua, the first

reach sea level. I viewed the challenge as

part of his seven-leg journey in January 2005.

14 trips - to the summit is one trip and to

Since then, the Dromara-based extreme

sea level is another, and I had to do that

sportsman has successfully completed

seven times, until I had successfully

summit-to-sea-level expeditions on Denali,

completed 14 trips.

Elbrus, Everest, Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro, and

but there was no point in celebrating as I

in January 2010 after scaling the 4,897m

had a ten day trip ahead to sea level and

summit of Mount Vinson and embarking on a

anything could have happened skiing out. I

300km ski, over extreme terrain, to reach sea

could have fallen and broken my leg or

level at Hercules inlet.

twisted my ankle and that would have put climb the mountain again to complete the

physical aspect, but logistically. The

challenge, so while it was great getting to

challenge was getting to the mountain in the

the top of the mountain, you didn’t feel like

first place, as Antarctica is so remote. It was

celebrating.” can happen’ approach has good foundation

then from Punta Arenas to base camp in

as his first attempt at scaling Mount Everest

Antarctica. Luckily everything went relatively

in 2005 (the second of his seven summits)

on time and we were only delayed by a day.

was abandoned when he suffered serious

It’s probably the same with all the climbs, the

health problems: “That was the real low of

logistics behind the trip are nearly more

the challenge for me,” he reveals. “I was told

challenging than the climb and descent

I couldn’t climb any higher or I risked going

itself.”

blind - there’s no way a seven-summit-tosea-level challenge was worth that, there’s no

the conditions that faced him and his two

challenge in the world would be worth that. I

fellow expeditioners as they scaled the

knew the mountain was always going to be

mountain:

there so I called it a day and tried again the

“It’s 24-hour sunshine in Antarctica at this

following year. I summited in 2006 and

time of year.” he explains. “If we stepped out

returned again in 2009 when I summited with

of the tent at midday or midnight you couldn’t

my wife Lynne.”

tell the difference which made it very hard to

Having completed an epic adventure on a

sleep. But on the other hand it meant you

global scale, Noel has experienced some

could keep going as you didn’t have to stop

extreme highs and lows, some of which really

back, the biggest high point was Papua New

Noel takes a break to enjoy the view at low camp Mt. Vinson

Noel’s sense of caution and his ‘anything

flights from here to Punta Arenas in Chile and

Climbing night and day, Noel describes

in 2008 is equally as alarming: “Looking

me back to scratch. I would have had to

Noel reveals. “Not from a climbing or

a nightmare planning the trip and organising

And his most unforgettable moment, one which he experienced in Papua New Guinea

“Reaching the seventh summit was great,

Carstensz Pyramid, completing the challenge

“This was one of the hardest trips yet,”

was a group of climbers/sherpa’s who had

December, Noel describes his

but you can’t control the weather and on that Armed with this knowledge, thousands of

Discussing one of his most dangerous

and our sledges would be buried under

A few mountaineers have done the seven summits, so I thought, ‘right. why not be a wee bit different and add an extra twist to the challenge?

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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adventuring

Guinea for the Carstensz Pyramid climb (the

as quick as we could. It’s things like that

sixth of the seven). It was so remote, we

that I will always remember.”

really were at the mercy of the locals and

Despite these experiences Noel remains

had no contact with the outside world.

refreshingly modest saying, “I don’t like to

Usually the villagers greet you with a warm

exaggerate my achievements. I’ve heard

welcome and obes (sweet potato) and

people come off a mountain and describe

bananas but on one occasion we were held

100 mile an hour winds which I knew were

hostage all day by several men who took

only 40 miles per hour, or talk about walking

away our bags and gave us no food or

through three feet of snow when in reality it

water.

was 10 inches. I think that sends out a very

Another time, on day two of descent to

about attempting a climb. I like to be honest,

from the outset that it just didn’t feel right. It

often the climb isn’t that hard, it’s just a case

looked unwelcoming and hostile and there

of believing you can do it.” Revealing that the Antarctica trip was the

guns and machetes. The next thing there

most expensive, coming in at a whopping

was a commotion across the river about 100

$45,000 dollars, Noel explains that most of

meters away and a couple of shots were

this is self-financed although he has had

fired into the air. We don’t know if they were

support from several sponsors, including a

aiming for us or not, but once the shots went

couple of large US companies, aptly named,

off we just ran. We ran for about two hours

Elevation and Peak 6.

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

2005 Climbed to summit of Mt. Aconcagua (6962mt) Argentina then cycled to sea level at Con-con, Chile (28hrs from summit to sea.)

2006 Climbed to summit of Mt. Everest (8848mt) Tibet then cycled 1800kms to sea level, Janput, Bay of Bengal (16days 23hrs 45mins from summit to sea).

2006 Climbed to summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro (5896mt) Africa then cycled to sea level at Tanga (37 hrs 40 mins from summit to sea).

2007 Climbed to summit of Mt Mc Kinley / Denali (6194mt) Alaska then trekked / cycled to sea level at Anchorage (10 days 20hrs 30 mins from summit to sea).

2007 Climbed to summit and traversed Mt Elbrus (5642 mt) Russia then cycled to sea level at Tyapse, Black Sea (4 days 23 hrs from summit to sea)

2008 Climbed to summit of Carstensz Pyramid (4884mts) W.Papua then trekked to sea level at Nabire. (11 dys 9hrs 5mins from summit to sea)

2010 Climbed to summit of Mt Vinson (4897 mt), Antarctica then skied to frozen sea level at Hercules (11dys 18 hrs 45 mins from summit to sea)

false message to people that are thinking

sea level, we approached a village and knew

were two or three guys standing around with

Noel’s seven summit-to-sealevel successes:

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adventuring Noel nears high camp with Mt. Shinn in the background

Back at home Noel makes a living as a personal trainer and expedition guide for people that want to follow in his footsteps, albeit to a lesser degree. Fitting these trips in between his own personal climbs also helps to maintain his fitness levels as he explains: “After Everest in 2009 I was home for about six months before setting out for Antarctica and in between I took a private party to Russia to climb Mt Elbrus, the highest mountain in Europe, so I kept the training up. If you are running trips close to each other you naturally maintain a high level of fitness but if you haven’t been training for a few weeks you really need to crank it up and get back in to it.” Noels training regime is designed to optimise his general all round fitness and involves cycling, running, climbing and carrying heavy rucksacks: “I go the gym or head up into the Mourne

Noel and expedition partner Victor from Russia

We don’t know if they were aiming for us or not, but once the shots went off we just ran, We ran for about two hours as quick as we could

Mountains. You can’t just stick to one thing, “ he explains. “There’s no point focusing on running and

Describing himself as “an adventurer who

Personal ambitions aside, Noel has

then finding you need to cycle for hundreds

lives for experiences,” Noel is already filling

another challenge to meet in 2010 as he

of miles. In the descent to sea level

his calendar with new challenges for the

explains: “I started working with Ulster

challenge I needed to be able to cope with

months ahead. “I would like to do an

Cancer Foundation in 2007 with an aim to

any terrain thrown at me - from remote

unsupported ski across Antarctica to the

raise £150,000 for a permanent support

jungle to frozen seas, so fitness and mental

South Pole and a couple of 100 miles runs

facility for cancer patients undergoing

agility was key. On the last trip I also took

are definitely in the calendar this year. I’m

chemotherapy. So far, through fundraising

Pharma Nord multi vitamins and a

also hoping to get involved with a fit camp in

on my trips, we’ve raised around £140,000,

supplement called Q10 which I would really

the US designed for world class athletes

which is fantastic, but I’ll be working to reach

recommend as I suffered no muscle pain or

training for the Olympics, so there’s plenty

the full amount this year, that’s one challenge

stiffness and a relatively fast recovery time.”

ahead of me.”

I don’t want to fail,” he concludes.

Noel and Victor take a rest on the Nimitz glacier

To read more about Noel Hanna and his seven-summit-to-sea-level challenge visit www.7summits2sealevel.com or to enquire about joining a group expedition with Noel email him at noelhanna@hotmail.co.uk 50

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Top Tricks 40 things & Tips

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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Top 40 Things

Stay away for the weekend

Raise money for charity

There are thousands of worthy causes out there in

There are loads of events around the country

need of money - and people willing to do something

that happen over a weekend. Don't limit

special to raise it for them. Shave off your hair, grow a

yourself to only going to events within

moustache, give up coffee or join in a charity fun run,

travelling distance of home - head away and

bike ride or mountain marathon. Got a charity close to

stay in a B&B for a night. With prices from

your heart? Give them a call for some pointers on

ÂŁ20 per person per night it makes going to

how to go about organising an event to raise some

that surf contest in Bundoran or that downhill

wonga for them.

race in Dublin a lot more appealing.

Enthusiastically watch an event

Unlike mainstream football, rugby and ice

hockey - all Ăźberdog's core sports can be

You can do it! Get good, compete and win.

watched for free, it's one of the reasons

Experts from all disciplines will tell you - it's all

If you love your sport be its ambassador.

they're just so darned good! Go along to as

about practice. Repetition, repetition,

Sports can only survive with a constant influx

many of these free events as you can,

repetition. Whatever you're into, set yourself a

at grassroots level. So tell everyone you can

ranging from downhill mountain biking, surf

goal, clear a space on the mantelpiece for a

about how good it is, how much you love it

contests, kayaking competitions, skate and

future trophy and practice like your life

and where they can go to see it. The added

BMX jams, and watch enthusiastically. Cheer,

depended on it.

bonus is that you'll be surrounding yourself

whoop and holler and remember the

Win something not just on eBay

in front off you!

OK, we're not totally sure about the legality of

Camp up a mountain

this one, but one thing's for sure, camping up

Join a club

Introduce your sport to your school or mates

with people who you are automatically better

teeth when someone does a face plant right

obligatory sucking in off air through your

a mountain is fun, assuming of course you're competent and have the

Whatever your interest, there will be club near

necessary skills to survive the

you full of like minded people wanting to do

night roughing it in the

what you do. Benefits will include organised

wilderness. Tents and sleeping

events, sharing of information and advice

bags are affordable and nothing

from local experts. Clubs get strength from

beats carrying your house on your

their numbers and are looking for new

back and living for 48 hours on Mars

members all the time. If there are no clubs in

bars and Red Bull.

than - and that rocks!

your area then why not start one?

Do a motorised sport

e it a must-do for If you've never experienced it - mak s, go karting or 2010. Chose from Landrovers, quad exertion. a rally school. A lot of fun for little

Do a night course at college

week for ten or so weeks. Get

Design your own t-shirt

online and check out the part-

There's a load of local companies

time prospectus for your

about and even more online willing to

nearest centre of academia.

print a T-shirt with whatever you

Ăźberdog's suggestions would be:

desire. Can't see anything in our '50

Beginners or advanced digital

Top Drawer T-Shirts' feature? Think

photography, getting started in

you could do better yourself? All you

web design, obtaining a

need are some basic computer skills

recognised first aid certificate or

and some artistic flair. Some

good old fashioned woodwork -

companies will even scan in artwork

to get that skate ramp built that

that you've painted or drawn and

you've always promised yourself.

place it on a plain white tee for the

Anyone can spare one night a

entire world to see.

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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Top 40 Things

11 LEARN to play A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT ty. It's It's always good to have musical abili it and an internationally recognised skill r, surfe doesn't matter whether you're a a biker or boarder - everyone loves the singsong. Don't always aim for r way obvious guitar either, there's no bette the at to fill up those quiet moments than beach barbecue or after race party knocking out a few ditties on your euphonium or sousaphone.

Have a barbeque somewhere strange

Forget picnic areas, parks and your mate’s balcony that overlooks the girl’s hockey pitch - find somewhere unusual for your next barbeque. Our suggestions would include the summit of Slieve Donard, on an uninhabited island somewhere in Lough Erne or a secluded coastal bay where you can try and catch your dinner - just remember to tidy up after you.

Sell some of your old kit

Give some blood

Go to Scotland

Stop storing it in the garage or under the bed

Hang around the extreme scene long

With tickets starting at £50 for car and four

- and yes I know it cost a lot of money two

enough and you're gonna see it - but that's

people with Stenaline, going to Scotland is

years ago but the fact is if you haven't used it

not the sort of 'giving' we mean. If you're

cheaper per person than going for a Chinese

in 12 months, you're better off selling it to

healthy and fit you can be assured that

and a couple of drinks. There’s a load to do

someone who will make use out of it. You're

there's someone lying somewhere that isn't

in Scotland across all überdog' s disciplines

helping somebody get into your sport and

and could do with a pint of your red stuff.

and with reasonably priced B&Bs you can

you're getting a few quid as well. eBay is an

Think of it as karma - doing your bit of good

make a weekend off it. Fortwilliam will be

obvious place to sell stuff, but most clubs

in the world, karma could reward you with a

hosting the Downhill Mountainbike World

and organisations websites will have a

podium place at the next competition, think

Cup on 5-6 June 2010 - the biggest event in

swap/sale message board. Keep your eyes

about that. Check out the Northern Ireland

the UKs MTB calendar. Check out

on überdogs classified section where you'll

Blood Transfusion Service online at

www.fortwilliamworldcup.co.uk

be encouraged to advertise your unwanted,

www.nibts.org

pre-loved kit, for free.

Subscribe to a local magazine

Get out of your comfort zone

Find that long lost friend

Stop doing the same thing weekend in,

Remember your best mate, the one you

If you like sewing subscribe to Cross-stitch

weekend out. Challenge yourself to do

used to play Action Man with when you were

monthly, if you like fairy cakes subscribe to

something completely different next Saturday

seven? Well track him down. In this day of

Home Baking Magazine - but if you like

and Sunday. Break the routine and see what

social networking, there’s no excuse for

being grabbed by the back of the neck

happens. Reading this feature is a good

losing contact with people. Join up to

(metaphorically of course) and dunked into

place to start…

Facebook or MySpace and watch your

all the latest happenings in the local extreme

friends grow. We’ll be your first friend - check

sports scene - subscribe to überdog

out www.facebook.com/mutt.snutts

magazine. Check out the website for the latest deals and offers. Don't run the risk of

missing your bi-monthly fix of mayhem.

Visit a corner of Ireland you've never seen

Get your picture in überdog We love pictures, we love cool

überdog's activities take place in some of the

pictures, and we especially love

most beautiful corners of our land. From the

pictures that are cool and unique.

majesty of the Mourne Mountains to the

Doing something unusual? Are

immensity of Magilligan Strand. From the

you very good at what you do?

power of the Atlantic on the west coast to the

Are you devilishly handsome?

tranquility of our forest parks. Find out what's

Got a mate who's good with a

on in our diary dates ‘Dog Days' pages, look

camera? Send all pictures into

at a map, find somewhere you've never

the usual email address on the

visited and just go.

website and let us decide.

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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Top 40 Things

Live in an armchair for a whole weekend

Go on, you owe it to yourself. You spend nearly

Get in shape

It’s a popular New Years resolution, but if you

every weekend either huffing and puffing up and

still haven’t made it to the gym or leisure

down a hill; up to your neck in sub-zero water or

centre for a workout, swim or fitness class

picking bits of gravel out of your knee.

then you need to give yourself a shake. If you

Pick a weekend, get the

need and incentive picture yourself in a bikini

refreshments in and relax for 48 hours. Why not treat yourself to a complete series of DVDs and watch them back-to-back? Level one loungers could do the three Lord of the Rings films or the

or swim shorts on the beach this summer. See you’re gone already…

Get shot by a paintball

Man it’s sore, but it’s also a hell of a lotta fun.

Godfather Trilogy, Level two loungers

Paintball is taking the country by storm and

could go for all six Star Wars movies -

it’s about time you joined the revolution. Get

but a real power lounger could attempt all seven series of Family Guy.

a group of mates together and head to a paintball site for a day of bonding with a difference.

Volunteer your time

Make a short film Document for posterity a day in your life.

Jobless, in need of a new focus or simply

Get some snippets of what makes you you

have a few hours to kill every week? Give

and why your chosen pastime rocks. Keep it under two

some of your time to a charity that really

minutes and put some decent music behind it. If you don't

needs it. Charity shops are always looking for

have a digital video camera use your phone. Stick it on

enthusiastic people to help - whether it’s

YouTube and share a little part of you with the world. Check out

stock control, customer services or

the videos on www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk to see what can be

fundraising, your time can really make a

done with some half decent footage and a bit of computer time.

difference.

Enter every free competition that you Can find

Get creative

Marshall at a race

Seriously, if you aren’t in, you can’t win!

Room looking a bit dull? Then we have the

Experience the action from the front line by

Become a serial competition entrant and

solution - art. Buy a huge canvas (pick one

volunteering to be a race marshall. It’s not

watch your fortunes change. Best places to

up for around £20), pull out all those pots of

rocket science and it doesn’t pay well, but it’s

go are exhibitions and shows were shops

paint leftovers and get painting. Create

the perfect job for an mtb fanatic who’s in

and companies want your name and address

something abstract or have a go at being an

spectate mode.

and will tempt you with some cool clobber in

impressionist or realist, just get those creative

order to get it. Go armed with lots of labels

juices flowing.

printed with your name, address and full contact details, it will save you suffering from writer’s cramp and you’ll look like a pro.

Walk a dog They’re a man’s best friend and

Make a life plan - set some goals

make a great companion if you’re heading out for a ramble. If nothing

Time passes so quickly and before you know

else having a dog for company saves

it 2010 will have gone and you’ll have done

you from talking insanely to yourself. If

damn all. Take time out to sit down and

you don’t own a dog of your own, offer

assess where you want to go in life -

to walk a neighbours, they’ll probably

breaking it down into career, relationships,

be delighted to be off the hook for the

things and ambitions. Make a list of what

day and you might find you’ve a new

you’d like to achieve in the next six months

four-legged friend for life.

and work towards ticking them off.

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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Top 40 Things

Follow the recipe instructions and you can’t go wrong. Baking is also incredibly therapeutic, so next time you are feeling

Start wearing a hat

stressed out, reach for the rolling pin rather

e Hats are cool - fact - and with mor ever than lable and more styles avai you don't have to plump for the Get a standard baseball cap anymore. your it e mak and h hat, wear it to deat trademark. The more unusual and memorable the better.

than the punch bag.

Stalk an NI celebrity

It’s debatable whether our wee country actually has any of these, but if you find one, then don’t let them out of your sight. If you’re worried about being labeled a stalker then

32 Register Your Own domain and email address Just for fun. A couple of pounds will buy you a co.uk domain for a year and give you multiple email addresses. Some domains currently available include www.mtbmayhem.co.uk, www.bmxbanditos.co.uk and our favourite www.dotdotdotdot.co.uk

Do that thing that you've been putting off for years

and with any luck, you’ll be able to eat it too.

find out which celebs are on Twitter and get

Buy a grow bag and start with a few basics

regular updates on what it’s like to live a life

- tomatoes, lettuce and strawberries can all

of fame and fortune.

You know the one, that thing you’ve been

be planted now, ready for harvesting in high

promising yourself you’d do, stop promising

summer.

and get doing, life’s too short.

Buy a piggy bank

Get some facial hair

Put your favourite picture on a mug

Wake up each morning to coffee in a cup

This one is for guys, obviously. Change your

with a picture of your favourite place, person

whole image in just a few days by growing

or pet staring out at you. Most photographic

All those 1ps, 2ps

some facial hair. Start off with a moustache,

shops offer this service and it costs less than

and 5ps really do add

experiment with a goatee of go the full hog and

a tenner.

up. Get a piggy bank (or a

sport a beard - it worked for Sean Connery.

large bottle) and clean out your pockets have enough money to buy the latest copy of

uberdog magazine and a pizza.

Inside each of us is a closet baker. Nothing

every day. In just a couple of weeks you’ll

Bake something

beats walking into the house and smelling

Grow something

freshly baked bread or your favourite cake and it’s

Facial hair and dodgy skin rashes don’t

even

count, we’re talking about getting back to

better if

nature. There’s something really rewarding

you’ve

about planting a seed, and watching it grow

made it

Tell someone you love them

Cliché we know, but spreading a little love really will make your world a bette r place. Start off with those people you take for granted and work your way up to that guy or girl you’ve always fancied, but never had the courage to ask out. It coul d change your life…

yourself.

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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? e in z a g a m e th d e y jo n E Want to see more? r o f e it s b e w r u o it is V some doggy treats...

Join of Team aWo fan of Become 端berdog on

www.facebook.com /uberdogmag

head cam video footage

Free to enter competitions with great prizes

exclusive event pictures

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Bowled

out!

Bored with riding the streets, Ryan McGuire built his very own bmx bowl in a barn at the back of his house in Omagh. A mecca for local enthusiasts, it was given a fond farewell at the deconstruction jam in November last year...

etter known to his friends as Mousey,

Bored with riding the same Mousey Ryan McGuire (mid-footjam) AKA at the now defunct Omagh Bowl

street spots, Ryan set up a few jumps in his field, but

23 yr old

unsurprisingly they didn't weather

Ryan

well so in 2002 he went for a new

McGuire

approach: “I decided I would

started bmxing when he was

build a half pipe. The first effort

about 12: “I had seen bmxing

didn’t go well, it had about three

on T.V. and it grew from there. I

foot of transition and three of

was always out on my bike at

vertical, so I looked into it a bit

weekends when I should of

more and figured out that

been elsewhere!” he laughs.

different curves work for different

Starting off on the local street

areas depending on the flat

spots, Ryan and a few mates

space in the middle. I got started

began practicing kerbs, which

and made my first half-pipe from

progressed to ledges and then

money gathered up from a

to rails. “All l can remember from

summer job.”

that stage was one weekend

Two years of fun later and

when me and my mates were out

Ryan was ready for something

eyeing up a rail and I decided to

new as he explains: “I got bored

give it a go. The first time I rolled

again and saved a lot harder

up I didn't go for it as it felt a bit slow, so the next time I went in

The barn, the bowl, the beauty...

with an extra crank and I hopped on and dropped off the rail too early, so on the third attempt I added a

mentioned the blood. At the

good few more cranks and hopped on

hospital the doctor decided

and got to the end sooner than

there was nothing to stitch

expected. The front wheel dipped as

and got the nurse to

the peg left the rail and as the bike

squeeze my forehead while

nose-dived I landed on my head. It was

he put some glue on. It

a bit like a missed goal in a football

wasn't as bad as fracturing

match ooooooo aaaaaaaaaa with the

my neck though, but that's

kids adding sounds! I thought

another tale for another

everything was grand until someone

time,” he teases.

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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bmx

Ross Graham at last Novemberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Deconstruction Jam

So Mr McGuire, about your GCSE woodwork project... what is it exactly?

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

At the hospital the doctor decided there was nothing to stitch and got the nurse to squeeze my forehead while he put some glue on...

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bmx

McVea Tailwhip: Johnsim ple bike co. by ed sor on Sp

Graham Air to fakie: Ross

kin Tony Har Ice pick:

e McGuir : Ryan e id r ll a W

e co McVea John Simple Bik : k c i p e Ic sored by Spon

middle bits seem a breeze to build. The

and thought long and hard what I could make. I wanted to make the most of the

building and pictures and blue prints of

first layer was nailed vertical, the second

bowls, I got to work.

was screwed down horizontally and the

“Once I figured out the curve in

third screwed vertically again making for

space I had and I was inspired by the

correlation to the flat, I was flying,” he

a stronger finished surface,” he

pictures of ramps built by Nate Wessell

beams.

explains. Word of Ryan's ramp soon got out

I had seen in Dirt magazine. Then I

A real labour of love, the bowl took

saw pictures of a bowl before it got

around five months and 2000 screws to

and before long friends of friends of

sheeted which really got me interested

build and was quite an achievement in

friends were calling round for a jam.

and using my cousin's book on ramp-

terms of technical ability for a teenage

Ryan reckons around 200 used his

boy. “I learnt to use screws

bowl, including skate borders on tour

in the final two layers as

from England, but he notes his 18th

nails pop out over time and

birthday as a real highlight: “I had a

if you cut your templates

party at the bowl which was great craic.

just right then the screws

It was like a mini festival, with tents in a

will give a better curve,”

field and a bar. I ended up sleeping in

Ryan reveals.

the bowl that night!”

Four angles and a curve had to be cut in each piece

End of an Era

of wood and the curve was

All good things as they say must come

different for each line of

to an end and while Ryan was studying

bracing. The corners had

at university in Leeds, his parents began

five templates placed at

questioning him about the future of the

1/5 of 90 degrees to each

bowl and eventually the budding

other, the first layer was

photograper conceeded that the wood

orange peel shaped and

could be put to better use - namely a

the second went at a right

photographic studio.

angle across in strips to

the moment I don't have any plans apart

being repeated through to

from converting the shed into a studio,

the third layer, preventing

but you never know!” he laughs. “I'd

weak spots where the ply

like to say a big thanks to my parents

didn’t meet the bracing,

for letting me keep the bowl for so long;

and the last layer was the

to my friend Tony Harkin for organising

same for the first.

the bowl destruction jam and to all the

“The corners were the Abubaca: Tony Harkin

So will the west see another bowl? “At

prevent the same join

people through the years that managed

worst to build,” says

to make the journey to ride with me in

Ryan. “They made the

my barn. Hope you's all had a good

quarter pipes in the

one, keep her lit lads!” o

want to know more ? check out www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk for more photographs and video to view and download... 64

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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RETRO THROW BACK With a retro 50s French feel, the flowing lines of the Bloc Como sunglasses have unisex appeal. The hand-finished frames are exceptionally comfortable and the LENS Lenses provide 100% UV protection. £30 from Cotswold Outdoors and online.

IT’S A DOODLE Dedicated to working with the most stylish and innovative athletes, artists and musicians around the globe, Avalaan design some cool gear. We dig the Party Ski Jacket, £169, featuring artwork by Familia member Kev Munday - inside and out! Learn more at www.avalaan.com

NUKE PROOF REACTOR EXTREME FRONT LIGHT Offering 900 Lumens of nightblasting power with a burn time of 4hrs, NukeProof's Reactor light is one of the highest performing light units on the market. There are two options available, the Eco and the Extreme. Both options come packaged complete with the Reactor lamp unit, a Li-ion battery pack, a QR handlebar mount and a very smart charger for the Eco with the Extreme containing a helmet mount, different diffuser lenses and a larger capacity battery pack, all for an incredible price. From £149.99

NEW FOR 2010 Already a hit with A-list celebs, the Breo Roam Sports Watch is a snip with prices starting at £7.99 - not bad for a watch that’s waterproof to 10 metres. Made from Tourmaline, a semi-precious gemstone responsible for many beneficial health effects. Available from Chain Reaction Cycles, Ballyclare. (028) 9334 5515

STAND OUT MOST WANTED: Manitou Dorado Pro Forks 2010, from £1299.99. An exact replica of the hugely successful Dorado MRD, the Dorado Pro features one key difference - aluminium legs instead of the Dorado MRD’s carbon fibre ones. Everything else is the same, so riders can enjoy the dual-chamber air spring, the TPC+ damper, the hydraulic top-out and bottom-out circuits. Find it at Chain Reaction Cycles, Ballyclare. (028) 9334 5515

You won’t be missed on the slopes in this great value sky women’s printed milatex jacket, £99.95. Snowproof, windproof and breathable it comes in bright pink, black and optic white. Available from the Tog 24 store at The Outlet at Bridgewater Park and online at www.tog24.com

NEW FOR 2010: With good looks and technically advanced features the Troy Lee Designs D2 Composite screams performance and style. Costing from £269.99 the helmet is the most technically advanced of its kind, astonishingly light in weight and incredibly strong. Find it at Chain Reaction Cycles, Ballyclare. (028) 9334 5515

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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Concre t Resolut i The Dog meets Matthew Gillespie, a co-founder of the charity Belfa members’ tireless dedication to the cause of securing a concrete s Ireland will shortly be rewarded with the opening of a park in B

The imbalance seemed unjust and just

the bank and all the builders are appointed.

Gillespie has seen

over five years ago Matthew and a group

We are just waiting for work to start and that

numerous skate parks

of like-minded skaters contacted Belfast

could be any day now. It’s great to finally

come and go over the

city council about getting a concrete skate

get to this point. The country has been

years. Unable to sustain

park for the city.

waiting 30 years for an outdoor park.”

BMX-er for 13 years, Matt

themselves as private ventures the parks

“The council informed us that we

With an expected build time of four

would pop up and disappear like

needed to form a user group so myself,

months, fingers and toes crossed, the

mushrooms and yet the skate park scene

Liam Lynch and a group of skaters and

council owned park will be open for the

was as big as ever, as was being

riders got together to form a group that

summer and Matt is understandably

demonstrated in the south of Ireland where

would lobby the council towards getting a

excited about its potential: “The park will

numerous concrete parks were being

skate park,” Matt explains. “It’s taken from

cater for a huge number of people at one

developed across the country.

then to now to secure funding of £500,000

time and we hope to have it open most

to build the first ever concrete skate park

days of the year from 10am to 10pm, with

in the country.”

flood lighting in the evening. Once it’s up

Located on Nelson Street, under the

and running we will start working with the

railway line and beside the M3 flyover, the

council on regular community events and

new Bridges skate park will cover a square

coaching services.

footage of 1,500 sq meters and at the time

. From this empty shed in mid 2007.. To this 2010. Unit 13 in all its glory.

“Our achievement is a great base to

of writing, work was ready to get under

work from. Once we have the park in place,

way: “The park is at the very final planning

the rest of the councils will be able to see

stages,” Matt discloses. “The money is in

what is possible.”

st k el

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interview

et ion te

fa s B

st Urban Sports whose kate park for Northern elfast this summer…

Matt Gillespie, co-founder of the charity Belfast Urban Sports

It’s taken from then to now to secure funding of £500,000 to build the first ever concrete skate park in the country... www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

066-069 BUS Unit 13 Pages.qxp

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Action from ‘Manny Mania’ last year, just one of many competitions held at Unit 13 every year

interview Run by a core group of six dedicated

Belfast Urban Sports (BUS) came into being in 2006 and received its full charitable

volunteers BUS is working tirelessly with

status last year. Founded with one goal in

communities across the province to

sight - to secure a concrete skate park for

ensure that Belfast isn’t the only city to

Belfast, the group found itself in largely

house a concrete skate park.

unfamiliar territory. “It has been such a long

“We get emails all the time from

process, largely because our campaign

young kids who say they are

was the first, so both BUS and the council

contacting their council on a daily

needed to learn how to go about securing

basis and are just being told to go

funding. Now we work with other

away,” Matt reveals. “In this scenario

community groups and councils to help

we would get in contact with the

them achieve what we have. Our success

council and set up a meeting with

has proved that it is possible but it’s an

them on behalf of these kids. Firstly

uphill battle for everybody.”

though we would meet with the kids who want the park and let them know

“BMX, skating, roller blading - these are minority sports that aren’t within any sports

what they need to do if they want to

development officers handbook - they

effectively lobby the council - they

didn’t know how to approach these

need to set up a user group, have

requests, so we have to meet with them

meetings with minutes and really

and take them every step of the way,”

bring themselves up to a professional

continues Matt. “We show them how to

level. They need to meet with the

build up a portfolio of information that they

council on their level rather than come

can work from in order to get funding for

across as an umbrella group that the

although it might take a bit longer due to

skate parks. Our funding came mostly from

council can dictate to, because in that

the council situation.”

the European Peace III programme which

instance, you don’t get what you want.”

primarily funds cultural and social projects

“We come in and meet the council on a

The situation Matt refers to is the transfer of power from the current 26 councils to 11

which goes to show that there is a lot of

professional level for the local community

super councils which is expected to take

culture and heritage attached to these

groups. We get the council to realise this is

place in 2011 and until this date Matt

sports” Matt, feeble grind to barspin in Dublin. Photo by Pete Conway

the real deal - these kids are

believes progress for the local lobby

doing what we did and we

groups will be slow: “Other than our

proved that it can happen by

concrete park I wouldn’t expect there to be

securing a half a million

that much more happening for another

pound skate park. Our

couple of years until the councils super

message is simply that you

structure has been completed. On the

too can have this in your

positive side though, when the councils do

area if you do X, Y and Z

amalgamate there should be more funding

and that gets the council to

readily available and thanks to the work of

sit up and take notice.”

BUS, the councils will know how to best

To date BUS have meet numerous councils

access it for skate park projects.” A group of skilled designers, engineers

including Newtownabbey,

and trades people, the six members of

Ballyclare and

BUS are primarily skate and BMX fanatics

Newtownards to name but

who have devoted hundred of hours of

a few and are on the verge

their own personal time to the charity and

of celebrating their second

its cause. “We have never been funded and

success as Matt reveals:

none of us have ever been paid from BUS,”

“We have helped

confides Matt. “We have been working for

Carrickfergus council to

four years for free and have invested a

the point that they have

huge amount of our own time and money

funding in place for a

into making BUS what it is today.”

skate park and they have

While this dedication is highly

an area earmarked, so

commendable, Matt worries that this level

they are literally ready to

of commitment is unsustainable, especially

get to where we are,

in the light of the changing role of BUS.

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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interview

“Absolutely,” he replies. “The outdoor park is essential for the development of the sport, as it’s a lot easier to bring a child down to a place that’s openly available to everyone for free, but the indoor park is also essential to develop the sport. Being able to ride outside is great, but this is Northern Ireland and it rains. The outdoor park wont be safe if it rains, so there is definitely New ramps being built at the end of 2008

a need to keep Unit 13. “They are also two very different

Despite the scene being as good it has even been, this place justas about covers its costs. We don’t it for the money, we do it becaus do e we are into it... electricity which in these recession “BUS was set up with one goal - to get a

strapped times, is tough going: “We

designs offering riders two different experiences,” he continues. “Downtown is very street style orientated. All the aspects of street that people would like to use but which are frowned upon - using ledges and banks, railings etc - are all incorporated into the design of the skate park, whereas at Unit 13 you’ve got ramps.” Expectations are high for what the

concrete park, so that goal is fulfilled and

opened at the height of the property boom

opening of the new stake park will mean to

the future at the moment is unknown. One

when there was no such thing as the

Belfast and the province as a whole. “The

of the surprise successes of BUS, and an

recession, so we ended up paying top

park will open Belfast up as a destination

area that has real growth potential, is

dollar for this place and nine months after

for skaters and riders both locally and on

coaching, but there is only so much we can

that everything dropped,” recalls Matt.

tour,” Matt believes. “There’s a bigger

do for free. BUS is a charity but all our

“Rent and rates on this place is

scene now than there has ever been and it

directors have full time jobs, so it’s very

astronomical and we have no funding in

will continue to grow because once

hard to get things done. The charity is

place to cover that so we have to charge a

Carrickfergus gets the final green light,

going to have to evolve to meet its needs.

nominal user fee of £5. Despite the scene

there will be at least two skate parks in the

We need to put funded staff in place to

being as good as it has even been, this

province”

make things happen.”

place just about covers its costs. We don’t

UNIT 13 & BEYOND Skate park success aside, two of the

With over 7,500 website members and a

do it for the money, we do it because we

fully booked diary of events and council

are into it.”

consultations, BUS have proved that there

Open to BMX riders, skaters and roller

really is a burgeoning skate and BMX

hugely successful by-products of BUS have

bladers, Unit 13 has evolved three or four

scene that demands to be noticed. All we

been Unit 13, the indoor skate park in

times since it opened and is regarded as

can hope now is that this worthy

Dunmurray and as Matt mentioned, fully

one of the best indoor parks Northern

organisation continues to secure the

trained professional coaching services.

Ireland has even had. Built and designed

funding and support it needs to deliver

by the skaters and bikers, people who

results for kids and communities across the

Unit 13 came into being: “While we were

know what makes a good site,

lobbying for the outdoor park, we needed a

approximately 30-35,000 people have

province. o

base, somewhere we could work out of

passed through the doors in the last two

UNIT 13:

and also somewhere that we could store

years and the venues competitions attract

Open 6-10pm Mon-Fri. Sat 12-6pm

the ramps that we use on our tours round

national and international entrants. BMX

and Sun 12-10pm. Wed night

the country.

Established in 2007, Matt explains how

and skate coaching is also available for all

skateboard only. Thurs night BMX

We moved in here in the winter of 2007

ages and levels on a Saturday morning

only, Sun night BMX only.

and Unit 13 opened in December that year

and is in huge demand. Also on site is

BUS:

and is full every night of the week.”

Hype Skate Shop, Northern Ireland’s only

For more information on BUS and

skate and BMX store.

how it can help you to secure a

Privately owned by BUS, the skate park is run by volunteers and every penny taken at the door goes towards rent and

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

So does Matt see a continuing need for Unit 13 when the concrete park opens?

skate park for your area visit www.ourbus.org

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Parko u The Art of Mo v Jumping off two-floor buildings, scaling walls, clearing 10 ft crevices… followers of the discipline of parkour appear almost superhuman in their ability to achieve the seemingly physically impossible…

most efficient way possible and that made

reated by David Belle in

The longest follower of the discipline in

the late 80s, parkour was

Belfast is Gary Whelan, a 21 year old from

born in the suburbs of

West Belfast who began experimenting with

Paris in the small town of

parkour six years ago: “I remember watching

involves training the body to overcome any

Lisses where David grew

sense to me.” A highly physical discipline, parkour

a behind the scenes report on an advert

obstacle in its path in the course of a ‘run’. In

up. A secret of these French streets for many

called Rush Hour on GMTV which featured

fact David Belle picked up the term ‘parcour’

years, others later would take interest and

David Belle.

during his time in the Marines which means

become followers of David’s unique discipline. I, like many others was first introduced to

“I was blown away by how one man was

to pass over an obstacle course. David

doing this and trusting himself to do it! No

simply replaced the ‘c’ with a ‘k’ to make the

wires, no mates, just skill. To me it was real

word his own.

parkour when, in the now legendary opening

super hero stuff and that sparked my interest

Talking about the inspiration behind the

scene of James Bond’s Casino Royale,

in climbing and jumping off walls, although at

birth of the discipline Gary says: “David, like

Sebastien Foucan, the man credited as

that stage I had no idea what parkour was,

others before him, was inspired by remote

being a second generation co-founder of

no one did really. I would just head out on my

indigenous tribes who were incredibly fit,

parkour gives a jaw-dropping demonstration

own and practice moves using the walls,

agile and physically capable - they trained

of what the body is physically capable of

buildings, railings, and so on around the city.

their bodies to work and respond to the

against the challenges of a rural environment.

The other kids just thought I was weird.

environment they were in and David and his

Where you or I see a seemingly

“Later on I started to read more about

followers tried to do the same using the

impassable wall or building, David, Sebastien

parkour and the reasoning behind it. I learnt

environment which was natural to them - the

and fellow traceurs (the official term for a

that a follower of parkours main objective is

street.”

follower of parkour) see a challenge.

to travel from point A to B in the quickest and

Fast forward a few years and parkour has become one of fastest growing street sports

A master of martial arts, gymnastics, athletics and climbing, David Belle drew on all these physical skills to create the art of

in Ireland, attracting anything up to 60 people from around the island in a local ‘jam’.

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parkour

oo vement ur:

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Belfast’s Waterfront Hall and

stop using fancy words and find something

the surrounding Lagan path,

else to do.”

so it’s no surprise that this area

Thanks to the commercial growth of

became a natural

parkour, sparked largely by Hollywood

congregation point for the

movies and iconic documentaries such as

developing parkour scene

Jump London and Jump Britain, numbers in

when it started to take off in

the local parkour scene grew and before

the mid noughties.

long Gary’s intimate gatherings of 4-5 people

“The end of 2005 was a

had multiplied: “2006 was a boom year for

defining moment for parkour

the sport here. Everyone started doing it -

in Ireland,” recalls Gary. “An

bmx kids, skaters, followers of other fringe

online forum started and

sports - they saw what we were doing and

around 20 of us began

wanted to give it a go. We held a jam in

communicating with each

November that year and 60 traceurs came

other. A jam was arranged for

with people travelling from Derry, Galway and

November 2005 at the

Limerick. Suddenly our core group of 4-5

Waterfront Hall in Belfast and

people who trained every Saturday had

a month later we met up

turned into a large group of 20 people who

they trained their bodies to work and respond to the environment which was natural to them - the street could be found jumping about at the again in Dublin. I still have the group picture from that day - there were

laganside every weekend.” “None of us really knew what we were

parkour, but as this discipline has no written

about 30 of us - a mixture of traceurs and

doing, “ Gary confesses. “There were no

rules or regulations, it’s left up to the

spectators.

rules to the sport and no instruction manuals,

individual to adapt the basic techniques of

“That was a real turning point for me - I

we taught ourselves as we went along. There

running, jumping and climbing to suit their

felt like I was part of something. I no longer

still aren’t any instruction manuals on ‘how to

situation.

felt odd and unusual for wanting to jump off

do parkour’ but the evolution of things like u-

walls. Here was a group of like-minded

tube has made it easier for people to see

ability to overcome obstacles in the

people, guys my age who had a shared

how jumps, vaults and so on are done.”

environment that it finds itself in. It’s about

interest and who took each other seriously -

following a route and negotiating the

there was a real sense of community and I

dangerous, parkour requires balance, fluidity,

obstacles in your path in the most efficient

was part of it.”

efficiency and speed with a healthy dose of

“Parkour is about testing your body’s

way possible. A traceur sees the landscape

Gary may have found his ‘home’ among

Physically demanding and undeniably

creativity thrown in for good measure. What it

on a completely different level to the normal

fellow traceurs, but not everyone was so

doesn’t require is the use of tricks, although

person. Where someone might see a wall,

understanding of this new group as he

they do add to the sense of drama as Gary

we see a physical challenge,” Gary explains.

reveals: “People have an instinctive fear of

concedes: “The basic skills used are running,

the unknown and there was a lot of

jumping, vaulting, climbing and balancing,

or the art of moving, parkour doesn’t require

suspicion towards us, especially from the

other tricks such as handstands and back

expensive kit or equipment, making it

police. I suppose a group of young men

flips can be used but these aren’t officially

accessible to everyone: “I love the simplicity

hanging around a building, climbing up

parkour,” he explains.

and humbleness of that,” Gary continues.

walls did look a bit odd and it’s easy to see

“All you need is some loose fitting clothes

why they thought we were trouble.

Also known as the l’art du deplacement

and a pair of trainers. It’s about mastering

getting up to no good and making excuses.

playground.”

No one had heard of parkour until the

playgrounds don’t come much better than

street to show off. That’s not the spirit of

“Most people thought we were hoods

your environment - the streets are our To the trained eye of a traceur,

“It’s not about doing acrobatics on the

James Bond movie and when we tried to explain what we were doing we were told to

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parkour

parkour. Now I would describe that as free

with more freedom and flair, that’s free

going to the gym and working to improve my

running but at one time in parkour history the

running - it’s a more aesthetically appealing

fitness levels through functional athleticism

term free running was just another name.”

and dramatic form of parkour. I believe free

training and I quickly noticed an

running grew from people taking the term

improvement in my parkour skills. I was

and free running is a matter of debate, but

“do what you want, how you want, in your

stronger, faster and more physically capable.

Gary sums it up as follows: “To me the art of

environment” a little too literally.”

I was learning how to use my body and what

The difference, if any between, parkour

free running came into being when Jump

He adds: “In contrast to a skate border

it was capable off. It wasn’t about being big, it was about being strong. “

London and Jump Britain aired and parkour

who needs to master numerous tricks to be

hit Britain under the term free running as

considered good at what he does, a traceur

that’s how it was introduced. I see it as a

only needs to know a few moves. Being

depends on the fast redistribution of a

difference in mindset. Parkour has a sense of

good at parkour is all about how he puts

person’s body weight and the use of

purpose about it - it’s about getting from A to

those moves together and hones his skills to

momentum to perform seemingly impossible

adapt to his environment.”

body manoeuvres at great speed, and Gary

B in one efficient movement. When you start adding gymnastic flips and break dancing

While many of a traceurs moves look insanely hazardous, few serious accidents

In technical terms, effective parkour

believes he has found the key to success: “The difference between being ok at

have been reported and ironically it was a

parkour and doing it well is training. You need

make that

serious accident of a different kind that led

to combine technical training with physical

journey

Gary to appreciate the fragility of his body

preparation. Jumping, landing, rolling are all-

and the dangers he was putting it in: “I

important technical skills for a beginner to

suffered some really bad injuries in 2006 and

learn but they are maximised if supported by

although the circumstances of the accident

strength, stamina and balance.

techniques to

weren’t parkour related, that was a real turning point for me. I had learnt that the body is fragile and I knew I was putting mine at risk, so I set about training my

“Parkour has no list of official moves or rules, each landscape presents a unique challenge and you can approach it as and how you like. It’s about training the body and

body to cope with the demands I was putting on it. I started

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parkour

testing yourself. If you have the will and ability

origins of the discipline and his faith in its

to learn, anyone can do parkour.”

ethos and mentality that really stands out.

Describing the Belfast parkour group as a

Describing himself as ‘quite the recluse’

‘close knit family who look out for each other’

before finding friends in the parkour scene,

Gary explains how recent bans on the public

Gary is clearly thankful for the life line that it

practice of the discipline have seen the

threw him: “Once I was the shy one, but as

dynamics of the scene change: “The large

soon as I started parkour everything in my

group of 20-30 people that we saw in 2008

life just jumped. The people in the group

has reverted back to a small group of

have become very close friends and there

dedicated people of mixed level and ability

are no subculture barriers in the scene.

who train together regularly. It’s as if the

Outside parkour I’m a bit of rocker, but once

discipline has been pushed back

we’re all dressed in jogging

underground.”

bottoms everyone is the

Favourite jamming grounds today include

same, it’s a like-minded

Botanic Gardens, in and around Queens, the

community that I would

city hall and Bangor. Where ever they go, the

encourage others to

traceurs never fail to draw an audience with

join. Parkour has

their physical feats and Gary believes that the

done so much for

me as a person, I’d like other people to experience that.” Gary is currently at college studying for his Level 2 in Fitness discipline has attained a certain street

Instructing and hopes to go into

credibility which will ensure its future growth:

Level 3 Personal Training to help

“There’s no doubt that people see free

people condition and better

runners as cool and that’s very appealing to

themselves physically. He is also

a young kid. We’d be delighted to welcome

studying Public Services with the aim

new followers into the group, but finding us

to join the Emergency Services

might be a problem,” he laughs.

“Parkour has taught me to appreciate

If parkour could be taught, Gary would

the idea of having a functional body

certainly make a great teacher. His ability is

that can be used,” he states. “I would

unquestionable and has seen him star in

like to use mine in an area such as the

several adverts and low budget movies (The

Fire Service where I know my physical

Knackery), but it’s his knowledge of the

ability and skills can really help.” o

Want more? To see Gary in action visit www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk and watch his video tips for beginners. To find out more about Parkour in Ireland visit www.pkire.com and check out www.youtube.com/fusionparkour To contact Gary directly email gary@yellowfeverproductions.co.uk

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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Woof Alert!

Coming soon...

Woof Alert!

überdog goes digital!

überdog magazine will soon be available as a digita download onto your computel r.

Same great magazine, same unbelievable price (just £3), but all at the push of a button. Downloading your favourite spo rting fix is quick, easy and environmentally friendly.

DIGITAL FEATURES WILL IN CLUD

E: • page turning technology: flick back and forward through the pag es just like a printed magazine • zoom function so you can see your favourite pictures close up • web and email links for easy contact with advertisers

Visit www.uberdogmagazine .co.uk for more details

Follow us on Facebook where we will be announcing when this feature will be available: www.facebook.com/uberdogmag www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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So what’s to love about getting shot at by plastic ‘paint’ balls second? Plenty according to the thousands of followers hooked

ust a few years ago paint ball

So what is paintball?

A typical ‘game’ will consist of two teams

didn’t exist and paint had a

Well basically it’s a chance to play soldier

with scenarios lasting anything from an

sole purpose - to add colour

in a relatively safe environment (although

hour to a full day. During that time you

to our homes. That was until

those balls can bring tears to your eyes!)

work to achieve your objective and to

a clever American decided to

Dressed in a suit and armed with a

eliminate the enemy, shooting them with

add some balls, markers and moving

marker (a compressed air or CO2 gun)

paintballs firing at a speed of 200-300 feet

human targets creating paintball, one of

you work as part of a team to eliminate the

per second. Skill and stealth are

the biggest growing sports of the decade.

enemy or achieve set objectives or goals

prerequisites for success and it helps if

such as capturing the flag or securing the

you have a steady eye and a good aim.

expectations for what lay ahead as I got

village. Your play zone will usually be an

Hit an opponent with a paintball which

kitted out for my inaugural game. The only

open field or forest and you’ll spend half

breaks and leaves a mark, and they are

thing I was prepared for was the inevitable

your time hiding and the other half being

eliminated from the game - the conditions

pain I would feel when I got shot, (which

chased.

in which a person is hit will determine if

As a paintball virgin I had no real

happened far too often), but what I didn’t

The game requires strategy, planning

expect was the adrenalin rush, the

and teamwork and you’ll find that the

overwhelming sense of competitiveness

objectives and rules vary from site to site.

and the fun, oh boy was it fun! lin Mountain’ Go on - have a guess how ‘Miche got it’s name at Todd’s Leap

the mark is allowed and this rule varies from site to site and will be explained to

It’s a survival of the fittest contest and the more you play, the more competitive you’ll find you become... you along with the other rules of play at a pre-game safety briefing. Safety is key and in Northern Ireland you must be over 16 years old to play. Most sites enforce a number of basic safety rules including the mandatory wearing of a safety helmet and the no point blank firing rule.

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

t o

s d

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paintball

traveling at over 200 feet per on this new age sport… While there are hundreds of different variations of the game, at its core paintball is basically an elimination game. It’s a survival of the fittest contest and the more you play, the more competitive you’ll find you become.

How to get started There are numerous paintball sites throughout Ireland, each one offering a unique setting and experience. Most will have all the necessary equipment available to hire, so all you need to do is turn up, pay your fee and enjoy! As a precaution it’s a good idea to wear comfortable shoes (ones that you don’t mind getting muddy) and a few thin layers of clothes to protect you from the balls. You’ll be supplied with gloves, an overall and most importantly a mask, but try to leave as little skin exposed as possible as a ball hitting you at up to 200mph can hurt! Gloves, a dry set of clothes and a spare pair of shoes are always a good idea in case it rains. If you find yourself hooked and you become a regular player you may want to think about investing in your own kit and competing in a paintball league - there are tournaments running across Ireland throughout he year. A few words here about the gear comfort and camouflage are the two key factors: you need to hidden from your enemies and you have to be unrestrained

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paintball

and agile to dodge those balls as they

there is a huge online business in the kit

upwards from £20 for a game and that

come hurtling towards to. But you also

as well.

usually includes a good lot of balls and

need to be protected from the clout of a

your equipment, which is pretty

balls impact, which is where the protective

Paintball Playgrounds

reasonable compared to what some

clothing comes into play. A safety mask is

Accessible to everyone, paintball sites

extreme sports set you back for a session.

compulsory wherever you play. Most of

have popped up across the country.

Here are a few of the best places to play

the big paintball sites have shops and

Prices vary but you can expect to pay

and the key things on offer…

PAINTBALL DO’S & DON’TS

TODDSLEAP.COM

DO...

Toddsleap.com offers the

PAY ATTENTION to the pre-game

at the most competitive

safety briefing, it only has one purpose

rate in Ireland with a

and that’s to ensure your safety. You

number of exciting

want to remember your game for all the

paintball courses offering

right reasons, not the wrong ones.

different games and

LISTEN to the referee and follow the

challenges associated

rules of the game.

with each site. With the

REMEMBER your teammates.

guidance of the

Paintball is not a solo sport so don’t

experienced marshals you’re sure to

AMBUSH ALLEY (LAST MAN STANDING):

treat it like one. A planned and

have an exhilarating but safe paintball

The clue is in the title, it’s Alpha vs. Bravo

coordinated assault against your

experience, using top quality equipment

and the flirting is over, it’s time for war in

opponent s will be the most effective.

and protection.

this duel to the death. Shoot to survive.

DRESS FOR THE OCCASION.

THE ASSAULT COURSE (CAPTURE THE FLAG):

Last man standing wins.

You’ll be given a boiler suit to wear but

Each paintball team starts at a fort at

HAMBURGER HILL (VILLAGE GUARDIANS):

you can take extra precautions to

different ends of the assault course;

One of the most challenging paintball

protect your skin against the impact of

battle your way through the assault

sites at Toddsleap.com, Hamburger Hill is

the paintballs by wearing long trousers

course climbing over walls, balancing on

a real test of stamina. One team must

and a long-sleeved top, gloves and a

beams to capture the flag at the opposite

storm the steep incline to capture the

scarf.

end of the course and bring it back to

village at the top, whilst the opposing

DON’T...

your home paintball base.

team is defending their precious native

MEADOW (MEDIC MANIA):

soil.

SHOOT PEOPLE if they are too close.

The paintball game, Medic Mania, allows

THE FORT (HOSTAGE RESCUE):

Paintballs can come hurtling out of

shot players to be “healed” by one or

Two of your comrades are being held

marker at 300 feet per second so it’s

more (depending on team size) medics.

hostage in a secure fort, and being

important to give them time to slow

If a team member is shot by a paintball

guarded closely by opposing team

down. Commercial paintball fields

they are able to call for their medic, who

members. It is down to you and your

normally have rules about how far

must battle their way through the

team to break them out. In order to

apart players have to be to shoot

meadow without being shot, to heal the

release them you must enter the

someone. When in doubt, play it safe

injured player.To finally win this medic

perimeter fencing and release your fellow

and don’t shoot at anyone closer than

mania paintball challenge all opposing

team mate to safety with out getting shot.

15 feet.

team members must be shot!

PRICE: Basic package costs £20 per

AIM OR SHOOT at any person or

MICHELIN MOUNTAIN (ALL THE PRESIDENTS’ MEN):

person and includes three-hour game

animal that’s not in the game, it’s

Protect the president. In President

play and 200 free paintballs. Packages

painful and cruel.

paintball, one player on each team is

can be upgraded with extra time, meals

BE A WIPER. People who cheat by

elected the president, and each team

and accommodation on request,

wiping off paint instead of admitting to

must protect their president while also

CONTACT: Todd’s Leap Activity Centre,

being hit will get found out eventually

trying to eliminate the opposing team's

Ballygawley, Co. Tyrone,

and no body likes a cheater...

president.

tel: 028 8556 7170, www.toddsleap.com

LOCATION: A hundred acre purpose built activity and training centre based in Ballygawley, Co.Tyone. PAINTBALL STATS: most compelling paintball

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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ESCARMOUCHE LOCATION: Set in the beautiful woodland grounds of Shane’s Castle Estate, Randalstown, Escarmouche is a purpose built paintball park.

ANARKY

PAINTBALL STATS: Ireland's largest paintball

LOCATION:

site, boasting three intense close quarter

Five minutes outside Newry

forest based games and five dynamic

PAINTBALL STATS: Anarky offer a

scenario zones. Black Hawk Down,

type of paintball known as

Vietcong Village, Bat 21, Supair Ball are

Speedball. Rather than playing

just a few of the zones that you will play

in the woods with trees, mud

throughout the course of your day. Kitted

and trenches, Anarky’s

out in top of the range kit and equipment

Speedball zone is out in the open

and armed with paintball markers capable

on level ground and divided up into

of shooting at 300 ft per second, you will

man made playing arenas. There are four

need to be quick witted and resourceful to

different playing fields in which to play all

outwit your opponents.

with very exciting games like Elimination,

PRICE: £35 for a full day of paintball (9.30-

Capture The Flag, VIP, Defend the Base

3pm) including all kit and 440 paintballs.

and many more. Each game can last

CONTACT: Escarmouche,

between 5-10 minutes. Up to 50 people

Belfast , tel: 028 9032 7500,

can play in one paintball session, and

www.escarmouche.com

eight or more people are required for a group. All players are equipped with a Paintball Marker (chronographed to

A word from the experts

270fps works out at 180mph), Thermal

Self confessed paintball freak Paul

lens Face Mask (no fogging) a boiler suit

McCaughey from Toddsleap.com has

and 4 Pod Velcro Harness.

these wise words of advice for

PRICE: Basic package costs £18 for

paintball beginners...

equipment and 200 paintballs rising to £50

1: Get a good deal and a good start

for equipment and 1000 paintballs. Extra

time/date to suit all players

paint is charged at £6 per 100 paintballs.

2: Check with the site that all playing gear

CONTACT: Anarky Paintball, Rathfriland Rd,

is included in the price - gloves / gas

Saval Beg, Newry, tel: 028 4063 1767, www.anarkypaintball.com

refills etc 3: Check what game scenarios they play and how many zones they have to offer 4: Is the site fully insured and a member

A.W.O.L.

Stormtrooper helmets, overalls, body

LOCATION: A paintball and activity centre

armour and gloves.

just across the border in County

PRICE: Prices vary according to how

Monaghan

trigger-happy you want to be. At the entry

PAINTBALL STATS: A.W.O.L’s paintball

level Package 1 costs £10pp inc all

numbers as if you have a large group

experience includes Speedball Fields

equipment and 100 paintballs and at the

you may be split

(tournament version of paintball) and

top end Package 4 costs £55pp inc all

Woodsball (forest version). The speedball

equipment and 1000 paintballs.

day [suitable footwear boots/old

arena features a number of different

CONTACT: A.W.O.L, Derrylevick, Killybrone,

trainers, change of clothes in case of

themed areas including Scrapball,

Co. Monaghan, tel: 00 353 (0) 47 86224,

Baleout, Airball and Hyperball. The forest

www.awolpaintball.ie

also incorporates a number of features to make the experience more exciting and

of the UKPSF/are staff fully trained? 5: Does the site have showers/changing room for before and after games? 6: Ask the paintballing company about

7: Check what you need to bring on the

rain] 8: Gather entry fees early - once people have paid you their deposit you know they are definitely coming

invigorating and provides a variety of

9: Group numbers of 16-20 are best, as

different games each with a different

you will have good team sizes for the

mission. Equipment provided includes;

more tactical games

tippmann marker capable of shooting up

10 Make sure all players arrive on time, as

to six balls per second at a maximum

the site may not be able to cater for

speed of 300fps; V-force facemask &

latecomers

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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paintball

COMPETITION

in association with

T WIN A DAY’S PAINTBALL A PLE PEO TODDSLEAP.COMmagFazOinRe ar10 e offering one

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Guide to Bouldering überdog magazine’s series on how to investigate, spectate & participate

THE BOOK

A type of rock climbing, bouldering isn’t about scaling great heights. Instead this gripping sport usually involves climbing a wall that’s less than 20 feet of the ground, but that doesn’t make it any the less challenging or fun as you’ll discover if you take our investigate, spectate and participate challenge...

s its name suggests, bouldering is basically a type of climbing that requires you to navigate and work your way through a boulder route,

commonly known as a 'problem'. As simple as it may sound, some problems require specific moves in order to get through them and success will depend on your body control and upper body strength. These moves also require intense training and practice to successfully pull them off. If you’re interested in giving bouldering a go you’ll be pleased to hear that you don’t need to make much of an investment in the sport. Bouldering doesn’t actually need most of the equipment commonly associated with climbing such as ropes, carabiners and harnesses. All you need to get yourself started is a pair of climbing shoes for better scaling, chalk for better grip, and crash pads to cushion a fall.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;this will be the best convention the world has ever seenâ&#x20AC;? - David Prowse

www.invasion.ie

(Darth Vadar in the original Star Wars movie)

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Bouldering

Guide to Investigate, spectate & participate

SPECTATE: As with most of überdog's activities, watching costs nothing. It's usually OK to turn up unannounced but telephone first to make sure there's something to see. The indoor climbing wall at Tollymore has a purpose built gallery for comfortable, unobstructed viewing.

PARTICIPATE:

INVESTIGATE:

Ready to give it a whirl?

überdog magazine will endeavour to bring

the representative body for walkers and

you details of all upcoming bouldering

climbers in Ireland.

events, but in the meantime you should

www.mournesclimbers.com

check out some of the many dedicated

Keeps climbers up to date with information

websites or call into a local outdoor shop

about routes in the Mournes area.

where you'll usually find an expert with local

www.fairheadclimbers.com

Hotrock Climbing Wall at Tollymore Mountain Centre

knowledge only too willing to chat for a while.

Climbing just doesn't get any better!

All equipment is available for hire and during

Here’s a few of places to start:

www.theshortspan.com

the winter months some free coaching is

Websites

Irish bouldering information.

provided on Tuesday nights for adults.

www.climbing.ie

www.niyct.com

Please contact Tollymore for further

Loads of climbing information from all

A record of the progress of the Northern

information.

over Ireland.

Ireland Youth Climbing Team.

Contact: Hotrock Climbing Wall at Tollymore

www.mountaineering.ie

www.pete-smith.co.uk

Mountain Centre, Newcastle, Co Down

Mountaineering Ireland (Previously known as

Colmcille Climbers website,information from

telephone: (028) 4372 2158

MCI -Mountaineering Council of Ireland) is

the North West of the country.

website: www.tollymore.com

Hotrock Climbing Wall at tre Tollymore Mountain Cen

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Bouldering

Guide to Investigate, spectate & participate

Action from this year’s Irish Bouldering League competiton

The Ozone, Belfast All equipment is available for hire and a

An outdoor ‘problem’ at Tollymore Mountain Centre

session costs around £6. For those who want to learn more, a beginner’s course is available consisting of six 90-minute

Starter kit

heading to some of the most naturally

sessions for £57.50 for adults and £47.50

Equipment is available for hire at all these

beautiful places in Ireland - or the world.

for juniors (ages 8 to 17)

centres, but should you wish to buy your

Inexpensive: With kit readily available for

Contact: The Ozone, Ormeau

own, you'll need:

hire, you don't have to commit to buying

Embankment, Belfast

Chalk bag: Approx. £10

any until you decide climbing is for you -

telephone: (028) 9045 8024

Chalk is used to absorb moisture on

and even then, it won't cost the earth.

website: www.belfastcity.gov.uk

hands, hence improving grip.

Community: Climbers come from all

Shoes: Starting from £60

walks of life and are a laid back, friendly

Queens PEC

Your most important rock climbing

bunch. You'll never be short of chat, tips

The lead climbing wall, abseil tower,

purchase. It is vital that you shop around

and places to meet.

chimney and bouldering cave cater for a

and try on as many makes and models as

Competition: There's local talent already

wide range of abilities featuring walls of

possible, perfect fitting shoes are a must.

competing at euro and international levels

differing angles that incorporate different

And if you want to progress

with many up-and-coming stars of the

types of climbing features.

to the larger climbing walls:

future following them. There's a clear

Contact: Queen's University Belfast Physical

Harness: Approx. £45

pathway to competitive glory with regular

Education Centre, Botanic Park, Belfast

Fully adjustable, one size fits most.

league competitions operating to

telephone: (028) 90 681126

Ropes: Starting from £50

International Federation of Climbing rules

All indoor climbing walls will supply users

being held at most of the indoor walls.

with ropes but eventually you'll want to get

Travel: Unlike surfers, your kit can fit in a

your own.

small knapsack meaning you can take your sport with you wherever you go.

Benefits:

Regular holiday destinations on the

Fitness and tone: An excellent way to stay

climbing circuit include Greece, Spain,

fit and in shape - beats going to the gym.

Thailand, USA and the Holy Grail,

Gets you closer to nature: Get bitten by

Fontainebleau in France. Check out

the climbing bug and you'll find yourself

www.bleau.info o

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adventuring travel

Get on y o Described as a world-class mountain biking ‘Global Superstar’, Scotland is an accessible and attractive holiday hot spot for biking enthusiasts who want to eat some dirt while soaking up the country’s spectacular scenery and legendary hospitality…

alling itself Europe’s

climb, there's somewhere in Scotland that

Bikes, components and trails have

Adventure Capital,

will fit the bill.

developed over the last 30 years to make

Scotland is

With Forestry Commission Scotland

the mountain biking revolution one of the

undergoing an

pumping resources into centre

most exciting in recent adventure sports

adventure

development, there's now a veritable feast

history. And Scotland is emerging as a world

revolution. Attracting

of trails to choose from.

leader.

outdoor enthusiasts with its mix of dramatic

The 7stanes project should be singled

Why? Maybe it's the terrain, which is ideal

scenery, top class facilities and unique

out for a hearty slap on the back. These

for mountain biking. Perhaps it is the

natural terrain, our neighbour lends itself to

dedicated centres are now regarded as

breathtaking scenery, which is the perfect,

a host of extreme sports including

some of the best in the UK, if not Europe,

though an admittedly distracting, backdrop

mountain biking. Of course the best bit is

and the increased provision of green-

to some of the best mountain biking in the

that, being just a short ferry ride away,

graded trails makes them suitable for all.

world! It could be the rapidly growing

anyone can enjoy a taste of the action, as a

But it's not all about the 7stanes. There's

number of expertly-designed trails

bite-sized day trip or a multi-day feast, for

an amazing array of centres in the

appearing all over Scotland or Forestry

relatively little hassle and expense.

Highlands. Add to this all the natural routes,

Commission Scotland projects such as the

which criss-cross Scotland, and you've got

7stanes, Laggan Wolftrax and the Witch's

be forgiven for thinking that Scotland was

enough reasons to keep coming back for

Trails network. What is undeniable is the

designed with mountain biking in mind.

many years to come!

undoubted and infectious enthusiasm for

Eyeing up its natural assets, you could

the sport in Scotland.

Whether you're interested in exploring the countryside, getting covered in mud,

What’s on offer?

coasting through steep berms, blasting

There has never been a more exciting time

Where to go:

downhill or overcoming a lung-busting

to enjoy mountain biking in Scotland.

There are seven fantastic dedicated 7stanes centres in the south of Scotland. Alternatively if you need an adrenaline fix, try the Nevis Range World Cup downhill track. If you've more time to spare and are comfortable with navigating wild places, then explore the breathtakingly beautiful Cairngorms.

Top Trails Abriachan Trail: Abriachan is a 530-hectare area of forest and open hill ground, suitable for newcomers to mountain biking yet it can still offer something to those more advanced.

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travel

y our bike 7stanes Ae Forest: The 7stanes centre at Ae, is in a large forest beside a tiny village north of Dumfries. Here the emphasis is on fun - where the trails can safely be described as gorgeous.

Arran Mountain Biking: The Isle of Arran is known as 'Scotland in

Eyeing up its natural assets, you could be forgiven for thinking that Scotland was designed with mountain biking in mind...

miniature' as it has pretty much everything that features in Scotland at large - majestic mountains, deep glens, stunning beaches and great mountain biking.

Balblair Trails: Balblair offers both a fun blue route for competent bikers and a challenging black route for experienced riders along with stunning views over the Kyle of Sutherland and out to the West.

Balnain Bike Park: With networks of twisting, bermy trails as well as limbo bars, low-level skinnies, forest logs the Gap Jump and the Fun Box, Balnain is ofter considered the visitscotland.com cycling equivalent of a skateboard park.

Cairngorms National Park: If you like your mountain biking raw and adventurous, spend a day exploring the Cairngorms - the options are vast and varied - and once you've been seduced by this area â&#x20AC;Ś youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be back!

Carbisdale: The Carbisdale trails offer challenging cycling for competent mountain bike riders with excellent views over the inner Dornoch Firth and Bonar Bridge.

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Fort William: Mention Fort William in mountain

the only local forest with a dedicated,

biking circles and get wide smiles

purpose built stretch of single-track. And

of friendly acknowledgement - and

what a blast it is!

that's throughout the world, not just in Scotland. So, Fort 'Bill' and

7stanes Kirroughtree:

mountain biking go together like

The 7stanes team has created something

bread and jam.

special. It’s a couple of hours drive from the Scottish central belt but it’s worth the effort

Glenmore Lodge MTB Skills Circuit:

if you’re looking for a mountain biking

The skills circuit at Glenmore

end of the scale.

experience that is at the tougher, more epic

Lodge opened in June 2005 and is designed for training for the

Laggan Wolftrax:

Scottish Mountain Bike Leader

Called ‘Laggan Wolftrax’ after the legendary

awards, the Scottish MTB

‘Wolf of Badenoch’, the new mountain bike

squads, and other groups by

routes are managed by Forestry

special arrangement.

Commission Scotland and are billed as ‘mountain bike trails with bite.’

Fort 'Bill' and mountain biking go together like bread and jam...

7stanes Glentress: Glentress is Scotland’s biggest

Learnie Red Rock Trails:

and most popular mountain bike

One of the best-kept secrets of Scottish

centre, and the unofficial hub of

biking is north of Inverness, at Learnie.

the sport of mountain biking in

Trails criss-cross intricately and at one point

Scotland. It is, in short, a

are are so tight, that sections have been cut

phenomenon and the flagship 7stanes

out of two trees to allow handlebars

Carron Valley Mountain Bike Trails:

centre.

through!

Visit these entertaining trails located in

7stanes Glentrool:

7stanes Mabie:

Central Scotland. Glasgow and Stirling are

Glentrool is one of the 7stanes centres, but

Mabie has a different mood about it. No

only 20 minutes drive away, Edinburgh and

for those reared on a diet of man-made

matter how hard you ride you always get a

Perth are only 40 minutes away. Get

single-track trails, it might come as a bit of a

chilled out feeling at Mabie, probably due

yourself to the most central mountain biking

shock to discover that such trails, in the

to the serene woodland surroundings and

trails in Scotland.

main, don't feature here.

natural feel to parts of the trail.

7stanes Dalbeattie: Dalbeattie offers excellent technical

Highland Wildcat Trails, Golspie:

Moray Monster Trails, Ben Aigan:

singletrack on a hard granite foundation

Billed as the longest freeride descent in

The Moray Monster Trails at Ben Aigan are

with a few interesting features thrown in for

the UK, the new trail currently being built

part of an exciting development, which

good measure.

high up on Ben Bhraggie, Golspie is sure

includes - and should eventually connect -

to attract downhill aficionados from all

three different forests, Whiteash, Ordiequish

over the UK.

and Ben Aigan itself.

proposition in Scotland: dedicated trails on

7stanes Innerleithen:

7stanes Newcastleton:

a private estate. And right on the doorstep

Innerleithen is known primarily as a centre

It’s another one of the 7stanes centres,

of three of the 7stanes centres, at Ae,

for downhill riding, though it also has a

arguably the most modest at present, and

Mabie and Dalbeattie.

quality cross country route - the 7stanes

generally presented by Forestry

Drumlanrig: Drumlanrig offers a unique mountain biking

Traquair XC, a serious, challenging trail

Commission Scotland as more of a family-

Fire Tower Trail:

that provides yet another option in the

friendly centre.

The Fire Tower Trail at Lochgilphead

Tweed Valley.

Perthshire:

includes big climbs and thrilling descents along with spectacular views of the islands

Kirkhill:

Comrie Croft Bike Trails are a new, compact

of Jura, Scarba and the Gulf of

On the outskirts of Aberdeen, Kirkhill forest

and expanding set of dedicated trails with a

Corryvreckan.

is a big draw for mountain bikers, since it is

little something for everyone.

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travel

providing special facilities for cyclists with VisitScotland’s Cyclists Welcome Scheme. Under this scheme members will offer a host of additional facilities for cyclists including a drying area for clothes, a lockable covered shed, cycling route information and where catering is available,

Pitfichie:

a packed lunch on request and late

Pitfichie is perfect for more adventurous

Strathpeffer Contin Forest:

mountain bikers and has in the past

Contin Forest has a 10-mile cross-country

for those that like to ride from dawn to

successfully hosted events in the Scottish

route, much of it single-track and virtually all

dusk.

Downhill Association (SDA) race series.

of it lovingly crafted by local mountain bikers.

Pollok Country Park: Pollok Country Park is an ideal place to visit

Where to stay:

for all levels of mountain biking, and

Scotland is renowned for greeting visitors

contains three mountain bike circuits set in

with a warm welcome and you’ll find plenty

the heart of Glasgow, located close to

of accommodation options throughout the

National Cycle routes 7 and 75.

country with over 1,000 establishments

evening meal and early breakfast options

For a full listing of accommodation providers in the Cyclists Welcome Scheme and for more information on activity holidays in Scotland go to www.visitscotland.com or call 0845 22 55 121.

Competition: WIN A BIKING TRIP TO SCOTLAND FOR FOUR WITH STENA LINE LEADING ferry company Stena Line has teamed up with überdog to offer readers the chance to win a return crossing from Belfast to Scotland for a car and up to four people. Our winner and their friends can strap their mountain bikes to the car and head off to explore some of the best mountain-biking trails in the world. Check out the 7 Stanes of Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Border region for some high-octane biking and take advantage of the 400km of world-class trails and supporting infrastructure. There is nothing quite like it in Ireland! Kirroughtree is the closest mountain-biking venue and it is less than an hour’s drive As the gap hastily closed between them all Cedric and the lone sheep from Stranraer port so, even if you return on an early sailing to Belfast, you’ll still have could do was stare at each other and think “Is thi s how it all ends?” loads of time to get stuck in. Don’t worry if you are not our winner as prices start from just £50 for a mid-week return crossing for a car and four people (plus the bikes of course) so now is the time to get stuck in and indulge your passion. For further information or to book, log onto www.stenaline.co.uk/mbiker, call 08447 70 70 70 or visit your local travel agent.

HOW TO ENTER

For your chance to win, simply answer the following question online at www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk/stena

Q: What is the closest mountain-biking venue to Stena Line’s Stranraer port?

in association with

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

RULES: Usual competition rules apply. Entries must arrive before 23rd April 2010. The prize is a return crossing for up to four people travelling with Stena Line from Belfast to Stranraer and the winner will be required to bring their own car. Onward travel is the responsibility of the winner. Entrants should be over 18 and the winner must travel. Prize is subject to availability and bank and public holidays are excluded. No alternative will be offered. The judge’s decision is final. Full terms and conditions online at www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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the

y r o t c dire

north of Ireland e th ss ro ac es ss oor busine your guide to outd

bikes Bikedock 79-85 Ravenhill Road Belfast Antrim BT6 8DQ tel: 028 9073 0600 email: info@bikedock.com web: www.bikedock.com

Bikeworks cycle shop Unit 70, Dunlop Industrial Estate 1 Balloo Link Bangor BT19 7HJ tel: 028 91 273001 email: cs@bikeworkscycleshop.com web: www.bikeworkscycleshop.com

Border city cycles Unit 3 Main Street Camlough Newry BT35 7JG tel: 028 3083 8432 email: info@bordercitycycles.com web: www.bordercitycycles.com

CB Motorcycles 42 Main Road Moygashel Dungannon BT71 7QU tel: 028 8772 5646

Cycle Zone Bikes 8 Railway Street Lisburn Antrim BT28 1XG tel: 028 9266 2066 email: info@thecyclezone.com web: www.thecyclezone.com

Cicli Sport 24 Market Street Moneymore Londonderry BT45 7PE tel: 028 8674 8748 email: jonathan@ciclisport.com web: www.ciclisport.com

Dave Kane Cycles 263 Upper Newtownards Road Belfast Antrim BT4 3JF tel: 028 9065 3139 email: paul@davekanecycles.com web: www.davekanecycles.com

First Tracks Mountain Bike Coaching & Guiding 103 Belfast Rd Newry BT34 1QH mob: 078 3423 9070 email: info@firsttracksguiding.com web: www.firsttracksguiding.com

Chain Reaction Cycles Kilbride Road, Doagh Ballyclare BT39 0QA tel: 028 9334 5515 email: shop@chainreactioncycles.com web: www.chainreactioncycles.com

m Chain Reaction Cycles offer the widest selection of products from the industries leading brands in all cycling disciplines. To compliment the service they provide to their on-line customers they also have a state of the art showroom and shopping facility where they showcase the ultimate products in the world of cycling ranging from high tech DH mountain bikes to featherweight road race bikes that are at the cutting edge of cycling technology and design which feature exotic materials and manufacturing processes combined with the very latest components.

Dave Youngs Mountain Bike Instruction mob: 078 0942 6202 email: davidyoungs8831@yahoo.co.uk web: www.youngsmountainbikeinstruction.co.uk Dave Youngs has been involved in mountain biking for many years. During that time his proven method of instruction has been the key to his success. With a relaxed, but confident and friendly manner, he will get the best from your strengths and individual character. Always pushing the individual to achieve their aim but never beyond their limits.

Hype BMX Store

McConvey Cycles

Unit 13 Kilwee Business Park Upper Dunmurry Lane Belfast BT17 0HD tel: 028 9030 8118 email: ray@extremehype.co.uk web: www.hypebmxstore.com

183 Ormeau Road Belfast BT7 1SQ tel: 028 9033 0322 email: shop@mcconveycycles.com web: www.mcconveycycles.com

Iron Donkey Bicycle Touring 15 Ballyknockan Rd Saintfield Down BT24 7HQ tel: 028 9081 3200 email: info@irondonkey.com web: www.irondonkey.com

Madigan Pro Bike Centre 89 Irish Quarter South Carrickfergus Antrim BT38 8BW tel: 028 9335 1844 web: www.madiganprobikecentre.co.uk email: sales@madiganprobikecentre.co.uk

Summit Mountain Biking 91 Church Road Glengormely Antrim BT36 6HG mob: 077 8613 6324 email: info@summitmountainbiking.com web: www.summitmountainbiking.com

Total Cycling Unit 8e, Campsie Industrial Estate McClean Road Eglington Londonderry BT47 3PF tel: 028 7181 2426 email: orders@totalcycling.com web: www.totalcycling.com

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directory Jackson Sports 70 High Street Belfast Antrim BT1 2B tel: 028 90 238 572 email: sales@jackson-sports.com web: www.jackson-sports.com

m Jackson Sports have been supplying specialist outdoor clothing and equipment since 1967, building a reputation as a leading UK store for both mountain and water sports. Their employees are passionate about outdoor pursuits and are all involved in selecting the best quality gear for each purpose from hundreds of brands, to ensure you can choose from the best possible range. They stock thousands of specialist quality items and are continually adding to the product range, current lines include Lowe Alpine, Berghaus, Aniamal, Rab, Crux, Sprayway, Meindl, Marmot, Helly Hansen to name but a few - check the rest online

outdoor stores

canoe, kite & kayak

Down Outdoor Store

go-canoeing.com

mob: 079 2690 3125 email: info@downoutdoorstore.com web: www.downoutdoorstore.com

Belfast Antrim BT9 6PB tel: 028 91 800 809 mob: 07749011283 email: info@mobileteamadventure.co.uk web: www.go-canoeing.com

An online watersports shop specialising in windsurfing and kitesurfing in Northern Ireland.

Cotswold Outdoor Store Unit 10 Boucher Cresent Retail Park Belfast Antrim BT12 6HU tel: 028 9066 5003 email: belfast.shop@cotswoldoutdoor.com web: www.cotswoldoutdoor.com

Just Kayak

Surf Mountain

53a Frances Street Newtownards Down BT23 7DX tel: (028) 9181 1311 mob: 077 8946 5703 email: kayaksatmikethebike@yahoo.com web: www.kayaksatmikethebike.co.uk

12 Brunswick Street Belfast BT2 7GE tel: 028 9024 8877 106 Main Street Bangor BT20 4AG tel: 028 9145 3888 15 Castle Street Lisburn BT27 4SP tel: 028 9266 7171 email: sales@surfmountain.com web: www.surfmountain.com

Tiso: The Outdoor Specialist 12-14 Cornmarket Belfast Antrim BT1 4DD tel: 028 90231 230 email: belfast@tiso.co.uk web: www.tiso.co.uk

Greencastle Road Moville Donegal mob: 00 353 87 220 2577 web: www.justkayak.ie

Kayaks at Mike The Bike

Life Adventure Centre (previously The Canoe Centre) Castle Island Enniskillen Fermanagh BT74 7EF tel: 028 4377 0714 local rate: 0844 770 5477 email: iwant@onegreatadventure.com web: www.onegreatadventure.com

Kite Surf Warehouse

Fly NI Airsports

3 Cayman Cottages Bangor Down BT19 7NH mob: 078 5461 4315 email: info@kitesurfwarehouse.com web: www.kitesurfwarehouse.com

Tarsan Lane Aero Club 26 Tarsan Lane Portadown Armagh BT63 5RT tel: 0845 0940 189 mob: 077 4780 6029 email: victor@flyni.co.uk web: www.flyni.co.uk

Ruddock Sea Kayaking & Canoeing 12 Glenvale Avenue Antrim BT56 8HL tel: 028 7082 3871 mob: 078 5840 4801 email: robinruddock@gmail.com web: www.robin-ruddock.com

flying Aerosports Paragliding School tel: 028 9334 1414 mob: 078 7963 2111 email: ken@aerosports.co.uk web: www.aerosports.co.uk Learn to fly under correct supervision with the necessary insurance cover with Aerosports. You will be taught all the essentials that you need to know - air movement, meteorology, airlaw, safety rules, aerodynamics etc. In the initial stages the emphasis will be on practical training to enable the student to achieve flight and improve practical skills but some basic flight theory will be necessary.

Kernan Aviation 56 Mullahead Road Tandragee Armagh BT62 2LA mob: 077 1184 1492 email: raphael@kernanaviation.co.uk web: www.kernanaviation.co.uk

Microlight flying is the cheapest and most fun way to fly. Based in Portadown, Fly NI Airsports offers Gift Vouchers for trial flights and flying lessons for the National Private Pilotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Licence.

NI MICROLIGHTS 17 Cleland Park North Bangor Down BT20 3EN tel: 028 9146 2728 email: kcrompton@ukonline.co.uk

Wildgeese Skydiving Centre Movenis Airfield 116 Carrowreagh Road Garvagh Londonderry BT51 5LQ tel: 028 2955 8609 email: jump@skydivewildgeese.com web: www.skydivewildgeese.com

mountains & climbing Ozone Leisure Complex Climbing Wall Ormeau Embankment Belfast Antrim BT6 8LT tel: 028 9045 8024 email: indoortenniscentre@belfastcity.gov.uk web: www.belfastcity.gov.uk

Hot Rock Climbing Wall Tollymore Mountain Centre, Bryansford Newcastle, Down BT33 0PT tel: 028 4372 5354 email: trevor.fisher@tollymore.com web: www.tollymore.com

m There are two climbing walls at Tollymore, one outdoors and one indoors. The outdoor wall was built in the early 1970s, and is a large granite boulder structure. It is used on many rockclimbing courses, and is ideal for learning to place gear, set up belays and learn basic ropework.The indoor wall opened in 2000. It is owned by the Mountaineering Council of Ireland and managed by Tollymore. It consists of a bouldering wall and a lead wall. There is a wide variety of routes on this wall, which are changed regularly. The wall is over 9 metres high, and generally has over 70 graded routes. The bouldering wall is 4 metres high and has vertical and overhanging sections.

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Queen’s University Belfast PEC Climbing Wall Botanic Park Belfast Antrim BT9 5EX tel: 028 9068 1126 email: sport@qub.ac.uk web: www.qub.ac.uk/sport

Tollymore Mountain Centre Bryansford Newcastle Down BT33 0PT tel: 028 4372 2158 email: admin@tollymore.com web: www.tollymore.com

off road experiences Foymore Lodge Country Pursuits 105 Dungannon Road Portadown Armagh BT62 1QA tel: 07730 678701 mob: 077 30678701 email: flss@btinternet.com Foymore Lodge offers a range of activities including Clay Pigeon Shooting, Off Road Driving, Air Rifle Shooting and Archery. They cater for individuals and groups. Opening times: Tues - Friday 10am to 8pm (close at dusk during winter months) and Saturday from 10am to 6pm.

Ireland Off Road Experience Clandeboye Courtyard Bangor Down BT19 1RN tel: 028 9185 2111 email: info@irelandoffroadexperience.com web: www.ni-offroad.com

Todds Leap Activity Centre 30 Todds Leap Road Ballymacilroy Ballygawley Tyrone BT70 2BW tel: 028 8556 7170 mob: 028 8522 8009 email: info@toddsleap.com web: www.toddsleap.com

activity operators 26 Extreme 109 Church Street Portadown Co Armagh BT62 3DB tel: 07752 371 100 email: info@26extreme.com web: www.26extreme.com

Action Outdoors 53A Magheralone Road Ballynahinch Down BT24 8SW tel: 028 4483 2894 mob: 07789 754 565 email: info@actionoutdoors.info web: www.actionoutdoors.info

Moonjumper International Charity Skydiving Suite 9, Sandal Village Centre Knocklyn Road, Coleraine BT52 1WT tel: 028 86735881 email: erika@moonjumper.com web: www.moonjumper.com

m Moonjumper International was founded in February 2001. Operating throughout the mainland UK and Ireland, volunteers are asked to pay a £40 commitment fee payable to Moonjumper, then raise a minimum of £320 per person by donation from sponsors from work, family, friends,and social gatherings. The course fee is deducted from the amount and all the remaining monies will benefit the chosen charity fund. Their skydive will be an experience they will remember for the rest of their life.

Activate Training 7a Dundrinne Rise Castlewellan Down BT31 9LY tel: 028 4377 0566 email: micealmaguire@btinternet.com

Adventure Leadership Training 10 Belmont Crescent Bangor Down BT19 1NQ tel: 028 9147 7860 email: info@adventuretraining.org.uk web: www.adventuretraining.org.uk

Adventure Quest Peak Discovery Group The Gables Newcastle Down BT33 0LF tel: 028 4372 3933 email: admin@adventure-quest.eu web: www.adventure-quest.eu

Adventure Tours Northern Ireland 5 Urbalreagh Road Ardstraw Tyrone BT78 4LR tel: 0797 163 9932 email: info@adventuretoursni.com web: www.adventuretoursni.com

An Creagan Visitor Centre Creggan Omagh Tyrone BT79 9AF tel: 028 8076 1112 email: info@an-creagan.com

Ardclinis Outdoor Adventure

East Coast Adventure

Sundial House 11 High St Cushendall Antrim BT44 0NB tel: 028 2177 1340 email: info@ardclinis.com web: www.ardclinis.com

Rostrevor House Lower Knockbarragh Road Rostrevor Down BT34 3DP tel: 028 4173 9923 email: info@eastcoastadventure.com web: www.eastcoastadventure.com

Belfast Activity Centre

Field Of Dreams Outdoor Field Sports Centre

Barnetts Stable Yard, Barnetts Demesne Malone Road Belfast Antrim BT9 5PB tel: 028 9060 0132 email: info@belfastactivitycentre.com web: www.belfastactivitycentre.com

Clearsky Adventure Centre Castle Ward Estate Strangford, Downpatrick tel: 028 4372 3933 email: fun@clearsky-adventure.com web: www.clearsky-adventure.com

Corralea Activity Centre Upper Lough MacNean Belcoo Corralea Fermanagh BT93 5DZ tel: 028 6638 6123 email: info@activityireland.com web: www.activityireland.com

55 Upper Gransha Road Bangor Down BT19 7QE mob: 07702 010228 email: info@fodfieldsports.com web: www.fodfieldsports.com

Green Box Manorhamilton Castle Manorhamilton Leitrim tel: 00353 71 9856 898 email: info@greenbox.ie web: www.greenbox.ie

Highpoint Group Adventure Management The Corncrane Building Lower Square Castlewellan Down BT31 9DQ tel: 028 4377 0714 email: info@thehighpointgroup.com web: www.thehighpointgroup.com

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Life Adventure Centre HQ

Mourne Trail Riding Centre

(previously Bluelough Adventure Centre) The Grange Courtyard Castlewellan Forest Park Castlewellan Down BT31 9BU tel: 028 4377 0714 local rate: 0844 770 5477 email: iwant@onegreatadventure.com web: www.onegreatadventure.com

96 Castlewellan Road Newcastle Down BT33 0JP tel: 028 4372 4351 email: MgtNewsam@aol.com

Lurgaboy Adventure Centre 12 Gosford Road Armagh Armagh BT60 1LQ tel: 028 3755 2425 email: info@lurgaboylodge.com

Master McGra’ Lough Neagh Boat Hire Oxford Island Lurgan Armagh BT66 6NU tel: 028 3832 7573 mob: 077 7481 1248 email: kinnego.marina@craigavon.gov.uk

Mobile Team Adventure 29 Ashgrove Newtownards Down BT23 5HA tel: 028 9180 0 809 mob: 07749 011283 email: info@mobileteamadventure.co.uk web: www.mobileteamadventure.co.uk

Moonjumper International Charity Skydiving Suite 9 Sandal Village Centre Knocklyn Road Coleraine BT52 1WT tel: 028 86735881 email: erika@moonjumper.com web: www.moonjumper.com

Mourne Spirit 20 Roden Court Bryansford Down BT33 0RE mob: 07711 847125 email: caroline@mournespirit.com web: www.mournespirit.com

Natural High North West 7 Sycamore Heights Park Claudy Derry Londonderry BT47 4BW tel: 028 777 80041 mob: 078 5003 3666 email: naturalhighnw@hotmail.co.uk web: www.naturalhighnw.co.uk

Outdoor Concepts 40 Woodvale Dromara Down BT25 2JA tel: 028 9753 1343 email: info@outdoorconcepts.co.uk web: www.outdoorconcepts.co.uk

Outdoor Ireland North 14 Shimnavale Newcastle Down BT33 0EF mob: 079 7340 8056 email: loretto@outdoorirelandnorth.co.uk web: www.outdoorirelandnorth.co.uk

Peak Discovery The Gables Newcastle Down BT33 0LF tel: 028 4372 3933 email: andrewp@pd-group.eu

Pirates of Lough Neagh Loughshore Park Antrim Antrim BT41 mob: 07828905801 email: captainjim@piratesofloughneagh.com web: www.piratesofloughneagh.com

The Adventure Team Gortin Accommodation Suite 62 Main Street Gortin Tyrone BT79 8NH tel: 028 8164 8390 mob: 075 1386 8476 email: info@theadventureteam.co.uk web: www.theadventureteam.co.uk

The Outdoor Fox 268 Ballywalter Rd Millisle Down BT22 2LZ mob: 077 7929 5299 email: john@theoutdoorfox.com web: www.theoutdoorfox.com

Todds Leap Activity Centre 30 Todds Leap Road Ballymacilroy Ballygawley Tyrone BT70 2BW tel: 028 8556 7170 mob: 028 8522 8009 email: info@toddsleap.com web: www.toddsleap.com

Triton Marine Charter Services 17 Whierock Drive Ardglass Down BT30 7TH tel: 028 4484 2865 mob: 078 2153 7044 email: enquiries@tritonexplorer.com web: www.tritonexplorer.com

Wild-Live Castle Ward Strangford Downpatrick Down BT30 7LS mob: 079 1906 2834 email: info@wild-live.org web: www.wild-live.org

Xplore Outdoors 15 Glenara Woods Coleraine Londonderry BT51 3TR mob: 077 3436 5321 email: info@xploreoutdoors.co.uk web: www.xploreoutdoors.co.uk

Xtreme North West Surfin’ Dirt Mountain Boarding Tullyree Road, Bryansford Down BT34 5LD mob: 077 3921 0119 email: info@surfindirt.co.uk web: www.surfindirt.co.uk web: www.gaspactionsports.com

m Surfin’ Dirt is the one and only mountain board centre in Ireland, Located in the spectacular surroundings of the Mourne Mountains, Surfin’ Dirt mountain board centre provides an exciting venue for mountain boarders and mountain bikers of all skills and ages. Beginners have the opportunity to learn and develop skills on the nursery slope, while more advanced riders will enjoy the long carving runs, jumps and features on the main hill.

9 Main Street Belleek Fermanagh BT93 3FY tel: 028 6865 8770 email: pete@xtnw.com web: www.xtnw.com

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education centres

outdoor pursuits

Ardnabannon OEC

Activities Ireland

3 Ardnabannon Rd Annsborough Castlewellan Down BT31 9EN tel: 028 4377 8555 email: ardnabannon.oec@seelb.org.uk

187 Lower Braniel Road Belfast Antrim BT5 7NP tel: 084 5439 2048 mob: 079 7108 7480 email: info@activitiesireland.co.uk web: www.activitiesireland.co.uk

Bushmills Outdoor Education Centre Priestland Road Bushmills Antrim BT57 8QP tel: 028 2073 1599 email: alanparke1@yahoo.co.uk

Carrowmena Activity Centre 100 Carrowclare Rd Limavady Londonderry BT49 9EB tel: 028 7776 3431 email: info@carrowmena.co.uk web: www.carrowmena.co.uk

Gortin Accommodation Suite & Activity Centre 62 Main Street Gortin Omagh Tyrone BT79 8NH contact: Kate Ward tel: 028 8164 8346 email: info@gortin.net web: www.gortin.net

Greenhill YMCA Donard Park Newcastle Down BT33 0GR tel: 028 4372 3172 email: contact@greenhill-ymca.org web: www.greenhill-ymca.org

Killyleagh Outdoor Education Centre Shore Road Killyleagh Down BT30 9UE tel: 028 4482 8511 email: kevin.balmer@seelb.org.uk

Magilligan Field Centre 375 Seacoast Rd Limavady Londonderry BT49 0LF tel: 028 7775 0234 email: liz_wallace@welbni.org

Creggan Country Park Westway Creggan Londonderry BT48 9NU tel: 028 7136 3133 email: info@creggancountrypark.com web: www.creggancountrypark.com

Life Residential Centre (previously Cornmill Quay) Marine Park Annalong Down BT34 4QG tel: 028 4377 0714 local rate: 0844 770 5477 email: iwant@onegreatadventure.com web: www.onegreatadventure.com

Treasure Trails 69 Kingsway Drive Portadown Craigavon Armagh BT62 3DX tel: 028 3833 6266 email: nisouth@treasuretrails.co.uk web: www.treasuretrails.co.uk

combat games Acton Adventures 5 Acton Road Poyntzpass Newry Down BT35 6TA tel: 077 2186 8685 email: info@actonadventures.com web: www.actonadventures.com

Anarky Paintball Rathfriland Road Saval Beg Newry BT34 1PH tel: 028 4063 1767 mob: 075 9026 3732 email: info@anarkypaintball.com web: www.anarkypaintball.com

Todds Leap Activity Centre 30 Todds Leap Road, Ballymacilroy, Ballygawley, Tyrone BT70 2BW tel: 028 8556 7170 email: info@toddsleap.com web: www.toddsleap.com

m Toddsleap.com is the No 1 outdoor activity centre in Ireland. Based in Ballygawley, Toddsleap.com specialise in producing superb corporate entertainment, teambuilding days and stag/hen events incorporating the very best in extreme off road driving, Paintballing, quad biking, clay pigeon shooting, archery and a variety of bespoke activities to suit every budget and group size. They aim to take you, your family, friends and colleagues to the edge and beyond. New activities every year, why not try the new super slide - over 200ft long. Coming soon: The longest Zip Line in Ireland and an all new ropes course.

A.W.O.L Paintball & Adventure Activities Derrylevick Killybrone Co. Monaghan tel: 00 353 47 86224 mob: 079 6647 7585 email: info@awolpaintball.ie web: www.awol.ie

Battlefield Sports NI 111 Old Dundonald Road Dundonald Belfast Antrim BT16 1XT tel: 028 9048 5462 mob: 078 4320 3497 email: info@battlefieldsportsni.com web: www.battlefieldsportsni.com

Camouflage Paintball Games 37 Leitrim Road Castlewellan Down BT31 9BB tel: 028 4377 1664

Camouflage Indoor Paintballing Doagh Business Park 11 Kilbride Road Doagh Ballyclare BT39 0QA tel: 028 9334 2777 email: info@need4speedkarting.com web: www.camouflageindoorpaintballing.com

Eddie Irvine Sports 41 Balloo Road Bangor BT19 7PG tel: 028 9145 1457 email: info@eddieirvinesports.com web: www.eddieirvinesports.com

Escarmouche Paintball Games Unit 5 19 Donegall Pass Belfast Antrim BT7 1DR tel: 028 9032 7500 email: info@escarmouche.com web: www.escarmouche.com

FRV Airsoft 39 Whitla Road Lisburn Antrim BT17 9QH mob: 077 3058 6926 email: info@frvairsoft.com web: www.frvairsoft.com

Mid Antrim Paintball 92 Cloughwater Road Ballymena BT43 6SZ mob: 079 1989 7742 email: bookings@midantrimpaintball.com web: www.midantrimpaintball.com

Oakfire Paintball 227 Glenshane Road Londonderry BT47 3EW tel: 0800 121 6242 email: info@oakfirepaintball.com web: www.oakfirepaintball.com

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Paintballing Ireland

The Jungle

12 Temple Park Skegoe Road Londonderry BT48 8PN tel: 028 7141 8192 email: info@paintballingireland.com web: www.paintballingireland.com

60 Desertmartin Road Moneymore Magherafelt Londonderry BT45 7RB tel: 028 867 48881 email: bookings@thejungleni.com web: www.thejungleni.com

Predator Combat Games 7a Dunrinne Rise Castlewellan Down BT31 9LY tel: 028 4377 0566 mob: 078 2516 9631 email: info@predatorcombat.com web: www.predatorcombat.com Predator Combat Games is the most popular of all â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;air softâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; combat games simulation sites in Ireland north and south. The professional staff will provide an adrenaline fast moving day you will never forget. From youth clubs to corporate training programs Predator Combat Games have what you need.

Sharp Shooters Paintball 32 Altmore Road Pomeroy Dungannon BT70 2UN. tel: 028 8775 8727 mob: 078 8765 5447 email: info@sharpshooterspaintball.com web: www.sharpshooterspaintball.com

Try Skirmishing Aughnabrack Fort Belfast Antrim BT14 8SP tel: 0845 362 7758 mob: 0776 415 2415 email: info@tryskirmishing.co.uk web: www.tryskirmishing.com

scuba Aquaholics Dive School Shop & Club 14 Portmore Road Portstewart Londonderry BT55 7BE tel: 028 7083 2584 email: dive@aquaholics.org web: www.aquaholics.org

Breda Diving Services 5 Breda Gardens Newtownbreda Belfast BT8 6BZ tel: 028 9070 1268 web: www.bredadiving.co.uk

Adventure One Surf School & Shop School: Ballyheirnan Bay, Fanad, Co Donegal Shop: Kerrykeel, Co. Donegal tel: 074 91 50262 mob: 086 1931 747 email: iain@adventureone.net web: www.adventureone.net

m Adventure One surf school is the leading Irish Surfing Association approved school on the north coast of donegal. The school is run by Iain Gilmour who has over 25 years surfing experience and has competed for most of that time placing in national finals both here in Ireland and in the Channel Islands. Being ISA approved means our instructors are fully qualified ISA coaches, RLSS beach lifeguards and are fully insured. This means that you the customer will be getting the best tuition in the funnest and safest way possible. The school caters for individuals, families, schools and corporate groups and is open from April to the end of October. Wetsuits and boards are provided.

Holiday Cottages & Dive Centre

North West Surf Shop

161 Low Road Islandmagee Antrim BT40 3RF tel: 028 9338 2246 email: caroline@activityholsni.co.uk web: www.activityholsni.co.uk

Main Street Enniscrone Sligo Ireland tel: 00 353 87 959 5556 web: www.atlanticsurfschool.com email: northwestsurf@gmail.com

Zidivers 3 Lenagh Road Randalstown Antrim BT41 2NF mob: 077 5669 9880 email: info@zidivers.com web: www.zidivers.com

surfing Bundoran Surf School, Lodge & Shop

D.V. Diving 138 Mountstewart Road, Corrowdore Newtownards, Down BT22 2ES tel: 028 9186 1686 email: info@dvdiving.co.uk web: www.dvdiving.co.uk

m DV Diving offer one of Europe's most comprehensive ranges of scuba, technical and commercial diving and powerboat training courses - for the complete beginner through to instructor development for the most experienced professionals. Many visiting divers return each year attracted by the clear waters around County Down and the great diversity of dive sites. There are intact wrecks to explore, spectacular drop offs and exhilarating drift dives. All abilities can be catered for, choosing from the shelter of Strangford Lough with its wealth of marine life species in an unspoilt environment, to the more challenging, wreck strewn Irish Sea.

Main Street Bundoran Co.Donegal Ireland tel: 00 353 71 9841968 mob: 00 353 87 9572924 email: info@bundoransurfco.com web: www.bundoransurfco.com

Fin McCools Surf Shop & Surf School Rossnowlagh Donegal Ireland tel: 00 353 71 98 59020 mob: 00 353 86 804 9909 email: finmccools@gmail.com web: www.finmccoolsurfschool.com

Ocean Warriors Surf & Kite Store 80 The Promenade Portstewart Londonderry BT55 7AF tel: 028 7083 6500 web: www.oceanwarriors.co.uk email: info@oceanwarriors.co.uk

Seventh Wave Surf School Enniscrone Co. Sligo Ireland tel: 00 353 87 971 6389 tel: 00 353 85 738 5399 email: 7thwavesurf@eircom.net

Surf Coach Ireland Bundoran Donegal Ireland tel: 00353 86 852 8944 email: richie@surfcoachireland.ie web: www.surfcoachireland.ie

TK Surf School 231 Ballbogy Road Portrush Antrim BT56 8NF mob: 078 94854 791 email: contact@tksurfschool.com

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directory Kinnego Marina Troggs Surf Shop 88 Main Street, Portrush BT56 8BN & 72 Ballymoney Street, Ballymena BT43 6AN tel: 028 25 637 651 tel: 028 7082 5476 email: shop@troggs.com web: www.troggs.com web: www.troggssurfschool.com web: www.surfingireland.com

m The Troggs Quiksilver Surf School is located

Bundoran Donegal Ireland tel: 00 353 71 98 41091 email: info@turfnsurf.ie web: www.turfnsurf.ie

Waveriders Training School Benone Beach Limavady Londonderry BT49 0LQ tel: 028 7181 2967 email: jetski7002@aol.com

Woodies Surf Shop 102 Lower Main Street Portrush BT56 8DA tel: 028 7082 3273 email: info@woodiessurfshop.co.uk web: www.woodiessurfshop.co.uk

Lagan Watersports Centre 2 Rivers Edge 13-15 Ravenhill Rd Belfast Antrim BT6 8DN tel: 028 9046 1711 email: laganwatersports@yahoo.co.uk

at the new East Strand Water Sports Centre in Portrush, Co. Antrim. Operated by Carl Russell, in conjunction with Troggs Surf Shop, the Surf School aims to provide a fun, informative and safe introduction to the world of surfing.

Turf’n’Surf Lodge & Surf School

Annaloiste Road Lurgan Armagh BT66 6NJ tel: 028 3832 7573 email: kinnego.marina@craigavon.gov.uk

watersports Aquasports 4 Coleraine Road Portrush Antrim BT56 8EA tel: 079 6230 9670 email: alanwilson@aquasports.biz web: www.aquasports.biz

Craigavon Watersports Centre 1 Lake Road Craigavon Armagh BT64 1AS tel: 028 3834 2669 email: craigavon.watersports@craigavon.gov.uk

Foyle Hovercrafting & Leisure 71 Carrowclare Road Limavady Londonderry BT49 9EB tel: 028 777 22235 email: info@foylehov.com web: www.foylehov.com

Strangford & Mourne Sea Safari The Gables 98 Bryansford Road Newcastle Down BT33 0LF tel: 028 4372 3933 email: admin@pd-group.eu web: www.pd-group.eu

The Edge Watersports Warehouse 233 Loughan Road Coleraine Londonderry BT52 1UD tel: 028 2766 8999 mob: 077 1001 5067 email: enquiries@edgewatersports.co.uk web: www.edgewatersports.co.uk

Ultimate Water Sports Castle Archdale Marina Lisnarick Irvinestown Fermanagh BT94 1PP mob: 078 0873 6818 email: info@ultimatewatersports.co.uk web: www.ultimatewatersports.co.uk

FOR SALE... RIOT AIR45 KAYAK PLAYBOAT Orange, Low volume playboat for fun on every river feature. Also an excellent surfer that can carve and bounce. Beautiful hull design: Fast yet easy to spin and blunt and one of the simplest boats to get vertical even in flat-water. Very easy to roll. Complete with removal fins for more aggressive carving. Ideal for any skill level. For paddlers up to 80kg. Great condition: £330. t. 028 7965 9704 e. iaincalcutta@gmail.com RIOT DISCO2 KAYAK PLAYBOAT Black, Versatile iconic Corran Addison designed playboat with aggressive carving rails and spindisk hull. Suitable for most riverruns yet easy to flat-water cartwheel. Can play all over the river and excellent in surf. Has surf fin mounting points (fins not included). Would suit virtually any paddler (up to 100kg). Good condition: £300. t. 028 7965 9704 e. iaincalcutta@gmail.com

GOT SOMETHING FOR SALE? Got some old kit lying about that’s still perfectly usable - just not by you? Like to help someone else get started in your chosen sport? Like to get yourself a few squid to put towards your next weapon of mass devastation? Make use of überdog’s classified columns - it’s free and it’s on a first come first served basis. Email a brief description, contact details and a price to :

wonga@ uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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Navigate the North... ...with Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland® (OSNI®) maps. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a keen driver or a tourist, then OSNI maps are for you! Check out the latest edition of the Discoverer Series for your area, or get out and about with an OSNI Activity Map. Whatever your interest, OSNI maps will help you find your way. For more information or to purchase OSNI maps online visit www.lpsni.gov.uk © Crown Copyright 2008. Anyone wishing to reproduce Land & Property Services material, or use it as a basis for further publication, must obtain a licence from our copyright branch. Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland and OSNI are registered Trade Marks of Department of Finance and Personnel.

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f o t i b a y Fanc ? d n e k e e w s i h painting t NEW: one of Europes largest inflatable slides* * clean underwear not provided

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