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meet ‘the dog’

This Dog’s

No Diva! and yet recently I’ve There are some things a four-legged mammal just isn’t designed to do e. Abseiling down found myself in situations that even an insane dog would find questionabl the crossfire of an cliff faces, offering oneself up as fresh meat for midgies, standing in all... airsoft battle - I bear the scars (both emotional and physical) of them

W

hy do it? I hear you cry.

attending events across the country,

and goodies and we’ve some great

Well doggy fans, this is

meeting some unforgettable characters and

competition freebies as well including a Fox

my sacrifice for being the

hearing all your feedback on the magazine.

helmet and a Lush longboard.

Team Woof mascot and

All in all we don’t seem to doing too much

Of course überdog is only as good as

delivering you the very best in extreme sport

wrong and so the crowd pleasing formula

team that’s behind it and we’d like to give a

action. I’m not afraid to get down and dirty

continues with another issue that’s packed

big shout out to all our contributors who

for the love of the sport and I guess you

full of news, events, interviews, products,

have given their time and experience to pen

would all appreciate that fact, being

competitions and more.

adrenaline junkies yourselves.

Of course with the pain comes plenty of pleasure in the form of a magazine that just keeps getting better and better.

It’s been a wicked couple of months

articles or snap shots that feature

Of course with the pain comes plenty of pleasure Although the content’s all gold, the best

inside - check out who I’m talking about on the Dog Tag page.

We also want YOU, our loyal fans, to become part of the magic. Tell us

what you’re up to, send us your pictures,

bits include our essential shopping guides

write up a review of an event you’ve been at

to surfboards (pg 36) and wetsuits (pg 46);

- whatever your sporting fix, we want to hear

the local skate jam and board review (pg

about it. Contact us at

24); our date with the North West Mountain

thedog@uberdogmagazine.co.uk.

Team (pg 50) and the interview with the

Like what you see? Want more? For more

ballsy blind adventurer Mark Pollock on

pictures, video links and news updates visit

page 54.

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

For those of you that like to shop there are endless pages of irresistible gear, gadgets

And the winners are…

Congratulations to our issue 2 competition winners: WIN A COPY OF AL MENNIE'S BOOK, SURFING MENNIE WAVES Nicola Meredith, Moira Adam Coulter, Armagh WIN SHOES AND A HOODIE FROM HYPE Michael Henshaw, Dromore WIN SCUBA LESSONS FROM DV DIVING Steve Hewitt, Banbridge WIN A PAIR OF GATORZ SUNGLASSES Jonny Burtney, Ballynahinch

STICK WITH US! Facebook fans will have heard that we now have some seriously cool stickers in our possession and they can be yours with an online purchase of the magazine, so if you missed out on issue one or two, buy it today with free p&p at www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

you can follow our paw prints at: www.facebook.com/uberdogmag

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NAME:

NAME:

DOES:

DOES:

BLURB:

BLURB:

Rob has been working with publications in Northern Ireland for over 21 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.

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!

Rob Doherty

tara Craig

Big Dog at überdog

No Photoshop trickery was used - Rob actually on a bike!

Editor & Wordsmith

Start ‘em young, that’s what I say...

NAME:

NAME:

Iain Walker

Andrew McCombe DOES: advertising sales

You’re not gonna get too far up the Mournes in that...

DOES:

BLURB: Never one to shy away from a challenge, Andy

St Georges on saturdays

couldn't turn down the offer to work with Team Woof and help bring uberdog to the world. With a creative background including visual design, lens-based media and copyright, Andy's eye for detail keeps our clients and supporters happy.

Fond of the outdoors he likes nothing more than to be hiking in the Mourne Mountains on days off. And for added adventure he recently took up rock climbing - a bit of an allrounder is Andy.

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.”

If only kayaks could be ‘let out’ like trousers...

NAME:

NAME:

DOES:

DOES:

BLURB: 14 year old Luke has risen to local fame thanks to his YouTube site which he uses to post skate footage taken in bizzare locations across Northern Ireland.

Luke contacted the magazine offering to do a series of skate tutorials for beginners and we were so impressed with his style and skill that we just had to say yes!

BLURB: Dave will be taking you from mtb novice to nutter over the next few 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.

Luke Humphreys

Dave Youngs

Skate trickster

Is the pen mightier than the board?

Sith lord of the saddle

Dave wondered was Candy Devine one student too far...

NAME:

NAME:

Iain Gilmore

Tom McClelland

DOES:

DOES:

Skate snapper extraordinaire

Surf Guru

Getting extremely ‘board’ the Gilmore way...

Prepare to be introduced to my best friend

2

PAIN!

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.

Makes a fortune from ‘You’ve Been Framed”

BLURB: Tom has been rollerblading for seven years and has been photographing the skate scene for just over four.

Currently studying mechanical engineering in Queens University, Belfast, Tom tries to skate as much as possible: “I try to capture all that I can, from fashion shots to the more technical side of photography and I like to get the video camera out the odd time too!"

NAME:

NAME:

Graeme Livingstone

marty McCann

DOES:

DOES:

Front line combat sport correspondent

Waveski expert

BLURB: 22 year old Graeme is überdogs tamed version of Rambo. Known by his call sign - Century Child, he has been playing airsoft for nearly four years and enjoys nothing more than a good skirmish.

Being a big fan of extreme sports and an ex-bmxer he was keen to introduce a fresh new sport to the list in überdog.

current Irish Waveski champ, Marty McCann is also a British Canoe Union level 5 coach surf and a Beach Lifeguard trainer and assessor . Marty lives in south Donegal where he offers paddlesport coaching through www.oceanaddicts.com. As if that isn’t enough Marty also enjoys a spot of kayaking, mountain biking and general mincing!

BLURB: World European Waves competitor and

Not quite sure which way around this photo goes...

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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004-005 Contents Pages ISS03V02.qxp

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the

issue three Aug/Sept 2010ad

s t n e t n o c Puppy’s Privates

Mütt Snutts, überdog’s roving reporter sniffs out the latest word on the street

11

From Novice to Nutter

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

15

The Dog Digs

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

18 Meet the Mech anic

überdog talks team tactics with the Atherton mechanic Steve Bell

Minterview

Minterview

FOR WHAT ARE YOUR PREDICTIONS THIS WORLD CUP PODIUM SUCCESS YEAR? I think Rachel will probably be unchallenged winning if the 1st round is anything to go by with by 10 seconds in the muddy conditions

pictures: Sven Martin |

AGE: I'm 42 and I’ve been riding bikes the age of 4.

LIVES: Dromore

from

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE DH SCENE? for I started racing BMX in 1982 and raced 15-16 years all over the place, on the mainland, Europe and in America.

I got into DH around 95-96 and raced Irish Nationals, British Nationals , NORBAs and a few

WHAT’S LIFE LIKE ON THE ROAD? to think It’s pretty damn tiring! People seem oh Steve's in Canada, Australia, Italy, intense America having a good time, but it’s and bloody hard work. On the plus side I’m getting to see the

would do one or two practice runs. Then we the almost do a complete rebuild before

world on a circuit doing something I enjoy rather than slogging it out in a job that I don't give a crap about.

Steve enjoying one of the local trails during a well earned break back home

World Cups for a few years.

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER HIGHS TO DATE? High points had to be Andorra World Cup 2008 (which just

WHO WERE YOUR SPORTING IDOLS GROWING UP? I didn’t really have any when I was younger, but I do now. A few that really stand out are Valentino Rossi Lance Armstrong and James Stewart (a US supercross rider).

Follow the progress of the Atherton Team on www.athertonracing.co.uk

hard work, On the it’s intense and bloody to see the world... plus side I’m getting

family in any discipline of cycling.

WHERE DO YOU MOST LIKE TO RIDE? My favourite places to ride are probably Canada i.e Whistler and the Silverstar, Moab Utah in America and Chatel.

French Alps like Morzine, Les Gets,

pretty race runs, making sure everything is take much as perfect as possible. We would for a turbo-trainer to the top of the course warm-up at race time and then head

DH 4X Stevie does it all. Often there is more to being a wrench than just working on bikes, Like in golf the caddy makes important strategic or decisions like what club to select in this case what tyres to run

back

19

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk 18

Skateboarding

by Rodney Mullen sideways. It was invented the board rotates 180 degrees few variations to this trick The Pop Shove–it is when of other more advanced tricks. There are a “BS” which means the board “backside” or and is the core to a lot you in this issue is called is “frontside” or “FS” but we shall but the one I will be teaching try them 360? are facing. The other variation to do them 180 why not rotates the way your toes issue. Once you have learned look at this in another

step 2

step 1

step 3

step 4

1

REQUIRED SKILLS: THE OLLIE position.

SET YOUR FEET up in the Pop Shove-it ready to (shown to the right) Bend your knees around with jump and prepare to scoop the board and remember your back foot. Keep your balance going to land it. to do the trick as if you are always

2

AS THE BOARD finishes its rotation, stomp down with your front foot first. Try and get your foot to land on the bolts for a more stable catch. Once your front foot is down your back foot should drift onto the rear bolts naturally.

3

4

AFTER the board is on the ground, bend your knees to absorb the impact and roll away with steeze!

AS YOU SCOOP the board, jump in the air so it can rotate beneath you. Also jump forwards slightly, because when the board is in the air it usually moves in front of you. It requires quite a bit of practice to jump at the precise height and distance forward until it becomes natural.

5

Starting foot position

COMMON PROBLEMS: Shove-it is Even though the Pop trick it’s not known as a fairly basic most without its problems, however to getting the of them usually relate Since I jump and scoop just right.

Pop have started skating my quite a lot, Shove-its have changed proficient, I more get I because as and can pop the board higher the change to need I therefore to scoop. amount of force needed isn’t getting Remember, if the board

not the full rotation you are and if you scooping hard enough, as hard as feel you are scooping get the possible but still can’t If you rotation, try popping harder. the land on the ground before to me a lot!) board (this happened but jumping try popping a little less said a little higher. As I have practice to before, it takes a lot of start get it right, but once you long take landing them it doesn’t natural! o before it starts to feel

Giving it a go?

Why not video your attempts, whether or successful, disastrous just plain daft, and email them into tv@uberdogmagazine.co.uk

youtube channel at trouble check out Luke’s should If you are still having x where you’ll find a video tutorial that trick-tips. www.youtube.com/sk4tebo subscribe to it for more help. Check it out and

Itchin’ to Go

Board Meeting

We talk skate boards with the boys in the know

29 www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

28

24

step 5

EXTEND your legs and snap down on the tail. The back foot does all the work in this trick, so as you snap down scoop your back foot behind you to create the spin.

Remember, the It takes time to harder the scoop the faster the spin. but you’ll generate the right force on the board soon get it.

22

A report from the Irish DH NPS rnd 6, otherwise known as the Itchy and Scratchy show!

reveals tutorial Luke Humpreys In part two of his skate Shove–it... how to master the Pop

Lesson 2: The Pop Shove-it

The Power of Six

The CRC Intense Team hit the trails in Rostrevor

the women's DH and Gee won the men’s within hours of each other, something that has never been done by any

the team since 2007.

them get on with it, it's easier that way.

something. o

the same weekend. Then the World Champs in Italy the same year when Rachel won

Cup mechanic, it sort of happened by accident. I went to the 1st WC in Spain with Ben Reid just to hang out and was offered the job with Commencal for the 2nd round and that was that really, so I've been with

family that spend a lot of time some together - there's a bit of rivalry and let tension sometimes, but I pretty much

21

IF YOU WEREN'T DONG THIS WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING? or I’d maybe try my hand at coaching

happens to be where Commencal are based) when Dan won the 4x, then Rachel won the women's DH and Gee won the men’s DH all in

WHEN DID YOU DECIDE YOU'D LIKE TO BE A MECHANIC? I didn’t really plan to be a World

EVER GET CAUGHT IN SIBLING RIVALRY BETWEEN DAN, GEE AND RACHEL? I guess they're just like any other

phy.com www.svenmartinphotogra

down and hope that we get some good away results! Then it’s time to start packing all the pits and bikes.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY INVOLVE? Ward On a typical race day myself and Andy the pits (the other mechanic) would arrive at i.e around 7-7.30am to set everything out We do turbo-trainers, work-stands bikes etc. would a few bike checks and then the riders

a badly broken finger.

The men’s is going to be pretty close Sam between Greg Minnaar (rd1 winner) Peat who Hill, Brendan Fairclough and Steve think you can never rule out, though I do as he Gee may just win the series this year 1 with only lost the 1st place by 0.25 in Rd is the not the greatest of race runs which it's a big best start to a year he's ever had so boost. closing I also think that our own Ben Reid is year in on a podium place somewhere this which will be very well received by of the everybody on the circuit as Ben is one out hardest working and most liked riders up for there. The 4x is going to be a catch Dan after 2 rounds of bad luck as Aussie is the Jared Graves leads the way, but Dan there so fastest and most complete rider out we'll see.

ENCAL STEVE BELL: TEAM COMM

Meet the Mechanic

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

28

Skate Basiks

Luke Humphreys reveals the steps to a perfect Pop Shove It

ON THE COVER

30 32

World Mountain Board Day

Pictures from the day at Gasp

Tales from Texas

Roller bladder Ian Atkinson talks about his skating experiences state side

34

Ian Atkinson swapped Northern Ireland for Texas last year, rollerblading his way into the street skate culture and bagging a staring role in a new skate video, ‘Lone Star Thrillaz’… pictures: Thomas McClelland

NAME: Ian Atkinson AGE: 20 CURRENTLY LIVING: Bangor. I just returned from San Antonio a few weeks ago.

Turning the Board

growing up, so I guess the trick I find most enjoyable is a nice long Alley-oop Unity.

the ASA rollerblading competitions and I saw a very old edition with Nicky Adams.

At this time I was rolling around the streets on Argos skates and jumping off curbs.

A few months later I got some junior K2 skates and started going down to the McKee clock and jumping the three stairs there.

There I met older rollerbladers like Michael Beverland, Stephen Bradley and Ally McMullan who encouraged me to progress and try new things.

WHAT IS THE VIDEO LONE STAR THRILLAZ AND HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THAT? It's a video produced out of San Antonio, featuring the LST crew which is all over Texas. A good friend of mine, Josh Castillo, was shooting it so although I was only there for a while I was able to get a bunch of clips for him and travel with him to get more footage.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING THE SPORT? I got my first proper pair of skates in November '01 so I guess it's been over 8 years now.

WHERE DID YOU GO TO PRACTICE? The summer after I started skating street the skatepark in Bangor opened up, so I basically lived there! Everyone would leave at about 6pm, I'd go home for dinner and go back to the skatepark until it closed.

HOW DID YOU LEARN YOUR TRICKS? Most people I skated with were older than me so I would just try and copy what they were doing or what I saw in videos.

Other than that, a lot of falling and perseverance!

36

WHAT IS YOUR SIGNATURE MOVE? I skated a lot of ledges, rails and mini ramp

A Buyers Guide to Surfboards

Everyone would leave at about 6pm, I'd go home for dinner and go back to the skatepark until it closed...

Pictures: Thomas McClelland

WHY DID YOU MOVE TO TEXAS?: I moved initially for college, but I had an idea the weather and skating would be great and I had already skated some of the skateparks over there and made friends, so that was another big factor. As soon as I moved there, Tom McClelland and Chris Kerr visited for a couple of weeks and we met all the local San Antonians so it was easy to get established and I got to skate about 4 times a week while I lived there.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO ROLLERBLADING? A long time ago on TV they showed

Iain Gilmore talks you through another surf essential, the Off the Lip

WHEN IS THE VIDEO ON RELEASE? The video is due to be released in late July at skate shops across the US including Low Life skate shop, SDSF skate shop and Revolution skate shop, along with Low Life's new video and a Lone Star T shirt thrown in for a package deal, definitely worth checking out!

DO YOU SEE A FUTURE FOR YOURSELF AS A ROLLERBLADER? I see myself skating as long as my body lets me! I'm only 20 now and I know people in their late 20's and early 30's who

are still able to get a good session.

So I guess I'll see what the future has for me but I'm moving to Dallas in August so I'm

picture: Thomas McClelland

sure I'll be able to represent out there as I know a lot of people who skate there.

DO YOU THINK ROLLERBLADING HAS A BRIGHT FUTURE IN IRELAND? I think the scene has definitely died down in recent years, but those who truly love the sport will keep doing it. There are a lot of outdoor parks opening down south which is encouraging as the kids now have somewhere to skate and as a result the scene seems to be growing down there.

Up here there aren't the same opportunities so fewer kids are getting into the sport which is a shame. But even in the north rollerblading has a small, but definitely bright future. o Check out the trailer for Lone Star Thrillaz at www.vimeo.com/1073993 8

32 www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk 33

Essential shopping advice on how to pick your perfect board kayak

39 40

Ramble River

Club Corner

weir can be run at most water levels it changes significantly according to the water flow with a surprising number of rocks exposed in low levels. In high water the weir can catch out the unwary and many paddlers have taken swims here that they’d

It may not deliver a white water ride, but the River Lagan offers paddlers an opportunity for an easy wet-fix all year round as Iain Walker reports…

“I

’d rather lick a rats a**e”. An interesting perspective on paddling in the Liffey (from a Dublin kayaker).

Understandable enough, rivers running through cities collect all manner of interesting objects from the ubiquitous stolen bikes and shopping trolleys to dead dogs and the occasional headless torso. Nice for anaerobic bacteria and rats, not so good for water sports ...

So what of our own dear Lagan?

Any visit to Shaw’s Bridge at the weekend and you’ll likely see what appear to be lunatics frantically trying to paddle up a tiny weir but never quite making it. Instead they keep flipping end-over-end or bobbing vertically in the water. Given the apparent likelihood of everything from Weil’s disease to bubonic plague there must be a reason. There is - fun!

A Ramble on the River

The people you see at these little weirs are Belfast’s frustrated kayakers trying to make the best of what is, to be honest, a fairly unremarkable river for a white-water enthusiast. You see Ireland gets a lot of rain but most of it falls in winter and the river levels rise and fall quickly the rest of the year. Many rivers are too low to run after March/April but some like the Lagan can be messed about with year round, especially for beginners, intermediates, and anyone living close by wanting an easy wet-fix.

The weirs and rocks at Shaw’s Bridge also offer a good spot to have a look at different types of kayaking and maybe have a think about whether it could be for you. You’ll see traditional open canoes with people going for the waterborne equivalent of a ramble; beginner groups learning their first skills; playboaters practising stunts; and sometimes slalom

rather not admit to (Mark). Again this is a good spot to stand and watch if there are paddlers around and of course having someone looking at them will pile the pressure on to any of the less experienced as they line up to take the short drop.

races and canoe polo. A little further upstream from Shaw’s Bridge is Eel Weir (soon after Gilchrist footbridge). Many kayakers

do their first short river run down the Lagan from Drumbeg and this weir is the main point of interest on what is otherwise a fairly basic flat river. While the

So what’s the verdict? ...

Deadly (in the liver failure sense) or dead good? To be honest neither. The river is much

cleaner these days, just keep your mouth closed if you capsize. Hardly a taxing whitewater ride but it gives a reliable little bit of water to play with when the big stuff isn’t delivering or for a mess about on a summer evening. Many of us learned the basics there so still have a soft spot for it. As for the people in little boats trying to paddle up the weir ... clap when they get their boats vertical – that’s what they’re trying to do. o

Clap when they get their boats vertical – that’s what they’re trying to do

I Improvements are currently being made to the Lagan’s canoe trail. We’ll be reporting on the new developments in issue 4

Many kayakers do their first short river run down the Lagan from Drumbeg and this weir is the main point of interest on what is otherwise a fairly basic flat river

You’ll likely see what appear to be lunatics frantically trying to paddle up a tiny weir but never quite making it Instead they keep flipping end-over-end or bobbing vertically in the water

Iain Walker reports on the highs and lows of the River Lagan

42

kayak

A on the

NI Surf Kayaking Club

the weir can catch out the unwary and many paddlers have taken swims here that they’d rather not admit to...

40 www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk 41

Donegal Coast: A Sea Kayakers Paradise

Trevor Fisher reveals how to get the best from Donegal’s magical coastline

45

Foot Loose

paddlesports

The Donegal Coast:

Free those toes in a pair of flip flops

hen Scullion, Our cover image was taken by Step cialises in capturing great surf a local sports photographer who spe shoots around Ireland, or where images. Living in Co. Antrim, Stephen his website www.surfpi.co.uk ever the wave takes him. Check out

on the cover:

rollerblading

picture: Thomas McClelland

6

paddlesports

Sea Kayake r’s paradise

On a break from his day job as centre manager at Tollymore National Outdoor Centre, Trevor Fisher explores the diverse waters of Donegal and its surrounding islands, revealing why this spot is fondly described as a paddlers paradise…

W

hat is it about sea kayaking in Donegal?

You always come away with the feeling that you need to go back, to go to the next island, go round the next headland, explore the next bay... That feeling of ‘I want some more’ ensures that we always do go back. However, the more we go back, the more blanks there are to fill in. It is a vicious circle, of the most enjoyable kind!

The number of islands and bays, of exposed headlands and high cliffs ensures that there is generally somewhere to paddle in most weather conditions, throughout the year. This brief introduction will give a taster for two very different areas, from the huge cliffs of Slieve League to the group of islands further north, around Bunbeg.

down, but it is a magical place, particularly as you think of the journey ahead.

Do leave plenty of time for exploring the coast, with the caves and arches providing plenty of opportunity for rockhopping and landing at the few beaches along the way.

The few beaches are spread along the coast and are only accessible from the sea, in calm conditions. This is definitely a trip to be undertaking in settled conditions to allow

lying, surrounded by small cliffs, with many zawns, bays and arches.

If conditions are not ideal, head north to any of the island groups where you are bound to find some shelter.

The Bunbeg Area Bunbeg is a small, very sheltered harbour giving convenient access to a number of islands in the area, such as Cruit, Owey,

Donegal Coast, near Dunbeg

island, is very sheltered, but easy to miss if you are paddling from the south. The coast of Owey is spectacular, with arches, cliffs and an unusual canyon north of the harbour. Tides in the sound between Owey and Cruit can be strong and the sea choppy, especially with the wind against the tide.

There are a number of islands between Owey, and Gola to the North, including Bo island and Inishinny and Inishcoole, however the next major island is Gola.

Gola is a large, beautiful island - the main village was deserted by the 1970’s, but the island once supported a population of 200 people.

Owey Landing

A circumnavigation of Gola gives a great day out, with arches and cliffs, caves, hidden bays and exposed headlands - all on a relatively small island. The main attraction for many outdoor enthusiasts is however, the rockclimbing. Every year, during the summer months, many climbers camp on Gola, above the beach on the western side of the island. There is a wide

variety of rockclimbs, at most grades, giving something for everyone.

Umfin is a small island north east of Gola, well worth a visit. The coastal scenery is spectacular and there is limited rockclimbing. The island was always too small to sustain a viable community but there is evidence of some habitation in the past.

A circumnavigation of Gola gives a great day out, with arches and cliffs, caves, hidden bays and exposed headlands all on a relatively small island

Slieve League The 13km section of coast between Malinbeg and Teelin has some of the most spectacular cliffs on the Irish coast.

They rise to over 600 metres from the Atlantic, making them the second highest in Ireland and almost three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher in Clare. The coast has waterfalls plunging into the sea, arches, plenty of caves and the occasional stoney beach to land on. Although the section of coast is only 13km long, most will paddle a much greater distance, spending time exploring and taking in the atmosphere.

The shuttle for the trip, between Malinbeg and Teelin is quite long and tedious, so many paddlers choose to do the journey ‘there and back’, launching at the sheltered pier in Malinbeg. It is quite a steep carry

for full exploration of the coast. The fetch from North America to Slieve League is quite long, so conditions can get extremely challenging in onshore winds. When conditions and fitness levels allow, a small detour out to Rathlin O’Beirne is very worthwhile. This small island is 2km off the coast from Malinbeg. It is relatively low

Gola and Umfin. Cruit is, in fact, joined to the mainland and it is possible to drive to the northern tip of the island where there is a small slipway, giving easy access to Owey. Owey has been uninhabited since about 1980, but a number of houses have been renovated in recent years. The harbour, which lies on the eastern end of the

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rescue

Who you go nna call?

On call day or night, 365 days of the year, the members of the North West Mountain Rescue Team deserve our respect and support for the tireless and entirely voluntary life saving work that they do…

46

P

icture the scene – a couple of Eight of us went haring over to the source climbers have been pitting of the noise and we found the two lads their skills against some of and got them stabilised and evacuated.

It the most challenging terrain was the classic mountain rescue and in Ireland when weather every team in Ireland was involved.

I’ve conditions change - a snow storm turns into a white out and The NWMRT (l-r) Tommy, Marie, they lose their way. Temperatures Han and Stephen are below freezing, conditions are life threatening and they are out of telephone range. It’s the

Second Skin

local landscape has resulted in a surge in demand for the skills of the NWMRT as Han

This was the reality that faced the North West Mountain Rescue

überdog’s guide to buying a wetsuit

50

Who you Gonna Call?

probation for about a year during

reveals: “ It’s got busier and busier year upon year. When I

been told it was the single biggest search that had been held in the island at that time (2009) and it was a hell of an experience to be part off.”

Han is just one of a team of around 48 volunteers that make up the present NWMRT, a vital rescue group that has been servicing the province since 1980.

Yet despite the fact that the charity is about to celebrate its 30th anniversary, awareness of its existence and the selfless, life saving work that members do, is relatively low.

“I get really frustrated when people say to me ‘oh I didn’t know we had a mountain rescue team,” says Han. “We do, and we are being called upon more and more to provide vital assistance to people who, for any number of different

first joined the team we were under funded and under used, now we are under funded and over used. With the number of shouts we have had so far this year, 2010 looks set to be bumper year.”

In 2009 the NWMRT attended 65 rescue and planned events (organised walks and pilgrimages), so members make a heavy commitment when they sign up and can be expected to receive a call at least once a week.

Marie joined the group in September 2009 and is nearing the end of her probation period: “I absolutely love it,” she enthuses, “We all have different roles that we play in the team and everyone gets on really well. I’m still on probation as I have some training programmes to complete, but my experiences so far have been fantastic.”

Stephen descends Fairhead to rescue an abseiler (in this case, Han)

in the form of an SMS text and you reply with whether you can attend or not,” Marie explains. “The team are totally committed with each member committing to attend at least 60% of call outs.”

Marie is one of eight female members.

A paediatric nurse she brings vital first aid skills to the group but at the end of her probationary period she will be competent

A call can come at any moment, but sods law it will be the middle of the night when it’s lashing down! “We all get a call

which

time we train them up across a number of skills including first aid, navigational skills, rope tying, equipment technology, helicopter training…the list goes on.

It can take a year and half before someone is a full team member, so for an entirely voluntary team that’s a big time investment.”

its own mountain rescue team.

This widening of borders and the fact that more people than ever are exploring the

middle of the night, they’ve been stranded for many hours and their prospects are looking bleaker by the second.

Team (NWMRT) members when a call (or ‘shout’) came out for assistance from their counter parts in Wicklow. Han Fisher was one of several team members who responded and he recalls the day vividly: “It was probably my most memorable rescue to date. I got the call at midnight that two ice climbers were in trouble.

By this stage the Wicklow team had been out for hours and were calling in support from everybody. We couldn’t get a helicopter down as the weather was that bad, so we drove and arrived at the scene at about 6am. I’d been in work the day before so by that time I had been awake for 24 hours.” Working alongside fellow NWMRT members and members from the Mourne Rescue Team, Han and the group searched for a further eight hours.

“The conditions were terrible,” he recalls.

“We were walking through snow that varied from ankle deep to knee high, so it was tough going. We were taking a quick break for food when we heard whistles.

We normally wouldn’t’ work on the cliff face, This is usually the coast guards area, but we can and we do...

reasons, have become stranded in the hills or mountains,” Initially as the name suggest the team covered the Sperrins but over time its geographical range has expanded to cover most of Northern Ireland with the exception of the Mourne Mountains, which has

contents

rescue

and capable of tackling any rescue scenario.

Han explains the training process: “We have a waiting list of volunteers that want to come on board, but it’s expensive to take on a new recruit and it takes a long time so we are naturally cautious when we take people on. New members go on a basic training course and are then on

Of course a big time investment means a big cost investment and for the charity, funding is a constant source of concern.

“As well as funding individual and group training courses we have a massive investment in equipment each year,” Han explains. “Ropes, harnesses, helmets… they all have life spans and anything that becomes blood contaminated on a rescue operation has to be trashed. It’s a constant battle to stay on top of our equipment needs and then on top of that we have course fees, car tax, fuel, insurance etc…the list is enormous.

“Grant funding from Sport NI allowed us to buy three vans and sort out a rescue base in County Fermanagh which we use for training, but that funding is starting to dry up now so this year we will be doing a lot of fund raising events and will be relying on getting a few new sponsors.”

Operating as a voluntary organisation all the members devote their time for free: “No one is paid anything,” adds Han. “We can claim back petrol mileage but at the end of the day we are a charity, so if we do we’ve just got to stand on the side of the street with a collection box to raise that money again. I could probably live in a much higher style if I didn’t do mountain rescue,” he laughs,

flannel panel

50 www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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Meet the North West Mountain Rescue Team

54 58

Out of Darkness

The incredible story of blind adventurer Mark Pollock

team woof:

Wide Awake

big dog: Robert Doherty

Wakeboarder Sian Hurst is back on her board and ambitious to achieve big things in 2010…

veryone would e at about 6pm, d go home for r and go back the skatepark til it closed...

Scaling New Heights

Founder of the NI Youth Climbing Team, mountaineer Eddie Cooper is the man responsible for making climbing cool again…

or some reason I can’t take my Gradually Eddie became more aware of for the first time I was surprised, you eyes off Eddie Cooper’s fingers. could the skills and techniques involved in climbing actually put gear into cracks in the rock Don’t get me wrong, the man as a face and in his own words he “learnt to climb in a that would stop you falling to the ground whole is charasmatic, especially . more sensible fashion.”

So although the Mournes were smaller, once he gets going on his favourite to me topic (the Of course 30 years ago the sport in Ireland Fairhead seemed safer.” youth team), but when he tells me that he was relatively undeveloped and safety It was during his first climbs on Fairhead can pull his entire body weight up a cliff face measures didn’t stretch much further than that Eddie met some of the best climbers using one finger, I’m pretty awestruck. in tying a rope around your waist and hoping Ireland, including the Fairhead legend And so I should be, for in the world of Calvin that if you fell, the ground below would be Torrans. Through their encouragement mountaineering/climbing Eddie Cooper he is a kind. grew in ability and with this newfound name that commands respect, not just for confidence came a thirst for greater the recent advances he’s made with Ireland’s challenges in the form of tougher routes. first youth team, but for his own climbing “At that stage everyone was finding new achievements of which there have been routes and that’s what I went on to do, many throughout his 30 year climbing easy career. lines were accomplished and harders “As a child I always climbed things, “he one were found.” begins. “I climbed in and out of my Spurred on by adrenaline Eddie sought bedroom window; I climbed down at White out more technically challenging climbs Rocks and got stuck on top of cliffs… and that’s was soon travelling beyond Ireland : just what I did. If we drove past a cliff “I kept all I seeing things that I wanted to do. I’d wanted to do was climb it. I’ve no idea read a why, I magazine article about some crag in just always wanted to do it.”

Europe and I’d get in my car and drive to find There’s no questioning the passion it. and “I was always attracted more by the sense of adventure, often associated line with than great heights. There’s a buzz in brilliant sports people, was there from a very climbing things that are high, but for early age, but it was only when he became me it’s a more about seeing a challenge and teenager that Eddie was formally introduced thinking ‘I’d love to climb up that’. That was to the sport: “When I was about 14 I my joined driving force. There were always things the 6th Belfast Scout troop in Belfast I and we couldn’t climb that I wanted to climb. were taken climbing and I loved it. Later, “The protection was pretty minimal.,” “I spent my life travelling around the when I got a job I borrowed the Scouts rope Eddie explains. “Falling meant hitting the country and then the world. When I and rule book, a couple of pegs and started went ground quite often, but when you’re young climbing everybody did everything down the Mournes, tied a rope around we my you bounce quite well, I don’t bounce so well tackled rock, alpine, ice – nobody considered waist and started climbing. I knew nothing now,” he laughs. themselves a specialist in any one field, more than that I wanted to climb, I didn’t we Like many before him, Eddie began tried them all and I loved the variety of that.” know there were guide books and specialist climbing in the Mournes, progressing to the As Eddie’s passion for climbing grew, equipment there to help, I just knew so I wanted imposing cliffs of Fairhead when he felt in too did his desire to immerse himself to climb.” into the need of a greater challenge, although world of mountaineering and as a “After about six months teaching myself, I ironically Eddie found it safer. “For me consequence he decided to give up got a small book published by the BBC his only Fairhead was a revelation as I learnt you ‘real job’ in the bank to enable him to called Rock Face which explained what have I could actually fall off safely. When I started the freedom to follow his sport. “Ever should have been using and doing and since it’s climbing Fairhead was considered a hard then I’ve done lots of different things probably the reason why I’m still alive from today!” and serious crag but when I went down to it building to working in shops,” he explains.

60

überdog meets Eddie Cooper, the man responsible for making climbing cool again

63 64 67 70

“Most of what I do now is coaching but that’s not the only thing I do. I don’t have a ‘proper job’ as my parents would put it, they’re still hoping I’ll grow up and become responsible!”

F

Scaling New Heights

33

Untied and unchallenged, Eddie took to the road: “Initially I travelled to Europe and climbed in the South of France area, then moved onto the Chamonix which in my opinion still offer the best technical Alpine climbs anywhere in the world. Then I tried Alaska, North America, the Himalayas…

“I like to concentrate on the more technical routes rather than just trudging up a big snowy mountain. This idea of climbing up Everest as part of a large expedition I find unfathomable - why would you pay huge amounts of money to pull yourself up a fixed rope on a mountain with a sherpa carrying all your stuff and providing you with oxygen?

I can’t understand that. To me that’s not mountaineering, that’s a guided tour!

“To me climbing is about the challenge.

It’s about being self sufficient and looking after yourself in the mountains . Reinhold Messner and Peter Habeler climbed Everest in ‘78 without oxygen, so why use it today?

Climbing is the only sport in the world that seems happy going backwards.”

He may be outspoken with his views, but Eddie is quick to concede that there is a type of climb out there for everyone and that ultimately it’s about personal choice.

When asked about his favourite climb he remains uncommitted : “Fairhead and the Burren in the south are high on the list, but the nicest thing about climbing is the variety.

I find it very difficult to pick my favourite spot climbing a 3,000 vertical climb in Yosmite is fabulous, but so is climbing a route in

climbing

I like to concentrate on the more technical routes rather than just trudging up a big snowy mountain - This idea of climbing up Everest as part of a large expedition I find unfathomable

Fairhead or a long ridge in Alaska… they are all fabulous places to be.”

sales: Andy McCombe

very hard boulder problem that’s only 15 feet high is probably physically the most difficult thing you’ll ever do. The challenges in climbing go from one extreme to another and I love it all to be honest.”

email: andy@uberdogmagazine.co.uk telephone: 077 0860 9872

So is it fear or excitement that makes him go back for more? “I certainly don’t like being scared as in thinking I’m going to die or hurt myself badly, “ he replies.

“That’s not a pleasant experience. Yes there are times when climbing produces a huge adrenaline rush and excitement, but if you enjoy being scared I think there’s something quite odd about you!

Keep up to date with Team Woof at

“I’ve broken both ankles twice but that’s the worst I’ve done which relatively speaking

60 www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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41

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überdog magazine

Start ‘em Young

ISSN 2043-7048

Top sports for über pups

Volume 2: Issue 3 was published by

Investigate, Spectate & Participate: Airsoft

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

The Dog’s Diary

printed by

KPS Colour Print Ltd, Mayo

Want to know where Team Woof will be over the next couple of months?

Check out our diary pages for August & September

72 74 76

web: www.kpscolourprint.com

Guide to

Airsoft

Waterways Ireland Riverfest

distributed by

EM News Distribution Belfast & Dublin

überdog’s airsoft correspondent Livingstone provides an insight Graeme into the growing sport of airsoft...

Action from the water at this annual event

web: www.emnewsdistribution.com

W

hen people think of combat sports their minds usually go to laser quest or paintball. Both well known and popular pastimes here in Northern Ireland. However, there is a third, lesser known option that provides a completely different style of combat gaming...airsoft.

Have you ever found yourself watching a movie where the hero is loaded to the hilt with every gun known to man, with an endless supply of ammo and a fresh wave of bad guys storming towards him and thought to yourself - ‘that looks like a lot of fun!’? Or maybe you are a demon on the latest first person shooter on the XBOX or PS3 and want to test your skills in the real world. Maybe you’re neither and you just want to have a great afternoon with your friends.

Well, airsoft offers you that and more.

It’s a safe and enjoyable honesty based game where you have two sides playing against each other to fulfill an objective in either a CQB (close quarter battle) situation or a larger battlefield with forests, trenches and buildings for cover. If you get hit you simply fall back to your regeneration point or base and then try again!

4-Midable

Pictures from the second round of the 4X NPS held recently at Surfin’ Dirt

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.

INVESTIGATE:

So what exactly is airsoft?

Airsoft, or airsoft skirmishing, bases its’ game play on a relatively realistic approach. If you are hit then you

are dead, you go back to a designated area called a ‘Regen Point’, and then you are free to head straight back into play. You use a replica imitation firearm (or RIF) that fires a small plastic pellet. Games run with two (or more) teams in a pre arranged scenario with

Over the Hill

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk 67

überdog captures the action from the lastest Irish and Ulster XC races

78

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

Kit bags for summer

atch out the any paddlers ms here that ot admit to...

editor: Tara Craig

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

Revealing that each climb presents a new set of challenges Eddie says: “It’s hard to pick a favourite climb as the challenges are all different mentally and physically.

An 8,000 metre Alpine climb tackled without oxygen is a huge mental challenge as your brain starts disintegrating and your mind isn’t thinking clearly. In contrast, climbing a very,

Pack a Punch

kayak

email: rob@uberdogmagazine.co.uk telephone: 077 1184 6246

climbing

check out video footage at www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

With the sun splitting the trees and with a backdrop to die for, the 4X race at Surfin' Dirt on the edge of Tollymore Forest was eagerly anticipated by team überdog. 4X, beautiful in its simplicity, involves four bikes at a time ripping up 400 metres of doubles, gaps, drops and berms. First bike past the post takes the prize - simple. The racing was fast and furious throughout the day and everyone had a real blast. Between the races, entertainment came in the form of the dirt surfin' boys who wowed us with gravitydefying jumps, back somersaults and a few dramatic spills. After the racing was done, the bikes and boards started hitting the biggest of Surfin' Dirt's ramps. Well, you know how it goes...one challenge lead to another and so on....queue the car jumping!

Jump like you mean it!

A local jam at a secret location…

74 www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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the street…

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

Paddy’s pulling tricks again On Saturday 26th June the best British

the year seemed to spur the skaters on as

manual skaters descended on London to

they landed a ridiculous amount of tricks.

UTV’s Marc Mallett gets behind Trailtrekker

battle it out at Red Bull Manny Mania 2010.

Top place went to Jack Edwards who used

UTV’s Marc Mallett is encouraging local

Among them was last years champ,

a huge selection of tricks and showed a

people to follow in his footsteps by

Belfast’s Paddy Maguire who secured his

massive amount of style. He will now face

signing up for Oxfam Ireland’s 100km

place in the final after battling it out in the

32 skaters, all from different countries, in

Trailtrekker event. Talking about the

tough London qualifier at the start of the

the Red Bull Manny Mania World Final for

event Marc said: “When I first heard

day’s session. Paddy competed against

amateurs in New York City on August 21,

about Trailtrekker 2010 it sounded

the UK’s finest

2010. The one amateur skater who defeats

amazing and I knew it was the perfect

and finished

every other in the global field will get their

challenge for me and my friends. I’m

4th, sweet

chance to step into the big leagues - a spot

excited and daunted by the task of

mate! The heat

in the invite-only Red Bull Manny Mania Pro

walking 100km inside 36 hours - I’ve

from one of the

Event, on Sunday, August 22.

never walked through the night before

hottest days of

www.redbullmannymania.co.uk

but that’s one of the things that makes Trailtrekker such a uniquely special event.”

Trailtrekker 2010 takes place on 4-5 September, starting in Newcastle, before traversing the Mournes and the Cooleys to finish in Carlingford. Over 36 hours participants’ determination, stamina, dedication and camaraderie will be thoroughly tested - so the earlier that teams register and start training together, the better!

For more details text “TREK” to 51500, call 028 9089 5972 (NI) or 01635 0406 (ROI) or visit www.oxfamireland.org/trailtrekker

OH LORDY!

Set to become the downhill event of the year, the inaugural Lord of the Lumpers contest was held in County Louth on the 9th May. Stakes were expected to be high at the event where the winner would become Lord and hold bragging rights over all his subjects for the year! The first ever Lord of the Lumpers went off without a hitch with some serious slagging as well as racing!! The Staff of the Lumpers went, very deservedly to Mr Ian MacIntyre, as did first place in the jump off at the end of the day.

6

(l-r) Kyle Dunn in 4th, Lenny in 5th, Big Ian Macintyre, 1st place and the first ever Lord of the lumpers! Dale MacMullen in 3rd place and Michael Cowan in 2nd place

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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Mark Pattinson passes Ben Bulben on his way to TS06 in Sligo Town

Page 8

Get set for A Race Around Ireland On the 12 September the Race Around Ireland Challenge will kick off for its second year attracting World Champions and weekend warriors on a great adventure around the Country. The race will again loop around the entire island passing some of Ireland’s most famous landmarks, taking in magnificent scenery and crossing the country’s highest mountains. Beginning in Navan Co. Meath, solo riders set off at 8pm on Sunday 12th with the teams starting at 8pm on Tuesday 14th September.

For more information visit www.racearoundireland.com

Concrete skate park update It’s been promised for months, so when exactly is the buidling of the North of Ireland’s first concrete skate park going to start? überdog put that quetsion to the body responsible, Belfast City Council and got the following response: “Work on the site of Belfast’s new £500,000 Bridges Urban sports park, which is part funded by the European Union’s PEACE III Programme, is expected to begin towards the end of the summer.

“Over the last few months, we have been working with our contractors Freestyle Skateparks to finalise the designs and materials for the site in preparation for construction.

“Conditional planning permission for the urban sports park was given by the DOE in December 2009. This involved securing technical approval and agreeing lighting arrangements with DRD

What a session The Animal Relentless Mountain Bike Team wowed the crowds with an impressive stunt show at the Sea Sessions festival in Co. Donegal recently. Way to go boys!

Roads Service and now been met Belfast City

Join the jet set

Council can proceed with

A Jet Ski Freestyle Clinic is being

building Northern

held in Lower Lough Erne on

Ireland’s first purpose

Saturday 11 & Sunday 12th of

built outdoor urban

September. Ant Burgess, a British

sports park.”

and World Jet Ski Free Style

these conditions have

Now that that’s sorted Belfast’s soon to have one of its own Matt Gillespie at Bushy Park in Dublin

Champion and his crew will be on

let’s hope we see the

hand to teach you tricks and show

bulldozers to move in

you what it takes to become the next

soon.

future champion on the water.

For more information on how to get

For further updates log on to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/urbansports

involved visit www.jetproducts.co.uk

GET NOTICED

If you want your team to be the best dressed; want your event to have the best signage or are looking for promotional goodies that scream ‘notice me’, then get in contact with D-Signs + Displays.

These are the guys who have dressed Team Woof and created all the überdog banners and event signage and you’ll find they offer a professional and friendly service that’s creative and value for money.

For more info tel: 028 8774 7844 or visit www.d-signsonline.com

8

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TRAILTREKKER Mournes to Carlingford 4-5 September 2010

ES S O L C N I O T A R T S REGI

Saturday 31st July!

oxfamireland.org/trailtrekker Text TREK to 51500 or Tel: (028) 9089 5972 *

*Standard text rates apply.

Oxfam Ireland. Company Registration Number 284292. SP: PUCA 00353 1 499 5939.

77 77 $ SUHVV DG 1,B LQGG 77 $ 77 $ SUHVV S V D DG 1,B LQGG

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Page 10

EuropeAn Waveski report the lovely French town of Plouhinec in

Briezh Riders crew of Brittany, did very well

Brittany recently. The competition attracted

capitalizing on their local knowledge. Dave

74 riders from around Europe including a

Speller of Jersey also did extremely well by

Campaign for Donegal biking facility

team from Ireland featuring our very own

making the semi finals before being

A welcomed campaign to develop a

waveski correspondent, Mart McCann. With

knocked out. All in all it was a fantastic

state-of-the-art downhill mountain biking

so many competitors and only a three-day

competition bringing together the waveski

trail on forestry lands owned by Coillte in

window to run the competition the

and paddlesurf community in Europe.

Co. Donegal was launched in May.

organisers were under pressure. To add fuel

Daily video highlights are available on

Speaking in Letterkenny, local TD Joe

to the fire the forecast was weak and the

worldriders tv at www.subgraviti.com

McHugh explained further: “Downhill

The European waveski titles took place in

The French riders, most notably the

already small surf was expected to drop off

mountain biking is an increasingly

completely by day three. As a result the

popular outdoor sport that has already

standard competition format changed

attracted thousands of tourists to Ireland.

dramatically. Heats were dropped to 15

Coillte has developed mountain biking

minutes each instead of 20; the reportage's

trails in a number of locations throughout

were dropped and the organisers ran two

the country, and each of these is

banks with two sets of judges throughout

commercially viable.

the event to allow for it to be run off in two

“The company owns large tracts of

days.

land in our county, and Donegal downhill mountain biking enthusiasts have identified a number of possible Coillte sites in the county for this project.

Contact has been made with Coillte about this exciting plan and engineers are examining the proposals.”

The proposed Donegal facility would be the first of its kind in Ulster. It is illegal to pursue the sport on forestry plantations in Northern Ireland, so this is a massive opportunity for Donegal.

Currently there is no downhill mountain biking trail in the North West.

Local mountain biking enthusiasts are also establishing a Donegal mountain biking club to drive this

Try a threesome

initiative forward. If you are interested please email joe.mchugh@oireachtas.ie

Swim, cycle and run your way round Northern Ireland with a new triathlon series. The Decathlon sponsored Triathlon Series takes place across counties Antrim, Armagh, Down and Fermanagh during the summer months and is expected to attract more than 2,000 triathletes. The sweeping Mountains of Mourne will play host to ‘Top of the Mourne Triathlon’ in Rostrevor on Sunday 25th July and Saturday 7th August will see the pretty town of Castlewellan as the setting for the Mourne Triathlon.

The triathlon series will finish on the toughest challenge yet, the Half Ireman at Groomsport on Sunday 22nd August.

Each of the triathlons cover different distances to suit all abilities from the first-timer to the experience triathlete.

For more information visit www.tri247.com

10

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Tricks & Tips

his skill MTB master Dave Youngs continues jumps eed step-by-step guide to wheelies, sp

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

tutorials with a ps‌ and bunny ho Jake Samuels Pictures:

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NOVICE / BEGINNER:

BUNNY HOPS

bike’s ed jump is the ability to use the spe the and s thi n wee bet e together. enc The differ off the ground with the wheels e bik the se rai to y bod r you suspension and

Approach

leave the alise were you want the bike to Line up for your obstacle or visu bike. Push down the suspension to pre-load the ground. The easiest way is to use ad evenly on the press the bike. Keep low and spre once or twice on the bike to com elled in the air! e speed means more distance trav bike. The physics are simple - mor

The physics are simple more speed means more distance travelled in the air... obstacle Imagine a tree root or a water channel you want to clear. As the travel rebounds, extend your body to the upright position with your arms and legs moving together. Don’t let the front drop down too quick or the bike will nose dive. If you use SPD pedals this will help. However if you are using flats, try to flick your heels under the pedals and the rear will leave the ground. It’s a bit like jumping up in the air with the bike attached to you.

exit

ugh with the bike and As you come in to land, follow thro ’t let your body freeze or lock bend your elbows and knees. Don will cause you to crash. Stay your arms and legs out, as this es 1 and 2 when we were tackling smooth and light - remember issu . for the next urban or rural obstacle small drops? Look ahead ready

12

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Tricks & Tips

ADVANCED:

WHEELIES

lls that you ics. We are going to look at ski bas to k bac ng goi re we’ ss cla For this advanced w and style as you rip on the trail to add a bit of flo use and ed eet str the in rn lea can practice. Don’t start trying to spe of lot a e uir req lls ski the few attempts. along the single track. All over a large kerb on your first hop ny bun or , les tac obs h hig ot e shop. jump two-fo an expensive bill at your local bik and rs tea in end l wil it do Trust me, if you

Approach h at a fast Start on a flat surface and approac a comfortable, easy walking pace. You should be in brake with one to pedal gear. Cover your back tly back and sligh ht finger. Move your body weig set as a clock n bend your arms. Imagine your chai the 2 o’clock face. As your leading foot passes e force than position, push down with a bit mor look ahead. On and back e mov usual. Let your body of your bike will your first few attempts the front half a pedal turn. If come crashing back down after and you feel like the front wheel comes up too high , touch the back you are going to fall off the back down. brake and the front will come back

obstacle If you are trying to clear an obstacle you should have started approx half a metre from the kerb obstacle. Don’t look at the root, hit it will you or be or whatever it may the p Kee or come off your line. k pedals turning and drag the bac or brake if you start to come too high gather too much speed. You are t aiming to get the bike to the poin k Loo s. htles weig were the front feels the If . ahead and past the obstacle r bike moves left or right, move you right knees in or out and hips left or nter cou and ight stra to keep the bike . the balance problems

exit

drop the front by using the back Once clear and you are happy, ’t want to keep your weight back, you don brake or stop pedalling. Try and h weight. load the front end with too muc use all the front suspension or pre-

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

13

011-014 Dave Youngs Pages V02.qxp

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ADVANCED:

SPEED JUMPS

Approach

to manoeuvre the bike onto or over You need the speed to allow you jump to photos we are using the speed the obstacle. In this sequence of ent like a kerb. g similar in the urban environm represent a step-up or somethin your pedals r weight into the back third with Centre your pedals and move you of the bike r body mass over the rear third centred. Lean back and place you ugh the thro h pus and Pull up on the bars as you want the front end to rise. mpts. atte few will be difficult on your first pedals with your legs bent. This

obstacle Start to move your body weight of the bike. forward and into the middle third the bars up Here comes the tricky bit. Push rear of the and away from you to bring the ing on a land are you bike off the ground. If landing by little flat tabletop you can cheat a your hing the front wheel on the top and pus body weight forward.

exit

kly as possible into Try and move your weight as quic a normal attack position ready the middle third and settle in to ension will have gone through for the next bit of trail. The susp to its full travel. Don’t let this its travel and will be rebounding as taught in issue 1 and 2. push you off line. Look forward

■ 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 4: Wet roots, Switchbacks, Gap Jumps 14

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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016-017 CRC Advert Iss03.qxp

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016-017 CRC Advert Iss03.qxp

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018-019 stevie bell pages V03.qxp

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Minterview

Meet the Mech a STEVE BELL: TEAM COMMENCAL pictures: Sven Martin | www.svenmartinphotography.com

AGE: I'm 42 and I’ve been riding bikes from

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY INVOLVE?

down and hope that we get some good

the age of 4.

On a typical race day myself and Andy Ward

results! Then it’s time to start packing away

LIVES: Dromore

(the other mechanic) would arrive at the pits

all the pits and bikes.

around 7-7.30am to set everything out i.e HOW DID YOU GET

turbo-trainers, work-stands bikes etc. We do

WHAT’S LIFE LIKE ON THE ROAD?

INTO THE DH SCENE?

a few bike checks and then the riders would

It’s pretty damn tiring! People seem to think

I started racing BMX in 1982 and raced for

do one or two practice runs. Then we would

oh Steve's in Canada, Australia, Italy,

15-16 years all over the place, on the

almost do a complete rebuild before the

America having a good time, but it’s intense and bloody hard work. On the

mainland, Europe and in America.

plus side I’m getting to see the

I got into DH around 95-96 and raced Irish Nationals, British Nationals , NORBAs and a few

Steve enjoying one of the local trails during a well earned break back home

world on a circuit doing something I enjoy rather than slogging it out in a job that I

World Cups for a few years.

don't give a crap about.

WHO WERE YOUR SPORTING IDOLS GROWING UP?

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER

I didn’t really have any when I was

HIGHS TO DATE?

younger, but I do now. A few that

High points had to be Andorra

really stand out are Valentino Rossi

World Cup 2008 (which just

Lance Armstrong and James

happens to be where

Stewart (a US supercross rider).

Commencal are based) when Dan won the 4x, then Rachel

WHEN DID YOU DECIDE YOU'D

won the women's DH and

LIKE TO BE A MECHANIC?

Gee won the men’s DH all in

I didn’t really plan to be a World

the same weekend. Then the

Cup mechanic, it sort of happened

World Champs in Italy the

by accident. I went to the 1st WC in

same year when Rachel won

Spain with Ben Reid just to hang

the women's DH and Gee

out and was offered the job with

won the men’s within hours of

Commencal for the 2nd round and

each other, something that

that was that really, so I've been with

has never been done by any

the team since 2007.

family in any discipline of cycling.

EVER GET CAUGHT IN SIBLING RIVALRY BETWEEN DAN, GEE

WHERE DO YOU MOST

AND RACHEL?

LIKE TO RIDE? My favourite places to ride

I guess they're just like any other family that spend a lot of time

race runs, making sure everything is pretty

are probably Canada i.e Whistler and

together - there's a bit of rivalry and some

much as perfect as possible. We would take

Silverstar, Moab Utah in America and the

tension sometimes, but I pretty much let

a turbo-trainer to the top of the course for

French Alps like Morzine, Les Gets, Chatel.

them get on with it, it's easier that way.

warm-up at race time and then head back

18

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Minterview

h anic

WHAT ARE YOUR PREDICTIONS FOR

a badly broken finger.

WORLD CUP PODIUM SUCCESS THIS

The men’s is going to be pretty close

YEAR?

between Greg Minnaar (rd1 winner) Sam

I think Rachel will probably be unchallenged

Hill, Brendan Fairclough and Steve Peat who

if the 1st round is anything to go by winning

you can never rule out, though I do think

by 10 seconds in the muddy conditions with

Gee may just win the series this year as he only lost the 1st place by 0.25 in Rd 1 with not the greatest of race runs which is the best start to a year he's ever had so it's a big boost.

I also think that our own Ben Reid is closing in on a podium place somewhere this year which will be very well received by everybody on the circuit as Ben is one of the hardest working and most liked riders out there. The 4x is going to be a catch up for Dan after 2 rounds of bad luck as Aussie Jared Graves leads the way, but Dan is the fastest and most complete rider out there so we'll see.

IF YOU WEREN'T DONG THIS WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING? I’d maybe try my hand at coaching or something. o Follow the progress of the Atherton

it’s intense and bloody hard work, On the plus side I’m getting to see the world...

Team on www.athertonracing.co.uk

DH 4X Stevie does it all. Often there is more to being a wrench than just working on bikes, Like in golf the caddy makes important strategic decisions like what club to select or in this case what tyres to run

19

020 Adverts x 2.qxp

8/7/10

16:39

Page 20

of Ăźberdog Missed issue one or two

magazine?

SHAME ON YOU! ÂŁ2 Buy them online for just

with FREE P&P*

o.uk www.uberdogmagazine.c

You'd be barking not to!

* Free postage to UK only

20

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mtb

The power of six Rostrevor…

The Chain Reaction Cycles Intense 2010 Race Team hit the trails inpictures: Nigel Elder@CRC

T

he Chain Reaction Cycles

Then it was back up

Intense 2010 Race Team

North to the CRC HQ

returned for the third

located just outside Belfast

consecutive season, looking

for a clean up and an

better than ever with more

advertising photoshoot.

vans, a cool new trainer and the best looking graphics and race kit to date.

Five became six with the addition of

The next day it was off to Rostrevor to test out the new M9. The team took to

new team member, Finland’s Matti

the woods like a hot knife

Mehikoinen, who joined seasoned

through butter, hitting up

members Chris Kovarik, Julien Camellini,

lines and shutting down

Matt Simmonds, Ruaridh Cunningham and Claire Buchar.

The team flew over to Belfast to visit the Chain Reaction Cycles headquarters, meet the CRC family and set up and test the brand new 2010 M9 Protos that they would be using this year.

It was an eventful few days with the team travelling to Cork to compete in round 3 of the Irish NPS where they secured several podium positions on a course that Claire described as being like “peanut butter mixed with Nutella”.

trail sections that locals have been riding for years. Giving everyone who rides these trails regularly an eye opening experience as to what is possible. “It’s a wonder guys like Ben Reid are quick buggers as the trails didn’t disappoint with off camber wet roots, big rock gardens, tight sections and open and fast at the bottom,” reported Chris Kovarik. o

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

Follow the team’s progress through out the season at www.crcintense.com

21

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The bustling pit area

Darragh O’Connor Club: EPIC MTB Category: Sport Position on day: 19

ROUND 6 saw the DH contingent converge on the picturesque Glen of Imaal to take on a spanking new track built by the Epic MTB DH crew. The warnings of unexploded shells from the neighbouring Irish Army artillery range soon paled to insignificance as we were slowly and cruelly eaten alive by a plague of midges of biblical proportions. A few wellprepared riders had come with full head nets and walked the camp unmolested as the rest of us walked around slapping and scratching.

Practice day ended with a drive-in cinema experience with a difference when Drifted II was projected onto the sidewall of the Cycling Ireland tent. In the late evening smoky fires were the order of the day if you

wanted to enjoy a brew without losing a pint of blood.

Race day commenced with an international incident as the Irish Army, all two of them, got upset when a steward blocked the gate to their range. The weather had been promising all weekend and allowed for a dry first run on a course packed with cracking features. Then the heavens opened. The wet track might have rendered the race over as a competition but more fun was had in the mud on the second run. More importantly, the midges were forced to seek shelter in tents and campers where they laid their eggs by the million. A great weekend on the whole, once you stopped scratching it! o

for full race details and results log onto IrishDH.com Adam Tarbett Club: Flow Racing Category: Under 16 Position on day: 7

The beautiful Wicklow mountains - where better to spend your weekends?

Derek Davoren Club: MBW Racing Category: Sport Position on day: 2 Kamil Hnyk Club: Dublin Blazers Bmx Category: Master Position on day: 10

22

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David Lenehan Club: Lakeside Whs Mullingar Category: Master Position on day: 5

Tom Clogher Club: TC Racing Category: Sport Position on day: 13

Scott Leaney Club: Roscolines Category: Junior Position on day: 9

Jack Crowley Club: 021 Racing Category: Under 14 Position on day: 3

Dan Sheridan Club: Flow Racing Category: Under 16 Position on day: 1

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

23

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skateboard

Board M e your typical There was no table, wipe board or suits in sight because this wasn’t skaters in the ‘bored’ meeting. This was a gathering of some of the most skilled north and the topic of discussion was…? Yep, you guessed it, boards!

PADDY MAGUIRE BOARDER CO. BOARD

This board has a really sick shape and it’s Irish made which is good because you’re supporting a local business. I love the graphic on it and at £45 it’s pretty cheap compared to some of the imported boards, so you’re saving money and supporting Irish. I’ve had about six of these boards, I love them.

LUKE HUMPHREYS BAMBOO BOARD

I bought my board in Spiral Threads in Belfast and I love it. It just feels different - it’s got more pop and although it feels a lot lighter, I think it’s even sturdier than a maple board, I went down a set of six steps on it no problem. The bamboo definitely reacts differently and it seems to be really hard wearing. I’d say it’s cheaper than maple for the quality you’re getting and the concave is just perfect, there’s not a fault in sight.

24

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skateboard

M eeting...

CHRIS FORSYTHE SLAVE BOARD from HYPE

I skate on a Slave board because it’s got a great shape and is dead durable. This deck costs about £55 and is pretty wide which makes it good for landing big jumps. I wouldn’t recommend it for a beginner who should start on something thinner which will flip faster, but for someone who can skate for longer, it’s a sick board.

DRYDAN FRACTURE BOARD

My board is a great value for money - it’s durable and gives a good ride. What I really like about Fracture boards is that you can skate them straight away, you don’t need time to get used to it.

25

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skateboard

JARED BAMBOO BOARD

I think the bamboo board definitely has more pop. The fibres are really strong and it doesn’t wear away at the tail.

I’ve had my board for a month now and apart from a bit of side splitting which was easy to fix with some super glue it’s perfect - not bad going considering I’ve been known to go through ten boards in one month! I’ll be staying on bamboo and although the board is really plain, I’ve had lots of fun customising it with my own design.

NIALL CAMPBELL BLUE PRINT BOARD from HYPE

I love my board. The best thing is that it’s really big (8.125) which gives it loads of pop and helps me with my steez. I’ve learnt a lot on this board – it’s a nice shape and a good size. It costs about £45 so it’s one of the better value boards and you can have lots of fun with it.

26

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skateboard

Longboard Challenge Tried & Tested: LUSH SAMBA OFF SEASON LONGBOARD £200 (complete) from SURF MOUNTAIN

DRYDAN: This is a great board if you’re into filming as it delivers a really smooth ride. It’s super for hills and can really pick up speed. Great fun and a nice change from the normal skateboard.

Bored with flat ground skating, three of our riders took the Lush longboard for a spin downhill and despite several spills and a few holes in shoes and teeshirts, they all wanted more…

JARED: This is the sort of board I’d like to take out for a day into the countryside just chillin’, listening to music and enjoying the sunshine.

I’ve only had a few goes on it but that’s enough to make me want to go out and buy one right away.

LUKE: This is something really different, it’s a real blast and great for getting up some speed.

It’s the best adrenaline rush I’ve had for ages and I definitely want to buy one.

WIN THE LUSH longBOARD Like what you see? You could win the very board used in our test (scratches included), worth £200 courtesy of überdog magazine and Surf Mountain.

To enter visit our website www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk and follow the competition link. Good luck.

Competition closing date Friday 3rd September. Full terms and conditions online. www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

27

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In part two of his skate tutorial Luke Humpreys reveals how to master the Pop Shove–it...

Lesson 2: The Pop Shove-it invented by Rodney Mullen The Pop Shove–it is when the board rotates 180 degrees sideways. It was variations to this trick few a are and is the core to a lot of other more advanced tricks. There which means the board “BS” or ide” but the one I will be teaching you in this issue is called “backs but we shall “FS” or side” rotates the way your toes are facing. The other variation is “front why not try them 360?

180 look at this in another issue. Once you have learned to do them

1

REQUIRED SKILLS: THE OLLIE SET YOUR FEET up in the Pop Shove-it position. (shown to the right) Bend your knees ready to jump and prepare to scoop the board around with your back foot. Keep your balance and remember to do the trick as if you are always going to land it.

EXTEND your legs and snap down on the tail. The back foot does all the work in this trick, so as you snap down scoop your back foot behind you to create the spin.

Remember, the harder the scoop the faster the spin. It takes time to generate the right force on the board but you’ll soon get it.

2

AS THE BOARD finishes its rotation, stomp down with your front foot first. Try and get your foot to land on the bolts for a more stable catch. Once your front foot is down your back foot should drift onto the rear bolts naturally.

28

AS YOU SCOOP the board, jump in the air so it can rotate beneath you. Also jump forwards slightly, because when the board is in the air it usually moves in front of you. It requires quite a bit of practice to jump at the precise height and distance forward until it becomes natural.

3

4

AFTER the board is on the ground, bend your knees to absorb the impact and roll away with steeze!

5

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Skateboarding

step 1

step 2

step 3

step 4

step 5

Starting foot position

COMMON PROBLEMS: Even though the Pop Shove-it is known as a fairly basic trick it’s not without its problems, however most of them usually relate to getting the jump and scoop just right. Since I have started skating my Pop Shove-its have changed quite a lot, because as I get more proficient, I can pop the board higher and therefore I need to change the amount of force needed to scoop.

Remember, if the board isn’t getting

the full rotation you are not scooping hard enough, and if you feel you are scooping as hard as possible but still can’t get the rotation, try popping harder. If you land on the ground before the board (this happened to me a lot!) try popping a little less but jumping a little higher. As I have said before, it takes a lot of practice to get it right, but once you start landing them it doesn’t take long before it starts to feel natural! o

Giving it a go?

Why not video your attempts, whether successful, disastrous or just plain daft, and email them into tv@uberdogmagazine.co.uk

at If you are still having trouble check out Luke’s youtube channel should www.youtube.com/sk4tebox where you’ll find a video tutorial that help. Check it out and subscribe to it for more trick-tips. www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

29

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Mountain boarders came out in force to celebrate World Mountain Board Day at Surfin' Dirt recently.

The event attracted riders from across Ireland to what is the only official mountain board course in the country. A world first was also recorded when Irish rider Leo Gorman became the first Irish rider to perform a backflip on his board. Leo, who is current UK under 14 freestyle and boarder cross champion celebrated in style by pulling endless of stunts out the bag and showing the rest of us how to do it in style!

Photos: Andy McCombe

Back Flip Record Leo Gorman captured performing the first back flip on a mountain board by an Irish rider

30

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032-033 Rollerbladder Atkinson V02.qxp

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rollerblading

Ian Atkinson swapped Northern Ireland for Texas last year, a rollerblading his way into the street skate culture and bagging Thrillaz’… staring role in a new skate video, ‘Lone Starpictures: Thomas McClelland NAME: Ian Atkinson

growing up, so I guess the trick I find most

AGE: 20

enjoyable is a nice long Alley-oop Unity.

Pictures: Thomas McClelland

CURRENTLY LIVING: Bangor. I just returned from San Antonio a

WHY DID YOU MOVE TO TEXAS?:

few weeks ago.

I moved initially for college, but I had an idea the weather and skating would be

HOW DID YOU GET INTO

great and I had already skated some of the

ROLLERBLADING?

skateparks over there and made friends,

A long time ago on TV they showed the

so that was another big factor. As soon as I

ASA rollerblading competitions and I saw a

moved there, Tom McClelland and Chris

very old edition with Nicky Adams. At this

Kerr visited for a couple of weeks and we

time I was rolling around the streets on

met all the local San Antonians so it was

Argos skates and jumping off curbs. A few

easy to get established and I got to skate

months later I got some junior K2 skates

about 4 times a week while I lived there.

and started going down to the McKee clock and jumping the three stairs there.

WHAT IS THE VIDEO LONE STAR

There I met older rollerbladers like Michael

THRILLAZ AND HOW DID YOU GET

Beverland, Stephen Bradley and Ally

INVOLVED IN THAT?

McMullan who encouraged me to progress

It's a video produced out of San Antonio,

and try new things.

featuring the LST crew which is all over Texas. A good friend of mine, Josh Castillo, picture: Thomas McClelland

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING

was shooting it so although I was only

THE SPORT?

there for a while I was able to get a bunch

I got my first proper pair of skates in

of clips for him and travel with him to get

sure I'll be able to represent out there as I

November '01 so I guess it's been over 8

more footage.

know a lot of people who skate there.

years now.

WHEN IS THE VIDEO ON RELEASE?

DO YOU THINK ROLLERBLADING HAS

WHERE DID YOU GO TO PRACTICE?

The video is due to be released in late July

A BRIGHT FUTURE IN IRELAND?

The summer after I started skating street

at skate shops across the US including

I think the scene has definitely died down

the skatepark in Bangor opened up, so I

Low Life skate shop, SDSF skate shop and

in recent years, but those who truly love

basically lived there! Everyone would leave

Revolution skate shop, along with Low

the sport will keep doing it. There are a lot

at about 6pm, I'd go home for dinner and

Life's new video and a Lone Star T shirt

of outdoor parks opening down south

go back to the skatepark until it closed.

thrown in for a package deal, definitely

which is encouraging as the kids now have

worth checking out!

somewhere to skate and as a result the scene seems to be growing down there.

HOW DID YOU LEARN YOUR TRICKS? Most people I skated with were older than

DO YOU SEE A FUTURE FOR

Up here there aren't the same

me so I would just try and copy what they

YOURSELF AS A ROLLERBLADER?

opportunities so fewer kids are getting into

were doing or what I saw in videos. Other

I see myself skating as long as my body

the sport which is a shame. But even in the

than that, a lot of falling and perseverance!

lets me! I'm only 20 now and I know

north rollerblading has a small, but

people in their late 20's and early 30's who

definitely bright future. o

WHAT IS YOUR SIGNATURE MOVE?

are still able to get a good session. So I

I skated a lot of ledges, rails and mini ramp

guess I'll see what the future has for me

Check out the trailer for Lone Star

but I'm moving to Dallas in August so I'm

Thrillaz at www.vimeo.com/10739938

32

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picture: Thomas McClelland

Everyone would leave at about 6pm, I'd go home for dinner and go back to the skatepark until it closed...

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surf

Go with the flow:

Off the Lip Building on last issueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leasson on how to master a bottom turn, surf coach Iain Gilmore shows us how to tackle a top turnâ&#x20AC;Ś

L

ast issue we learnt how to do

lip. Get low by compressing your body

straight up as you can. As you turn up

a bottom turn, the most

into a low crouching position and put

the wave your body will want to extend.

important move in surfing as

your trailing arm in the water for balance

Don't stand straight up and get all stiff,

it generates all the speed

and leverage. Really lean into it

just try to do what feels natural and flow

needed to launch you into

transferring your weight to the back foot.

with the wave. Open your shoulders into

your first turn on the wave face. This will be a top turn or off the lip.

Catch a front side wave with some

You should always be looking at the section you want to hit, even before you do your bottom turn. Bottom turn at a 75

the turn as the top half of your board comes over the lip.

The difference between a normal re-

power and a nice lip, look for some

degree angle to start and as you get

entry and a fins out re-entry is in how

speed! You need just a little bit less than

more and more comfortable go as

long you wait before you change

you would for an air. Start your bottom turn out on the flats. You want to accelerate through the bottom turn, and use your body like a spring to crack the

34

You should always be looking at the section you want to hit, even before you do your bottom turn...

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surf

direction and kick your fins out. Opening your shoulders will initiate the re-entry, and pushing out your back leg will turn it into a fins out re-entry. Keep watching the lip ahead and below you as you pivot over the middle of your board on the lip. Timing and balance are very important at this stage; If your weight is too far back you'll fall backwards off the lip onto the flats and your board will land on top of you, and if your weight is too far forward or you turn to late, you'll be left out the back of the wave.

You want to end up with the lip in between your feet with your back leg extended, and pushing through the turn.

Your front leg should be bent in a straight line over your body, from your leading shoulder to your knee, over your front foot. Stay low and go with the flow as your board pivots.

Try to look at the transition of the wave so you can get ready for your descent. As the lip starts to fall you will hopefully be going with it. If it's a heavy section step on your tail in preparation for an air drop; if not cruise back into the wave and hit the lip again. o KEY POINTS: • POWER through your bottom turn straight up towards a throwing lip.

• ROTATE your shoulders into the turn and use your body’s extension to spring off the lip.

• KICK your fins out when your board is half way over the lip.

• EXTEND your back leg while keeping your front leg bent and the lip between your legs.

• WATCH the waves transition to ride it out.

■ Iain Gilmour is a qualified ISA Surfing Coach and owns Adventure One Surf School in Donegal. He has over 28 years surfing experience in breaks all over the world.

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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surf

A buyers guide and if you Long, short, thick, thin…there’s a board out there to suit every wave . Here Iain want to make the most of the surf, you need to ride the right board for you…

Gilmore turns personal shopper and advises on which board is right hen you first go to a surf

The second option is the plastic or

to their hand-made mini-‘mal’s (i.e. Malibu,

epoxy moulded plastic board (Bic,

or longer boards) for several years longer as

shop to buy a surfboard it

2

can seem quite a

NSP, Highfly).

they come in handy for the small summer

daunting task, especially

Some surfers call these kinds of boards

swells. Hand-made boards are more

when presented with a

‘plastic fantastics’ and they are available in

expensive due to the fact that the

rack of surfboards of all different shapes

all good surf shops and are considerably

manufacturing process is more labour

and sizes. If you are a complete beginner to

cheaper than a hand-made or ‘custom’

intensive with a board taking approx three

the sport the first question you should ask

board. Plastic boards usually cost around

days to shape, spray, glass and sand.

yourself is: how much do I want to pay?

£200 upwards new. They are lightweight

As surfing explodes in popularity in

Well as a beginner most surf schools would

and durable and because of this tend to

Ireland there has been an increase in

recommend a ‘mini-mal’ board which is a

hold their re-sale value quite well. The only

cheaper ‘hand made‘ boards imported from

board with a longboard shape (usually fatter

downside to these boards is that as you

the Far East. This definitely gives the

and rounder ends) but only 7’3” - 8 feet in

become an intermediate surfer you will

consumer more choice, but ask for people’s

length. As a basic rule of thumb you should

outgrow the board as they tend not to be as

opinion on them before you spend your

try to get a board that is at least 1-1.5 feet

responsive in turning as a hand-made

hard-earned money. It may be worth

taller than your own height.

board, due to the rails in the tail section

spending £100 more on a board that is well

You generally have three options:

being quite rounded.

made by a recognised shaper.

W 1

Buy a second hand board.

You could get these from looking in a

3

The third, and most expensive option, is a hand-made or custom board

For intermediate surfers who want to downsize from a 7’3 - 8’ mini-mal the best

local trading paper or online on sites like

tailored to your exact specification by a surf

way is to opt for a board 6’6 - 7’ in length,

www.irishsurfer.com. Many surf sites have a

board maker (or ‘shaper’). Although you are

with a shortboard template. This type of

buy and sell page. Most surf shops also

initially paying more for the board, people

board comes under many names, for

carry secondhand boards.

tend to find that they will hold on especially

example ‘Fat Boy Flier’, ‘Retro Rocket’ or The Malibu / Longboard or ‘Mal’, is enjoyed by surfers of all ages and abilities, an ideal board for beginners

36

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surf

to surfboards ‘Slayer’, but essentially they are very similar in shape. They still have plenty of width and volume, usually 19 3/4” -21” which is what

The shortboard is regularly used by professionals in surfing contests - it features a nose rocker and two to four fins that allow for quick, radical turns

as an intermediate you will still need to help you paddle into the wave, but they respond more critically and will really help develop your surfing. These boards are also great for the older surfer who still wants to ride a shortboard but isn’t getting in the water enough to be able to ride at the level he/she is used to.

As you progress as a surfer you will begin to understand how boards work and what types of boards suit what kind of conditions.

This will be where you will want to develop a ‘quiver’ of boards that can suit your needs, including the very shortest skinniest boards, called shortboards. Don’t make the mistake of buying a small, low-volume board at the very start.

At the start, many surfers buy a board that is far too short, and end up catching very few waves as a result. Smaller boards are generally harder to surf. For most people a quiver will include a longboard, a semi-gun and a shortboard or fish-style board for the smaller days.

When you feel you’re at this stage you will probably want your boards custom-made to your specifications by a shaper. Most shops can order custom-made boards and tend to use the same shaper each time they place an order, but there are also a number of shapers around Ireland who make quality boards at great prices.

Wherever you buy your board from, be it a shop or direct from a shaper, make sure you ask plenty of questions before you part with your cash. But most of all, be honest about your ability and you should end up with the right board. The right board means one thing - MORE WAVES!!

picture: Stephen Scullion

■ Iain Gilmour is a qualified ISA Surfing Coach and owns Adventure One Surf School in Donegal. He has over 28 years surfing experience in breaks all over the world.

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

37

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surf

board directory Shortboard

Retro / Egg

Shorter and narrower than a long board, the shortboard

This modern hybrid board is inspired by

allows for maximum maneuverability. Regularly used by

the original shortboard creation and is

professionals in surfing contests it features a nose

normally thicker, flatter and wider than a

rocker and two to four fins that allow for quick, radical

shortboard. Typically features a rounded

turns. While not recommend for a beginner they are

nose and tail for extra floatation. Super

super fun for anyone with a bit of experience.

fun for catching smaller waves.

Fish Taking its name from its fish-like profile, the Fish is shorter and wider than most short boards. Fish surfboards typically feature two to three fins and are extremely agile. Popular with experienced and moderately skilled surfers thanks to its ability to go fast in slower-breaking waves. Note: any type of board can have a fish tail, but isn't referred to as a Fish unless it has the other features of a Fish.

Malibu / Longboard A.k.a the ‘Mal’, the longboard is enjoyed by surfers of all ages and abilities.

A longboard ranges in length from 8’ to 10’6 and is ridden from the tail all the way to its nose. The thickness and length of a longboard make it easy to paddle and catch waves of all sizes. An ideal board for beginners.

Mini-Mal The Mini-mal is a shorter version of the longboard, or Malibu surfboard, but with characteristics that make it handle like a shortboard. It ranges in length from 7’2 to 8’2 and because of its width, it’s a good fit for beginners, heavier surfers, and anyone with the desire to catch more waves with less effort.

38

Big Wave Gun

Tow Board

Gun or paddle-in boards are thin and

For the most extreme waves which are too large to paddle

long (ranging from 7-12 ft) with a

into. Tow surfing is when the surfer is towed into the wave

single or thruster fin set up. Designed

typically behind a jet ski. Unlike the Guns, which are

to tackle monster waves, this board is

designed as longer boards to allow the surfers to paddle

built for speed and intensity and is a

into the big waves, Tow boards can be as short as

poor choice for all but the big wave

shortboards, with footstraps to keep the surfer attached to

surfer.

the board.

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039 CLUB PAGE ISS03 V02.qxp

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WHO IS THE CLUB FOR?

observer, surf kayaking could be compared

ranked junior surf kayakers in the world in the

Surf Kayaking enthusiasts of all abilities.

to board surfing with the obvious difference

IC section.

that the surfer is in a finned kayak.

However, we are not just a competition club;

WHAT DOES THE CLUB DO?

In the Northern Ireland Surf Kayaking Club

we hold ‘come and try it’ events for

The club’s objective is to promote

we have a league of four competitions each

newcomers in a friendly and safe

recreational surf kayaking in NI in order to

year held all round the North and South of

environment, but for those who are interested

increase participation, especially amongst

Ireland. The 16 squad members are then

in competing there’s always a chance of

juniors and women. Our aim is to increase

chosen from the rankings of the

winning a place on the squad or a prize.

the standard of surf kayaking and to

competitions. We have a plastic boat

promote good surf etiquette and

category for novices to encourage beginners

understanding amongst all surfers. In

and newcomers and the winner gets a brand

HOW OFTEN DOES THE CLUB MEET?

addition the club manages and develops the

new surf kayak.

We have four competitions each year and

NI Surf Kayak League and represents NISK

We have a very skilled team at present. At

we also meet for training and introduction

interests internationally.

the recent World Championships in Portugal

days.

there were a lot of great successes, for

SUMMARISE THE SPORT AND THE CLUBS ROLE WITHIN IT

example, Dessie McGlinchy finished 2nd in the Men’s IC (international class) and Jonny

WHAT DOES CLUB MEMBERSHIP INVOLVE?

Surf kayaking is an exhilarating sport that

Bingham was 3rd. We have a very active and

Club membership entitles you to use of

pushes you to the next level and encourages

promising junior section of the squad – Corin

boats, entry to competitions, free surf

you to conquer your fears. To an innocent

King and Andy McClelland are the two top

kayaking DVD produced by NISK.

NISK squad in Portugal Jonny Bingham Dessie McGlinchey

Chris Hobson Dessie McGlinchey take 2 Jake King

track them down at:

www.nisurfkayak.com

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kayak

Ramble River

A e on th

paddlers It may not deliver a white water ride, but the River Lagan offers ts… an opportunity for an easy wet-fix all year round as Iain Walker repor ’d rather lick a rats a**e”. An

“I

The people you see at these little weirs

races and canoe polo. A little further

interesting perspective on

are Belfast’s frustrated kayakers trying to

upstream from Shaw’s Bridge is Eel Weir

paddling in the Liffey (from a

make the best of what is, to be honest, a

(soon after Gilchrist footbridge). Many

Dublin kayaker).

fairly unremarkable river for a white-water

kayakers do their first short river run down

Understandable enough,

enthusiast. You see Ireland gets a lot of

the Lagan from Drumbeg and this weir is

rivers running through cities collect all

rain but most of it falls in winter and the

the main point of interest on what is

manner of interesting objects from the

river levels rise and fall quickly the rest of

otherwise a fairly basic flat river. While the

ubiquitous stolen bikes and shopping

the year. Many rivers are too low to run

trolleys to dead dogs and the occasional

after March/April but some like the Lagan

headless torso. Nice for anaerobic

can be messed about with year round,

bacteria and rats, not so good for water

especially for beginners, intermediates,

sports ...

and anyone living close by wanting an

So what of our own dear Lagan? Any visit to Shaw’s Bridge at the weekend and

Many kayakers do their first short river run down the Lagan from Drumbeg and this weir is the main point of interest on what is otherwise a fairly basic flat river

easy wet-fix.

The weirs and rocks at Shaw’s Bridge

you’ll likely see what appear to be lunatics

also offer a good spot to have a look at

frantically trying to paddle up a tiny weir

different types of kayaking and maybe

but never quite making it. Instead they

have a think about whether it could be for

keep flipping end-over-end or bobbing

you. You’ll see traditional open canoes

vertically in the water. Given the apparent

with people going for the waterborne

likelihood of everything from Weil’s

equivalent of a ramble; beginner groups

disease to bubonic plague there must be

learning their first skills; playboaters

a reason. There is - fun!

practising stunts; and sometimes slalom

You’ll likely see what appear to be lunatics frantically trying to paddle up a tiny weir but never quite making it Instead they keep flipping end-over-end or bobbing vertically in the water

40

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kayak

weir can be run at most water

cleaner these days, just keep

levels it changes significantly

your mouth closed if you

according to the water flow with

capsize. Hardly a taxing white-

a surprising number of rocks

water ride but it gives a reliable

exposed in low levels. In high

little bit of water to play with

water the weir can catch out the

when the big stuff isn’t delivering

unwary and many paddlers have

or for a mess about on a

taken swims here that they’d

summer evening. Many of us

rather not admit to (Mark). Again

learned the basics there so still

this is a good spot to stand and

have a soft spot for it. As for the

watch if there are paddlers

people in little boats trying to

around and of course having

paddle up the weir ... clap when

someone looking at them will

they get their boats vertical –

pile the pressure on to any of the

that’s what they’re trying to do. o

Clap when they get their boats vertical – that’s what they’re trying to do

less experienced as they line up to take the short drop.

So what’s the verdict? ...

■ Improvements are currently being made to the Lagan’s

Deadly (in the liver failure sense)

canoe trail. We’ll be

or dead good? To be honest

reporting on the new

neither. The river is much

developments in issue 4

the weir can catch out the unwary and many paddlers have taken swims here that they’d rather not admit to... www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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paddlesports

The Donegal

Sea Kayake r

Outdoor On a break from his day job as centre manager at Tollymore National its surrounding Centre, Trevor Fisher explores the diverse waters of Donegal and paradise… islands, revealing why this spot is fondly described as a paddlers

W

hat is it about sea

down, but it is a magical place, particularly

lying, surrounded by small cliffs, with many

kayaking in Donegal?

as you think of the journey ahead. Do leave

zawns, bays and arches.

You always come away

plenty of time for exploring the coast, with

with the feeling that you

the caves and arches providing plenty of

any of the island groups where you are

need to go back, to go

opportunity for rockhopping and landing at

bound to find some shelter.

to the next island, go round the next headland, explore the next bay... That

If conditions are not ideal, head north to

the few beaches along the way.

The few beaches are spread along the

The Bunbeg Area

feeling of ‘I want some more’ ensures that

coast and are only accessible from the sea,

Bunbeg is a small, very sheltered harbour

we always do go back. However, the more

in calm conditions. This is definitely a trip to

giving convenient access to a number of

we go back, the more blanks there are to fill

be undertaking in settled conditions to allow

islands in the area, such as Cruit, Owey,

in. It is a vicious circle, of the most enjoyable kind!

The number of islands and bays, of

Donegal Coast, near Dunbeg

exposed headlands and high cliffs ensures that there is generally somewhere to paddle in most weather conditions, throughout the year. This brief introduction will give a taster for two very different areas, from the huge cliffs of Slieve League to the group of islands further north, around Bunbeg.

Slieve League The 13km section of coast between Malinbeg and Teelin has some of the most spectacular cliffs on the Irish coast. They rise to over 600 metres from the Atlantic, making them the second highest in Ireland and almost three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher in Clare. The coast has waterfalls plunging into the sea, arches, plenty of caves and the occasional stoney beach to land on. Although the section of coast is only 13km long, most will paddle a much

for full exploration of the coast. The fetch

Gola and Umfin. Cruit is, in fact, joined to

greater distance, spending time exploring

from North America to Slieve League is

the mainland and it is possible to drive to

and taking in the atmosphere.

quite long, so conditions can get extremely

the northern tip of the island where there is

challenging in onshore winds. When

a small slipway, giving easy access to

and Teelin is quite long and tedious, so

conditions and fitness levels allow, a small

Owey. Owey has been uninhabited since

many paddlers choose to do the journey

detour out to Rathlin O’Beirne is very

about 1980, but a number of houses have

‘there and back’, launching at the sheltered

worthwhile. This small island is 2km off the

been renovated in recent years. The

pier in Malinbeg. It is quite a steep carry

coast from Malinbeg. It is relatively low

harbour, which lies on the eastern end of the

The shuttle for the trip, between Malinbeg

42

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paddlesports

l Coast:

e râ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paradise island, is very sheltered, but easy to miss if

A circumnavigation of Gola gives a great

variety of rockclimbs, at most grades, giving

you are paddling from the south. The coast

day out, with arches and cliffs, caves,

something for everyone.

of Owey is spectacular, with arches, cliffs

hidden bays and exposed headlands - all

and an unusual canyon north of the

on a relatively small island. The main

well worth a visit. The coastal scenery is

harbour. Tides in the sound between Owey

attraction for many outdoor enthusiasts is

spectacular and there is limited

and Cruit can be strong and the sea

however, the rockclimbing. Every year,

rockclimbing. The island was always too

choppy, especially with the wind against the

during the summer months, many climbers

small to sustain a viable community but

tide.

camp on Gola, above the beach on the

there is evidence of some habitation in the

western side of the island. There is a wide

past.

There are a number of islands between

Umfin is a small island north east of Gola,

Owey, and Gola to the North, including Bo island and Inishinny and Inishcoole, however the next major island is Gola. Gola is a large, beautiful island - the main village was deserted by the 1970â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, but the island once supported a population of 200 people.

A circumnavigation of Gola gives a great day out, with arches and cliffs, caves, hidden bays and exposed headlands all on a relatively small island

Owey Landing

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Slieve Leage cliffs

paddlesports

The general area, particularly close to Bunbeg is very sheltered and provides a great alternative to the more exposed sections of the Donegal coast to both the north and south. Having said that, it is always worth remembering that conditions can change quickly, especially on the more exposed western sides of the islands and in some of the narrower channels where a chop can kick up when wind opposes the tide.

Camping Most of the islands have good campsites, many also have access to fresh water.

Details of all campsites, landing and embarkation points, water, plus lots of other useful information will be found in ‘Oileain’ (see below)

Equipment A sound sea kayak is required for any open trip in this area. The type chosen is very

Eireann both have good websites, with

the outside of the islands, eddying. The

much down to personal preference. It is

synoptic charts, marine forecasts and

streams in the channels tend to be from HW

useful to have the ability to store kit and

coastal reports so are worth checking out.

Galway +0130

camp on any of the islands, so front and

Tides

Alternative Activities

rear hatches are useful. Do be aware that

Tides off Malinbeg run N strongly for nine

Donegal is well known for its wide variety of

conditions can change quickly,

and a quarter hours out of the twelve,

climbing, particularly on accessible coastal

starting at HW Galway -0300 and run S

cliffs, as well as surfing. Good rockclimbing

kit, waterproofs and wear a properly fitting

weakly for the other three from about just

can be found on Gola, Cruit and Owey

spraydeck and buoyancy aid. Additional kit

before LW Galway. The spring rate of the N

slands, as well as on Sail Rock. There are

such VHF, towline, repair kit, food and drink,

going stream is about 1.5 knots and the S

plenty of good pubs, some of which have

spare paddles, hat, suncream and a

going stream is very weak.

great music, a wide range of

keep it dry, especially if you are planning to

Also remember to bring adequate spare

camera should also be considered.

The main offshore tidal stream from Aran

accommodation including hostels,

to Bloody Foreland starts and finishes half

campsites and B&Bs, plus good hillwalking

Weather

an hour earlier than the main west coast

for those wishing to venture further inland.

Checking the weather forecast is a must

tidal stream further S. The NE flood starts at

(and not just the 30 second forecast on the

HW Galway -0350 and the ebb at +0235. In

Resources

music stations!). The Met Office and Met

this region however, it merely brushes off

Check out ‘Oileain’, and excellent guide to Irish Islands, written by Dave Walsh. The Irish Sea Kayaking Association (www.irishseakayakingassociation.org) has plenty of good advice and an active forum where most questions can be posted and answered. o

■ Trevor Fisher is the Manager of Tollymore National Outdoor Centre. He is an experienced sea kayaker, sailor and climber.

Tollymore National Outdoor Centre is Sport NI’s National Outdoor training centre and is located close to the Mourne Mountains in Co Down, for more information visit www.tollymore.com

44

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zip line

Todd’s Leap of Faith offers Ireland’s largest Zip Line has finally landed at Todd’s Leap and it one hell of a ride as office manager Patricia Currie experienced… magine your wildest fantasies of

and 15-20 builders watching me sail

being Tarzan or Jane being vividly

down the line from the roof of our new

brought to life as you feel total

extension - WOW what an experience!

I

exhilaration, swinging at high speed

I glided past the drop off point and

from pole to pole through the valley

wondered ‘where am I going now?’ but I

in County Tyrone.

I have just come off the Zip Line at

soon returned to the platform for off loading. I can honestly say it was one of

Todd’s Leap and I’d totally recommend it.

the most exhilarating things I’ve ever

Yes it takes a bit of bravery as you take

done (parachute jump - tick, bungee -

the ‘Todd’s LEAP’ of faith but it’s well

tick, paragliding - tick) but the Zip Line -

worth it when you’re whizzing down the

well it beat them all and I can’t wait to

valley shouting ‘wooo hoooo’.

have another go!

The instructors were fantastic and unbelievably patient with us girls who

■ If you’d like to experience a

were a bit apprehensive (it is very high)

breathtaking rush of adrenaline as you fly

but they checked everything several

through the air on the Todd’s Leap Zip

times, strapping us into our harnesses

Line or Mini Zip, call the centre today for

while we were on the ground and

special introductory offer prices.

making several safety checks to ensure

Tel: 028 8556 7170, www.toddsleap.com

they were well secured.

Despite not being particularly religious I felt the need to say a couple of prayers...

From here it’s a 30-foot climb up enclosed steps to the top of the tower and out onto the platform, which is where my problems started.

When it came to stepping off the platform I found myself literally frozen with fear. Despite not being particularly religious I felt the need to say a couple of prayers and make a few death bed confessions (think we might need a counsellor up there) and after umpteen checks with the instructor - “are you sure this is ok, are you really sure?” I was off (eyes closed, muttering a few more prayers).

As I ‘zipped’ across the valley I could see the tops of the trees, the archery butts, the paintball sites, the Land Rovers out doing off road driving, the super slide

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rescue

Who you go n North On call day or night, 356 days of the year, the members of the the West Mountain Rescue Team deserve our respect and support for tireless and entirely voluntary life saving work that they do…

P

icture the scene – a couple of

Eight of us went haring over to the source

reasons, have become stranded in the

climbers have been pitting

of the noise and we found the two lads

hills or mountains,”

their skills against some of

and got them stabilised and evacuated. It

the most challenging terrain

was the classic mountain rescue and

covered the Sperrins but over time its

in Ireland when weather

every team in Ireland was involved. I’ve

geographical range has expanded to

Initially as the name suggest the team

cover most of Northern Ireland

conditions change - a snow storm turns into a white out and they lose their way. Temperatures

The NWMRT (l-r) Tommy, Marie, Han and Stephen

with the exception of the Mourne Mountains, which has its own mountain rescue team.

are below freezing, conditions are life threatening and they are

This widening of borders

out of telephone range. It’s the

and the fact that more people

middle of the night, they’ve been

than ever are exploring the

stranded for many hours and

local landscape has resulted

their prospects are looking

in a surge in demand for the

bleaker by the second.

skills of the NWMRT as Han reveals: “ It’s got busier and

This was the reality that faced the North West Mountain Rescue

busier year upon year. When I

Team (NWMRT) members when a

first joined the team we were

call (or ‘shout’) came out for

under funded and under

assistance from their counter

used, now we are under funded and over used. With

parts in Wicklow. Han Fisher was

the number of shouts we have had so far

one of several team members who

this year, 2010 looks set to be bumper

responded and he recalls the day vividly: “It was probably my most memorable

been told it was the single biggest search

rescue to date. I got the call at midnight

that had been held in the island at that

that two ice climbers were in trouble. By

time (2009) and it was a hell of an

and planned events (organised walks and

this stage the Wicklow team had been out

experience to be part off.”

pilgrimages), so members make a heavy

for hours and were calling in support from

Han is just one of a team of around 48

year.”

In 2009 the NWMRT attended 65 rescue

commitment when they sign up and can

everybody. We couldn’t get a helicopter

volunteers that make up the present

be expected to receive a call at least once

down as the weather was that bad, so we

NWMRT, a vital rescue group that has

a week.

drove and arrived at the scene at about

been servicing the province since 1980.

6am. I’d been in work the day before so

Yet despite the fact that the charity is

2009 and is nearing the end of her

by that time I had been awake for 24

about to celebrate its 30th anniversary,

probation period: “I absolutely love it,” she

hours.” Working alongside fellow NWMRT

awareness of its existence and the

enthuses, “We all have different roles that

members and members from the Mourne

selfless, life saving work that members do,

we play in the team and everyone gets on

Rescue Team, Han and the group

is relatively low.

really well. I’m still on probation as I have

searched for a further eight hours. “The

“I get really frustrated when people say

Marie joined the group in September

some training programmes to complete,

conditions were terrible,” he recalls. “We

to me ‘oh I didn’t know we had a

but my experiences so far have been

were walking through snow that varied

mountain rescue team,” says Han. “We

fantastic.”

from ankle deep to knee high, so it was

do, and we are being called upon more

A call can come at any moment, but

tough going. We were taking a quick

and more to provide vital assistance to

sods law it will be the middle of the night

break for food when we heard whistles.

people who, for any number of different

when it’s lashing down! “We all get a call

50

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rescue

o nna call?

We normally wouldn’t’ work on the cliff face, This is usually the coast guards area, but we can and we do...

probation for about a year during which time we train them up across a number of skills including first aid, navigational skills, rope tying, equipment technology, helicopter training…the list goes on. It can take a year and half before someone is a full team member, so for an entirely voluntary team that’s a big time investment.”

Of course a big time investment means a big cost investment and for the charity, funding is a constant source of concern.

“As well as funding individual and group training courses we have a massive investment in equipment each year,” Han explains. “Ropes, harnesses, helmets… they all have life spans and anything that becomes blood contaminated on a rescue operation has to be trashed. It’s a constant battle to stay on top of our equipment needs and then on top of that we have course fees, car tax, fuel, insurance etc…the list is enormous.

“Grant funding from Sport NI allowed us to buy three vans and sort out a rescue base in County Fermanagh which we use for training, but that funding is starting to dry up now so this year we will be doing a Stephen descends Fairhead to rescue an abseiler (in this case, Han)

lot of fund raising events and will be relying on getting a few new sponsors.”

Operating as a voluntary organisation all

in the form of an SMS text and you reply

and capable of tackling any rescue

the members devote their time for free:

with whether you can attend or not,” Marie

scenario.

“No one is paid anything,” adds Han. “We

explains. “The team are totally committed

Han explains the training process: “We

can claim back petrol mileage but at the

with each member committing to attend at

have a waiting list of volunteers that want

end of the day we are a charity, so if we

least 60% of call outs.”

to come on board, but it’s expensive to

do we’ve just got to stand on the side of

take on a new recruit and it takes a long

the street with a collection box to raise that

A paediatric nurse she brings vital first aid

time so we are naturally cautious when we

money again. I could probably live in a

skills to the group but at the end of her

take people on. New members go on a

much higher style if I didn’t do mountain

probationary period she will be competent

basic training course and are then on

rescue,” he laughs,

Marie is one of eight female members.

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rescue

are better and stronger in searches where

their own strengths to the group which is

five members of the team are in

For the purpose of today’s photo shoot

navigational skills are of paramount

great.”

attendance - Han, Marie, Stephen, Tommy

importance. Each team members brings

The saying goes that you are only as

and Anthony. There is clearly no room for

strong as the people around you and in

egos amidst this tight knit group and the

case of the NWMRT, there is certainly

camaraderie is obvious. Among them

strength in numbers, but this shouldn’t be

there is nurse, joiner, self-confessed IT

taken for granted.

geek and a fireman, and yet a common

The charity needs support, sponsorship

bond unites them - the desire to save

and funding in order to continue acting as

lives.

the guardian angel of walkers, climbers

“Our sole purpose is to protect life,”

and explorers in the mountains. So next

explains Anthony. “That covers all life from

time you see these volunteers collecting

age 0-100 years old, but children are

on a street corner, please give generously,

especially vulnerable and we’ve even

you never know when your life might be in

Our sole purpose is to protect life, That covers all life - we’ve even been called out to a couple of animal rescues...

their hands. o For more information on the North West Mountain Rescue Team or to make a donation visit www.nwmrt.org

been called out to a couple of animal rescues.”

Dispatched by the emergency services the NWMRT are often asked to aid the police or coastguard in search operations.

Every member I spoke to had had to overcome the unthinkable, standing strong in the face of death when a search operation ends in the discovery of a fatality: “Yes, we’ve all came across fatalities but we don’t like to talk about those operations out of respect for the family members of the victims involved,” says Tommy.

“We are warned when there may be a fatality involved,” adds Marie “ And if you aren’t comfortable with that you don’t need to attend the rescue - you are always given a choice, you’re never asked to do something you don’t feel comfortable with.”

In our photo shoot scenario an abseiler (Han) has got in trouble half way down the Fairhead and a member of the NWMRT (Stephen) drops in to the rescue “We normally wouldn’t’ work on the cliff face,” Stephen explains. “This is usually the coast guards area, but we can and we do. We are all trained to cope with a variety of rescue operations, but you’ll find that some people are more comfortable

Han and Tommy get to grips with the heardwear

with abseiling than others. Likewise some

52

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adventuring

out of

darkne s Mark Pollock’s expeditions have taken him from the hottest to the coldest places on earth and earned him a place amidst Ireland’s leading adventurers.

What’s truly remarkable is that Mark is blind, but for this competitive sportsman, that’s merely an inconvenience… years ago Mark Pollock was

12

total despair and then I found out that I could

guide dog called Larry and he started to hear

leading a charmed life - he

get on a computer course and get a

about blind people doing the things that he

was about to sit his finals at

computer that could talk back to me. I

aspired to do. “I learnt about blind bankers,

Trinity University in Dublin, he

thought that if I could do that, I could write a

lawyers, solicitors etc...and realised that there

had a job offer from an investment bank in

letter and apply for a job. There was a little

were people out there living with blindness.

London and he was an international rower.

glimmer of hope that if I could independently

So then I had to ask myself the question that

But life can be unpredictably cruel, and in the

everyone has to ask themselves - what is it

blink of an eye that all changed when two

that I want to do, because suddenly it was

weeks before sitting his final exams, Mark

possible.”

Just six months after losing his sight Mark

went blind with detached retinas. “It was unexpected and unexplained” he reveals. “I

had grown in confidence and ability and

went from riding on the crest of a wave to

returned to Dublin to start a job. “I wanted to

being stuck in my bedroom with no sight

live on my own,” he explains. “I knew I was

wondering what I was going to do with my

going to have to learn to be an independent

life.”

blind person and Dublin was a familiar city that felt safe to me, so that’s where I settled

“When I lost my sight I was no longer the

and where I’ve stayed. “

student soon-to-be banker. I went from all

Mark talks about rebuilding his identity in

those things that defined me, to a blind man

four parts - the rebuilding of work, study,

with no identity.”

sport and socialising. He laughs as he

There followed a period of despair, anger and blame but slowly Mark started making

explains that the socialising never stopped

small journeys towards rebuilding his life and

and talks with pride about how he worked for

redefining his identity.

“On the face of it it looks like I made the difficult choice, to get up and get on with my life, but actually lying in bed with your life 100% focused on something that you hate is the difficult bit.

“Over the last 12 years I have slowly but surely tried to get on with living my life and to squeeze the blindness out by filling my life with the things that I enjoy.

a number of different companies while

I went from riding on studying part-time for a Masters degree. But the final part of the jigsaw that clearly the crest of a wave to it’smeant the most - sport.

“Nearly three years after I went blind, the being stuck in my games which featured a bedroom with no sight commonwealth rowing regatta were coming up in 2002, wondering what I was so I decided to try and get back into the My aim was to get fit enough going to do with my life sport. to make the trials and I was

For me it was easier to get on with living than

write something, in some way that would

overjoyed when I got picked for the NI team.

lie in bed existing.”

lead onto something else. The computer

Getting back into rowing and sport was the

gave me a sense of hope that there was

key to everything else for me - that was really

potentially life after blindness.”

when I started to feel like ‘me’ again.”

Mark went blind on the10th April 1998 (the day of the Good Friday agreement) and after a few months and a couple of failed

Moving back to the security of his family

Although Mark still owns a rowing boat

operations, he came to the realisation that he

home in Belfast Mark took that first step to

and uses it as an important part of his overall

would face the rest of his life in complete

independence and enrolled in the computer

body fitness training, this ambitious

darkness: “For a couple of weeks I was in

course. Around the same time he got a

sportsman has gone on to conquer some of

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adventuring Mark became the first blind man to walk to the South Pole in 2009

e ss

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adventuring

the most challenging terrains and obstacles

competitive race. I don’t just like going for a

stand on one leg and close their eyes they’ll

in the world - most notably becoming the

walk in the mountains, I like the drive that

fall over,” he explains. “I’m having to walk or

first blind man to walk to the South Pole.

competitions instil in you and the people who

run without the eye co-ordination to help my

are involved in the race. There’s a great

balance, so my body has had to adjust over

the Gobi March, an extreme six marathon,

sense of camaraderie, even with the teams

time. When I was wearing the big gloves in

seven day event across China’s Gobi desert

you are racing against.”

the South Pole I realised that I also

First on Mark’s list of achievements was

compensate my sight by using my hands a

which he completed in 2003: “It started as a

And so it was that in Feb 2009 Mark

challenge for challenge sake and then I got

become the first blind man to walk to the

lot more than I would have in the past. I’m

the bug. My policy since then has been to try

South Pole. Quite an achievement and one

feeling my way. Hearing also plays an

and learn a different sport or tackle a different

that required skill, dedication, discipline and

important role as I’m constantly getting

environment each year.

most importantly for Mark, trust in his fellow

instructions from team mates about terrain

explorers.

under foot so that’s an important route of

“From the heat of the Gobi desert I

communication.”

entered the North Pole Marathon, going from

“Trust is big issue for me. Being blind I rely

the hot to the cold. Then I tried the multi-sport

on the guidance of my fellow team members

Coast-to-Coast race in New Zealand, which

and at times my life is literally in their hands.

snowboarding and has competed in the

involved kayaking, cycling and running. I

I’ve got to go with the right people and to

Round Ireland Yacht Race, a classic off shore

tried twice and failed twice because I couldn’t

date I’ve been fortunate that that has been

race covering1,400-miles. So what’s next?

make the time. Next I went on to do an Iron

the case. There are times when you are on

“There’s so much I’d like to try. I like the

Man in Switzerland, followed by a kayaking

the edge of a cliff or in freezing, life

snow; it’s a good environment for me as the

event across the Irish Sea and then in 2007

threatening temperatures and you have a

terrain underfoot is easier to manage than

the angle was to do the highest and lowest

responsibility to your team mates, your

rocks. If I can learn how to kite on the water

foot races- the Dead Sea Ultra (lowest

sponsors and your family and friends to keep

here I would like to transfer that skill onto the

So far this year Mark has tried his hand at

Mark kayaked across the Irish Sea in 2006

Mark sweats to success in the Gobi March.

Pictured here with fellow walker Nick Wolfe

marathon in the world) and the Everest

yourself safe. You can’t go on that sort of

Marathon (highest in world) a month later.”

journey with a guy who’s going to blow it.

Each trip has it’s own tale but one of the

I’m learning to be a good judge of character

most life defining for Mark was the North Pole

and have found that people usually deselect

Marathon (2004), Marks second adventure,

themselves along the way through the

where he met explorer extraordinaire, Sir

training process. Lots of people fancy the

Ranulph Fiennes: “It was a real luxury to be

idea of an adventure race but when the

in his environment and in his company.”

training and preparation becomes intense

Mark recalls. “We stayed in the same tent as

you quickly know who’s 100% behind you.

him, but I always felt like a bit of a bluffer, that

It’s a natural selection process.”

I wasn’t really a proper explorer, so when the

Mark may have lost his sight but he does

South Pole Race came up in 2008 I saw it as

have four other senses to help him navigate

a real opportunity to prove myself. I liked the

his way and he has developed an acute

fact that it wasn’t just an expedition, it was a

sense of balance. “If you ask someone to

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adventuring

snow and climb to a height and then kite my

inspiration to people and his reply is a

way down.”

modest one: “From time to time my story

For the second half of the year though

may have helped people, but I would

Mark has other plans: “I make a living as a

suspect they were already moving down that

professional speaker and an author. My first

road. There’s a whole collection of positive

book came out in 2006, so it’s time I did

things that you need to have around you to

another. ‘Making it Happen’ was my

give you a push in a certain direction and

message book, now I want to try and

occasionally my story may be part of the

discover what the truth is about the decisions I’ve made in life and write about that. I’m

jigsaw puzzle.” o Mark Pollock was in Belfast recently for

going to do some soul searching to find out

the opening of Decathlon, Northern

how I ended up being the person I am

Ireland’s biggest sports store.

today.”

A professional speaker, Mark would also like to forge a career in radio, but that’s for the future. For the present he’ll continue to try new adventures and write and speak about his personal experiences, letting people draw their own conclusions: “Some people write to me and say I heard you speak or I read your book and I’ve gone on to do X. Y or Z” he reveals. I ask him if he thinks he is an

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

■ IMPORTANT UPDATE Since this interview Mark Pollock has been seriously injured following a 25-foot fall from a bedroom window in a tragic sleepwalking accident. On the day we went to press Mark was in a stable but serious condition in the Royal Berkshire Hospital having sustained multiple broken bones and internal injuries in the fall.

Our thoughts are with Mark, his fiancee and his family and we wish him a full and speedy recovery. For the latest news on Mark's recovery visit his website www.markpollock.com

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wakeboarding

Wide Awake 2009, Following a knee injury which saw her step out of the sport in achieve wakeboarder Sian Hurst is back on her board and ambitious to Pictures Victor McAuley big things in 2010…

E

ncouraged by her brothers, Sian

competition, winning the under 15 group: “As

travelled to competitions with them since I

Hurst first stepped on a

my prize I won a board which I was so

was born. My brothers would treat me as one

wakeboard when she was 15 and

excited about because up until then I had

of them and everything they did I had to do

has been hooked every since. “I

been using my brothers board which was

better. We have a saying in our house, ‘Go

way too big for me.”

Big or Go Home’ and I apply this to

watched my brothers compete in an Irish competition and I went home straight away and got them to teach me. I got up on the

This was to be the first of many wakeboarding victories as Sian reveals: “In

everything!”

It looked like Sian’s natural talent and competitive streak were going to take

board first try and was addicted.

her to the very top of her sport, but in

“When I saw how wakeboarders could flip and spin on the water I knew I

2009 her luck changed when she

wanted to try it. When I was younger I

suffered a knee injury while training.

“I was training in Florida with Glen

always wanted to be a gymnast and this was like gymnastics on the water. It

Fletcher last summer and was trying

seemed perfect for me.”

heel side front flips when I blew out my knee,” she explains. “I flew home and

Living in Enniskillen, Sian was able to practice often and was fortunate to

found out that I had torn my ACL,

befriend a group of Irish riders who kept

cartilages and meniscus. I was

their boat at a marina beside her house.

absolutely gutted as my riding was at

“This led on to a great friendship and

its peak. I had to undergo surgery

they pushed me to learn new tricks at

where they took a piece of my

the same pace they did. Being the only

hamstring and used it to replace my

girl in the group, it was a pretty intense

ACL.” Following surgery Sian underwent

pace,” she recalls. “I remember learning wake to wakes and instead

intensive physio and wasn’t allowed

The friendly competition pushed Sian,

I was the first girl from Ireland to land any sort of flip on a wakeboard when I was just 15

bringing out her competitive streak as she

2007 I was picked to compete for the first Irish

recalls; ”I wanted to be as good as them,

wakeboard team. I competed in the Worlds

around me was out on the water. I sat on my

and they didn’t want to be beaten by a girl,”

in Qatar and finished in 2nd place in the junior

surfboard and paddled around the lake every

she laughs. “They taught me my first invert, a

girls. I couldn’t have been happier, I had no

morning to try and keep in shape.

tantrum, which is like a backflip off the wake.

expectations going into the competition and

I was the first girl from Ireland to land any sort

couldn’t believe how well I did.

of shortening the line the boys would speed up the boat to make the wake smaller. This led to a lot of caught edges and pain, but it made me tough!”

of flip on a wakeboard when I was just 15. I

“I then competed in the E.A.M.Es (Europe,

to ride for nearly 10 months, something she found incredibly difficult as she reveals: “It was very hard for me at the start as I hadn’t gone that length of time without wakeboarding since I started and it was mid summer so everyone

“Looking back I think it was good for me to take a step back for a bit. It made me appreciate wakeboarding a lot more and

started on the trampoline and transferred my

Africa and Middle-East) championships in

realise what I really loved about it. I think the

skills on to the water. I use this technique

South Africa and finished 3rd.”

time off has made me stronger and more

when learning all of my tricks as it helps my

Describing herself as naturally competitive

determined.”

Now back on her board it’s not

air awareness and improves my muscle

Sian reckons it’s all in her genes: “Being

memory.

competitive runs in my family. My dad and

uncommon to find Sian practising at the

granddad were both rally drivers. My brothers

bottom of her garden in a bay she

were also great tennis and rugby players so I

nicknames ‘K-Bay’ (a small part of a 80km

Just a few weeks after getting on a board Sian entered her first wakeboarding

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wakeboarding

“From a female point of view

lake called Lough Erne), with her brothers

travelling involved but I have been very

and friends. She also rides with other

fortunate to have the help of my sponsors

wakeboarding is still very new and I would

members of the Irish team, namely David

Ultrasport Europe, Liquid force boards, Bern

love to try and grow the female side of the

O’Caoimh in Shercock, Cavan and has

helmets and O’Neill wetsuits that are very

sport. This summer I am putting together

thrown herself into a full-on training regime to

good in supporting me with gear etc.”

girls-only wakeboard coaching days to try

get in shape for the season ahead.

A hockey player, cross-country runner and

and show girls that this is a great sport for

surfer, Sian also wants to add kiteboarding

them to try. Hopefully with the help of these

as tough a time getting back my fitness but it

to her sporting porfolio but she is most keen

clinics the wakeboarding bug will spread.”

was hard to motivate myself as I knew that I

to see wakeboarding develop as a sport in

couldn’t ride for nine months and I wasn’t

Ireland and believes it has a bright future:

never tried the sport? “Try it! There are so

allowed to swim or run for a few months after

“Even since I started, wakeboarding has

many ski clubs all over Ireland that teach

my surgery either, so I had to try and find

grown so much as a sport. With big

wakeboarding. During this summer I will also

something else to amuse myself.

international competitions like Wakejam in

be doing some coaching around the country

Enniskillen, Ireland has been put on the map

so if anyone would like coaching just get in

for wakeboarding.

touch.” o

“I tried to keep in shape so I wouldn’t have

“I started this season by taking a trip to Florida, some of the Irish team were

And her advice for someone who has

spending a few months out there so I stayed with them for 10 days. I wasn’t allowed to do any jumps so I spent my time at a cable park to try and build the muscles in my arms and legs. I find that there is nothing that makes you fit for wakeboarding except wakeboarding and more wakeboarding, so all I need is water time.”

So is she feeling prepared to re-enter the competition scene? “I’m getting there,” she smiles. “You can never say that you are totally prepared. With wakeboarding there is always another trick you can learn or another grab you can add to your tricks.

“I got very excited when I was given the all clear to do my tricks again and I over did it a bit resulting in a slight tweak of my knee a few weeks ago. This brought me down to earth and made me realise that I’m not invincible after surgery. I was a bit scared to try all my tricks again but I am getting them back slowly and I think that’s the only way to do it to prevent hurting myself again.”

Ready or not Sian has a busy summer ahead. Her calendar of events includes Wavestock in Wales; the UK pro tour and the Irish nationals. “In August I’m travelling to Sweden with the Irish team to compete in the Europeans and next year I hope to compete in the US Pro Tour, I need to learn a few more tricks before then but I am planning to have them dialled this summer.”

Now aged 19, Sian looks set to regain her place among the stars in the local and international wakeboarding field and she is grateful for the help and support of her sponsors which have helped make it all possible: “There is a lot of

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

■ Sian appeared at the recent Waterways Ireland Lough Fest in Enniskillen.

You can contact Sian at shurst@tcd.ie and follow her on Facebook If you want to see more, check out some videos of Sian at http://wakegirls.com/videos/?v=23" and www.youtube.com/cwfeldmann

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climbing

Scaling New is the Founder of the NI Youth Climbing Team, mountaineer Eddie Cooper man responsible for making climbing cool again…

F

for the first time I was surprised, you could

or some reason I can’t take my

Gradually Eddie became more aware of

eyes off Eddie Cooper’s fingers.

the skills and techniques involved in climbing

actually put gear into cracks in the rock face

Don’t get me wrong, the man as a

and in his own words he “learnt to climb in a

that would stop you falling to the ground .

whole is charasmatic, especially

more sensible fashion.”

So although the Mournes were smaller, to me

once he gets going on his favourite topic (the

Of course 30 years ago the sport in Ireland

Fairhead seemed safer.”

It was during his first climbs on Fairhead

youth team), but when he tells me that he

was relatively undeveloped and safety

can pull his entire body weight up a cliff face

measures didn’t stretch much further than

that Eddie met some of the best climbers in

using one finger, I’m pretty awestruck.

tying a rope around your waist and hoping

Ireland, including the Fairhead legend Calvin

that if you fell, the ground below would be

Torrans. Through their encouragement he

kind.

grew in ability and with this newfound

And so I should be, for in the world of mountaineering/climbing Eddie Cooper is a name that commands respect, not just for

confidence came a thirst for greater

the recent advances he’s made with Ireland’s

challenges in the form of tougher routes.

first youth team, but for his own climbing

“At that stage everyone was finding new

achievements of which there have been

routes and that’s what I went on to do, easy

many throughout his 30 year climbing career.

lines were accomplished and harders one were found.”

“As a child I always climbed things, “he

Spurred on by adrenaline Eddie sought

begins. “I climbed in and out of my bedroom window; I climbed down at White

out more technically challenging climbs and

Rocks and got stuck on top of cliffs… that’s

was soon travelling beyond Ireland : “I kept

just what I did. If we drove past a cliff all I

seeing things that I wanted to do. I’d read a

wanted to do was climb it. I’ve no idea why, I

magazine article about some crag in Europe

just always wanted to do it.”

and I’d get in my car and drive to find it.

“I was always attracted more by the line

There’s no questioning the passion and sense of adventure, often associated with

than great heights. There’s a buzz in

brilliant sports people, was there from a very

climbing things that are high, but for me it’s

early age, but it was only when he became a

more about seeing a challenge and thinking

teenager that Eddie was formally introduced

‘I’d love to climb up that’. That was my

to the sport: “When I was about 14 I joined

driving force. There were always things I

the 6th Belfast Scout troop in Belfast and we

couldn’t climb that I wanted to climb.

were taken climbing and I loved it. Later,

“The protection was pretty minimal.,”

“I spent my life travelling around the

when I got a job I borrowed the Scouts rope

Eddie explains. “Falling meant hitting the

country and then the world. When I started

and rule book, a couple of pegs and went

ground quite often, but when you’re young

climbing everybody did everything - we

down the Mournes, tied a rope around my

you bounce quite well, I don’t bounce so well

tackled rock, alpine, ice – nobody considered

waist and started climbing. I knew nothing

now,” he laughs.

themselves a specialist in any one field, we

more than that I wanted to climb, I didn’t

Like many before him, Eddie began

tried them all and I loved the variety of that.”

As Eddie’s passion for climbing grew, so

know there were guide books and specialist

climbing in the Mournes, progressing to the

equipment there to help, I just knew I wanted

imposing cliffs of Fairhead when he felt in

too did his desire to immerse himself into the

to climb.”

need of a greater challenge, although

world of mountaineering and as a

ironically Eddie found it safer. “For me

consequence he decided to give up his only

got a small book published by the BBC

Fairhead was a revelation as I learnt you

‘real job’ in the bank to enable him to have

called Rock Face which explained what I

could actually fall off safely. When I started

the freedom to follow his sport. “Ever since

should have been using and doing and it’s

climbing Fairhead was considered a hard

then I’ve done lots of different things from

probably the reason why I’m still alive today!”

and serious crag but when I went down to it

building to working in shops,” he explains.

“After about six months teaching myself, I

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climbing

Heights “Most of what I do now is coaching but that’s

Fairhead or a

not the only thing I do. I don’t have a ‘proper

long ridge in

job’ as my parents would put it, they’re still

Alaska… they are

hoping I’ll grow up and become

all fabulous places to

responsible!”

be.”

Untied and unchallenged, Eddie took to

Revealing that each

the road: “Initially I travelled to Europe and

climb presents a new

climbed in the South of France area, then

set of challenges Eddie

moved onto the Chamonix which in my

says: “It’s hard to pick a

opinion still offer the best technical Alpine

favourite climb as the

climbs anywhere in the world. Then I tried

challenges are all different

Alaska, North America, the Himalayas…

mentally and physically.

“I like to concentrate on the more technical

I like to concentrate on the more technical routes rather than just trudging up a big snowy mountain - This idea of climbing up Everest as part of a large expedition I find unfathomable

An 8,000 metre Alpine

routes rather than just trudging up a big

climb tackled without

snowy mountain. This idea of climbing up

oxygen is a huge mental

Everest as part of a large expedition I find

challenge as your brain starts

unfathomable - why would you pay huge

disintegrating and your mind

amounts of money to pull yourself up a fixed

isn’t thinking clearly. In

rope on a mountain with a sherpa carrying all

contrast, climbing a very,

your stuff and providing you with oxygen? I

very hard boulder problem

can’t understand that. To me that’s not

that’s only 15 feet high is probably

mountaineering, that’s a guided tour!

physically the most difficult thing

“To me climbing is about the challenge.

you’ll ever do. The challenges in

It’s about being self sufficient and looking

climbing go from one extreme to

after yourself in the mountains . Reinhold

another and I love it all to be

Messner and Peter Habeler climbed Everest

honest.”

in ‘78 without oxygen, so why use it today?

So is it fear or excitement

Climbing is the only sport in the world that

that makes him go back for

seems happy going backwards.”

more? “I certainly don’t like

He may be outspoken with his views, but

being scared as in thinking

Eddie is quick to concede that there is a type

I’m going to die or hurt

of climb out there for everyone and that

myself badly, “ he replies.

ultimately it’s about personal choice.

“That’s not a pleasant

When asked about his favourite climb he

experience. Yes there are

remains uncommitted : “Fairhead and the

times when climbing produces a

Burren in the south are high on the list, but

huge adrenaline rush and excitement, but

the nicest thing about climbing is the variety.

if you enjoy being scared I think there’s

I find it very difficult to pick my favourite spot -

something quite odd about you!

climbing a 3,000 vertical climb in Yosmite is fabulous, but so is climbing a route in

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“I’ve broken both ankles twice but that’s the worst I’ve done which relatively speaking

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climbing

isn’t that bad. If you take any sport seriously

allows them to progress quite quickly and

junior Irish Leading championship this year

you will have injuries, that’s just the way life is.

enter competitions in Britain and Europe.”

and have represented Ireland in Europe. “I’m

You have to accept that you take calculated

Through Eddie’s network of climbing

not a pushy parent but I’m a pushy coach,”

risks and at times they will go wrong, but you

connections the kids benefit from the

laughs Eddie. “As a coach you need to be

have to be prepared to get up and get back

coaching of some of Ireland’s leading

honest and if you don’t push the kids to their

on.”

climbers and boulders, like Rob Hunter, and

limit, you’re not really being fair to them.”

Fortunately for the sport’s progression

respond by showing incredible grit,

With around 20 members aged between

here, the necessity to earn a living led Eddie

determination and most importantly potential:

10 and 18 years old the NIYCT is pushed to

into the field of coaching and he hasn’t

“Our kids get world class coaching and for

capacity and although Eddie would like to

looked back since. “I started taking classes

the first time ever Ireland has young climbers

see the club grow, funding is a problem as

in the Ozone in Belfast and quickly realised

competing with the best in Europe.

he reveals: “The club is now getting to the stage where we are going to have to be quite

that I most enjoyed teaching the kids who

The grade they are climbing at is

were enthusiastic and often quite talented.”

phenomenal. There are very few adult

fussy about letting people join which is a

climbers in Ireland who would be capable of

shame, but with the resources we have, we

eagerness to progress on a competitive

climbing at or above the grade that some of

can only handle a select number of people

level, Eddie along with Margi Maxwell set up

our kids are tackling.”

and in the current climate money is harder

In response to the kids talent and

the NI Youth Climbing Team four years ago.

Among the rising stars is Eddie’s daughter

The first of it’s kind in Ireland the club offers

Rachel who along with Andrew Colligan won

support and coaching for those children that

the junior Irish bouldering championship and

than ever to come by.”

Hope for the grass roots of the sport comes in the form of Mountaineering Ireland

have been talent spotted and show real

who have appointed a new development

climbing ability.

coach and Eddie is optimistic that with their

“At the moment the club is designed for

encouragement, new clubs will mushroom:

people who have shown talent in rock

“We don’t try to exclude people, we try to

climbing and who we feel could climb at a

include them but the standards are high and

high standard and compete in competitions.

it would be nice if there were other clubs for

It’s about pushing the standards and those

people who just loved climbing but aren’t yet

have gone up astronomically since we

at the high standard we require. There is a

started.”

club now starting in Dublin and hopefully

“To climb hard in Ireland is very difficult,” he continues. “The weather is lousy and the

more clubs will open across the country.”

Outside of his commitment to the team

style of climbing is serious, therefore the

which involves weekly training sessions,

talented kids were finding it hard to progress

regular trips abroad and competition

to a level where they could compete on an

attendance, Eddie still finds time to climb

international standing. For them to get a

himself, spending most family holidays on a

head start they need to go to Europe where

cliff. “Personally I think it’s important coaches

they can develop their skills on hard, safe

actually show a willingness to get out there

sports routes. The club opens up those

and do it themselves. There’s a hell of a lot of

types of opportunities and the coaching

mental pressure for kids on hard routes and at

Ireland has young climbers competing with the best in Europe...

competition level, so its important they realise you are willing and able to do it yourself and you know what they are going through.”

While Eddie’s club may only ever benefit a small number of youths he is very encouraging of the sport as whole and would encourage everyone to give it a go: “The nice thing about climbing is that people can enjoy it at all levels so it is a fabulous sport to be part of. Climbers compete against a climb, not each other which is nice. You get to pick the route you want to do, so you always pick the perfect opponent!” o For more information on the NI Youth Team visit www.niyct.com Interested in climbing? Climbing walls can be found at Tollymore National Sport Centre (tel: 43 722 158) and The Ozone, Belfast (tel: 90 458 024)

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g n u o Y m ’e t r a t S überpups

TV in their room, but you really een scr t fla d an PSP ox, Xb an e hav e They es and get involved in a sport. Th sol con eir th wn do put to em th want the six most exhilarating to de gui ’s og erd üb s re’ He w? ho d question is what an w to get them started… outdoor activities for kids and ho

BIKING We’re not going to be specific about the

making it one of the least expensive sports

type of biking, let’s just say anything on two

out there.

wheels, or four if they’re learning on

Kids around the age of five are generally

stabilisers. The great thing about a bike is

ready to move on to a 12” frame bike and

that you can cycle pretty much anywhere;

with a little coaching they’ll soon be taking

you don’t need lessons (but you do need a

to the track on their own two wheels.

reasonably fit parent to run alongside and

Playing fields and deserted car parks are

catch them if they fall) and once you’ve

a great place to learn the basics and once

bought the bike and helmet it’s free,

they’ve mastered those there are plenty of cycling routes around the province. Dirt and BMX tracks provide hours of endless fun and are a great way of introducing them to the more competitive element of the sport.

If they show potential consider entering them into the junior category of the Cross Country or Downhill races. Entry is usually free and the atmosphere is family friendly and very supportive.

For event dates and details visit www.irishdh.com or www.ulsterxc.com If you really want them to progress, lessons are available in specialist fields, for example Belfast Urban Sports (BUS) offer BMX coaching and there are a number of The start of Under 12s race at a recent XC race in Ballynahinch

mountain bike coaches as well including Dave Youngs who is überdog’s expert in the field.

SURFING It’s hard to watch the surfers riding the waves at the beach and not want to be out there with them. Every kid wants to

depending on your child’s availability. Some clubs also run kids summer schemes. Prices vary, so contact the surf schools directly for rates, Once again equipment is usually included in the cost of the

learn how to surf, and who can blame them? It’s fun, it’s cool

lessons and can be hired once your child is ready to do it on

and it can also be competitive. Living in Ireland we are spoilt

their own, but at this stage you’d be probably best to invest in

for choice when it comes to surfing spots with the beaches in

a beginner board and a westuit which will set you back

the north offering some of the best surf coastline in the world.

around £100.

For this reason it tends to be in the Portush/Portstewart and

For more information on surfing in Ireland and for contact

Donegal areas that you’ll find all the surf school and surf

details of local surf schools contact the Irish Surf

shops. Hourly, daily and residential courses are all available

Association, www,isasurf.ie

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überpups

MOUNTAIN BOARDING

Oisin Harper strikes a pose

A cross between a skateboard and a snowboard, mountain boarding can be done on any surface, in any weather at any time of year. Relatively simple to learn, all you need to invest in is a board and your little one can get going.

A mountain board is designed to tackle all terrain with riders ripping up specifically designed tracks as well as grass hills, woodlands, gravel tracks, streets, skateparks, ski resorts, BMX courses and mountain bike trails. In general the idea to is to get to the bottom of a hill having as much fun as possible. Northern Ireland has one official mountain board track at Surfin’ Dirt in Bryansford, Co.Down. Here you’ll find a variety of trails ranging from beginner slopes to long carving runs with jumps and obstacles for the more advanced rider. Mountain board lessons are also available.

Visit www.surfindirt.co.uk got more information.

SKATE BOARDING

picture: Gary Harper

CANOEING

and safety gear is normally included in the cost. They will learn how to deal with

Street skating just has to be one of the

If you think your son/daughter would like

emergencies and how to capsize safely

coolest sports around. The kids just look the

to take to the water canoeing is a great

as well as basic boat handling skills.

part with their boards, hoodies and Vans,

option as you can start gently with some

Children don’t need to be able to swim

pulling tricks at every corner. If your child

flatwater paddling and move up to the

vast distances but they will need the water

wants to join them there’s very little help

more demanding and thrilling river and

confidence to make sure they can deal

needed on your part. Buy them a beginners

white water riding as their skill develops.

with a capsized boat and get ashore

board from one of the specialist board shops

As a complete beginner your child will

safely.

(a helmet and some knee pads are always a

need to take lessons to ensure they are

good idea too), take them to one of the

equipped with the basic skills required.

can take them out (never in a group of

popular skate jam sports and sit back while

These can be booked through

less than three people) and explore the

they watch and learn. Skate boarding

www.canoeni.com, or through your local

wonderful rivers, lakes, loughs and

lessons are available at Belfast Urban Sports

canoe club. Prices vary but start from as

coastlines that the north of Ireland has to

( email team@ourbus.org for details) but

little as £10 per session and equipment

offer. Equipment is available to hire but

Once they have learned the skills you

generally it’s a trial and error thing with kids

you may want to

picking up the skills required by watching

invest in a basic

others and trying it out for themselves. Skate

beginners set, after

turtorials like the ones in überdog magazine

which, the sport will

and online at various YouTube channels can

cost you very little to

also help.

enjoy.

To find out where

Indoor skate parks can be found at Belfast Urban Sports and in the Belfry in Newcastle

you book canoe

but when you’re a street skater, every curb,

lessons and

corner and railing is your playground!

where you can paddle locally visit www.canoeni.com and www.cani.org.uk

ROLLER SKATING

You may have done it in the 80s while wearing neon socks, but roller skating is

back and it looks set to be bigger than ever before with a wider range of rollers available. Traditional roller skates or ‘quads’ (you’ve got to keep up with the lingo my friend!) have been joined by roller blades and inline skates offering fans of the sport plenty of variety.

In a similar way to skateboarding this is really a D-I-Y sport so buy them a pair of rollers, give them a push and watch them go. Watching others is the best way to learn - make a trip to The Wigram Roller Park in Bangor and you can all give it go. A session costs £3.50 with rollers available for hire for £1.50.

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111 OLD DUNDONALD ROAD, DUNDONALD, BELFAST BT16 1XT TELEPHONE: 028 9048 5462 EMAIL: INFO@BATTLEFIELDSPORTSNI.COM WEBSITE: WWW.BATTLEFIELDSPORTSNI.COM

AIRSOFT GAMES WEEKLY Green Zone Combat stock the best kit and have the largest display of airsoft guns in Northern Ireland GREEN ZONE COMBAT STOCK THE BEST AIRSOFT KIT FROM AEG's/GBB pistols always in stock | Airsoft accesories and Magazines BB's, Gas and Tactical clothing | Repairs and upgrades Follow Green Zone Combat on Airsoft NI

66

Green Zone Combat is a UKARA registered and fully insured airsoft site

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Guide to

Airsoft überdog’s airsoft correspondent Graeme Livingstone provides an insight into the growing sport of airsoft...

W

hen people think of combat sports their minds usually go to laser quest or paintball. Both well known and popular pastimes here in Northern Ireland. However, there is a third,

lesser known option that provides a completely different style of combat gaming...airsoft.

Have you ever found yourself watching a movie where the hero is loaded to the hilt with every gun known to man, with an endless supply of ammo and a fresh wave of bad guys storming towards him and thought to yourself - ‘that looks like a lot of fun!’? Or maybe you are a demon on the latest first person shooter on the XBOX or PS3 and want to test your skills in the real world. Maybe you’re neither and you just want to have a great afternoon with your friends.

Well, airsoft offers you that and more. It’s a safe and enjoyable honesty based game where you have two sides playing against each other to fulfill an objective in either a CQB (close quarter battle) situation or a larger battlefield with forests, trenches and buildings for cover. If you get hit you simply fall back to your regeneration point or base and then try again!

INVESTIGATE: So what exactly is airsoft?

Airsoft, or airsoft skirmishing, bases its’ game play on a relatively realistic approach. If you are hit then you are dead, you go back to a designated area called a ‘Regen Point’, and then you are free to head straight back into play. You use a replica imitation firearm (or RIF) that fires a small plastic pellet. Games run with two (or more) teams in a pre arranged scenario with

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be a few more sites popping up around the country very soon.

Airsoft is a very strict sport in terms of rules and guide lines. These are in place purely for player safety and are usually laid down in the pre-game brief. Basic rules include no physical contact, no abusive language, respect the gaming area and any rented kit and most importantly - take your hits... If players decide to become ‘bullet proof’ during play then it can ruin the day for everyone. There is more fun to be had by sticking to the rules and respecting the other players involved. It also gives a greater sense of realism. The only other rule that is enforced very meticulously is that you wear

PARTICIPATE:

eye or face protection at all times during games.

certain objectives and tasks that need carried

Okay so I’ve covered a few things about the

To get started you do not need any kit. You

out in order to win. These could range from

sport, now it’s the important bit - how do you

can rent weapons and face masks from any

capture an enemy base, deliver a package,

get involved?

of the sites and they will more than likely give

protect a VIP or just stay alive for a certain

First off, you should be aware that due to

you a full set of camouflage too. My advice

the nature of the sport and the ammunition

would be to rent for a few games until you

used, there is some pain involved if you get

are sure that you want to keep playing, and

well controlled environment. Simple safety

hit in the right spot. Paintball is well known for

then look into getting your own gear. To buy

issues require referees to be present for

its pain aspect and yet still attracts a huge

an airsoft RIF you need to be at least 18

games, however, their role is to observe and

fan base. Fortunately, however, the pain

years old and have a UKARA (United

make sure everyone sticks to the rules, with

involved in airsoft is a lot more bearable than

Kingdom Airsoft Regulation Association)

very little interference. In terms of combat

the sting from the impact of a paintball! The

number which you can obtain by playing at

sports this is as realistic as it gets!

6mm, 0.2g BB (ball bearing) travels at no

any site, a minimum of three times within two

more than 328fps (feet per second)/100mps

months. This will get you the required

country which provide different playing fields

(meters per second). This is the upper limit

signature from the site owner. You then take

and different game styles. Some sites are

that UK law allows in Northern Ireland and

that, on a completed form, to a retailer who

large and house open areas of ground

any guns that are involved in play will not

adds you to the database and gives you your

surrounded by forest areas that allow you to

exceed this limit. So be prepared, just in

unique number. The age limit for airsoft is 12

spread out wide and cover a lot of ground,

case!

years and up so if you are under 18 and

amount of time.

Games take place in a very relaxed but very

There are several gaming sites in the

others are smaller and provide faster game

The next thing you should know is where

play with much more intense fire fights.

you can play. There are

Others have small indoor areas or are

several sites in Northern

catered solely for indoor, CQB style game

Ireland such as Urban Assault

play. Every option is covered for every game

at Battlefield Sports located at

style.

the Ice Bowl in Dundonald,

want to play then renting is the only option.

Camp Predator and FRV just

SPECTATE:

outside Ballynahinch, Green

Unfortunately airsoft isn’t a great spectator

Zone Combat in County

sport. With the action happening over a large

Antrim, SG1 in Bellaghy and

area you would have great trouble seeing

many others. At the rate the

anything of interest and with many of the

sport is growing there may

objectives requiring a certain level of stealth the players are more than likely going to be out of view! It is a sport that requires you to get involved to truly see the action and experience the rush for yourself!

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Airsoft

Guide to Investigate, spectate & participate If you do start playing regularly and find you want to buy your own gun then the first thing you need to do is decide which

bits of kit you need to get started are the rifle and your eye protection.

The guns are also endlessly

BIG SHOTS 5 TOP AIRSOFT SITES

one will suit you best. I wouldn’t say there

customisable and you will often see

is one perfect gun that everyone should

players with scopes, lasers, silencers and

start with because, like most sports, the

front grips that can all be purchased as

choice of equipment is down to the

optional extras. They add to the

players’ individual style. If you like

experience and can give your gun a

URBAN ASSAULT @ BATTLEFIELD SPORTS

sneaking around and picking your

unique look.

web: www.battlefieldsportsni.com

enemies off one by one, then a small rifle

Airsoft is extremely open to new players

tel: 028 9048 5462

is the way to go. Something along the

and sites welcome all bookings that

This indoor, CQB battle arena tailors to players

lines of an M4 CQB, an MP5 or even a

come their way. You can get started with

who want that close-up shooting experience,

pistol or shotgun. If you would prefer to

ease and no training or experience is

running hour long games and holding various

stay back and hide, taking out

required. There is no upper age limit and

competitions throughout the year. This is the

unsuspecting enemies from a distance,

no high fitness level requirement, as you

only indoor site in NI.

then a sniper rifle would be your weapon

determine how much you get involved in

of choice. Or if you prefer an all-out

each game. If you would like more

assault with a huge supply of ammo,

information on sites, guns and kit or

GREEN ZONE COMBAT

running into battle head on screaming

would like to talk to players directly then

web: www.greenzonecombat.com

‘get some’ at the top of your lungs, then a

join the biggest airsoft forum in the

tel: 0777 2919974

support weapon such as an MK249 is an

country at www.airsoftireland.com/forum

This site, (size unknown as they are expanding

option you might consider. There is a gun

and see the social aspect of the sport first

at the moment), offers very fast game play

for every occasion and game style and if

hand. We are all proud of the close knit

through and between manmade structures

you want to spend the money you can

community in the airsoft world and the

such as houses, dug outs, trenches and a few

have anything you desire. Near enough

forum is the hub for all information on

old cars, great for all game types.

any weapon you can think of is available

games and advice. So if you like what

in an airsoft form. From the smallest of

you see and want to give it a go then

CAMP PREDATOR

pistols and revolvers to the Vulcan mini

simply pick up the phone and call one of

web: www.predatorcombat.com

gun that sports a Gatling designed six

the sites to book today. o

tel: 028 4377 0566

barrel firing mechanism. There are even

A very versatile site with buildings, trenches and

replica guns from computer games and

multiple bases for a good mix of long range

films including the Pulse Rifle from the

and fast close up play. It has a 40 acre area

Alien movies. Prices start at around £100

home to a village, forest areas, a lake and

and can go up to the £3000 mark (in

more.

extreme cases). A reasonable set up including a rifle, side arm, assault vest,

FRV

eye protection and fatigues would be in

web: www.frvairsoft.com

and around £250-300 but really, the only

tel: 07730 586926 This site also has opportunities for close up play but is much larger and would be more suited to large numbered games played over a larger distance. The site is 80 acres in size and also has forest areas along with some open ground, wooden building and the odd ruin lying around.

SG1 web: www.sg1combatgames.co.uk tel: 07713273102 A much smaller site, at only 8 acres, SG1 provides a lot of cover for stealthy play, they have a large kill house and several bases dotted around the site. A great place for big or numbered games, and fast objectives.

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Has the summer passed you by? Did you blink and the sun was gone? It’s time to make the most of the days that are left by getting out there and doing something. Here’s what’s hot and happening for August and September…

14-15 August

7 August

The 2010 Irish National Downhill Championships

Mourne Seven Sevens Challenge

Kilbroney Forest, Rostrevor

Donard Car Park, Newcastle No mean feat, this challenge involves hiking 18 miles in around 10 to 12 hours across the seven route summits, scaling heights of up to 0850m on Slieve Donard.

The challenge route starts and finishes in Donard Car Park, Newcastle and the only rule is that each of the seven peaks and Ben Crom Dam must be visited once.

Find a map, get a compass, plan your route and off you go!

Entrance forms are available from the website www.nireland51.freeserve.co.uk/srs.htm or you can enter on the day at the check-in point at Donard Car Park.

21 August King of the Dirt (ATB) Surfin' Dirt, Co Down It’s back to Surfin’ Dirt but this time it’s the boards that are battling it out downhill in this two boarder downhill head to head duel. Qualifying rounds start in the morning, finals start in the afternoon. Usual age categories, prizes for winner and runnerup in each category, uplifts, cost of entry is £15 seniors/ £10 juniors.

For more details visit www.surfindirt.co.uk

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This is the big one! The eagerly anticipated 2010 Irish National Downhill Championships take place in the picturesque and spectacular venue of Kilbroney Forest, Rostrevor, Co. Down. Widely regarded as the best and most challenging DH course in Ireland the track offers a mix of outright pedal power and savage technical sections to test the best. Hosted by the Chain Reaction Club and with timing by NACC the event organisation standard will be high. Expect pulse-racing action on the course with lots of family fun in the forest.

For more details visit www.irishdh.com

8 August

20-21 August

King of the Dirt (MTB)

Todd’s Leap Ulster Rally

Surfin' Dirt, Co Down

Antrim

A two bike downhill head to head duel.

Qualifying rounds start in the morning, finals start in the afternoon. Usual age categories, prizes for winner and runnerup in each category, uplifts, cost of entry is £15 seniors / £10 juniors.

For more details visit www.surfindirt.co.uk

See the best drivers and fastest cars from the UK and Ireland across modern and historic classes. Race starts in Antrim town centre at 1.30pm on the Friday with a Champagne finish at Junction One on Saturday afternoon around 3.30.

For more details visit www.ulsterrally.com

24-25 August: Kinnego Marina, Lurgan Introduction to Bushcraft Wilderness Survival Skills Fancy yourself as the next Bear Grylls? This two-day course costs £60 and teaches the basic skills of wilderness cooking, shelter, water, trapping and foraging for food. On day one you will venture down the River Blackwater to the shore of Lough Neagh in an open Canadian Canoe and sleep in a tipi. Day two will continue bush craft skills with a surprise task before packing up all equipment and leaving Coney for Maghery by canoe raft.

Contact Kinnego Marina to book, telephone 028 3832 7573

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Diary Dates

28 August

28-29 August

Slieve to Slieve

CANI Upper Bann and Lough Neagh overnight trip

Carlingford Lough Two mountains, one expanse of water and a race between the two that has never been done before. The peaks of Slieve Martin and Slieve Foy are separated by a 3km expanse of water and the event will see participants race from the top of Slieve Martin to the shore of Carlingford Lough on foot, across Carlingford Lough in a kayak, to the top of Slieve Foy on foot, before retracing your route to the finish line at the summit of Slieve Martin.

For more information contact 26 Extreme, www.26extreme.com

3-5 September

4-5 September

Leave No Trace' Trainers Course

Oxfam Ireland Trailtrekker

Tollymore National Outdoor Centre The course will focus on the delivery of the seven principles of Leave No Trace and techniques for teaching.

As a group you will be advising and critiquing each other in an effort to learn more about how to effectively communicate the skills and ethics of Leave No Trace. The emphasis is on discussion with real practical methods used in an outdoor classroom.

For more information visit www.tollymore.com

Portadown Explore the numerous bays and inlets around the lough or the vast expanse of open water while observing a diversity of wildlife and historical sites. During this trip you’ll paddle the Bann into Lough Neagh and then head out to Coney Island to set up camp, hitting the water again the following day en-route home. The trip is free to CANI members and £10 for non-members.

Please register interest or book through office@cani.org.uk or www.cani.org.uk

Newcastle, Co. Down to Carlingford, Co. Louth Teams of four will walk 100km through beautiful Irish terrain in 36 hours. The signed trail consists of ten sections, each approximately 10km apart, beginning in the stunning Donard Park, Newcastle, Co Down and finishing in Carlingford, Co. Louth. Be prepared for undulating, rugged forest trails, picturesque country roads, short sections of challenging mountain terrain and many superb views along the way! Teams are asked to raise £2,000/ 2,000 for Oxfam Ireland.

For more information email trailtrekker@oxfamireland.org or visit oxfamireland.org/trailtrekker

11-12 September West Coast Longboard Championships Lahinch, Co. Clare The long boards return to the west coast for this annual competition hosted by the West Coast Surf Club.

Entry forms for the contest are available from www.westcoastsurfclub.com Closing date for entries is the 1st September 2010.

ISA membership essential

Open Days at Tollymore Tollymore National Outdoor Centre, Bryansford, Co.Down Canoe sport Open Day, 25 September Hillwalking Open Day, 26 September Come and discover the range of courses and facilities available from the new Tollymore National Outdoor Centre. Places are limited so booking is essential.

Tel: 028 4372 2158 for details

25-26 September Tramore Oceanic Surf and Sea Festival Tramore Beach A full programme of surf activities for ladies and an action packed weekend of family fun. Activities open to all include a skate jam, kite and wind surfing, a seaweed workshop, Country Market and much more.

For more information tel: +353 (0) 51 39 0944 or email: oceanic@eircom.net

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serious All the action was on the water at the Riverfest event in Coleraine with some bill was the stunts being pulled by top wakeboard and jetski champions. Top of the included Tampa Bay Show Skiers who put on an impressive water ski display that by the pyramid formations, jumps and backflips. More amazing feats were displayed jet ski and jet ski team and top local wakeboarders, while on the Sunday a Yamaha one of the boat demonstration left spectators wishing they could get their hands on there was exclusive jetty passes so they could hit the water themselves. Riverside and plenty for the crowds to enjoy with a climbing wall, bouncy castle, laser quest and big band entertainment. Energy drinks came compliments of Relentless event. 端berdog magazine was there to add more excitement to an already rocking

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Old bikes, new bikes and stunt bikes, they were all there to be enjoyed at the annual Car & Bike Show at Elim. Pulling in a crowd of around 3,000 people, the star attractions on the day (aside from all the classic cars and bikes) were the UK FMX stunt team and the talent that is Kevin Carmichael, an ex-world champion stunt rider who showed amazing precision skills aboard his big Triumph machines including the massive 2.3 Litre Rocket III.

boüt ye... it’s a mini interview - a minterview! or was in World Back Flip Champion Gary Tayl t team recently stun MX Northern Ireland with his UKF w in Bangor…

Sho Bike Elim the at ds wowing the crow NAME: Gary Taylor AGE: 27 PROFESSION: FMX rider WHAT IS YOUR BIKING BACKGROUND? I’ve been riding Motocross bikes from an early age. I was quite lucky because my mum and dad owned a motocross practice track. I raced through the schoolboy classes and won a few races, I then raced professionally in the adult ranks for a short period. I found doing a few heel clickers was more fun and I pursued freestyle. I did my first ever fmx comp in ‘98 on my 80cc,which I won. I am now the company director of the UKFMX team. I travel all around the world putting on demos and competitions.

WHAT ARE YOU FAVOURITE CROWD PLEASING TRICKS? Back flip, lazy boy and cliff hangers.

WHAT IS YOUR SIGNATURE MOVE? A can down.

WHAT'S BEEN YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE? Being able to run my own fmx company, UKFMX and running in the IFMXF. DO YOU EVER TIRE OF THAT ADRENALINE RUSH? No it’s great, it’s the reason I get out of bed in the morning.

HOW MANY SHOWS DO YOU DO A YEAR? Around 40.

WHAT CAN SPECTATORS EXPECT FROM ONE OF YOUR SHOWS? Lots of good tricks! We put on a very entertaining 30 minute, heart stopping show that provides a massive adrenaline rush for them as well as us.

DO YOU ENJOY PLAYING UP TO THE CROWD? Yeah it’s great fun, the more the crowd love it the better we ride.

HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT 'WHAT NEXT?' I see a lot of crazy stuff in fmx, so no, not really.

IF YOU WEREN'T RIDING A BIKE FOR A LIVING WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'D BE DOING? I don’t know but I think it would have to involve my bike. My mum and dad owned a track so it’s in my blood. I guess I would be doing something up there. o

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With the sun splitting the trees and with a backdrop to die for, the 4X race at Surfin' Dirt on the edge of Tollymore Forest was eagerly anticipated by team 端berdog. 4X, beautiful in its simplicity, involves four bikes at a time ripping up 400 metres of doubles, gaps, drops and berms. First bike past the post takes the prize - simple. The racing was fast and furious throughout the day and everyone had a real blast. Between the races, entertainment came in the form of the dirt surfin' boys who wowed us with gravitydefying jumps, back somersaults and a few dramatic spills. After the racing was done, the bikes and boards started hitting the biggest of Surfin' Dirt's ramps. Well, you know how it goes...one challenge lead to another and so on....queue the car jumping!

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check out video footage at www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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A disused quarry provided a lunar landscape for this joint event. A blistering day made for arid and dusty conditions with plenty of riders picking up punctures along the way.

Saturday 19 June saw Davagh forest unearth its secret trails for the first time in 15 years after permission was granted by the Forestry Service for a one day event.

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Over the Hill...

The Dunmore Mountains offered a challenging course for all

categories at the Ulster XC Series Round 4 and Irish NPS Series Round 6. Hosted by Dromara Cycling Club, the land was kindly donated for the day by local landowner Mr Wrightman and the course stretched over 3 miles, winding its way over both peaks of the Dunmore Mountains. Described by one racer as 'more uphill than down' the course provided a taxing mix of steep climbs and dramatic descents and there were some red faces approaching the final climb to the finish line. The Red Bull girls were onsite to keep energy levels up and of course 端berdog magazine was in attendance with Team Woof documenting the day for your enjoyment.

For full race results visit www.ulsterxc.com and www.irishxcmtb.com www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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25th May saw the first jam of the year on Ballymenaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest set of dirt jumps. A spell of hot weather left the earthen delights like concrete...

Some serious style was on show...

No better way to spend a summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s evening

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the

y r o t c e dir

d the north of Irelan ss ro ac es ss ne si oor bu your guide to outd Bike Shops 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

water sports The Edge Watersports Warehouse at Hanna Boats 233 Loughan Road, Coleraine County Antrim BT52 1UD tel: 028 27 668 999 email: enquiries@edgewatersports.co.uk web:www.edgewatersports.co.uk

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.

m Established in 1996 by Rob & Joan Skelly The

Bike it Cycles

Coast & Creek

74 Grand Parade Belfast Antrim BT5 5HH tel: 028 9079 7974 email: info@bikeitcycles.com web: www.bikeitcycles.com

m Bike It have the right bike to meet every need: from a child's first cycle, to the

enthusiasts looking for the latest and best cycles, not forgetting those people cycling to work or just pedalling for exercise and fun! Bike It cover all disciplines and areas including road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, BMX, clothing and accessories. Specialists in Trek /Merida/ Lapierre bikes and Endura and Madison Clothing.

Open from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday.

Bik Tuition

Edge Watersports is now one of the premier retailers for water sports equipment in Ireland and the UK. We sell the top brands such as O'Neill, Liquid Force, O'Brien, Jobe, Circle One and RTM. Our staff are true waterbabies, with years of experience in all aspects of water sports. Whether you're a beginner, intermediate or advanced water sports enthusiast The Edge aims to offer you the best and most extensive online retail service of water sports gear in the UK and Ireland.

at Taggart & Co Ltd 38-44 Main Street Ballymoney BT53 6AP tel: 028 2766 2130 email: info@coastandcreek.com web: www.coastandcreek.com

m Coast and Creek are currently

loading information and products onto their website and hope to have a full array of top quality paddle products available to buy online very soon. Feel free to browse the site and check back regularly to see what's been added! They want this to be your paddling website as much as theirs. Please e-mail them with any suggestions for content or layout, or particular brands you're finding it hard to get hold of. In the meantime, feel free to visit their shop in Ballymoney and check out their stock of kayaks, sit-on-tops, paddles, kayak clothing and accessories.

Climbing Wall

Dave Youngs Mountain Bike Instruction

Hot Rock Climbing Wall

mob: 078 0942 6202 email: davidyoungs8831@yahoo.co.uk web: www.youngsmountainbikeinstruction.co.uk

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

m 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.

mountain boarding 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 centres 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.

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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.

Outdoor Shop 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

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surfing Fin McCools Surf School

Troggs Surf Shop 88 Main Street, Portrush, BT56 8BN tel: 028 7082 5476 email: shop@troggs.com web: www.troggssurfshop.co.uk web: www.troggssurfschool.com web: www.surfingireland.com

m Troggs have over 30 years of professional surfing experience, building a reputation

as a leading surf shop in the UK and Ireland. Our employees are passionate about surfing and help select the best quality products from hundreds of brands such as Alder, Quiksilver, Billabong, Animal, Oakley, Rip Curl, O’Neill and Reef to name a few. Check out our online store where we offer the best and most extensive online retail service of surfing and snow goods in Europe - catering for beginner to pro surfer alike.

Chasers Surf Tours Portrush, County Antrim tel: 07517 255 135 email: info@chaserssurftours.com web: www.chaserssurftours.com

m Chasers Surf Tours is

Irelands premiere surf tour operator. With over 20 years of surfing experience, Chasers will provide the ultimate experince. Our professionally trained drivers and guides will transport you from coast to coast searching for the best surf our island of Ireland can offer.

Rossnowlagh, Co. Donegal tel: 071 9859020/ 086 8049909 web: www.finmccoolsurfschool.com email: finmccools@gmail.com

m We are delighted to be able to

announce the arrival of the Fin McCool Surf Lodge. The new Lodge is located right next door to our current shop and offers comfortable 4 & 3 bed dorms or double rooms. There is beds for groups of up to 24 people and we are ideally suited right on the beach for those here for lessons or just up for the weekend. Prices start from €20 per night with discounts available for groups of 8 or more people.

scuba Aquaholics Dive Centre 14 Portmore Road, Portstewart, BT55 7BE tel: 028 7083 2584 email: dive@aquaholics.org web: www.aquaholics,org

m Try a drive with Aquaholics. This five star PADI dive centre offers an extensive range

of scuba dive courses from beginner to advanced including PADI, DSAT and TDI courses. Enjoy a wreck or reef dive; join one of the daily boat dives; take a thrilling power boat ride or book a complete dive package with accommodation at the Dive Lodge in Ballycastle. Visit the dive shop in Portstewart for a full range of major brands, servicing, rental and sales.

combat games 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.

sharp shooters Paintball 32 Altmore Road, Dungannon BT70 2UN tel: 028 8775 8727 or: 07887 655 447 email: info@sharpshooterspaintball.com web: www.sharpshooterspaintball.com

m Sharp Shooters Paintball Games Sharp

Shooters Paintball has launched a unique paintball site to offer an exciting alternative leisure activity to Northern Ireland. Situation outside Dungannon, the site is easily accessible (see contact page for precise location).

Sharp Shooters offers you 10 acres of natural woodland and grassland with a full range of gaming options to test your paintballing skills! Whether you want a fun day out with friends, a team building day with colleagues or for the more serious player we have the ultimate game for you! To find out more about this excitement-filled activity and make a booking please ring Rodney Wilson on 028 8775 8727 or 07887 655 447.

Green Zone Combat 36 Drumsavage Road Hamiltonsbawn Co.Armagh BT60 1NE tel: 0777 2919 974 email: info@greenzonecombat.com web: www.greenzonecombat.com

m Airsoft specialists Green Zone Combat describe this combat sport as being "not unlike paintball but with less pain, more vibrant, realistic game scenarios and better weaponry." Green Zone Combat is staged on five acres of land deep in the County Armagh countryside. The site is essentially a mix of open and built up areas - some with an almost urban feel and makes for a varied and intense gaming experience. Go away from a day's airsofting and you'll realise this isn't a sport - it's an obsession!

Battlefield sports N.I. Dundonald International Icebowl 111 Old Dundonald Road Belfast BT16 1XT tel: 028 9048 5462 mob: 0784 3203 497 email: info@battlefieldsportsni.com web: www.battlefieldsports.ni.com

m Battlefieldsports provide

outdoor/indoor laser combat games and airsoft. Games are run on a “challenge by choice system” which means that you decide what level of intensity and realism you want in the games before you start. For all games we provide clothing, hats/helmets and weapons and there are no hidden extras. We guarantee the best fun you will ever have no matter what level of game you are playing.

Predator Combat Games

SG-1 Combat Games Lough Beg Coach Houses, Ballyscullion Park, Magherafelt BT45 8NA tel: 07713 273 102 email: booking@sg1combatgames.co.uk web: www.sg1combatgames.co.uk

m SG-1 Combat Games is an established airsoft site set in a 5 acre wood.

Our realistic game play scenarios are designed to entertain and challenge. Many customers who've played at SG-1 come back for more and our fully qualified friendly staff make sure your day is a success and fun! We cater for all kinds of groups: birthday/stag/hen parties, or just a bunch of friends who want to experience something out of the ordinary.

SG-1: the authentic airsoft experience is open 7 days a week: 8.00am-11.00pm

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7A Dundrinne Rise, Castlewellan, BT31 9LY mobile: 07825 169631 tel: 028 4377 0566 email: sales@predatorcombat.com web: www.predatorcombat.co.uk

m Come visit us at Predator Combat Games,

for an adreline pumping, action packed day of air soft! Air soft is a fast moving combat game, and Predator pride ourselves in being one of the longest established and popular UKARA registered sites in Northern Ireland. Based near Drumaness in Co.Down, our 20 acre site has enough variety to keep new and aspiring players engaged all day long.

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s e t a m 0 1 s l l a b t 100 pain e u n e V 1 s e n o Z 6 id 20 Qu

! s r e b m u n y b Painting NEW: Irelands largest Zip Line has landed* * shouting WOOO HOOO compulsory

Special offer ÂŁ40pp Paintball and Zip Line Includes a 3 hour game

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