überdog magazine

FACEBOOK .COM/THE ADV E NTURE WE E K E ND WWW.THE ADV E NTURE WE E K E ND.IE

This event is about showcasing the best Ireland has to offer in terms of outdoor recreation, activity and adventure tourism.

TRY everything from Zip Lining to Mountain Biking at the Interactive Zone SEE professional athletes perform daredevil stunts at the Demo Zone FIND the latest equipment & plan your next adventure at the Exhibition Zone

Where Simmonscourt RDS When 20–22 May 2011 Why Life’s Too Short

Try It

See It

Find It

Sky Dive Wind Tunnel Rage Buggies Zip Line Climbing Walls Cycle Track 40ft Fan Descender Kids Activity Zone

Free Runners Stunt Bikes Skaters BMX Riders

Sailing Hill Walking Equestrian Activity Holidays Adventure Weekends The Latest Gear Nutrition .ie

meet ‘the dog’

beam me up doggy,

We’re going cyber up for a bumper It’s goodbye winter wonderland and hello to 2011 as überdog gears ing at the seams year amongst the great outdoors - With a diary absolutely burst it’s shaping up to be a great year out there...

W

elcome to this one off, never to repeated, absolutely for the the first (and last) time, totally FREE issue of überdog. As you can see I’ve went all ‘Tron’ on you as we celebrate our double interweb whammy. Just like Kevin Flynn being transported into the digital world of ‘Tron’ I’ve enveloped myself into übercyber-world.

Firstly we’re celebrating the relaunch of our website. Not that there was anything wrong with the old one - thousands of you loyal dirt hounds were logging on every month to check out what was new in the

world outside your door. We loved uploading new, photos and video - and apparently you loved looking at it all. The old site (may it rest in pieces) done the job - but left little room for expansion. The new one however brings the überweb kicking and screaming up to date.

Think of it like the first time you rode a MTB with suspension or sat in a stumpy kayak for the first

this. To celebrate the launch of the new website we decided, in our never ending generosity, to give issue six FREE via the web to all our deserved readers. Everyone is now able to sit in the comfort of their own home (but unfortunately not on the loo guys - unless you’ve got an iPad - in which case, respect) and enjoy our usual stack of news, gear, hints, tips, pictures, links and upcoming events. There’s also an interview with Ireland’s first lady of Surf Easky Britton, discover the other Ireland down below us in Artur Kozlowski’s report on cave diving, Adrian Durrant writes about freestyle kayaking, there’s an überblog written by MTB extremo Greg Callaghan, airsoft site and player report from Graeme Livingstone and much, much more. You know what - there’s too much to give away for free, I’m not going to... aaaaargh - too late, already uploaded! Oh well, hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed making it...

thousands of you loyal dirt hounds were logging on every month to check out what was new in the world outside... time or rode a surf board six inches shorter than you were used to - you never knew what you were missing until it happened.

Although still in the early stages the new überinter-web-site will boast more videos, more news, more photos and more room for feedback. Bring it on!

The second cyber yell goes out to our extra special issue six, exclusively online edition. You probably know about it already if you’re reading

And the winners are…

Congratulations to our issue five competition winners: MEN’S HOODIE & WATCH Tony Fearon, Rostrevor, Newry WOMENS’S HOODIE & WATCH Kathy McCartney, The Priory, Dromore ROCK CLIMBS IN THE MOURNE MOUNTAINS BOOK John Loane, Ravensdale, Dundalk DAN WOLFE’S RACE JERSEY Carol Lavery, Callancor, Drumkeen, Donegal POLAROID GLASSES & GOGGLES Brian Leonard, Corralea, Belcoo AIRSOFT COMBAT GEAR Jonathan Bradford, Tollymore, Newcastle

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

Got a sport you want to tell us about? Get in touch on editorial@ uberdogmagazine.co.uk

NAME:

NAME:

Rob Doherty

Dave Youngs

DOES:

DOES:

Big Dog at überdog

Sith lord of the saddle

BLURB:

The startled rabbit in front of MTB headlights look...

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.

If anyone could teach Eamonn Holmes downhill - it was Dave

NAME:

NAME:

DOES:

DOES:

Peter Stewart

Adrian Durrant

Wicked wakeboarding moves

Paddles everything & anything BLURB:

Not sure which direction the water is going in this photo...

Adrian started paddling when he was 12 years old and since then he has taken part in every discipline and competed at both world and European championships for Ireland. We’re very grateful that this current Irish Team Member and Chairman of Irish Freestyle finds time to write for us too!

Check out his blog at www.Paddle4life.co.uk

‘Wake’ me up before you... oh, you’ve already heard that one

NAME: DOES:

Skate trickster

Roo McCrudden DOES: Stunning surf photography and more...

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: Roo is a freelance photographer based in Portrush on the north coast of Ireland. He covers a range of photography genres including lifestyle, fashion, travel etc, but mainly focuses on surfing, shooting both from the shore and in the water. His work has been used in various forms from surf mags, to ad campaigns and websites and is available to hire.

Contact him at info@roomccrudden.com.

Taking ‘write your name on your hat’ to extremes...

NAME:

NAME:

Iain Gilmore

Aaron Wilson

DOES:

DOES:

personal training

Surf Guru

Getting extremely ‘board’ the Gilmore way...

Prepare to be introduced to my best friend

6

PAIN!

BLURB: With five Irish Championships, a 3rd place at the World Championships Orlando Florida and a 3rd place at the European Championships under his belt, Peter has been heavily involved with the growth of Wakeboarding throughout Ireland for most of his life.

While still competing Peter is now focused on helping others learn the sport and is one of the country's leading wakeboarding coaches.

NAME:

Luke Humphreys

Is the pen mightier than the board?

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.

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.

The new pool in the

BLURB: Once a trainer for surf pros in Australia, Aaron has returned to Belfast where he works as a fitness manager at the Merchant Hotel in Belfast. Aaron also offers one-to-one fitness coaching as part of Belfast Personal Training.

Merchant ROCKED...

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

World war two mines added some extra excitement...

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the

s t n e cont

issue six March/April 2011ad

kayaking

11

Puppy’s Privates

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

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New Downhill teams for 2011

With the 2011 season just about to kick off, we look at which downhillers are going to be worth watching...

28

SURFING SURFING

en Ireland’s Sea Maid surfing in Ireland for as been associated with for herself name Roo Her family’s name has Britton has carving out a Photographs: McCrudden www.roomccrudden.com generations but Easkey ladies of the sea… one of Ireland’s leading o surf’s in your blood, but id you ever consider not eing a surfer? plan. I eing a surfer wasn’t a conscious wild st always felt most at home running into n the beach and when I first jumped to leave e sea after my Dad I didn’t want he water, even though it was Ireland, wetsuits for kids were non-existent nd it was probably freezing!

My Mum’s biggest challenge when I was a kid was trying to

with the surf, even in the dead of winter, in the daylight gone and not soul but me my life it sea. I knew that whatever I did in and would be fed by my passion for surfing myself the sea. But saying that, I still threw photo of into everything as a kid. I found a me the other day aged 4 in my ballerina shoes and tutu before a performance!

And I did Ju-jitsu, Tai chi, yoga, gymnastics, athletics, swimming, surf life-

even saving, diving, painting, sculpting, actually. boxing. I still do a lot of that stuff

How does it feel to be a big wave record breaker? people It’s exciting to be in a world where limits, of are pushing the boundaries of their thought their potential, of what was once impossible. And there are a few very My inspiring people leading the way. and biggest inspiration is Keala Kennelly How what she’s doing for women’s surfing. she is totally her own woman, doesn’t

get me to come out of

her conform to any convention but forges own path in a very, very male world. aren’t Especially the big wave world. There part of it many women doing it so to be a when right now feels pretty big. But then matters you’re out there none of that really surfing who you are, gender, etc. Big wave core and strips the image, strips you to your there. you really have to face yourself out place, at I’ve been lucky to be at the right a deep the right time and willing to take breath and just go for it.

How did you feel tackling that first big wave?

I was just ago now. Again it wasn’t planned. wave really keen to see this near-mythical I really breaking in such a powerful setting. all had wanted to give it a go but the guys think any their teams and gear and I don’t first to pull of them were too keen to be the me, me into one and maybe end up killing I guess. they didn’t want that responsibility up So by the time one of the guys worked the end of the courage and told me to grab stiff the tow rope I was pretty cold and

a board It was the first time I’d ever ridden vest I with straps or been towed. The impact for had been wearing I’d put on initially it warmth and was Chris Malloys and was way too big for me. I’m not suggesting Aileens is a good idea for your first tow,

from having watched for nearly four hours and the light was fading fast.

but it I didn’t feel like I ‘tackled’ it really ride. definitely took me along for a thrilling The defining moment for me was my first wave at Aileens.

That was some time

Biog: NAME: Easkey Britton AGE: 24 LIVES: Donegal 20 NUMBER OF YEARS SURFING: Black Flys, JP, CURRENT SPONSORS: Etnies, Animal, Mum and Dad PAST TITLES WON: UK Pro Tour champ, 4 times Irish National champion, 3rd European British and Irish Universities champ, junior championships CURRENT TITLES HELD: Big wave charger!

It’s exciting to be in a world where of people are pushing the boundaries of their limits, of their potential, what was once thought impossible...

Photographs: Roo McCrudden www.roomccrudden.com

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35

Ireland’s Sea Maiden

Her family’s name has been associated with surfing in Ireland for generations but Easkey Britton is carving out a name for herself as one of Ireland’s leading ladies of the sea…

The Art of Longboarding

It was cool in the 50’s, then it fell out of favour and now it’s back with a bang! Iain Gilmore reports on the revival of longboarding and shares his tips on how to ride the nose…

40

Freestyle kayaking

Freestyle kayaking

Adrian Durrant, Chairman of Irish Freestyle and a champion paddler, gives us the lowdown on freestyle kayaking…

What is freestyle kayaking?

Freestyle is a discipline of white water kayaking or canoeing where the paddler performs various technical moves in one place by using a moving water feature to move their boat over three different axis to score points for different tricks.

In short it’s the equivalent of BMX riding in a kayak; the boats are shorter and lighter and designed to do tricks.

A typical freestyle kayak will be under six feet long with a flat bottom and sharp rails like a surf board. This allows the boat to surf waves and gain speed to initiate tricks, The boat is designed with lots of buoyancy around the cockpit, allowing it to bounce and pop out of the water to do big ariel tricks.

Adrian Durrant, Chairman of Irish Freestyle and a champion paddler, gives us the lowdown on freestyle kayaking…

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dog’s diary

Does it have a big following in Ireland?

Freestyle is one of the most popular aspects of whitewater kayaking due to its ease of access and the fact that it users smaller boats which makes storage and transport much easier.

There’s a new crew of youngsters coming through in the sport which will certainly keep up the interest and motivation.

The Irish scene has recently seen a resurgence with higher profile competitions and events.

Many other competitive disciplines see themselves currently loosing paddlers to ‘freestyle’. This is the only discipline where non competitive paddlers are already using suitable boats and paddling styles for events.

What are the key skills required to enjoy this sport?

To learn freestyle you need to have a basic understanding of paddlesport and a solid roll. Freestyle is about movement and rotation and because of this you will spend a lot of time upside down! Having a solid roll allows you much more time in the boat to enjoy.

What are the basic moves you should start off learning?

When learning to freestyle the first trick most people master is the Double Pump which is used to get the boat vertical.

Once vertical the world is your oyster with so much to try and learn.

One of the big tricks to learn is the Front Loop both on flat water and in a feature.

Ronnie Brennan performing an air loop at this year’s Sluice Rodeo

Tom Donkey at this year’s Sluice Rodeo. Freestyle Kayaking is a great tool to improve both general fitness and skill. It’s an excellent tool for any whitewater paddler giving extra confidence and technique

it’s the equivalent of BMX in a kayak; the boats are shorter and lighter and designed to do tricks...

Adrian at this years’s Sluice Rodeo

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Summer’s almost here and it’s time to start deciding what you’re gonna do this year - and with all these activies going on, you won’t be lost for choice...

Diary Dates

5 March 2011

CCAR Winter Series Round 4

Summer’s almost here and it’s time to start deciding what you’re gonna do this year - and with all these activies going on, you won’t be lost for choice...

£10 to ride, Spectators £2. Big Box & Rail Competition, Beats & BBQ. Visit www.T13.tv for more information

March-April 2011

Find out the facts about the Princes Trust Adventure Challenges. Take on an Adventure Challenge and test your physical fitness, mental strength and team skills - it will be unlike anything you have ever done and your sense of fulfilment will be incredible. Or check out a challenge closer to home. Come to an information evening to find out more.

How to book tickets email lucy.lewis@princes-trust.org.uk or telephone 028 9075 8113. Visit www.princes-trust.org.uk for more details

Ozone Climbing Wall, Belfast

Youth Climbing Series (For young climbers aged 8-16) Irish Final takes place on 12 March 2011 and the Irish Bouldering Championship takes place on 2 April 2011 Visit www.mountaineering.ie for more details

5-6 March 2011

C-SKINS WEST COAST JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS Lahinch, Co Clare This is the first of the Junior Tour events and the first of two selection events for the junior team travelling to Peru for the World Junior Championships in May. Visit www.isasurf.ie for more info.

5 March 2011

Beginners MTB Session Newry Co Down

Beginners MTB Skills session. Leaving from Carriage Restaurant on Warrenpoint Road, Newry at 10am.

For more information visit info@summitmountainbiking.com

26 March 2011

Monster Energy present the Monster Mash

The Night Peaty came to town

T13, Titanic Quarter, Belfast

Climbing Contests

3 March 2011

Princes Trust Adventure Challenges Information Evening Starbucks, Castle Lane, Belfast

13 March 2011

TMEC TODD’S LEAP CHAMPIONSHIP

Todds Leap, Ballygawley TMEC (Tyrone and Monaghan Enduro Club) stage another one of there ever populat enduro events. Sign on for the Motorbikes starts at 9.00am and racing starts at 10.00am and finishs at 1.00pm.

Sign on for the Quads starts at 1.15pm and racing runs from 2.00pm to 4.00pm.

Visit www.pmgelectrics.com for

19-20 March 2011

TRAMORE SURF CHAMPIONSHIPS

Tramore, Co Waterford The Tramore Open & Junior Open is the first Irish Championships Tour event for 2011 and is a selection event for the Irish Team to compete at the European Surfing Championships in Bundoran in September. Categories will be included are Open Surf, Womens Surf, Longboard, Open Bodyboard, Womens Bodyboard, Master, Senior & SUP. This is the second event of the Junior Tour and the second of two selection events for the Irish Junior Team to compete at the 2011 World Junior Surfing Championships in Peru. Junior categories to be included are U18 Boys, U18 Girls, U16s, U14s, U18 Longboard, U18 Girls Bodyboard, U18 Bodyboard and U16 Bodyboard.

For more info visit www.isasurf.ie

12 March 2011

Mini-man National 14 & under Skateboarding event

T13, Titanic Quarter, Belfast

T13, Titanic Quarter, Belfast

49

5 March 2011

All-Ireland Blade Jam

Castleward, County Down Causeway Coast Adventure Racing Club presents Ireland's premier adventure race series.

Four Rounds of Adventure Racing for teams of two which are suitable for novice to experienced competitors alike.

Visit www.sientries.co.uk for more information

T13 presents the BUS Juniors Mini-man National 14 & under Skateboarding event. £10 to ride, Spectators Free. Music, BBQ and Great Prizes.

Street-Ramp-Jump-Pump!

Prizes for all categories.

Registration from 11am. This is the first event of its type in Ireland! All bikes very welcome. £10 to ride £2 spectate. Helmets are compulsory for all competitors.

Visit www.T13.tv for more information

Helmets are compulsory for all competitors. Proudly supported by LOKO & Belfast City Council.

Visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/eve nts for more details

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Chain Reaction Cycles played host to none other than Steve Peat, one of Downhill Racing’s biggest stars. Peaty was at CRC HQ to promote his new book, “Seventeen Years In the Making”.

cave diving

In at the

follows a group of The action film ‘Sanctum’ expedition into the cave divers on a treacherous cave system on largest and least accessible the dangers of this extreme sport really earth. The film highlights terrain and we wanted to find out what took the plunge at Kozlowski the man who Britain, at 103m... exploring a dark and deadly to chat too than Artur and involves and who better the deepest underwater cave dive in Ireland Pollatoomary and recorded

A

rtur was born in Poland and now lives in Shankill, Co. Dublin. He learned to scuba dive in the Arab Emirates and came to Ireland in 2006 with nothing but

a handful of warm water diving experience diving and he became involved in cave I was quite by accident. “As a sea diver interested in shipwrecks and underwater were in archaeology and most of my dives One the ocean or inland lakes, “ he begins.” day I was diving off the coast of Donegal and a friend of mine showed me a little underwater cavern for merely 5-6m long. I only swam in felt a meter or two but the moment I the roof over my head, that combination of confined space, underwater environment and beckoning darkness… it suddenly made me feel strangely and inexplicably safe and at home. I realised it was a place I had been

in the north connection of two cave systems and of the country - the Marble Arch Cave Cascades system.

1.5km On a solo trip Artur found himself virgin inside the system, moving through flooded ground: “The sump (a section of cave) was passage inside an otherwise dry most of very constricted and I had to leave my standard cave diving gear behind, bringing only a small handheld bottle breathing of minutes of containing a couple

thrill the same time. So is he just a big seeker? “ It's always very exciting,” he enthuses. adrenaline “But believe it or not I am not an from seeker! Each dive I do I try to secure all possible angles and I do get nervous before some of them. But what always prevails is this insatiable desire to find out what is around the next last corner. It's the exploration of the frontier on the Earth that keeps me Irish pushing both the known limits of underwater caves and my own limits.”

Well to So what does a cave dive entail? picture understand the sport you need to it’s a fully what an underwater cave really is: for that submerged cave passage most of it's length has no airspace

what always prevails is this insatiable desire to find out what is around the next corner, It's the exploration of the last frontier on the Earth...

seeking for a long time.”

Six weeks later Artur was in South Wales taking his first steps into the of world of darkness under the supervision Farr. legendary Welsh cave explorer Martyn was “Martyn’s passion for cave diving to infectious,” Artur reveals. “I decided 70’s and continue the work he started in the - the carried through the 80s and 90s That’s exploration of Irish underwater caves. how it all started for me.” is Today most of Artur’s cave diving enter exploration diving which means he human places previously unseen by the eye. One of his most memorable the experiences was the discovery of

gas supply. I was pushing my way some underwater in zero visibility through and the 25-30cm high slot between the floor in roof of the cave. I kept getting entangled find my my own line but I had to use it to I was way back. It was all a bit crazy but convinced, after studying the existing my latest surveys and updating them with must discoveries, that the Cascades system I have been only meters away. Suddenly washed surfaced, landing on some clean in underground beach. And there, imprinted the marking footprint human a the sand was

to surface, like a completely flooded tunnel. Unlike the recreational sea divers who can always surface in case of any any emergency, cave divers have to solve the spot problems that arise underwater on surface, or persevere until they reach the the exit of the underwater cave. as no In these circumstances it comes surprise to learn that this is an extremely one that stressful and dangerous pastime amount of requires experience and a certain think “I explains: level headedness as Artur when the most difficult thing is to stay calm the proverbial shit hits the fan. Stress, by an especially extreme stress induced suffocating immediate threat of drowning or

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by cave furthest point reached in Cascades explorers back in 1980s. The connection was made.” thrilling at Artur’s tale sounds terrifying but

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in at the deep end

We chat to Artur Kozlowski the man who took the plunge at Pollatoomary and recorded the deepest underwater cave dive in Ireland and Britain, at 103m!

ON THE COVER

50

From Novice to Nutter

Resident MTB Jedi Master Dave Youngs shows us how to get the most out of that weekend blast on the singletrack...

Resident MTB Jedi Master Dave Youngs shows us how to get the most out of that weekend blast on the singletrack...

Over the last 5 Issues we have been looking at various trail skills to get you going on your local trails. In this issue we are going to look at a small section of trail and learn how to hook up all the obstacles and corners. This will allow you to find a bit of flow to your riding when you are out and about with your mates. It’s no good being OK at drops but weak in the corners. The last thing you want is your group of friends disappearing off in to the distance.

As with all the new skills stay and session all the bits until you find the right speed and flow.

Pictures: Jake Samuels

Approach You would have walked the Singletrack before you ride the best lines. Select a gear you can pedal if you need to grab a couple of pedal turns over an obstacle. Centre your Pedals read the trail ahead like in previous issues. Cover your brakes in case you get caught out. You are aiming to flow through the trail without snatching the Brakes so start steady and build up. Remember the Attack position elbows up weight low and in the Middle third of the bike. Keep a bit of weight on the bars so the front tyre bites in to the dirt.

obstacle The first obstacles to overcome are the wet roots and a small ledge. To keep the speed constant and the trail speed flowing we are going to manual over the ledge, rather than slow down and role the obstacle. Remember pedals centred weight back, if there are any roots to assist the front wheel lift use them. Move your weight back as you leave the ledge and roots. Once clear let the front wheel come down. Look ahead ready for the next part of the trail.

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pawed and tested

exit As you approach the corner settle down and keep low on the bike look around the corner. Try not to touch the brakes as you will unsettle the bike. Top tips can be found in Issue 5. You will feel the side of the tyre walls bite in to the ground. Straighten up and scrub off any extra speed ready for the descent through the trees. So get the weight back and look ahead. Get back on and go back up for another run.

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The Amphibia X-Bag - a unique Irishowned multi-sports bag made from rugged waterproof materials

ding by Belfast biker Robert Ferguson stan t of mos out!’ Making the the überdog mantra ‘Get out and stay . rday cold November Satu the quagmire up Cavehill, Belfast, one Picture by: The Big Dog

On The Cover:

Tricks & Tips

ADVANCED:

FLOWING ON YOUR LOCAL SINGLETRACK

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contents

tales ofa

54

lego man überblog

what’s going on out there by the people doing it...

A

lot of you probably have no idea who I am so here is a quick intro: My name is Greg Callaghan and I am a 19 year old elite downhiller from Dublin who dabbles in some xc racing, motorcycle trials and whatever other sports involving two wheels and speed that I can get a go at! I’ve been racing downhill properly for the past 4 years. Last 2010 was probably my best season to date and my first year as an elite. I managed to finish 25th at the European Championships in Norway, win an NPS race during my Leaving Cert exams (I had Maths and Irish the next day), finish 3rd in the Nps

tales of a lego man

series, 5th at the national champs, 4th expert at the xc national champs and was also voted Ireland’s downhiller of the year 2010.

One of the bigger results for me would have been winning the Epic Blast, a long time goal of mine! So yeah, it was a good year.

At the moment it’s the off season for me so I’m pretty much flat out training and working to fund this year’s racing, while still enjoying the time off from racing and travelling.

I spend my days working in OC Tuning with the big bad James O’Carroll who also sponsors me with my Solid bikes, Reverse components, Fox suspension and anything else I need.

I’d be lost without him!

I spend my mornings and evenings on the road bike, xc spins or in the gym pumping iron. I’ve managed to get myself into a pretty good routine now where I can comfortably train twice a day 5 days a week (on a good week) without it being too much trouble to find time or motivate myself to go out and do it, which is ideal really.

But when I’m not out training I’d usually have people over in my garden on my pumptrack, it’s riding really well these days and the cold spell is helping in keeping it dry! There’s been a few big enough sessions on it recently and I’m sure there will be a big one before the season starts up!

When I’m not out training I’d usually have people over in my garden on my pumptrack, it’s riding really well these days and the cold spell is helping in keeping it dry...

One of the bigger results for me would have been winning the Epic Blast, a long time goal of mine!

So yeah, it was a good year...

As you are all aware, we had a few weeks I recently gave into peer pressure and where the country was covered in snow and bought myself a Leatt neck brace and to be there was no chance of going mountain biking honest, I don’t know why I haven’t had one all anywhere. So I took the opportunity to learn to along! One of my mates, the famous loud ski. My god it’s fun! I only got two days at it but mouth Stephen Mellon broke 7 vertabrae last they were two brilliant days! The guys I was summer so I said I’d get one for this season with were pretty damn good too so I was really after seeing his brace save his life, without him thrown into the deep end. The first thing I saw having one it’d be a different story altogether... someone do was a frontflip off a jump which I’d highly recommend them to everyone out set off the tone of the day pretty well.

The lads there, they’re pricey but worth it. How much were trying to get me to try a frontflip on my does a wheelchair cost? first day too but I settled for being happy with But on a more positive note, I spent last just hitting the jump and getting some sweet weekend with two guys and their cameras air time, the landings weren’t so sweet though! filming for a documentary about the growth of But the snowy spell is gone for the time being mountain biking in Ireland entitled “Through and it’s back to the bikes. the roots”. We spent a day in Threerock riding I got myself a 6 inch bike towards the end of the new purpose built trails (which are last season, a Solid Blade. I’ve lived on this amazing by the way... like really really good! bike since the season ended, having sold my Get down and ride them! Lucky for me, it’s downhill bike in October and not having my xc right on my doorstep.) and a day in Djouce. hardtail built up, this has been my only bike all The lads really know what they are at and the winter and I can’t get enough of it.

It climbs like finished product is going to be a real gem and a hardtail and goes down like a dh bike. really show off the sport in Ireland.

They will be My downhill bike is due in tomorrow though, filming until May so keep an eye out for them so as I type this I’m checking tracking around the place filming with different riders numbers to see exactly where it is and when and at the races.

I’ll have it. My theory is that after riding the January is always the time of year when you small bike all winter I’ll feel invincible at first on plan the season ahead... making it an the downhill bike until I crash and get some expensive month! Going on the plans made so sense to slow down a touch... so I’m looking far, 2011 is going to be a big year for me! I’ve forward to seeing how that goes and the already entered myself into the full British crashes work out!

Downhill series, the Mega Avalanche and a

The überblog: what’s going on out there by the people doing it...

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the dog digs

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

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flannel panel

For more info on Greg check out www.gregcallaghan.com

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Milestone 4 Malawi

Photos from the second installment of the successful Milestone Sessions at T13 Titanic Quarter.

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Welsh national race in February. I’m also planning on doing my first world cup and

hopefully a few others while I’ll be in Europe for the summer.

Next time I’m writing one of these I’ll hopefully be in the sun enjoying some dusty trails. Next week I’m off to Tenerife for a family holiday, but of course I’m bringing the xc hardtail with me. Straight after that is the 021Racing Promo video shoot followed by the first xc race of the year and the Biking Blitz series in Ballinastoe. At the start of March it’s off to Malaga for a weeks downhilling and pre season training.... life is busy at the moment, but in the best way possible! Can’t wait to get into the swing of things this year and get going on the new bike.

Untill next time, go ride your bikes... even if it is freezing outside. It means the mud doesn’t spray up as much! o

team woof: MILESTONE 4 Malawi was the second installment of the successful Milestone Sessions at T13 Titanic Quarter. This time the milestone being celebrated was the launch of the partnership between the T13 collective and the Make A Difference Worldwide charity. Also known as M.A.D. this amazing charity is helping people on a global scale and T13 are getting involved with their Malawi project. The Milestone 4 Malawi gig was to raise awareness of the Malawian peoples desperate plight and to raise money for a shipping container to send over to an orphanage in the north of the country that M.A.D. is building.

The Milestone Sessions are about highlighting dynamic achievements from the local crew and is focused on the local, vibrant counter-culture scene. It’s an exciting fusion of sports and music delivered with an adrenaline-induced attitude. The collective pursuits of BMX, Skate and Blade are well represented by the ever-improving standard of those who make up its ranks. The level of talent is extraordinary considering the severe lack of facilities available. Nonetheless the passion they display is remarkable and many have made a solid impact while competing abroad. n

Skate Basiks

It’s part five of Luke Humprey’s skate tutorial and this issue he’s tackling the Frontside Pop Shove-it…

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

editorial: email: editorial@uberdogmagazine.co.uk telephone: 028 9127 0058 Skateboarding 64 www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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It’s part five of Luke Humprey’s skate tutorial and this issue he’s tackling the Frontside Pop Shove-it…

Lesson 5: Frontside Pop Shove-it

Second Skin

Layer up to stay warm and dry with the latest technical baselayers...

The frontside pop shove-it is when the board rotates 180 degrees

sideways. Unlike the backside pop shove-it, the board goes behind you instead of in front of you. Most people learn this variation of the pop shove-it after they have learnt the backside.

It can be a hard trick to master because the board goes behind you, but it’s really stylish and a fun trick to learn.

1

STEP TWO: EXTEND your legs and snap down on the tail.

The back foot does all the work in this trick so scoop it out in front of you to get the board to rotate.

This may take some practice because your back foot is going in front of you, but try and keep it under control by trying to remain steady and balanced on the board.

Remember to keep your front foot over the board at all times to stop it getting away from you.

2

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Airsoft Site Review: Predator Combat Games

4

step 1

REQUIRED SKILLS: Ollie STEP ONE: SET your feet up in the Fs Pop Shove-it position.

(Shown to the right) Bend your knees ready to jump and prepare to scoop the board. This trick can seem difficult because your back foot has to scoop in front of you but it does get easier with time and eventually it begins to feel more natural.

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step 4

step 3

step 5

online: email: web@uberdogmagazine.co.uk telephone: 028 9127 0058

STEP THREE: AS you scoop the board jump in the air to allow it to rotate beneath you, and while it is rotating behind you, jump backwards slightly so you land with your feet centred. It will take some time to synchronise the jump and scoop perfectly, but if you practice them a lot, in time they become much easier.

STEP FOUR: AS the board finishes its rotation, stomp down with your feet to catch it.

If you have jumped correctly you should land on the bolts.

Make sure to always keep your eyes on the board for this trick because it goes behind you and can be hard to see and catch it in the right place.

step 2

3

5

Starting foot position

COMMON PROBLEMS: There are a few common problems with the frontside pop shove-it so I’m going to try and explain how to fix them. The problem that most people have when learning this trick is being able to scoop the board behind you and stay over it. I found that if you

STEP FIVE: AFTER the board is on the ground, bend your knees to absorb the impact and roll away.

Practice them until you get them perfect and then take them to ledges, ramps or even stair sets.

imagine kicking a football with your heel it can help to give the board rotation. Another problem is landing with your toes touching the ground.

To fix this, jump backwards slightly, but not too far, otherwise the board can tip on its side and hit you on the ankles, which is not fun. o

Keep up to date with Team Woof at

Giving it a go?

Why not video your attempts, whether successful, disastrous or just plain daft, and email them into

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

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www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk 67

überdog’s combat correspondent Graeme Livingstone takes a look at one of the largest and longest established Airsoft sites in Ireland

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Dan’s The man

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Player profile of Airsofter Daniel McCartney AKA Danny Dee

überdog magazine

Supermoto at Kirkistown

Photos from the P&O Irish Sea Supermoto Winter Series

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n Omagh’s Mark Donnelly won the Quad Supermoto Championship

SNow BETTER FEELING

Whilst the rest of the country ground to a halt, die hard überdoggers cracked out their snow gear and thoroughly enjoyed the freak weather as these pictures will testify...

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ISSN 2043-7048 Volume 2: Issue 6 was published by

n Niall O’Hanlon (No.16) shared the third place spot with Daniel McDermott

DAVID Farmer, elder of the two racing brothers from Clogher, retained his P&O Ferries Solo Supermoto Championship trophy for the second year in succession despite the best efforts from younger brother Keith. David, was the dominate rider in the opening round of the Championship at the end of October when Keith was missing from the action having decided to forgo the Supermoto scene to concentrate on his short circuit career, but the lure of the new P&O Knock Challenge race, which was the brainchild of the organising Killinchy and District MCC, got him back on the trusty Aprillia and his sibling all the way in his efforts to retain his title.

David secured his Championship by winning the opening Prestige race of the day when Keith was a non finisher. He went on to take the first blood ahead of Carrickfergus man Jordan Bonar, whilst Magheramorne’s John McAndrew proved too hot to catch, forcing Gary Donohue into fourth place, ahead of McAndrew’s travelling partner, Phillip Wylie.

Gareth Knox was the victor in the P&O Ferries Solo Clubman Supermoto Championship, taking three wins from three starts during the final round. In the opening race of the day, Knox took the win ahead of Craig McNeilly in second place with Supermoto newcomer, Josh Cunningham in third place.

However Cunningham turned the tables on McNeilly in the final two races when he proved that he was taking to off road racing like a duck to water, this only being his second ever off road racing event.

Moving to four wheels and the P&O Ferries Quad Supermoto Championship looked likely to be Justin Reid’s Championship for another year, but it wasn’t to be, Reid was having a nightmare, failing to finish the first two races and was a non starter in the final Championship race, leaving the Comber man languishing back in sixth place in the Championship. With Reid relegated to the sidelines it was down to Omagh’s Mark Donnelly to pick up the winning mantle, taking the hat-trick of wins, with Cathal McCartan playing the runner up each time.

Niall O’Hanlon and Daniel McDermott shared the third place spots, with O’Hanlon taking third from Colin Forsythe in the opening race, whilst McDermott relegated O’Hanlon back to fourth in both of the other two races. The only lady competitor was in action in the quads also and Diane Hillis was seventh in the first race, before dropping back to 11th in race two but she was back on form in the final race, taking sixth. n Want to experience SuperMoto first hand? The new season kicks of 27th March and is well worth a trip. Dates and venues are available at www.supermotoni.com

Pig's Ear Publishing llp. n Stephen Kieghey leads through one of the chicanes

email: info@pigsearpublishing.co.uk web: www.pigsearpublishing.co.uk

n David Farmer retained his P&O Ferries Solo Supermoto Championship trophy for the second year in succession

n Comber’s Justin Reid

n The straight commanded serious speed and nerves

n Sean Harris (10) and Steven Drillingcourt (42)

n Gareth Knox was the victor in the P&O Ferries Solo Clubman Supermoto Championship

n Racing doesn’t get much tighter that this...

n Unmissable racing at Ireland’s fastest circuit

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Snow Sports

81

SNow BETTER FEELING...

Snow Sports

Whilst the rest of the country ground to a halt, die hard überdoggers cracked out their snow gear and thoroughly enjoyed the freak weather as these pictures will testify...

überdirectory

Your guide to outdoor businesses across Ireland

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.

MAIN PIC: Stephen Ryan making the most of the alpine conditions deep in the Mourne Mountains. He nearly had a full weeks snowboarding here. Quite a lot of effort required with the lack of chair lifts and hillside cafes but worth every bit! Photo: Gary McCall

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

Carrickfergus Skate Park Update xmtb spring mtb series

XMTB McConvey Cycles are hosting a series of three mountain bike races aimed primarily at the youth riders from the Under 8s up to the Under 16s starting on Sunday 27 February 2011. The over 16's are not being left out as the club will have a Senior / Fun race for all levels of competitive cyclists from the Introductory “Sports” rider to the top end Elite riders. The venue will be Ormeau Park in Belfast which the club used for running a similar series in 2010. The club wish to thank their ongoing support from Belfast City Council.

McConvey cycles have very generously put up a new mountain bike as the big prize for the series. It is a 2011 Specialised Hardrock Disc. The winner will be drawn by raffle ticket after the last round on Sunday 13 March 2011. Riders will receive 1, 2 or 3 raffle tickets depending on how many events they have entered.

For more details visit www.xmtb.co.uk or telephone 07793 769832

THINGS have started to move in Carrick. The council released the skatepark for tender in mid November 2010 with a closing date of 3rd December and a budget of around £280,000. Around 15 companies put forward designs for the tender. This included some professional skatepark design companies from England. One of the local architects met with some members of the forte group, a group of BMX riders, Skaters and bladers who would like to see a skate facility located in Carrickfergus, to help design one of the parks.

Recently council members, a few members of the forte group, a local carrick skateboarder and Belfast BMX rider Peter Adam met to decide on the best skatepark designs. Four designs were chosen, three of which that gained the top marks out of 300 by the deciding panel (as above). These three companies are now to give a short presentation about their design to the deciding panel (who also chose four parks above).

By giving a presentation this will allow the panel to make a final decision as to what design will be picked. Hopefully the skatepark will begin construction in the first few months of 2011 and be finished by the summer of 2011.

For more info visit www.fortecarrick.com

Keep on doing it...

ENTITLED ‘Keep on Doing it’ this Northern Ireland Adventure Sports Conference takes place in Tollymore National Outdoor Centre on 3-4 March 2011. The conference is geared towards instructors, leaders and coaches in the field of adventure activities and will focus on how they maintain their enthusiasm and performance within their chosen sports.

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Topics will include how to look after your body, how to maintain your enthusiasm and passion for outdoor sports, how to balance work in the outdoors and family life, and how outdoor adventure sports have been a significant economic driver for an area.

Professor Peter Higgins will provide the keynote address on why he believes so passionately in the value of outdoor education and recreation. The after dinner

speaker will be Leo Dickinson who will present his most recent film and will talk about his lifetime of adventure sports film making.

Visit www.sportni.net for more information. The conference is free but prior booking is required.

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The Girl does good FOLLOWING the disappointment of big GB names not making the grade at the O’Neill Evolution, we are stoked to see überdog issue four cover star Aimee Fuller finish in an awesome fifth position at the O’Neill Evolution 2011!

Taking part on Saturday in beautiful conditions, Aimee saved her best for the semis and final, making waves up against her peers and some of the biggest names on the world circuit.

In the semi final, run earlier in the morning, Aimee threw it down with a monster run, qualifying easily for the final in third position and 78.90 points, just behind Sarka Pancochova and Jamie Anderson.

In an intense final, which witnessed some incredible technical riding from the girls, Aimee stepped up, but couldn’t managed to hold down the style and flow of her semi-final run.

Despite a sick 2nd drop, which saw her hammer down a 540 for a huge 73.37 points, she was unable to jump her competition and move into the podium places, with Anderson eventually winning, Panachova in second and last Years TTR champ, Enni Rukajärvi, placing third.

This event was top of the pile, a six star TTR showcase featuring the best in the world with a prize purse to match and finishing fifth makes Aimee a force to be reckoned with on the world stage if she wasn’t already! Well done Aimee, huge shout out to you for killing it at Evolution!

BIKING BLITZ SERIES The Biking Blitz spring series kicked off the 2011 bike season with events taking place nationwide. The series is set to offer a real challenge for all bikers with two categories to choose from; Baggy Shorts or Super Pro! Youth races will take place on the morning of each event. The course has been specially designed by international experts to challenge and thrill. So saddle up for the first time or put your winter training to the test at the 2011 Blitz.

Visit www.biking.ie or telephone +353 (0)83 434 6992 for details

AIMEE SAYS:

ALTAMUSKIN RUN

HOW DID IT FEEL COMING 5TH? I was stoked on coming 5th in such a big contest up against so many international riders, it was so much fun and a great experience.

WHAT WENT RIGHT FOR YOU THIS TIME? I played it safe and stomped 2 solid runs, and then stepped it up on my 3rd run and went for the 7.

HAVE WE SEEN THE BEST OF AIMEE FULLER OR IS THERE MORE TO COME? More to come! I will be competing in other contests this season on the TTR world tour, the European X games, the Roxy Chicken Jam US, the European and US Open.

Find out more at www.aimeefuller.co.uk

Todds Leap once again sponsor the Altamuskin five mile run, which takes place at Todd’s Leap HQ at Ballygawley.

The annual race will take place on 17th March and be even bigger this year with six big cash prizes and lots of spot prizes to be given out on the day!

Everyone will receive a free t-shirt for all their hard work! Serious runners, fun runners and walkers are all welcome.

The entry fee is £10 and it’s free for all under 12’s so it really is a great family day out. The nominated charities are Marie Curie Cancer Care and Order of Malta Ambulance Corps.

More information can be found at www.altamuskincc.co.uk

SUPER SIZE ME Want to turn your favourite photos into impressive XXL posters? Got a favourite photo that your computer screen just isn’t doing justice? Let Jessop’s turn it into an amazing XXL poster up to 1.4m long! Posters are printed on high quality lustre paper for outstanding colours and picture vibrancy. Decorate your home with own professional, super-sized pictures. Jessops online are currently offering 25% off all XXL poster printing so what are you waiting for?

Check out all the offers via the link on www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

Photo: O'Neill / www.philippruggli.ch

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Come and have a go if you think it’s warm enough CANOEING OPEN SESSIONS 26 MARCH 2011 • SHAW'S BRIDGE Starting Saturday 26th March to Mid October 2011, except July Fortnight. No need to pre book, just turn up and paddle… bring a friend! They will provide a boat, buoyancy aid, spray deck, paddle and helmet. All you need to do is turn up in comfortable, warm clothing with an old pair of trainers and a light waterproof jacket, with a change of clothes and footwear in case you get wet. If you have your own wetsuit, gear or equipment then you are welcome to bring these too. Please note, parental / medical consent is required Costs: Youth (under 16) £12pp, Adults £15pp.

For more information visit www.mobileteamadventure.co.uk

2011 IRISH MTB Downhill NPS THE 2011 Irish Downhill National Points Series gets of to a flying start on 26/27th March. First to kick off the series is Chain Reaction Cycling Club who will be holding their 2011 event in the venue of the 2009 Irish National Championships Rostrevor Forest. Riding into the field in Rostrevor is not permitted before the event.

021 Racing take over for round two returning to the old favourite in Fermoy Co Cork of Corrin Woods. 021 have asked us to tell riders there will be no riding in Corrin prior to the event. The event takes place on 7/8th May 2011.

Round three brings us to the old faithful Killarney venue on 18/19th June. Killarney Cycling club (and riders) will be hoping for a taste of the fantastic Kerry weather we got a taste of in 2010.

Following Killarney on 13/14th August 021 adds a new venue to the 2011 race calendar. Round four will be held in a new private venue in Leap, Co Cork. The venue promises great parking and there will be a local pub, restaurant and B&B close to the venue.

Round five, and the final event of the season sees Plush Cycling Club come together on 24/25th September to host an

event north of the border in a venue yet to be decided.

We also need to remember the biggest event of the 2011 downhill calendar - The Irish National Downhill Championships.

This year two clubs will host the event in the form of Flow Racing and Epic DH with the venue being the same as the 2009 Irish Champs - the amazing Carrick mountain.

Others events of 2011 will see the announcement of an Ulster league (more details soon) as well as other fun events planned by some clubs throughout the year.

Timing for all events will be provided by the ever reliable NACC Events and the Off Road Commission are currently discussing sponsorship opportunities. If you know of anyone interested in being involved in sponsoring the 2011 series please get in touch with the Off Road Commission.

Competitors are asked to ensure they make note of the new rules for underage riders regarding body armour and to respect all organisers wishes prior to the events.

A full preview for each event will be available on www.IrishDH.com

EUROPEAN DUATHLON CHAMPIONSHIPS 15-17 APRIL 2011 • LIMERICK www.europeanduathlonchampionships.com In conjuntion with Limerick being crowned European City of Sport, Limerick triathlon club are hosting the European Duathlon Championships in Limerick on the 15-17th of April. There will be an open race as part of this and everyone is welcome to take part whether it’s your first time or you are a seasoned competitor. It’s a 3km run/20km cycle/ 3km run and it can be done as a relay with your friends. It’s a good goal for anyone looking to get fit and healthier and the proceeds go to St. Gabriel’s School and Centre for disabled children.

Check out www.europeanduathlonchampionships.com for more information

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Let’s get Snow Business ready to tumble THE RED BULL Flugtag team are back in Ireland and even happier to announce that they have the honour of hosting the HUNDREDTH Flugtag ever! From the first ever Flugtag in Austria back in 1991, this amazing event has grown and grown and grown. It has now been held in 40 cities all over the world and a million people have watched some of the most ingenious, inventive, creative - and downright crazy attempts at unassisted flight.

This year on May 22 at Dun Laoghaire Harbour they will take great pride in putting a fantastic Irish twist on this very special event. So, they're hoping for plenty of the outrageous and innovative machines for which the Red Bull Flugtag has become famous - and who knows, maybe they'll get a world record to round off what we hope will be the perfect event. Happy flying!

Keep updated at www.redbull.ie/flugtag

WHAT IS IT? Red Bull Flugtag challenges teams of everyday people to build homemade, human-powered flying machines and pilot them off a 30-foot high deck in hopes of achieving flight! Flugtag may mean “flying day” in German, but all these crafts ultimately splash into the waters below. They are judged not only on their flight's distance, but creativity and showmanship as well.

Push your skills further MOUNTAIN BOARDING LEVEL 2 SESSION Level two develops your dirt track and freeride skills, while introducing you to some air-time.

Berm riding, pumping through, drop-ins, slowing down techniques, terrain awareness, straight air, these are some of the aspects covered in level two. The instructors will help you achieve level two standard, usually in a group of up to five, and guide you through the session at your own pace, building up the necessary skills as you go. Progressing on to longer downhill rides is very rewarding, and the smile you feel having completed a perfect downhill run is priceless. Sessions cost £20, and are run most weekends, and last up to 3 hours. All the gear you need is provided. You must have completed a Level 1 session.

Advance booking essential.

For further details visit www.gaspactionsports.com or telephone 077 3921 0119

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JANUARY and February 2010 marked a huge turning point for Freestyle Snow sports in the UK and Ireland. First off Jenny Jones who has long been the solo torchbearer for the sport in this part of the world for so long claimed a silver medal in the Snowboard Cross at the X -Games in Apsen. But she is no longer alone!!

The big news came from the world freestyle Championships in Deer Valley USA. Finally the whole world knows what Freestyle skiers in the UK and Ireland have known for the last two years. James Woodsy Woods, überdog issue five cover star, is one of the hottest Freestyle skiers on the planet. On the 2nd of August 2010 Woodsy dropped on to the Slopestyle course and everything changed.

After the qualifying runs the secret was out Woodsy finished an incredible 3rd behind Sammy Carlson one of the biggest names in the world. His runs had the whole town buzzing. Wondering how an 18 year old from Sheffield England could put on such a display On the final day Woodsy failed to put down a clean first run but his second run was enough to get him an 8th place overall. This is a huge success and it is he culmination of 6 years of Hard work with Pat Sharples team GB’S coach.

Representing the girls 15 year old Katie Summerhayes finished 11th in the women’s slopestyle event.

Both Woodsy and Katie are loved by everyone they meet. The love they have for their sport is infectious and they are really some of the nicest people you will ever meet.

With slopesyle a potential Olympic even at Sochi 2014 the possibility of the UK claiming winter Olympic medals took a huge step forward.

From everybody in the ski community in Ireland we salute you Woodsy, Katie and Jenny. You have shown us all that we can compete at the top level and succed.

Katie Summerhayes at the World Championships 2011 in Park City USA Photograph courtesy of Vanessa Sharples

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paddlefest 2011

18-20 MARCH • TOLLYMORE NATIONAL OUTDOOR CENTRE PADDLEFEST is CANI's annual event aimed at paddlers of all ages, abilities and preferred disciplines. The 2011 event will be held at Tollymore National Outdoor Centre near Newcastle Co Down. The main theme of Paddlefest will be journeying and expedition skills.

There will be a team of experienced coaches running a range of workshops and sessions which we hope will provide you with the skills and motivation to plan your own trips. Manufacturers and suppliers of Paddlesport and expedition equipment will attend the event which is a great opportunity to see what’s new and to talk to the experts.

The majority of the coaches are from Ireland and bring a wealth of experience of paddling worldwide. The coaches The main theme of Paddlefest will be journeying and expedition skills

have great passion and enthusiasm regarding their chosen discipline of paddlesport. To enhance the program there will also be a number of guest coaches who will be providing inspirational talks and coaching on the water.

As with previous years there will be a number of retailers and manufacturers attending Paddlefest who will be on hand to talk about the latest gear and if you wish you can also purchase kit at the event. There are also a number of organisations who provide assistance through equipment, staffing and resources.

If you would like any further info contact ashleyhunter@cani.org.uk or telephone 07875092928

CALLING ALL MUD-AHOLICS

McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes Mud Madness is the ultimate muddy challenge across fields, bogs and ponds, under a cargo net and over a climbing wall. The event is open to and suitable for males and females over the age of 17.

Taking place on 17 April 2011 at Foymore Lodge, Portadown this race costs £20 per entrant. Marie Curie Cancer Care is the charity partner for the event Find out more at www.jaffacakesmudmadness.com

SNO!ZONE AT XSCAPE BRAEHEAD Mourning the passing of our recent snow fall? Fear not, go skiing at any time of the year; SNO!Zone at Xscape, Braehead has 200m of fresh, real snow and is the perfect day trip for skiers and snowboarders. SNO!zone caters for all capabilities from complete novice to experienced skier. Travel at your leisure with Stena from Belfast to Stranraer for only £155 for a car plus two. Extra persons are only £40. Sailings are daily until 30 September 2011 The price includes return Stena ferry travel with your car and 2 hours recreational time of skiing/boarding. This includes the provision of boots, skis, boards and poles however it does not include the recommended warm clothing.

Please note this day trip is only suitable for those who can control speed, link turns and use the poma lift!

Check out all the offers via the link on www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

The majority of the coaches are from Ireland and bring a wealth of experience of paddling worldwide

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er m m u s s i h t e g v n o i l k n a i y l l a a k F a e s with Tollymore National Outdoor Centre provides the widest range of courses in Ireland for individuals, groups and corporate team building. The state of the art facility, funded and managed

by Sport Northern Ireland, is now open following a major redevelopment.

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DOWNHILL TEAMS 2011 With the 2011 season just about to kick off, we look at which downhillers are going to be worth a watching...

Moycullen Bike Works MOYCULLEN Bike Works, County Galway, have announced that Jacob Dickson, Luke Cornforth and Cameron Cornforth will be riding during this upcoming season with MBW Racing.

To help out these three underage riders for 2011 MBW Racing has teamed up with Dakine, Kali helmets, Cane Creek, Maxxis and Nukeproof. MBW Bike Shop will provide the Transition frames and the remaining components.

Team rider Derick Davoren who won the DH sports category in 2010 will also be sponsored

by Dakine, Kali helmets, Cane Creek and Maxxis tires. MBW bike shop will provide him with a Transition TR250 frame and the parts necessary for a successful season in the master’s category.

MBW are also glad to mention the continued partnership between MBW Racing and Seanan O’Riordan, winner of the overall DH elite category in 2010.

In the under 14, Luke Conrforth won the DH national series overall with Jacob Dickson hot on his heels in second place. A healthy competition is developing between the two young riders. This year should prove interesting as they both are riding Transition Dirtbag frames and are following the same training and race schedule. The year was off to a great start with the first practice session in Caersws, Wales. The

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young lads impressed all around and they are now aching to start racing again at the first round of the NPS (hosted by Chain Reaction Cycling Club in Rostrevor on the 26/27th March).

In the under 16, we are confident that Cameron Conrforth will be riding his Transition TR450 to the top spot. With his technical abilities on and off the bike, the feedback he provides to the team is vital in setting up the bike and its suspensions so he may ride to his fullest potential.

MBW Racing will be present at most gravity orientated events throughout Ireland and UK. The team will be at all the Irish NPS rounds, some selected cross-country races and also at all the rounds of the British Downhill Series.

Derick Davoren will be kept busy with running a second MBW bike shop based in Tullamore so he will only race national events.

Last but not least Seanan O’Riordan will be representing the MBW brand throughout Europe during the summer. Not only will he be racing nationally but he will be present at many international events, such as selected rounds of the World Cup Downhill Series in Fort William, Scotland, La Bresse, France or the now famous Lisbon Downtown in Portugal.

For more information check out www.mbikeworks.ie

Nukeproof NUKEPROOF have announced their 2011 Junior team. The team members include Irish Junior Champion Christopher McGlinchy and Irish Under-16 Champion Dan Sheridan.

Christopher, from Belfast, Northern Ireland started racing in 2006 and competed at Junior level during 2010. He also competed in the 2010 European Youth Championships. Speaking about joining the Nukeproof Junior team Christopher, also known as ‘Kipper’ told us: “I'm really excited about riding for Nukeproof, all the products are amazing and I do feel the support will help me go on to achieve the goals I have set for this year. It’s my first year as a Junior so I will be competing in a few World Cups, so obviously my main goal will be to try and qualify at the World Cups and to defend my National Junior title.”

Dan who hails from Dublin, Ireland, started racing in 2007 and has won the 2008 and 2010 Irish National Championships in his respective categories. Speaking about his goals for 2011 Dan said: “2011 will be my first season racing in the Junior category so it’s great to have Nukeproof supporting me.

“It’s a big step up but for me but my goals are to win the 2011 Irish Championships, top 5 overall in the BDS and qualify at the World Cups I attend. I want to gain as much racing experience as possible.”

Dan is excited at being selected as one of the few people sponsored with a Nukeproof complete build. “Its amazing to be riding for Nukeproof, I’ve always loved the bike after seeing it in its early stages in the Irish series, so it’s great to be getting my own! I have everything I need to get the job done so I just need to focus on riding and training.”

The Nukeproof Junior team will be competing in selected World Cup events, British Downhill Series and the Irish Downhill National Points Series. check out www.nukeproof.com for more information, pictures and videos

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OC Tuning Race Team THE OC TUNING 2011 race team will consist of the three elite riders Greg Callaghan, Ewan Doherty and Rob Davis who will be accompanied by Meave Baxter.

The four riders all have an extremely successfull past on both national and international levels. Last year Ewan Doherty spent the summer in Europe getting some great results at world cups and European level races, one of Ewan's big results of the year was when he placed 28th at the European Championships, the only Irish rider to better his time was fellow team rider, Greg Callaghan who placed 25th. Greg had a great year placing 3rd overall in the NPS series, 5th at the national chapionships and winning the highly regarded Epic Blast along with a 4th place in the expert category at the XC National Championships. Rob Davis who is the personality behind the team, travelled Europe for the summer, also getting some credible results on his travels. Rob finished 10th at the National Champs in a stacked Elite field. He is also a great guy to have around the pits on a race weekend, which is always helpfull! Meave Baxter had the big achievement of getting married last year which meant she had to sacrifice some time away from racing, coupled with bad luck in race runs this meant she didn't have as good a season as previous years when she won the European Masters championships and placed 2nd at the World Masters Championships in 2009.

For 2011 all the riders have big plans and are currently working harder than ever to achieve these goals. Ewan is currently in New Zealand racing the New Zealand national series and taking in some sights along the way, he will also spend the summer in Europe again this year competing in World cups and European level races, Ewan plans to make a real impact

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over there and at home with the growing standard of Irish racing at the top level.

Greg will be travelling Europe with Ewan along with racing the full British Downhill Series and Irish series, taking in as many XC races and the Mega Avalanche along the way. Greg is currently working in OC Tuning to fund his racing and spend his days on Facebook keeping up to date on the happennings in the world. Greg also has full intention of making an impact at any race he attends and is training hard at the moment to be at his best.

Rob is also racing some of the British series and the full Irish series with some xc races in between. Rob is giving one last big push at his final year in the Elite class before making the move up to Masters in 2012. He is currently training harder and better than ever and is set to pull out some big results for the season, watch this space, and clear the area because you never know what line Rob will take!

Meave is also gunning for big things for the season, she will be racing the full Irish series and have a go at retaining her title as European Champion! She has recently recieved her new custom made Solid M9.

Meave has also been training hard and is looking set for some good results this season.

The team will be running the Solid M9 downhill frame kitted out with Fox Racing Shox suspension, Stan's Notubes rims and Reverse components. They are looking like some of the nicest bikes out there with some really bling parts. OC Tuning are the Irish distributors for Fox Racing Shox, Stan's NoTubes, Solid bikes and Reverse components, so if you like what you see on the bikes and want to have a bike like the team then give them a call for more information.

For more information check out www.octuning.ie

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

NAME: Seanan O'Riordan SPECIALITY: Downhill Mountainbiking SPONSORS: Relentless Energy, Nukeproof, Cane Creek, cSixx, Maxxis, Santa Cruz Bikes, Sram, Rockshox, Truvativ, Avid, Troy Lee Designs, Industry Nine AWARDS/COMPETITIONS WON: Irish Points Series Elite Champion 2010, Irish Points Series U16 Champion 2006, Irish Motorcycle Trials U18 Champion 2005.

STARTING OUT: When I was only a couple of months old my dad used to put me lying on the tank of his Kawasaki Z1000 and take me up and down our road, aged 6 I got my first motorbike and started competing in Trials, aged 8. After seeing some people riding downhill near a local Trials round I had to give it a go, a guy I randomly met in the forestry gave me a go of his bike (ironically an early Santa Cruz V10, Ronan is also a great friend to this day) and I was immediately hooked. A couple of months later and I got my first proper full suspension downhill bike, I was at a local race watching and Ronan suggested I race as he thought I could do quite well. At the end of the day I was fastest in my category and went on to win the overall in my first year.

THE ROAD TO SUCCESS: I think riding motorbikes from an early age really helped me progress in downhill. Trials tought me a lot about composure and concentration during a competition as well as bike handling skill. I believe the sheer enjoyment and love of the sport has brought me along more than anything else. It's so unique compared to anything else and the variations from course to course and even condition changes constantly challenge you day in day out.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Winning the Irish overall in 2010 felt great, also my 7th place at the Maxxis Cup International in Portugal was amazing. Finishing up there with so many big names and also beating a few was a huge step forward for me.

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Rough Riderz FOR SOMETHING new and exciting in the way of extreme sport, look no further than Rough Riderz - the UK’s most diverse and inclusive downhill mountain biking club.

Open to both disabled and able-bodied bikers, the Lancashire based club organises regular taster days and downhill events across the north of the country. One of its main aims is to promote the importance of integrated sport across the UK, and they’re looking to expand their current size of over 160 members. Founder member and Club Secretary Phil Hall says: “It is rare to find an extreme sport where disabled and ablebodied participants can compete together on equal terms. Therefore, this new version of mountain biking should be recognised as an important development in the world of sport as a whole”. Rough Riderz also want to take their taster days one step further, by

holding regular downhill races, and are looking to the future with the prospect of eventually creating a sponsored British team. Awareness is paramount to their expansion and success, and their firm belief is that everyone who hears their name is a potential member.

For more information contact Phil Hall, telephone: 01772 562883 or visit www.roughriderz.co.uk

CARLINGFORD NATIONAL LEPRECHAUN HUNT 27 MARCH 2011 • CARLINGFORD People are invited to come and hunt for ceramic leprechauns at Slieve Foye!

The public are asked to refrain from disturbing the area where the leprechauns exist and not to attempt to capture any of The Little People themselves!

For more information visit www.carlingfordleprechaun.ie

WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT 2 APRIL 2011 • PORTRUSH Be part of a Guinness World Record Attempt. Book a spot to break this ‘Most surfers standing on the same wave’ world record. As well as the possibility of being part of a new world record there’s going to be a Red Bull Live DJ, the chance of some free lessons and Quiksilver Prizes.

For more information search and join them on Facebook

WEST WICKLOW ROAR

Canoeing in Canada

“PART of the experience, to me, is flying in above the roads - to settle in quickly and quietly to the romance of the river; to camp a day or two in the calm before making the descent; to breathe deeply of the essence that defines these Quebec gems.” Hap Wilson.

The Dumoine River, located at the border of the Temiscamingue and Outaouais regions, is considered one of the best white water rivers in Eastern Canada. It is known for its consistent flows and is more than adequate for white water throughout the summer. The river is mostly Grade 2 with some Grade 3s thrown in to keep your attention. It also has some beautiful lakes to relax in. The pace will be leisurely to enjoy the wilderness and spectacular scenery. You will have free time for photography, swimming, sunning and relaxing, or for day hikes to the cliffs and waterfalls. The Adventure Team will provide 2 guides, transport, most meals and equipment - you will only be responsible for your personal equipment and sleeping bag.

For more infomation visit www.theadventureteam.co.uk

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21 APRIL 2011 • TULFARRIS This Multisport Event - Kayaking, Road Biking and Off Road Running - is based in the scenic Blessington Lakes area of West Wicklow. The event will start and finish at the Tulfaris Hotel just south of Blessington on the lakeshore. Excellent organisation, warm local welcome, many superb sights, challenging terrain and a great value for money event is guaranteed.

Visit www.roar.ie for more details

ACHILL ISLAND 10K/5K 30 APRIL 2011 • ACHILL ISLAND The Achill 10K will follow the roads around Keel and the Deserted Village before finishing with an exciting run along the sands of Keel Strand. Expect deserted roads, fantastic scenery and a run to the finish line along one of the best beaches in Ireland.

The Achill 5K beach race is run entirely on the beach at Keel Strand, Achill Island. This Blue Flag beach is famous for its stunning views, clean clear water and a variety of water and beach sports from surfing to kite buggying. The route will be an out and back format crossing a small stream mid way, so you could get your toes wet!

For more information visit www.achillmountainmarathon.com

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)ROORZ XV RQ

CHOOSE FROM AS MANY OF THESE ACTIVITIES TO CREATE YOUR PERFECT DAY ARCHERY BLINDFOLD DRIVING JCB DRIVING CLIMBING WALL ZIPLINE SUPER SLIDE RODEO BULL OFF ROAD DRIVING QUAD BIKING CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING PAINTBALL AND THAT ALL FAMOUS HILL RALLY STAGE

Hen & Stag Parties, Corporate Teambuilding, Youth & Schools, Groups, Families, or just a group of mates looking to let their hair down? Todds Leap guarantee to give you an Experience you’ll, never, ever forget!!!

Todds Leap Activity Centre Todds Leap Road, Ballygawley, Co Tyrone, N. Ireland BT70 2BW Tel: +44 (0)28 8556 7170 • Email: info@Todds Leap.com

DUBLIN CITY PREPARES FOR INVASION! AFTER a succesful Invasion of Cork we are delighted to let you know that the Emerald Garrison are returning to Dublin for their first Invasion of Dublin City this Easter April 23rd-25th! This will be the only Invasion in the Republic of Ireland in 2011!

Designed and produced by the renowned Star Wars enthusiasts at Emerald Garrison, Invasion is an all round science fiction event that will feature the highest calibre props and backdrops ever to be seen in Ireland, as well as amazing life-size Star Wars sets.

See a life-size Scout Walker in all its glory and experience the jaw-dropping life-size Y-Wing fighter up close. Sit on the Emperor’s Throne and be flanked

by Royal Guards while Darth Vader kneels in obedience in front of you.

Looking for a fun day out for all the family? Invasion Dublin brings something for everyone to enjoy. Mums, dads and kids of all ages will have the time of their lives.

Fans both tall and small can meet their favourite characters and experience the full-size recreations of the movie sets.

Take photos with Darth Vader, Princess Leia, R2-D2, the menacing Emperor and Darth Maul. Storm Troopers will also be there to maintain order, so be on the lookout!

If you’re thinking that’s not enough, Invasion Dublin is ready to up the ante and give you the chance to meet original actors from your favourite Star Wars episodes.

Keep checking for all the latest updates on www.invasion.ie

Segway Experience: get your feet of the ground IMAGINE a feeling like hovering above the ground at speed, with complete control over any terrain. Riding a Segway is an awe inspiring experience that has to be tried before you can fully understand how amazing it really is. The Segway is a new marvel of technology that is self- balancing, keeping you upright and in complete control at all times. Made to feel as simple as walking, motion is controlled by leaning forwards or backwards on the handlebars, making the Segway an entirely novel and totally thrilling way to get around.

Segway’s are extremely eco-friendly and have zero emissions. If you are able to walk up steps without assistance, you should be able to pilot a Segway. And where there’s speed there’ll be racing! Segway Rally Racing offers everyone an exciting and new experience, and a thrilling time for your group. What about a Segway Safari? Go for a guided excursion through some beautiful scenery along natural tracks and open surroundings, through woods and forest settings, reaching viewpoints and areas of interest.

Check out the strictly limited ‘Buy Now Rally Later’ early booking offer Save 40% when you book a session, that's only £21 per person!

For further details or more information about our Segway activities visit www.gaspactionsports.com or telephone 077 3921 0119

Ireland Coast to Coast Multisport Race 14-15 MAY 2011 • ENNISCRONE, CO SLIGO TO NEWCASTLE, CO DOWN TRAVERSING the country in a West to East format the route of the 26 Extreme Coast to Coast Multisport Race will pass through unspoilt rural locations, through quaint villages and along one of the most famous waterways in Ireland. Over two days, the route will wind its way along 200 miles of the best cycling, paddling and running terrain Ireland has to offer. Competitors will be truly astounded at the scenery and challenge laid down before them in this fantastic event.

For for details visit www.coasttocoast.ie

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XTREME COASTEERING Tried Coasteering? Tried Abseiling? Are you ready to try both? This amazing session begins with an abseil and free fall in to the sea before you continue walking, scrambling, jumping, swimming and sometimes crawling around the coast. A wetsuit ensures that you stay warm at any time of the year, other equipment includes a helmet and a buoyancy aid.

For more details visit ww.theadventureteam.co.uk

CHARITY ABSEIL IN DERRY CITY The Adventure Team have set themselves the mammoth task of helping local charities across Northern Ireland to raise ÂŁ1 million! They are going to do this by delivering a range of Adventure Based Fundraising events. Everything from Abseils to Xtreme Coasteering, Raft Races to Adventure Races. There is going to be a huge push on local businesses, small and large, to get involved too! On Sat 7th May Trocaire and The Adventure Team will be abseiling in Derry City - so come on all you thrill seekers and dare devils! This is your chance to feel good as well as having an adrenaline rush.

For more details visit www.theadventureteam.co.uk

NORTH WEST 200 RELENTLESS Energy drink is backing the International North West 200 for a further two years with the announcement today of a renewed brand partnership helping to cement the North West’s position as Ireland’s top outdoor sporting event.

This year’s North West 200 is set to take place on Saturday 21st May with Race Week Festival kicking off on 15th May and race technical director Mervyn Whyte MBE was ecstatic as he welcomed Relentless Energy back on board as title sponsor.

“The dynamic spirit and sheer tenacity of Relentless encapsulates everything that the North West 200 stands for and I’m delighted that the Relentless Energy team will support our event until 2012. It’s been an excellent partnership to date and we look forward to working alongside the team over the next two years creating improved race programmes and drawing high calibre competitors from all over the world as well as here on the island of Ireland.”

Attending the high glamour launch at Belfast’s Merchant Hotel was 12 times North West winner Michael Rutter alongside Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing team members Carrick’s Alastair Seeley and Guy Martin from Lincolnshire, Ballymoney riders Adrian Archibald and William Dunlop and Hawick rider Stuart Easton. Also present was local rider Kirk Jamison from Greyabbey who will make his North West 200 debut. The 30 year old has been competing on the short circuit scene for the past decade and in 2011 will realise a long time ambition to take part in the International North West 200. In the Superbike class Kirk will be on board the Jim Angus Contracts BMW and in Supersport will ride for Mar-Train Racing.

Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing team member Guy Martin at the launch o fthe NW200 at Belfast’s Merchant Hotel

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Duke of Edinburgh Award Adventure Residentials To achieve your Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, you need to complete an extra section - the Residential. This involves spending 5 days and 4 nights away from home on a shared activity with people you’ve never met before.

Hannah,a Duke of Edinburgh participant said “I was told by a few people that it would be a life-changing experience. At the time I didn’t believe them, but now I have returned, my perspectives on everyday life have been changed. Our experiences at the Goodwill Village especially allowed me to grow as a person, gaining confidence and experiencing new sensations that very few people ever get to experience.”

As an Approved Activity Provider ‘The Adventure Team’ are offering a new and exciting residential opportunity at their Adventure Centre in Gortin, County Tyrone nestled in the beautiful Sperrin Mountains.

During the five days you will have the chance to experience a variety of fun and challenging activities that include Archery, Abseiling, Mountain Biking, Canoeing, Raft Building, Curragh Building, Hill Walking and Coasteering on the world famous Co. Antrim Coast, including a visit to the Giants Causeway World Heritage Site.

You will also have the opportunity in the evenings to learn about the rich and diverse cultural history of Northern Ireland including a visit to Derry/Londonderry (UK city of Culture for 2013) and a guided tour of the famous Derry city walls, and of course some traditional Irish music and “craic”.

This is a great chance to forge new friendships whilst enjoying challenging fun activities and learning about different cultures.

For more details visit www.theadventureteam.co.uk

WOMEN WITH ALTITUDE' 8-10 APRIL 2011 • MOURNE MOUNTAINS • COUNTY DOWN

A MOUNTAINEERING and climbing weekend for women. Two days for women hillwalkers and climbers to share ideas, learn new skills, enjoy themselves and benefit from mutual support.

The glass ceiling of the corporate world may also be present in mountaineering.

Although half of Mountaineering Ireland’s members are women, men tend to be to the forefront in the sport. For example we have fewer women on Mountain Leader courses, fewer women on the Board of Mountaineering Ireland and fewer women participating in climbing competitions, yet we know that women are capable leaders, decision makers and climbers. That’s how the idea for Women with Altitude was born.

Led by Sandra Kennedy, an MI Board

member living in Galway, an organising team is planning an event that promises fun, inspiration, skills and support for women with an involvement in hillwalking and climbing.

Women with Altitude will take place at Tollymore Outdoor Centre in the Mournes, from Friday evening 8th April to Sunday 10th April 2011. Over the weekend we will have a selection of talks and activities, all focused on the needs of women in our sport.

Women with Altitude is open to girls and women of all ages, and all levels of ability.

They already have three generations from one family committed to participating.

For further details visit www.womenwithaltitude.ie

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SURFING

Ireland’s S Her family’s name has been associated with surfing in Ireland for elf generations but Easkey Britton has carved a out a name for hers as one of Ireland’s leading ladies of the sea…

Photographs: Roo McCrudden www.roomccrudden.com

So surf’s in your blood, but did you ever consider not being a surfer?

Being a surfer wasn’t a conscious plan. I just always felt most at home running wild on the beach and when I first jumped into the sea after my Dad I didn’t want to leave the water, even though it was Ireland, wetsuits for kids were non-existent and it was probably freezing!

My Mum’s biggest challenge when I was a kid was trying to get me to come out of

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the surf, even in the dead of winter, with daylight gone and not soul but me in the sea. I knew that whatever I did in my life it would be fed by my passion for surfing and the sea. But saying that, I still threw myself into everything as a kid. I found a photo of me the other day aged 4 in my ballerina shoes and tutu before a performance!

And I did Ju-jitsu, Tai chi, yoga, gymnastics, athletics, swimming, surf life-

saving, diving, painting, sculpting, even boxing. I still do a lot of that stuff actually.

How does it feel to be a big wave record breaker?

It’s exciting to be in a world where people are pushing the boundaries of their limits, of their potential, of what was once thought impossible. And there are a few very inspiring people leading the way. My biggest inspiration is Keala Kennelly and what she’s doing for women’s surfing. How she is totally her own woman, doesn’t

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SURFING

Sea Maiden conform to any convention but forges her own path in a very, very male world.

Especially the big wave world. There aren’t many women doing it so to be a part of it right now feels pretty big. But then when you’re out there none of that really matters who you are, gender, etc. Big wave surfing strips the image, strips you to your core and you really have to face yourself out there.

I’ve been lucky to be at the right place, at the right time and willing to take a deep breath and just go for it.

How did you feel tackling that first big wave?

ago now. Again it wasn’t planned. I was just really keen to see this near-mythical wave breaking in such a powerful setting. I really wanted to give it a go but the guys all had their teams and gear and I don’t think any of them were too keen to be the first to pull me into one and maybe end up killing me, they didn’t want that responsibility I guess.

So by the time one of the guys worked up the courage and told me to grab the end of the tow rope I was pretty cold and stiff from having watched for nearly four hours and the light was fading fast.

It was the first time I’d ever ridden a board with straps or been towed. The impact vest I had been wearing I’d put on initially for warmth and was Chris Malloys and it was way too big for me. I’m not suggesting Aileens is a good idea for your first tow,

I didn’t feel like I ‘tackled’ it really but it definitely took me along for a thrilling ride.

The defining moment for me was my first wave at Aileens.

That was some time

Biog: NAME: Easkey Britton AGE: 24 LIVES: Donegal NUMBER OF YEARS SURFING: 20 CURRENT SPONSORS: Etnies, Black Flys, JP, Animal, Mum and Dad PAST TITLES WON: 4 times Irish National champion, UK Pro Tour champ, British and Irish Universities champ, 3rd European junior championships CURRENT TITLES HELD: Big wave charger!

It’s exciting to be in a world where people are pushing the boundaries of their limits, of their potential, of what was once thought impossible...

Photographs: Roo McCrudden www.roomccrudden.com

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SURFING

but I was in good hands with some of the world’s best watermen and I didn’t have time to think or dwell on the consequences, I just went.

Is it only the ‘big ones’ that excite you now as a surfer?

No not at all, big ones scare me but I’m still drawn to them - it’s that intoxicating thrill I guess. But I love it all. I get just as excited running across the local reef to go surfing with my family. I just got a new board, it’s pretty tiny a 5’6 but it’s supposed to go like a demon in the surf so I’m excited to try that. I paddled a 7’8 for the first time at the Cliffs on 1/1/11. Unfortunately I snapped it so I’ll have to order another! The thing about surfing, which is probably why I love it so much, is that there is such diversity, so many different kinds of waves, boards, experiences, sensations, fun and fear. That’s probably why it’s attractive to so many different people too.

Are you really living the dream?

Well a friend of mine said ‘you need to dream it before you can live it’and I love dreaming. But dreams are not fairy tales. It’s a real struggle financially for me and for a lot of other pro riders trying to live their dreams in this current climate, especially with the surf industry basically closing its doors to a lot of riders. But you have to find a way to do the things you love. I’ve always had the attitude of never say never, anything’s possible, but that doesn’t mean it’s ever going to be easy. If you really want something it can take hard work and determination to get it.

What have been the highlights of your career to date?

That’s a hard one. I feel blessed to have led such a full life already. My family say I sometimes live as if I think the world will be gone tomorrow, that there’s never going to be enough time and like I want to be a kid forever. I have thrown myself into life’s experiences, taken risks and received great gifts.

Really quickly the highlights might be something like this - surfing Teahupoo aged 16; travelling solo around the world in my late teens and discovering great people and places along the way; volunteering in Africa, Fiji, Cuba on marine wildlife, conservation and humanitarian projects; being the first woman to surf Iran last year; discovering new waves in my own back yard; winning my first women’s national title at my namesake wave at Easky; winning my 10th

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consecutive paddle board title at the Surf Rescue Nationals; placing 7th in the world in the paddle race at the World Surf Rescue champs in Australia; towing Aileens for the first time; paddling Aileens for the first time; tow surfing Hawaii’s Outer Reefs last winter; riding a big one at Mullaghmore last summer; achieving a 1st class Hons degree in Environmental Science whilst still competing; surfing and travelling the world; presenting at my first International conference in London at the Royal Geographical Society last year…I better stop there!

Do you think the surf scene in Ireland is a healthy one?

It’s different to anywhere else. It’s been shaped by our rich history, culture and climate, the wild weather and the rugged landscape. There’s nowhere else like it. But it’s changing rapidly, mostly because of the phenomenon of the internet and all that goes with that. I’m not sure where exactly it’s going but I hope it does keep its uniqueness and soul and doesn’t become just another culture absorbed into the mainstream branded ‘surf scene’ that’s so typical of a lot of places around the world now. I suppose the weather might save us in the end…

a friend of mine said ‘you need to dream it before you can live it’and I love dreaming...

Who are the upcoming Irish surf stars of the future?

The future is looking good. We’ve got heaps of groms at the local surf club in Rossnowlagh. Ones to watch are surfgirl Maeve McCloskey and her pals; her bro Garvin, his little buddy Jack Scott, my cousins Una and Danno… Cian Logue and Conor Maguire are really charging it now too. There are too many to name and it’s great to see. And that’s just round here.

There are lots more at the other surf centres. Although it would be good to see more groms, girls especially getting into surfing on the North Coast around Portrush.

Wetsuits are awesome now so no excuses!

What’s in store for you for 2011?

Given the start I’ve already had it feels like it’s shaping up to be a pretty exciting year with a lot of change happening. For my

PhD fieldwork I will be going to Sri Lanka to run a training workshop on wellbeing and coastal resilience. I hope to do more big wave stuff - actually I’ve been invited to surf in Ireland’s first ever tow-surf event at Mullaghmore with all the guys. The waiting period is the start of 2011, until March 31.

Exciting and scary as hell so I’ll have to get training hard. The Eurosurf is coming to Bundoran in September so I’ll have to get my competitive groove on for that…and see what else comes along. I don’t like to make plans that are too concrete because you can never predict what the ocean is going to do.

Is there more you still want to achieve as a surfer?

Always. I still feel like I’ve only just begun.

It’s great! o

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SURFING

The two faces of Easkey: Above: Relaxing by her beloved west coast shores and below riding the big wave at Mullaghmore Photograph: NC Britton

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Kitesurf Warehouse is one of the Uk and Irelands leading online kitesurfing shops. We are based in Northern Ireland and have been supplying UK and Ireland kitesurfers with kites and kiteboards since 2003. Our aim is to get you on the water with quality equipment, at the very best possible prices. You wont see our kit for sale anywhere else in the UK or Ireland as we have full rights to all our kites and boards for these areas and we buy it direct to save you money.

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paddle Fitness sports

SURF BODY CONDITIONING er Part two: Core strength and balance. surfer and personal train Aaron Wilson looks at how to train your deep core musculature…

C

ore Strength runs beyond the muscles trained whilst doing endless crunches in pursuit of a six-pack. The deep core musculature is what we want to focus on as surfers. These muscles support and stabilise the low spine during dynamic movement.

Training the core is vitally important to improve power output at the arms and legs as all movement originates at the core.

Balance training will complement our new found strength and is obviously extremely

important to surfers. To improve balance we must train the neuromuscular system of the body (the efficiency of the brain to talk to muscles) we must train the body to perform tasks on a subconscious level based on touch and sight. For instance the beginner will think of every aspect of a pop up, foot placement and weight distribution. We’re as the experienced surfer with pop up without thinking about it with his feet in the right position according to where he wants to move

on the wave. The experience surfer was only able to do this because he gave his brain efficient feedback from what he sees the wave doing and how his body feels on the board.

Unfortunately it isn’t possible to be in the water for hours every day but we can train our balance system in the gym everyday to maximise our performance in the water. n The next few exercises will integrate the core and balance systems into functional surf exercises.

Swiss ball bridge with progression Keep your shoulders blades pulled back and grasp each side of the Swiss ball keeping your belly button pulled in toward your spine throughout. Progress by having your feet on a second Swiss ball, placement of your lows pine is vital, if your hips sag regress back until your core improves. Perform 3 x 30 second holds.

Indo board balance with progression A lot of gyms have indoboards now but if yours doesn’t they are well worth the investment. First of all if possible perform with bare feet, remember your balance relies on touch. The indoboard flow cushion gives us an introductory level balance workout. The indoboard roller provides one plane of movement and should be your intermediate progression. The medicine ball provides 3 planes of movement and should be your advance progression.

This exercise will help you align your ankle knees and hips structurally whilst improving core function. Perform exercise to fatigue.

Bosu jump to balance with med ball rotation Hop onto bosu feet hip width apart with the ball part down, take a few seconds to acclimatize and then with your arms extended rotate your hips to pass the med ball to a training partner and be ready to receive it back and hop back to start position.

Perform 4 x 10 reps on each side using a 3-5kg med ball.

Bosu pop up

Swiss ball Jump to stabilise

Place hands either side of the bosu with the ball side down, simulate a pop up by lifting your chest and quickly flexing your hips to pop up on to bosu. Perform 4 x 5 pops.

This is the most and difficult and advanced of the exercises and can be performed with a static or moving swiss ball. Perform to fatigue. Practise on the stretch mats at your gym to decrease risk of injury.

Bosu 4 point balance bounds The idea is too bound forward, back and side to side off the bosu on one leg. Work your way 360 degress around the bosu returning to the centre on each occasion. Perform 4 x 360 degree rotations on each leg.

n Aaron Wilson is a fitness manager at the Merchant Hotel in Belfast and also offers an individual personal training service along with his business partner at LA Fitness as part of Belfast Personal Training. Contact him on 078 3485 7406

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surf

THE ART OF

LONGBOARDING back It was cool in the 50’s, then it fell out of favour and now it’s and with a bang! Iain Gilmore reports on the revival of longboarding shares his tips on how to ride the nose…

B

ack in California in the 1950’s & 60’s when surfing had really started to boom, surfers were riding boards generally over 10ft long! But all that changed in 1966 when Robert ‘Nat’ Young won the World Championship in San Diego riding his famous board ‘Magic Sam’ a 9’4 square tail, Vee bottom board shaped by legendary shaper Bob McTavish.

This win galvanised shapers around the world to start thinking more about performance and over the next decade boards became radically shorter and far easier to manoeuvre. The longer boards that were ridden only a few years previously were seen as obsolete and if guys were still riding them, they were regarded as old and past it.

That is until the early 90’s when 14 year old prodigy Joel Tudor stormed to victory in his 1st ASP Longboard competition. Wearing his neon yellow Oxbow wetsuits and riding lightweight Longboards shaped by Donald Takayama, Tudor brought Longboarding back to being cool and so started a revival of gliding on a surfboard that spread across the world.

Longboarding was especially popular in Europe mainly in the UK and France with surfers of all ages who enjoy the fact that you catch easily double the number of waves than you’d get on a shortboard.

Nowadays having a longboard in your quiver is very much accepted as being the norm. Longboarding in

Ireland is extremely popular with two specialist Longboard events taking place each year in Rossnowlagh and Lahinch.

The art of riding a longboard is simple, it’s about flow, glide and style. Moves like cross stepping, noseriding, and drop knee turns hark back to an era in surfing when things were simpler. When riding a longboard the surfer needs to utilise the full length of the board to gain optimum trim. The ultimate thrill on a longboard is to be able to noseride; nothing beats that sensation of having your toes perched on the nose while you glide along the face of a wave with no board out in front of you.

So how do you get to ride the nose?

As with any form of surfing the bottom turn is what generates your speed, a lot of longboarders try to fade their take off by aiming their boarding the opposite direction they want to go in and once they are up to their feet cranking a hard deep bottom turn which generates a lot of speed. Once you have completed the bottom turn and have reached the top of the wave try to level out and trim along the lip line of the wave.

Once you are trimming at the top of the wave try to move forwards towards the nose, most surfers learning will shuffle but the ideal method is to

cross step. To do this simply cross one foot over the other until you get close to the nose of the board, always have your arms out for balance.

Once at the nose try to put your toes on your front foot as close to the nose as you can, meanwhile lean your weight back onto your back foot and keep your arms either out from your sides or raise them above your head to help your balance.

Noserides can last 1 or 2 seconds or as much as 15 depending on the level of surfer and type of wave he/she is riding. You will learn when to move back down the board as your board will start to slip down the wave face and you will need to walk back before your nose digs in and causes you to wipe-out!

Try to cross step back down the board, a lot of people do find this a lot harder but remember to keep those arms out for balance.

Once back to the middle or tail end of the board you will be looking to do your next manoeuvre either a cutback to the curl or trying to get back up to the nose again. o

• 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.

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In at the The action film ‘Sanctum’ follows a group of cave divers on a treacherous expedition into the largest and least accessible cave system on earth. The film highlights the dangers of this extreme sport really exploring a dark and deadly terrain and we wanted to find out what took the plunge at who man involves and who better to chat too than Artur Kozlowski the d and Britain, at 103m...

Pollatoomary and recorded the deepest underwater cave dive in Irelan

A

rtur was born in Poland and now lives in Shankill, Co. Dublin. He learned to scuba dive in the Arab Emirates and came to Ireland in 2006 with nothing but a handful of warm water diving experience and he became involved in cave diving quite by accident. “As a sea diver I was interested in shipwrecks and underwater archaeology and most of my dives were in the ocean or inland lakes, “ he begins.” One day I was diving off the coast of Donegal and a friend of mine showed me a little underwater cavern merely 5-6m long. I only swam in for a meter or two but the moment I felt the roof over my head, that combination of confined space, underwater environment and beckoning darkness… it suddenly made me feel strangely and inexplicably safe and at home. I realised it was a place I had been seeking for a long time.”

Six weeks later Artur was in South Wales taking his first steps into the world of darkness under the supervision of legendary Welsh cave explorer Martyn Farr.

“Martyn’s passion for cave diving was infectious,” Artur reveals. “I decided to continue the work he started in the 70’s and carried through the 80s and 90s - the exploration of Irish underwater caves. That’s how it all started for me.”

Today most of Artur’s cave diving is exploration diving which means he enter places previously unseen by the human eye. One of his most memorable experiences was the discovery of the

connection of two cave systems in the north of the country - the Marble Arch Cave and Cascades system.

On a solo trip Artur found himself 1.5km inside the system, moving through virgin ground: “The sump (a section of flooded passage inside an otherwise dry cave) was very constricted and I had to leave most of my standard cave diving gear behind, bringing only a small handheld bottle containing a couple of minutes of breathing

furthest point reached in Cascades by cave explorers back in 1980s. The connection was made.”

Artur’s tale sounds terrifying but thrilling at the same time. So is he just a big thrill seeker? “ It's always very exciting,” he enthuses.

“But believe it or not I am not an adrenaline seeker! Each dive I do I try to secure from all possible angles and I do get nervous before some of them. But what always prevails is this insatiable desire to find out what is around the next corner. It's the exploration of the last frontier on the Earth that keeps me pushing both the known limits of Irish underwater caves and my own limits.”

So what does a cave dive entail? Well to understand the sport you need to picture what an underwater cave really is: it’s a fully submerged cave passage that for most of it's length has no airspace to surface, like a completely flooded tunnel. Unlike the recreational sea divers who can always surface in case of any emergency, cave divers have to solve any problems that arise underwater on the spot or persevere until they reach the surface, the exit of the underwater cave.

In these circumstances it comes as no surprise to learn that this is an extremely stressful and dangerous pastime one that requires experience and a certain amount of level headedness as Artur explains: “I think the most difficult thing is to stay calm when the proverbial shit hits the fan. Stress, especially extreme stress induced by an immediate threat of drowning or suffocating

what always prevails is this insatiable desire to find out what is around the next corner, It's the exploration of the last frontier on the Earth...

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gas supply. I was pushing my way underwater in zero visibility through some 25-30cm high slot between the floor and the roof of the cave. I kept getting entangled in my own line but I had to use it to find my way back. It was all a bit crazy but I was convinced, after studying the existing surveys and updating them with my latest discoveries, that the Cascades system must have been only meters away. Suddenly I surfaced, landing on some clean washed underground beach. And there, imprinted in the sand was a human footprint marking the

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cave diving

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cave??? diving

underwater is very difficult to overcome if you don’t have enough experience. That kind of stress is stupefying and leaves you completely powerless, unable to think reasonably and to take proper self-rescue action.

“There’s a lot of stress around us in normal life,” he continues, “but rarely, if ever, do we face the danger of immediate death, so we are not prepared for it. A very small event, that usually triggers a chain reaction of more things going wrong, can throw you very quickly from that state of false confidence to panic. And panic in underwater cave is lethal. So a cave divers' biggest fear is panic - if you panic your chances of surviving drop next to zero. You need loads of pure luck to get out of it... I’m speaking here from my personal experience.”

The list of possible danger faced by cave divers is extensive and includes getting lost in a labyrinth of passages and running out of air before finding your way out; miscalculating your air reserves; getting entangled in a guideline or simply have a disastrous loss of gas due to equipment failure; light failure… the list goes on but Artur believes most of these can be avoided or solved by proper training and equipment.

“Underwater cave environments are very unforgiving and most accidents are fatal,” he warns. “So rule number one - get properly trained and never exceed the limits of your training. Many experienced open water divers have died in underwater caves because they thought they didn’t need training. The minimum requirement to start the cavern training is Advanced Open Water certification which usually means at least 20 - 30 dives under your belt. However you can participate in a guided cavern dive in the

Polltoophill Sink where a huge river disappears underground and appears back on the surface after couple of kilometres

Green Holes complex with a basic Open Water certification but only after my prior assessment.”

If you would like to pursue cave diving Artur’s full cave diving education and training course consists of three steps: Cavern course, Intro to Cave course and Full Cave course. Cavern and Intro courses cost 300 -350 euro each and can be run as intensive two days courses. The Full cave course is usually taught over 5-6 days in a couple of different sites and locations and is priced individually depending on the student's preparation and progress.

And then there’s the equipment.

Exploration deep cave diving often requires a specialised equipment like multiple closed circuit rebreathers - devices that recycle divers’ breathing gas supply to allow them stay longer underwater.

However on a less advanced level, if you wanted to visit an underwater cavern you would need basic open water equipment with small modifications plus some extra gear like a line reel, extra lights and an additional small gas cylinder in case of emergency. These are usually provided by the instructor or a cavern guide.

So where in Artur’s opinion are the top cave spots to explore in Ireland? His reply is definitive: “Doolin in County Clare, no doubts about it. Diving there constitutes the best cavern diving in temperate European waters. Spacious submerged tunnels, excellent visibility and the abundance of

Underwater cave environments are very unforgiving and most accidents are fatal...

Some of the equipment needed.

Pictured during exploration dives in Gort Lowlands during Riders on the Storm Traverse Project

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cave diving

marine life inside the caves makes it an unforgettable experience. “On the reverse side of the scale there is that huge underground flooded system of passages underneath Gort Lowlands in County Galway, possibly one of the biggest subterranean waterways in Europe. To date almost 13km of passages have been discovered there, and considering the depth, distances from the nearest exits, visibility and the currents, I can assure you that this is by far the most challenging cave diving in the world.� o ARTUR KOZLOWSKI: Artur is a recreational and technical diving instructor and is the only Ireland based active Cavern instructor. Follow his blog on www.hellandhighwater.eu

Artur returning from a sump dive in Monastir in the Marble Arch caves. Sump diving is exploring short flooded passages far into the dry caves in search of dry continuation or connections with other caves. As a result a few cave systems were connected here through underwater connections and created the second longest cave system in Ireland, 12km long

A sidemounted configuration was necessary for exploration in parts of Green Holes, Doolin, County Clare

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kayaking

Freestyle kaya gives us the lo Adrian Durrant, Chairman of Irish Freestyle and a champion paddler, What is freestyle kayaking?

Freestyle is a discipline of white water kayaking or canoeing where the paddler performs various technical moves in one place by using a moving water feature to move their boat over three different axis to score points for different tricks.

In short it’s the equivalent of BMX riding in a kayak; the boats are shorter and lighter and designed to do tricks.

A typical freestyle kayak will be under six feet long with a flat bottom and sharp rails like a surf board. This allows the boat to surf waves and gain speed to initiate tricks, The boat is designed with lots of buoyancy around the cockpit, allowing it to bounce and pop out of the water to do big ariel tricks.

Does it have a big following in Ireland?

What are the key skills required to enjoy this sport?

Freestyle is one of the most popular aspects of whitewater kayaking due to its ease of access and the fact that it users smaller boats which makes storage and transport much easier.

There’s a new crew of youngsters coming through in the sport which will certainly keep up the interest and motivation. The Irish scene has recently seen a resurgence with higher profile competitions and events.

Many other competitive disciplines see themselves currently loosing paddlers to ‘freestyle’. This is the only discipline where non competitive paddlers are already using suitable boats and paddling styles for events.

To learn freestyle you need to have a basic understanding of paddlesport and a solid roll. Freestyle is about movement and rotation and because of this you will spend a lot of time upside down! Having a solid roll allows you much more time in the boat to enjoy.

Tom Donkey at this year’s Sluice Rodeo. Freestyle Kayaking is a great tool to improve both general fitness and skill. It’s an excellent tool for any whitewater paddler giving extra confidence and technique

Adrian at this years’s Sluice Rodeo

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aking owdown on freestyle kayaking…

What are the basic moves you should start off learning?

When learning to freestyle the first trick most people master is the Double Pump which is used to get the boat vertical. Once vertical the world is your oyster with so much to try and learn.

One of the big tricks to learn is the Front Loop both on flat water and in a feature.

Ronnie Brennan performing an air loop at this year’s Sluice Rodeo

it’s the equivalent of BMX in a kayak; the boats are shorter and lighter and designed to do tricks...

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kayaking

Flat water loop This is where a forward flip is performed whilst in your boat. To many this is seen as a major development and it’s argued that once you can loop you suddenly become a very good paddler. I don’t think that’s the case. You become a good paddler through practice and kno0wledge.

What are considered the hardest tricks to perform?

The sport is still progressing with bigger waves being surfed and harder combos being created. To rack up more points you need to be able to not only perform an array of tricks in the set time, but link them together to get extra bonuses. Some of the harder tricks to perform would include Helixes and Phoenix Monkeys.

Where can you freestyle kayak?

Within Ireland there’s lots of great features to practice on for all abilities. Toome in the North creates a friendly surfing wave with lots of potential. Sluice in the East provides Dublin’s premier playspot home to the Sluice Crew and anyone who loves to play on the Liffey, Gower (Limerick) and Cliffden (Other side of Galway) in the West provide a beautiful surfing wave and a usually friendly hole working with the tide to create a reliable feature. Along with these main spots there are loads of other places which are great. Away from home you can travel to any Whitewater course in the world and find a play spot or head to places like the Ottawa in Canada or Nile in Uganda for big waves and top paddlers.

What equipment do you need?

To get into freestyle you need: PLAYBOAT: Short freestyle type boat PADDLE: Usually shorter and lower angle but to get going any whitewater blade will do.

CAG: Something to keep you warmer and dryer so you can spend more time on the water SPRAY DECK: Designed to go around you and your boats cockpit to keep water out of your boat PFD: Buoyancy aid designed to keep you afloat when you inevitably fall in HELMET: Saves your head from the rocks and trees around t0he river MATES: And a good group of friends.

Paddling is about enjoying yourself and meeting new people.

The Double Pump

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Learn the lingo Got the moves?

Then it’s time to talk the talk…

END: the dipping of either the bow or stern of the boat to make it stand vertically in the water CARTWHEEL: more than one vertical end in the same rotational Direction.

SPLIT WHEEL: two consecutive vertical ends, with a change of direction in between each and both ends

Are there any regional and international competitions Within Ireland We have a full calendar of domestic event and training days taking place all over the country this can be found at www.irishfreestyle.com Internationally every other year we have either a World Championships (due to take place in Germany 2011) and a European Championships (due to take place in Norway 2012).

Why would you recommend this sport?

Freestyle Kayaking is a great tool to improve both general fitness and skill. It’s an excellent tool for any whitewater paddler giving extra confidence and technique.

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Freestyle looks at control and really putting your boat in the middle of a feature right where you want it. This knowledge and skill will really help all paddlers.

For beginners freestyle is a fun sport with fun events and rodeos. It’s all about doing the best you can with the skills you have; meeting other people and paddling together which can really help to improve your own paddling. o Irish freestyle works hard to promote and provide opportunities for all to take part in freestyle, whether it’s learning the basics or pushing for the world championships.

Find out more at www.irishfreestyle.com

TRICKY WOO: 3 consecutive vertical ends. It begins with a splitwheel which is followed by a rotation on the stern into a third bow end in the same direction as the first rotation of the splitwheel. The entire sequence is performed using one paddle blade only.

LOOP: front flip performed in a kayak HELIX: a 360 degree rotation of the boat where the paddler is inverted HOLE/WAVE: a feature in which the competition takes place RIDE: the time you spend in a feature, surfing and performing tricks PARTY: the place where results are given along with socialising and extreme shape throwing on the dance floor.

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Summer’s almost here and it’s time to start deciding what you’re gonna do this year - and with all these activities going on, you won’t be lost for choice...

3 March 2011 Princes Trust Adventure Challenges Information Evening Starbucks, Castle Lane, Belfast Find out the facts about the Princes Trust Adventure Challenges. Take on an Adventure Challenge and test your physical fitness, mental strength and team skills - it will be unlike anything you have ever done and your sense of fulfilment will be incredible. Or check out a challenge closer to home. Come to an information evening to find out more.

How to book tickets email lucy.lewis@princes-trust.org.uk or telephone 028 9075 8113. Visit www.princes-trust.org.uk for more details

5-6 March 2011 C-SKINS WEST COAST JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS Lahinch, Co Clare This is the first of the Junior Tour events and the first of two selection events for the junior team travelling to Peru for the World Junior Championships in May. Visit www.isasurf.ie for more info.

5 March 2011

13 March 2011

Beginners MTB Session

TMEC TODD’S LEAP CHAMPIONSHIP

Newry Co Down

Todds Leap, Ballygawley

Beginners MTB Skills session. Leaving from Carriage Restaurant on Warrenpoint Road, Newry at 10am.

For more information visit info@summitmountainbiking.com

Tyrone and Monaghan Enduro Club stage another one of their ever popular enduro events. Sign on for the bikes starts at 9am and racing’s from 10am1pm. Sign on for the Quads starts at 1.15pm and racing runs from 2pm-4pm.

Visit www.pmgelectrics.com for details

26 March 2011 Monster Energy present the Monster Mash T13, Titanic Quarter, Belfast Street-Ramp-Jump-Pump!

Prizes for all categories.

Registration from 11am. This is the first event of its type in Ireland! All bikes very welcome. £10 to ride £2 spectate. Helmets are compulsory for all competitors.

Visit www.T13.tv for more information

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Diary Dates

5 March 2011 CCAR Winter Series Round 4

5 March 2011 All-Ireland Blade Jam

Castleward, County Down Causeway Coast Adventure Racing Club presents Ireland's premier adventure race series.

Four Rounds of Adventure Racing for teams of two which are suitable for novice to experienced competitors alike.

Visit www.sientries.co.uk for more information

T13, Titanic Quarter, Belfast £10 to ride, Spectators £2. Big Box & Rail Competition, Beats & BBQ. Visit www.T13.tv for more information

March-April 2011 Climbing Contests Ozone Climbing Wall, Belfast Youth Climbing Series (For young climbers aged 8-16) Irish Final takes place on 12 March 2011 and the Irish Bouldering Championship takes place on 2 April 2011 Visit www.mountaineering.ie for more details

19-20 March 2011 TRAMORE SURF CHAMPIONSHIPS Tramore, Co Waterford The Tramore Open & Junior Open is the first Irish Championships Tour event for 2011 and is a selection event for the Irish Team to compete at the European Surfing Championships in Bundoran in September. Categories to be included are Open Surf, Womens Surf, Longboard, Open Bodyboard, Womens Bodyboard, Master, Senior & SUP. This is the second event of the Junior Tour and the second of two selection events for the Irish Junior Team to compete at the 2011 World Junior Surfing Championships in Peru. Junior categories to be included are U18 Boys, U18 Girls, U16s, U14s, U18 Longboard, U18 Girls Bodyboard, U18 Bodyboard and U16 Bodyboard.

For more info visit www.isasurf.ie

12 March 2011 Mini-man National 14 & under Skateboarding event T13, Titanic Quarter, Belfast T13 presents the BUS Juniors Mini-man National 14 & under Skateboarding event. £10 to ride, Spectators Free. Music, BBQ and Great Prizes.

Helmets are compulsory for all competitors. Proudly supported by LOKO & Belfast City Council.

Visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/eve nts for more details

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Diary Dates

9-10 April 2011 Lough Derg Mountain Bike Challenge Lough Derg, County Clare The Mountain Bike Challenge is essentially Irelands first Mountain Biking Sportive - an all inclusive cycling event.

Abilities will range from very experienced to beginner. It’s designed to appeal to both advanced and beginner mountain bikers alike. Advanced riders can compete and race whereas less experienced riders can move at their own pace. The time trial stage will be more technically challenging. Most of the surfaces are easily rideable for all beginners however you can walk the more difficult sections if needs be.

Visit www.mountainbikechallenge.ie for more information

March-May 2011 MTB Downhill NPS 2011 A mountainside near you Round 1 is organised by Chain Reaction Cycles and takes place on 26-27 March 2011 in Rostrevor, County Down. 021 Racing are running round two on 7-8 May 2011 in Corrin, Fermoy, Cork.

Keep updated at www.irishdh.com

16-17 April 2011 LAHINCH OPEN Surf contest Lahinch, County Clare This is a fun club event hosted by the West Coast Surf Club.

Visit www.isasurf.ie for details

20 March 2011 Leinster XC League Round 1 Bunclody, Wexford Hosted by Racing 795 this event sees the start of the ever popular cross country racing calendar.

Visit www.racing795.com for more details

10 April 2011 Connemara International Marathon Maam Cross, Connemara The Connemarathon has been described as ‘The most scenic half marathon in the world’.

The event encompasses an Ultra 39.9 mile, Full 26.6 mile and Half 13.3 mile distance.

Walkers and runners are welcome. Bus transfers are available from Galway City, Oughterard and Clifden. 2011 is the 10th Connemara Marathon and a celebration night will be held in both Galway and Clifden to mark the occasion with a subsidised buffet and excellent entertainment. Entries for the event and tickets for the celebration night can be purchased on the website. Visit www.connemarathon.com for details

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Diary Dates

20-22 May 2011 The Adventure Weekend RDS, Dublin This coming May sees Ireland’s biggest ever Adventure Weekend arrive in the RDS, Dublin on May 20th for 3 days of adrenaline inducing activity and family entertainment. The weekend promises professional demonstrations, awesome interactive areas and the very best product and service providers. This is an event with a difference. Go surfing, climbing, skiing or sky diving. Ride the zip line or ride a bike. Let the kids loose in the specially designed kids zone. At the Adventure Weekend you can do all this and more. From now on you don’t just observe; you participate. The weekend will boast one of the most impressive interactive areas this country has ever seen. The sky is the limit as you fly over the crowds on Europe’s biggest indoor zip line. Scale the bouldering wall or strap into a rage buggy and be exhilarated by Ireland’s newest off -road experience. Why not test your nerve for heights down at the extreme trampolining arena, try out the paintballing alley, or play virtual versions of real championship golf courses without ever having to leave the RDS. For more details visit www.theadventureweekend.ie

10 April 2011 Supermoto NI Championship Round 1 Nutt’s Corner Kart track, Co Antrim After a stonking Winter series (Check out the photos spread in this magazine) the high octane madness that is SuperMoto is back fo rthe sumer season. There are a total of six rounds between April and September. .

Check out www.supermotoni.com for more information.

4-5 June 2011 Fortwilliam DH Worldcup 2011 Fortwilliam, Scotland There’s two great days of competition on the Saturday and Sunday, plus lots of other activities in and around the World Cup Village. The Nevis Range Ski Area is taken over by the World Cup on these days and access to the World Cup Village and the event is by ticket only, available in advance or on arrival.

In the week before the World Cup the site is being prepared with training and 4X qualification on Friday. Nevis Range is accessible to all and the gondola operates normally during this period. On the Saturday night, the action moves from the World Cup site at Nevis Range to the Party in the Fort in Fort William. This programme is provisional and may be subject to change.

Visit www.fortwilliamworldcup.co.uk or www.fwwctickets.co.uk for details

4 June 2011 Connemara Rough Diamond Renvyle, Co. Galway The Connemara Rough Diamond Adventure Race is a mix of biking, hiking and running with quirky obstacles thrown in for good measure. The race starts with the one and only John Wayne Steeplechase on Lettergesh Beach in Renvyle, Co. Galway and includes the Fear Gorta Assault Course in the woods in Kylemore and a trek to the summit of Diamond Mountain.

Visit www.connemararoughdiamond.com for more information.

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7 May 2011 Connemara Adventure Challenge Killary Adventure Centre, Leenane The race has 3 disciplines: trail/ mountain running, Kayaking and cycling.

The course will be mega, the scenery spectacular, so now all we need is the good weather! The Connemara Adventure Challenge is 31km in total and it is open to racers of all levels.

Visit www.gaelforceevents.com for details

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Revolution Bike Store | 7A Loughway Business Park | Greenbank Industrial Estate | Newry | BT34 2TH

Telephone: 028 30832829 E-mail: info@revolutionbikestore.com

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CHAIN Reaction Cycles recently offered an unmissable opportunity and played host to none other than Steve Peat, one of Downhill Racing’s biggest stars. Peaty was at Chain Reaction Cycles HQ for a book signing to promote his new book, “Seventeen Years In the Making” a 160 page book packed full of stunning photos showcasing his 2009 world cup winning season, photos include previously unpublished gems by Victor Lucas.

There was an amazing response from the Downhill racing Community when they found out Peaty was coming to town. The emails flooded in and guest lists quickly filled with people travelling from far and wide to get their minute with the Champ. Peaty was accompanied by Victor Lucas who was the official photographer for his book and travelled around the World Cup Circuit with Peaty on his winning year. Peaty put smiles on all the fans faces by signing his book and merchandise that they had bought, taking advantage of the exclusive one night offers in the showroom and chatting with them for over two hours. For more information or to buy a copy of the book visit www.chainreactioncycles.com n

n Steve pictured signing his new book with Victor Lucas and the CRC Showroom staff...

n People travelling from far and wide to get their minute with the Champ

n Steve and Victor with local downhill sensation Jacob Dickson...

Win a signed copy of Peaty’s book You could win your very own copy of Peaty’s book “17 years in the Making” especially signed “Woof, Woof” on the night for überdog magazine.

HOW TO WIN: To enter the prize draw to win this book visit

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk and follow the competition link. Good luck!

Competition closing date is Friday 8th April 2011. Full terms and conditions online.

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49

Resident MTB Jedi Master Dave Youngs shows us how to get the most out of that weekend blast on the singletrack...

Pictures: Jake Samuels

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Tricks & Tips

ADVANCED:

FLOWING ON YOUR LOCAL SINGLETRACK

you going on your looking at various trail skills to get Over the last 5 Issues we have been and learn how to hook g to look at a small section of trail local trails. In this issue we are goin flow to your riding when This will allow you to find a bit of up all the obstacles and corners. s but weak in the s. It’s no good being OK at drop you are out and about with your mate off in to the distance. is your group of friends disappearing corners. The last thing you want right speed and flow. the session all the bits until you find As with all the new skills stay and

Approach ck You would have walked the Singletra gear a ct Sele . before you ride the best lines a couple of you can pedal if you need to grab tre your pedal turns over an obstacle. Cen ious prev in like d ahea trail Pedals read the get you case in es brak issues. Cover your the ugh thro flow to caught out. You are aiming start so trail without snatching the Brakes the Attack steady and build up. Remember in the position elbows up weight low and of weight bit a p Kee . bike Middle third of the to the dirt. in bites tyre on the bars so the front

obstacle

are the wet roots and a small The first obstacles to overcome t and the trail speed flowing we ledge. To keep the speed constan e, rather than slow down and role are going to manual over the ledg centred weight back, if there are the obstacle. Remember pedals ht el lift use them. Move your weig any roots to assist the front whe t fron the roots. Once clear let back as you leave the ledge and y for the next part of the trail. read ad wheel come down. Look ahe

exit

down and keep low on the As you approach the corner settle not to touch the brakes as you will bike look around the corner. Try side found in Issue 5. You will feel the unsettle the bike. Top tips can be nd. Straighten up and scrub off any of the tyre walls bite in to the grou ht through the trees. So get the weig extra speed ready for the descent run. her anot and go back up for back and look ahead. Get back on

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51

NOVICE / BEGINNER:

CLIMBING

Approach Select a gear you feel comfortable h force through pedalling without putting too muc ground any and line the pedals. Look at your Once you el. whe which will aid traction in the rear your trol have a suitable line stick to it. Con g the pain! takin be to g goin are you breathing as wrists down, As the front starts to rise drop your shoulders and ws elbo inturn this will lower your . bike the ss spreading your weight acro

obstacle

body mass spread across the As the climb gets steeper keep your ion can see your line. If you loose tract bike. Keep your head up so you or up, d back on the seat. Don’t stan from the rear wheel, move your arse legs and lungs start to burn you will you will loose all your grip. As your n on the pedals. Don’t do either. feel like giving up or stamping dow

52

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Tricks & Tips Climbing is a skill we all over look, so read on and leave your mates for dead on the climbs and grab a breath before hammering them on the Singletrack. A few top tips will have you climbing like a mountain goat. The most common mistakes are when you struggle to hold a line and the bars move side to side or the front wheel starts to rise as you apply pressure through the pedals...

exit b drop a few As you break the crest of the clim ns out. You don’t gears to sort your pedal revolutio Try and want to be spinning like a hamster. the next at Look . grab hold of your breathing your at part of the trail or look behind ntage mates walking up and with your adva trail. shoot off on to the next part of the

n 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 7: www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

Manual over waterbars & Switchbacks 53

tales of an

lego ma überblog

A

lot of you probably have no idea who I am so here is a quick intro: My name is Greg Callaghan and I am a 19 year old elite downhiller from Dublin who dabbles in some xc racing, motorcycle trials and whatever other sports involving two wheels and speed that I can get a go at! I’ve been racing downhill properly for the past 4 years. Last 2010 was probably my best season to date and my first year as an elite. I managed to finish 25th at the European Championships in Norway, win an NPS race during my Leaving Cert exams (I had Maths and Irish the next day), finish 3rd in the Nps

54

what’s going on out there by the people doing it... series, 5th at the national champs, 4th expert at the xc national champs and was also voted Ireland’s downhiller of the year 2010. One of the bigger results for me would have been winning the Epic Blast, a long time goal of mine! So yeah, it was a good year.

At the moment it’s the off season for me so I’m pretty much flat out training and working to fund this year’s racing, while still enjoying the time off from racing and travelling. I spend my days working in OC Tuning with the big bad James O’Carroll who also sponsors me with my Solid bikes, Reverse components, Fox suspension and anything else I need. I’d be lost without him!

I spend my mornings and evenings on the road bike, xc spins or in the gym pumping iron. I’ve managed to get myself into a pretty good routine now where I can comfortably train twice a day 5 days a week (on a good week) without it being too much trouble to find time or motivate myself to go out and do it, which is ideal really.

But when I’m not out training I’d usually have people over in my garden on my pumptrack, it’s riding really well these days and the cold spell is helping in keeping it dry! There’s been a few big enough sessions on it recently and I’m sure there will be a big one before the season starts up!

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When I’m not out training I’d usually have people over in my garden on my pumptrack, it’s riding really well these days and the cold spell is helping in keeping it dry...

One of the bigger results for me would have been winning the Epic Blast, a long time goal of mine!

So yeah, it was a good year...

As you are all aware, we had a few weeks where the country was covered in snow and there was no chance of going mountain biking anywhere. So I took the opportunity to learn to ski. My god it’s fun! I only got two days at it but they were two brilliant days! The guys I was with were pretty damn good too so I was really thrown into the deep end. The first thing I saw someone do was a frontflip off a jump which set off the tone of the day pretty well. The lads were trying to get me to try a frontflip on my first day too but I settled for being happy with just hitting the jump and getting some sweet air time, the landings weren’t so sweet though!

But the snowy spell is gone for the time being and it’s back to the bikes.

I got myself a 6 inch bike towards the end of last season, a Solid Blade. I’ve lived on this bike since the season ended, having sold my downhill bike in October and not having my xc hardtail built up, this has been my only bike all winter and I can’t get enough of it. It climbs like a hardtail and goes down like a dh bike.

My downhill bike is due in tomorrow though, so as I type this I’m checking tracking numbers to see exactly where it is and when I’ll have it. My theory is that after riding the small bike all winter I’ll feel invincible at first on the downhill bike until I crash and get some sense to slow down a touch... so I’m looking forward to seeing how that goes and the crashes work out!

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I recently gave into peer pressure and bought myself a Leatt neck brace and to be honest, I don’t know why I haven’t had one all along! One of my mates, the famous loud mouth Stephen Mellon broke 7 vertabrae last summer so I said I’d get one for this season after seeing his brace save his life, without him having one it’d be a different story altogether...

I’d highly recommend them to everyone out there, they’re pricey but worth it. How much does a wheelchair cost?

But on a more positive note, I spent last weekend with two guys and their cameras filming for a documentary about the growth of mountain biking in Ireland entitled “Through the roots”. We spent a day in Threerock riding the new purpose built trails (which are amazing by the way... like really really good!

Get down and ride them! Lucky for me, it’s right on my doorstep.) and a day in Djouce.

The lads really know what they are at and the finished product is going to be a real gem and really show off the sport in Ireland. They will be filming until May so keep an eye out for them around the place filming with different riders and at the races.

January is always the time of year when you plan the season ahead... making it an expensive month! Going on the plans made so far, 2011 is going to be a big year for me! I’ve already entered myself into the full British Downhill series, the Mega Avalanche and a

Welsh national race in February. I’m also planning on doing my first world cup and hopefully a few others while I’ll be in Europe for the summer.

Next time I’m writing one of these I’ll hopefully be in the sun enjoying some dusty trails. Next week I’m off to Tenerife for a family holiday, but of course I’m bringing the xc hardtail with me. Straight after that is the 021Racing Promo video shoot followed by the first xc race of the year and the Biking Blitz series in Ballinastoe. At the start of March it’s off to Malaga for a weeks downhilling and pre season training.... life is busy at the moment, but in the best way possible! Can’t wait to get into the swing of things this year and get going on the new bike.

Untill next time, go ride your bikes... even if it is freezing outside. It means the mud doesn’t spray up as much! o For more info on Greg check out www.gregcallaghan.com

55

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Enter our free prize draw to win one of two Amphibia X-Bags HOW TO ENTER: For your chance to win one of these bags kindly donated by Amphibia visit www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk and follow the competition link. Good luck!

Competition closing date is Friday 8th April 2011. Full terms and conditions online.

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MILESTONE 4 Malawi was the second installment of the successful Milestone Sessions at T13 Titanic Quarter. This time the milestone being celebrated was the launch of the partnership between the T13 collective and the Make A Difference Worldwide charity. Also known as M.A.D. this amazing charity is helping people on a global scale and T13 are getting involved with their Malawi project. The Milestone 4 Malawi gig was to raise awareness of the Malawian peoples desperate plight and to raise money for a shipping container to send over to an orphanage in the north of the country that M.A.D. is building.

The Milestone Sessions are about highlighting dynamic achievements from the local crew and is focused on the local, vibrant counter-culture scene. It’s an exciting fusion of sports and music delivered with an adrenaline-induced attitude. The collective pursuits of BMX, Skate and Blade are well represented by the ever-improving standard of those who make up its ranks. The level of talent is extraordinary considering the severe lack of facilities available. Nonetheless the passion they display is remarkable and many have made a solid impact while competing abroad. n

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65

e It’s part five of Luke Humprey’s skate tutorial and this issu he’s tackling the Frontside Pop Shove-it…

Lesson 5: Frontside Pop Shove-it

sideways. Unlike the backside pop shove-it, the board goes The frontside pop shove-it is when the board rotates 180 degrees of the pop shove-it after they have learnt the backside. behind you instead of in front of you. Most people learn this variation but it’s really stylish and a fun trick to learn.

It can be a hard trick to master because the board goes behind you,

1

REQUIRED SKILLS: Ollie STEP ONE: SET your feet up in the Fs Pop Shove-it position.

(Shown to the right) Bend your knees ready to jump and prepare to scoop the board. This trick can seem difficult because your back foot has to scoop in front of you but it does get easier with time and eventually it begins to feel more natural.

STEP TWO: EXTEND your legs and snap down on the tail.

The back foot does all the work in this trick so scoop it out in front of you to get the board to rotate. This may take some practice because your back foot is going in front of you, but try and keep it under control by trying to remain steady and balanced on the board.

Remember to keep your front foot over the board at all times to stop it getting away from you.

2

4 66

STEP FOUR: AS the board finishes its rotation, stomp down with your feet to catch it.

If you have jumped correctly you should land on the bolts.

Make sure to always keep your eyes on the board for this trick because it goes behind you and can be hard to see and catch it in the right place.

STEP THREE: AS you scoop the board jump in the air to allow it to rotate beneath you, and while it is rotating behind you, jump backwards slightly so you land with your feet centred. It will take some time to synchronise the jump and scoop perfectly, but if you practice them a lot, in time they become much easier.

3

5

STEP FIVE: AFTER the board is on the ground, bend your knees to absorb the impact and roll away.

Practice them until you get them perfect and then take them to ledges, ramps or even stair sets.

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Skateboarding

step 1

step 2

step 3

step 4

step 5

Starting foot position

COMMON PROBLEMS:

There are a few common problems with the frontside pop shove-it so I’m going to try and explain how to fix them. The problem that most people have when learning this trick is being able to scoop the board behind you and stay over it. I found that if you

imagine kicking a football with your heel it can help to give the board rotation. Another problem is landing with your toes touching the ground.

To fix this, jump backwards slightly, but not too far, otherwise the board can tip on its side and hit you on the ankles, which is not fun. 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

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combat paddle sports

Airsoft SiTe Review:

Predator Combat Games at one ßberdog’s combat correspondent Graeme Livingstone takes a look of the largest and longest established Airsoft sites in Ireland

F

or as long as I have been playing airsoft there is one site that has been at the forefront of my mind.

This was the first site I ever played at and it holds a special place in my heart. From that day on I was hooked, plain and simple, and a big part of that was due to the amount of fun that I had on that day. That site is Predator Combat Games, just outside Ballynahinch on route to Newcastle.

The site, opened in 2006, is around 22 acres in size and plays host to a very versatile mix of short and long range gaming areas. Whether you are looking for a day of fast and furious battles or a longer more intense war, Predator has it all. Game zones include; The Village, Fuel Dump, Camp Predator, Hill Top Fort, the Tunnels (or Jedi lands as many people know it), Missile Launch site and the Trenches. Each area offering its own unique gaming experience.

Alternatively, for larger events, these individual sites provide players with bases to capture or home turf to defend. It is also worth mentioning that Predator has a good Graeme freezing his nads of in the name of great journalism

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sized parking area and a toilet. (Both of which you can never appreciate the importance of until you really need them.)

The entrance and safe zone provide ample space for players to mingle and chat before and after games. There is a small shop on site where you can pick up BB’s, gas, snacks and drinks or the odd addition to your collection of weaponry and kit.

To fully describe the entire site in detail would take a lot more space that I have here, so, I will focus on my two favourite areas of the site - The Village and the Tunnels.

The Village The Village is the first area you come to when you leave the safe zone. It covers a relatively small area of the site but offers an

Entrance to the Village

The site plays host to a very versatile mix of short and long range gaming areas...

73

combat sports

adaptive and varied area of play. To get to the village you can choose one of two options. You can fight your way down either one of the two lanes that cut imposingly through the dense forested areas and wind bushes that surround the village on three sides, with the fourth side at the rear being the far boundary of Predator itself. Or, alternatively, you can take the longer trek through the foliage that surrounds it. To the right of the village is a tight winding path through the wind bushes that was, until recently, out of play. It offers excellent cover but does limit your route to the beaten track as the bushes are too thick to cut straight through. The defending team may have the advantage here if they set up an ambush or at very least have it defended. Between the paths leading to the village is a small, isolated area of trees and bushes that can be used to assault straight down the middle. If you get bogged down here there is always the option to fall back with ease but it will leave you right back where you started. To the left of the village is a much larger expanse of woodland that has a nice mix of

dense and light natural cover with the option of several routes of attack that can see you taking the village on their flank. This can take a little longer to navigate and can sometimes see you missing some action, however, provided that you don’t get taken out before you can get settled into a nice position, this approach can be of some use to distract the defending team and allow your team to advance from the front.

But it’s not all about the attack. Defenders have plenty of choice for decent positions in the village. With numerous buildings including a mock police station, army base, shops and a handy sniper tower situated at the rear left of the site it’s no easy task to infiltrate and clear the area in a short period

of time. If you don’t like sitting waiting for the enemy to pounce then there is always the option for the defenders to push out to the very edge of the village and meet the attackers head on.

There is really no set plan for the ideal attacking or defending strategy for the village and that’s what makes it so damn fun to play.

The game is always different regardless of who is playing and what the objective is.

The Tunnels On the far side of the site is The Tunnels (or as many players will be more familiar with Jedi Lands). Just like the village there are man made buildings dotted across the area, however, as the name would suggest they

Predator’s ‘Missile Site’

The Saxo paid the price for crimes against fashion

Entrance to the Jedi Lands Tunnels

The Village

There is no set plan for the ideal attacking or defending strategy for the village and that’s what makes it so damn fun to play...

The view from the impressive sniper tow

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combat paddle sports

consist of much more dense tunnel networks. They provide a much more difficult area to play in as your movement is heavily restricted due to the height of the structures.

This area is also much larger than The Village and can spread the fight out over a much wider space, sometimes reducing the numbers that you will encounter. There is one stretch of clear ground that runs straight up the middle of the area that connects the two bases and acts as a corridor between the two dense forest areas on either side. To one side you have an area of thick bushes cut apart by the odd gap that leads you through a winding path to the far base. On the other side there is a much less dense area of trees that litter the side of a slippery hillside. There are a few new additions since

my last visit to the site in the form of two towers situated at one end of the area. They provide an excellent view of the bottom base and could be used very effectively to cover that side of the site, however, a well placed grenade would have you running back to the regeneration point with a ringing in your ears.

To attack either base in Jedi Lands you will need to travel over a slightly greater distance than in the close knit environment of The Village, and apart from using the clearing up the middle of the area you will find yourself in cover for most of the trip. This is not to say that a fire fight is easy to avoid as you will

undoubtedly encounter enemy forces no matter which route you choose, but the covered areas always helps when trying to defend yourself.

Predator Combat Games is definitely a site where I can enjoy myself, in any weather, with any amount of players and using whatever scenarios the referees can dream up. My hope for the future of Predator is that they will continue to change and improve the environment as they have done over the last year, so that the game play and the site can continue to grow and evolve with the sport. o

The Sniper Tower

Predator’s ‘Fuel Dump Area’

wer

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

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

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Player Profile:

DAN S THE MAN About you

Your Loadout

My name is Daniel McCartney, but Airsofters know me as 'DJ Danny Dee' (from the old pirate radio station Energy 106). I run a successful entertainments company in Northern Ireland, supplying clubs and venues with DJs, bands, dancers, rodeo bulls and even female jelly wrestling! I've been shooting BB guns since the 80's and was overcome with joy after discovering proper Airsoft here in Northern Ireland. Since then, I've completely immersed myself into the hobby, changing loadouts, guns and looks as I went along.

I personally have gone for the SWAT look as close as possible. Clothing consists of a black tactical long sleeve thick shirt, with Velcro patches on the sleeves and well-placed pockets. Under this I wear a sweat dispersing thermal long sleeve Lycra top with shoulder and forearm padding. Footwear is standard issue black leather SWAT Boots with reinforced ankle support. Trousers are black 'Stalker' pants with built in kneepads, and enough Velcro and pockets to cater for Armageddon! Head protection consists of a black SWAT type helmet, black Stalker wire mesh half facemask, and a pair of modified ESS Turbo-Fan Goggles. I added 2 extra fans, so no fogging up issues for me! My vest is a Viper Molle Vest with some built in pouches, but I rarely use these. I have attached my own pouches to hold 2 M4 magazines, 2 BFG’s (Blank Firing Grenades), 1 pistol magazine, 1 utility pouch for the BFG ammo and finally 1 dump pouch at the lower back for dropping used magazines into. My sidearm is a GBB (Gas Blow Back) KWA Glock19 with a 26 round magazine, which sits in a hard plastic holster with 2 safety release mechanisms. It ain’t fallin out! The holster is usually attached to my vest.

weapon of choice?

I've been through a multitude of AEG brands and types, but have settled on the pinnacle of what is available, the Systema. I opted for the M4 variant, and may never shoot a different gun again.

Accessories include an Ultrafire LED torch (essential indoors), 7 120rd magazines, 4 Lipo batteries, FAB Defense ‘Ris Rail’ System, matching FAB Defense Foregrip/Sliding Stock/Grip & Magwell Grip. Also a modification I did myself, a stubby silencer with a green laser built inside it. The beam sits about 10mm away from the inner barrel, and actually lights up the BBs about 20 feet out like tracer rounds that only I can see!

I've immersed myself into airsoft, changing loadouts, guns and looks as I went along...

NAME: Daniel McCartney AIRSOFT ALIAS: Danny Dee AGE: 41 DATE STARTED PLAYING: 1986 with copper BB guns in California PLAYING FIELDS: Battlefield Sports, Trigger Happy Airsoft and SG1 TEAM: Shadow Ops TEAM STYLE: CQB (Close Quarter Battles) TEAM POSITION: Team Leader 001 FAV THING ABOUT AIRSOFT: Teamwork

Dan’s Systema M4 variant

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The Team Shadow Ops (visit us on Facebook) is a primarily CQB team, specializing in urban environments and indoor room clearing scenarios, although we do enjoy the odd jaunt outdoors. Currently, we are 18 strong, and are always on the lookout for new players that show that little something extra. There is no 'set' team loadout, but we do employ an 'all black' dress code when playing indoors. Quite a few of us at the moment are wearing SWAT type helmets, and the look really does feel altogether 'team like'. The one thing that every Shadow Ops operative wears is a POLICE badge across the back and on the chest or shoulder. None of us are actually in the Police, but we wear them for team identification purposes.

Team Style We favour clearing rooms and buildings using tried and tested tactics that have been used by the professionals for years. Your ally indoors is stealth, and we always try to be as quiet as possible whilst playing. Hand signals are a must, along with certain players being assigned specific tasks based on their

individual gaming style. When playing indoors, lone wolves rarely achieve victory.

You have to play as a team, even if you’ve been put on a team full of strangers. Just introduce yourself and you will no longer be strangers. My advice to players wanting to be better at CQB games

indoors is to communicate with your team.

Have someone take lead, which can be swapped around so everyone gets a chance at command. The teams that never win are the ones that just venture out at the start of the game hoping for the best. Teamwork... it’s what it’s all about! o

Shadow Ops is a CQB team, specialising in urban environments and indoor room clearing scenarios, although we do enjoy the odd jaunt outdoors...

at a When team work really counts , mate’s stag do. From left: Josh Coffey Dee, Mattie Coffey, Kyle Patterson, Danny Karl no, Loiaco Guy , Jon Patton (Stag) Smith Leeman, William Magee and Andy

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MAKE YOUR DAY GO WITH A BANG When not fighting house to house at the big games, airsofters can be found roaming the fields of county Down at FRV, an 80 acre site between Ballynahinch and Downpatrick.

weaponry

Pyrotechnics

With lots of natural cover for stalking your target there are no shortage of hiding places. Rental players will be kitted out with combats, full face mask, AK47 and 1200 BBs to get them started - then it’s off to clear out the bunkers with team work, grenades and superior fire power.

• Hot food available on site

urban warfare

stealth

• Pyrotechnics available for over 18s

check out our videos online www.frvairsoft.com

for more information: telephone:

David on 07730 586 926 or 028 9258 3579 email: info@frvairsoft.com web: www.frvairsoft.com GAME SITE ADDRESS: 132 Loughinisland Road | | Annacloy | Downpatrick | BT30 8JJ |

DAVID Farmer, elder of the two racing brothers from Clogher, retained his P&O Ferries Solo Supermoto Championship trophy for the second year in succession despite the best efforts from younger brother Keith. David, was the dominate rider in the opening round of the Championship at the end of October when Keith was missing from the action having decided to forgo the Supermoto scene to concentrate on his short circuit career, but the lure of the new P&O Knock Challenge race, which was the brainchild of the organising Killinchy and District MCC, got him back on the trusty Aprillia and his sibling all the way in his efforts

n Omagh’s Mark Donnelly won the Quad Supermoto Championship

to retain his title.

David secured his Championship by winning the opening Prestige race of the day when Keith was a non finisher. He went on to take the first blood ahead of Carrickfergus man Jordan Bonar, whilst Magheramorne’s John McAndrew proved too hot to catch, forcing Gary Donohue into fourth place, ahead of McAndrew’s travelling partner, Phillip Wylie.

Gareth Knox was the victor in the P&O Ferries Solo Clubman Supermoto Championship, taking three wins from three starts during the final round. In the opening race of the day, Knox took the win ahead of Craig McNeilly in second place with Supermoto newcomer, Josh Cunningham in third place.

However Cunningham turned the tables on McNeilly in the final two races when he proved that he was taking to off road racing like a duck to water, this only being his second ever off road racing event.

Moving to four wheels and the P&O Ferries Quad Supermoto Championship looked likely to be Justin Reid’s Championship for another year, but it wasn’t to be, Reid was having a nightmare, failing to finish the first two races and was a non starter in the final Championship race, leaving the Comber man languishing back in sixth place in the Championship. With Reid relegated to the sidelines it was down to Omagh’s Mark Donnelly to pick up the winning mantle, taking the hat-trick of wins, with Cathal McCartan playing the runner up each time.

Niall O’Hanlon and Daniel McDermott shared the third place spots, with O’Hanlon taking third from Colin Forsythe in the opening race, whilst McDermott relegated O’Hanlon back to fourth in both of the other two races. The only lady competitor was in action in the quads also and Diane Hillis was seventh in the first race, before dropping back to 11th in race two but she was back on form in the final race, taking sixth. n Want to experience SuperMoto first hand? The new season kicks of 27th March and is well worth a trip. Dates and venues are available at www.supermotoni.com

n Unmissable racing at Ireland’s fastest circuit

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n Niall O’Hanlon (No.16) shared the third place spot with Daniel McDermott

n Stephen Kieghey leads through one of the chicanes

n David Farmer retained his P&O Ferries Solo Supermoto Championship trophy for the second year in succession

n Comber’s Justin Reid

n Sean Harris (10) and Steven Drillingcourt (42)

n The straight commanded serious speed and nerves

n Gareth Knox was the victor in the P&O Ferries Solo Clubman Supermoto Championship

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

n Racing doesn’t get much tighter that this...

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Snow Sports

SNow BETTER FEELING... ers Whilst the rest of the country ground to a halt, die hard 端berdogg weather cracked out their snow gear and thoroughly enjoyed the freak as these pictures will testify...

MAIN PIC: Stephen Ryan making the most of the alpine conditions deep in the Mourne Mountains. He nearly had a full weeks chair snowboarding here. Quite a lot of effort required with the lack of lifts and hillside cafes but worth every bit! Photo: Gary McCall

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Snow Sports

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www.invasion.ie

Snow Sports

We’re more used to reading Michael Regan’s adventure race reports than seeing him skiing in the Mournes

Andy Lyle Getting some air time - who needs the Alps then?

When the conditions are this good and the situation unusual enough, it tends to bring out the best in a photographer.

Photos: Gary McCall Check out more of Gary’s work at: www.potatobread.co.uk

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Snow Sports

The über-headcam made an appearence that day as well.

Check out the website

In the absence of little alpine jump builders we had to make the most of local features - like frozen waterfalls

Never one to shy away from a challenge, überdog regular Shaggy obliged when there was a mission to be completed

It was early December and the panic was on. Firstly the cold snap had brought deliver, collect überdog magazine it’s fair share of logistical problems. It’s hard to drive, and run a magazine whenever there’s arctic conditions outside. I’m a magazine more publisher - not Ernest flippin’ Shackleton. The second part of the panic was a photo for family extended überdog’s of some with there out get didn’t I important. If full-on session, the snow would be gone and I’d have missed our chance of some a trip was snow sports photographs in the comfort of our own country. Not to worry, and I hastily organised. Ever obliging board monkey and überdog regular Shaggy . After Mountains Mourne the towards south headed and Scenic trusty loaded up the we finally some hairy moments on a couple of back roads (don’t leave the paths!) say that I arrived at the pre-picked hillside. I’m the guts of 40 years old and I can safely in deep have never experienced snow like this locally, ever. Whole mountains covered waterfalls. frozen and Wall Mourne famous the against drifts deep foot powder, eight to dig the car After a few runs we grabbed the required photographs and headed back ] out of the car park and head home. Sorted. [ Rob D

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By this stage visibility had dropped so low we couldn’t see the car at the bottom of the mountain side

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Snow Sports

Shaggy

Davy Rutherford foreground Belfast city background

Super Neil living up to his name. If the snow had been more permanent maybe they would have thought about building a landing

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Snow Sports

Super Neil

Whilst the rest of the country ground to a halt...

The next time the phone rang the requests were going the opposite direction. Enterprising local lads Shaggy, Davy and Super Neil had not only secured themselves a prime piece of sloped real estate within Belfast city but had also went about building what is probably the biggest snow jump ever seen within that urban setting. Unlike the photo shoot up the Mournes, the skies here were blue and the sun was out. [ Rob D ]

They even found time to improvise a rail

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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

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.

Hype Bike & Board Store 4 Nelson Trade Centre, Nelson Street, Belfast BT15 1BH tel: 028 90 245 241 email: enquiries@hypebmxstore.com web: www.hypebmxstore.com

m Following their relocation to a new, larger city centre location, Hype boast a full

showroom with all the latest BMXs, skateboards and mountainbikes on display along with a shoe and clothing section. Hype, Ireland’s No.1 urban core store, have the expertise to build up your bike or board with labour charges that are excellently priced.

They can custom build you up a bike or board with whatever choice of parts you require.

Complete bikes and boards are also available from the many brands stocked, or by special orders. Hype pride ourselves on a fast Mail Order service in the UK and Ireland and carry a large stock so all the latest parts are readily available.

OC Tuning Unit 3/49 K.C.R. Estate, Ravensdale Park, Kimmage, Dublin 6W tel: 00353 1492 9552 email: info@octuning.ie web: www.octuning.ie

m OC Tuning are your one-stop shop for all your fox suspension servicing and bicycle

repairs. Whether you need your Fox suspension sorted, hydraulic brakes fixed, custom wheels built or a bike frame built up. There is nothing we can't fix and most jobs are done on the day they are received. OC Tuning now carry service kits (bearings etc) for Santa Cruz V10, Ironhorse and most Giants bikes. Call us and let us know what you need. Our phone lines are open Monday to Sunday 9am-8pm so call us for all your MTB needs.

Bike it Cycles 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.

Revolution Bikestore 7a Loughway Business Park Greenbank Industrial Estate, Newry BT34 2TH tel: 028 30832829 email: info@revolutionbikestore.com web: www.revolutionbikestore.com

m At Revolution we are all about cycling. Whatever

you do on your bike, whether it be touring, racing, hucking or anywhere in between, it’s all good. In a world of product codes and order numbers we are getting back to basics and focusing on what we do best. At Revolution we try to keep stock that will suit everyone and our friendly, knowledgeable staff are here to help meet your needs. We have a world class DH racer, an XC/cyclo cross racer, a road racer, and a guy who’s toured across Canada while the rest of us just ride for fun. Between us we can help you get exactly what you’re looking for. And if we don’t have it we’ll get it..

Moycullen bike works Unit 2 Gairdin Mhaire Main Street, Moycullen County Galway tel: 00353 9155 6525 email: info@mbikeworks.ie web: www.mbikeworks.ie

m The one stop mountain bike shop in the West of Ireland is now famous for being a

one-of-a-kind shop. MBW offers you some of the best products from the best brands at the best prices possible. Only recently established, MBW has already made quite an impact on the local and national scene and is committed to clearing XC trails, building a pump track and running a successful DH team. So whatever bike you need make sure you come and visit us..

Wheels N Motion

JMC Cycles

Unit 38, CIDO, Charles Street, Lurgan, BT66 6HG tel: 028 38 317288 email: info@wheelsnmotion.co.uk web: www.wheelsnmotion.co.uk

140 Forkhill Road, Drumintee.

Newry, BT35 8SU tel: 028 30888593 email: james@jmccycles.com web: www.jmccycles.com

m At Wheelsnmotion we know our customer and offer excellent service and value for money. We stock a comprehensive range of cycles, components and accessories at our showroom in Lurgan and online at www.wheelsnmotion.co.uk, offering even greater value with free P&P to online customers in the UK and Ireland.

TREK is our main brand and we've selected cycles from their racing, mountain and hybrid ranges. So whatever your cycling interest Wheelsnmotion can offer the right bike for you. Wheelsnmotion support the Cycle to Work Scheme, offering a generous tax incentive to local customers who want to cycle to work.

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m Two floors of everything on wheels. Unbelievable choice of bikes, karts, clothing and accessories in a stunning location exactly a mile from Slieve Gullion Forest Park - great for immediate practice! Helpful staff provide expert guidance and you can test any bike out to make sure you’re happy. Seriously discounted prices and brilliant back-up service are reflected in the growing customer base from all over Ireland. Customer service that’s hard to beat. A little gem & well worth a small detour!

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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.

Adventure One Surf School & Shop

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.

Chasers Surf Tours

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

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

m Adventure One surf school is the leading Irish Surfing Association approved school

m Chasers Surf Tours is

on the north coast of donegal. The school is run by Iain Gilmour who has over 25 years surfing experience and has competed for most of that time placing in national finals both here in Ireland and in the Channel Islands. Being ISA approved means our instructors are fully qualified ISA coaches, RLSS beach lifeguards and are fully insured. This means that you the customer will be getting the best tuition in the funnest and safest way possible.

The school caters for individuals, families, schools and corporate groups and is open from April to the end of October. Wetsuits and boards are provided.

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.

Outdoor Activity Operators Mectec Blokarting Nutts Corner Training Centre 17 Dundrod Road Crumlin BT29 4SR tel: 028 9082 5352 email: info@mectectraining.com web: www.mectectraining.com/blokarts/

m Mectec Blokart are the distibutor for Blokart in Ireland and offer a range of new and

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

second hand Blokarts for sale. They carry a wide range of Blokart spares and accessories and provide lessons ranging from taster sessions (£10) to full courses.

Mectec Blokart are also the only BLSA Coaching Centre in Ireland to run courses for instructors wanting to provide the activity to clubs, outdoor groups and the general public. Mectec also support the Activity Providers already set up in Ireland and welcome new providers with a very well structured package. To find out more visit their website at www.mectectraining.com/blokarts

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.

Tollymore National Outdoor Centre

Activities Ireland

Bryansford, Newcastle, Down BT33 0PT tel: 028 4372 5354 email: admin@tollymore.com web: www.tollymore.com

m There are two climbing walls at

Tollymore, one outdoors and one indoors.

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

Video & Photography Pro-motion Camera Systems Unit 31 North West Business Complex, Skeoge Industrial Estate, Derry BT48 8SE tel: 028 7135 7554 email: sales@promotioncams.com web: www.promotioncams.com

m Pro-motion camera systems supply the very latest quality helmet and mini-camera systems so you can capture the best onboard action whether it's on water, snow, air or land. We also offer a free after-sales advice service with any query you may have to ensure you’re getting the best footage possible..

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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

m Thinking about an adventurous activity for you

and your friends or for a youth group this summer?

With over 15 years experience in the Outdoor Activity business, Activities Ireland can provide you with great day out. We can provide simple activity instruction, fun packed activities or more structured adventure learning and development programmes for individuals, youth groups, schools, or corporate clients. Activities Ireland is currently Northern Ireland’s only Duke of Edinburgh’s Award approved activity provider!

Adventure Racing 26 Extreme 109 Church Street Portadown Co Armagh BT62 3DB email: info@26extreme.com web: www.26extreme.com

m 26 Extreme - Bringing unique outdoor

events to Ireland. Responsible for a large portfolio of events including the Mourne Way Marathon, Causeway Coast Marathon and Irelands Coast to Coast Multisport Race, 26 extreme is at the forefront of extreme off road running, mountain biking and endurance racing. Whether you are an avid mountain biker, ultra runner or just out to challenge yourself to the next level, 26 extreme have an event for you.

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Outdoor Shop Podium 4 Sport

Water & Paddle Sports The Edge Watersports Warehouse at Hanna Boats

40 Montgomery Road Belfast BT6 9HL tel: +44 (0) 28 9070 1444 email: info@podium4sport.com web: www.podium4sport.com

233 Loughan Road, Coleraine County Antrim BT52 1UD tel: 028 27 668 999 email: enquiries@edgewatersports.co.uk web:www.edgewatersports.co.uk

m Open seven days a week, Podium 4 Sport’s new outdoor store adds an additional 4,000 sq ft to the existing sports store, making it one of Northern Ireland's leading independent sports retailers. The carefully selected outdoor product range includes Berghaus, Haglofs, Helly Hansen, Salomon and the Bear Grylls range for Craghoppers.

The great selection of clothing for men, women and children is complimented by essential gear, gadgets and outdoor gizmos, with dedicated areas for camping, hiking, skiing and more.

m Established in 1996 by Rob & Joan Skelly The

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.

Surf Mountain

Coast & Creek

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

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

m Surf Mountain was founded in 1984. Selling our customers technical equipment and clothing was and still is the focus for Surf Mountain. Our staff are all active outdoor people involved in walking, climbing, skiing, snowboarding and all other activities that our products cater for. We are passionate about our sports and we are passionate about the items we sell; each product is carefully chosen to fulfil the end use required. Enjoy shopping with Surf Mountain, whether at one of our three stores, or online.

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.

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

MTB Instruction Dave Youngs Mountain Bike Instruction mob: 078 0942 6202 email: davidyoungs8831@yahoo.co.uk web: www.youngsmountainbikeinstruction.co.uk

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.

Summit Mountain Biking 91 Church Road, Glengormley BT36 6HG tel: Ciara 07786136324 or Conor 07973115303 email: info@summitmountainbiking.com web: www.summitmountainbiking.com

m Catering for all ages and levels of mountain bike ability Summit Mountain Biking’s

experienced and qualified SMBLA/Cycling Ireland Mountain Bike Coaches can help you get the most out of riding your bike. From personal 1-2-1 MTB skills tuition to group MTB courses and guided trail rides, we provide full coverage throughout Northern Ireland.

New for 2010: Tailor made MTB weekends based in Mournes/Cooley Mountains. Contact us now for some of the best Mountain Bike action in Ireland.

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KITESurf warehouse 3 Cayman Cottages, Bangor, County Down, BT19 7NH email: info@kitesurfwarehouse.com web: www.kitesurfwarehouse.com m Kitesurf Warehouse take enormous pride in the way we do things. Based in Northern Ireland we have been supplying kitesurfers with kites and kiteboards since 2003. Our aim is to get you on the water with the best quality gear. And because Kitesurf Warehouse buy direct from the manufacturer we guarantee you the best price.

We also have exclusive rights to all the kites and boards we stock, so you won't find our products anywhere else in the UK or Ireland. Come and visit us at www.kitesurfwarehouse.com and buy in confidence from one of the UK and Ireland's leading online kitesurf shops.

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.

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

m DV Diving offer one of Europe's most

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

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

Combat Sports The Jungle NI 60 Desertmartin Road, Moneymore, Magherafelt, BT45 7RB tel: 028 8674 8881 email: bookings@thejungleni.com web: www.thejungleni.com m The Jungle NI is an award-winning outdoor entertainment facility set in the heart of Northern Ireland (and just 45 minutes from Belfast). Activities include: Paintballing, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Archery, Team Building, Zorbing and have recently introduced Irelands first Treetop high Wire Adventure Course! It comprises of over 40 challenging elements set at varying heights above the ground (in some areas you could be suspended 70ft up). You'll find yourself tackling fun obstacles such as rope bridges, scramble nets, zip wires, tarzan swings, and their very own King Louis Descent also know as a Powerfan Drop. The course is sure to bring out the Tarzan or Jane in you! Ideal for Stag/Hen do’s, Birthdays, Corporate Events, Youth Groups or just a few friends looking for a great day out!

Toy Soldiers Airsoft 3 Sandown Road Belfast BT5 6GT tel: 028 9029 7398 email: info@tsairsoft.com web: www.tsairsoft.com

m Trading since 2008, Toy Soldiers Airsoft (TSA) focus on delivering strong customer

satisfaction, meeting the needs of the beginner or professional airsoft player alike. With an impressive product range from top brands such as ICS and G&G, together with a dedicated second hand gun room, Toy Soldiers can supply you with the best in new and used guns. An order service is available in-shop with most equipment and accessory orders being delivered in just a few days. For customers who prefer to shop online, our website carries our full compliment of stock. Visit www.tsairsoft.com

Green Zone Combat

Predator Combat Games

36 Drumsavage Road Hamiltonsbawn Armagh BT60 1NE tel: 07772 919 974 email: info@greenzonecombat.com web: www.greenzonecombat.com

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

m Airsoft specialists Green Zone Combat recently opened a shop in Armagh. Proud to have the largest display of airsoft guns in Northern Ireland, our customers can select from leading brands and test weaponry on our mini range before purchase. Green Zone Combat - the airsoft site - is staged on seven acres of land deep in the County Armagh countryside. The site is a mix of open and built up areas - some with an almost urban feel and makes for a varied and intense gaming experience. After a day's airsofting and you'll realise this isn't a sport - it's an obsession! Visit: www.greenzonecombat.com or ring 07772 919 974 for shop opening times, or to book a game on our site.

Trigger Happy 86 Parkgate Avenue, Belfast BT4 1JB tel: 07 561 561 331 web: www.triggerhappyfun.com m Northern Ireland’s latest indoor and outdoor airsoft site has opened its doors.

Located in East Belfast, Trigger Happy has been developed by airsofters for airsofters to create a site that delivers maximum thrills. Covering a vast indoor and outdoor space, Trigger Happy uses the very latest technology, including infrared play, to inject chaos, disorientation and variety into every game. Made up of offices and street scapes, the site features lights, sounds and visual effects that will literally blow you away! There’s no such thing as boredom at Trigger Happy and customers are guaranteed the thrill of the unexpected every visit.

FRV Airsoft 132 Loughinisland Road Annacloy Downpatrick BT30 8JJ mob: 07730 586 926 tel: 028 9258 3579 email: info@frvairsoft.com web: www.frvairsoft.com m When not fighting house to house at the big games, airsofters can be found roaming the fields of County Down at FRV, an 80 acre site between Ballynahinch and Downpatrick. With lots of natural cover for stalking your target there are no shortage of hiding places. Rental players will be kitted out with combats, full face mask, AK47 and 1200 BB’s to get them started then it’s off to clear out the bunkers with team work, grenades and superior fire power.

Hot food available on site and pyrotechnics are available for over 18’s.

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.

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.

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.

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.

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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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