überdog magazine

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RUNNING AND CYCLING THROUGH THE WILDERNESS

Two Great Events One Great Weekend

info@26extreme.com

When?

What?

Where?

How Far?

Saturday 27th August 2011 Running Events Gortatole OEC, Co Fermanagh 25km / 50km / 100km

When?

What?

Where?

How Far?

Sunday 28th August 2011 MTB Marathons Gortatole OEC, Co Fermanagh 60KM / 100km

www.26extreme.com

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meet the dog

The future’s so bright

ThE Mutt’s gotta wear shades! been to some The world of überdog’s pretty sweet at the moment - we’ve just rain’s getting great events recently, there’s more coming up, summer’s here, the warmer, there’s even been some dry weather...

hat a time we’ve been having at überdog HQ! We’ve been soaring like birds, winning awards, going to NI’s first concrete skatepark, attending adventure shows and the opening of new purpose built mountain bike trails... did I mention we won an award?

Well, what a way to celebrate our first birthday-ish when überdog was officially named "Magazine of the Year". The mag was singled out by the judges and beat off the other finalists to clinch the highly coveted title. Among other things, the judges said überdog was ‘Filled with enthusiasm for the subject matter, great tone, a well-designed package, displayed a winning blend of excellent magazine craft. A magazine created by dedicated fans who make a lot of hard work look like fun’.

None of which, may I say, would be possible without our contributors, fans, supporters and readers.

We at überdog never forget that we are lucky to have such a dedicated band of followers, that really make us tick. Without you, there would be no us and we thank you all for the important part you played in us winning this award. Thank you.

W

Highlight of the night had to be hearing Nicholas Witchell (BBC Royal Correspondent, compere for the night) say the words ‘überdog magazine’. (More on page 7) In this issue, as well as the usual Dog Digs, fitness, news pages and fashion articles, we’ve got a report from the day Team Woof went gliding with the Ulster Gliding Club (page 14). A day that we will never forget for all the right reasons - simply

Enter this competition for your chance to bring you, your car and three mates to the SNO!zone indoor snow slope (complete with real snow) in Braeburn, Scotland, courtesy of our friends at StenaLine.

There’s also a whole bunch of other rad goodies for the winner.

You may notice that überdog is even better value, now costing only £2/€3, making it even more accessible to anyone who wants their fix of all things extreme. When inflation and prices all seem to be rising, trust the Dog to do the opposite and drop the price. Don’t say we never give you anything!

We’ve also so much to look forward to over the next few months.

Such great impending events include The Scally Rally (page 6), The Irish Bog Snorkelling Championships (page 11), MTB XC National Champs (17 July), MTB DH National Champs (23-24 July), the opening of Ireland’s only competition standard BMX race track (page 29), EuroSurf in Bundoran (page 42), new shops, brilliant multi-sport races and much, much more.

So, it’s going to be a busy few months and an award winning magazine doesn’t put itself together you know! I’m away for a dog nap before it all kicks off again, and maybe the rest of that champagne...

It’s A magazine created by dedicated fans who make a lot of hard work look like fun... amazing. überdog regular Luke Humphreys has a report (page 40) on the new jewel in skateboarding’s crown, the Bridge’s Skate Park in Belfast. NI’s first concrete park, complete with bowl. We’ve got local trail gurus, Trailbadger’s report on the new purpose built MTB trails at Blessingborne, Fivemiletown (page 56), a revue of Corralea Activity Centre in Fermanagh (page 58), our ever popular annual Top Drawer T-Shirts feature (page 50) this time gathering sixty of our favourite tees from around the country. There’s an urban biking feature (page 23) that takes a look at the various biking styles available to the adrenaline head within a city’s bounds and finally but by no means least there’s the mother of all competitions on page 22.

And the winners are…

Congratulations to our issue six competition winners: WINNER OF AN AMPHIBIA X-BAG SUPPLIED COURTESY OF WWW.AMPHIBIA-SPORT.COM Ger O Brien, Portlaoise, Laois and Joe Breen, Ballycastle, Antrim WINNER OF A SIGNED COPY OF STEVE PEAT'S BOOK ‘17 YEARS IN THE MAKING’ COURTESY OF WWW.CHAINREACTIONCYCLES.COM Ciaran Campbell, Reynoldstown, Drogheda

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

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flannel panel

NAME:

NAME:

Rob Doherty

Dave Youngs

DOES:

Big Dog at überdog BLURB: Rob has been working with That armour's too strong for publications in Northern Ireland for blasters, we'll have to use our harpoons and tow cables... over 22 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.

DOES:

Pedal Powered Pro BLURB: Dave will be taking you from mtb novice to nutter over the next few issues. Dave Dave felt proud as his star started out on his trusty Grifter 22 years pupil Julian Simmons cleared ago, complete with lollipop stick the set of doubles 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.

NAME:

NAME:

Luke Humphreys

Iain Gilmore

DOES:

DOES:

Skate trickster

BLURB: 14 year old Luke has risen to local fame thanks to his YouTube site Is the pen mightier which he uses to post skate footage taken in bizzare locations across than the board?

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!

Surf Guru BLURB: Jersey born, Iain is a champion surfer living in Fanad, County Donegal. With 28 years surf Getting extremely ‘board’ experience and a string of awards to the Gilmore way... 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.

NAME:

NAME:

Aaron Wilson DOES:

DOES:

personal training

BIG off road milage

BLURB: Once a trainer for surf pros in The new pool in the Australia, Aaron has returned to Merchant ROCKED...

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.

NAME:

NAME:

Brant Richards

DOES:

DOES:

Paddles a lot all around europe BLURB:

Bike design

BLURB: Worked up from bike shop Saturday boy to Magazine Editor, then flipped to Designer and Brand Bike designing requires Manager for some of the biggest a lot of... research! names in mountainbiking. Rides "tech" in Calderdale, Yorkshire. Terrible at wheelies and can't weld.

NAME:

NAME:

Graeme Livingstone

marty McCann DOES:

DOES:

Waveski expert BLURB: World European Waves competitor and current Irish Waveski champ, Marty is also a British Canoe Union level 5 coach surf and a Beach World war two mines added some extra excitement...

Lifeguard trainer and assessor. He 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!

4

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

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

sales: email: sales@uberdogmagazine.co.uk telephone: 028 9127 0058

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

facebook.com/uberdogmag twitter.com/uberdogmag issuu.com/uberdog flickr.com/uberdogmag vimeo.com/uberdogmag For exclusive magazine updates visit

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

überdog magazine ISSN 2043-7048

Vix Crawford

Currently living in france Vix is an It was only when she came to outdoor activity instructor, spending the rapids Vix realised that the rest of the crew had gone half the year working in Southern France coaching paddlesport and the other half splashing about in Irish waters and surf. Check out Vix’s first article “Total White Out” to appear in our magazine on page 46.

big dog: Robert Doherty

Keep up to date with Team Woof at

Mickey Regan BLURB: Born and raised in the Sperrin Mountains, now living in the big smoke. Mickey was brought up in a Mickey even took running very active family. Water skiing, for the bus very seriously Marathon running, Hill walking, Mountaineering and ice climbing being just some of the sports and hobbies enjoyed by his parents. Mickey was always interested in everything outdoors so it was inevitable that he would combine this active lifestyle and take up adventure racing.

team woof:

combat sport correspondent 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 bring this fresh new sport to the list in überdog.

Prepare to be introduced to my best friend PAIN!

Volume 2: Issue 7 was published by

Pig's Ear Publishing llp. email: info@pigsearpublishing.co.uk web: www.pigsearpublishing.co.uk Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

All prices and dates correct at the time of going to press but are subject to change. überdog cannot be held responsible for unsolicited material or photographs or for the views and opinion of our advertisers. For competition terms and conditions visit www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk The views expressed by contributors and correspondents in articles, reports, reviews and other contributions do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Accordingly, the publisher is not responsible for any such view, nor for any act or omission on the part of any such contributor or correspondent.

Neither is any responsibility accepted by the publisher for any loss or damage caused to any person relying on any statement in, or omission from überdog magazine.

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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

SEGWAY

GET READY FOR THE SAFARI

SCALLY RALLY SCALLY RALLY is a banger rally but is more commonly known as the ultimate driving challenge. To enter Scally Rally Arctic, Europe or Ireland your car must be road legal and have cost you £100 or less and can be decorated whatever way you want - the weirder the better, anything goes. The rally has seen Volvos converted into Titanic, replica Dukes of Hazzard and Rosco cars and the Blues brothers make an apperance every now and then. This years Irish Rally takes place on 26-29 August 2011.

You don’t have to go far to drive on some amazing roads and the

emerald isle, with its generous landscape, offers a multitude of conditions in which to experience a great driving weekend. The rally starts from a cosmopolitan Belfast and runs alongside the Causeway coast as you tackle Rally Irelands fantastic special stages which include the Tim Healy pass and Molls Gap and a run out onto the Dingle peninsula. This is truly an event everyone needs to experience to realise why driving around Ireland is so captivating and loved the world over.

year’s As you can see from some of last ng goes! entries, the crazier the better - anythi

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Scally Rally works closely with charities to increase awareness of their fundraising efforts and help teams raising money achieve greater publicity. Large companies also use Scally Rally as a way of offering something new to its staff for motivational team building.

Scally Rally are happy to hear from anyone who thinks that their business or charity may benefit from working together.

For more information email sue@scallyrally.co.uk or call 01296 397128 or visit www.scallyrally.co.uk

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.

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

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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NEW LISBURN STORE FOLLOWING the success of their recent ‘for a limited time only’ sale shop in Belfast, NI outdoor retailer Surf Mountain has opened another sale shop in Lisburn. The new shop, which can be found at 31 Bow Street in Lisburn town centre, will have all the usual Surf Mountain brands at cut down prices. Quality clothing from The North Face, Jack Wolfskin, Salomon, Animal, Roxy, Rip Curl and more will be available from Tuesday 21 June.

Why not nip down and grab yourself a bargain.

For more information visit www.surfmountain.com

ÜBERDOG NEEDS YOU! Want to represent your chosen sport in the ultimate head to head to find out who’s the best of the best? We’re putting together a mega competition over the next few months, to be held on one day to pit a representative from each of our core über-sports against each other to find our überchampion of champions. We want to see down-hiller against XCer, climber against kayaker, surfer against skater, BMXer against kite surfer, and many more - all on a level playing field.

Intrigued yet? Register your interest by emailing mega@uberdogmagazine.co.uk with your name, age and sport you want to represent - you must be physically fit and able to take severe slagging should you lose.

You have been warned.

ADVENTURE WEEKEND SUCCESS The Adventure Weekend, Ireland’s first ever three day adventure event, which took place in the RDS in May, showcased the very best of what Ireland has to offer in outdoor and adventure activities. This experiential action adventure event offered people the opportunity to try for themselves top adventure activities such as zip lining, zorbing, rage buggies, water walkers and more. It was an event with a difference as they transformed the RDS into a giant adventure playground, boasting the most impressive interactive zone this venue has ever seen, even including a vertical wind tunnel. There was a demo zone where among others RampRage showcased their skateboard, BMX, free running and inline skating skills. www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

Page 7

ENLIST FOR

BOOTCAMP

TODAY!

SUNDAY 15th May saw the first bootcamp session of the summer season at Todds Leap, Ballygawley with a charity taster session in aid of NI Chest, Heart & Stroke. On a blustery day, participants revelled in the inclement conditions, busting their way over obstacles and around the tracks at the command of bootcamp leader Ryan Harte. With plenty of positive feedback and loads of laughs along the way, the launch of the summer bootcamp season was a great start; nothing short of hard muckin’ work, filthy muddy fun!

Bootcamp season is now in full swing with morning classes on Saturdays at 8am and evening classes on Tuesdays at 7pm.

Classes will last for one hour and consist of exercise circuits, off road hill runs, obstacle courses and team games. Fitness and body composition measurements can be arranged to monitor progress.

Full day bootcamps are arranged to commence and places are already filling up throughout the summer. Bootcamps can also be arranged for individual groups upon request and subject to availability.

For more info: call: 028 8556 7170 or visit www.toddsleap.com

ÜBERDOG SCOOPS

MAJOR AWARD JUST as we popped the champagne corks to mark our first birthday, we were given a second reason to celebrate as überdog was officially named "Magazine of the Year". Only six issues old and the first time ever entered in a competition, überdog was singled out by the judges, which consisted of a panel of distinguished media figures from across Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland, and beat off stiff competition from the other finalists to clinch the highly coveted title.

Over 300 people from the world of media, public relations and business attended the 18th annual awards ceremony held by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) to honour the best that local journalism has to offer. Journalists, editors and programme makers from across the print, broadcast and online media in Northern Ireland came together at

Belfast’s Europa Hotel for the annual Coca Cola CIPR NI Media Awards hosted by Nicholas Witchell, the BBC’s Royal Correspondent, who worked in Northern Ireland during the 70’s and 80’s.

Commenting on überdog’s historic win, the judges said: “Filled with enthusiasm for the subject matter, great tone, total understanding of the reader and mixing entertainment with really useful information, all wrapped up in a well-designed package, überdog displays a winning blend of excellent magazine craft. A classic example of a magazine created by dedicated fans and experts who, crucially, never forget they’re doing it for someone else - the readers, and make a lot of hard work look like fun.

A great achievement".

The magazine was also overall category winner in the "Magazine / Supplement of the Year" category.

One happy doggy! (L-R) Miriam Pearce MX Brand (Award Sponsors), Rob Doherty uberdog magazine and Ross Williamson CIPR Chair

Record Breaking Skydive Attempt ON AUGUST 26th 2011 at the Irish Parachute Club, David Duffy, an experienced skydiver, will attempt to break the Irish national record for the most successful parachute jumps from a low altitude (2000ft) completed in one day by one individual. The current record stands at 60 and as a testiment of the commitment required to complete this feat, it has not been attempted in the previous 15 years.

This will be a mammoth task against time, fatigue and gravity itself. It will demand great skill,

concentration, dedication and endurance by David, the organisers, the team of experienced pilots, parachute packers and ground crew, in overcoming the logistical difficulties involved in the completion of this task and that it could take upwards of ten hours to complete.

The idea for this event has been inspired by David’s little cousin, Emily Brien, who over a year ago was diagnosed with leukemia at the tender age of four The event is being organised in aid of the Childrens Medical and Research

foundation at Our Ladies Childrens Hospital, Crumlin. The event is being organised by David’s brother Stephen and with the full support of The Childrens Medical and Research Foundation, The Parachute Association of Ireland and the Irish Parachute Club Clonbellouge, Co.Offally.

To find out more about David’s record attempt visit www.skydive.ie

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Freediving Ireland IF YOU have seen the Big Blue then you have an idea what freediving is. Just hold your breath, and down you go. It is that simple. Speak to a regular freediver and they’ll say that once you get into it, freediving can be very complex and very addictive and you have to have a good reason to come back up! Freedive Ireland started in May 2010. überdog wanted to find out more about this addictive sport that’s quickly becoming one of Ireland’s fastest growing marine activities. So we asked Freedive Ireland’s own Feargus Callagy, what’s it all about anyway?

"I had been scuba diving for years and wanted to try freediving. For my 30th birthday I treated myself to a course in Portsmouth Naval base and have been hooked ever since.

After attending other courses in the UK and Egypt I finally got the courage, the time and the money to attend Umberto Pellizari course in Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt. To me training with Umberto would be like a soccer player training with Pele.

The course for instructors was tough physically and mentally. There were prerequisites of 30m dives and four minute breath holds that should be pretty easy to do or don’t bother coming. The highlight of the course for me, apart from graduating, was coming face to face with an Oceanic white tip shark about the same size as me.

When I first started asking about freediving in Ireland I was often shot down with the danger element of it from other divers. At the extreme end it is dangerous, people are holding their breath for over eleven minutes and diving past 240 metres on a sled or 128 metres using fins. I can’t do that. What I love about it ironically is the freedom. My favourite pastime is to drop down a line to ten metres or so and simply hang there watching the fish,

gaze into the mighty Atlantic or close my eyes and simply feel my heart getting slower and slower. Its called extreme silence and its the best feeling I have ever had.

Its what brings me back time and time again.

The Atlantic is not the Red Sea but it has a huge diversity of abundant life and is different on every dive and its my ocean. Recreational drug use must be like this, not that I would ever know. The sport is growing in Ireland and around the world. Try it, you will be amazed at the sensations and what your body and mind are truly capable of.

We all came from the Ocean its only natural some of us want to go back.

Little Big Shot

CHAMPION CROWNED

LITTLE BIG SHOT is a new Northern Ireland based, healthy energy drink, specially designed to meet active lifestyle challenges. It’s a refreshing blend of berry fruit juices combined with Ginseng and B vitamins. B vitamins are involved in the release of energy from food, help combat tiredness and fatigue and contribute to the maintenance of various metabolic processes. Little BIG Shot contains no preservatives and no Enumbers.

For those looking for an energy drink without the post consumption guilt that arises from consuming unknown chemicals then Little BIG Shot is for you, packed with goodness, leaving you revitalised and full of potential for the day ahead.

Little BIG Shot contains no preservatives, artificial colourings and flavourings just Healthy Energy!

Visit www.littlebigshot.com

shook up Belfast’s Ulster Hall with local B-Boys joining in and dancing round the centre stage”, said Mouse.

There was a first class line up of entertainment including MC Trix from Nottingham, a world famous B-Boy and MC in the international breakdance scene. Shlomo, one of the UK’s finest beatboxers, mesmerised the crowd as he recreated entire songs with just his vocal chords on a loop box. Belfast’s very own DJ Timber also jetted in from Barcelona where he now lives to keep the crowd and B-boys moving.

Bboy Armstrong (overall winner) with Bboy Dior

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24 July to 01 August

BELTURBET FESTIVAL OF THE ERNE Location: Belturbet, Co. Cavan Web: www.ernefestival.com Notes: One of the biggest family festivals featuring river based events like row boat racing, canoeing, street events like races, Irelands Strongest Man, pig races and outdoor musical events.

Entertainment throughout the town during the Festival.

01 to 07 August

FESTIVAL OF FLIGHT IN ONE COOL WEEKEND Location: Newcastle, Co Down Web: www.downdc.gov.uk Notes: This programme of themed entertainment across land, sea and air and this international line-up of aviation displays includes the world famous Red Arrows Aerobatics Display Team along with a two day amazing spectacular of live music by PLM promotions and Cool FM, featuring your favourite chart acts as part of our ‘Cool Weekend Festival’.

06 to 07 August 2011

For more information or details on how to give it a go visit www.freediveireland.com

RED BULL BC ONE IRELAND JUST UNDER 1,000 spectators gathered at the Ulster Hall in Belfast to witness Dublin based B-Boy Armstrong deservedly crowned the Red Bull BC One Cypher Ireland Champion after battling his way through the ‘one on one’ heats against 15 other B-Boys and B-Girls from all over Ireland.

Armstrong will now represent Ireland at the Red Bull BC One Qualifier in Barcelona and if he achieves a repeat victory, will go on to battle it out for the World title, later this year in St.Petersburg, Russia.

Judge, global champion B-Boy Mouse, a highly respected forerunner in the UK Breaking scene who has danced with the likes of Madonna, was blown away by the showcase of new local talent.

“This is the most prestigious ‘one on one’ B- Boy World Championship dance offs and it certainly

t for Dates to watch ou

IRISH NATIONAL WATERSKI CHAMPIONSHIPS Location: Hillsborough, Co Down Web: www.loughagherywaterski.com Notes: See the best waterskiing slalom, tricks and jumping that Ireland has to offer. For more information email Tim Scott at loughagherywaterski@me.com

27 August 2011

27th ANNUAL LAKELAND WARRIORS RUN Location: Strandhill, Co. Sligo Web: www.warriorsfestival.com Notes: This unique event takes its participants 15km to the top of Knocknarea Mountain (1050ft) around the megalithic cairn of Queen Maeve of Connaught. Athletes must cross grass, heather and loose gravel surfaces as well as tackling a 600ft incline. There is also a Fun Warriors Walk, Street Entertainment, Live Music and other festivities.

04 September 2011

IRONMAN 70.3 IRELAND Location: Galway City Web: www.ironmanireland.com Notes: The first official Ironman event to take place in Ireland will be half Ironman distance taking place in and around Galway city with a spectacular finish in Eyre Square. www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

008 Tollymore Advert ISS07 V01.qxp

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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

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U U U U U U U

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Setting the Bog Standard THE 3RD IRISH BOG Snorkelling Championships takes place on 10th September in Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan. The overall aim of the competition is for participants to have as much fun as possible, along with finding a champion to represent Ireland at the international Bog Snorkelling championships in Wales.

Participants have to propel themselves along a 60m strip of water in the fastest time possible, using flipper power only. Breathing is done though your snorkel. The organizers will provide you with flippers and snorkels on the day. Entry is now open and wannabe bog snorkellers should vist the website and download the form.

Check out the website regularly as they will be updating their BOG ROLL (names of all entrants ) weekly along with other news updates. The Northern Ireland Bog Snorkelling Championships will also be taking

place once again at Peatlands Park on Sunday 31st July.

For more info on the events visit www.irishbogsnorkelling.com and www.nienvironment.gov.uk/peatlands

Add your name to the ‘Bog Roll’ today...

Bodyzorbing?

THING OF BEAUTY: The team at überdog aren’t normally used to admiring road bikes or

even considering them as an item off desire but this latest offering from Specialized has certainly grabbed our attention. The new S-Works / McLaren Venge is the result of a ninemonth collaboration with Formula One racing giants McLaren. There’s two models available, the S-Works Venge, available from the end of April and the McLaren Venge which is being held back until September. Prices are still to be confirmed, but you’ll need the best part of £2,500 (frame only) to own the S-Works model and £5,000 to buy the McLaren one. Rumour has it there’s one due in anytime at Specialized dealers Cicli-Sport in Moneymore, Co L/derry.

To find out viewing times visit www.ciclisport.com or telephone (028) 8674 8748

THE EVOLUTION of zorb has arrived at Todds Leap - BodyZorbing! With their upper half encased in bodysized zorbs, participants legs are free to walk, run, jump, flip, bounce and roll their way around our all weather pitch in this exciting human bumping event. Games include human dominos, 5 a sides and somersault races, you’ll need to be well pumped up for some inflatable fun!

It takes quick reactions to avoid ending up the floor and if you aren’t tumbling in that direction, the laughs will have you rolling on it. Will you be the “last man standing?”

GIANTS CAUSEWAY COAST SPORTIVE ON 17th September 2011, the Causeway Coast and Glens of Antrim will be full of cyclists taking part in the first ever Giant’s Causeway Coast Sportive. With a choice of three routes, all on minor roads through breathtaking scenery, this new cycling sportive has already generated a real sense of excitement within the cycling community. Irish professional cycling star Philip Deignan, who has recently signed to Lance Armstrong’s Radioshack team hopes to take part in the sportive on the Saturday.

All three of the routes for the sportive start and finish in Ballycastle however vary in length and difficulty.

The hardest of all is the 182km Giant Killer; this long distance route, which contains some of Northern Ireland’s most infamous hill climbs, will really only suit serious cyclists who are used to pounding out the miles on a weekly basis. This is a cycling experience they you are unlikely to ever forget for a number of reasons!

For more information visit www.giantscausewaycoastsportive.com

Irish professional cyclist Philip Deignan

Would all BMXs wearing blue arm bands...

IN WHAT must be one of the best strokes of genius ever, Nike converted Dagenham’s old 1970s public swimming pool into a unique BMX facility.

Designed by one of the world’s best skatepark designers, Dave Sowerby, they kicked off with a global competition for the world’s best riders.

The ‘Pool’ was then opened to the public. They even had bikes for you to borrow and a beginners’ pool.

There were 20 bikes to borrow for free, all standard 20 inch size, as well as helmets, knee and elbow pads.

The pool was due to close on 12th June but a campaign by fans is trying to halt the immenent demolition of this unique faciltity.

One local (originally of Dagenham extraction) who had the pleasure of www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

riding the pool was Chris Nunn. We asked him what it was really like.

“Well what can i say its the swimming pool I learnt to swim in ten years ago. It was crazy to ride my bike in there, it brought back so many memories. What a fitting way to see the end of Dagenham swimming pool for me. Nike did such a good job with the place. Was real good to ride there with all my mates and people from all over the UK bmx scene. Definitely a highlight of bmx for me.”

Matt Gillespie of RampRage fame also had the pleasure of the Pool - he said “We rode the place two days in a row with Zeal Distro on day one and Rad BMX shop on day two.

The sessions were intense with big moves going down all over the setup .

The place flowed well and I had alot

of fun with all the fellas I met up with over there . It was awesome to ride something so unique and exclusive.”

For more details on the pool and exclusive videos check out www.nike.com/thepool

The Nike Pool in all it’s - temporary - glory

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Check online for THE LATEST greaT deals

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www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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who’s making a big bang in combat sports...

NEW AIRSOFT SITES Battlefield Sports, Dundonald, have just secured the use of an outdoor site near Shaws Bridge, Belfast. This site, to be called “Battlefield Bootcamp”, will give skirmishers in the Belfast area their first taste of outdoor laser and airsoft without the travel expense of using the big, outdoor sites. It is bookable seven days a week through Battlefield Sports, Dundonald. (Minimum two hour session). Battlefield Sports have also confirmed they are to open a new outdoor site in Coleraine which is expected to open late summer 2011.

For more information call 028 9048 5462 or visit www.battlefieldsportsni.com

PAYDAY FRIDAY PAINTBALL AT TODDS LEAP Knock off work early on Friday 29th July, grab your mates and get yourself along for an exclusive session of Paintball. Even if you want to come on your own, you’ll soon be making new friends. There’s five gutsy games over seven different battle zones with unique offroad transfers around the site in authentic troop transporters!.

After all the hard work, there’s Benjamin’s Licensed Bar and Restaurant on-site if you want to enjoy a bite to eat and a few cold drinks to kickstart the weekend.

For more info: call: 028 8556 7170 or visit www.toddsleap.com

Page 13

100,000 AT 100th

RED BULL FLUGTAG AN AMAZING 100,000 spectators packed the pier in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin, to see 34 teams from all over Ireland enjoy the sunshine and take to the skies in their homemade flying machines as they competed in the 100th Red Bull Flugtag,.

For the teams it’s a labour of love and lunacy; most of the crafts take around 1,000 hours to produce made from all sorts of materials, objects and even an old toilet was used!

It’s the fifth time the event has landed on Ireland’s shores, having arrived here for the first time in 1999, and this year’s antics certainly didn’t disappoint the lively crowd, who roared encouragement for their favourite teams - everything from Air Force One to ‘Cake for a Queen’ who danced to Freddie Mercury’s ‘I want to Break Free’.

Since its debut in Austria in 1991, Red Bull Flugtag has travelled the globe, from Miami to Marseille and Sao Paolo to Sydney. The distance record, set last year in the US at a Red Bull Flugtag in St Paul, Minnesota, stands at an impressive 63m. However, victory also rests on the flight crew’s look and feel. In addi-

tion, teams have 30 seconds atop the 30 meter ramp to impress the judging panel with a ‘performance’, before launching off the ramp for flight and the inevitable six meter drop into the water.

A host of celebrity judges from the world of sport, entertainment and local dignitaries like Bernard Brogan, Síle and Gráinne Seoige and the

Cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire, Lettie McCarthy watched the efforts of these fantastic “men/women” and their flying machines. Presenters for the day were Aidan Power and Daniella Moyles of RTE’s ‘Bulletin TV’ who were also joined by Claire Solan Aidan’s radio co-host.

For more details go to www.redbull.ie

Overall winners ‘Cool Flyings’ from Cork

IRISH WATERSKI & WAKEBOARD FEDERATION IWWF Selectors have just announced the details of the team which will represent Ireland at the 2011 Wakeboard World Championships in Milan, Italy on July 13/17. On completion of the National Wakeboard Championships last weekend at Eskragh Lough in Dungannon, the Selectors were delighted to see the impact of Winter training in Florida, Spain and South Africa. With over 30 million active participants in the sport, winning medals at

the World Championships is an enormous task. The Irish Team has never been so well prepared and hopes are high for impressive placings this time around in Milan in three weeks time. Included in the line-up are the newly crowned 2011 Open National Champions, Dublin’s David O’Caoimh and Belfast’s TCD student Sian Hurst.

Full details will be reported on the Federation Website at www.IrishWWF.ie

ORGANISERS GO FREE AT ESCARMOUCHE Want to be Mr or Mrs Organiser? Get just 19 players or more to come and play paintball at Escarmouche and you won’t spend a penny. But if that is not reason enough, look at what else we have to offer you.

Superb location just 20 minutes from Belfast, dynamic game scenarios, cutting edge gear, free tea and coffee all day and free photos of you and your friends.

For more information contact Escarmouche on telephone 028 9032 7500 or visit www.escarmouche.com www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

Wakeboard Team Ireland (L-R) David O’Caoimh, Aisling Deegan, Paul Johnston, Sian Hurst, Brian Deegan and David Coates

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e d i l G

hat can I say, it's always been a dream of mine to fly, but who hasn't watched Top Gun or Pearl Harbour and thought that they could give that a good go?

(Abandon original joke about grasping a joy stick). Most people are satisfied by heading to Spain on their holidays on a 737, but not me. Ever wondered what kind of geeky kid bought a flight simulator for his console rather that the latest shoot-em-up? Well that geek was me, and now I had a chance to put all that theory to the test.

Extend flaps, prepare for take off.

It was a gorgeous Sunday morning when we headed northwards to Bellarena to avail of the Ulster Gliding Club's kind offer to come up and see what they're all about.

This beautiful part of the world is well known to us. We've mountain biked in Binevenagh's forests, body boarded at Castlerock, blokarted on Magilligan Strand and now we were going to soar high above it all.

We arrived at the airfield, about 15 minutes out of Coleraine if travelling north, with the tune to Dambusters playing in my ears.

W

The joke where I said 'Roger' after everything had wore out at Ballymoney, so I'd resorted to just humming the aforementioned tune to calm my nerves.

The airfield looked just like it came straight out of a World War II film set, all grass with the large hangar to one side and a plethora of aircraft, of all shapes and sizes sitting everywhere. Main difference being a distinct lack of propellers, everything was in colour and there was no posh gentlemen playing cricket waiting for a 'scramble'.

After a cup of coffee in what must be the best located club house in Ireland, mountain views through one window, Lough Foyle through the other, I was introduced to Finbarr, my instructor for the day, and the Schleicher ASK21, my transport for the day. What followed has to be the best ten minutes of instruction I have ever

received in my life. Amongst other things I found out how to remove the canopy of the aircraft at altitude should I need to get out in a hurry, how to use the parachute I was now wearing and at the bottom end of the safety scale, how to throw up down the neck of my fleece should the need arise.

I was then firmly strapped into the front cockpit. The glider has a tandem set up and the student gets to sit in the front seat, giving an uncluttered view of all goings on ahead. Which was at that minute in time an unfettered view of the glider being hitched to the big aeroplane in front by a long rope. Even being 6' 1” and having a love of the Big Mac, the cockpit didn't feel cramped. Snug, yes, but not cramped. Once the final assurances were sought and given and Finbarr climbed in behind me, it was time to go. It is

rather surreal to sit in a plastic bubble, a couple of inches off the ground, whilst you watch a powered plane disappearing in the distance as a rope attached to somewhere near your feet is pulled tight until it starts moving you in the same direction. A few seconds later after a few bumpity, bumpities across the air field we were airborne and steadily gaining altitude above Lough Foyle, which looks surprisingly shallow from above.

Finbarr checked with me was I comfortable enough to try a fancy manoeuvre or two. To be honest I had some nerves stepping into the glider and a multitude of “what ifs” going through my head - but now

4,000 feet over Binevenagh Mountain

, It was amazing, the biggest buzz this was the real deal - We were flying 4,000 feet above the ground and performing stunts... spot the Mussenden The sharp eyed among you will in the background Temple, Barr Mouth and Portstewart

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FLYING

Dogs can’t fly, can they? Thanks to the the ulster gliding club, they can now...

Finbarr explains to Ciara what to touch, and what not to touch

we were airborne and the overwhelming sensory experience of flying had kicked in, I was willing to try it all!

We were towed up to 4,000 feet and the cable was detached. This

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FLYING

is a higher than normal altitude but was necessary for what came next.

Finbarr, with my permission of course, put the glider into a steep dive to gain enough speed to then bring it up and over in a full loop.

And rather than waste all that speed we had gained he went straight into a tight twist. It was amazing, the biggest buzz, better than any roller coaster or ride, this was the real deal. We were flying 4,000 feet above the ground and performing stunts, yeah!

After that initial introduction to the world of un-powered flight we settled down into what we know gliding to be. My initial reaction was 'Isn't this quite serene?' because it really is. Here we were, two blokes in a glider, cruising around the skies above Binevenagh mountain, in near silence, chatting away about what we can see below on what looks like a model landscape, without the need for headphones. Sublime calmness would be a good phrase to use. I came to this part of the world a lot when I was a kid and now had the pleasure of a bird's eye view of all the places I had visited. Once the acclimatisation was over, and I had stopped randomly pointing things out to Finbarr we were ready for my lesson. Without any engine controls or throttles to worry about it really is all about the joy stick. Having once landed a F15 on the deck of an aircraft carrier (remember those flight sims I

There really is no better way to see the beauty of our North coast as from a glider - Inishowen mountains in background

Who needs an in flight movie when the view’s as good as this?

Coming into land

mentioned) I felt that this should be a doddle. I have to report, it is and it isn't. Yes, we can all grasp that pulling the stick back brings the nose up and sideways makes you bank, but it really does require a delicate touch and a level of

Glider Statistics:

SCHLEICHER ASK21 DUAL-CONTROL GLIDER

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS Crew: 1 pilot Capacity: 1 passenger Length: 8.35m Wingspan: 17.00m Height: 1.55m Wing area:18.0 m2 Empty weight: ca. 360kg Gross weight: 600kg PERFORMANCE Max speed: 280km/h (174 mph) Max glide ratio: 33.5 (solo) Rate of sink: 0.65m/s (128 ft/min) This glider is fitted with dual controls for training and hand controls to provide equality of access for those with a disability of the lower limbs. A hoist is available to assist with entry and exit. In this glider the instructor sits behind the pupil. The project that made this possible was supported by The Sport Northern Ireland Lottery Fund and The Enkalon Foundation.

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hand to eye co-ordination that I might have if I'd played more of the earlier mentioned shoot-emups. It's also very hard to concentrate on keeping the glider level whenever you're constantly looking at the ground and exclaiming like a schoolchild “Oh look, a lake” or “Oh look, a train” or “Oh look, a beach”. After a while I did get the hang of staying level and was making respectable enough turns. Finbarr told me about some of the physics of how we were staying aloft. It is baffling to understand that a glider can stay up indefinitely using thermals and other forms of lift. You can actually feel the glider being lifted whenever it's guided into one of these thermals. After what felt like no time, but was actually closer to an hour we headed for the airfield.

Now, the airfield is at sea level and we were at 3,000 feet. It would be a shame to waste all that potential speed on nothing, wouldn't it?

Cue, one very high speed pass of the air field ala Maverick buzzing the tower in Top Gun, oh yeah, chalk up another fantasy.

The final approach takes place from over Lough Foyle where it's a simple down, down, down, touch down, bumpity, bumpity, bump, rumble... stop. Back on the same terra firma I'd left about an hour earlier, but I was a changed man.

Gone was the nerves and trepida-

tion I'd experienced earlier.

Replaced by the unforgettable experience of flying like a bird high above countryside I knew so well, in what was a safe, controlled environment. An experience I will surely, never forget. I believed I could fly, I believed I could touch the sky... well sod you R.Kelly , I did. o www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

r North ground

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Glider physics: HOW DOES A GLIDER STAY UP? type) clouds form at the top of the thermal, marking where the thermals are.

RIDGE LIFT Another way of staying up requires a hill (ridge), and the wind to blow against the face of it. When the wind hits the hill, it gets forced upwards. Again, it is this upward movement of air that allows gliders to stay airborne.

WAVE LIFT Similar to ridge lift is a phenomenon called "wave lift". This is a

ONCE you are airborne, how does a glider stay up? Well, this depends on finding air that is rising. There are three forms of this "lift" that help us stay up thermals, ridge (or hill) lift and wave.

THERMALS A thermal is a volume of air that has been heated by the sun more than the surrounding air, Hot air rises, and it is circling within this air that allows birds and gliders - to go upwards.

Often cumulus (cotton-wool

little harder to explain. It arises from the wind blowing against a hill again, but this time the air comes back down (on the far side of the hill) and "bounces" off the ground and goes back up again creating a very smooth upwards flow of air. This wave may go back down and up again for several cycles, meaning that you don't actually have to be close to any hills to use it! Often, this form of lift is capped by a cigar shaped "lenticular" cloud.

ULSTER GLIDING CLUB FOUNDED 81 years ago in August 1930, it is the only facility of its kind in Northern Ireland. Located along the banks of Lough Foyle overlooking Binevenagh and the mountains of Donegal providing us with ideal conditions for flying gliders.

They have two twin seat gliders and one single seat glider. You can enjoy a leisurely scenic flight or take the controls yourself and fly their dual controlled glider under the supervision and guidance of our BGA qualified instructor. Or for the more adventurous, taste the excitement of an exhilarating aerobatic flight.

The club has 75 members, male and female ranging in age from teenagers to people in their 70’s as there is no upper age limit.

The Ulster Gliding Centre is a non-profit organization run by volunteer members. Through prior arrangement they can cater for corporate bookings and group bookings. In the summer months they provide special mid week events called ‘Glidability’ which offers individuals with disabilities the opportunity to fly with their BGA qualified instructors. These dedicated instructors volunteer their own time to help others experience the joy of silent flight.

They’re open every Saturday and Sunday and most public holidays (weather permitting).

Visitors are always welcome and can try out gliding for themselves with a ‘Trial Lesson’ for only £69 (per adult) or £59 (under 18 or full time student) you will also receive two months club membership which enables you to fly at club rates. Or treat that special someone with a surprise ‘Gift Voucher’ available from our website or via our mobile number.

What are you waiting for? Come soar with us!

CONTACT DETAILS: 367 Seacoast Road, Co L’Derry, BT49 OLA Telephone: 028 7775 0301 Mobile: 07709 808276 Web: www.ulsterglidingclub.org

a FREE GLIDING LESSON Enter our free prize draw to win a TRIAL GLIDER LESSON and two months Ulster Gliding Club membership HOW TO ENTER: For your chance to win this amazing prize visit www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk and follow the competition link. Good luck!

Competition closing date is Friday 2nd September 2011. Full terms and conditions online at www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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e k i B n i a t n u Mo

News Want to contribute? Email your news

Local news from the world of MTB, up mountains, through forests and around cities...

o.uk and pictures to news@teamwoof.c

New MTB Skills

Course Open ARE YOU a mountain biker? Where do you go to improve? How do you get better? Why should we try to get better? If we develop our riding and improve our skills, mountain biking becomes more enjoyable and less intimidating, it becomes safer, as we are more in control of our riding and less likely to take big risks. We know that next time we head to a trail centre we will be more confident in our own ability to ride various features.

Mountain Biking is one of those amazing sports that we can all do, at our own pace, in areas that we know.

However, when it comes to improving and developing skills, we often come up against the proverbial brick wall!

We might want to get better at riding drop offs, or pumping over rollers, or riding berms, but it is often difficult to

find these features to use and practice on. We might want to work on our confidence on specific types of trail or on more challenging trail.

Maybe we are not so confident at slow speed skills, or very rocky terrain - whatever the area, we can always work to improve!

Tollymore National Outdoor Centre now has a purpose designed skills course, which has been designed to allow bikers to develop their biking skills on a wide range of features.

The course was designed by well known trail designer, Dafydd Davies and was opened recently. The brief that Dafydd was given was to provide a wide range of features within the confines of the centre grounds. The skills course that has been developed has approximately 1.5 km of single-

Castle Ward Demense Project Opens to the Public MOUNTAIN biking in Northern Ireland is set for a healthy boost with up to 40km of off-road trails completed at the Castle Ward Demesne site in County Down.

Trail building pioneer Dafydd Davis MBE has been worked with key stakeholders including the Countryside Access and Activities Network (CAAN), Northern Ireland Tourist Board and the National Trust to develop an accessible trail network with short, medium and

long distances to suit all ability of rider. Visitor facilities are located at the shore of Strangford Lough which include a bike wash, car parking area and central information point. The Clearsky Adventure Centre located at the trail head can provide a range of Vitus mountain bikes, supplied by Chain Reaction Cycles, to be ridden on the new off-road route.

For up to date info visit www.cycleni.com

Tollymore National Outdoor Centre’s purpose designed skills course

track trail, with a wide range of features, including rollers, berms, drop offs, table tops, rock sections, northshore and log rolls. The variety and size of the features ensures that there are plenty of opportunities for all bikers to develop their riding and concentrate on specific skills in a progressive manner. The skills course is available for use by groups and individuals and will become a popular facility for bikers in the area. Over the coming months, the course will be developed and changed, as we get feedback from users and learn how to improve it. There are plans to build a small pump track and develop more

sections of northshore - come and use the course, give us your feedback and help us to make it a facility that will work for all bikers!

The Skills Course is open seven days a week, all year round, from 9.30am to 5.00pm. From May to September, it is also open on Tuesday to Friday evenings until 9.00pm. Entry is £3 for adults and £2 for minors.

Tollymore National Outdoor Centre is Sport Northern Ireland’s National Outdoor Centre and provides a range of skills and leadership courses for groups and individuals.

For more information visit www.tollymore.com

A REAL ‘CROSS COUNTRY’ ADVENTURE: On the 14th of July, downhill racing duo Dan

Opening day at the new Castle Ward Trails

18

and Ger Wolfe will cycle a Tandem bike across Ireland from Dublin to Galway in one stint towing and powering a fridge! The challenge, dreamt up by the two downhilling brothers, is to raise much needed funds for international competitions. The trailer plus battery, equipment, alternator and fully loaded fridge comes in around 80kg which the guys plan to tow the 250km from Killieny, County Dublin to Eight Bar and Restaurant, County Galway.

Keep up with their progress via www.wolferacing.ie

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MOUNTAIN BIKE NEWS

New Belfast bike store CHAIN Reaction Cycles is set to open a standalone retail store in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 2011.

They believe there’s never been a better time to apply their wealth of customer service and technical knowledge on the high street, and the state-of-the-art store will offer a revolutionary new shopping experience with a comprehensive selection of road, mountain, BMX, commuting and triathlon bikes as well as a range of components, clothing, footwear, equipment and tools. An extensive range of product for all ability of rider will be matched by a level of in-shop customer service, mechanical backup and technical know-how that they’ve become renowned for.

Jim Berkeley, Head of Retail at CRC, said: “This is an incredibly exciting time for us, transferring our years of knowledge, buying power and service to the high street environment. We can’t wait to offer customers - both new and existing - a high quality face-to-face service which will mirror the high level of support we currently provide our online customers.”

We love ‘all things bikes’ at CRC and are committed to offering quality stock and great service to our customers, enabling more cyclists, triathletes, swimmers and runners to benefit from our great value products.

For up to date information visit www.chainreactioncycles.com

Chain Reaction Cycles state of the art showroom in Doagh

New Mountain

Bike Club THE DONEGAL MTB Club was formed in late 2010 and involves a group of mountain bikers aiming to promote the sport in County Donegal. They are an official club affiliated to Cycling Ireland.

One of the long term goals of the club is to establish a state of the art trail centre for Donegal. They believe this would bring great benefits to the tourism industry in the County and the North West. They recently held a successful Outdoor Day on 26th June at Gartan Outdoor Centre to welcome new members and in July they are hoping to organise the first XC race in the county.

They strongly welcome Mountain Bikers of all disciplines and levels to join the club. So if you live in the North West of the country and want to meet up with like-minded individuals and become part of something great, follow the contact information below. Word has it they have a crackin’ cool club jersey as well!

For info on how to join go to www.donegalmtb.com

Don’t get rid of that old bike RETROBIKE is the internet’s number one site dedicated to retro, vintage and classic mountain bikes, road bikes and BMXs. The site features news, a very busy forum, classifieds, galleries and the ‘nets largest archive of catalogues and magazine scans.

They feature a broad range of bikes on the site, members are interested in everything from early 80’s steel MTBs to late 90s DH machines via more or less everything else. Every month they run the ever popular ‘Bike of The Month contests’ where members nominate and vote for their favourite bikes - they run three contests, 1997 and before MTBs, 1998 and later MTBs and road bikes.

Check them out at www.retrobike.co.uk WIN! überdog has a Retrobike beanie and some stickers to give away to one lucky punter. We’ll even throw in an überdog tee as well. Simply email your name, address AND THE YEAR YOU THINK THE PHOTO OF THE INTENSE WAS TAKEN to retrobike@uberdogmagazine.co.uk to be in with a chance of grabbing some goodies. Good luck.

t for Dates to watch ou 17 July 2011

2011 XC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS Location: Kilruddery, Bray Web: www.offroadcyclingireland.ie Notes: Kilruddery has been host to the XC Nationals and also to a round of the K-Capital Cup and has proved an excellent MTB racing venue. Race organiser and chief trail-builder Robin Seymour advises that a lot of the existing trails are still intact and work will focus on optimising the current trails for fast and exciting racing. This is a race definitely not to be missed!

23 July to 24 July

NATIONAL MTB DOWNHILL CHAMPIONSHIPS Location: Carrick, Wicklow Web: www.flowracing.ie or Web: www.epicdh.com

06 August 2011

THE BULL RAID 12 HOUR XC MTB RACE Location: Bellurgan Park Estate in County Louth Web: http://twelvehourmountain bikerace.wordpress.com/ Email: tonyk@jadeindustrial.ie Notes: Featuring the all new ‘Half Bull 6 Hour’ as well at the original ‘Full Bull 12 Hour’ which retains it’s winning format for 2011. The Half Bull will be on the same course as the 12 hour with the same format except for a 1.30pm start. Finish time is 7.30pm same as the main race. The start time has been bought forward by 30mins from 2010 to 7.30am - it was getting a bit spooky in the woods last year for the last lap.

28 August 2011

LAP THE LOUGH 2011 Location: Lough Neagh Web: www.lapthelough.org Notes: Lap The Lough is not exclusively for the elite or club cyclist but for anyone up for a challenge. The event aims to encourage as many cyclists to do one lap of Lough Neagh on Sunday 28th August (Bank Holiday in the North on the following Monday).

03-04 September 2011

THE EPIC BLAST 2011 Location: Ballinastoe Woods, Wicklow Web: www.epicmtb.com Notes: By all accounts one of the best and by far the craziest mountain bike event in the country. Do not miss it.

Anyone got an Intense M1 lying at the back of their shed?

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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COMPETITION

WIN BIG COURTESY OF

Go skiing or snowboarding in real snow in the middle of summer with this mega überdog competition

WIN A SKI ADVENTURE TO SNO!zone FOR 4 WITH STENA LINE PLUS + loads of goodies

LEADING ferry company Stena Line is offering überdog readers the chance to enjoy a great day’s skiing for four people in SNO!zone at Xscape, Braehead.

Our winner can take their car and hop on to the Stena Caledonia or Stena Navigator from Belfast and head off to enjoy 200m of fresh, real snow at SNO!zone. The state-ofthe-art ski centre caters for all capabilities from complete novice to experienced skier so no matter what your level of expertise* you can still enjoy a great day out.

Boots, skis, poles and boards are all included, our winner will simply need to wrap up warm to enjoy the fun. Plus we at überdog are giving our winner the chance to be a journalist for the day and have their trip featured by taking a video diary or travel log telling us about their ski adventure.

an überdog Tshirt

the winner will also receive...

a hoodie courtesy of

Those not lucky enough to win can check travel with Stena Line for just £155 for a car and two passengers. For further information or to book, click on www.stenaline.co.uk/daytrips.

an Amphibia X Bag

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

courtesy of

Q: Where is SNO!zone located?

Rules: Usual competition rules apply. Entries must arrive before Friday 2nd September 2011. Prize is a return crossing for a car and up to four people from Belfast to Stranraer and two hour skiing pass for SNO!zone, Braehead. Onward travel from the port is the responsibility of the winner. Entrants must be over 18 and winner must travel. Prize is subject to availability and bank and public holidays are excluded. No alternative prize will be offered. Full terms and conditions online at www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk *Beginners are welcome but skiers should be able to control their own speed, link turns and use the Poma lift.

Case of Relentless for the journey www.amphibia sport.com

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BMX Racing

BMX IS BACK überdog speaks to Eamonn Wyer who remembers BMX RAcing the ...first time around, and liked it so much he’s helping to bring it back

WHAT HAPPENED TO BMX RACING IN THE 80’S? Had it’s skateboard moment around the early to mid eighties, went on till about ‘89 then stopped, the fighting between the two rival organisations did nothing to help, the bland track produced in Marlay Park just pissed people off.

WHY’S IT COMING BACK? The time is right, cycling, the country is ready once more for a wild ride! Also, cycling always goes well in a recession and it’s in the Olympics too so it’s as much right to be there as road cycling, 100 metres running, boxing, soccer or any other boring mainstream sport

WHAT HAPPENED TO ALL THE TRACKS? In Ulster they fell into disrepair, down here they got built on in the Celtic Tiger, or turned into a playground and not replaced.

WHAT HAPPENED TO ALL THE RIDERS? Most got old, fat and lazy, one guy even lost his nerve, they went to motocross, MTB, car racing, drink, ballet - some are captains of industry, other are in jail, other still fly as good as anyone, but it’s a hard sport, injuries can ruin a season.

WHERE CAN WE BMX? There’s a small play track in Ballinrobe, County Mayo - Western Lakes CC (They’re the guys that are responsible for bringing it back, blame them) and a International Standard Race Track in Ratoath BMX Club, Ratoath, County Meath - real soon!

WHY RATOATH? Home of Shay MacNally, he got some land and wasn’t about to wait for the Dublin Councils to get their finger out.

Shay is the driving force behind this, I’d say by now he hates BMX because of the amount of hassles and work he’s putting in.

IT’S NOW AN OLYMPIC MEDAL SPORT, ARE THE OLYMPIC COUNCIL OF IRELAND BACKING YOU. No, they don’t want to know.

CYCLING IRELAND MUST BE BIG INTO THIS?

YOU’RE NOT IN THIS FOR THE MONEY THEN?

HOW OFTEN WILL THERE BE RACES?

Not one cent!

Local races every other week, and a series of six Irish Nationals spread over six months. The Nationals will be a points series to crown national champions in each age group. There will be “Gate” practice probably twice during the week.

HOW GOOD IS THE TRACK RELATIVE TO WHAT’S AVAILABLE ON THE MAINLAND? I hope you mean on the Continent! or did Kevin McShane put you up to that?

It will be as good as anything out there, better because it’s here!

TELL US ABOUT THE TRACK

Don’t quote me but around 50k.

4 metre start hill wide enough for eight racers, electronic start gate, 10m wide first straight with step up table, step up double, step up double, 180 degree tarmac berm, one to second straight featuring step up, huge double, massive triple, 180 degree tarmac berm two to third straight with step up, step down, mad tank jump, double to 180 degree berm three to forth and final straight which is a complete rhythem section. There is no more than 20m of flat earth on the whole 350m track. The entire track is roll-able so a 5 year old should be able to roll around it and a skilled rider will be able to fly a lot of it.

WHERE DID YOU GET THE MONEY?

TARMAC BERMS I HEAR YOU SAY?

Are you the PSNI? Ok then 7k from Meath County Council, Regina Conlon TD Fine Geal is a great supporter of this. The rest is donations from sponsors and past BMX legends and a bank loan.

Yes, time moves on, less maintenance and more grip, riders are clipped in these days too!

You’d think so, but they haven’t yet put their money where their mouth is. Our glorious sporting institutions are only interested in Elite Riders that can win medals.

DO WE HAVE ONE? Yes, Kelvin Batey. That’s worth an article on it’s own.

THE RATOATH TRACK LOOKS MASSIVE WHAT DOES THAT COST?

SO, YOU’RE IN DEBT? Yes, all part of being a not for profit organisation.

HOW MUCH IS IT? A year’s club membership is 30 Euro for kids, 40 Euro for big kids.

WHAT ARE THE AGE GROUPS ALL ABOUT. We used to run 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17+ and SuperClass (Pros), not sure if we’ll get the same volume of riders we had in the 80’s so we may be grouping two ages together. We used to run Novice and Experts categories in some of those age groups depending on numbers (everyone is a winner)! But we are all novices now!

WHEN WILL IT BE READY TO RACE? It all depends on how many people turn up to help, we had planned to be racing in May but there has been some issues, probably the end of August 2011.

HOW WILL YOU MEASURE SUCCESS? If we are half as good at doing this as we were in the 80’s I’d be happy!

JOIN the club today and be part of this unique race track at Ratoath BMX Club Website WWW.RATOATHBMX.COM

WHAT DO I GET? Unlimited access to the best place in Ireland to ride a bike.

The story so far. This picture gives you some idea of the scale of this venture all help is gratefully received

www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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SURFING

SAFE SURFING & WATER ETIQUETTE

By Iain Gilmour

s we all know surfing has exploded in popularity on Irish shores over the past few years, and with summertime now upon us and more people taking to the water than ever before what should surfers new to the sport and some of those who should know better be aware of in the water?

There are several unwritten rules to surfing that if you follow them will ensure you have a fun safe session.

MAKE SURE that you are a good swimmer and that you are aware of the sea so you can identify rips, wind changes and other hazards.

IF YOU ARE UNFAMILIAR with a break, check with the local surfers.

Ensure the waves are suitable for your ability. You will get more enjoyment out of surfing small waves as a beginner. Only when you feel confident on small waves should you try bigger waves. Beginners should always surf with more experienced surfers for safety.

MAKE SURE your equipment is in optimum condition, especially your leash. If you do happen to find yourself in difficulty in the water try not to panic. Remember that your surfboard and wet-suit will act as floatation devices.

A

There are several unwritten rules to surfing that, if you follow them, will ensure you have a fun, safe session

32

Safe Surfing WHEN YOU WIPE OUT, don't come to the surface too soon, allow your board time to land and come to the surface with your hands protecting your head. When paddling out, never obstruct a surfer who is up and riding a wave. Either paddle wide of the shoulder or into the white water.

YOU SHOULD NEVER ever ‘Drop In’ on another surfer. ‘Dropping In’ is taking off on a wave in front of someone who has right of way. The surfer nearest to the peak has priority/right of way. if any two or more surfers catch the same wave the surfer(s) furthest from the peak should pull up off the wave and let the surfer closest to the peak ride the wave.

YOU SHOULD BE at all times aware of all other surfers and water users. Respect the line-up and the other people in the water.

Rip Currents Each year dozens of people swimmers and surfers will get caught in a rip current along Ireland’s coast, so what exactly is a rip and how would you recognise it?

A rip current is formed by water along the shoreline finding the point of least resistance as it returns to the sea, this forms a feeder channel

A view of a rip from above, they can be identified by looking for discoloured water from sand churned off the bottom

which creates an outgoing current that will eventually subside approximately 100 metres or more out to sea.

Rips can be identified by looking for discoloured water from sand churned off the bottom, or an area where there seems to be no waves breaking with surf breaking either side of it. On calmer days you would also be able to see a rippled appearance on the surface when the water around would be calm.

So what do you do if you’re stuck in a rip? Firstly don’t panic, never paddle towards the shore as you will be

going against the current and will tire yourself out. Many people have lost their lives by doing this. Instead paddle parallel to the shore and you will soon get out of the current as rips tend not to be too wide generally 20 to 30 metres.

If you really can’t paddle your way out of it and you see people on the beach raise both hands above your head and wave so that your arms cross. NEVER leave your board and try to swim for it! It is your lifeline in this situation.

Follow these basic steps and your water time will be safe and enjoyable.

Remember if in doubt don’t go out! o

Iain Gilmour is a Level 2 ISA Surf Coach and qualified RLSS Beach Lifeguard with 30 years surfing experience.

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

Pictures: Jake Samuels

34

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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. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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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35

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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. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do either. feel like giving up or stamping dow

36

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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 donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 8: www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

Manual over waterbars & Switchbacks 37

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FITNESS

BODY CONDITIONING:

BAREFOOT G WATERSKIIN PART 3: FUNCTIONAL STRENGTH & CORE STABILITY

aterskiing in general has quite a cruisey persona, going in straight lines dictated by the driver 90 feet away doesn’t seem very extreme.

Recently however I was introduced to barefoot waterskiing by 5x Irish champ and record holder Andy McDonald and let me tell you this sport is anything but mellow, in fact at times its simply terrifying. Generally the boat reaches speeds between 42 and 46 mph and all that separates you from a fall that resembles a right hook from a heavy weight boxer is a few mm of padding built into a neoprene wetsuit.

As I was being coached by National Champion Andy McDonald, it gave me confidence and a sense of security; albeit false.

And it was not long until I realised barefooters where of a very different breed to surfers, and that the dangers of this sport came from

W

different angles. I have surfed some of the world’s most intimidating waves including pipeline and consider myself very confident in the water but being honest I felt completely out of my element skimming this fast on top of it. In actual fact the water is so flat and so hard because of the speed it’s more like cement.

Andy doing what he does best...

A training boom extended from a centre point in the boat provides your first training aid and the idea is to adopt a superman style position and skim across the water whilst holding onto the boom until the boat reaches the desired speed and the water “hardens”. At that point you pull your lower body around sliding on your tailbone and gently press your feet into the water to stand up.

Its sounds easy but the speed and the noise the 200horsepower engine generates is extremely overpowering and it requires a lot of general strength and balance.

Having experienced how the body must perform in this environment it was my turn to return the favour and impart some of my Knowledge onto Andy in the gym, below are some of the exercises we have been doing to improve Andy’s strength and stability.

TOEHOLD WITH SINGLE LEG BOSU SQUAT

COCCYX CRUNCH TO OVERHEAD PRESS

The toehold simulates a trick performed on the water and this variation is designed to strengthen Andy’s Glutes, Quads and improve his balance Be sure to stand tall and slowly lower yourself whilst your foot adjusts on top of the bosu, squeeze your glutes to extend back to the start position.

This again simulates a specific postion Andy will use on the long line and it requires a lot of core and hip flexor strength Sit onto your tailbone, weights at shoulder height. Slowly lean back and as you do so extend your legs, keep your shoulders and legs at 45 degrees and return back to the start position by flexing hips and abdominals, press the weights overhead at end range of motion.

CORE PUSH UP TO CROSS BODY HIP FLEXION The core push up will improve Andy’s muscular endurance and allow him to support himself in the water longer preventing injuries Brace your core and place your feet against the wall, push gently with your shoulders against the wall and slowly lower your body into a wide push up, as you extend through your arms pull your leg across your body and alternate legs between push ups.

INDOBOARD SQUAT TO CABLE WOODCHOP

ALTERNATE BI-LATERAL TO UNI-LATERAL ROW

This exercise is designed to improve Andy’s balance in the frontal plane and strengthen the external obliques which are the muscles Andy uses to turn his body to trick.

Keep feet hip width apart and keep your knees soft on the indoboard to achieve control, brace core and rotate focusing on keeping your arms straight and isolating your torso.

Holding the handle on the water can be extremely stressful on Andy’s Posterior chain aswell as his forearms. This exercise will improve Andy’s endurance and allow him to hold on longer and recover from failed tricks without falling Keep your feet hip width apart and pull handle with both hands into torso keeping your elbows high, alternate by pulling the handle with one hand keeping your elbow close your body.

Aaron Wilson is the Senior Fitness Instructor at the Merchant Hotel in Belfast and also offers an individual personal training service. Telephone on 078 3485 7406 on or email aaron@themerchanthotel.com

38

THE GYMNASIUM AT THE MERCHANT HOTEL Six Week Summer Membership for just £75 for more information hemerchanthotel.com call 028 9026 2712 or email: gymnasium@tTerms and conditions apply 25 July 2011, Limited availability, join now to avoid disappointment, must join by

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040-041 Skate Park Luke V04.qxp

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überdog regular Luke Humphreys take’s a look at the latest, e... and possibly the most important, addition to NI’s skate scen he wait is over and the Bridges Skate Park in Belfast has finally arrived.

After a long time in planning and construction it was eventually opened to the public at the start of June this year. People flocked there from near and far to skate this long awaited park, but in

T

40

typical Northern Irish fashion, at the start of the day it rained. Thankfully later on in the afternoon the sun came out and hundreds of people showed up from nowhere to check it out.

From a skaters perspective the layout of the park is pretty much ideal, every gap, quarter pipe and

stair set is placed at just the right distance to allow you to gather the perfect speed.

The ground is super smooth but with the odd stone here and there.

The bowl is one of the main features of the park and it’s the first thing you see when you walk through the gate.

It’s a really great place to skate with a few hips, lots of sharp bends and even a section that can be used like a mini ramp.

Another main feature of the park is the part that lies under the fly over sheltering an assortment of grind boxes, manual pads and flat banks, including a wallride. Again the rollins to approach the obstacles give you just the right speed to do your tricks. The grind box is really long

and when you do the whole thing it feels great. The manual pads come in all different heights and shapes, so for those of you who are crazy about manuals it’s pretty much heaven.

My favourite section of the park is the part with the euro gap and driveway. It just feels so good, and after

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SKATE PARK

LOCATION:

Under the M3 flyover at the junction of Little Patrick Street and Corporation Street. Got a smart phone?

Use the postcode ‘BT1 3DE’ to find it.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT:

you’ve hit them both there’s a quarter pipe at the end with a hip to finish off. There’s also a big section of smooth, flat ground to do your own thing and for games of skate.

There’s also a four set stair but I would say it’s about the same size as a five or six set. Beside it there is a two block that looks quite big but it’s great fun and it’s something different. In between these two is the handrail. I haven’t attempted it yet but it looks the perfect height and length. I’ve heard some crazy tricks have gone down it.

It’s been a long time coming to Belfast but I can honestly say it was worth the wait.

Overall I think the park is great and will prove to be a big attraction for skaters from all over Ireland. It’s close to Belfast City centre being only about a five-minute walk.

The ground and obstacles are sound and it has a really good vibe.

Whether you’re a skater, a roller blader or a biker, there’s a bit of something for everyone. Next time you’re in Belfast check it out! o

If travelling into Belfast by bus, the closest Bus Station is Laganside, right beside Custom House Square.

Europa Bus Station isn’t far away either. If coming in by Train, Belfast Central Station is only five minutes walk from the park or again Europa is quite near.

ADMISSION:

It’s free to use and is open from around 7.30am daily but closing times vary according to the time of year.

CAR PARKING:

There is a car park directly beside the park which costs £3 per day between 8am and 6.30pm, Monday to Friday. It is free to use after 6.30pm and at weekends.

FUNDING:

The Council have worked with Belfast Urban Sports, a charity made up of expert urban sports enthusiasts, to develop the park and make it a world-class, state-of-the-art facility. The project has three main funders: European Union Programme for Peace and Reconciliation, Better Belfast Landfill Tax Credit Fund from Bryson Charitable Group and the Council's Capital Programme.

CONSTRUCTION:

The site was designed and built by Freestyle Skateparks who have previously worked on some of the UK's leading urban sports parks. Check out more of their work at www.freestyleskateparks.com

CONTACT:

For more information about the park, call Belfast City Council’s Urban Sports Development Officer on 028 9032 0202 (extension 3417) or email urbansports@belfastcity.gov.uk

check out Luke’s youtube channel at www.youtube.com/sk4tebox where you’ll find videos, tutorial’s and much more

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009-055 News Page V36.qxp

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s w e N f r u S in the world of surfing on ing go s at’ wh at k loo a es tak überdog pictures to news@teamwoof.co.uk to contribute? Email your news and Want

Irish surfers ready to take

on Europe in Bundoran

John McCurry from Portrush, one of twelve who have secured a place on the Irish national surf team

TWELVE of the thirteen members of the Irish Surf Team have been selected to represent the country when the European Surfing Championships “Eurosurf” supported

by Fáilte Ireland, happen, in Bundoran, County Donegal from September 23rd until October 3rd this year.

Shane Meehan from Strandhill, Stephen Kilfeather and Ashleigh Smith from Sligo, Cain Kilcullen from Enniscrone, Ronan Oertzen, Shauna Ward, Darragh McCarter and Richie Fitzgerald from Bundoran, Easkey Britton from Rossnowlagh, John McCurry from Portrush and Oliver O’Flaherty and Stephen Kelleher from Lahinch, County Clare competed in a series of selection events in early 2011 in order to secure a place on the Irish national surf team.

The team have singularly competed in competitions all across the world including the previous Eurosurf held in Jersey in 2009. Titles held by team members include Irish National Open Champion 2010, Irish Seniors Champion 2010, 4 times Irish Women’s Champion, Women’s Bodyboard Champion and West Coast Surf Club Longboard Champion 2008.

42

One position remains to be filled on the team and the contest is between John Britton (JB) from Rossnowlagh and Keith O’Brien from Tramore. A “surf-off” will take place at the Sea Sessions surf and music festival in Bundoran at the end of June to decide the final member of the Irish Surf team to compete at Eurosurf 2011.

The team will be coached by Pascal Devine, a native of Newtownstewart in County Tyrone and managed by Stevie Burns from Portrush, County Antrim - with over 40 years of surfing between them, they are well qualified to bring the team through their paces to compete against the best of Europe in September.

ABOUT EUROSURF 2011 The European Surfing Championships alternate each year between the senior event “Eurosurf” (odd years) and the Junior event “Eurojunior” (even years). The separation into a junior event and senior event happened in 1992. The Euro’s were first held in 1970 in Jersey. 2011 will be Irelands 4th time to host Eurosurf, and 3rd time in Bundoran. The previous Eurosurf events held in Ireland were 1972 in Spanish Point, Co. Clare

which was won by England, 1985 in Bundoran, Co. Donegal won by France, 1997 in Bundoran, Co. Donegal won by Portugal. Until recently there had been a trend that the winners in Ireland retained the senior title until the Eurosurf returned to Ireland. England held the title from

1970 to 1985, then France held it from 1985 to 1997 when Portugal won the senior title for the first time. They then lost the title to Spain in 2003, who proceeded to relinquish it once more to Portugal in 2005. Portugal retained the title in 2007 before losing it to France two years ago in Jersey.

Irish Junior Surf Team

returns from Peru THE IRISH JUNIOR Surf Team returned from Peru having finished 21st at the ISA Quiksilver World Junior Surfing Championships. A team of eleven surfers and three management represented Ireland at the event. Conor Maguire, Cian Cagney and Cian Logue flew the flag for Ireland in the U18 Boys division along with new cap, Louis Martin. The U18 Girls division included three new caps, Emer Mc Hugh, Meadb McCloskey and Aideen Hillery. Gearoid Mc Daid led the charge in the U16 Boys accompanied by three new caps, Donough Cronin, David Gaynor and Neil Murphy. The team was led by man-

ager, Zoë Lally and coaches Pascal Devine and Ashleigh Smith.

Australia, having dominated the event in recent years had to settle for 3rd place with host nation, Peru taking the overall title and South Africa 2nd. Ireland’s Gearoid Mc Daid contributed to Australia’s demise when he knocked one of their top U16 surfers, Mitchell Parkinson out of the contest.

Gearoid was Ireland’s highest ranked surfer finishing 37th overall.

Thanks to everybody who supported the team to attend the 2011 ISA Quiksilver World Junior Surfing Championships particularly kit sponsors, Emerald Surfwear. www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

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SURF NEWS

Guinness World Record

attempt gets go ahead playing on their purpose made Dodge military vehicle with visuals and built in sound system.

Prizes from Troggs Surf School’s sole sponsor Quiksilver will be presented. Other activities will include “Taster Session” surf lessons for Kids and Adults. These surf lessons will be free of charge for people who have never had the opportunity to try the sport of surfing.

The Guinness World Record Attempt is set to be fantastic for

CARL RUSSELL of Troggs Surf School has received clearance from Guinness World Records to attempt to break a world record on September 24th this year, with the help of fellow surfers. "We have to get more than 110 surfers standing on the same wave for 5 seconds or more." He said. "The current record stands at 110, at Muizenberg Beach, Cape Town, South Africa on 4 October 2009. We can beat that."

Carl is calling for all competent surfers who are confident at standing on their board to be a part of this fun event, you will most likely be on TV (just don’t wave ‘hello mum’ and fall off) and if successful you will go down in history as a record breaker.

The event is sponsored by BT Northern Ireland and supported by Coleraine Borough Council and it’s a great chance to make use of the new promenade development at East Strand beach. BT are providing a surf simulator at the event for people to try free of charge. The event will be on September 24th on East Strand beach. The record attempt will be the main attraction it will be accompanied by Red Bull’s Live DJ

spectators as there will be around 150-200 people in the water at one time. Surfers who would like to be a part of this can book their spot online at www.troggssurfschool.com with a small donation. All proceeds will be given to our charity of choice which is the RNLI, who are set to do Water Safety at the Event.

For more info check out the events section at www.troggssurfschool.com

t for Dates to watch ou 30 July to 31 July 2011

COUNTY SLIGO OPEN Location: Strandhill, Co Sligo Web: www.isasurf.ie/co-sligo-open Notes: This will be the fourth and final event on the Senior Tour when Irish Champions will be crowned.

The following categories will be included - Open, Women, Bodyboard, Women’s Bodyboard, Longboard, Master, Senior and SUP.

20 August to 21 August

The current record stands at 110, at Muizenberg Beach, Cape Town, South Africa on 4 October 2009

ROSSNOWLAGH JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS Location: Rossnowlagh, Co Donegal Web: www.isasurf.ie Notes: This is the third and final event of the Junior Tour where Irish Junior Champions will be crowned in the following categories from tour points - U18 Boys, U18 Girls, U16 Boys, U14 Boys, U18 Longboard, U18 Girls Bodyboard, U18 Bodyboard and U16 Bodyboard. The event will also include U10 Boys/ Girls Surf, U12 Boys/Girls Surf, U14 Girls Surf, U16 Girls Surf.

03 Sept to 04 Sept

Pure Magic Weekend at Dollymount Strand FOR THIS 5th annual Puremagic Kitesurfing Battle of the Bay competition, the expectations regarding the wind were very... down. In 4 years, they NEVER had any luck. But 2011 brought a nice surprise - 20 to 30 knots of Westerly winds equals The BATTLE WAS ON! Saturday morning, very early, all the gang from Puremagic, IKSA, and all

the stands set up the camp before the arrival of the competitors and public.

At 7am, the wind was already blowing like mad. To put a tent up was a challenge on its own. A good turnout saw 45 registered riders sign up for the Battle this year They started the weekend with few Slalom Racings, a few heats of ten riders max, then the girls, then the BIG

Race with everyone all together. The show was simply fantastic and the vibes were so magic, from the beach but also on the water. It was hard enough for the Judges and Beach Marshall to get everyone on time for the start but all the races were run.

It was then time to head towards the beach village for the Final prize giving, which as usual, was very special.

Thanks to everyone who took part, keep safe and see you all next year for another BATTLE FOR THE BAY! For more information visit www.puremagic.ie

BUNDORAN BOARD RIDERS JUNIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS Location: Bundoran, Co Donegal Web: www.isasurf.ie Notes: The Bundoran Board Riders Club is a relatively young club, originally founded in the early nineties as the Bundoran Surf Club then revived in 2001 as the Bundoran Board Riders to represent the surfers living in the Bundoran area.

11 Sept to 12 Sept

WEST COAST SURF CLUB LONGBOARD CONTEST Location: Lahinch beach, Co Clare Web: www.westcoastsurfclub.com Notes: Entry fee is €15.00 and numbers are limited. Great Prizes to be won including, surfboards, surf equipment and luggage.

23 Sept to 02 Oct

EUROSURF 2011 Location: Bundoran Co. Donegal Web: www.eurosurfing.org Notes: Come along and see Europes best wave riders in action on Bundorans world famous wave, the Peak & stunning Tullan strand.

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kayak&Canoe

t u O e t i h W l Tota and looks at ge un pl e th s ke ta rd fo aw Vix Cr Water Rivers... te hi W s d’ an el Ir rn he rt No Some of LAGAN The biggest attraction to the Lagan for all clubs is the slalom course at Shaws Bridge. Certainly for many new paddlers in the greater Belfast area Shaws is their first introduction to moving ‘white’ water and is the perfect playground to learn all the basic river running skills from crossing eddy lines, ferry gliding, surfing small waves The biggest attraction to the Lagan for all clubs is the slalom course at Shaws Bridge

and tail squirting on the first weir in low water…ok maybe that’s not a basic skill but it’s a good opportunity to practice your roll! From a river leadership point of view Shaws is relatively easy to manage depending on river levels and is a safe venue to practice both foundation and some white water safety and rescue techniques.

However, it’s not all about Shaws Bridge, there are several put-in’s upstream, Lagan Valley Hospital, Lisburn Island Centre, Lambeg and Drumbeg, which all make excellent club river trips, but if its your first time paddling here be sure to take your time scouting these sections as there are numerous weirs. With the Lagan being central to so many clubs and easily accessible it’s a good river to spend the longer summer evenings cruising down or playboating at Shaws with your mates.

UPPER BANN The Upper Bann, which is lower on the map in latitudinal terms… yes that confused me for a while but this isn’t a geography lesson so I’ll stop waffling! The Bann is a very popular grade 2/3 river and often used to run training courses on as it has so much to offer in both natural features and

46

weirs. The most popular put-in is at the Hockey Club in Banbridge which makes for a 9km run to the get-out at Gilford. At the get-in your only metres away from the first minor rapid, perfect to warm up on. An idea for novices is to combine this rapid with the next two only a short distance downstream and use this section for introducing & practicing moving water skills. As you progress down stream the rapids and weirs do become bigger and feistier.

At the right level there are a couple of smiley ‘u’ shaped rapids which form friendly waves and holes to practice front surfing, side surfing, flat spins etc and there are flat water stretches after most features on the Bann so plenty of time to chase any swimmers and boats. There is one particularly nice rapid, a natural feature composed of various sized boulders creating numerous holes and eddy’s to practice your eddy hopping, ferrying and side surfing skills, and with an eddy above and below the rapid it can be well managed when taking a club down. The Bann is ultimately for river running but if you put the flat sections of water to use you could be bow stalling by the end of the day…however that hasn’t worked for me yet so any tips would be greatly received!

ANNACLOY Guaranteed to be a great river run if there’s a monsoon! Unfortunately the Annacloy drains so quickly you’d practically have to bivy on the banks of the river the night before to paddle it at its best. This river is much narrower than many of the popular club rivers, the banks are lined with lowlying trees and branches so you need to be confident of your group control, however, its all of these features that make the Annacloy an exciting challenge for 2/3 star standard paddlers.

Most popular for its grade 3 section at Ralleigh Bridge, lined with trees, boul-

The highlight of the at the Six Mile Water is the standing wave t Muckamore canoe steps and get-ou

paddlers about reading whitewater.

From a playboaters point of view this wave can be used as a park and play spot but it’s certainly not for beginners and needs a lot of heavy rain to work.

The Sixmilewater does have another get-out if you fancy paddling on down to the Antrim Forum Loughshore carpark.

BLACKWATER ders and twisting around a couple of corners it’s a good spot to put your skills to the test. There’s a get out on river right just after the bridge so it is possible to re-run this section or even have a park and play session here.

Look out for the monstrous weir, actually you don’t have to do much looking its big, ugly and nasty so you can’t miss it and it’s a definite portage (walk around)…aka good spot for a cuppa. Clubs use this river as a more advanced paddle and its generally near the top of the to-do list for intermediate paddlers wanting to progress.

SIXMILEWATER I’ll try not to be too biased with my thoughts on the Sixmilewater but it was the first river I paddled without taking a swim and the first river I led a descent on so it gets a big thumbs up from me as a club paddle. Graded 12 (3) its great to paddle in relatively high water offering the challenge of fast moving water, wave trains, stoppers and a meaty standing wave at the end! Like any river the Sixmilewater has its dangers but I’ve yet to see a club run the first weir due to the stopper it forms and a rapid further down stream formed from a broken weir and wall is a definite scout as it has the potential for a pin.

Ok enough of the serious talk, the highlight of this river is the standing wave at the Muckamore canoe steps and get-out. Using the footbridge above this weir you can inspect the feature and choose your line, which actually makes it a great place to teach

Like the Annacloy the Benburb section of the river Blackwater is on every whitewater paddlers to-do list. You can run this river as a short trip when you put-in at the Benburb Heritage centre or you can park just above the Triple Steps and simply play here for a few hours if the levels are right. If running the longer trip the first major feature you come to is a large weir where most paddlers will take the line left of the fishbox as the drop at the end is a good place to practice your boof. Not far down stream after this is the Triple Steps. The Blackwater is renowned for holding its water level well which means it will work when all other rivers are too low, however, if its too high the drops in the Triple Steps form meaty stoppers…by meaty I mean 100% Aberdeen Angus beef!

So it certainly isn’t the place for a club paddle in these conditions and is a section of river that is always led by advanced paddlers at any water level and safety set up if the conditions dictate. Its an extremely popular spot

l, therefore, in high In low water the Roe is boulder centra and wave trains water your in for a treat with rapids

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kayak&Canoe

with play boaters and further down stream there’s another few minor rapids great for playing in. For a more relaxed but lengthy 20km flat water club trip you can paddle from the Benburb get-out at Maydown Bridge canoes steps right down to Lough Neagh. This trip is more suited to Canadian openboats and CANI (Canoe Association of NI) regularly use the 10km stretch to Moy as a recreational paddle for clubs and local paddlers.

ROE Mostly grade 2 but infamous for its grade 3 section, the Dogleap. The Roe is a classic river trip for 3 star standard paddlers. In low water it’s boulder central, therefore, in high water you’re in for a treat with rapids and wave trains forming all the way down this river. Even the handful of weirs create fantastic play spots for surfing and flat spins and all of this action is before you even get to the Dogleap.

So, the Dogleap is a narrow gorge like section, the lower the water the narrower the leap... the leap to bricking yourself that is! There’s a protruding/overhanging rock river right which as a rookie running the leap for the first time your boat and paddle are ‘mysteriously’ drawn towards. The section of river that follows is jam packed with more rapids

and waves, more technical than any above the Dogleap but great fun.

Anytime I’ve paddled the Roe its always ended up being a multi-club trip, I’m not sure if that’s coincidence or simply because its such a great river when one person says they’re going everyone wants to go, either way you can’t beat the craic and banter you get on the river especially if it involves a bit of friendly club rivalry. o

g its The Blackwater is renowned for holdin work water level well which means it will when all other rivers are too low

the drops in the Triple Steps form meaty stoppers, and by meaty I mean 100% Aberdeen Angus beef...

FOR MORE INFORMATION... ...on the top places to canoe and or kayak, detailed route descriptions and facility information on the five inland and three coastal canoe trails in Northern Ireland visit www.canoeni.com - your definitive guide to canoeing in Northern Ireland.

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What’s happening in the world of kayaks, canoes and paddle sports

Kayak & s w e N e o n a c

Shooter continues to

battle the elements RARELY has a day passed recently that hasn’t involved a conversation regarding the shocking weather we’ve had during the past two months. The next time you are grumbling, spare a thought for Elaine ‘Shooter’ Alexander who has spent virtually that whole period currently battling against the elements to become the first Northern Irish woman to circumnavigate Ireland by kayak.

When Shooter embarked on her challenge from County Antrim Yacht Club, Whitehead on the 3rd May, launching into a large swell and ferocious head wind, little did she know that this would set the tone for what lay ahead.

The 1000 mile challenge was never going to be easy with cliffs, headlands and tides to contend with but the relentless weather has pushed Shooter to near breaking point on several occasions. However, as anybody who has met Shooter will know, she is a tough nut to crack.

Progress south along the east coast was slow eventually bringing Shooter

to a standstill near Waterford. “The break in Waterford was a nightmare.

Having to halt the challenge for a week was mentally tough. However I returned back to SHARE for a few days and it reminded me of what this challenge is all about.” said Shooter.

The motivation for the challenge is to raise much needed funds for the registered charity - SHARE. In 2011 SHARE based in County Fermanagh will celebrate 30 years of providing outdoor activity programmes which promote the inclusion of disabled & non-disable d people in a wide range of arts, land and water based recreational programmes. This money will be allocated towards a fully accessible bus.

Just like Elvis, Shooter’s challenge wasn’t dead, it was just taking a break. Day after day of paddling aided by the amazing support of the Irish paddling community she has made it around Ireland’s most southern point Mizen Head and is at the time of writing sitting out another strong northerly on the Co. Clare coastline.

“The support for the paddling community has been great. Kayakers have paddled stretches with me, met me with tea and biscuits, gave me warm beds and hot showers – I can’t thank them enough.” enthused Shooter Shooter’s trip has certainly caught the imagination; over 1000 Facebook fans shower her page with messages of support each day. “The Facebook page has really been a lifeline. There is nothing more motivating than coming of the water after a tough day to read so many supportive and funny comments from well wishers” added Elaine It would be foolish to say Shooter is on the home stretch, with obstacles such as Loop Head, Cliffs of Moher, Bloody Foreland, and Malin Head still to come; but surely we will get some

summer weather to smooth her journey before an almighty party at the finish.

Shooter is keeping in touch through regular posts, updates and uploads on social networking sites Facebook, Twitter and Youtube and is fundraising through Just Giving with regular blogs and a map on her website which will pinpoint her location on route. All links are available from her website www.canoearoundireland.com Elaine’s trip has been made possible with generous support from Valley Sea Kayaks, Desperate Measures, Lendal Paddles, North South Marine, River Lake Sea, Yak, Brookbanks Canoes and Kayaks, Signal Signs, Asda Enniskillen, Canoe Association for Northern Ireland and Blackthorn Design.

Battling through surf to land for the day

A Shooter eye view of the swell along Ireland's south coast

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kayak&Canoe NEWS

Profile: Andy McClelland ANDY McCLELLAND is a 17 year old surf kayaker from the small seaside town of Portrush on the North Coast of Ireland. He started kayaking at the age of eleven when he participated in the Coleraine Borough Council’s annual summer scheme. It was here that Andy discovered his love for kayaking and consequently went on to join the local club, Causeway Coast Kayaking Association.

Throughout the years, Andy has tried every discipline and competition that kayaking has to offer, such as K1 racing, slalom, sea kayaking and white water; however, he found his passion in the surfing discipline - very appropriate living beside the sea!

Andy qualified for the Northern Ireland Surf Kayak team in 2008 at the age of fifteen where he really started to grow and progress as an athlete, developing his skill and setting his goals for the future.

Since joining the team, Andy has gathered a long list of achievements around the world including, Junior

European Champion in 2009, 2010 and 2011, Junior Irish Champion in 2009 and 2010, Junior Northern Irish Champion 2009 and 2010, and also, he is the current Junior British Champion Andy also has maintained the local title of Coleraine Junior Sports Man of the Year for the past two years.

As well as these titles, Andy travelled to Portugal in summer of 2009 to compete in the World Championships as part of the Ocean Spirit Festival where he finished in 2nd place to a fellow Northern Ireland team member, Corin King. It was after this competition that Andy set his goals to becoming Junior Surf Kayak World Champion in 2011.

He will be travelling to North Carolina, USA this September to compete in the 2011 World Championships and hopes to improve on his number 2 ranking. This competition will see the top class competitors from countries from all over the world gathering in Outer Banks in North Carolina to showcase the finest surf

kayaking that the world has to offer. It is a huge privilege to Andy to be amongst these elite athletes of the world.

Surf Kayaking really is Andy’s passion and he is fully dedicated to it, training up to seven days a week. He would like to thank everyone who has shown their support for him over the years, as without this support he would be unable to travel to the competitions that he does as there is just not enough commercial interest in kayaking.

Andy paddles a Mega Neutron RV and a Mega Trident. He would like to thank his current sponsors Yak, Gath Helmets and Causeway Coast Chiropractic Clinic for their continued help and support.

Is there anyone or any businesses out there would like to sponsor Andy and help him towards his journey to hopefully becoming World Champion in America? If so please get in touch by emailing andymcc04@hotmail.com.

Andy will be travelling to the USA to compete in the 2011 World Championships

t for Dates to watch ou Saturdays from 26 March until mid October 2011

CANOEING OPEN SESSIONS Location: Shaw’s Bridge, Belfast Web: www.mobileteamadventure.co.uk Notes: No need to pre book, just turn up and paddle. Every Saturday from 26 March 2011 until mid October 2011. 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.

30 July 2011

LOUGH FOYLE SEA KAYAK RACE Location: Lough Foyle Web: www.justkayak.ie Notes: For more information email Just Kayak at adrian@justkayak.ie ir telephone 00353 (87) 2202577

27 to 28 August 2011

CONEY ISLAND LOUGH NEAGH FESTIVAL RECREATIONAL PADDLE

ENROL IN AN ACADEMY TODAY LOCATED in the heart of County Donegal, Gartan Outdoor Education Centre provides a wide variety of outdoor activities for the beginner and the expert alike. Gartan takes full advantage of the natural resources that Donegal has to offer, from sea and surf to the mountain top, and the lakes, trails, rivers and crags in between. Gartan OEC has a long and successful history of introducing people to the outdoors and this year is no exception!

Once again Gartan will be running the ‘Sailsports Academy’ at Downings and Sheephaven Bay providing ISA windsurfing and sailing courses and lessons. Meanwhile www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk

in the South of the County the ‘Kayak Academy’ will be delivering guided sea kayak tours and coaching as well as waveski surfing.

For more information email: office@gartan.com phone: 00353 (0)74 91 37032 visit: www.gartan.com

Location: Starts in Portadown Web: www.cani.org.uk Notes: Canoeists of all ages and abilities are welcome as are all types of kayaks and canoes. Boats can also be hired from CANI. Appropriate paddling kit should be brought, everyone should also be self sufficient for camping ie. food, stove and tent. etc. The trip plans to paddle the Bann into Lough Neagh and then head out to Coney Island to set up camp. They will also go for a paddle the next day before returning home. The cost of this trip will be free to members and £10.00 for non members.

10 September 2011

THE LIFFEY DESCENT

Kayak Academy will be delivering guided sea kayak tours and coaching

Location: Straffan weir, Kildare, to Trinity Rowing Club,Dublin Web: www.liffeydescent.com Notes: The iconic event on the Irish paddling calendar, the Liffey Descent will take place for the 52nd time this year. With plenty of weirs and portages to be negotiated, the 28km course is not for the faint hearted but everyone from novices to high end paddlers are welcome. And it’s great for spectators too!

49

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E r u t n e v d A g in c a R t r o p S i t l & Mu News

What’s going on in the local Adventure, Multi-Sport, Endurance & Triathlon Racing scene...

Want to contribute? Email news and

pictures to news@teamwoof.co.uk

Lakeland Warrior Run and MTB Marathon Launched ON SATURDAY 27th August runners from across Ireland, the UK, Europe and further afield will take part in three ‘Lakeland Warrior Runs’ through some of the most scenic parts of County Fermanagh. These running races, primarily off-road on forest tracks and trails, have three distance options - Lakeland Warrior Ultra 100k, Lakeland Warrior 50k and Lakeland Warrior 25k.

The entire route is on well maintained paths and as with all 26 Extreme events there will be a high level of support and feed stations en route.

If you are looking for a challenge like no other, the one on which you benchmark your season’s performance then step right this way - The Lakeland Warrior Weekend is waiting for you!

Wheras if you are a cyclist who enjoys the wilderness, getting away from it all whilst discovering new terrain why not try the Lakeland Warrior “MTB Marathons” which will take place on the 28 August 2011. There will be two distance options - 100km and 60km, both talking place on

tracks and trails through large expanses of forested area.

In both events competitors will pass through an area of forest wilderness that has never witnessed events of this nature before.

Participants in all events will be chipped timed by our timing partner ChampionChip Ireland and we will provide split times and finish times for all participants after the event.

If you are a mountain biker don’t come with high expectations of taming the Lakeland Warrior – it will test you to the limits over whatever route you choose. Are you ready to take on the challenge of the Lakeland Warrior?

For more information visit www.OutdoorNI.com and click on ‘Take on the Challenge’ or go to www.26extreme.com

Runners get Jaffa Caked

MORE than 600 people got down and dirty for a great cause on Sunday 17th April. In the heart of the Portadown countryside, professional athletes, casual joggers and people who are just a bit bonkers enjoyed a muddy brilliant experience at the McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes Mud Madness - the ultimate offroad challenge through fields, bogs and ponds - and raised thousands of pounds for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Competitors came from far and wide to take part in this year’s wacky race at Foymore Lodge as Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Great Britain and Europe were all represented.

A newly married couple from Cork enjoyed a mucky start to their honeymoon while a group of surgeons swapped their ultra clean operating room for the extremely dirty Mud Madness course.

This year’s race was bigger and better than ever before and everyone was thrilled with the event’s success.

CRC Sponsor Triathlon ITU World Championship Series CHAIN REACTION Cycles and the International Triathlon Union (ITU) have announced sponsorship of the Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series.

Entering its third year, the Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series is the world’s premier triathlon series, where athletes will compete in seven events with total points added to determine the title of ITU Triathlon World Champion.

This year’s series started off in Sydney in April, and then touched down in Yokohama, Madrid, Kitzbühel, Hamburg, London and finish in Beijing for the Grand Final in September.

Last year, 21,000 athletes competed in mass-participation races in the Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World

54

Championship Series in front of 700,000 spectators and global television audiences in 149 countries. It is expected to attract higher numbers in 2011, making it one of the most watched tri-sport events in the world.

Marisol Casado, ITU President and IOC Member said: "It is a pleasure to have a partner who like us, is committed to helping triathletes around the world. Chain Reaction Cycles makes top products available to athletes anywhere and everywhere through its impressive online store and we’re delighted to work with them through our premier series."

Damien Duggan, Advertising Manager from Chain Reaction Cycles said: "We are delighted to be part of the Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series, which will see the world’s best triathletes compete

on the global triathlon circuit. Linking up with such a prestigious event is perfect for us, and with stages being held in Sydney, London and Beijing, its set to be one of the most exciting yet for competitors and spectators alike. The London round on August 67 should provide an excellent test for

the competitors, as they get the final chance to race the course before the 2012 Olympic Games. We cannot wait!"

Chain Reaction Cycles’ very own sponsored triathlete Bryan Keane will be gunning for a place at the top of the podium throughout the series.

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Adventure Racing NEWS

Causeway Coast Adventure Racing Club THE CAUSEWAY Coast Adventure Racing Club - (CCAR) - was formed

by Adventure Racers for Adventure Racers. Lately the clubs main drive is to develop the sport and see it grow.

The thought of adventure racing sometimes can be daunting to someone who hasn’t tried the sport. With this in mind CCAR set about creating a winter series that would make the sport more accessible to the first timer but also interesting for the more experienced racer. These day races consist of Orienteering, Running, Mountain Biking and Kayaking. The order of the disciplines can change from race to race and also depending on where you are positioned in the field at a certain point in the race.

It is this that makes the races so appealing. Depending on fitness and experience the races can take anywhere between three to six hours.

There is also the option to miss sections and have an even shorter race.

The races have been attracting a wide range of people and I have yet to see anyone disappointed.

Everyone that tries one always comes back for more. This year’s winter series will run over 4 rounds locations TBC. In addition to the winter series CCAR will be running a summer race - Ain’t No Mountain. The race will have two categories Sport and Expert. The event HQ will be at Dromara FC and racing will use the surrounding area and the foothills of

Slieve Croob. This will be a great opportunity to come along and get a feel for the races before the winter series.

The more experienced racers and those wanting to step up to the next level races can run for days. CCAR Also run bigger races like “The Raid” (Formerly the Cooley Raid) and this year’s “The Beast of Ballyhoura”.

These races run over 36-72 hours in a non-stop format. It is up to the Competitors to choose to use some of the time to rest or keep pushing on. Keep an eye out for details on each of these bigger races if you are after a real challenge.

For more info and how to enter the races and full details visit www.causewaycoastar.co.uk

09 July 2011

CARLINGFORD LOUGH ENDURANCE CHALLENGE Location: Carlingford, Co. Louth Web: www.clec.ie Notes: This is Ireland’s longest running multi-sport event. 300 competitors take part and the event is open to two or three person teams.

Competitors mountain bike 31km, run 15km and kayak 4km in the spectacular surroundings of the Cooley Mountains and Carlingford Lough.

16 July 2011

RACE 2 GLORY Location: Kiltimagh, Co. Mayo Web: www.race2glory.com/ Notes: Race2Glory coordinator is Gael Force Champion Padraig Marrey.

Padraig has designed a course that will challenge the best adventure racers while achievable for all other athletes.

29 July to 01 Aug 2011

BEAST OF BALLYHOURA Location: Ballyhoura Mountains, Co. Limerick Web: www.ballyhourabeast.com Notes: A uniquely Irish 36 hour nonstop race across the ancient & magical surroundings of counties Cork, Limerick & Tipperary. Mixed teams of four mountain run, bike, kayak, abseil, orienteer and shoot, navigating the best route to win.

Pictures from the CCAR Winter Series at Castleward, Co Down, earlier this year

Coast 2 Coast Ireland 2011 THE COAST 2 Coast is a multisport race with competitors running, road biking and Kayaking their way across Ireland from Sligo to Newcastle over 300km in total. With the race in its second year and an international field I decided it was time I should enter.

For me I wanted to push myself but also see some of the country while racing. The race is run over two days with electronic timing stations at different points throughout the race. The format on day one is beach running, road biking, kayaking then a short road bike stage to finish. Day one was a mixture of trying to keep a good pace but also finish strong. I think not knowing how I would cope with this intense racing was the only thing stopping me from pushing to my limits. Day one definitely went well for me finishing in the top ten and feeling good. I knew I would need to

t for Dates to watch ou

really pace myself on Day 2 with a gruelling 32km Mountain run through the mournes after a long 123km cycle. It wasn’t the distances that were the problem it was no breaks in between that was the worry. The racing mode took over when I got out on the bike and I ended up pushing fairly hard. I was comfortable and felt good but after the transition it took a long time for me to find my running legs.

Thankfully when I got into the mountains proper I found a second wind and this really was turning into the most spectacular race I have ever done. The race took me through some of the most picturesque areas in Ireland, beaches, rivers, lakes and mountains. The scenery really added to the experience and in a way helped make this one of my best races to date. Finishing 7th also had a big part in me loving this race but I think if

I had finished last I still would have enjoyed it fully. This race is a must for anyone who wants a real challenge and wants to say they raced through some of the nicest parts of Ireland.

Full race report and video: www.acunamatadaar.blogspot.com

13 August 2011 AIN’T NO MOUNTAIN AR Location: Dromara, Co Down Web: www.causewaycoastar.co.uk Notes: Causeway Coast Adventure Racing is staging this one-off summer race. Event HQ will be at Dromara FC and will use surrounding area and the foothills of Slieve Croob. It ain’t no mountain - but it’s darn hilly!

10 Sept 2011

ACHILL ROAR ADVENTURE RACE Location: Achill Island, Co. Mayo Web: www.roar.ie Notes: Set to attract the top adventure racers and triathletes in the country as the penultimate event in the 5 race National Adventure Race Series. Achill Roar has turned into one of the best race weekends of the Season.

Fantastic location on the amazing Achill Island. Two great courses Sport and Expert. Last but not least they boast throwing the ‘Best Party’ of the year.

Leitrim Lodge in the Mournes

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MTB Trails

TRAILS OF THE D E T C E P X E UN in association with

wn • County Tyrone to ile m ve Fi • ls ai Tr ne ur Blessingbo ecently TrailBadger.com was invited for a rip round the new MTB trails just opened at Blessingbourne Estate, Fivemiletown, County Tyrone. We were warmly welcomed by estate owners Nick and Colleen Lowry who have been working alongside the Countryside Access and Activities Network (CAAN) to develop circa 8km of sustainable MTB trails, including a pump track and skills area.

The trails opened to the public in June, and our early viewing was a great opportunity to see what’s in store. Guess what, folks; you are in for a treat - it’s absolutely brilliant and something you must ride for yourself at the earliest opportunity!!

R

THE BIKING The concern with this type of initiative is that it gets dumbed down so that, yes OK, the kids have a great time tootling around, but real bikers are bored to tears - nothing could be further from the truth here.

The trails genuinely cater for all abilities, with snaking single-track and lots of trail features including jumps, tabletops, berms, rock-gardens and drops, each with easier options for the kids and the faint-hearted, of course!

The trail designers and builders, Architrail and Dinsdale Moorland Services, know their game alright, with Phil Saxena having designed trails for the Beijing Olympics and the Downhill World Cup, and Duncan Ferris, our guide for the day, being one of the UK’s top professional 4X and DH racers. Architrail are renowned for pushing the boundaries of trail design, and construction at Blessingbourne is no exception.

Specialist contractors, Dinsdale Moorland Services Ltd, have been working in cahoots with Architrail to construct the trails, with “Top Chiseller” Gareth Evans continually developing new fabrication techniques - his carpentry skills, exercised on the log rides, are a real work of art.

PUMP-TRACK The intention of a pump track is to do laps without spinning the cranks, rely-

56

ing instead on the use of your body weight, good line choices and smooth riding to make progress. If you’ve never been on one before, then you won’t know how it exposes your “opportunities for improvement”! The criss-crossing track at Blessingbourne contains bumps, jumps, dips and berms, and is a great place to hone your bike handling skills before hitting the trails in earnest. Being located right at the trail-head, it’ll also be an ideal spot to learn from others as well as somewhere to laugh at your mates’ failing to complete a single lap or tumbling over the bars when they get their line totally wrong, while you enjoy a sandwich.

BLUE LOOP The whole trail hangs off a blue route of about 6km of primarily snaking sin-

the way. Everything has been designed to be rollable by those progressing their skills, or hit at speed for those who like the feeling of air below their tyres. Whatever your ability, you’ll love these sections.

SKILLS LOOP The skills loop has a selection of berms, jumps and drops, as well as three log-rides to start, and is great crack. It’s a short loop so it’s dead easy to loop round to the start again, and we see it being a great spot for a few photos and laughs with your mates.

TRAILHEAD Parking is right at the trailhead in the yard beside the main estate house, and costs £4 per car, excellent value for unlimited access to such superb

blazed by the Lowrys. CAAN, who publish www.cycleni.com, have been working hard over recent years to bring just this type of initiative to fruition, and if you check the CAAN website www.countrysiderecreation.com you’ll see what else is in store...

Colleen Lowry from Blessingbourne Estate told us “The Estate already offers self catering accommodation and conference facilities, but this project will help to develop Blessingbourne as a hub for outdoor recreation in Northern Ireland.”

TrailBadger.com and überdog wish them every success.

So get yourself down to Fivemiletown and ride the trails for yourselves; you’ll be made most welcome and won’t be disappointed. o

abilities, The trails genuinely cater for alld lots of with snaking single-track an e-tops, trail features including jumps, tabldrops... berms, rock-gardens and gle-track. You will be able to really hammer along on it but you need to keep your wits about you or risk getting caught out by a few tight twists and turns. It’s perfect whatever your skill level.

trails. There are plans to provide a bike wash and the estate owners are also looking at options for providing catering and refreshments for hungry bikers.

RED LOOPS

With challenging all weather trails within just over an hour’s drive of pretty much anywhere in the northern half of Ireland, we think Blessingbourne is going to be a real hit. A great project with lots of potential for expansion, and if it proves popular, other estates may quickly follow the visionary trail that has been

There are four red loops where the trails are a bit faster and more challenging each of these looping off and back onto the blue route. A couple of big table-tops in the middle will keep you honest, and there’s a great section of berms, a few short rock-gardens and some drops along

“Top Chiseller” Gareth Evans continually developed new try fabrication techniques - his carpen are skills, exercised on the log rides, a real work of art

THE VERDICT

PROJECT FUNDING...

Alongside a significant investment from the Lowry’s, the project has been part-funded through the Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s Tourism Development Scheme, as well as through Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure’s Water Recreation Programme, Dungannon and South Tyrone District Council and Ulster Garden Villages. Dungannon and South Tyrone District Council will be responsible for the ongoing management and maintenance of the trails.

For more information on Blessingbourne Estate www.blessingbourne.com or search for ‘Blessingbourne on Facebook.

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• QUICK FACTS...

• 8km of all-weather trails • Blue and Red graded trails • Skills loop and Pump-track • Parking and access £4 per car • Central location

be rollable by those progressing Everything has been designed to who like the feeling of air below their skills, or hit at speed for those you’ll love these sections their tyres, whatever your ability,

trails are a There are four red loops where the of these bit faster and more challenging each route looping off and back onto the blue

Photographs:

by Michelle Brady All photographs kindly supplied documenting the Photography. Michelle has been g with their helpin construction of the trails and can be viewed promotion. More of Michelle’s work o.uk at www.michellebradyphotography.c

.

ABOUT TRAILBADGER.COM.. bikrce aimed at promoting mountain

resou TrailBadger.com is a web-based 100 trails s the island of Ireland. With over ing and mountain bike trails acros resource for Irish bikers both trail sive exten most the is it currently listed out in to the website have been rolled north and south. Major upgrades months. To keep right up ng comi the in ed plann are recent weeks and more r.com across Ireland visit www.trailbadge to date with all trail developments . book Face on friend a as regularly or add Trailbadger Toby

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activity centre

DESTINATION

lakelands e fancy a trip to a place which offers all überdog’s favourit activities and within easy reach of home? Tell me more...

n a recent poll, carried out by once-a-day sun protection brand, P20, over 1,000 people revealed their most irritating things about holidays. Whilst men and women varied in their responses, topping the list of windups were flight delays, closely followed by packing and unpacking, stress of remembering everything and luggage.

So, if you’re searching for an action packed holiday for all the family, a bit of “me” time to relax and chill or a friends weekend away (i.e. favouring activities that preclude the ingestion of excessive alcohol!), we may just have found the place for you right on your doorstep.

Corralea Activity Centre is a comfortable two hour’s drive from Belfast, two and a half hours from Dublin and rooted in the heart of the Fermanagh Lakeland nestling on the shores of Upper Lough Macnean - only 3 miles from Belcoo. What makes Corralea unique is its mix of appeal - you can choose to do as much or as little as you like depending on your mood.

You may want to cram in as many of the high adrenaline activities on offer as you can, or simply “be” and relax and enjoy the peacefulness of its 16 acres of wildlife endowed natural forest, tranquil lough and surrounding mountains.

I

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During a recent stay, our home for two nights was one of six environmentally friendly cottages, a stones throw from the jetty, sitting comfortably amongst the woodland.

Exceeding our expectations - it had a spacious open plan living room/fitted kitchen area with tv, wood burning stove complete with logs ready to go, two bedrooms which catered for five and a modern bathroom with on trend walk in shower. Outside, a seating

area and patio with barbecue so you can take advantage of any good weather and eat outdoors.

On Saturday, our first full day, we acclimatized to our surroundings and spent the morning exploring. Whist vehicles are obviously an integral part of the activity centre, what was refreshing was that others like ourselves tended to walk or cycle around the site, great if you have small children.

Activities on offer at Corralea include surfing, windsurfing, caving,

mountain biking along with canoeing, archery, climbing, orienteering and a fun water park. The latest addition to the water park at Corralea is the ‘Water Totter’. This new feature is a great addition, ever fancied having a go at doing ‘Total Wipe Out’? The majority of activities are on site and supervised by qualified instructors.

You are encouraged to think about what you would like to do in advance and book activities where possible this works well with regard to avoiding disappointment.

You may want to cram in as many of the high adrenaline activities on offer as you can

Another new feature added recently is the excellent, purpose built pump track

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ACTIVITY CENTRE

The 16 acres of private woodland are zig-zagged with loads of trails and interesting features

Windsurfing was on our agenda, and after some heavy panting, windmill arms and perseverance the Dog was rubbered up. No Suit Juice required, just a broadminded wetsuit “buddy” and a plastic bag.

Windsurfing may strike you as a difficult sport to learn, however, the learning process on this occasion (accelerated by a great instructor - if patience was an extreme sport he positioned first on the leader board) moved seamlessly from rig

control on terra firma to the calm waters of Lough Macnean, perfect for all abilities and ages.

One of the best things about Correalea undoubtedly was our hosts. Their enthusiasm for all things outdoors was contagious and they provided a warm welcome.

There are so many activities to do and sights to see in the area you will not be short of options.

So, if it’s a staycation you’re after - Corralea Activity Centre... no passport required. o As we say ‘Get out and stay out!’

The climbing wall

Learning to windsurf on the beautiful Upper Lough Macnean

FOR MORE INFO: Corralea Activity Centre, Belcoo, Co Fermanagh, BT93 5DZ t: 028 6638 6123 e: info@activityireland.com w: www.activityireland.com Corralea Activity Centre is Located 3 miles from Belcoo village Co.Fermanagh on the B52 road, 15 minutes to Enniskillen and 35 minutes to Bundoran.

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FITNESS

ARE YOU TACKLING OXFAM’S 50 KILOMETRE TRAILTEKKER THIS YEAR? YOU NEED TO...

GET 50K FIT

OXFAM’S 50KM BEGINNERS’ TRAINING PROGRAMME

ave you enterd a team in this year’s Oxfam Trailtrekker? If not why not?

And more to the point, if your team has never done anything like TRAILTREKKER before, you’re going to have to get 50k fit, pronto!

Follow this simple eight week guide to get you to a level where you can finish the 50k course within the 20 hour cut-off. Good luck, break out the sweat bands.

H

PHASE ONE

BUILDING A BASE

WEEKS 1 & 2: For the first week you just need to get out and walk.

For some of you, this might be 20 minutes, for others, 50. Don’t push, don’t hurt and don’t get breathless.

Walking should always be fun, even when you increase your physical challenges later in your programme.

For the next week, continue walking.

Try to go every other day, with a minimum of three walks each week.

Each time you walk, add ten minutes to your walk and try to go just a bit faster.

PHASE TWO

LONGER WALKING WEEKS 3, 4 & 5: Once you’re able to comfortably walk for one hour non-stop, it’s time to look at the

second phase: building the long walk.

Use this period to train with your team and to work out your hydration system, eating habits and strategies for rest stops and sleeping.

Phase Two includes a mixture of easy training days, medium-to-hard days and then the long walk at the weekend. Easy and rest days are extremely important, as they allow your body to recover. Aim to walk three or four days each week, and remember that the long walk is the most important.

SAMPLE SESSIONS: Monday: Rest day

Tuesday: Hard day. Spend 50 minutes walking. Try and include a hilly section in the walk to experience both the uphill work and the downhill pressure on knees and legs. Push yourself and ‘feel’ the hills.

Wednesday: Easy day. Relaxing pace for 45 minutes or more. Focus on how your body is feeling: heart-rate, stride length, posture, breathing etc. Later in the training, try some of these walks at night to become familiar with night walking.

Thursday or Friday: Medium day. 15 minutes warm-up very easy, five minutes stretching, 20 minutes quickpaced walk followed by 10 minutes easy and then 10 minutes stretching.

Rest on the other day.

Saturday or Sunday: Long walk. The aim of this session is to do a long steady walk, preferably on the trail and with your team members. The distance covered should

increase over time, starting with three hours and increasing weekly to as much as eight hours. Weekly increases must take into account the difficulty of the trail (so don’t simultaneously increase the walk by two hours and attempt the most difficult trail sections) and you should give yourself a break after three weeks of steady increases.

Sample training might be: Week Three: Three/Four hours, medium terrain

Week Four: Four/Five hours, easy Week Five: Four hours, hard The motivation in this phase comes from both the desire to complete the event and the personal satisfaction you get from gaining fitness and strength, and from experiencing the occasional ‘runner’s high’! Plus you get to have fun with your team mates and enjoy the great outdoors!

PHASE THREE

PEAK AND TAPER

WEEKS 6 TO 8: In the final phase you are looking to maximise your strength and fitness and then ‘taper’ or recover to be in peak condition for the event itself. The long walk included in this phase will prepare you mentally for the distance and time required to complete the event. Your team strategy for rest stops and sleeping on the trail should be agreed and your individual plan for what to carry, wear, drink and eat should also be decided.

WEEK 6: These will be similar to the preceding weeks but the long walk should now ideally link several sections of the trail and should last for six hours or more.

WEEK 7: For the one weekend prior to the event, you should reduce the amount of training you do, your long walk should drop back to no more than three hour.

WEEK 8: the week before the event it should be no more than one and a half hours. Your weekday walks should also be shorter and less intense.

If this has got you in the mood for a tough but exhilarating weekend this September 10-11, why not enter Oxfam’s TRAILTREKKER? Find out more at www.oxfamireland.org/trek or text TREK to 51500 (standard text rates apply)

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

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Free to enter competitions with great prizes

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the

y r o t c e dir ss Ireland o cr a s e ss e n si u b r oo 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.

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.

Outdoor Shop

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.

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, Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

Bike Tuition

Podium 4 Sport

Dave Youngs Mountain Bike Instruction

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

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

m Open seven days a week, Podium 4 Sportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 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.

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

m Coast and Creek are currently

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

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

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.

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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

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.

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

m Chasers Surf Tours is

Paintball / Extreme Activities Predator Combat Games

The Jungle NI

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

60 Desertmartin Road, Moneymore, Magherafelt, BT45 7RB tel: 028 8674 8881 email: bookings@thejungleni.com web: www.thejungleni.com

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.

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!

m Come visit us at Predator Combat Games,

Outdoor Activity Operators 26 Extreme

Mectec Blokarting

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

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

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.

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

Surfin’ Dirt Mountain Boarding

Tollymore National Outdoor Centre

Tullyree Road, Bryansford Down BT34 5LD mob: 077 3921 0119 email: info@surfindirt.co.uk web: www.surfindirt.co.uk web: www.gaspactionsports.com

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

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

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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 There are two climbing walls at

Tollymore, one outdoors and one indoors.

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

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