PaDDler The International magazine for recreational paddlers Issue 41 Late Spring 2018
The stunning remoteness of
antarctica
Mark Corti An interview with…
bill bailey AKA ‘The Calm Paddler’
ezine
Coaching Safety Series
chris brain No.10 Sticky Situations White water in
meGhalaya Anton Sveshnikov Adapting to new
equiPment Corran Addison Altitude SUP in the
Pyrénées Nicolas Fayol 24-page
canOe FOcus Launch of a new challenge route Volunteer and Recognition Awards Women in paddlesport Introducing Palm Equipment
Finding magic on
enGlish rivers Mal Grey
+
Plastic free Hurley Classic 59th Liffey Descent
Slate Islands, Canada
Ugandan Nile update
An interview with Australians… Lucy Graham & Mathilde Gordon on paddling the Inside Passage
IN PARTNERShIP WITh BRITISh CANoEING
River Spey, Scotland By Richard Harpham
cOntents
hurley Classic winners ottilie Robinson-Shaw and Quim Fontané. Photo: Peter Tranter editor
Peter Tranter peter@thepaddlerezine.com Tel: (01480) 465081 Mob: 07411 005824 www.thepaddlerezine.com
Design
2b Graphic Design Limited
advertising sales
Anne Egan Tel: (01480) 465081 advertising@thepaddlerezine.com
cover
Eleri Spencer, Pennine Canoe and Rowing Club, Mirfield Photo by Greg Spencer
Many thanks to: Mike Krytyansky, Ivan Kozlachkov, Eli Reichman, Shane Cronin, Greg Spencer, Phil Carr, Søren Knutsson, Warren Suzuki and Andy ‘Jacko’ Jackson for their additional help in putting this edition together.
Not all contributors are professional writers and photographers, so don’t be put off writing because you have no experience! The Paddler ezine is all about paddler to paddler dialogue: a paddler’s magazine written by paddlers. next issue is early summer 2018 with a deadline of submissions on may 14th 2018. Technical Information: Contributions preferably as a Microsoft Word file with 1200-2000 words, emailed to submissions@thepaddler.ezine.com. Images should be hi-resolution and emailed with the Word file or if preferred, a Dropbox folder will be created for you. The Paddler ezine encourages contributions of any nature but reserves the right to edit to the space available. opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publishing parent company, 2b Graphic Design Limited. The publishing of an advertisement in the Paddler ezine does not necessarily mean that the parent company, 2b Graphic Design Limited, endorse the company, item or service advertised. All material in the Paddler ezine is strictly copyright and all rights are reserved. Reproduction without prior permission from the editor is forbidden.
Issue 41
Late Spring 2018
008 Testing, testing & new kit 016 An interview with…
Plenty of kit reviewed by our contributors
024 hurley Classic
bill bailey aKa ‘the calm Paddler’
028 Coaching Safety Series
is this the start of plastic free events? by Paul hyman
038 Ireland’s 59th Liffey Descent no. 10… sticky situations by chris brain
046 English rivers
Prelude by shane cronin and iain maclean
059 Canoe Focus
Finding magic closer to home by mal Grey
084 Indian WW
british canoeing’s 24-page magazine
094 ontario, Canada
meghalaya by anton sveshnikov
100 French Pyrénées SUP
Kayaking perfection at the slate islands by Josh spina
108 Antarctica sea kayaking
altitude and river suP by nicolas Fayol
118 Ugandan Nile update
the stunning remoteness by mark corti
124 An interview with…
converts to the nile by Dr Jessie stone
132 Scotland’s jewel in the crown
lucy Graham/mathilde Gordon & the inside Passage
142 Adapting to new equipment Paddling the river spey by richard harpham by corran addison
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ThePaDDler 3
WORCESTER CANOE CLUB
R E T S E C R THE WO L LE NGE RI NG C HA 14.07.18
PRESENTS
E LEASUR PAIN - P E G A T - POR PADDLE
CHOOSE YOUR CHALLENGE 21 Miles - WORCESTER RING
Start WCC, finish WCC - 18 portages, 2 tunnels and 2 food stops. The full circle for experienced Kayakers, a tough challenge.
15 Miles - OFFERTON CRUISE
Start Oddingly, finish WCC - 12 portages, 2 tunnels and 2 food stops. Recommended for Canadian Canoes and less experienced Kayakers
£25 per person / £12 under 16’s full support and timing ● signposted and marshalled route route card ● parking at the finish ● hot showers at finish hot food at the finish ● photos to download
Entry Forms - T&Cs: worcestercanoeclub.org.uk Challenge information: worcesterring.org
The Doggy Paddle is an 18-mile charity paddle for Guide Dogs for the Blind Association The paddle is a flatwater recreational paddle from Leamington Spa to Stratford-upon-Avon, taking place on the Sunday 22nd July 2018. Kayak/canoe/SUP this beautiful stretch of the River Leam & Avon. The trip takes you from Royal Leamington Spa, through the spectacular grounds of Warwick Castle and Charlecote Park, ending in historic Stratford-upon-Avon.
www.kentcanoes.co.uk www.kentcanoes.co.uk www.kentcanoes.co.uk www.kentcanoes.co.uk Tel: 01732 886688
Tel: 01732 886688 Email: info@kentcanoes.co.uk Tel: 01732 01732886688 886688 Email:Tel: info@kentcanoes.co.uk Email: Email:info@kentcanoes.co.uk info@kentcanoes.co.uk KAYAKS|CANOES|COURSES|TECHNICAL CLOTHING|SAFETY GEAR|ACCESSORIES KAYAKS|CANOES|COURSES|TECHNICAL CLOTHING|SAFETY GEAR|ACCESSORIES GEAR ACCESSORIES KAYAKS|CANOES|COURSES|TECHNICAL KAYAKS|CANOES|COURSES|TECHNICAL CLOTHING|SAFETY CLOTHING|SAFETY GEAR|ACCESSORIES KAYAKS|CANOES| S|COURSES|TECHNICAL CLOTHING SAFETYGEAR|ACCESSORIES
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ThePaDDler 6
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RTM products are distributed in the UK and Ireland by Lyon Equipment - www.lyon.co.uk
Saturday 15th September 2018 Race entries are online at https://canoe.ie/liffey-descent/
Passion for paddlesports? Share your knowledge & experience with our guests! We’re looking for energetic people to work with us in 2018 to ensure our guests have the time of their lives. Canoeing has been at the heart of PGL since 1957 and we have long recognised this sport as a great way to introduce children to the outdoors. We offer a variety of opportunities for qualified paddlers to introduce canoeing and kayaking to our guests. If you're a qualified UKCC Level 1 or UKCC Level 2 Coach or above, you'll be able to lead sessions in addition to consolidating your instructional skills, accumulating log book time and working towards higher level qualifications. The variety of our centre locations means there’s plenty of chances to paddle during your free time, from flat to moving water. We offer a competitive wage, meals and free uniform; accommodation is provided, plus transport from a UK departure point for staff working in France or Spain. Find out more and apply now... www.pgl.co.uk/paddle
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ThePaDDler 8
Testing,
Pyranha ripper
www.pyranha.com By Phil Carr www.unsponsored.co.uk
i’ve been boating for well over 30 years, so therefore well placed to see the development of the sport and particularly the design of kayaks.Kayak manufacturers are now looking back to the longer slicey kayaks that were around in the late 1990s/early 2000s and i for one am really happy that those designs are back. i will say now that if you have only ever paddled poppy high-volume short boats or super stable creekers, then you need to find yourself a slicey kayak to try. at nine-foot long (medium), the ripper could be a contender.
The Pyranha Ripper is one of the first modern slicey kayaks to come from one of the major players in the game that has also been widely available here in the UK. At 6ft 2ins and 200lbs, I’m just above the recommended weight limit for the medium Ripper (143-198lb). Nevertheless, that is the kayak I am reviewing here. In addition to the medium size, the Ripper is also available in small and large with specifications below.
sPeciFicatiOns: SIZE Small Medium Large
LENGTH 274cm/9' 274cm/9' 274cm/9'
WIDTH 59cm/23" 62cm/24.5" 63cm/25"
one of the big negatives of the slicey kayaks from years back, was that although performance was great, comfort was not, where spending prolonged amounts of time sat in your boat would play havoc with your feet. It was accepted that this was how it was and that was that. Thankfully rather that replicate what has been done before, manufacturers including Pyranha, have brought things up to date and have given some though towards comfort, including a full-volume bow for punching through holes and making the kayak a comfortable place to be for your feet. With size 10 (UK) feet, there is plenty of room in the medium Ripper and no issue with my feet being jammed in and going to sleep.
VOLUME 216L/57Gal(US) 235L/62Gal(US) 271L/72Gal(US)
COCKPIT 50cm/19.5" wide 50cm/19.5" wide 54cm /21" wide
WEIGHT 20kg/44lb 20kg/44lb 21kg/46lb
CAPACITY 40-75kg/88-165lb 65-90kg/143-198lb 75-125kg/165-275lb
g
testin
e will b nd it ed a iew rev uct od
nte of i
dd lers - email us: review s@thep addle rez ine
m .co
The Ripper comes supplied with Pyranha’s Stout 2 outfitting system. This includes a padded seat, adjustable hip pads and full-length adjustable thigh grips with the option to add hooker upgrade. The hooker upgrade is essentially a more aggressive thigh grip and one that I would recommend – it is also an easy DIY install if you wish to add it at a later date. Finally, the outfitting in the cockpit is rounded off with a ratchet back band. As expected there is enough adjustability to get set up pretty quickly and after an hour of paddling, I decided to try moving the seat forward one notch, which was very easy to do with a crosshead screwdriver. As I had moved the seat, I needed to tweak the position of the full plate footrest
ou want y ion. If y o u stat rp st r
The stern of the Ripper does not feel out of control and it never feels like it’s going to sink under the water itself and flip you backwards. I’ve paddled several different boats since they were released around the UK on whitewater between Grade 3 and Grade 4 (4+) and have never been concerned about the stern. Now when you want to engage the stern it is awesome. Paddle fast downstream hit an eddy line, stern dip, pirouette and then blast back into the flow. Guaranteed smiles every time – it reminds me a lot of a slalom boat.
res t to pa
In many respects, it isn’t that dissimilar to the bow of a 9R and on the water I can feel the similarity, i.e. plenty of speed and easy to turn. The bow resurfaces well, punches through waves without issues and may even be faster that the 9R. It certainly felt like it although I haven’t paddled the two back to back. So it’s certainly not bow to stern slicey. When looking at its side profile it’s at the back end where things get a little funky. It is this that reminds me of those great lower volume slicey kayaks from around 20 years ago. Add in the planning hull, bow control edges and a progressive front to back rocker and you get a nice blend of the old and new.
The Paddle r ez ine te
by removing the four plastic wing nuts, repositioning the metal rungs and then setting everything back up.
If you are after a fun boat that you can happily run a range of differently graded whitewater and have a bit of play on the way down. It's fun to paddle and is different enough from what’s out there at the moment. Let’s hope the return of the slicey boats continues. Photos of the Pyranha Ripper without paddler are from North East Kayaks www.northeastkayaks.co.uk
With paddler are from Eaglesnest Photography www.eaglesnestphotography.co.uk
ThePaDDler 9
ThePaDDler 10
Downcreek Paddles swallow www.downcreekpaddles.com By Greg Spencer
All of us develop our own style and approach and then become attached to the tools we’ve made work for us. We’re inclined to recommend what we’ve grown to love. We might recommend newbies try our paddle, or get started using something similar. As most of us adapt to whatever tool we’re given, this tends to work and life is good!
As a rule, our choice of blade doesn’t really matter that much. We can surf downwind on open water with a big WW paddle. We can get down rapids with a bent shaft racing paddle. For some, nothing will trump a tough, durable, easily replaced blade that can be hurled around and abused without feelings of guilt.
hand crafted paddles come in enough shapes and sizes to cater for all tastes. Those who use their paddle as their ‘get out of jail free’ card can find a dependable stick with a large blade area, perhaps glassed for durability. Those who love the look and natural flex of wood can find one that gives in unique ways. Anything’s possible.
The new Swallow from Downcreek Paddles is none of the above!
I very much doubt the Swallow will be for everyone. It is a development of a paddle that Jude of Downcreek Paddles, built for my daughter. our friend Frank Münker took a shine to it at Kringelfieber. he was using it again at last year’s Quietwater Conclave and by the end we had a mission.
The resulting Swallow is what the manufacturer says it is: a magic wand of a paddle. It genuinely is, “Slender, lightweight, beautifully balanced, with a progressive flex, a slim rounded shaft, and a ‘soft-spot’ low-down in the blade,” – a connoisseur’s paddle!
of course, Downcreek have been making very nice paddles for a long time but the Swallow signals a move into truly elite paddles. The blade area is aimed at enthusiasts with a good catch and great ‘feel’ for the water and the balance, stiffness and cross sectional shaping open up new levels of finesse-paddling.
PROUD PARTNERS:
t: +44 1629 732611 e: info@peakuk.com w: www.peakuk.com Paddler: Kerry Old eld. River Derwent. Image: Pete Astles. Gear: Semi Long Jacket. River Vest PFD.
ThePaDDler 12
Bodyrag towels https://www.bodyrag.co.uk
Bodyrag luxury microfibre towels feel very soft like the best Egyptian cotton towels you’re used to but slimmer and lighter.
The towel packs down easy and have proved to be very absorbent. They lie somewhere between the ultra thin and light sport’s towels of companies like Lifeventure and the full and fluffy towel you may have in your bathroom. Unlike your bathroom towels though, these will dry much quicker.
They do have that extra softness that is missing from the more popular travel towels but the downside is a little extra weight. however, in contrast to other travel towels, we’ve used them at home – and they’re very good.
Brand new colours for the range have been added in a spicy orange (rich and dark), midnight blue (rich and navy) and mocha brown (medium rich brown).
They come is small size at £29.00 and medium size at £49.00, which is more expensive than many travel towels but you do get more for your money too – so it’s your choice. Besides the towels, Bodyrag produce an whole range of goods for those who do plenty of travelling.
Features
Luxury microfibre feel Super absorbent Lightweight Quick drying
chatham aqua Go mist Performance shoes www.chatham.co.uk By Peter Tranter
chatham’s aqua Go mist is the result of many years of research and designed to wear barefoot in water. however, they’re just as adaptable for walking around town too.
They feature a midsole with direct drainage holes that will empty the shoes of water within 10 seconds. The upper is made of a three-ply perforated mesh and woven material, designed to keep feet cool during the day and yet nice and comfortable on a chilly day.
Primarily designed for a sailing audience, however, no matter what watersport you’re involved they would be an excellent choice. This applies particularly on decking and slippery rocks, the shoes feel very grippy with its slimline and hardy latex sole and your bare feet will feel very attached to the soft insole made from Phylon rubber. Perfect shoes if you’re getting your feet wet regularly as they also dry out very rapidly – in warmer conditions they will be the only shoes you will need all day before and after being on the water.
In short, they are lightweight, flexible and well cushioned, ideal for paddling and many other watersports when you need reliable grip and comfortable well aired feet. If the lime colour is too gaudy for your tastes, there is a much more muted conservative grey/red combo.
Features l l l l l l l l
Upper is made from an durable three-ply mesh Comfortable woven inner lining next to the skin open cell mid-layer increases air flow and maintains temperature Midsole has strategically placed drainage holes emptying the shoe in under 10 seconds Phylon rubber compound gives excellent flexibility and cushioning underfoot outsole constructed from hardy rubber latex ideal for both wet and dry conditions Two years manufacturer’s guarantee Available in sizes UK 6-15
ULTRALIGHT KAYAKS award winning design, class leading construction.
WWW.TOOTEGA.COM
S t a n d
U p
P a d d l e
M a g
U K
SUP Mag UK’s April issue is now alive, kicking and ready to order in print… The new 2018 SUP season is here and there’s a plethora of spanking new SUP gear, SUP destinations and interviews to sink your gums into with the Spring issue. Whatever style of riding floats your boat (or board), your perfect stand up paddle magazine is available – posted straight to your door. Printed on top quality paper and perfect bound and with so much awesome content from the UK and further afield, SUP Mag UK is your perfect SUP companion. To subscribe to the digital copy with approx 60% savings over the print issue: https://joom.ag/UC4Y S t a n d
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To buy a printed issue on top quality paper with varnished gloss perfect bound covers please visit: http://standuppaddlemag.co.uk/subscribe/
CALMLY DOES IT Bill Bailey's love of SUP PROGRESSIVE THINKING with Erik Antonson IN FOCUS with photographer Mike Owens COLD SUP: Icelandic & Norwegian paddle adventures
The printed paper copy costs £7.49 inc P&P for a single issue or £27.99 inc P&P for a subscription of four magazines.
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ThePaDDler 15
ThePaDDler 16
An interview with Bill Bailey
CALM PADDLER A K A
T h E ‌
Many will know Bill Bailey from the telly as the comedian, musician, writer, author, director, presenter, actor and ready wit, who graces many a prime time panel show and has appeared in the odd film screen as well. But did you know that Bill is a keen stand up paddler, champion of SUP in the heart of London and the namesake behind expedition SUP brand Billboard SUP? The Paddler caught up with BB to find out more.
ThePaDDler 17
ThePaDDler 18 Paddling the Thames is a way to get a unique perspective on this ancient waterway. You get a sense of the history of the waterways, the old docks, and the ramps that are visible at low tide where the horses were led to take off the loads from the barges.
Any parts of the Thames you prefer to SUP?
I love the stretch near me, from Putney up to Kew Bridge. I’ve paddled it many times and there’s always something new to see.
Wildlife has flourished on the Thames , which animal/bird/fish attracts your eye?
irst off, where did you discover SUP?
I discovered SUP in Indonesia a few years ago when I was on my way back from an Australian tour. We stopped off in Bali and my son was getting some surf lessons, so I was messing around on a paddle board. It was totally the wrong board to start on. It was a narrow race board, very unstable and I fell off quite a bit. Luckily the water’s warm in Bali so it was a good place to learn.
When I got back to London, I went for some lessons and this time on a much more stable board. I was quickly up and paddling, and that was it I was hooked.
how does SUP give you satisfaction?
SUP is very Zen. It’s calming and clears your mind. You focus on staying upright, and on the horizon. It’s a fantastic way to just step off the world for a while. You can glide around close to wildlife without disturbing it too much, you are usually somewhere fairly peaceful, and it’s a good workout.
Talk to us about your local paddling area. As we understand this is mainly locations around the Thames?
I often paddle on the Thames as it’s so close to where I live. I love how easy it is to make use of the river with a paddle board. Since I’ve been paddling, it’s amazing to me how many places there are to launch from. There are so many little ramps and draw docks up the Thames and the surrounding waterways that are perfect for getting a board in. You just have to watch the tides and plan your paddles accordingly, but you soon get the hang of it.
The Thames is a busy river with lots of users of many different kinds. There are many rowing clubs up and down the stretch I paddle in, so you have to watch out for them. They are going fast and backwards! So you have to make sure to stay out of their way. Sometimes the wash from the larger pleasure boats can be a problem, especially if they are going against the tide, but again you get used to positioning your board straight into the waves, or else just kneeling down till they subside.
The Thames water quality has improved dramatically over the years, and last year while out paddling I was lucky enough to catch up with the Environment Agency doing their twice-yearly survey. As they hauled their nets in, I was shown sea bass! Sea bass in the Thames! only a little one mind, not big enough for the lemon wedges. But even so this shows the health of the river. There’s over a 100 fish species, a seal colony at Teddington and just recently a dolphin was seen near Putney Bridge, so things are looking up.
Do you prefer the river or ocean?
I prefer the river, only because it’s more accessible to me. It’s fascinating being able to paddle in an urban environment. You see so much more in cities.
The ocean is a different beast – more about the challenge of the elements.You might be battling with currents, waves and wind so it’s a bit more physical. Rivers, lakes and canals tend to be more about the access – where paddleboarding can take you.
how often do you manage to get afloat in your hectic schedule?
I try and get out to paddle when can. on tour in Australia and New Zealand last year we got out on the boards quite a bit, as the weather and water conditions were often perfect. We paddled in a lake in Darwin in oz which we were assured was croc-free!
When you’re not SUPing, what else do you do to relax?
I like mountain biking, skiing, kayaking, long-distance walking, and occasionally paint balling!
I’m into SUP and going on vacation, where would you recommend?
I was on tour in Sweden, and I took my board through the middle of Stockholm, it was a little hairy but fantastic. Scandinavia has some amazing interconnected waterways which would be perfect for SUP, and a great way to see the landscape.
I also reckon there’s huge potential in the west coast of Scotland, along the estuaries, and lochs. It has a beautiful coastline with opportunities to see all manner of wildlife like seals, eagles, otters, porpoise, and even orcas.
https://billbailey.co.uk
Where’s the furthest from the UK you’ve been SUPing?
The furthest spot I’ve SUP’d is in the eastern archipelago of Indonesia. I was on a boat trip to see the total solar eclipse in Northern Maluku near an island called halmahera. on the way we stopped at Waigeio, a UNESCo World heritage site. It’s a stunning group of islands made up of pure white beaches surrounded by huge conical limestone khasts that rise vertically out of a turquoise water. It’s like something from a fantasy, a lost world. And paddling through it was unforgettable.
What’s your involvement with Billboard?
I was one of the founders of Billboard. I am the Bill in Billboard!
I had just started paddling the Thames a few years ago with Paul hyman from Active 360 and my friend and neighbour Soren Knutsson. Paul had the technical know-how and a huge experience of teaching SUP, Soren cam from a design background and I was the guinea pig, making suggestions.
Between the three of us, we came up with Billboard.
ThePaDDler 19
What’s the ideas behind the Billboard heron?
The Billboard heron was designed specifically for the Thames. I like the name heron, It is the essence of Billboard, because the board, which can be found anywhere in Britain from a remote Scottish loch to an urban canal. It is the ultimate explorer board.
After the first prototype we made a few changes. The rear of the board was tapered more to give better tracking and also to bring down the weight a little. The fin is a little larger and better shaped and the carry handles were firmed up to be more comfortable. There’s now a pressure release valve in case you’re paddling in the tropics and the air in the board expands too much.
Because you’re just gliding along silently, paddle boarding is a brilliant way to get close to nature. It’s easier to see birds and other wildlife when you’re hardly making a sound. When I was out paddling the Brent River with Soren, I saw a kingfisher fly right in front of me. This was the first time I’ve seen that in all the years I’ve been in London, and I’m sure that was down to the board’s stealth!
Any further plans with SUP?
I think the Big Ben Challenge is a fantastic idea. Paddling through the heart of London is a truly wonderful experience. I hope this leads to a new approach to the Thames, where it can be opened up more for recreation and watersport. It is such a brilliant resource and I think at the moment it’s being underused. Paul hyman and Active 360 have been running events on the Thames for years, and at the same time highlighting the problems of plastic pollution, so the more profile these events get, the more the river can be improved for all users. The future is SUP!
Quickfire
if you could paddle with anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be? I would paddle with Suleiman the Magnificent – I reckon he’d be up for it
Pick two celebrities to be your parents… Dad- Geoffrey Chaucer Mum - Joan of Arc
Which famous person would you most like to see play you in a film? Matt Damon
are you a bathroom/shower singer and if so what do you sing? Talking heads – shower Facebook or twitter? Twitter
an ideal night out for you is? Snowmobile up a mountain – some wine + Italian food - dancing on a bar.
What one luxury item would you take with you on a desert island? Piano.
Many thanks for all of your help on this Bill - we really appreciate it.
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ThePaDDler 24
No plastic please…We’re the C L A S S I C
Earlier this year, Active360 produced a checklist for waterside events to help them to reduce the amount of plastic trash they generate.This can be huge as traditionally events have used plastic cups, cutlery, food packaging and plastic drinks bottles. Story: Paul hyman Photos: Warren Suzuki and Peter Tranter
Often the clearing up is left to the end and we have all seen the aftermath many times with bins overflowing and trash blowing around into the nearby water. The Oxford Cambridge Boat Race is a Classic River Trashfest which annually produces tons of plastic trash filling bins and polluting the Thames. 2017 was an epic year for trash as warm weather brought many people to the riverside and the trash was still blowing around some riverside spaces for days after.
Women finalists letting their hair down after the Classic final: Lowri Davies, heidi Walsh, Nouria Newman and Islay Crosbie
This year’s sponsor, Smart Water (owned by Coca Cola), was handing out free bottled water on the riverside and many empty and partly full bottles washed around the river over the following few weeks. For the past few years Active360 have been keen not to be taking part in events where measures are not in place to reduce the plastic trash they generate. We’ve decided going forward, to turn down any new events not trying to reduce plastic and to encourage and help all our long standing event partners to reduce their waste.
Andrew ‘Jacko’ Jackson was looking to reduce the plastic footprint of the hurley Classic weekend and looking to develop the growing SUP as part of the event in future years. With no running water on site it has typically relied on bottled water and drinks to keep participants hydrated and therefore in January Jacko asked Active360 to come along to observe.
The team of organisers adopted our checklist and took a range of measures to greatly reduce single plastic and generally reduce any detrimental impact on the river. So no bottled water or plastic bottled drinks were sold or given out and there were plenty of tap water refills, cheaper hot drinks if you bought an event mug or took your own. Also food was served on plates made from leaves, birch cutlery, compostable beer glasses, and transport sharing was encouraged This was promoted to the hundreds of kayakers participating and spectators and interviewed top competitors were used as influencers Also see the attached statement
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cOmmitment
The event has never done anything like this and it mostly came from a late night pub conversation we had a few months ago. Jacko is now committed to taking it as far as they can go in future years – so expect reusable beer glasses and more next year www.hurleyclassic.co.uk/environment.html.
They would have included an on water litter pick (there is now some plastic pollution at hurley which is sad as there was hardly any there when I stopped regular whitewater paddling some seven years ago) but it was snowing and so not ideal for that this year.
This all had a positive effect on the event and it ran as well as usual with no complaints, great atmosphere, competition and a very happy and co-operative catering company who no doubt have been signed up for next year as the food was considered the best ever and prices were as per usual for events plus everyone liked the plates, etc.
So everyone in the paddlesport world can use this event as a model of good practice and we have a whole summer of river and canal events ahead to see how far and how fast we can push this agenda. Events can be a good way to influence behaviour to protect the rivers we love from the growing damage caused by plastic pollution.
http://www.hurleyclassic.co.uk/environment.html
men’s classic runner up robert crowe
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C o A C h I N G
S A F E T Y
situatiOns No. 10…
S T I C K Y
S E R I E S
In the tenth part of the paddler safety series we are focusing on understanding and dealing with some of the more serious issues that we might be faced with one the river. In the dynamic, moving water environment one situation that we are actively trying to avoid is being stuck in the river either as a swimmer or in a kayak or canoe. By Chris Brain
It is important to remember that there is no substitute for professional training in this area and this must be combined with experience to effectively use the ideas and techniques contained in this series. this article is not intended to replace formal training.
our previous articles have focused on preparation, simple rescues, working together on the river and above all avoiding incidents happening in the first place. The topics covered in this article assume that you have read the previous chapters.
no. 1. be prepared and stay safe: https://joom.ag/hdaQ/p50
no. 2. Working as a team: https://joom.ag/JeqQ/p96
no. 3.swim, chase, throw: https://joom.ag/PdyQ/p38
no. 4. Get the advantage: https://joom.ag/XfUQ/p42
no. 5: What if‌ https://joom.ag/kLbW/p44
no. 6:the chest harness https://joom.ag/xE8W/p38
no. 7: shouting, reaching and wading https://joom.ag/MhwW/p102
no. 8:top tips https://joom.ag/FFcW/p80
no. 9: steep ground https://joom.ag/a1oL/p72
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ThePaDDler 30 avOiDance
A key message that has been running through every single chapter of the safety series is avoidance. As a paddler we should be aware of our environment, the team we are paddling with and actively trying to avoid dealing with a situation in the first place. We do this through good planning and communication, choosing a river that matches the skill level of our group and using tactics that encourage safety and minimise risks. We can also do simple things like being aware of potential snagging hazards on the kit that we wear and storing equipment like slings in a zipped pocket or in storage that won’t allow it to come free in a paddling or swimming situation to minimise the risk. Remember you are the most important person on the river, so don’t cut corners when it comes to your own personal safety.
stOPPers
Stoppers come in a variety of forms on the river. We can have everything from deep powerful recirculations that would most certainly hold boats, equipment and swimmers right through to weak, surface stoppers that will only just about hold you in your boat if you were sidesurfing. When it comes to judging stoppers and how ‘grabby’ they are, experience is key. Even the smallest weirs on low volume rivers can create potentially lethal recirculations, whereas high volume rivers can often have very large and intimidating stoppers and features, but in fact can be quite flushy and pose only a small issue to a paddler or swimmer.
Some clues as to how sticky a stopper may be would be to look at the angle of the feature that is creating the stopper, if the water is dropping in vertically to the stopper it may well be stickier than one with a much shallower angle. We also need to look at how far the water is travelling back to the seam of the hole from, if the ‘towback’ is fast, powerful and recirculating, then this will pose an issue for the paddler and almost certainly for the swimmer.
In addition, looking at how fast the water is moving after the stopper can sometimes be an indicator too. If the water entering the stopper and the water downstream of the stopper is at about the same pace, then it may not be recirculating that much, as clearly a large amount of water is still moving through. however, if the water downstream of the stopper is significantly slower, this can suggest that the stopper is deeper and more recirculating. Finally, the noise of the stopper can give some indication as to whether is it a surface stopper or deep and recirculating. Surface stoppers tend to have lots of crashing water (potentially thrown up into the air) and are a bit noisier and higher pitched than the low quiet rumbling of the deep recirculating stopper. All of these are only clues and may not full show the full picture, such as the depth or additional hazards. Understanding the hydrology of stoppers and what that will do to a boat/swimmer is a really important skill for the whitewater paddler.
What can a sWimmer DO?
once again if you haven’t already guessed, the message should be to avoid swimming down it in the first place! If you can swim to an eddy before the stopper, or swim down the green flow or over a wave instead, that is almost certainly the better option. Your team on the water (or bank-based rescuers) may well be able to give you some guidance on where to swim and may be shouting instructions and pointing where they want you to go. If swimming through the stopper is inevitable, firstly try and aim for the weakness if you can, look out for the green flow and the jets of water that are moving away from the stopper faster than the other water. As you approach the stopper make sure that you are on your back with your feet downstream making sure that you are on the surface of the water so that you minimise the risk of feet/hands being caught as you go over the drop. As you head over the drop bring your feet up to reduce the chance of your feet being caught if you go deeply in the water as you drop down into it. Some people like to bring their hands/arms to their face at this point too, which can be particularly useful to protect your face if there is debris in the drop or if you are following your boat into the stopper. All being well you will have caught the deeper green water and will quickly be downstream of the recirculation. Making your body a star shape when you resurface can also help you catch the water heading downstream too If you have not cleared the recirculation, those first few seconds can be critical in your mission to get out of the towback. Swim hard…swim like you really mean it, you might have resurfaced just on the edge of the recirculation and only need a little bit of extra effort to escape the water heading back towards the seam of the stopper.
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GettinG Out OF there
As a swimmer you have two main options for self-rescue now, going deep into the green water or finding a weakness in the stopper.
ezin et e
Alternatively going into the green water means turning onto your front and head straight towards the stopper.The idea being is that you will catch the green/dark water that is coming from upstream into the stopper, which will push you deep under the water and past the stopper and recirculation. In the moment that you reach the green water from above bring yourself back to the ball position again to make help yourself go deeper and to minimise being caught on the river bed.
e will b nd it ed a view t re uc od
banK baseD rescue
If you want y o tion. u rp sta r st
Unless the stopper is formed by a man-made feature (such as a weir) ThePadd ler or is completely naturally uniform in shape (as some stoppers can be) most stoppers will have some area of weakness. This is a point where water is being released from the stopper at a different rate to the rest of the recirculation. These can often be at the corners of the feature or at a point where the riverbed (or rock forming the stopper) changes shape slightly. Look out for the tongues of water at the feature, sometimes clearly pointing the way for the paddler to head through, but also to help a swimmer exit. Turn onto your front and swim along the line of the stopper to try to find this weakness, if you can break away from the most powerful part of the stopper you may well be able to swim to safety.
If we have set up bank-based safety prior to our paddler ending up in the water, then we should have a rescue ready and have considered the options available to us already. however, if we are responding to an unforeseen situation then we need to react quickly as it won’t be long before our paddler is tired, and the effectiveness of our rescue becomes less likely.
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Using the throwbag techniques covered previously could work for stopper rescue too, we just need to consider where we are throwing from and where we will be pulling our swimmer to in a different way this time. If we stand at the side/level with the stopper then when we pull, our swimmer will move along the stopper, potentially to a where they can be flushed out or reached with a paddle/pole. If we stand downstream of the stopper, when we pull we will be pulling the swimmer against the towback which will be physically dle break free of the recirculation. In harder than pulling them along the line of the stopper but may help them rs - e to make the rescue more both situations if we have the ability of changing our position mid-way through mail uhave s: rto effective, that may be a smart move. Quite often the riverbank and the access that we evthe iewstopper s@thep may well determine where we can throw and pull from. ad
Finally, live bait has be used successfully in rescues for swimmers stuck in stoppers, however this of course creates a serious risk to the rescuer and shouldn’t be undertaken by a team without real understanding of what they are doing. A live bait rescue in this context is exceptionally high risk and where possible lower risk options should be preferable to this. Remember, your safety is paramount.
strainers
Strainers are fixed obstructions in the river that allow water to pass under (and/or over) them and pose serious risk to paddlers and swimmers. on most rivers, strainers are typically trees (or a collection of trees) that have fallen in and become wedged in the river, however they are a collective term for any similar hazard, so in fact could even be gates, fences or metalwork. For the paddler, avoidance is once again the main priority and many people have had near misses trying to paddle their boat over strainers even in weak and slow flow.This is because the strainer still has the full force of the water flowing under it rather than around it and creates strong suction underneath it. Steer well clear, if the strainer is river wide and at water level, avoid the risk and portage around it. Many strainers can be easily spotted during bank-based inspection so take the time to inspect even if you have paddled in that location recently.
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dler ezin e
m .co
There are some additional ideas can be used here if our throwbags are not proving effective because either the line cannot be seen, or it is sinking with the force of the recirculation. We can clip a paddle with a large snapgate karabiner (specifically designed to clip around the shaft of the paddle) and use this like a javelin to throw into the stopper. This may be easier to grab for the swimmer and potentially may float more too. other options may be even clipping a throwline to an empty boat and sending that into the stopper, giving the paddler something bigger to grab. Whilst some of these techniques may be less conventional and not 100% clean, the outcome for the swimmer could be serious if we do not do something to get them out of there.
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For a swimmer a strainer poses a serious risk to life as the likelihood of being snagged on it is exceptionally high. Swimming away from a strainer should be seen as our first and only option. If it cannot be avoided we need to get up and over the strainer (or to climb onto it), going underneath the strainer could have serious consequences.
If a swimmer has to deal with a strainer they should roll onto their front and swim headfirst with speed towards it.They should then try to push themselves up and over it or climb onto it. If the swimmer lets their feet drop low into the water when they are pushing onto the strainer then their feet will be swept under and the swimmer will end up in a position where they are either stuck on the strainer or taken underneath.
sWimmer entraPment
This is potentially the worst position that a swimmer could get themselves into and also one of the most challenging situations for a team to deal with too.
Everything that we have covered so far in this series has been about avoiding entrapment in the river, we have looked at safe swimming techniques, low risk rescue options and using safe paddling strategies that help avoid a situation in the first place. When it comes to rescuing a stuck paddler, swift action is required but remembering that your own personal safety is of the utmost importance at all times.
rescue OPtiOns
Every entrapment situation will be completely different so having a series of options available to use rather than a progression to work through is probably smarter here. Essentially, we want to help the paddler stabilise themselves, keep their head above the water and then let them free themselves or physically offer assistance to help remove them.
If the paddler has become entrapped with the force of the moving water pushing behind them, they may be in a position where they would actually be able to remove themselves if they could actually push backwards and reverse out of the situation. Entrapments can typically happen in shallower water so throwing a paddle (or a canoe pole) out to the stuck paddler could allow them to stabilise and extract themselves.This may also give you a bit more time to set up another rescue option if required too. Throwing a rope for the stuck paddler to hold (or even clip onto their own PFD) may be an option in this situation, this would allow the rescue team to pull on the line and give support to the paddler. The rescue team would want to pull from above the entrapped paddler as much as they can as this will offer more support, pulling from the side may not be helpful in this situation. If we can get a rope across the river to another rescuer on the other side, the two rescuers can bring this rope from downstream up to the stuck paddler to help give them addition support for their body. The entrapped paddler can let the rope come up and under their arms to offer as much support as possible. once again, the rescue team moving upstream as much as possible (creating a ‘V’ in the rope) will offer more support. It is possible to do this technique with access to just a single bank, but it can be trickier to set up as it involves sending a rope into the river around the entrapped paddler and retrieving it again so that both ends of the rope are on the same side of the river bank. Another option would be for a member of the rescue team to actually enter the water to help free the stuck paddler. This may be by far the highest risk option for the rescuer, but also may be potentially one of the most effective. Typically, the rescuer would enter the water with support from the bank via a rope attached to their chest harness. This would allow the rescuer to assist in pulling the stuck paddler free, keeping their head above the water, or by attaching another line to them for the team to pull on. We could also use the ropes that we have set up to support the entrapped swimmer as a hand rail to allow a rescuer to enter the water to give assistance. These techniques should be used with extreme caution as it involves the rescuer being very close to the entrapment hazard and they risk being stuck too. If the situation involves a stuck paddler with their head under the water, doing what we can to give them an open airway is a top priority. In this instance, physical assistance (if safe to do so) from another rescuer is likely to be the option with the most chance of success.
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bOat entraPment
As boat design has improved, so have the construction materials and their safety features. Most river/creek kayaks are high volume, highly rockered and rounded at the ends to reduce the risk of the boat pinning when paddling. Modern kayaks are made out of super strong materials and are typically reinforced bow to stern with central pillars to help them hold their shape in a pin situation.They have large cockpits and also a step out pillar to help the paddler escape should they be in a vertical pin situation.
For the traditional canoeist, even though they may not be typically be paddling water where a vertical pin would be an issue, the risk of being trapped underneath a kneeling thwart or sliding forwards and being stuck underneath the yoke is still present. one option could be to install a releasable thwart/yoke allowing you to get free easily (however these systems should be tested before using for real). Either way carrying a saw and having it close to hand is certainly a must for a canoeist on whitewater. I carry one in my PFD all the time even when I am out in my kayak because it might be a canoeist from another group that I end up helping to rescue.
e will b nd it ed a view t re uc od
rescue
If you want y o tion. u rp sta r st
ThePaddle r ez ine te
When it comes to a potential pinning situation, most paddlers will work to free themselves quickly and effectively before they actually become completely entrapped in their boat.This is usually by stepping up and out on their front pillar (from a vertical pin in a kayak) or by pulling their spraydeck and getting out, in the instance of a rock pin. If they are paddling a canoe they may well be able to step out or swim before the situation gets worst. If the paddler does become stuck in their boat and in the water, once again we need to act fast.
ter of in
est pad to
dle is likely to be needed here, with Just like with the swimmer entrapment situation a strong physical approach rs -ande free themselves by using a the rescuer either making direct contact or by assisting the paddler to stabilise mail isusabove rope or paddle. Acting quickly and instinctively to ensure that the trapped paddlers head : revthe iewwater s@tishep required, remembering that we must make our own safety the top priority at all times. ad
Final thOuGhts
All of the situations that we have covered here may be serious for the paddler and very difficult for the rescue team to deal with. It is really important to remember that there might only be so much that we can do without putting ourselves or others at serious risk of harm. often in these situations our rescues are reactive, improvised and instinctive and we have to do what we can to help. A huge thank you to Geoff Brain (Dad!), Mike McGarty and Craig Byrom for helping with the photographs.
chris brain
chris has been kayaking, canoeing and coaching for the last 15 years and runs his own business chris brain coaching, delivering paddlesport coaching, safety and rescue courses and rec first aid training. chris would like to thank Pyranha Kayaks, Palm equipment,ve Paddles, red Paddle co and Go Kayaking for their continued support. chris@chrisbraincoaching.com www.chrisbraincoaching.com
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The same rescue options that we have looked at to rescue the entrapped swimmer can be adapted and used here for our paddler stuck in their boat. If they have lost their paddle, throwing a paddle to them to help them stabilise and extract themselves could be an option. If appropriate a stabilisation line (pulled into a ‘V’) could also work to give assistance but depending on the situation could be very difficult to set up. The pinning situation may also allow for the rescue team to gain close access to the stuck paddler, if for example they are pinned on a rock then it may be possible to paddle out, climb onto the rock and offer support quickly with the stuck paddler. Finally, a hands on approach may well be what is required to deal with the situation but of course poses serious risk here too.
Descent
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The 59th International L I F F E Y
Started back in 1959 as an inter-club event, the illustrious Liffey Descent marathon race now attracts paddlers from all corners of the globe and is a major event on the ICF racing calendar.
In terms of challenge and difficulty as a descent race, the closest possible comparison that exists is the Exe Descent, sadly which no longer takes place but it lives on in British paddling folklore.
The race course consists of 10 weirs and one portage. It starts within the grounds of the world-famous K Club in Straffan, Co. Kildare and finishes 30+ kilometres later at the Garda Boat Club, Islandbridge, Dublin.
With an entry field capped at 100 competitors, approximately a third of entries are in the true racing classes and the remaining places are taken up with recreational paddlers. Many world-class athletes take part on an annual basis and its not uncommon to find yourself in the car park with current and ex-world champions all soaking up the atmosphere.
Many canoe clubs, both international and domestic, attend the event, returning year after year, adding to the fun and experience of the entire race weekend. Camping and camper parking is available free onsite with shower and changing facilities too. With easy access into Dublin via the ferry from holyhead or Fishguard its certainly worth considering?
The race is in very auspicious company with other international world-class descent races, the Krunlov, Ardeche, Adige, Dusi and Berg, the unique challenge that the Liffey Descent race course offers is the attraction. The other attractions of course are the almost guaranteed water levels and the Irish welcome.
After the race, there is plenty of time and space to network and socialise when competitors, volunteers and their families congregate in the welcoming clubhouse. There is also the world famous after-race party at the race finish.
sO What can yOu exPect FrOm the 2018 race?
So this year’s race takes place on the 15th September, which is strategically placed a week after the ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships in Portugal. Early indications are good, given the close proximity of Dublin to Portugal and the reasonable transfer costs, that we will have a strong international entry, we already have many in!
The race is also the first in the 2018/2019 Canoe Marathon Classic Series, which is another attraction to international competitors. See more here: www.canoeicf.com/canoemarathon-classic-series
Iain MacLean competed in his 50th Liffey Descent last year and we marked the significant achievement with a specially commissioned presentation from Dublin Crystal. We asked him to write a piece on what the Liffey Descent mean to him, we hope you enjoy it.
Shane Cronin
A Liffey Descent Note Words by Iain MacLean
I fell in love with the Liffey Descent over 50 years ago when I first encountered the event as a young man. I had been regaled with stories from older paddlers of the excitement and dangers of the race. Taken with the length of the race relative to others of the time and an aura of magic and uncertainty, it was established in my mind and I just had to take part as I have done almost every year since. This attitude might seem naĂŻve but bear in mind this was a time long before the internet, when car ownership was limited and every canoe in the country was known.
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ThePaDDler 40 Since then I have rarely lived close to the river and have often travelled from afar to take part. This has helped to maintain the magic for me, as Straffan Weir has usually been the first rough water I encounter each year. I do not recommend this approach but it is one which I have been unable to avoid.
For many such a level of magic may no longer exist, but uncertainty continues, especially for those shooting Straffan Weir for the first time in the actual event. Such uncertainty remains a big attraction especially for younger participants in the event.
“tO Win.”
In contrast world-class paddlers avoid uncertainty in their quest to add their names to the roll of winners. The Spanish K2 winners in 2017 were interviewed after the event asked, “Why did you enter the race?” The reply was, “To win.”
A wonderful aspect of the event is that it caters for both these aspects, along with the wide range of differing ambitions held by competitors. These may be as simple as not falling out or finishing ahead of a colleague from the same club.
The event has changed with the passing years although the nature of the river remains unaltered. The equipment used has advanced from the softskinned kayaks of the very earliest days, through the era of fragile soft-topped fibreglass models to the
Kevlar and plastic boats of today. Paddles have evolved from the symmetrical un-feathered type, through asymmetric blades, to today’s hollow shafted ‘wing paddles’ and paddlers are generally much fitter. This has resulted in less damage to boats and greatly improved times.
lucKy escaPe
however, real danger still exists as illustrated by the lucky escape, in 2015, of a UK pair who had the misfortune to have their boat wrapped around the bridge pier in Leixlip, trapping the rear paddler by his legs. The rapid response of the rescue team ensured that the paddler was successfully released.
A much larger number of paddlers now take part from within Ireland. Participation has been encouraged with the widening of classes from the original three classes of ‘doubles’, ‘singles’ and ‘ladies’ to the wide variety of classes today.
I would now like to recall my earliest experiences as being indicative of earlier times and attitudes. having listened to the stories of senior paddlers, which lost nothing in the telling with the weirs and waves becoming ever higher and course longer, my partner and I began to realise we faced a significant challenge. The challenge was enhanced by the fact our boat was of K2 dimensions but of plywood construction.
To address these issues, together with other less experienced colleagues, we decided to paddle the course a week before the event, to see where weirs
should be shot and portaged. of course the river was dry, but this was no deterrent. In those days the race started in Celbridge, so we only had to paddle from there to the last weir at Islandbridge. Even so, this took more than four hours and all of us were tired and intimidated by the length of the race.
PiPeD tO the river
The following week, the event started with boat inspection at Castletown house, after which the paddlers lined up behind Celbridge Pipe Band and were piped to the river. At the start line, each boat had been allotted a position along one of the river banks. When everyone was in position, the start gun was fired, and the race was underway. As we were just paddling the event, we were content to allow the faster boats make their way to the front of the field.
Celbridge Rapids was considered to be quite dangerous and was approached with caution.
Fortunately we experienced no difficulty and were looking forward to a steady paddle across the Leixlip Lake to the dam. Everything was fine until we reached the start of the lake where St. Wolstan’s Weir made an appearance for the first time. The scene of carnage had to be seen to be believed as there were capsized boats, paddlers and paddles everywhere. The fastest paddlers had simply hit an unknown weir and didn’t know how to react. By the time we arrived, some degree of order was in place and we were directed down the fish shoot.
At that time, Sluice and Lucan were considered too dangerous to shoot and were portaged. on to Wrens Nest, where we were in time to see our senior colleagues, the tellers of many stories, removing their K2, which had been snapped clean in two.
rescueD PuPPy
At Palmerstown we made the elementary error of hitting the left hand stopper and swam. There was no rescue in those days. We made it to the end of the wall at the other side, emptied and were ready to go but my partner had rescued a puppy and had lost his paddles. I said, “Get rid of the dog and I will get paddles.”
Among the many stories I had been told was, “Go to the stopper and grab the first set of paddles you find.” This was duly accomplished, my partner collected and off we headed to Butt Bridge. Never have the Quays seemed as long and it was one tired pair that crawled off the steps in search of Tara St. baths. on the way up,
there was a cry, “Those are my paddles!” and I said, “Give the man his paddles” and so ended my first experience with the Liffey.
Winning the event calls for a different mindset. Worldclass paddlers have trained continually for many years and are in top physical condition, having no concern for the distance. Such paddlers ensure their equipment is in perfect condition and know exactly where to shoot each weir. A major concern for them is when and where to maximise their efforts to place maximum pressure on fellow competitors.
ThePaDDler 41
Rep. of Ireland Liffey Descent
ThePaDDler 44 hOlDinG the line
Top paddlers choose carefully where to join the line at the start. Their most serious competitors will be watched and the behaviour of the starter noted. A game is then played between the paddlers and the starter. This is a game normally won by the paddlers who start the race as soon as they sense the starter can no longer hold the line.
It is then flat out to Straffan Weir as getting to the weir first is vital as only the shoot beside the steps is considered by top paddlers. Arriving first provides an opportunity for a clean shoot and the possibility of a break from the field immediately below the weir, though in an evenly matched field such a break is unlikely as a long way remains to the finish.
Top paddlers tend to stay close together keeping an eye on each other and watching for possible mistakes or other opportunities presented by the opposition. Weirs and the portage provide natural points to attempt to make a winning move but if the boats remain close together until the finish, it becomes a game of cat and mouse. Is it more advantageous to be in front or to sit slightly behind on the wash and doing less work? Either way, the moment to strike for the line is vital, timing the effort is everything and you only have to hit the front at the line to win.
inFOrmatiOn
Search for us on all the socials @LiffeyDescent, emailing LiffeyDescent@canoe.ie with questions or by logging onto www.canoe.ie to enter!
The greatest feeling of success falls to the first K2 who arrive to see no other boat on the bank at the finish. Watching others arrive and seeing the bank gradually fill up with other boats is a unique feeling, which very few get to experience.
Whilst competing provides the ultimate challenge, excitement starts to build with the collection of numbers the evening before the event. Excitement heightens the following morning as competitors arrive at the car park in Straffan. The nervous energy is palpable as everyone gets changed and puts the last minute touches to the boats and other equipment to make sure boat inspection is passed. Many use the opportunity to have a last look at Straffan Weir, how high is the flood? Will I get down safely?
nerves anD tensiOn
The tension continues to build as paddlers move up to the start. Traffic on the river is busy with boats bumping and it can be difficult to find a secure anchor point above the start lines. Nervous stories are exchanged and ‘good luck’ is wished. The minutes tick slowly by until the K2s are called to the line and the race starts. As soon as the race is underway, tension disappears and is replaced either by concerns of winning, if you are a leading paddler, or of surviving safely to the finish.
Crowds of spectators throng the main viewing points, Straffan Bridge, Celbridge, Lucan, Wrens Nest and Palmerstown. A surprising number watch from many other points down the length of the course. Generally, spectators are keen to encourage the paddlers, although undoubtedly some enjoy watching the misfortunes of those who swim.
What competitors fail to appreciate, is the scale of the organisation required for the event particularly on the day itself. The organisation includes stewards, starters and finishers together with the huge rescue team that ensures no serious harm befalls any competitor. The sense of occasion for the event is provided by the commentator at Straffan and later in the event.
traDitiOn
What is the magic of the event? It is partly tradition as the event has stood the test of time for almost 60 years with undiminished enthusiasm of the competitors notwithstanding development of many
newer sports. It is partly the setting of the event starting as it does in the still largely rural Kildare and arriving in the increasingly urbanised Dublin City. It is partly the contrasting challenge of each weir changing with the volume of water realised by the ESB every year. It is partly because the event is recognised as a World Classic event alongside those held each year in Spain, Denmark and South Africa. It is partly because the event provides a stern test for elite and also for not so elite paddlers. Finally it is because it is an annual opportunity for all paddlers to come together to enjoy their sport and to reminisce.
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MAGIC F I N D I N G
ThePaDDler 46
C L o S E
T o
h o M E
by Mal Grey The mist swirls gently around me, as I float on water the colour of smoked glass. Moisture clings to my cold gunwhales, for the temperature is hovering just above freezing.Around me, the damp trees are filled with birdsong, as the world awakens to a new day.Ahead, a strange orange glow lines the horizon through the haze, as the sun brings its first warmth to the river. Gradually, the mist clears and the sunrise is revealed in all its glory. Sat, chilly, in my canoe, I am transfixed by the wonder of the natural world, and time passes at a different pace.
ThePaDDler 47
This joyful experience of slow
paddling in quiet waters brings other rewards too. It opens your eyes and your mind, perhaps through the gift of allowing you time to simply look around you
upper thames Jungle
First liGht
A habit of mine when away on a canoeing trip is to rise at first light, and slip out of camp with the canoe. So often in the early morning, the water is glassy and the conditions spellbinding. I have experienced sunrises on perfect Scottish lochs, mists on the slow waters deep in French valleys below limestone cliffs, and on the miraculous lakes of Scandinavia where the divers call makes the hairs on your arms stand on end.The little tale above, though, relates to a grabbed half hour before work on the River Thames at Pangbourne, which brings me to the point of this article.
Since I ‘found’ canoeing, nearly ten years ago now, my eyes have been opened to the world around me. My perspective has changed, no longer is all my time outside spent chasing an adrenaline rush, as it was
when I was either climbing or mountain biking regularly, though I still enjoy the latter and have added a little modest whitewater paddling into the mix these days too. More and more, though, I am happy to sit quietly and watch the world, either alone, or with similarly minded friends. What I have discovered is that I don’t need to travel far from home to find magic moments. The waters of this crowded country of ours, are almost like a different world to the paths and trails of the countryside. It feels like your own special place, nature putting on a show just for your benefit, as once you are on the water, you are so often alone.
This kind of magic is one aspect where the open canoe, in particular, shines. As the warm wood of your single bladed paddle keeps your fingers from chilling, it becomes your contact with the liquid below. You slice
Newark Priory, River Wey
the blade silently forward, every nuance of a change of angle brought instantly to your fingers, and your canoe feels alive below you. You apply the forward stroke, and the canoe glides soundlessly, almost magically, along. A trailing rudder stroke just begs you to play with subtle angles, an unnecessary spin irresistible, just to enjoy the movement on the water. At times like this, how far you go, and how fast, is irrelevant. often, it is hard to tear yourself away. Sun up and sun down, are perhaps the most special times, but there is also great pleasure to be had from being out at any time under blue skies, or sat on a mirror-like lake.
This joyful experience of slow paddling on quiet waters brings other rewards too. It opens your eyes and your mind, perhaps through the gift of allowing you time to simply look around you, and everywhere there is nature in abundance. Even on the most urban of canals, I have paddled silently along to within a canoe’s length of herons and even kingfishers, aware of me but not fazed by me. Well, not until I point a lens straight at them, at which point they get all camera shy, more often than not. It’s not just those creatures that make the water their home that seem to find the canoe more interesting than threatening. I’ve watched badger cubs playing together in the dusk, stared eye to eye with numerous deer, and had a conversation with a tawny owl, who wasn’t even fazed when I accidentally left the camera’s flash turned on. Perhaps he knew he was just out of range for a decent picture.
very simPle activity
The joy of open canoeing is that you need very little to enjoy this feeling. Just a canoe, a paddle and a buoyancy aid. You can wear what you’d wear out for a walk in the countryside. Yes, there is still plenty of equipment you can collect to enhance the experience, especially when you add in overnight camping or whitewater, but essentially this is a very simple activity. of course, you can enjoy much the same experience in a kayak, or on a sit on top, but there is something special about the single blade on quiet waters.
our green and pleasant countryside brings us more than just quiet moments appreciating nature’s beauty though. It can bring us hard work, unknown outcomes, and even a little jeopardy. Many of our lowland rivers take you well away from roads and paths, places where nobody else normally goes. here, the way may be blocked by a tangled jumble of fallen trees, or overgrown with salad-like plants from below your canoe, and progress can be measured in hours per mile, rather than miles per hour. often a saw will be involved to clear passage, and I have found myself half way up a tree with a canoe, trying to haul it through a gap at the only angle the intransigent trees would allow. There’s something strangely enjoyable at passing your time stood in a mud and spider filled canoe, attempting to climb over a greasy tree trunk whilst pushing your canoe under it, to gain 20 yards of clear water before starting the jungle adventure once again.
ThePaDDler 49
ThePaDDler 50
to enjoy that feeling
You needn’t even go to the less-travelled places to find a little adventure, to have a glimpse of a bird or animal, or simply of being on the water with nowhere you need to go
Why it should be enjoyable is anybody’s guess, on paper it sounds nuts, but enjoyable it is.
Add a flowing stream to this tangled world and the adventure becomes much more serious. In fact, at times it can be downright dodgy, and great care needs to be taken, using whitewater judgement skills to assess the danger, and to read the water, though the technical grade might not even be grade 1. A mistake could be costly, being swept into the spiky mass of fallen trees unthinkable. An experienced group, with the right level of skill, judgement and a sense of the ridiculous, can have a highly rewarding paddle up there with the best whitewater days. Near me in Surrey, the River Mole is one such place, and every winter finds several of us keeping a constant eye on the water level of this tree-strewn stream, for it only “goes” when there is enough, but not too much water, and rises and falls as fast as a mountain river.
cOastlines
On the fringes of our island lies the sea, one of the most remarkable coastlines on the planet, its diversity almost unique. Down in the south, where I make my home, the coastline is less wild, less rough, than the west and north coasts, but still it feels special. Much of it is the domain of the sea kayaker but there are many estuaries where, when the conditions of tide and wind are right, an open canoe can venture.
There’s a funny thing about the big estuaries along the Sussex and Hampshire coast. When you’re out on them, you’d think it would be the large expanse of water that you’re bobbing up and down on that would dominate. It’s not, it’s the sky, an immense roof under which you feel very small. Paddling out, on your own, into this world of open water and endless mudbanks can feel a little intimidating and isn’t something for beginners. Once you have the experience and confidence, though, these are amazing places to explore.
Out there, the flats are covered in life. Birds with a dozen different shaped beaks find food in the mud that their bill is specifically designed to dig for, piping and crying with somehow mournful voices as they go. If you know where to go, there’s a colony of seals, the only one on the south coast east of Devon, that haul out around low tide. Mostly harbour seals, with a couple of tag-along greys, they are curious creatures. A code of practice asks you not to go too close, but to be honest, if you stop a few hundred metres away, they will probably come to you and have a good look.
Last time I was there, maybe seven or eight of them, including pups, came over and swam around me just a boat length away. Mostly they sneaked up behind, snorted, then dived before I could swing the camera around, but some were happy enough to pose. They certainly didn’t seem remotely stressed. The big grey, though, followed me out as I left their homeland creek, giving my stern the briefest of touches as I reached the main estuary channel again. Interacting with big wild mammals such as these is so rare and special in this country, though it can leave you very aware that whilst they are perfectly at home here, you are certainly not if they did want to tip you in! All this is happening in a truly wild place, yet it has only taken half an hour’s paddling from a bustling small town to get there.
You needn’t even go to the less-travelled places to find a little adventure, to have a glimpse of a bird or animal, or simply to enjoy that feeling of being on the water with nowhere you need to go. Even the busy waters of the Thames as it meanders towards London through ever denser suburban towns offers glimpses of a wilder side, often found by just exploring the backwaters downstream of the many weirs, though don’t get too close to the latter. And Britain has the most extensive canal network anywhere, and every one of them offers a different perspective of the familiar places through which they pass.
ThePaDDler
51
England River Nene
ThePaDDler 54
WilD camPinG
If you love camping outdoors, a wild camp can be a fabulous way of really getting the most out of the countryside. Now, this is a slightly grey area, as officially wild camping is not permitted in most of England. however, if you treat both the countryside and the people you meet with respect, arrive late and leave early, in a small group, to an out of the way spot where you will trouble no one, it is perfectly possible and highly unlikely that anybody will ask you to move on. If they do, then don’t argue, and quietly pack up and leave, but gladly I’ve never heard of this happening. I’m sure I don’t need to add that you should leave absolutely no trace that you were there.
Wherever you live, there will be special places to find. Sometimes its as simple as looking for blue lines on the map, others require a bit more research. To me, though, that’s half the fun, there’s nothing better than getting out the maps, firing up Google Streetview and using the many online resources to find a new place to explore, some of which are listed below. Nothing, though, beats the feeling of just going out and exploring for yourselves, there’s magic out there. So, don’t just think of your next trip to the more exotic or wilder places of the world, have a look at those blue lines on your doorstep, and go and have your own little adventures.
WilDerness is a state OF minD
Mal has recently launched his own website, showcasing his photography, his writing and hopefully inspiring others through these, and through a regular blog, to get out there and have their own adventures, either further afield or close to home.
https://www.wildernessisastateofmind.co.uk/
Grey heron, basingstoke canal
Evening on the Arun
curious deer
Dragonfly on the canal
Oystercatcher
little egret, beaulieu river
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ThePaDDler 56
UK rivers INFoRMATIoN
WHERE TO GO: here are a few of the perhaps lesser known places I’ve explored with my canoe, alone or with friends. These are mostly in the south, but wherever you live, open your eyes and a little adventuring in a magical place awaits.
the basinGstOKe canal A remarkably rural canal, once you’re west of Fleet. Launch at Barley Mow Bridge and head westwards towards odiham and, if time allows, on to King John’s Castle near the end at Greywell before returning. Perfect on a summer evening.
the Wey The Wey Navigation runs from Godalming to the Thames at Weybridge. The best bits, though, are the backwaters, which meander around the lock cuts, which straightened out one of the oldest navigations in Britain. Try the one around Triggs lock, starting from Send, or head to Shalford and explore the wooded backwater around St Catherine’s lock. Be aware, though, that you may find fallen trees on either and as such only experience paddlers should venture there if the water is anything other than a gentle flow.
the mOle Mentioned above in the text, this is an adventure that only works when the level is reasonable, often best done after its been high, as it falls to a
reasonable level. This is very much for experienced paddlers with a high standard of canoe manoeuvring skill, and whitewater skills as well as gardening ones.
the arun Even though it’s nearly 20 miles from the sea, the River Arun is still tidal upstream of Pulborough. Launch there, preferably on the middle of a rising tide, and head upstream. Judging the tides here is a dark art, but I work roughly on it being four hours behind the tide at Littlehampton. As you head upstream, you pass though the hills, under the lovely ancient Stopham Bridge, and through some narrow, reed-lined sections, which open out occasionally. If you’re lucky and determined, you might make it to Pallingham Quay, which is just a small farm now, but the name gives away its history.
chichester harbOur A lovely part to explore is the arm up towards Fishbourne and Chichester. Launching at West Itchenor on the second half of a rising tide should let you reach the upper area at high tide, have time for a relaxed break on a beach, then return. Note the tide flows quite quickly between the moored craft around the start and finish point, and being an open estuary, is best avoided on a windy day.
the uPPer thames Above the official navigation, the Thames is a very different river to the one that flows through London, or bustles with punts and rowers in oxford. Between Cricklade and Lechlade it is little more than a big stream, and can be choked with trees and reeds, so is best avoided in high flows. Up here, you are often miles from any road, something that seems unexpected on England’s most famous river.
the river nene Like the Wey, the Nene is a navigation with a host of backwaters around locks to explore. Some spots even have portage points and signage, though its not always consistent or well thought out!
resOurces To help find your own places, the following resources are useful.
www.paddlepoints.net A map-based resource that shows you where to paddle, with thousands of info points added by members.
www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/go-canoeing/places-topaddle/british-canoeing-places-to-paddle The ‘official body’ for canoeing in the UK. The Go Canoeing section is useful, and membership is the easiest option for those requiring a licence for most of the navigations of England and Wales.
www.canoedaysout.com A website with lots of suggested ideas for paddling routes.
www.songofthepaddle.co.uk/forum/forum.php A website and forum for all things open canoe. The blogs are a superb source of inspiration on where to go paddling, and this online community is very much to blame for getting me hooked.
www.ukriversguidebook.co.uk More whitewater and sea kayaking orientated, the original Rivers Guidebook section is very useful.
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British Canoeing launch a new Challenge Route Read more on page 12
Volunteer and Recognition Awards 2018 Read more on page 6
New Awarding Body Website Launched Read more on page 14
Late Spring 2018
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Contents
3
Welcome
National Go Canoeing Week
Foreword
4
British Canoeing launch a new Challenge Route
12
News p5 New Awarding Body Website Launched p14
News News
5
Coaching and Leadership New Awarding Body Website Launched
14
Volunteer and Recognition Awards p6 Visiting Palm p18
Awards Volunteer and Recognition Awards
6
Promotion Your next Adventure awaits
16
Introducing Palm
18
Drybag
21
Paddle in the Park p9
What’s on?
8
Paddle in the Park
9
Paddlesport
Membership Reasons to join British Canoeing
Women in Paddlesport - Justine and Sienna Jenkins p22
10
Women in Paddlesport - Justine and Sienna Jenkins
22
Canoe Focus Late Spring 2018
Upcoming Events
4
Welcome Welcome to the Late Spring edition of Canoe Focus, once again in conjunction with The Paddler. The response to this partnership has been really positive and it’s great to see the magazine back in print. Clubs will receive two copies of the six issues a year and there are already a few hundred members who have subscribed and are now receiving their own printed copies of The Paddler. A few weeks ago at the AGM, we marked the first anniversary of the launch of Stronger Together, our strategic plan to 2021. I am pleased with the progress we have made through working together and this is clearly presented within our Annual Review of 2017. We have reported progress against the 20 key indicators and 67 targets within the plan. Highlights include making some significant changes to our coaching and leadership qualifications, a growth in membership, the launch of 50 new trails, medal success in European and World championships in all disciplines, winning bids to host four international events in the next three years, making positive improvements around athlete welfare and becoming fully compliant with the UK Code of Sports Governance.
www.britishcanoeing.org.uk
I am also sensing a growing optimism throughout British Canoeing. Of course not everything runs perfectly and we still need to do much better in some areas, but there appears to be a growing recognition that we are all now moving more strongly together in a better and clearer direction. This came through strongly during the recent consultation meetings (around Club Associate Membership and the Access Charter) in 12 locations throughout England, and was reinforced with some really positive feedback at the coaching conference in February and then again at the club conference in March. We have now launched our new membership categories and will be working with clubs over the next 18 months to engage another 30000 club members into Club Associate membership so that we can open up direct communications with these members and add value to their club membership. (page 10)
We have also migrated all of our membership data to a new membership management system. This will open up all kinds of improvements for the future that were not possible with the previous system and these changes will impact positively on coaches, members, clubs and event organisers over the next 12 months. Our key new drive in the next 12 months will be around the Access Charter and Access Campaign. This will be featured in the next issue of Focus but our renewed intent around access is outlined in a Joint Statement we issued in February. The National Water Sports Survey provided encouraging news that the number of people paddling went up again last year. As the numbers on the water increase, the need to emphasise safety guidance becomes even more important. I hope as members, that you can help to promote our safety guidance and resources and encourage the reporting of incidents through our report form. The 2018 paddling season is well underway. I have enjoyed seeing so many talented athletes competing in the various events I have attended; Hurley Classic, Slalom and Sprint trials, Canoe Polo National Championships and I want to say big thanks to the incredible organisers who make these all happen and run so smoothly. Our athletes and teams are all gearing up for their domestic and international competitions. The results of the last two years have been impressive and let’s hope for an equally successful year in 2018. We are also on the countdown to National Go Canoeing Week (26 May-03 June) and I hope that we will see even more people involved this year. (Page 9) There is also exciting news about a new and accessible Challenge Route being launched within the Olympic Park in April, just in time for Go Canoeing Week (page 12.) It has been a long, cold and wet winter. The summer is almost here and it’s full of promise. I hope you enjoy some long, warm and sunny days on the water. David Joy Chief Executive
N E WS
5
For the latest news visit www.bri tishcanoeing.org.uk/news or sign up to our free digital sign up membership category to receive regular e-news updates www.britishcanoeing.or g.uk/membership/membership-r elaunch
BBC Presenters complete kayaking challenges
AGM, National Conference and Awards Dinner
Three BBC presenters, who pledged to kayak around 30 miles to raise money for Sport Relief, have successfully completed their missions thanks to the brilliant support of our members.
Our AGM, Stronger Clubs Conference and Volunteer and Recognition Awards all took place on Saturday 24th March 2018 at Eastwood Hall in Nottinghamshire. Our Stronger Clubs Conference was new for 2018 and brought together Club Officers, Coaches and key volunteers and gave attendees the opportunity to hear the latest insights from across canoeing, as well as attend workshops and networking events. Head to page 6 to read more about our awards ceremonies and see photos from the night!
British Canoeing Joins Key Environmental Network British Canoeing has joined the Wildlife and Countryside Link, a unique coalition of more than 48 organisations concerned with the conversation and protection of wildlife in the countryside.
British Canoeing will join Link’s steering groups which focus on waterways, Land Use planning, Invasive Non-Native Species as well as Environmental Link’s UK Brexit Nature Coalition.
Click here to read more
d s Confirme m a e T m lo Sla ction etitive Sele After Comp Weekend were alom racers sl p to ’s in ta Bri entre hite Water C W y e ll a V e at Le their ng to secure in April looki der 23 e Senior, Un places on th ams reat Britain te G r io n Ju d n a . ming season for the upco ion Joe mpic Champ Reigning Oly tained rd & Stone) re o ff ta (S e rk la C with e K1M team his place on th e weekend. ss o nces acr th a rm o rf e p g stron llist David lympic meda Three-time O ade s Register) m yd lo (L ce n re re Flo orld Click he e team and W r io n se r th ll 8 so a th d his 1 Franklin (Win to recap ry o ll a M n io Champ action r C1W title ill defend he . & District) w K1W ntesting the as well as co kend was om the wee fr ry (Lee Valley) o st ss e A succ than Forrow e B ld o r a ye ior team! r 16 women’s sen our cover sta 1 C e th n o t a spo who secured
Canoe Focus Late Spring 2018
Link’s 48 members include The National Trust, The Rivers Trust and British Mountaineering Council. Each stakeholder plays a key role in the practice and advocate environmentally sensitive land.
Click here to see Presentations from the weekend
British Canoeing Awards
6
Every year British Canoeing celebrates the fantastic work and achievements of coaches, leaders, volunteers and clubs who help make the sport what it is today.
Congratulations to all of this year’s winners who were presented with their awards at ceremonies as part of the Coaching and Leadership Conference in February and Volunteer Recognition Awards in March.
Follow the links to read more about all of our awardees and see full photo galleries from the night.
Coaching and Leadership awards Click here for a full roundup of the evening
Coaching and Leadership Awardees: >> Chris Brain - Impact on Coaching Award >> Daniel Colby - Junior Coach of the Year >> Dave Edwards - Performance Coach of the Year >> Pat Williams - Community Coach of the Year >> Dave Rossetter - Geoff Good Award
www.britishcanoeing.org.uk
>> Doug and Lara Cooper - Outstanding Service Award
Volunteer and Recognition awards Click here for a full roundup of the evening
Volunteer and Recognition Awardees: >> Young Volunteer of the Year Award sponsored by Silverbirch Canoes: Jessica Magson >> Volunteer of the Year Award sponsored by Cotswold Outdoor: Tim Mather >> Impact on Equality and Diversity Award sponsored by Palm Equipment: Birmingham Canoe Club >> Club of the Year award sponsored by Cotswold Outdoor: Leighton Buzzard Canoe Club >> John MacGregor Outstanding Challenge Award Sponsored by Peak UK: Colin Skeath and Davis Gould-Duff
Award of Honour recipients >> >> >> >> >> >>
Peter Bland Colin Broadway Tibor Herbent Richard Lee Dave Royle Steve Watts
Outstanding Contribution recipients >> >> >> >> >> >> >>
Rob Bates Teresa Bland Ann Hoile Tim Houghton Mike Male Tim Mather Irene Osbourne
7
Canoe Focus Late Spring 2018
8
What’s On? MAY
13
River Medway Silly Hats Tour
Tonbridge to Yalding or Hartlake to Yalding
Sun 13th May 2018 Prize for the best Silly Hat sponsored by Kent Canoes. Event Entry Fee £2.00 per person.
MAY
20
The first ever official paddling event to be allowed to go through the 1.66 mile long Harecastle Tunnel - get your space soon as only 30 boats are allowed through! Open canoes only. For more information contact Mike Fennell on: mike_fennell@btinternet.com
JUN JUN
2
Holme Pierrepont Country Park
Sat 2nd & Sun 3rd June 2018
See the next page for more information.
Harecastle Tunnel/Stoke on Trent Heritage Trail
Sun 20th May 2018
For more info and booking email: jeremys.canoe@gmail.com
Paddle in the Park
Potteries Paddlers Regional Paddle
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Paddle to the Heart
Brindley Place, Birmingham
Sat 9th June 2018
Choose from one of the many canal networks leading into Birmingham city centre at Brindley. Place and join them in a day of paddling their regional waterways, coming together at Brindley Place to play games and showcase Canoeing to the city centre. clare.dallaway@britishcanoeing.org.uk
JUN
9
Aztec Adventure Paddlefest
Aztec Adventure, Upton Warren, Bromsgrove.
Sat 16th & Sun 17th June 2018
A weekend of canoe / kayak related workshops, skills updates and coaching. This event is open to all paddlers within the West Midlands region whether you are a coach or not and no matter what your level of experience may be.
JUN
23
Windermere Summer Solstice
Holme Pierrepont Country Park
Sat 23rd & Sun 24th June 2018
The Windermere Summer Solstice Lake Race is an exciting event held on England’s longest lake, at the heart of the beautiful Lake District National Park. For more information visit: www.windermerecanoekayak.com
www.britishcanoeing.org.uk
JUN
23
Worcester Ring Challenge
Worcester and Birmingham Canal
Saturday 14 July 2018 th
Dare you take on the challenge, see www.worcester-ring.org
JUL
22
Doggy Paddle
River Leam and River Avon
Sunday 22nd July 2018
For more information see: rlscc.com/page/doggy-paddle
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Paddle in the Park is a weekend full of paddling activities for everyone.There will be plenty to keep you entertained, with workshops for different levels of paddlers to try new things and progress their skills.
2nd & 3rd June 2018
The weekend promises thrills and spills to suit all ages and abilities. >> Freestyle clinics >> Women’s specific sessions >> Intro and improver white water workshops >> Slalom C1, K1 and flat water skills sessions >> OC1 white water workshops >> White water course day pass >> Flat water ‘have a go’ activities >> Lazy river tubing >> Opportunities to try demo boats from top manufacturers >> Trade stands >> BoaterX Competition >> SUPX Competition
15% discount for BC members
Click here for full schedule and more information
>> Flat water raft racing
Canoe Focus Late Spring 2018
A great weekend out with your friends or family.
Workshops are only £15.00 with a White Water or Lagoon Pass only £5.00.
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Become a Member
Reasons to
Join British Canoeing It’s a great time to get membership with British Canoeing, offering a great membership service and connecting people through paddling. We are here to help, support and advise you at every stage of your membership, whether you just getting started or are already involved in this exciting and varied sport! Membership is vital in ensuring British Canoeing can continue to help and support you as a valued member and positively contribute to the growth of paddlesports.
www.britishcanoeing.org.uk
Join online at: www.britishcanoeing. org.uk/membership
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There are lots of reasons to join and benefit from membership, but here’s our top list! 1. You are part of a vibrant and active community of over 35,000 paddlers
2. Helping to support the canoeing community in advocating good environmental practices through the Check, Clean, Dry campaign and promoting clean-up activities
3. Keep up to date with member-only e-newsletters with inspirational articles, Information on coaching, updates on competition results, event listings and the latest on member benefits and services
4. Membership includes a Waterways licence giving you a licence to paddle on over 5,000km of inland waterways and it’s cheaper to have membership than buy a licence direct. Plus you’ll be supporting the work of the Waterways Authorities to maintain and improve waterways including portages
5. Your Public Liability Insurance - providing you with £10 million in cover and peace of mind in case of a 3rd party claim for damage or injury including member to member claims
6. Boat Insurance - access to canoe and kayak insurance from Towergate covering canoes, kayaks, SUPs, paddles and equipment all at a competitive price. Cover includes competition and recreational paddling and all types of water
7. Free digital copies of the Paddler magazine, including Canoe Focus, and the opportunity to purchase a subscription for 6 magazines per year at a discounted rate
8. Competitions: As a member you can take part in the Discipline competition events and the recreational events
9. Access to the courses and qualifications to become a coach or develop your skills. You also have the insurance cover for all your coaching activities
10. Get involved with Discipline committees, Regional Development Teams or volunteer with the Access campaigns
11. Finally, offset the cost of your individual membership fee through the Member Discounts with Cotswold Outdoor, Snow & Rock, Cycle Surgery, Runner’s Need, The Dry Bag and discounts on Personal Performance Awards and Safety Training.
Canoe Focus Late Spring 2018
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British Canoeing launch a new Challenge Route for National Go Canoeing Week
www.britishcanoeing.org.uk
Be a winner this National Go Canoeing Week There will be some great spot prizes up for grabs throughout the week as well as ones for top club and individual mileage.
Don’t forget to upload your best pictures when you register your miles too - there will be a prize for the best photo too!
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Channel the spirit of champions on a challenge route to the heart of Olympic glory. National Go Canoeing Week takes place from the 26th May to 3rd June. The week is all about people going on adventures and taking on new challenges. For some people that might be getting in a boat for the first time and for others it is pushing themself to try something new. This year British Canoeing are launching their newest Challenge Route to coincide with the week. The London Legacy Loop takes paddlers on a six and a half mile route, from Limehouse Basin, along the Limehouse Cut canal and around the iconic Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The route travels along the oldest canal in London, from Victorian to modern history, celebrating victories of engineering and sporting glory. With no locks and at a fairly short distance this route should be suitable for most people. There is also the option to hire boats at the start from Moo Canoes, who are based in Limehouse Basin.
Choose another challenge Like the sound of the London Legacy Loop but want a different challenge? We have five other challenge routes you can choose from. With beautiful but tough lakes and lochs, an endurance challenge in Worcester and a loop from the home of British Canoeing in Nottingham, there are routes for all fitness and abilities. If you would prefer to think up an independent adventure for National Go Canoeing Week that’s great too! We have set a target of 45,000 miles to be paddled throughout the week, so every mile you register really will count. Choose from one of the hundreds of activities listed on the Canoe Near You map on the British Canoeing website or just go out for a paddle. Whatever you do make sure you register your miles for the week!
To celebrate each paddlers victory, everyone who takes on the challenge can register their time and get their name on the leaderboard.
Image credits: Gordon Joly, Alvin Leong, Nimalo
Canoe Focus Late Spring 2018
Fancy fantastic views of famous sporting venues and a chance to paddle close to the centre of the capital city? Find out more about the London Legacy Loop here.
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NEW AWARDING BODY WEBSITE LAUNCHED British Canoeing Awarding Body are pleased to launch the new British Canoeing Awarding Body (BCAB) website. We are pleased to introduce you to the new website which is packed full of information and eLearning activities to inform and support you through your paddlesport journey. There’s something for everyone with information about the Awarding Body, our Regulated and Non-regulated Awards, a Paddler Zone and a Provider Zone. There’s also a dedicated area for each of our individual Delivery Centres.
This is the first of many changes we have planned for the next 18 months. The new Awarding Body website is an exciting development to kick it all off. Barry Wade, Head of Digital, British Canoeing
The BCAB website is a really positive step in being able to better support Learners, Providers and Delivery Centres. This ‘one stop shop’ showcases the educational arm of the organisation, providing resources, syllabuses, academic research and delivery guidance. On a regular basis, resources will be added with the inclusion of interactive packages that can be accessed to support and develop paddlers, leaders, coaches and providers. Lee Pooley, British Canoeing Awarding Body Responsible Officer
Click Here to view the Awarding Body Website
www.britishcanoeing.org.uk
The BCAB website contains all of the up to date documents so is your one stop shop to find all the up to date resources and documents.
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eLEARNING In order to support our paddlers, coaches and leaders, British Canoeing are pleased to provide a range of eLearning resources to go alongside our qualifications and awards to support, engage and provide extra information for those who wish to supplement their learning. These are all free and available to anyone interested in developing their knowledge in the range of subject areas, from coaches to leaders and athletes to recreational paddlers.
We currently have the following eLearning packages available >> The Paddlesport Instructor eLearning is designed to support coaches and aspirant coaches through varying topics of coaching knowledge and skills. There are 9 topics to choose from, along with a Knowledge Audit which will help you understand areas you may need to develop further. The activities are great for those looking to attend their Paddlesport Instructor course or those looking for a refresher. The eLearning can also be used to support those going direct entry to the Coach Award, to check their prior knowledge.
information on buoyage by taking you through many different types of buoys. Once you’ve got all the information, it’s time to test your knowledge with one of our quizzes, either timed or not. Compare your results with your friends and try to beat their score! >> The Introduction to Disability eLearning aim is to aid your learning and get you thinking about disability. >> The Nutrition and Hydration eLearning will give information surrounding the nutrition and hydration of paddlers, helping paddlers to develop their understanding. >> The Introduction to First Aid eLearning gives an overview of the First Aid relevant to Paddlesport including a summary of what’s in a First Aid Kit, typical injuries and getting too hot or too cold! There’s even a short clip from Dr Tim Brabants MBE. >> The Coach Award eLearning is open to those who have registered for the Coach Award and supports those working towards their Coach Award assessment.
>> The Developing your Coaching Craft eLearning activities enable coaches to better assess their current performance and develop their coaching practices. This activity requires you to carry out practical exercises, including Observing Coaching Sessions, Planning Coaching Sessions, Delivering/Reviewing Sessions and Action Planning. >> The Leadership eLearning will take you through some of the key principles behind the British Canoeing Model of Leadership, ensuring Leaders have a basic knowledge of the principles. This activity is great for any Leader. >> This
Buoyage eLearning activity gives lots of
Canoe Focus Late Spring 2018
Keep your eyes peeled on the British Canoeing Awarding Body website for the next eLearning activities.
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Kit yourself out this season with the best brands and products perfect for when you’re on and off the water. Wherever your next adventure takes you, explore the great outdoors in style with Cotswold Outdoor. Here are a few top picks from our experts to help you explore more.
We’ve picked out some of the best kit to make sure you can handle whatever this changeable season sends your way.
www.britishcanoeing.org.uk
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Packs, luggage and travel accessories buyer for Outdoor & Cycle Concepts, Will Parkhouse: “A fantastic multi-use day pack that’s comfortable, light and well-featured. This should be in everyone’s gear arsenal.”
Women’s & Men’s Scarpa Terra GTX Walking Boots
Osprey Talon 33 Rucksack
Great adventures start from the ground up. Waterproof, breathable and with superior grip, it’s no wonder the Scarpa Terra GTX is one of our most popular boots for any activity. A cushioned sole and extra ankle support means these boots feel great from the first use, so you can get out there sooner.
Explore new places with everything you need on your back. Perfect for fast day raids or lightweight weekend adventures, the Talon 33 Rucksack offers everything you’d expect from Osprey’s range of innovative packs. Available in three colours and with breathable ventilation at the heart of its design, this pack has been created with your summer adventures in mind.
Women’s & Men’s Rab Kinetic Plus Waterproof Jacket
Need help preparing for your next adventure? Pop into your local store and one of our experts will help you to discover your great outdoors with kit from the very best brands.
Canoe Focus Late Spring 2018
Explore more this season with our 15% discount for all British Canoeing members. Just use your British Canoeing membership card in-store or online at cotswoldoutdoor.com using the code on the reverse of your British Canoeing membership card.
Make a splash this season with the new waterproof range from Rab. A super lightweight and breathable jacket, with a YKK Aquaguard zip and pockets that keep the water out, so you can keep exploring. Its ProFlex fabric gives you more freedom of movement, making it comfortable, versatile and ready for any adventure.
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INTRODUCING PALM
We visited Palm Equipment an official British Canoeing Trade Partner, to chat to founder Andy Knight and head of marketing Paul Robertson.
Andy, explains how he began making kayaks and gear before he had even left school; it’s fair to say that he is no stranger to the water and a that he has deep interest in developing our sport. ‘From the age of thirteen I was involved in kayaking. Our local youth group got hold of some canvas canoes, and we were told if we could repair them we could use them. ‘My school then acquired a kayak mould, we were given the materials and told to have a go – we had no idea what we were doing and I got showered in fibreglass.’ Although his first attempts in the manufacturing process didn’t quite go according to plan, and his newly molded boat filled with water on its first outing, Andy was hooked. This lead him to join his local canoe club and from there through misadventure and endeavour in a multitude of disciplines Andy earned the British Surf Kayak Championship title in 1984.
With Palm now in it’s 39th year, the technology may have moved on and trends may be constantly changing, but for founder Andy, technical director Bob Slee (who built much of the factory machinery from scratch), and the rest of the team at Palm, the mantra is still very much the same: ‘Our mission statement is “gear for paddlers”, and that means anything to do with paddlesport and providing the best equipment available.’ says Andy. Palm is one of several companies working directly with British Canoeing through the trade partnership – an initiative to encourage increased participation in paddlesports. Palm see the outdoor recreation industry as one of the key drivers, as two time former freestyle C1 world champion Paul Robertson explains, ‘Over the last ten years we have focused on the wider outdoor industry. ‘Many people take part in multiple outdoor pursuits and there has been rapid change in equipment available. People want the same performance out of paddling equipment as they get from other outdoor products such as bikes and hiking equipment.
www.britishcanoeing.org.uk
‘One of the key things for us was to make paddlesport attractive to grow the breadth of participation, particularly in gender and age.’ sadors for represented by ambas Palm is proud to be team. ing raft GB n’s wome paddlesport like the
by Sam Seeley Environmen tal activism holiday anyo Pickup, orga ne? Paddle nised by Erin Bastian and Bex Band.
A drive bourne out by Palm’s continued development of female and kids specific gear, as well as a range of accessories which make paddling accessible, comfortable and as a result more enjoyable. This is something that Andy see’s as a real strength for Palm;
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ject youth pro long term a is y m e id’s Acad orted by Palm. Cardiff K supp
Product testi ng the new Shuck helm on Palm’s st et and Dagg omping grou er Phanto nds of the Br ce the produ to Free s Fathom with g workin econ Beacon m Palm have been s. . waste e marin plastic mixed from first ever kayak made
‘We make gear that is attractive and colourful. We want to bring attention to the sport, for people to take notice and have a go. ‘Female participation is something we’ve focused on in product development, with help from our inspiring team of ambassadors including the GB ladies rafting team; sea kayak adventurer Erin Bastian; paddleboarder and campaigners Cal Major and Shilpika Gautam; whitewater athletes Martina Wegman and Lowri Davies; and more. ‘Following the trend in the outdoor industry – it wasn’t groundbreaking as such, but new to paddlesports – rather than saying here’s a jacket that fits all, everything we make is scaled correctly to target specific groups in order to help people get more comfortable getting into the sport.’
Beyond participation, Palm is also helping to drive changing attitudes towards the environment, and how this can have an impact on paddlesports for the better.
‘We’ve recently moulded the first kayaks ever made from plastic marine waste. We didn’t think it was possible, but we now hope to bring some products to market in the future. ‘We’ve been making kayaks using recycled material from our own manufacturing for some years now and they are in great demand, which is great to see.’ Trade partnership and working with other manufacturers and retailers all have a part to play in working together to increase participation and carrying a positive message. ‘We’re very keen on seeing people out on the water enjoying themselves, and everyone is fitter and healthier for that.’ – said Paul ‘By working with a national body and in partnership with other trades and retailers it helps to spread the message that paddling is for everyone widely to the general public.’
‘As paddlers we’ve been lucky enough to go outdoors and enjoy it, but we need to demonstrate responsibility and care for the environment. ‘Materials become available that significantly reduce water and chemical use or opportunities arise to repurposed waste material we are quick to adopt them in our manufacturing.
Paddleboarding eve nts shared with ind ustry partner Red Paddle Co.
ory. lm’s UK fact g gear at Pa Customisin
Canoe Focus Late Spring 2018
From signing up to industry initiative Operation Clean Sweep in their factory, where 90% of all waste is recycled, to partnering with local and national initiatives which take custodianship of their local environment, Paul explains how Palm is helping to lead the way in terms of producing sustainable products with a purpose.
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British Canoeing has launched a new partnership with JAMIN Sports to provide travel packages for supporters attending international events.
SUPPORTERS CLUB
The first Supporters Club event is in July 2018 at the ICF Junior and U23 Canoe Sprint World Championships in Bulgaria The tour will include flights to Bulgaria*, airport transfers, hotel accommodation and a shuttle service to the regatta lake in Plovdiv. www.britishcanoeing.org.uk
THE FRIENDLY WAY TO TRAVEL FULLY INSURED FOR YOUR PROTECTION *as no flights are held, prices are subject to change at time of booking
info@Jaminsports.co.uk
0800 840 1116
www.jaminsports.co.uk
How do you store your paddling gear?
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Getting out on the water to explore often involves some road time to visit your favourite venues, travelling mixes it up a bit and ensures you keep improving by paddling in different conditions. So with unavoidable road time how do you store your paddling gear and deal with the irritating routine of packing up your wet gear afterwards? Enter stage right – The Dry Bag, perfectly designed to store, protect and collect water from your paddling gear.
So how does it work Simply hang your wet gear over the heavy-duty hanger which is enclosed in The Dry Bag (and can take a nifty 25kg in drop weight) and let any water drip into the water collection area at the bottom. Your wet gear will start to drip dry on the way home and you can sling all your gear and the kitchen sink in The Dry Bag – your spray deck, buoyancy aid and wet over clothes.
Gone are the days of stuffing your gear into a small and tatty carrier bag. And as an added perk, when you’re not out on the water you can leave your gear hanging in The Dry Bag to avoid the dreaded slug slime, spider infestation or l’odour neoprene that seems to cling to everything else in the cupboard. The Dry Bag Pro has been recommended by those
thedrybag.co.uk
As a bonus, the sturdy hanger is made from 100% recycled materials as is the box the product arrives in. And with a 30 day no quibble returns policy if you’re not convinced by this clever yet simple product The Dry Bag will happily refund your order for you.
Canoe Focus Late Spring 2018
/thedrybag
in the know for paddlers thanks to its showerproof material front and back meaning you can hang it outside in all weathers and the gear inside will continue to dry. It will also collect water and dirt to protect your vehicle when you’re travelling to a venue.
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Women in Paddlesport
Justine and Sienna Jenkins To celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8th we spoke to Justine Jenkins about how she and her daughter Sienna got into paddlesport. Their stories highlight the fantastic diversity of the sport and the pathways it can open up.
Sienna’s Story In August 2015 my daughter Sienna aged 13 came back from a school trip with PGL in the Ardeche raving about kayaking and said she wanted to do more. Sienna has Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)* and I couldn’t believe she actually wanted to do a sport. We went to a session at a local canoe club on a Saturday morning but Sienna felt it was too much like school and not what she wanted to do. The next day we headed to Nottingham Kayak Club, they have a recreational session at 11.00 am and we both loved it. It was game based fun on the water with a mixture of children and beginners The coaches were friendly and informal and we had a great time bonding together and learning how to paddle. Three weeks later we were members and this became our regular Sunday morning time together. By the end of October I got nervous as the river got higher and faster, so we decided to take a break but came back at Easter.
www.britishcanoeing.org.uk
Sienna has never enjoyed PE or any sports before because of how difficult it has been for her due to coordination and balance difficulties. She also had low self confidence with any physical activities. Justine
As the weather got warmer the coaches got us trying different boats and in June our coach David Phillips put us in a Trimmer, which is a stability 9-10. Every week we just had fun! We fell in, learnt to get out safely, laughed a lot, got wet a lot, explored the river and canals, got a bit fitter and faster and made new friends. It felt like going on holiday every weekend. There were GB team athletes, high division elite athletes, and experienced paddlers, of all age ranges, all just paddling for fun. It’s a very relaxed environment with quite a bit of silliness and comedy, plus lots of cake and biscuits, which are mandatory post paddle. In July 2016 Sienna was discharged from Occupational Therapy at King’s Mill Hospital. At her yearly assessment they said she had made such drastic improvements in her core stability and coordination that she was now within the range of the average population. I could see an increase in her confidence and fitness levels but had no idea that Sienna could improve so much. Her ability to balance, throw and catch a ball had improved by 100%. Sienna has continued to paddle twice a week all through winter this year. She hasn’t wanted to race before but has asked to try a K2 race this summer, after her GCSEs have finished. I really believe she would have got into racing if there was a female coach or a woman who could have taken her under her wing as she is quite shy. For now she just enjoys the freedom and the environment at Nottingham Kayak Club. Sienna now paddles separately from me with her ‘squad’. We still spend time together between paddles and we are much closer for it.
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Justine’s Story I have always loved sport and retrained 6 years ago as a personal trainer, which I do part time around my family. I love Crossfit which breaks me every week but I’m much stronger now and it is brilliant cross training for kayaking. However I am not an athlete. In June 2016 I was 48 years old and didn’t know what a K2 was. However I agreed to partner one of the Division 5 women in at Ironbridge Hasler race. We had one practice, I was very nervous and wobbly but we raced Division 7, which is 4 miles, and won. Not easily; we were nearly beaten by two men in their 30’s. I have to admit to getting a thrill at beating two men younger than me. Hope that doesn’t make me a bad person! It was the best day out, with lots of our club members (including dogs and children) cheering us on. I was so impressed with how inclusive the sport was. Everyone was down to earth and friendly, plus I got a mug! After this I thought I would have a go on my own at the Hasler at Trentham. I was thrilled to win easily but was told to slow down or I’d get promoted. What
Justine
The coaches at Nottingham Kayak Club are very supportive and many of them have competed in the Euro’s, World’s and Olympics. It’s an incredible resource. Where else could you train and be able to tap into this kind of expertise? Lani Belcher coached myself and Sienna last summer, just before she won Gold. This was such an inspiration for my daughter and me - I still pretend to be Lani when I’m racing! I’ve had to get really organised to be able to paddle. It helps to have the support of your partner and family and a slow cooker, but the club offers a range of opportunities to fit in with everyone’s lifestyle. With early morning, afternoon and evening paddles there really is something for everyone. I feel this is a sport I can do through my whole life. Every paddle feels like an adventure; it’s always a challenge and a pleasure. The water, wind, weather and nature are different everyday and new skills
>>
Canoe Focus Late Spring 2018
My friends think I’m mad but they enjoy listening to my adventures, well, most of the time.
a sport when an older lady can win! I went up from Division 9 to Division 7 and got another mug! Now I’m a true addict and paddle at least 4 times a week. I entered Ironbridge and took on the long paddle down the rapids. A good paddle at the Nationals bought me in at 4th place and I was promoted to Division 5. Although I found the river pretty scary at the Nationals it was a fantastic weekend, so much fun and a really good atmosphere. The best fun was racing mixed K2 against all the top athletes, a brilliant atmosphere and I was proud to be in the same race as the GB team.
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>> bring a sense of achievement. As a paddler, I’m better than some and not so good as others but I’m always improving. However it’s not about that because at Nottingham Kayak Club there is a place for everyone. They make me and my family feel part of the club team. Many people have inspired me on my journey into paddlesport including Polish champion Angelika Malanowska, who gives me great motivation and Sarah Millest and Peter Illet who are helping me to prepare for my next adventure, the Waterside Series winter marathons.
My advice to anyone thinking of trying kayaking is to get yourself onto the British Canoeing website and find a club close to you. It is better to start after Easter when it’s warmer and the clocks have changed. The club will supply everything you just need a change of clothes and a simple waterproof. Take your children, friends, family with you. This is a family sport and a sport for all.
My daughter and I are both a lot happier since we started paddling. All stresses fade away when on the water. Living in the moment helps my daughter deal with the exam pressure and stress that comes with being a teenager. Justine
www.britishcanoeing.org.uk
*Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)- Recognised developmental milestones may be affected with a pattern of late achievement in skills such as rolling, sitting, standing and walking. Later more complex movements such as running hopping, jumping or kicking and catching a ball may not be at peer level. Movements can be slow and hesitant and are not picked up instinctively, and there may be lack of confidence to tackle new skills. PE and games may be avoided. Balance and stability are often affected and the child may fall or trip over nothing. The control of fine motor skills such as writing and art work are usually more difficult.
Design /
/ www.lacrevettegrise.com
Available at CanoeAndKayakStore.co.uk
RIVER
W1
TRACK
BLAST
PULSE
WARRIOR
YOU CUSTOMISE, WE BUILD, YOU RIDE Rider : Louis Hétier (Loulou) Photo : ©www.jeremy-bernard.com
ThePaDDler 84
MEGHALAYA
Kayaking in the wettest place on Earth‌ Story: Anton Sveshnikov Photos: Anton Sveshnikov, Mike Krytyansky and Ivan Kozlachkov
If you were a good pupil in school, you've probably heard about Meghalaya, a state in the north east of India and the wettest place on the planet.Yet even if you skipped geography lessons, but have been following the news from the paddling community closely for the last couple of years, you might have heard about this place as a new paradise for whitewater kayaking. I spend a lot of time in India running commercial kayaking and trekking trips in the north west, himalayas and consequently, just fell in love with this incredible country with its smiling people. I have dreamt about Meghalaya since I visited India for the first time.
the team
In october 2017, Russian friends of mine from the WWSchool team: Ivan Kozlachkov, Sergey Ilin, Mike Krutyansky, oleg Golovkin, Nikolay Kobzarev and myself, found ourselves in the middle of the Meghalayan plateau. our plan was simple: paddle as hard as we can, enjoy the place and try to find rivers for first descents.
Meghalayan rivers are very special. At the northern edge of the plateau, you can find pure clean bedrock drops in wide valleys. At the top of the plateau there are some awesome waterfalls but they only good to go in the monsoon season or during heavy rain. South of the plateau offers deep gorges, pure jungles, a mix of boulder gardens and bedrock drops.
ThePaDDler 85
ThePaDDler 86 anton running a beautiful rapid on the Kopili. Photo by mike Krutyansky
the KOPili
We started our trip from the north where the Umtrew and Khri-Bah rivers were great day runs. Both rivers have incredible warm water and class IV-V rapids with nice short pools in between. our next river after that was the Kopili, which to be more exact, is located in Assam, a neighbouring state, but still on the Meghalayan plateau. In any case, the Kopili is one of the best reasons to travel to this region and one of our favourite rivers in the world.
The paddling section is only 26 kilometres with nice (Indian 'nice') road access to put in and take out, rapids are perfect bedrock drops, with pools in between, which are not overly long or boring. Normal flow is around 100 cms and our friend and Meghalayan river expert Callum Strond told me the Kopili was never too high.
ivan on the Kopili. Photo by mike Krutyansky
The first run took us two days as we scouted a lot, didn't rush and spent a night in a beautiful camp in the middle of the section. Rapids were huge and scary, but we realized they were very safe. Due to the bed rock nature of the river, there were no siphons and undercuts, but warm pools after each rapid. Kopili is probably the most safest class V run in the world. our next run took just four hours. our third run of Kopili happened after a heavy storm. Two days of rainfall in the wettest place on Earth brought significant difference in water levels in every river. It was around 500 cms in Kopili and that run was a blast: huge features, mystery moves by creek boats, tricky lines and tons of fun. Looks like Callum was right: the Kopili is never too high.
mike with Khasi fishermen. Photo by anton sveshnikov
southern edge of meghalayan plateau. Photo by anton sveshnikov
Beautiful gorge of Umrew. Photo by Anton Sveshnikov ThePaDDler 87
India
River Rymbay, Meghalaya
ThePaDDler 90 First kilometres of the umrew.totally unrunnable. Photo by anton sveshnikov
the last drop on the Kopili. ivan on right channel. Photo by anton sveshnikov
We had very limited choice of rivers because of the storm. We decided to go to small creek Rymbai at the top of plateau. It was nice short run with clean slides and few waterfalls. A tricky combo of 12-metre high waterfalls and two steep shallow slides were waiting for the brave kayakers below the standard take out. only Sergey Ilin was brave enough to play with this monster.
After Rimbai Sergey, Ivan and oleg went back home, we (Mike, Nikolay and myself) decided to explore the southern edge of the plateau. Rivers there are completely different: it is mostly multi-day runs in deep inaccessible gorges. First off, we went to Umrew. Callum told us it was a four-hour hike to the put-in, but we found local porters and they showed us a short cut to the river. So, we reached the river in 30 minutes and found ourselves 2,5 kilometres above the standard put-in. only then we realised we had made a mistake: the Umrew was totally unrunnable there. We spent the next one and a half days portaging our boats to the standard put-in. Mostly it was more like bouldering with kayaks.
anton enjoying the Kynshi. Photo by mike Krutyansky
Below this portagefest, the Umrew was a nice creek with crystal clean water in a beautiful endless gorge. There was still some portaging, but it was much easier than our first day.
First Descent
The next river to the Umrew is the Umiam, we completed its first descent. Again, the porters took us on a shortcut but unfortunately we reached the river just below the most interesting section and all we got was a class III (IV) relaxed run.
A couple of words about the local people. Meghalaya is a land of tribes, with Khasi, Garo and Jaintia being the biggest ones. Each tribe has its own language but all of them are Christians. The average height of a Khasi man is 150 cm but I have never seen such tough people. Khasi porters were able to run trough the jungle with my kayak on his neck, making the Meghalayan people look tougher than the famous Sherpas. Pristine Kopili. Photo by anton sveshnikov
bouldering with kayaks on the umrew. Photo by anton sveshnikov
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the Wah blei anD Kynshi
https://goo.gl/maps/deFtqe4jYZr
One of three portages on the Kopili. Mike, Ivan and Sergey. Photo by Anton Sveshnikov
The highlight of our trip was the Wah Blei and Kynshi expeditions – the longest runs in the region. Wah Blei had it all: perfect whitewater and terrible slaloms between nasty siphons, high clean slides and long hot portages, combined with boring flat sections and steep continuous rapids. Soon we reached the confluence with the Kynshi.
Kynshi is an iconic brand of Meghalaya. It has the same character as the Kopili (pool-drop big volume), but the rapids there are harder and much more dangerous. It was crucial to catch the right water level on the Kinshi to avoid another portagefest and during our run, the river was juicy. We enjoyed the rapids, few portages (yes, after the Umrew and Wah Blei, it was easy walks), stunning bedrock gorges and the incredible sunsets.
What can I say about Meghalaya after our trip? Rivers there are unique for South Asia. The place itself is the most exotic I have ever been. Travelling there is rather tricky due to poor infrastructure and lack of information but it was true adventure and I definitely would love to go back to Meghalaya.
thanKs
I want to express my thanks to all our team, to our driver Amber, to Callum Strong, Joe Rea-Dickins and James Edwars Smith for sharing the information about the rivers and to Ian Vincent and all his family for their hospitality.
SLATE ISLANDS
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In search of the perfect sea kayak trip:
P R o V I N C I A L
P A R K
Story and photos: Josh Spina
A new year, a new adventure
Each year, since we began this annual tradition (brothers week-long backcountry kayakcamping trip), I think to myself there is just no possible way we can top the previous year’s location.We have been very fortunate to have already visited so many fantastic paddling destinations throughout Georgian Bay (Philip Edward, McCoys, Mink, Franklin, French River/Bustards, and Benjamin Islands) and of course last year's amazing coastal paddling route of Lake Superior Provincial Park. How do you top that?
Well this year we decided to check-off another location from our growing bucket list that was actually supposed to be last season's trip but was changed last minute due to an unruly Lake Superior. The Slate Islands are located approximately 13kms off Lake Superior's beautiful and rugged north shore directly across from the quaint little town of Terrace Bay Ontario. This cluster of two large islands (and several smaller ones) are designated as a natural environment Provincial Park. There are no provincially marked campsites or services but there are several areas that have been established by locals over the years.
The Islands are chock full of amazing human and natural history. Most notably is the fact that the islands were created by a meteorite impact and are home to a herd of endangered woodland caribou. Unfortunately, we were unable to see any caribou on our circumnavigation of the islands. We have been told the population has declined due to wolves crossing to the islands over an ice bridge and that some caribou may have crossed back to the mainland. In recent news the Canadian Government has relocated woodland caribou from another Lake Superior Island (Michipicoten), facing the same challenges, over to the Slates with hope of saving the region’s dwindling population.
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https://youtu.be/F3rn1tufbgs
https://goo.gl/maps/yncDtvJ8xjh2
Luckily for us, Superior was smooth as glass. our only challenge would be the extremely dense fog. We took a bearing, relying on our deck compass and Garmin GPS to point us in the right direction for our two hour paddle across the lake to the islands. Within a couple minutes of leaving the public beach the shore disappeared into the fog. It was eerie paddling for two hours straight and not seeing anything from either direction.The entire time the sun was attempting to penetrate the fog but failed until about 500 metres off the shore of Mortimer Island. We planned to land in the middle of the north island (Slates consist of two large islands, Mortimer and Patterson to the south along with dozens of small islands) and work our way into the interior bay/channel created by the two large islands.
GettinG there: the nOrth shOre
our scheduled 10.5 hour drive from Windsor, ontario cutting up through Michigan and back across at Sault St. Marie on our way to Terrace Bay would actually take us closer to 14 hours when including food breaks, multiple border crossings, traffic and numerous road/bridge construction projects along I75 and the Trans Canada highway. We would end up putting over 2,400 kms on the odometer before making it home over a week later. Road trips often become a big part of the adventure, and we tackled this one by leaving at 04.00 on a Saturday with hopes of making it up there in time to paddle across to the islands before sunset.
We lucked out with zero issues at either border crossing and the drive up I-75 through Michigan is actually very wooded and peaceful.The real fun begins after passing through the city of Sault St. Marie, ontario and travelling west on the Trans-Canada highway.This section follows the shore of Lake Superior providing stunning views and glorious winding mountainous roads through thick forests that are speckled with beautiful inland lakes.This is rugged, wild land with limited locations to fill the tank or grab a bite to eat. Be sure to stop in some of the small towns/ communities such as Batchawana Bay, Wawa or White River. As we rolled into Terrace Bay we came to the sad realization that due to our late arrival and the soon to be setting sun, it might be wiser to just stay at a local motel and tackle the 13km open water crossing bright and early the next morning. We both ended up passing out around 9pm with an alarm set for 5am the next morning.
Most visitors spend the majority of their trip exploring the sheltered natural bay between the two islands, with some making their way around the outer exposed portions. We had hoped to completely circumnavigate both islands if the weather permitted as well as explore the interior to do some fishing (known for fantastic lake trout). We decided that we would break camp each and every day, not establishing a set base camp in an effort to see more of the island(s).
our first day's camp would be at the ‘Come n’ Rest’ cabin located on one of the smaller interior islands (McColl). The MNR has locked the two buildings and we found the site appeared to be falling into a state of disrepair. We explored the grounds finding all sorts of interesting artifacts before setting up our tent on the cabin’s porch. We would continue to move around each day establishing a new camp as we progressed around the islands. Each site was completely different in appearance and feel. From dense wooded sites to fine sandy beaches to grey unearthly rock to cobblestone bays to black (almost volcanic) rock to sharp edged slate beaches. Each campsite was absolutely beautiful and unique.
eerie paddling
It was
for two hours straight and not seeing anything from either direction
crOssinG anD exPlOratiOn OF the islanDs
We woke up early and double checked several weather apps/forecasts before setting out to the public beach. We had both agreed that we would not attempt the crossing unless weather and waves were near perfect and if Superior chose not to cooperate we'd continue our journey west along the coast. Most people that venture across to the Slate Islands hire a local shuttle to bring them, their gear, and canoe/kayak across. Prices and contact info can be found on the Town of Terrace Bay website.
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Along our travels we enjoyed fishing, hiking up to inland lakes, exploring mazes of shoals speckled along the shoreline, crawling into an old mine shaft, rock jumping into Superior's chilly waters, watching bald eagles soar above, beautiful sunsets with loons calling and warm nightly driftwood fuelled bonfires. A personal highlight was paddling into Sunday harbour on Paterson's south side and hiking up 250+ feet to see the 36ft tall Slate Island Light house that was built in 1903. It is my understanding that it is the highest lighthouse on the Great Lakes. The view of the island was amazing from that vantage point and worth all the bug bites (black flies). In the end we made camp in six different locations, and circumnavigated 90% of both islands. our scheduled return trip ended up being delayed one day due to a wind advisory calling for 2-3 metre high waves. overall the weather on this trip was fantastic except for our second last day where we were trapped under a tarp with torrential downpour for the entire day/night. Not bad for a week on the big lake.Thick fog would once again engulf us on our return paddle, but would be accompanied by almost glass like water conditions, so we couldn't complain.The Slate Islands definitely lived up to our expectations with their remote, rugged and diverse beauty. With another adventure in the books, where to next?
biO
Josh Spina is a high School design and drafting teacher, husband and father to two beautiful children out of Windsor, ontario, Canada. he has always had a love for the outdoors and a passion for being on the water. he took up sea kayaking later in life as a hobby and has enjoyed being able to access locations he could previously not in his canoe. Feel free to follow his adventures on the facebook page www.facebook.com/canyakfamilyadventuresblog/ as well as his instagram account www.instagram.com/canoe_kayak_family_adventures/
he also runs a very popular canoe based photography group on facebook called ‘view From my canoe’ at: www.facebook.com/groups/viewfrommycanoe/
article reFerences:
www.ontarioparks.com/park/slateislands
www.terracebay.ca/visiting/attractions/slate-islands/
www.readersdigest.ca/travel/canada/exploring-slateislands-ontario/2/ http://theplanetd.com/12-amazingthings-to-see-on-the-slate-islands/
http://nationalpost.com/news/canada/trapped-withwolves-on-an-ontario-island-for-these-caribou-theonly-way-out-was-by-air
‘PYRÉNÉES BÉARNAIS’
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W I L D A D V E N T U R E S I N T h E
Story: Nicolas Fayol At the end of october 2017, my German friends,Valentin Illichmann and Paulina herpel, made a brief stop in Béarn on the road to the German Surf Championships in Portugal. It was an opportunity to offer them a paddle into the heart of our watery playgrounds – three days in the heart of Béarn for a wild mission full of twists. staGe One: PaDDlinG the summit
We first travel in the direction of the Ossau Valley for a paddling session on Ayous’s lakes; more particularly on the waters of Gentau, a mountain lake that overlooks the peaks to the south of Ossau, at a height of 2,887 metres.
We started our trip at Lake Bious-Artigues, where we came across many different environments alternating between undergrowth, plateau and mountainside rocky paths. It took us three hours to walk to the lake, with our inflatable boards and paddles on our backs. I have to be honest, our bags were full with all the paddling equipment, food, drinks, etc, which made it a little harder than the classic way of hiking…
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Once we got there and after a small snack of goat’s cheese and ham from the valley, we inflated the boards and enjoyed a session in the glacial lake, in the middle of a landscape that struck all three of us speechless. We really had the feeling that we had paddled to the heart of the mountain, where we just felt connected and in harmony with all the elements.
At the end of the session and after packing up our equipment, paddles and deflated boards, we simply walked back with a huge smile, feeling very happy to have made it! On the way back down, we stopped in a cave to taste some cheese that was on offer and took a piece for the next day!
staGe tWO: tWO Days On the river
The second stage of the paddle was to paddle downriver for two days from the city of OloronSainte-Marie to Sorde-l-Abbaye (known for its abbey).
We arranged a meeting in Sordes with waterman Alexandre GrĂŠgoire who joined us and after fixing our boards, we made the drive to Oloron to start our paddle.
As with every expedition, we had to think of every detail. We did a full list of what we needed, not forgetting the food, including wine, cheese and duck! The weather was not as kind as we were led to expect, but we felt comfortable with it!
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France Pyrénées
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We paddled for eight kilometres and then took a small break to eat and fortunately for us, the weather improved. The river had a varied nature along its course, offering little waves, small rapids and flat areas of water. At the start of the river, we had to walk to pass the hydro dam (be careful, the dam is really dangerous, so stay away from it). After 35 km we stopped just down from the Castle of Lass, after Navarrenx. A field was waiting us and we decided to stay there for dinner and then evening!
atmOsPheric
After a restful night, we were back on the water with the atmospheric misty landscape due to the low temperature, and 12°C water, which made a cloud just above the water. After a few kilometres, the sun came up and the clouds disappeared. on that part of the river we really enjoyed the small rapids and took the time to enjoy the scenery (between Navarrenx and Sauveterre).
The weather on that day was quite typical of the area, light rainfall that never stopped, but it wasn’t too unpleasant.
Lunch break was around noon, just after the city of Sauveterre de Béarn, then it was back on the water, where the river become flatter, and at times quite shallow, with the boards dragging in the gravel. Around 5km from the end, we took an arm of the river called the ‘Little Amazonia’ and the change of scene is complete! Finally, we arrived after nine hours and 45km of paddling for the second day – well done to us all!
https://www.facebook.com/nicolas.fayol.98/videos/2569954643031350/
https://goo.gl/maps/bnh9x16tGe22
#UrbanExplorerSup
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T h E
S T U N N I N G
The polished dome of ice which was our home last night is slippery underfoot as I struggle back to my tent. A short burst of morning sun has melted it just enough to cover everything in a thin film of water, and I windmill my arms wildly as I make my way up the shallow slope, trying to avoid falling into a discoloured stream of snow algae and penguin poop. Story and photos: Mark Corti
I make a mental note to write to Palm Equipment on my return:,“Dear sirs, I note that your Palm Descender kayak boot, whilst excellent on rock, is unable to be fitted with crampons. Please correct this oversight in the 2019 model.� I give up windmilling and plop down into an icy, greenish stream. When I finally totter back to my tent, I discover that the katabatic winds, which came down off the glacier while I was gone, have squashed it flat. I reflect, not for the first time, that camping in Antarctica is something of a challenge, and that I am perhaps a little under-prepared.
ANTARCTICA
R E M o T E N E S S
o F
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She was penduluming
45° or more
with every wave, and the motion inside could only be described as ‘violent’
Only a few short weeks before, I had been sitting on my comfy sofa at home, probably in front of a roaring fire, while flicking through January’s Paddler magazine and reading about other people’s paddling trips. An advert caught my eye: Antarctic kayak expedition. Four weeks. Lastminute space available. “That looks amazing,” I thought. “I’d love to do something like that.” And I flipped the page, and carried on reading about someone else’s adventure. And if I hadn’t been between jobs, there it might have stayed – but as it happened, I could (just maybe, just possibly) take four weeks off. Trying not to think about it too hard in case I changed my mind, perhaps reassuring myself that the trip was probably full by now, and anyway they’d want someone with more experience, I pulled out my phone and wrote a quick email to the address on the advert – cath@icebirdexpeditions.com.
And just like that, I’d fallen down the rabbit hole. I’d taken the red pill. I was going kayaking in Antarctica…
Fast forward a few weeks – weeks filled mostly with Google searches like ‘best cold weather kayak hat’ interspersed with periods of panic – and I found myself in Ushuaia, stepping aboard the Icebird, an 18metre aluminium-hulled sail boat, custom-built for work in Antarctic waters. The other expedition members were already there, and we did a quick round of handshakes and introductions before a tour of the boat – bunks, head, galley and all the rest – before a getting-to-know-you beer and some food.
As I’d expected, they were an international bunch – a couple of Aussies, a couple of Americans, a French Canadian, a couple of Brits – and again as I’d expected, all pretty well-travelled, with many interesting stories to tell. Which was lucky, as we had a few days to explore in Tierra del Fuego together, as we waited for a storm to pass in the Drake Passage. Then another storm blew up. And another... we did a bit of sailing up the Beagle Channel, took the kayaks out for a shakedown paddle to a penguin colony and made good use of the time, but we were keen to get to Antarctica. Captain Cath hew took another look at the weather forecast, and said that if we were prepared to, ‘take a bit of weather,’ as she put it, we could leave the next morning.
Like most paddlers going on a trip, I suspect, I’d spent a lot of time planning the paddling, but hadn’t really thought too hard about the journey to the put-in. My international paddling has always tended to follow the same pattern – a flight or two, a long drive, maybe a Zodiac ride – and some amount of foreign-country faff with language barriers and customs officers and all the rest. As I unscrewed the lid of my two-litre plastic jar and vomited unhappily into it, I began to consider that this may have been an oversight. Taking a 60-foot sailboat across the legendary Drake Passage was definitely not the usual journey to the put-in.
sea sicKness
My happy TripzTM over-the-counter travel-sickness pills, while ideal for stopping small children feeling sick on long car journeys, were simply not cutting it here in the teeth of a storm in the Southern ocean. My fellow expeditioners, better prepared than I, were covered in a variety of Scopolamine patches and it looked as though a particularly virulent chickenpox epidemic had swept through the boat. “Try looking at the horizon,” someone urged. I did.The ‘horizon’ rapidly came closer before breaking over the side of the boat: when the wind is blowing at 40 knots and the seas are running to 6m and more, it turns out the horizon is not actually that far away. I unscrewed the jar lid again…
We were on rotation for watches – three hours on, six hours off – and by the time my second watch came around I’d scrounged some proper seasickness medication and was feeling much more chipper. The winds had picked up a little, and the Icebird was being smashed by heavy seas across the beam. She was penduluming 45° or more with every wave, and the motion inside could only be described as ‘violent’ – huge bangs and jerks as the boat crashed down and side to side, and one could only move about with exquisite care and timing, holding on with both hands at all times.
At least the stove was on gimbals, so we were able to make cups of tea to fortify ourselves through our ordeal. outside the pilothouse, when I went to assist the crew putting a reef in the sail, it was even worse. In full waterproofs, my lifejacket tethered securely to the deck lines, I made my way to the foot of the mast. Clutching the railings for dear life with one hand as the seas foamed knee-deep over the deck and the boat yawed sickeningly beneath me, I used my remaining three hands to haul down the various ropes needed to reef in the sail. Did I mention I’m not much of a sailor?
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All joking aside, it was an utterly exhilarating experience. Cath hew is a hugely experienced captain, and her first mate has worked on boats of all sizes all his life. Despite the storms, there was never a moment when the boat was not perfectly safe and under control. And the storms were unseasonably severe – on the first crossing the mainsail ripped, the mainsheet (a half-inch Dyneema rope controlling the boom) snapped, the autopilot gave in, and the pounding of the waves was strong enough to snap a polyethylene sea kayak almost in half where it was strapped to the railings. It was quite a crossing.
Dawn was just breaking when we arrived at Enterprise Island, Antarctica, and I had the wheel. I motored slowly down the narrow channel, avoiding barely-seen growlers (a kind of small, semi-submerged iceberg), before relinquishing control to Cath for the final approach into a sheltered anchorage, mooring up to the wreck of a century-old whaling ship. Tall ice cliffs surrounded us on three sides. Imperial shags flew back and forth, bringing squid to their hungry chicks. A pair of Antarctic terns wheeled noisily overhead, their shrill cries echoing in the frozen silence. We had arrived.
OtherWOrlDly GlOW
The first paddle, slowly circumnavigating Enterprise Island, was magical. Ice surrounded us, swooping in curves: blue, grey, green. The sky was leaden, and a fine sleet was falling, but the light was luminous from the
snow all around, giving everything an otherworldly glow. Drops of sleet lay on the surface of the supersaturated salt water in tiny silvery globules. Small blocks of ice were everywhere, and on the horizon a procession of icebergs drifted down the channel. Plumes from a small pod of humpbacks spread and dispersed in the distance. Closer to our boats, the relics of commercial whaling were all around – discarded coal dumps, wooden water lighters abandoned on a rocky islet. Most fascinatingly, we discovered a cache of barrels – some still containing
global warming
only the relentless march of
had uncovered them for us, the first people to set eyes on them for almost a 100 years
the added benefit that we could camp for a few days at a time before returning to our comfortable yacht for a hot shower and some proper food.
whale oil or chunks of whale skin – which had been covered by snow since the whaling industry collapsed here in 1929. only the relentless march of global warming had uncovered them for us, the first people to set eyes on them for almost a 100 years.
cherry PicKinG
We had originally planned to kayak the whole way from Enterprise Island to Vernadsky Base, some 150 nautical miles down the Antarctic Peninsula, but the storms had reduced the time available and forced a change of plans. Phil Wickens, our vastly-experienced Antarctic guide, suggested that we ‘cherry-pick' the best bits of paddling, and return to the Icebird to sail between them.This had
We motored to the put-in for our first multi-day paddle, but were compelled to stop a mile or two short of our objective by the increasingly-dense brash ice. We lowered the laden kayaks into the water as the Icebird held station, and then she turned her stern towards us and was gone. This, then, was proper Antarctic expeditioning: completely isolated, utterly self-sufficient. Setting off through the brash ice in a laden sea-kayak, with the rumble of calving icebergs rolling around the icy peaks surrounding us, was without a doubt the most thrilling kayaking moment of my life. I think we all huddled together a little as we set off, feeling incredibly tiny and vulnerable against the enormous backdrop of the White Continent.
We soon pushed through the brash into a narrow channel between towering peaks. Penguins raced past us, porpoising briefly out the water for breath as they returned to feed their hungry chicks, bellies full of krill and squid. After an hour or so, we could smell the pungent aroma of guano, as we approached the largest Gentoo colony on the peninsula. Thousands of chicks, nearly fledged in their late-season plumage, lined the rocky shoreline and were clamouring for their parents to feed them one last time before they were abandoned to fend for themselves. An elephant
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fantastic fluted edifices
Blue-white icebergs, carved by wind and water into
and arches, provided resting places for seals – fur, crabeater, even a leopard seal
seal eyed us lazily as we passed. I’d love to tell you that we made good speed to our objective, but there was just too much to see: penguins, fur seals, incredible ice sculptures, the huge bones of whales washed up on a beach. A herd of crabeater seals came over to investigate us, rolling and diving between the kayaks before heading deep to harvest krill and fatten up before the long winter. After the violence of the Drake Passage, the protected waters and narrow channels of the Antarctic Peninsula itself were a welcome relief, and the open crossing of Andvord Bay passed without incident, other than a curious elephant seal and some whales on the horizon.
Landing spots are few and far between in Antarctica, and campsites are even scarcer. The glaciers march right down to the water, terminating in heavilycrevassed ice cliffs sometimes hundreds of feet high. It’s too risky to approach them – enormous chunks of ice tumble unpredictably, sending sky-scraping waves towards unwary kayakers, and flinging building-sized blocks of ice in all directions. only occasionally are there rocky beaches, and often these are just a few metres wide: big enough for a quick leg stretch and loo break, but definitely not campable. It was thus almost 18.00 by the time we arrived at our campsite – a low, icy dome of an island rising a scant few metres above the waterline. Slipping and sliding, we manhauled the heavy boats up the ice and tethered them to a deadman, before heating up some food and collapsing wearily into our tents until the morning.
As you’d expect this far south, the day dawned bright and early and since the sun was peeking through the clouds, I ambitiously went for a wash and shave by the water’s edge. A pair of penguins had clambered up onto the boats, presumably to keep their feet off the
freezing ground, and observed curiously as I struggled out of my down jacket and splashed some icy water over my head and torso in an attempt to get clean. Feeling suitably invigorated, I started back to the campsite – which is where I started this article, slipping and sliding my way up to the tent …
extra-sPecial memOries
Antarctica supplied too many extraordinary experiences for me to fit them all into a single article. Every day provided something new – a moment that, in another place, would have been a once-in-a-lifetime paddling memory. But a few extra-special memories stand out – like the morning a couple of us slipped out early from the yacht for a pre-dawn paddle, the water glassy smooth, and the bay utterly silent except for the slight plop as our paddles broke the surface.
The occasional penguin flashed by in the water underneath us, heading out to look for breakfast. Somewhere in the distance we could hear the breathy exhalation of a pair of humpbacks making their way down the channel. Fur seals were hauled out on icebergs, and they watched us unconcernedly as we slowly paddled by. Taking a leaf from their book, we also hauled out on a low tabular berg, pulling the kayaks up and sipping hot coffee from our Thermos flasks. The resident fur seal wasn’t entirely sure what to make of these strange humans with their brightlycoloured boats, rudely arriving unannounced on his iceberg and making themselves at home, but he contented himself with a few huffs and barks before settling back down to sleep.
The day we paddled down the Lemaire Channel was probably the single best day sea kayaking I’ve ever had. The water was mirror-calm, reflecting huge dark mountains – ice-shod and snow-capped – on both sides. A regular stream of penguins broke the surface, their ripples disturbing the calm. Blue-white icebergs, carved by wind and water into fantastic fluted edifices and arches, provided resting places for seals – fur, crabeater, even a leopard seal. Even the steadilybuilding brash ice as we made our way southwards just added to the atmosphere – the steady susurration as the hulls of our kayaks pushed through it, the occasional thump as a larger-than-usual hunk made itself felt under our paddles.
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We camped above the aptly-named Iceberg Graveyard, where the current pushes bergs into a shallow channel, trapping them until they melt.There are hundreds of smallish ones here – probably no bigger than a large house, or a smallish apartment block – resting on the bottom and being eroded into ever-more-fantastic shapes.This was probably our best campsite – clean ice, a shallow slope and a gentle rocky beach to land on. It was a marked contrast to what was probably our most-memorable camping spot: at the top of an icy slope, on a relatively-clean piece of flat snow right in the heart of a bustling penguin colony.
beGGinG FOr FOOD
The stench there was indescribable – everything was covered in reddish excreta from the barely-continent chicks, and you could smell the colony from well over a mile away – but still an amazing and unique place to pitch a tent for the night.The birds are utterly unafraid, and hungry chicks will come up and beg for food, investigating everything – tents, stoves, kayaks – in case they’re edible. As I sat on a rock eating my dehydrated dinner, a curious Gentoo chick waddled over and eyeballed me, perhaps wondering if it could get the hang of a spork, and whether it would enjoy my Chinese Noodles with Vegetable if it did. As the moon rose over the mountains, we were lulled to sleep by the clamour of the colony, feeding continuing late into the night.
That was, sadly, our final campsite. Captain Cath had generously offered to extend our trip to make up for the time lost on the stormy crossing, but we all had jobs to return to, and it was time to leave. But as we started to prepare the Icebird for the long crossing back - lashing the kayaks to the railing, stowing the Zodiac, washing the penguin poop off the bottom of our tents - I was already secretly wondering how I could come back to this captivating, spellbinding continent on the underbelly of the world.
With huge thanks to Cath Hew (www.icebirdexpeditions .com) and her first mate Greg, as well as Antarctic guide extraordinaire Phil Wickens (www.skiantarctica.com), ably assisted by Alex Deschênes-Philion, as well as expeditioners Kevin, Curt, Ann, Rod and Claire who made the expedition such a success. https://goo.gl/maps/5Dutujuifpr2
PROUD PARTNERS:
t: +44 1629 732611 e: info@peakuk.com w: www.peakuk.com Paddler: Doug Copper. Greenland. Image: Pete Astles. Gear: Adventure Single Jacket. Explorer Zip PFD.
NILE
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C o N V E R T S T h E
T o
in its final year…
Dr. Jessie Stone surfs at Itanda hole Photo: ©Eli Reichman, 2018. All Rights Reserved.
Story: Jessie Stone Photos: Jessie Stone and Eli Reichman Friday March 16th was a cloudy cool morning.The weather looked ominous, but nothing like the day before when it had torrentially poured for 10 hours.That much rain anywhere else in the world would mean high flows and flooding rivers, but not on the Nile.
The CFS heading downstream from the Nile’s source in Jinja, Uganda are only impacted by how much power is being demanded from the hydro electric turbines on a given day. The Nile has been one of, if not, the most precious resource that land-locked Uganda has. As Africa’s main artery, it impacts the survival of millions of people over its 3,000 mile course. Uganda has been providing hydro power to its neighbours since the first dam was built at Owen Falls in the 1950s, but the Nile’s flow concerns its northern neighbours of Sudan and Egypt as well, since all the agriculture in those northern countries relies on the Nile.
On this particular morning, the entire staff of Soft Power Health, the healthcare non-profit I founded and have run since 2004, are gathering at Nile River Explorers campsite for breakfast before heading across the river to put in below Kalagala Falls for a rafting trip that will end at the Hairy Lemon Island. This is a momentous occasion for a number of reasons. First, its our staff Christmas party and yes, it’s now March, so we are seriously running on Ugandan time to make this happen, but better late than never.
Second, this year is the very last year that the Nile will flow in its natural and wild state through this section unimpeded by dams. The ongoing construction of the Isimba Dam, 15 kilometres downstream from Kalagala and Itanda Falls will be completed by the end of 2018. Unfortunately, despite local community efforts as well as the help of international river conservation organizations such as International Rivers, the formerly protected Kalagala Offset Area will be flooded and this biologically diverse and unique section of the Nile will be under water for the forseeable future!
The third and perhaps most important reason that this trip is happening despite some serious trepidation by most Soft Power Health staff – almost none of them have ever been down the Nile before! Most Ugandans do not swim and are afraid of water and the cost of going rafting is far out of reach for the vast majority of local people. For all of these reasons, most have no idea what they are about to lose in the coming months.
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a little longer, which sure beats having them disappear by May 23rd, 2018
surf waves and play spots We will have some of the world’s best
World Bank hQ building in Washington DC. Photo: ©Eli Reichman, 2018. All Rights Reserved.
I have always found it a strange contradiction that the very people who the Nile belongs too, if it belongs to anyone, have the least idea of how incredible it is and have a very limited ability to find out! Rafting and kayaking are for the most part available to foreign visitors who can afford these activities. Though there are local safety kayakers, kayak instructors and raft guides, they are in small minority compared to the rest of the population. Since the Isimba Dam construction marches on daily, time is running out for the possibility of getting more local people like our Soft Power health staff to see and experience the river.
behinD scheDule
one silver lining to Isimba’s construction is that the builders, Chinese Water and Electric Company, are behind schedule.The latest news from the Ministry of Energy is that Isimba will not be completed before the end of 2018. While this may sound like a small consolation for losing this incredible section of the Nile, it sounds pretty good to those of us that have spent a long time in and around the river for the better part of the last 15 years. We will have some of the world’s best surf waves and play spots a little longer, which sure beats having them disappear by May 23rd, 2018 - the original flooding date.
While it’s very depressing for us river lovers to lose this section of the Nile – home to endangered species and a unique biodiverse environment found no where else on earth – it is actually devastating for hundreds of locals whose livelihoods and lives depends on the Nile in its natural state. The World Bank had an opportunity to help protect the designated Kalagala offset Area (KoA) back in January 2018 when Uganda was renegotiating its loans with the World Bank. Instead, the World Bank caved and agreed to move the KoA upstream of its currently designated site. The KoA had originally been created between the World Bank and the government of Uganda to protect this unique biodiverse section of the Nile and its environment and for Ugandans and the rest of the world to enjoy when the Bujagali Dam was constructed in 2007.
In February 2018, the World Bank publicly announced that it would, ‘offset the Kalagala offset’ while concurrently having the World Bank’s Inspection Panel Chief, Gonzalo Carlo De La Mata visit Uganda and meet with affected persons and businesses. Gonzalo has the power to stop any World Bank related projects that violate the mandate of the World Bank, however, the inside word is that he will not. If he doesn’t see anything wrong with offsetting a protected offset area, then it is unlikely he will find anything wrong with what the World Bank is doing in Uganda. This hugely disappointing news is not entirely unexpected.
The World Bank, under the guise of undertaking development projects that benefit local communities and help, ‘End poverty’ as their motto states in countries like Uganda, has been doing the exact opposite with projects like large hydro dams since its inception. These dams keep countries that build them heavily in debt and rarely if ever, do the countries pay the debt off. The World Bank and other investors end up extracting whatever they want from the countries as a means of payment instead. Additionally, it has been well documented that large hydro dams have the largest negative impact on the poorest segment of society, who cannot afford the power the dam produces and end up being displaced by the massive reservoirs.
alternatives
Projects that could work as alternatives to large hydro power such as solar have not been the priority on the World Bank’s to do list. Solar is cheap and affordable in Uganda as well as being perfectly located at the equator. As things stand now, the World Bank has not compensated people living along the Nile whose homes, land and livelihoods are in the KoA will be flooded by Isimba’s reservoir. once the land is flooded and they have nothing, what will happen? It will be too late for these people. There is no doubt that before this happens, people must be properly and effectively compensated for their land at the very least, something the World Bank can well afford to do!
The Nile River used to be a major source of income for those living nearby, but dam construction has depleted fishing stocks. here, two fisherman prepare to set out and check their traps just after sunrise. Photo: ©Eli Reichman, 2018. All Rights Reserved.
Isimba dam under construction - aerial shot from the dam looking up river Photo: ŠEli Reichman, 2018. All Rights Reserved.
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Meanwhile, the initial trepidation by our Soft Power family of getting into the rafts and doing the needed safety drills, which include swimming, rescuing each other from the raft and even flip drills, has given way to the excitement and pure thrill of riding through the rapids! After the first waves of Vengeance crash over the line of seven rafts, shouts of joy and exuberance can be heard at the bottom. once through hair of the Dog and Kula Shaker, people even begin to jump out of the rafts and float in the large pool below.
Even some of the most frightened are smiling and enjoying their surroundings. All are beginning to understand what has drawn so many of us back year after year to this magic corner of the planet. The final rapid, Nile Special, delivers its special embrace to all. Elated choruses of rafters making it right side up echo up and down the river. once on shore at the hairy Lemon, the big grins and nearly speechless crews apart from, “Aah-hah!” are all that needs to be said. Seventy Ugandans who never imagined they would see and experience the Nile first hand are learning why so many of us have loved the Nile for years! They have a new perspective on their ‘home’ river that they never had before and a window into an world they would never otherwise see! If I had to guess, I think they have all become converts to the Nile! This section of the Nile River will become part of the Isimba reservoir. Photo: ©Eli Reichman, 2018. All Rights Reserved.
https://goo.gl/maps/gmZhem41cm62
Nile River fisherman check submerged traps every morning for bait fish. here, Tenwa David returns to his canoe with a trap above Kalagala Falls. These traps aren’t marked with a buoy. Diving into the Nile without the aid of a mask, David finds them by memory and touch. Photo: ©Eli Reichman, 2018. All Rights Reserved.
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We are Lucy Graham and Mathilde Gordon, two close friends who met at university in 2013 through a shared passion for the environment and adventure. We both call Australia home and love exploring, delving deep into the beautiful sights that our country has to offer.We are lucky to have called the tropical islands and atolls of the Great Barrier Reef home and from a young age developed a passion for ocean protection. Ever since we volunteered at our first big beach cleanup a couple of years ago, we have been living singleuse plastic free and campaign for cleaner oceans at every chance we get. Now, we are about to‌
IPN S I D E ASSAGE T A K E
o N
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So when and why did the idea of paddling the Inside Passage first come to mind?
lucy: In 2009 I went to Canada for a short trip and I remember sitting on the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria on Vancouver Island. I was looking at a map of the Inside Passage and promised myself I would come back to kayak through those Islands. I never let go of that dream.
mathilde: To be honest I hadn’t heard of the Inside Passage before Lucy told me a couple of years ago. however I had been on exchange to Vancouver Island and seen how beautiful the scenery was around there. I also knew that there would be plenty of wildlife, including whales! When she asked me to join, I said yes before I really knew what I was throwing myself into, and I’m glad I did!
What type of training have you done for the expedition?
Training has been really important, but also had to fit it in around our everyday life for the last two years – that meant training on and off the water. on the water we practiced rolling, rescues and safety as well as getting distance under the belt. That meant weekly kayaking trips together on the rivers and through the passages of islands around Brisbane. off the track we did a lot cross training at the gym, building our endurance, strength and stamina. Alongside this we did a specific training course in Sydney and a sevenday trip down the coastline of Fraser, Queensland to trial some of our systems. We are feeling strong and confident that our training has prepared us for.
have you both paddled together before on expeditions?
hen did you first start kayaking?
lucy: I first started kayaking in high school with the outdoor education program, but got more serious later. When I was 17, I completed a certificate IV in outdoor recreation and started my career as an outdoor educator. I lead multi-day trips in a variety of adventure sports, including kayaking. The ocean and sea kayaking has always been a real love for me. mathilde: I started sea kayaking with my dad in Darwin when I was 14 years old, despite the crocodiles. We would go out in the double kayak and usually did day trips of a maximum of four hours to tropical beaches, but never anything overnight.
Before we decided to do this trip we had never paddled together before. We have however, spent time hiking through Tasmania together and other multi-day walks. We also have run community groups and campaigns together that test relationships in different, yet just as challenging ways. So although we haven’t paddled together, we feel confident that we have the right kind of friendship for an expedition such as this.
What are the main objectives for the expedition?
We are raising awareness about the issue of marine debris, and fundraising at least $20,000 for two marine conservation organisations; the Tangaroa Blue Foundation in Australia and the Living oceans Society in Canada. We are also raising the profile of young women in adventure, and want to show everyone that with determination and planning, you can lead the way on any journey of your choice.
lucy: I laugh. Crazy is a matter of perception. There is always someone with a more crazy expedition, or less. I always like to remind people that calling us crazy is usually because we are doing something unusual, or out of our comfort zone, but that is exactly how we grow, learn and become better. So in that sense I hope we all get to be a bit crazy sometimes.
https://passageadventures.org
Some people may say you’re crazy to take on this expedition. What’s your response?
mathilde: I think lots of people think something like this is completely out of their league and you have to be professional kayakers to do it, but in reality, we’re just normal people with a strong desire to explore the outdoors. Many people have kayaked the Inside Passage and I think if others decided to follow, then they would be pleasantly surprised at what they could achieve, and how quickly their definition of ‘crazy’ changes with each experience.
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Tell us about how you plan to manage the risks in such cold conditions?
hypothermia is definitely one of our key concerns with risk management for the trip. We are really lucky to have Kokatat behind us, having supplied us with thermals, apparel and drysuits. This gear goes a long way to prevention, which is of course the primary goal. Apart from having solid gear, we will be monitoring the weather every day, making sure we don’t expose ourselves to unnecessary risk with the weather. obviously capsizing in water like this is very dangerous, so we will ensure we are not on the water in conditions that put at risk of capsizing. In preparation for a potential capsize, we will have handy emergency blankets, a thermos full of hot water (for tea), and high energy foods.
What else will be the main dangers?
lucy: Bears. Not necessarily them hurting us, but more the scenario where they are at our intended camp and won’t let us land. Which could extend the paddling day quite a bit, putting us at risk of exposure and fatigue. I know this has been an issue for previous paddlers and I hope it doesn’t happen to us.
mathilde: People always say that Australia has many animals that can kill you, but I maintain the argument that nothing is big enough to actively hunt you down, as opposed to bears, cougars and wolves… I love them all but I’ll be honest, having to pee in the dark in the middle of the night 100 metres from the tent is probably what I’m most nervous about.
So when do you start and how long will the expedition take?
We start on the 7th of May, and kayak over 2,000km for three months straight. We will be doing an average of 35km a day.
have you ever been scared and if not – what would it take?
lucy: My mum always tells me I am not brave, because I am not scared. I think being scared or afraid is an indication that you are in a place you weren’t prepared for. I have been in bad situations, stuck in snow storms in the Andes, or when mates have got into tricky spots whilst whitewater kayaking. Although those moments were pretty crap, our preparation meant that I wasn’t scared. I think it would take a situation that I hadn’t considered and had no tools or experience to deal with to scare me.
mathilde: I like to have a healthy dose of adrenaline and fear in my everyday life, such as when I fall off the rock whilst lead climbing, or head out to surf in swell that is way above my capability. however, I have never been in a scary or uncomfortable situation where I really don’t want to be there and there’s no easy way out aside from continuing to the next land destination. I am a bit worried about that.
https://passageadventures.org
What's your most embarrassing moment?
mathilde: I can’t actually remember one, so I think that means that I’m alright at ignoring what people think of me, even in ‘embarrassing’ situations.
If you could paddle anywhere in the world, where would it be and what appeals about this location?
lucy: I think Svalbard Fjords in the Arctic or Fiordland in New Zealand. The places just look so incredibly magical to me.
mathilde: I would love to paddle around Greece, there’s something about the scenery and clarity (and warmth!) of the water that is just so appealing.
What one piece of advice you would give to somebody thinking of becoming an adventurer?
lucy: Don’t wait until ‘the time is right’. Make the time right. Just start, set a goal and keep working towards it. It doesn’t have to be anything to anyone else. An adventure is an adventure if it is outside your comfort zone and taking you somewhere new, that is different for everyone. Also just have fun!
mathilde: Maintain both a healthy dose of confidence and weariness. That way you can be sure to achieve your goals safely. If you honestly believe you can do it, then there’s nothing that can stop you.
What do you do to relax?
lucy: Adventure, I actually find being in nature and doing adventurous stuff relaxing in an active way. It restores my heart and soul. But more traditional relaxing I do also includes reading great books and poetry.
mathilde: I love to go into the bush with my hammock, a campfire and a book, and not think about anything else other than exploring and eating. I also think that diving is incredibly relaxing, but I unfortunately don’t get to do it that often.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
lucy: helping people to create a more environmentally and socially just society for all. I am passionate about helping people find their power to create change and inspire others. So I see myself working for people and the environment, but also having an adventurous life where I get to keep enjoying nature and reminding myself of why I love this world so much!
https://youtu.be/tmzPvhgcyhk
mathilde: I’d love to pursue work in ocean conservation, so hopefully researching incredible marine creatures in a beautiful location. Preferably somewhere where I can go surfing every day. In my spare time I’ll still be climbing up mountains and campaigning for environmental protection. Maybe we won’t have to think about marine debris anymore because we would have picked up our game!
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Quickies…
if you could paddle with anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be? lucy: David Attenborough. mathilde: David Attenborough. Pick two celebrities to be your parents… lucy: Robin Williams and Jane Goodall. mathilde: David Attenborough and Jacques Cousteau (we live in a new era now!).
Which famous person would you most like to see play you in a film? mathilde: Emma Watson. We have the same hair, so the rest should follow pretty easily. She is also my idol. are you a bathroom/shower singer and if so what do you sing? lucy: Yep! old school - Beatles, Queen,Van Morrison and Bob Dylan. mathilde: oh yes. Bohemian Rhapsody,Total Eclipse of the heart, many Passenger songs, the soundtrack to the Boat that Rocked. Facebook or twitter? lucy: I can’t be a twit. mathilde: Facebook is already too much for me to handle, I’ve never been drawn to Twitter.
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an ideal night out for you is? lucy: A night that involves good food, jazz music, espresso martinis/gin and a fire under the star surrounded by hammocks and friends. mathilde: Camping under the stars with friends and loved ones, with fire-cooked potatoes and damper in my belly.
What one luxury item would you take with you on a desert island? mathilde: A magical hammock that could suspend itself without trees. If I had to pick something real, then it would be my feather-down pillow, which sounds lame but… whatever.
What would i find in your fridge right now? lucy: Vegetables, eggs, milk in glass from a local dairy, a banana cake and some cheese in plastic that my housemates bought (you can’t always win). mathilde: No single-use plastic! Fresh fruit and veg, cartons and maybe some homemade hummus. oh and chocolate. if we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare for us? lucy: home-made Spinach pie. Fruit salad for dessert. I am a simple cook, but a funny host! mathilde: Entrée of homemade plastic-free crackers and dip, mains of homemade pasta with cherry tomatoes and greens, and a desert that undoubtedly contains chocolate. What’s the most boring question you are often asked? lucy: A common question from men: “Your trip sounds great, do you know how to kayak?” mathilde: Is your name short for Matilda?
if you could be a superhero for one day, what superpower would you choose and why? lucy: To be fluent all the languages of the world (speak, understand, read and write). It would be amazing to be able to communicate with everyone. mathilde: I would love to be able to live underwater, there’s just so much beauty down there, and so many unimaginable creatures that I’d like to have a tea party with.
Favourite sport’s team? lucy: The Cowboys - North Queensland rugby team. mathilde: I just don’t watch any sport.
Favourite film? lucy and mathilde: Monty Python, Quest for the holy Grail.
Favourite musical track? lucy: Moondance by Van Morrison. mathilde: Full Circle by half Moon Run.
What three words would you use to describe you? lucy: Motivated, determined and enthusiastic. mathilde: Energetic, positive and perseverant.
any final shout outs? lucy: Mum for believing in me, my outdoor education teachers who taught me how to be adventurous and every single person who has told me I can do it and helped me get to this point. mathilde: My mum and dad for bringing me up surrounded by nature, friends and family for believing in me and my partner Dan for being so supportive throughout all the planning and training.
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sPey P A D D L I N G
T h E
A jewel in the crown of Scottish rivers
The River Spey has a worldwide reputation, albeit for its ‘water of life’ whisky exports but is also synonymous for fishing and tourism running through some of the most iconic and picturesque parts of the highlands. At 107 miles long from Spey Loch in the Corrieyairack Forest (300m above sea level) to the sea on the Moray Firth, it is the UK’s ninth longest river. Story: Richard harpham Paddling the River Spey is top of many canoeist’s ‘bucket list’ with formal campsites, wild camping on river islands and a host of distillery towns along the route. The river drops and winds erratically past Newtonmore, Kingussie and then Aviemore with the pièce de résistance being the Blackbird Rapids, aka the superbly named ‘washing machine’ as well as more rapids further downstream. Knockando is a whitewater training site for Scottish slalom and river kayakers alike, with basic facilities on site including changing facilities and toilets.
The Spey has a large catchment area with waters draining from the Cairngorms national park and plateau, and therefore has reasonable water levels for most of the year. At higher levels some of the bigger rapids wash out a bit but over-hanging trees can also present a greater hazard. At low levels protruding rocks make for a more technical paddle and the upper stretches near Newtonmore can be more bony.
Loch Insch is worth a mention as the Spey slows as it enters the loch, with an array of wildlife and the Loch Insch Watersports Centre. Many paddlers start their Spey journey here, where the parking is free but there is a launch fee. There is a restaurant, bar and accommodation facilities on site. More importantly there has been active Eyries (Osprey nests) and breeding pairs on Loch Insch for a number of years. Paddlers have the perfect stealth craft to see these magnificent birds of prey.
There are some stunning buildings and history throughout the course of the Spey descent, with iconic bridges, old ferry crossings and of course plenty of distilleries. There are also stone circles and Orton’s earth pillars (known as the Seven Pillars of Hercules). People are also drawn to the Spey for its wildlife such as otters, pine martins and bird life including dippers, sand martins and mergansers (which always seem to run on water).
Diane and Aaron running the ‘Washing Machine’
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For coaching and moving water skills sessions I would suggest breaking some days and distances down into smaller chunks. It is possible to portage canoes back to the start of the ‘Washing Machine’ or line and carry them alongside part of the beach area adjacent the rapid to enjoy multiple runs. Many sections and stretches of river also make great day trips to mix and match alongside paddling the local lochs.
exPlOrinG the sPey
For years I worked in Scotland in a former life and drove over the River Spey on the way to meetings in the highlands, miles from our base in England. Early morning journeys by car left me inspired by the bubbling waters sparkling in the morning sunlight. Sadly I was always without my canoe as seemingly it was not part of our standard work attire.
The Spey has a magical quality with charging waters cascading over millions of infinitely polished rocks. other stretches have sand martins populating the sandy river banks flanking the river. Sporadic islands with perfect wild camp sites, Scots pines standing guard over silent eddies and large mountainous backdrops add to the picture postcard settings.
A favourite stretch of the river and a fantastic day paddle is to start near the old Bridge Inn.There is ample car parking and like so many local hostelries, a beverage at the end of the shuttle brings parking cooperation.The launch site is a sandy bank and peat tinged water with clean lines.The river exits Aviemore town with banks eroded from years of punishment from the snow melt into a meandering waterway. At Auchgourish, the river swings into a left hand bend closely followed by one of the islands offering great lunch and a potential wild camping site.
Boat of Garten seven miles downstream, makes a short but exciting paddle with some small sections of rapids and sweeping bends.The river is slower between Boat of Garten and the Boat of Ballieforth as you navigate a river valley and wider plain.There is a campsite at Ballieforth and Grantown is just around the corner. Below Grantown are easier rapids with Grade 2 sections. Bridges on the river make excellent landmarks to aid navigation as well as monitoring time and direction of travel with the bends.
Advie Bridge is another great start point for a day paddle with a bubbling waters and more islands for camping or lunch stops. This section always fills me with excitement knowing we have the ‘Washing Machine’ in our sights. You will pass under the Ballindalloch Railway Bridge which signals the river changing pace again. The confluence with the River Avon (Ayon) from the right bank adds more flow and you are upon the Washing Machine. The right hand bank makes a great place to stop and inspect it, you
Bridges on the river make
excellent landmarks
to aid navigation as well as monitoring time and direction of travel with the bends
More recently I was finally granted my wish when we visited my brother for hogmanay in Falkirk before spending a week paddling the highlands.Taking to the Spey it was in spate and running like a freight train. Each
access point required tight lines with a fast conveyor belt of water pushing downstream. A good paddling friend of ours runs Crubenmore hunting Lodge , 15 miles South of Aviemore, which is perfect for Spey and highland river trips (see www.facebook.com/ Crubenmore-Lodge-149985541782075/)
The team entering the Spey at Aviemore
Wild camping
There is a fantastic guide book produced by the team at Pesda Press, this one imaginatively entitled ‘The River Spey Canoe Guide’ by Nancy Chambers and is essential reading not only to planning your trip but also to escape to a life less ordinary! I would add that the remote nature of some sections of this river makes ordnance Survey maps essential. Please note that the Spey is not a novice river and even intermediate paddlers may require guiding down the more technical sections.
can walk along the path and onto the beach and boulder area. The rapid is a chute between the gravel banks and produces a brilliant wave train.
I have paddled it in a small 15ft canoe in tandem as well as a 16ft Silverbirch Broadland highline with the former resulting in a significant quantity of water over the bow. Below the rapid is a great wave train and safe area making it easily accessible for rescues for those who dump. on our trips we usually spend time there working on our whitewater canoe skills, ferry gliding, surfing and breaking in and out. As the largest feature on the river, it is a excellent spot to play and refine your moves.
Leaving Blacksboat Rapid there are more exciting whitewater sections and plenty of sand martins nesting in the banks as you paddle on.You are now approaching Knockandoo, which is another great rapid to practice on or simply run tight lines, with a white post on the right hand bank showing the start of the training area. Again depending on the flow, you will either see a rock garden or various lines.The Scottish Canoe Association provide a car park and use this as a slalom training site, so you may have to dodge paddlers as well as rocks. There is a good landing spot in an eddy on river left below the rapids and you can walk back up to survey the lines. Carron Bridge is another obvious ‘get out’
below the arches on the LhS with a scramble up to the road. Locals prefer parking away from the main bridge and verge in the village so be warned.
mOre GraDe 1 anD 2 raPiDs
From Carron Bridge to Aberlour, there are more Grade 1 and 2 rapids, which offer great paddling. More bridges provide useful landmarks with the Aberlour Victoria suspension bridge nicknamed the ‘Penny Bridge’ after its toll and the Iron arched span bridge at Craigellachie designed by Thomas Telford. Some of the banks and islands on this lower section are susceptible to Japanese Knotweed and hogweed, which can be unpleasant.The good news is that there is a campsite near Craigellachie, which might prove an easier option.
The section near Rothes is fast and the flow on bends feels like it will push you onto the bank.There are various Grade 1 and 2 rapids down towards Boat o’Brig which has a nasty boulder in the middle of the river waiting to catch you out. It has been the scene of upsets and embarrassment to many a paddler. heading towards the Spey Bay and the Moray Firth, the river flows into the small estuary. Check the tides and weather to determine what awaits you.You can get breaking waves and strong currents.
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Scotland River Spey
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Finishing at Granton on Spey on day one
There are an estimated 150 bottlenose dolphins living on the Moray Firth so the trip can deliver one last piece of magic. I have canoed on the Moray Firth with dolphins providing a ‘guard of honour’ but be aware conditions can change quickly. The variety in scenery, wildlife and river conditions is what makes the River Spey such a delight to paddle. By the time we go to print I will be finishing another trip introducing novice paddlers to the river with Canoe Trail.You can feel the excitement building amongst our team as the days before we depart count down.
If you are planning to complete a source to sea or multi day trip then make sure you minimize your shuttles and impact on other river users. Leave no trace at all and be aware your chosen wild camp site may be in use so have a contingency. Be aware (of others) and be prepared to share!
This diverse river provides one of the best locations in Britain to paddle a range of conditions and features to improve your traditional canoe skills. From whitewater moves, reading water and efficient paddling on the flat it is all here. And there are also locations to practice sailing (Loch Insch), poling and snubbing(upper parts near Newtonmore) and of course lining and tracking.
Richard Harpham is a human powered adventurer and inspirational speaker who has completed over 9,000 miles of expeditions by kayak, canoe, bike and on foot including exploring the Yukon, cycling the Sahara and Canada’s Inside Passage. He runs www.canoetrail.co.uk, a watersports and adventure business, with his wife Ashley, in Bedfordshire providing qualifications, canoe camping, coaching and paddling trips to some of the UK and world’s best locations.
He is the editor of Bushcraft and Survival Magazine and writes for Outdoor Adventure Guide and the Paddler Magazine. His adventures are supported by: Flint Group, Paramo Clothing, Olympus Cameras, Valley Sea Kayaks, Silverbirch Canoes, Bamboo Clothing, MSR, Canadian Affair, Osprey Rucksacks, Extreme Adventure Foods, Reed Chillcheater and Exposure Lights. You can follow his adventures through social media & @ www.richadventure.com
hope that you feel inspired to paddle these magical waters and at the very least add them to your paddling ‘bucket list’. Canoe Trail run their ‘Best of Scotland’ paddling trip twice a year showcasing some of the best paddling locations in the highlands. www.canoetrail.co.uk • • • •
Newtonmore to Loch Insch (14km) Loch Insch to Aviemore (11km) Aviemore to Blackboat (35km) Black Boat to Spey Bay (campsite) (40km)
• • •
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ThePaDDler 142
S K I L L S T o N E W E Q U I P M E N T
Words: Corran Addison I’m a pretty good snowboarder. I started riding in the mid 1980s and since then have worked as a snowboard instructor, a snowboard patroller (I was one of a group of four who were the first snowboarders to be certified by the National Ski Patrol on a board), have raced, ridden big mountains, and can basically ride anything anywhere. Bear with me here; this isn’t just a trip down memory lane.
In the last few years there has been a reintegration of surf style snowboards onto the mountains, and as one always to be at the leading edge of trends, I grabbed an old ‘surf style’ board I had in the basement from 20 years ago and cut into it to make it more like the current trends. I rode it, and loved it. It was what I already knew, but better.
In fact it was so great, that mid-season I decided to go out and buy a $1,000 top-of-the-line surf style snowboard, hand-crafted in Japan – sight unseen. Not only had I never ridden the board I was getting, but I’d never even seen one in person. I spent a week eagerly watching Youtube videos of Japanese riders surfing the mountains of northern Japan, while I waited for my board to arrive.
It did and it was beautiful. However, it sure was strange looking. Never mind that… I slapped some bindings on it, set up my stance as a duplicate to what I normally ride and took off to the mountain.
I got five metres from the lift, caught an edge and crashed! Not a great start for someone who’s a self-proclaimed expert rider. An embarrassed smile to those standing around me, staring down in amused bewilderment, I sauntered off like the cat that didn’t want the mouse to begin with.
Deciding to break myself in slowly to this new board, I opted to take one green groomer run before committing to my favourite black carving groomers. Ten frustrating minutes later I was back at the base chair lift, staring at the board in confusion. I didn’t love it. In fact, I didn’t even like it one little bit. I’d crashed five times on a green groomer, couldn’t turn it, couldn’t carve it… heck, I couldn’t even stay upright on it!
But this was my new pride and joy, and be damned if I was going to just give up on it. So I took another run and another and another. A dozen runs later, bruised ego barely holding on, it was time to leave.
I really didn’t like the board.
If you’re willing to put in the time to learn new skills, sometimes the pay-out can be big
i relearned the important lesson i tell paddlers all the time when i got onto a new and unusual snowboard design this winter: just because you don’t immediately mesh with the new equipment, does not mean it’s not ultimately the right one for you. Give it time, and you may come to love it.
ThePaDDler 143
ThePaDDler 144 What Was i missinG?
I went home, and spent the evening watching videos again of the Japanese guys riding, but this time really paying attention to what they were doing. Clearly they were making the board work. Not just work, but work well. What were they doing that I was missing? A few hours later, I’d completely changed my entire set up on the board – stance location and width, angles, thickness of riser plates… everything. Standing on the living room floor, it felt alien.
I returned to the mountain the next day, and on the first run, already I could tell a noticeable improvement just from the geometry change. over the next few hours I slowly adapted the way I was riding, edging, and carving the board, and by the end of the day, I was really getting into it.Two days later, I absolutely loved it. But now for the Rorschach Test? I took the board I’d been riding all winter (the chopped one that I loved so much) out for a ride. I hated it. It felt like an unwieldy, stiff, cumbersome plank. I have not been back on it since.
This is something I tell paddlers all the time, but have never really had to go through it myself.This is because I generally paddle only my own designs and these tend to be evolutions of previous ideas and designs I have had. Even ‘radical’ departures from the past still carry to a degree that ‘Corran’ feel that I can adapt to quickly. So my experience on the snowboard was a small taste of my own advice and something that I mentally kept repeating to myself that first day back on the mountain. If you’ve been in Brand X for years and then try a boat from Brand Y from a completely different designer, it’s very possible that you might not like the boat. In fact, you might think it’s downright terrible. After all, unless the boat you’re accustomed to is basically a homogenized concord of industry-wide design thought and you’re getting into another one that’s essentially the same (even if from another brand), chances are you’re not going to just jump into Brand Z’s design and just love it.
But does that mean it’s not right for you? Do you need to adjust some, or all, of your paddling habits, or does the boat just suck (and even that is a rather unlikely statement, because you’ll always find someone who loves even what you consider the worst design). how can you tell?
You can’t. It’s the riddle of Schrödinger’s boat.
Watch What the best DO
There is no short cut to this. But what you can do is exactly what I did with my snowboard. Watch videos of how the boat is being paddled by the best paddlers. What is their style? how are they edging and when are they edging. Look at their weight shifts, timing, and the kinds of strokes are they using? how have they outfitted their boat (see last month’s article on outfitting your kayak)? Jump on the forums and ask the people who are using the same boat for tips and tricks.
of course if you’re just giving a new design a cursory try for 15 minutes, it’s hard to do this. But if you’ve been watching people paddle a certain boat and the style
appeals to you, then you might need to take the time to really come to grips with hoW it should be paddled to really appreciate and get the most out of it.
Very possibly this could entail an entire skills set reboot (not a bad thing). or maybe it’s just a few minor adaptions to skills and outfitting. It’s really a case-by-case scenario. however, over the years I’ve seen many people pass up on boats that in my opinion would have been perfect for them, because their first impressions were not positive.
You can’t have your cake, and eat it.
If you’re looking to upgrade from the boat you’re in because you’re looking for new sensations, or to take your paddling to the next level and up your game, you can’t expect to do that without understanding that with that desire to get new paddling sensations and experiences, or new levels of skill, is that you’re going to have to dedicate some time to learning how to use it. In fact, it’s almost a guarantee that if the boat you’re getting into doesn’t require a skills reboot, that it’s not going to accomplish the goals of handing you or the new sensations and the new ways of paddling you were looking for.
That might not be your goal of course. If your old Brand X is simply worn out and you need to replace it, and you’re not looking for radically new sensations or skills improvement, then there is nothing wrong with simply getting something else from the same designer, or a similar design from another designer.This is a perfectly acceptable reason for staying within a style.
miGht be Just WhatyOu neeD
however, for many, especially those that have been paddling for a long time, where the rush of that steep learning curve is long gone and you have a skills set that are deeply entrenched, a radical switch might be just what you need.You might have forgotten the two-faced coin of mutual frustration and exhilaration that comes from learning new skills but I can assure you that once, when you were learning, it was not just all easy going.
For many, those were good times; the good old days and they’re fondly remembered.You can get some of that back by challenging yourself, by taking that radical step and going for something that’s completely alien to you, so you can reap the rewards of your efforts as you’re exposed to news ways of paddling the same old river you’ve been on for ages.
there is a time and a place to put yourself through the paces of going through a skill set adaptation to match a new boat. a class 5 environment is not it, so pick and choose where you do this (even for a creek boat) so you can pay your dues without any danger to yourself.
Slalom is a classic example of an area where paddlers have spent time honing a very specific skill set, and even the smallest of design changes can throw them off for weeks as they adapt their skills to a new shape.
think about changing kayak design styles the way you would if you were switching to another form of paddling, like Oc1… you have a fundamental base, but new skills are required to get the most out of the new craft.
When planing hulled boats first appeared, it took a real technique shift to get these boats to work. People who learned in planing hulls have no idea what the trials and tribulations where for an entire generation who’s skill set was overnight rendered obsolete.
in the early 1990s when i started to work on planing hull designs, the real challenge was not only to come up with a design concept that worked, but the skills to make it work at the same time. if something wasn’t working, was it the boat, or the paddler? Only by sticking with the forced skills evolution and learning new skills to paddle the boat, was i able eventually to be able to tell if the problem was the boat design, or my skill set.the key here, again, was that despite my initial mixed reactions to my first planing hulls, sticking with it paid off in the end.
ThePaDDler 145
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