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meet ‘the dog’
This Dog’s
No Diva! and yet recently I’ve There are some things a four-legged mammal just isn’t designed to do e. Abseiling down found myself in situations that even an insane dog would find questionabl the crossfire of an cliff faces, offering oneself up as fresh meat for midgies, standing in all... airsoft battle - I bear the scars (both emotional and physical) of them
W
hy do it? I hear you cry.
attending events across the country,
and goodies and we’ve some great
Well doggy fans, this is
meeting some unforgettable characters and
competition freebies as well including a Fox
my sacrifice for being the
hearing all your feedback on the magazine.
helmet and a Lush longboard.
Team Woof mascot and
All in all we don’t seem to doing too much
Of course überdog is only as good as
delivering you the very best in extreme sport
wrong and so the crowd pleasing formula
team that’s behind it and we’d like to give a
action. I’m not afraid to get down and dirty
continues with another issue that’s packed
big shout out to all our contributors who
for the love of the sport and I guess you
full of news, events, interviews, products,
have given their time and experience to pen
would all appreciate that fact, being
competitions and more.
adrenaline junkies yourselves. Of course with the pain comes plenty of pleasure in the form of a magazine that just keeps getting better and better. It’s been a wicked couple of months
articles or snap shots that feature
Of course with the pain comes plenty of pleasure Although the content’s all gold, the best
inside - check out who I’m talking about on the Dog Tag page. We also want YOU, our loyal fans, to become part of the magic. Tell us
what you’re up to, send us your pictures,
bits include our essential shopping guides
write up a review of an event you’ve been at
to surfboards (pg 36) and wetsuits (pg 46);
- whatever your sporting fix, we want to hear
the local skate jam and board review (pg
about it. Contact us at
24); our date with the North West Mountain
thedog@uberdogmagazine.co.uk.
Team (pg 50) and the interview with the
Like what you see? Want more? For more
ballsy blind adventurer Mark Pollock on
pictures, video links and news updates visit
page 54.
www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk
For those of you that like to shop there are endless pages of irresistible gear, gadgets
And the winners are… Congratulations to our issue 2 competition winners: WIN A COPY OF AL MENNIE'S BOOK, SURFING MENNIE WAVES Nicola Meredith, Moira Adam Coulter, Armagh WIN SHOES AND A HOODIE FROM HYPE Michael Henshaw, Dromore WIN SCUBA LESSONS FROM DV DIVING Steve Hewitt, Banbridge WIN A PAIR OF GATORZ SUNGLASSES Jonny Burtney, Ballynahinch
STICK WITH US! Facebook fans will have heard that we now have some seriously cool stickers in our possession and they can be yours with an online purchase of the magazine, so if you missed out on issue one or two, buy it today with free p&p at www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk
you can follow our paw prints at: www.facebook.com/uberdogmag
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NAME:
NAME:
DOES:
DOES:
BLURB:
BLURB:
Rob has been working with publications in Northern Ireland for over 21 years and was the original creator of überdog back in 1996. Steering the magazine along in a style akin to a stagecoach going down the side of a mountain may look easy, but Rob has perfected this ‘controlled chaos technique’ over many, many years.
An award winning magazine editor, überdog is Tara’s first venture into the world of extreme sports and she’s having a blast! When she’s not at the computer you’ll usually find her in the great outdoors trying to tire out her three kids - anything for a good nights sleep!
Rob Doherty
tara Craig
Big Dog at überdog
No Photoshop trickery was used - Rob actually on a bike!
Editor & Wordsmith
Start ‘em young, that’s what I say...
NAME:
NAME:
Iain Walker
Andrew McCombe DOES: advertising sales
You’re not gonna get too far up the Mournes in that...
DOES:
BLURB: Never one to shy away from a challenge, Andy
St Georges on saturdays
couldn't turn down the offer to work with Team Woof and help bring uberdog to the world. With a creative background including visual design, lens-based media and copyright, Andy's eye for detail keeps our clients and supporters happy. Fond of the outdoors he likes nothing more than to be hiking in the Mourne Mountains on days off. And for added adventure he recently took up rock climbing - a bit of an allrounder is Andy.
BLURB: Deadly good freestyle kayaker, Iain’s Uncle thinks he might be part fish. “My wife says I can drink like a frickin' fish anyway so he might be right.” Not adverse to a bit of climbing Iain recalls: “One time I walked up that big hill in France on my own - Mont Blanc, but that was back in the 20th Century when you could still get two pints and some Taytos for a fiver with change.”
If only kayaks could be ‘let out’ like trousers...
NAME:
NAME:
DOES:
DOES:
BLURB: 14 year old Luke has risen to local fame thanks to his YouTube site which he uses to post skate footage taken in bizzare locations across Northern Ireland. Luke contacted the magazine offering to do a series of skate tutorials for beginners and we were so impressed with his style and skill that we just had to say yes!
BLURB: Dave will be taking you from mtb novice to nutter over the next few issues. Dave started out on his trusty Grifter 22 years ago, complete with lollipop stick attached to the back wheel for extra speed and noise! He developed his love of mountain biking after buying one off a bent copper and has mastered the art to become Ireland's most qualified guide and coach.
Luke Humphreys
Dave Youngs
Skate trickster
Is the pen mightier than the board?
Sith lord of the saddle
Dave wondered was Candy Devine one student too far...
NAME:
NAME:
Iain Gilmore
Tom McClelland
DOES:
DOES:
Skate snapper extraordinaire
Surf Guru
Getting extremely ‘board’ the Gilmore way...
Prepare to be introduced to my best friend
2
PAIN!
BLURB: Jersey born, Iain is a champion surfer living in Fanad, County Donegal. With 28 years surf experience and a string of awards to his credit, we thought he was the perfect man for the job of ‘surf correspondent’. When he’s not down on the beach, Iain can be found at his Adventure One Surf School on Ballyheirnan Bay, Fanad.
Makes a fortune from ‘You’ve Been Framed”
BLURB: Tom has been rollerblading for seven years and has been photographing the skate scene for just over four. Currently studying mechanical engineering in Queens University, Belfast, Tom tries to skate as much as possible: “I try to capture all that I can, from fashion shots to the more technical side of photography and I like to get the video camera out the odd time too!"
NAME:
NAME:
Graeme Livingstone
marty McCann
DOES:
DOES:
Front line combat sport correspondent
Waveski expert
BLURB: 22 year old Graeme is überdogs tamed version of Rambo. Known by his call sign - Century Child, he has been playing airsoft for nearly four years and enjoys nothing more than a good skirmish. Being a big fan of extreme sports and an ex-bmxer he was keen to introduce a fresh new sport to the list in überdog.
current Irish Waveski champ, Marty McCann is also a British Canoe Union level 5 coach surf and a Beach Lifeguard trainer and assessor . Marty lives in south Donegal where he offers paddlesport coaching through www.oceanaddicts.com. As if that isn’t enough Marty also enjoys a spot of kayaking, mountain biking and general mincing!
BLURB: World European Waves competitor and
Not quite sure which way around this photo goes...
www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk
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s t n e s e pr
d r a o b t s n i a g a d r a ? o N b , e W k O i b R t C s n E i a H T L watch for A E Bike ag ST
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004-005 Contents Pages ISS03V02.qxp
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the
issue three Aug/Sept 2010ad
s t n e t n o c Puppy’s Privates
Mütt Snutts, überdog’s roving reporter sniffs out the latest word on the street
11
From Novice to Nutter
David Youngs guides the beginner and intermediate mountain biker through two essential mtb skills
15
The Dog Digs
überdog sniffs out the latest products, kit and gear on the market
18 Meet the Mech anic
überdog talks team tactics with the Atherton mechanic Steve Bell
Minterview
Minterview
FOR WHAT ARE YOUR PREDICTIONS THIS WORLD CUP PODIUM SUCCESS YEAR? I think Rachel will probably be unchallenged winning if the 1st round is anything to go by with by 10 seconds in the muddy conditions
pictures: Sven Martin |
AGE: I'm 42 and I’ve been riding bikes the age of 4. LIVES: Dromore
from
HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE DH SCENE? for I started racing BMX in 1982 and raced 15-16 years all over the place, on the mainland, Europe and in America. I got into DH around 95-96 and raced Irish Nationals, British Nationals , NORBAs and a few
WHAT’S LIFE LIKE ON THE ROAD? to think It’s pretty damn tiring! People seem oh Steve's in Canada, Australia, Italy, intense America having a good time, but it’s and bloody hard work. On the plus side I’m getting to see the
would do one or two practice runs. Then we the almost do a complete rebuild before
world on a circuit doing something I enjoy rather than slogging it out in a job that I don't give a crap about.
Steve enjoying one of the local trails during a well earned break back home
World Cups for a few years.
WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER HIGHS TO DATE? High points had to be Andorra World Cup 2008 (which just
WHO WERE YOUR SPORTING IDOLS GROWING UP? I didn’t really have any when I was younger, but I do now. A few that really stand out are Valentino Rossi Lance Armstrong and James Stewart (a US supercross rider).
Follow the progress of the Atherton Team on www.athertonracing.co.uk
hard work, On the it’s intense and bloody to see the world... plus side I’m getting
family in any discipline of cycling. WHERE DO YOU MOST LIKE TO RIDE? My favourite places to ride are probably Canada i.e Whistler and the Silverstar, Moab Utah in America and Chatel. French Alps like Morzine, Les Gets,
pretty race runs, making sure everything is take much as perfect as possible. We would for a turbo-trainer to the top of the course warm-up at race time and then head
DH 4X Stevie does it all. Often there is more to being a wrench than just working on bikes, Like in golf the caddy makes important strategic or decisions like what club to select in this case what tyres to run
back
19
www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk 18
Skateboarding
by Rodney Mullen sideways. It was invented the board rotates 180 degrees few variations to this trick The Pop Shove–it is when of other more advanced tricks. There are a “BS” which means the board “backside” or and is the core to a lot you in this issue is called is “frontside” or “FS” but we shall but the one I will be teaching try them 360? are facing. The other variation to do them 180 why not rotates the way your toes issue. Once you have learned look at this in another
step 2
step 1
step 3
step 4
1
REQUIRED SKILLS: THE OLLIE position. SET YOUR FEET up in the Pop Shove-it ready to (shown to the right) Bend your knees around with jump and prepare to scoop the board and remember your back foot. Keep your balance going to land it. to do the trick as if you are always
2
AS THE BOARD finishes its rotation, stomp down with your front foot first. Try and get your foot to land on the bolts for a more stable catch. Once your front foot is down your back foot should drift onto the rear bolts naturally.
3
4
AFTER the board is on the ground, bend your knees to absorb the impact and roll away with steeze!
AS YOU SCOOP the board, jump in the air so it can rotate beneath you. Also jump forwards slightly, because when the board is in the air it usually moves in front of you. It requires quite a bit of practice to jump at the precise height and distance forward until it becomes natural.
5
Starting foot position
COMMON PROBLEMS: Shove-it is Even though the Pop trick it’s not known as a fairly basic most without its problems, however to getting the of them usually relate Since I jump and scoop just right. Pop have started skating my quite a lot, Shove-its have changed proficient, I more get I because as and can pop the board higher the change to need I therefore to scoop. amount of force needed isn’t getting Remember, if the board
not the full rotation you are and if you scooping hard enough, as hard as feel you are scooping get the possible but still can’t If you rotation, try popping harder. the land on the ground before to me a lot!) board (this happened but jumping try popping a little less said a little higher. As I have practice to before, it takes a lot of start get it right, but once you long take landing them it doesn’t natural! o before it starts to feel
Giving it a go?
Why not video your attempts, whether or successful, disastrous just plain daft, and email them into tv@uberdogmagazine.co.uk
youtube channel at trouble check out Luke’s should If you are still having x where you’ll find a video tutorial that trick-tips. www.youtube.com/sk4tebo subscribe to it for more help. Check it out and
Itchin’ to Go
Board Meeting
We talk skate boards with the boys in the know
29 www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk
28
24
step 5
EXTEND your legs and snap down on the tail. The back foot does all the work in this trick, so as you snap down scoop your back foot behind you to create the spin. Remember, the It takes time to harder the scoop the faster the spin. but you’ll generate the right force on the board soon get it.
22
A report from the Irish DH NPS rnd 6, otherwise known as the Itchy and Scratchy show!
reveals tutorial Luke Humpreys In part two of his skate Shove–it... how to master the Pop
Lesson 2: The Pop Shove-it
The Power of Six
The CRC Intense Team hit the trails in Rostrevor
the women's DH and Gee won the men’s within hours of each other, something that has never been done by any
the team since 2007.
them get on with it, it's easier that way.
something. o
the same weekend. Then the World Champs in Italy the same year when Rachel won
Cup mechanic, it sort of happened by accident. I went to the 1st WC in Spain with Ben Reid just to hang out and was offered the job with Commencal for the 2nd round and that was that really, so I've been with
family that spend a lot of time some together - there's a bit of rivalry and let tension sometimes, but I pretty much
21
IF YOU WEREN'T DONG THIS WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING? or I’d maybe try my hand at coaching
happens to be where Commencal are based) when Dan won the 4x, then Rachel won the women's DH and Gee won the men’s DH all in
WHEN DID YOU DECIDE YOU'D LIKE TO BE A MECHANIC? I didn’t really plan to be a World
EVER GET CAUGHT IN SIBLING RIVALRY BETWEEN DAN, GEE AND RACHEL? I guess they're just like any other
phy.com www.svenmartinphotogra
down and hope that we get some good away results! Then it’s time to start packing all the pits and bikes.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY INVOLVE? Ward On a typical race day myself and Andy the pits (the other mechanic) would arrive at i.e around 7-7.30am to set everything out We do turbo-trainers, work-stands bikes etc. would a few bike checks and then the riders
a badly broken finger. The men’s is going to be pretty close Sam between Greg Minnaar (rd1 winner) Peat who Hill, Brendan Fairclough and Steve think you can never rule out, though I do as he Gee may just win the series this year 1 with only lost the 1st place by 0.25 in Rd is the not the greatest of race runs which it's a big best start to a year he's ever had so boost. closing I also think that our own Ben Reid is year in on a podium place somewhere this which will be very well received by of the everybody on the circuit as Ben is one out hardest working and most liked riders up for there. The 4x is going to be a catch Dan after 2 rounds of bad luck as Aussie is the Jared Graves leads the way, but Dan there so fastest and most complete rider out we'll see.
ENCAL STEVE BELL: TEAM COMM
Meet the Mechanic
www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk
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Skate Basiks
Luke Humphreys reveals the steps to a perfect Pop Shove It
ON THE COVER
30 32
World Mountain Board Day
Pictures from the day at Gasp
Tales from Texas
Roller bladder Ian Atkinson talks about his skating experiences state side
34
Ian Atkinson swapped Northern Ireland for Texas last year, rollerblading his way into the street skate culture and bagging a staring role in a new skate video, ‘Lone Star Thrillaz’… pictures: Thomas McClelland
NAME: Ian Atkinson AGE: 20 CURRENTLY LIVING: Bangor. I just returned from San Antonio a few weeks ago.
Turning the Board
growing up, so I guess the trick I find most enjoyable is a nice long Alley-oop Unity.
the ASA rollerblading competitions and I saw a very old edition with Nicky Adams. At this time I was rolling around the streets on Argos skates and jumping off curbs. A few months later I got some junior K2 skates and started going down to the McKee clock and jumping the three stairs there. There I met older rollerbladers like Michael Beverland, Stephen Bradley and Ally McMullan who encouraged me to progress and try new things.
WHAT IS THE VIDEO LONE STAR THRILLAZ AND HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THAT? It's a video produced out of San Antonio, featuring the LST crew which is all over Texas. A good friend of mine, Josh Castillo, was shooting it so although I was only there for a while I was able to get a bunch of clips for him and travel with him to get more footage.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING THE SPORT? I got my first proper pair of skates in November '01 so I guess it's been over 8 years now. WHERE DID YOU GO TO PRACTICE? The summer after I started skating street the skatepark in Bangor opened up, so I basically lived there! Everyone would leave at about 6pm, I'd go home for dinner and go back to the skatepark until it closed. HOW DID YOU LEARN YOUR TRICKS? Most people I skated with were older than me so I would just try and copy what they were doing or what I saw in videos. Other than that, a lot of falling and perseverance!
36
WHAT IS YOUR SIGNATURE MOVE? I skated a lot of ledges, rails and mini ramp
A Buyers Guide to Surfboards
Everyone would leave at about 6pm, I'd go home for dinner and go back to the skatepark until it closed...
Pictures: Thomas McClelland
WHY DID YOU MOVE TO TEXAS?: I moved initially for college, but I had an idea the weather and skating would be great and I had already skated some of the skateparks over there and made friends, so that was another big factor. As soon as I moved there, Tom McClelland and Chris Kerr visited for a couple of weeks and we met all the local San Antonians so it was easy to get established and I got to skate about 4 times a week while I lived there.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO ROLLERBLADING? A long time ago on TV they showed
Iain Gilmore talks you through another surf essential, the Off the Lip
WHEN IS THE VIDEO ON RELEASE? The video is due to be released in late July at skate shops across the US including Low Life skate shop, SDSF skate shop and Revolution skate shop, along with Low Life's new video and a Lone Star T shirt thrown in for a package deal, definitely worth checking out! DO YOU SEE A FUTURE FOR YOURSELF AS A ROLLERBLADER? I see myself skating as long as my body lets me! I'm only 20 now and I know people in their late 20's and early 30's who
are still able to get a good session. So I guess I'll see what the future has for me but I'm moving to Dallas in August so I'm
picture: Thomas McClelland
sure I'll be able to represent out there as I know a lot of people who skate there. DO YOU THINK ROLLERBLADING HAS A BRIGHT FUTURE IN IRELAND? I think the scene has definitely died down in recent years, but those who truly love the sport will keep doing it. There are a lot of outdoor parks opening down south which is encouraging as the kids now have somewhere to skate and as a result the scene seems to be growing down there. Up here there aren't the same opportunities so fewer kids are getting into the sport which is a shame. But even in the north rollerblading has a small, but definitely bright future. o Check out the trailer for Lone Star Thrillaz at www.vimeo.com/1073993 8
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Essential shopping advice on how to pick your perfect board kayak
39 40
Ramble River
Club Corner
weir can be run at most water levels it changes significantly according to the water flow with a surprising number of rocks exposed in low levels. In high water the weir can catch out the unwary and many paddlers have taken swims here that they’d
It may not deliver a white water ride, but the River Lagan offers paddlers an opportunity for an easy wet-fix all year round as Iain Walker reports…
“I
’d rather lick a rats a**e”. An interesting perspective on paddling in the Liffey (from a Dublin kayaker). Understandable enough, rivers running through cities collect all manner of interesting objects from the ubiquitous stolen bikes and shopping trolleys to dead dogs and the occasional headless torso. Nice for anaerobic bacteria and rats, not so good for water sports ... So what of our own dear Lagan? Any visit to Shaw’s Bridge at the weekend and you’ll likely see what appear to be lunatics frantically trying to paddle up a tiny weir but never quite making it. Instead they keep flipping end-over-end or bobbing vertically in the water. Given the apparent likelihood of everything from Weil’s disease to bubonic plague there must be a reason. There is - fun!
A Ramble on the River
The people you see at these little weirs are Belfast’s frustrated kayakers trying to make the best of what is, to be honest, a fairly unremarkable river for a white-water enthusiast. You see Ireland gets a lot of rain but most of it falls in winter and the river levels rise and fall quickly the rest of the year. Many rivers are too low to run after March/April but some like the Lagan can be messed about with year round, especially for beginners, intermediates, and anyone living close by wanting an easy wet-fix. The weirs and rocks at Shaw’s Bridge also offer a good spot to have a look at different types of kayaking and maybe have a think about whether it could be for you. You’ll see traditional open canoes with people going for the waterborne equivalent of a ramble; beginner groups learning their first skills; playboaters practising stunts; and sometimes slalom
rather not admit to (Mark). Again this is a good spot to stand and watch if there are paddlers around and of course having someone looking at them will pile the pressure on to any of the less experienced as they line up to take the short drop.
races and canoe polo. A little further upstream from Shaw’s Bridge is Eel Weir (soon after Gilchrist footbridge). Many kayakers
do their first short river run down the Lagan from Drumbeg and this weir is the main point of interest on what is otherwise a fairly basic flat river. While the
So what’s the verdict? ... Deadly (in the liver failure sense) or dead good? To be honest neither. The river is much
cleaner these days, just keep your mouth closed if you capsize. Hardly a taxing whitewater ride but it gives a reliable little bit of water to play with when the big stuff isn’t delivering or for a mess about on a summer evening. Many of us learned the basics there so still have a soft spot for it. As for the people in little boats trying to paddle up the weir ... clap when they get their boats vertical – that’s what they’re trying to do. o
Clap when they get their boats vertical – that’s what they’re trying to do
I Improvements are currently being made to the Lagan’s canoe trail. We’ll be reporting on the new developments in issue 4
Many kayakers do their first short river run down the Lagan from Drumbeg and this weir is the main point of interest on what is otherwise a fairly basic flat river
You’ll likely see what appear to be lunatics frantically trying to paddle up a tiny weir but never quite making it Instead they keep flipping end-over-end or bobbing vertically in the water
Iain Walker reports on the highs and lows of the River Lagan
42
kayak
A on the
NI Surf Kayaking Club
the weir can catch out the unwary and many paddlers have taken swims here that they’d rather not admit to...
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Donegal Coast: A Sea Kayakers Paradise
Trevor Fisher reveals how to get the best from Donegal’s magical coastline
45
Foot Loose
paddlesports
The Donegal Coast:
Free those toes in a pair of flip flops
hen Scullion, Our cover image was taken by Step cialises in capturing great surf a local sports photographer who spe shoots around Ireland, or where images. Living in Co. Antrim, Stephen his website www.surfpi.co.uk ever the wave takes him. Check out
on the cover:
rollerblading
picture: Thomas McClelland
6
paddlesports
Sea Kayake r’s paradise
On a break from his day job as centre manager at Tollymore National Outdoor Centre, Trevor Fisher explores the diverse waters of Donegal and its surrounding islands, revealing why this spot is fondly described as a paddlers paradise…
W
hat is it about sea kayaking in Donegal?
You always come away with the feeling that you need to go back, to go to the next island, go round the next headland, explore the next bay... That feeling of ‘I want some more’ ensures that we always do go back. However, the more we go back, the more blanks there are to fill in. It is a vicious circle, of the most enjoyable kind! The number of islands and bays, of exposed headlands and high cliffs ensures that there is generally somewhere to paddle in most weather conditions, throughout the year. This brief introduction will give a taster for two very different areas, from the huge cliffs of Slieve League to the group of islands further north, around Bunbeg.
down, but it is a magical place, particularly as you think of the journey ahead. Do leave plenty of time for exploring the coast, with the caves and arches providing plenty of opportunity for rockhopping and landing at the few beaches along the way. The few beaches are spread along the coast and are only accessible from the sea, in calm conditions. This is definitely a trip to be undertaking in settled conditions to allow
lying, surrounded by small cliffs, with many zawns, bays and arches. If conditions are not ideal, head north to any of the island groups where you are bound to find some shelter.
The Bunbeg Area Bunbeg is a small, very sheltered harbour giving convenient access to a number of islands in the area, such as Cruit, Owey,
Donegal Coast, near Dunbeg
island, is very sheltered, but easy to miss if you are paddling from the south. The coast of Owey is spectacular, with arches, cliffs and an unusual canyon north of the harbour. Tides in the sound between Owey and Cruit can be strong and the sea choppy, especially with the wind against the tide. There are a number of islands between Owey, and Gola to the North, including Bo island and Inishinny and Inishcoole, however the next major island is Gola. Gola is a large, beautiful island - the main village was deserted by the 1970’s, but the island once supported a population of 200 people. Owey Landing
A circumnavigation of Gola gives a great day out, with arches and cliffs, caves, hidden bays and exposed headlands - all on a relatively small island. The main attraction for many outdoor enthusiasts is however, the rockclimbing. Every year, during the summer months, many climbers camp on Gola, above the beach on the western side of the island. There is a wide
variety of rockclimbs, at most grades, giving something for everyone. Umfin is a small island north east of Gola, well worth a visit. The coastal scenery is spectacular and there is limited rockclimbing. The island was always too small to sustain a viable community but there is evidence of some habitation in the past.
A circumnavigation of Gola gives a great day out, with arches and cliffs, caves, hidden bays and exposed headlands all on a relatively small island
Slieve League The 13km section of coast between Malinbeg and Teelin has some of the most spectacular cliffs on the Irish coast. They rise to over 600 metres from the Atlantic, making them the second highest in Ireland and almost three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher in Clare. The coast has waterfalls plunging into the sea, arches, plenty of caves and the occasional stoney beach to land on. Although the section of coast is only 13km long, most will paddle a much greater distance, spending time exploring and taking in the atmosphere. The shuttle for the trip, between Malinbeg and Teelin is quite long and tedious, so many paddlers choose to do the journey ‘there and back’, launching at the sheltered pier in Malinbeg. It is quite a steep carry
for full exploration of the coast. The fetch from North America to Slieve League is quite long, so conditions can get extremely challenging in onshore winds. When conditions and fitness levels allow, a small detour out to Rathlin O’Beirne is very worthwhile. This small island is 2km off the coast from Malinbeg. It is relatively low
Gola and Umfin. Cruit is, in fact, joined to the mainland and it is possible to drive to the northern tip of the island where there is a small slipway, giving easy access to Owey. Owey has been uninhabited since about 1980, but a number of houses have been renovated in recent years. The harbour, which lies on the eastern end of the
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rescue
Who you go nna call? On call day or night, 365 days of the year, the members of the North West Mountain Rescue Team deserve our respect and support for the tireless and entirely voluntary life saving work that they do…
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P
icture the scene – a couple of Eight of us went haring over to the source climbers have been pitting of the noise and we found the two lads their skills against some of and got them stabilised and evacuated. It the most challenging terrain was the classic mountain rescue and in Ireland when weather every team in Ireland was involved. I’ve conditions change - a snow storm turns into a white out and The NWMRT (l-r) Tommy, Marie, they lose their way. Temperatures Han and Stephen are below freezing, conditions are life threatening and they are out of telephone range. It’s the
Second Skin
local landscape has resulted in a surge in demand for the skills of the NWMRT as Han
This was the reality that faced the North West Mountain Rescue
überdog’s guide to buying a wetsuit
50
Who you Gonna Call?
probation for about a year during
reveals: “ It’s got busier and busier year upon year. When I
been told it was the single biggest search that had been held in the island at that time (2009) and it was a hell of an experience to be part off.” Han is just one of a team of around 48 volunteers that make up the present NWMRT, a vital rescue group that has been servicing the province since 1980. Yet despite the fact that the charity is about to celebrate its 30th anniversary, awareness of its existence and the selfless, life saving work that members do, is relatively low. “I get really frustrated when people say to me ‘oh I didn’t know we had a mountain rescue team,” says Han. “We do, and we are being called upon more and more to provide vital assistance to people who, for any number of different
first joined the team we were under funded and under used, now we are under funded and over used. With the number of shouts we have had so far this year, 2010 looks set to be bumper year.” In 2009 the NWMRT attended 65 rescue and planned events (organised walks and pilgrimages), so members make a heavy commitment when they sign up and can be expected to receive a call at least once a week. Marie joined the group in September 2009 and is nearing the end of her probation period: “I absolutely love it,” she enthuses, “We all have different roles that we play in the team and everyone gets on really well. I’m still on probation as I have some training programmes to complete, but my experiences so far have been fantastic.”
Stephen descends Fairhead to rescue an abseiler (in this case, Han)
in the form of an SMS text and you reply with whether you can attend or not,” Marie explains. “The team are totally committed with each member committing to attend at least 60% of call outs.” Marie is one of eight female members. A paediatric nurse she brings vital first aid skills to the group but at the end of her probationary period she will be competent
A call can come at any moment, but sods law it will be the middle of the night when it’s lashing down! “We all get a call
which
time we train them up across a number of skills including first aid, navigational skills, rope tying, equipment technology, helicopter training…the list goes on. It can take a year and half before someone is a full team member, so for an entirely voluntary team that’s a big time investment.”
its own mountain rescue team. This widening of borders and the fact that more people than ever are exploring the
middle of the night, they’ve been stranded for many hours and their prospects are looking bleaker by the second.
Team (NWMRT) members when a call (or ‘shout’) came out for assistance from their counter parts in Wicklow. Han Fisher was one of several team members who responded and he recalls the day vividly: “It was probably my most memorable rescue to date. I got the call at midnight that two ice climbers were in trouble. By this stage the Wicklow team had been out for hours and were calling in support from everybody. We couldn’t get a helicopter down as the weather was that bad, so we drove and arrived at the scene at about 6am. I’d been in work the day before so by that time I had been awake for 24 hours.” Working alongside fellow NWMRT members and members from the Mourne Rescue Team, Han and the group searched for a further eight hours. “The conditions were terrible,” he recalls. “We were walking through snow that varied from ankle deep to knee high, so it was tough going. We were taking a quick break for food when we heard whistles.
We normally wouldn’t’ work on the cliff face, This is usually the coast guards area, but we can and we do...
reasons, have become stranded in the hills or mountains,” Initially as the name suggest the team covered the Sperrins but over time its geographical range has expanded to cover most of Northern Ireland with the exception of the Mourne Mountains, which has
contents
rescue
and capable of tackling any rescue scenario. Han explains the training process: “We have a waiting list of volunteers that want to come on board, but it’s expensive to take on a new recruit and it takes a long time so we are naturally cautious when we take people on. New members go on a basic training course and are then on
Of course a big time investment means a big cost investment and for the charity, funding is a constant source of concern. “As well as funding individual and group training courses we have a massive investment in equipment each year,” Han explains. “Ropes, harnesses, helmets… they all have life spans and anything that becomes blood contaminated on a rescue operation has to be trashed. It’s a constant battle to stay on top of our equipment needs and then on top of that we have course fees, car tax, fuel, insurance etc…the list is enormous. “Grant funding from Sport NI allowed us to buy three vans and sort out a rescue base in County Fermanagh which we use for training, but that funding is starting to dry up now so this year we will be doing a lot of fund raising events and will be relying on getting a few new sponsors.” Operating as a voluntary organisation all the members devote their time for free: “No one is paid anything,” adds Han. “We can claim back petrol mileage but at the end of the day we are a charity, so if we do we’ve just got to stand on the side of the street with a collection box to raise that money again. I could probably live in a much higher style if I didn’t do mountain rescue,” he laughs,
flannel panel
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Meet the North West Mountain Rescue Team
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Out of Darkness
The incredible story of blind adventurer Mark Pollock
team woof:
Wide Awake
big dog: Robert Doherty
Wakeboarder Sian Hurst is back on her board and ambitious to achieve big things in 2010…
veryone would e at about 6pm, d go home for r and go back the skatepark til it closed...
Scaling New Heights
Founder of the NI Youth Climbing Team, mountaineer Eddie Cooper is the man responsible for making climbing cool again…
or some reason I can’t take my Gradually Eddie became more aware of for the first time I was surprised, you eyes off Eddie Cooper’s fingers. could the skills and techniques involved in climbing actually put gear into cracks in the rock Don’t get me wrong, the man as a face and in his own words he “learnt to climb in a that would stop you falling to the ground whole is charasmatic, especially . more sensible fashion.” So although the Mournes were smaller, once he gets going on his favourite to me topic (the Of course 30 years ago the sport in Ireland Fairhead seemed safer.” youth team), but when he tells me that he was relatively undeveloped and safety It was during his first climbs on Fairhead can pull his entire body weight up a cliff face measures didn’t stretch much further than that Eddie met some of the best climbers using one finger, I’m pretty awestruck. in tying a rope around your waist and hoping Ireland, including the Fairhead legend And so I should be, for in the world of Calvin that if you fell, the ground below would be Torrans. Through their encouragement mountaineering/climbing Eddie Cooper he is a kind. grew in ability and with this newfound name that commands respect, not just for confidence came a thirst for greater the recent advances he’s made with Ireland’s challenges in the form of tougher routes. first youth team, but for his own climbing “At that stage everyone was finding new achievements of which there have been routes and that’s what I went on to do, many throughout his 30 year climbing easy career. lines were accomplished and harders “As a child I always climbed things, “he one were found.” begins. “I climbed in and out of my Spurred on by adrenaline Eddie sought bedroom window; I climbed down at White out more technically challenging climbs Rocks and got stuck on top of cliffs… and that’s was soon travelling beyond Ireland : just what I did. If we drove past a cliff “I kept all I seeing things that I wanted to do. I’d wanted to do was climb it. I’ve no idea read a why, I magazine article about some crag in just always wanted to do it.” Europe and I’d get in my car and drive to find There’s no questioning the passion it. and “I was always attracted more by the sense of adventure, often associated line with than great heights. There’s a buzz in brilliant sports people, was there from a very climbing things that are high, but for early age, but it was only when he became me it’s a more about seeing a challenge and teenager that Eddie was formally introduced thinking ‘I’d love to climb up that’. That was to the sport: “When I was about 14 I my joined driving force. There were always things the 6th Belfast Scout troop in Belfast I and we couldn’t climb that I wanted to climb. were taken climbing and I loved it. Later, “The protection was pretty minimal.,” “I spent my life travelling around the when I got a job I borrowed the Scouts rope Eddie explains. “Falling meant hitting the country and then the world. When I and rule book, a couple of pegs and started went ground quite often, but when you’re young climbing everybody did everything down the Mournes, tied a rope around we my you bounce quite well, I don’t bounce so well tackled rock, alpine, ice – nobody considered waist and started climbing. I knew nothing now,” he laughs. themselves a specialist in any one field, more than that I wanted to climb, I didn’t we Like many before him, Eddie began tried them all and I loved the variety of that.” know there were guide books and specialist climbing in the Mournes, progressing to the As Eddie’s passion for climbing grew, equipment there to help, I just knew so I wanted imposing cliffs of Fairhead when he felt in too did his desire to immerse himself to climb.” into the need of a greater challenge, although world of mountaineering and as a “After about six months teaching myself, I ironically Eddie found it safer. “For me consequence he decided to give up got a small book published by the BBC his only Fairhead was a revelation as I learnt you ‘real job’ in the bank to enable him to called Rock Face which explained what have I could actually fall off safely. When I started the freedom to follow his sport. “Ever should have been using and doing and since it’s climbing Fairhead was considered a hard then I’ve done lots of different things probably the reason why I’m still alive from today!” and serious crag but when I went down to it building to working in shops,” he explains.
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überdog meets Eddie Cooper, the man responsible for making climbing cool again
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“Most of what I do now is coaching but that’s not the only thing I do. I don’t have a ‘proper job’ as my parents would put it, they’re still hoping I’ll grow up and become responsible!”
F
Scaling New Heights
33
Untied and unchallenged, Eddie took to the road: “Initially I travelled to Europe and climbed in the South of France area, then moved onto the Chamonix which in my opinion still offer the best technical Alpine climbs anywhere in the world. Then I tried Alaska, North America, the Himalayas… “I like to concentrate on the more technical routes rather than just trudging up a big snowy mountain. This idea of climbing up Everest as part of a large expedition I find unfathomable - why would you pay huge amounts of money to pull yourself up a fixed rope on a mountain with a sherpa carrying all your stuff and providing you with oxygen? I can’t understand that. To me that’s not mountaineering, that’s a guided tour! “To me climbing is about the challenge. It’s about being self sufficient and looking after yourself in the mountains . Reinhold Messner and Peter Habeler climbed Everest in ‘78 without oxygen, so why use it today? Climbing is the only sport in the world that seems happy going backwards.” He may be outspoken with his views, but Eddie is quick to concede that there is a type of climb out there for everyone and that ultimately it’s about personal choice. When asked about his favourite climb he remains uncommitted : “Fairhead and the Burren in the south are high on the list, but the nicest thing about climbing is the variety. I find it very difficult to pick my favourite spot climbing a 3,000 vertical climb in Yosmite is fabulous, but so is climbing a route in
climbing
I like to concentrate on the more technical routes rather than just trudging up a big snowy mountain - This idea of climbing up Everest as part of a large expedition I find unfathomable
Fairhead or a long ridge in Alaska… they are all fabulous places to be.”
sales: Andy McCombe
very hard boulder problem that’s only 15 feet high is probably physically the most difficult thing you’ll ever do. The challenges in climbing go from one extreme to another and I love it all to be honest.”
email: andy@uberdogmagazine.co.uk telephone: 077 0860 9872
So is it fear or excitement that makes him go back for more? “I certainly don’t like being scared as in thinking I’m going to die or hurt myself badly, “ he replies. “That’s not a pleasant experience. Yes there are times when climbing produces a huge adrenaline rush and excitement, but if you enjoy being scared I think there’s something quite odd about you!
Keep up to date with Team Woof at
“I’ve broken both ankles twice but that’s the worst I’ve done which relatively speaking
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überdog magazine
Start ‘em Young
ISSN 2043-7048
Top sports for über pups
Volume 2: Issue 3 was published by
Investigate, Spectate & Participate: Airsoft
Pig's Ear Publishing llp. email: info@pigsearpublishing.co.uk web: www.pigsearpublishing.co.uk
The Dog’s Diary
printed by
KPS Colour Print Ltd, Mayo
Want to know where Team Woof will be over the next couple of months? Check out our diary pages for August & September
72 74 76
web: www.kpscolourprint.com
Guide to
Airsoft
Waterways Ireland Riverfest
distributed by
EM News Distribution Belfast & Dublin
überdog’s airsoft correspondent Livingstone provides an insight Graeme into the growing sport of airsoft...
Action from the water at this annual event
web: www.emnewsdistribution.com
W
hen people think of combat sports their minds usually go to laser quest or paintball. Both well known and popular pastimes here in Northern Ireland. However, there is a third, lesser known option that provides a completely different style of combat gaming...airsoft. Have you ever found yourself watching a movie where the hero is loaded to the hilt with every gun known to man, with an endless supply of ammo and a fresh wave of bad guys storming towards him and thought to yourself - ‘that looks like a lot of fun!’? Or maybe you are a demon on the latest first person shooter on the XBOX or PS3 and want to test your skills in the real world. Maybe you’re neither and you just want to have a great afternoon with your friends. Well, airsoft offers you that and more. It’s a safe and enjoyable honesty based game where you have two sides playing against each other to fulfill an objective in either a CQB (close quarter battle) situation or a larger battlefield with forests, trenches and buildings for cover. If you get hit you simply fall back to your regeneration point or base and then try again!
4-Midable
Pictures from the second round of the 4X NPS held recently at Surfin’ Dirt
Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. All prices and dates correct at the time of going to press but are subject to change. überdog cannot be held responsible for unsolicited material or photographs or for the views and opinion of our advertisers. For competition terms and conditions visit www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk The views expressed by contributors and correspondents in articles, reports, reviews and other contributions do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Accordingly, the publisher is not responsible for any such view, nor for any act or omission on the part of any such contributor or correspondent. Neither is any responsibility accepted by the publisher for any loss or damage caused to any person relying on any statement in, or omission from überdog magazine.
INVESTIGATE:
So what exactly is airsoft? Airsoft, or airsoft skirmishing, bases its’ game play on a relatively realistic approach. If you are hit then you
are dead, you go back to a designated area called a ‘Regen Point’, and then you are free to head straight back into play. You use a replica imitation firearm (or RIF) that fires a small plastic pellet. Games run with two (or more) teams in a pre arranged scenario with
Over the Hill
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überdog captures the action from the lastest Irish and Ulster XC races
78
www.facebook.com/uberdogmag For exclusive magazine updates visit
Kit bags for summer
atch out the any paddlers ms here that ot admit to...
editor: Tara Craig
email: editorial@uberdogmagazine.co.uk telephone: 077 4042 2787
Revealing that each climb presents a new set of challenges Eddie says: “It’s hard to pick a favourite climb as the challenges are all different mentally and physically. An 8,000 metre Alpine climb tackled without oxygen is a huge mental challenge as your brain starts disintegrating and your mind isn’t thinking clearly. In contrast, climbing a very,
Pack a Punch
kayak
email: rob@uberdogmagazine.co.uk telephone: 077 1184 6246
climbing
check out video footage at www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk
With the sun splitting the trees and with a backdrop to die for, the 4X race at Surfin' Dirt on the edge of Tollymore Forest was eagerly anticipated by team überdog. 4X, beautiful in its simplicity, involves four bikes at a time ripping up 400 metres of doubles, gaps, drops and berms. First bike past the post takes the prize - simple. The racing was fast and furious throughout the day and everyone had a real blast. Between the races, entertainment came in the form of the dirt surfin' boys who wowed us with gravitydefying jumps, back somersaults and a few dramatic spills. After the racing was done, the bikes and boards started hitting the biggest of Surfin' Dirt's ramps. Well, you know how it goes...one challenge lead to another and so on....queue the car jumping!
Jump like you mean it!
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the street… Mütt Snutts, überdog’s roving reporter reveals the latest word on
Paddy’s pulling tricks again On Saturday 26th June the best British
the year seemed to spur the skaters on as
manual skaters descended on London to
they landed a ridiculous amount of tricks.
UTV’s Marc Mallett gets behind Trailtrekker
battle it out at Red Bull Manny Mania 2010.
Top place went to Jack Edwards who used
UTV’s Marc Mallett is encouraging local
Among them was last years champ,
a huge selection of tricks and showed a
people to follow in his footsteps by
Belfast’s Paddy Maguire who secured his
massive amount of style. He will now face
signing up for Oxfam Ireland’s 100km
place in the final after battling it out in the
32 skaters, all from different countries, in
Trailtrekker event. Talking about the
tough London qualifier at the start of the
the Red Bull Manny Mania World Final for
event Marc said: “When I first heard
day’s session. Paddy competed against
amateurs in New York City on August 21,
about Trailtrekker 2010 it sounded
the UK’s finest
2010. The one amateur skater who defeats
amazing and I knew it was the perfect
and finished
every other in the global field will get their
challenge for me and my friends. I’m
4th, sweet
chance to step into the big leagues - a spot
excited and daunted by the task of
mate! The heat
in the invite-only Red Bull Manny Mania Pro
walking 100km inside 36 hours - I’ve
from one of the
Event, on Sunday, August 22.
never walked through the night before
hottest days of
www.redbullmannymania.co.uk
but that’s one of the things that makes Trailtrekker such a uniquely special event.” Trailtrekker 2010 takes place on 4-5 September, starting in Newcastle, before traversing the Mournes and the Cooleys to finish in Carlingford. Over 36 hours participants’ determination, stamina, dedication and camaraderie will be thoroughly tested - so the earlier that teams register and start training together, the better! For more details text “TREK” to 51500, call 028 9089 5972 (NI) or 01635 0406 (ROI) or visit www.oxfamireland.org/trailtrekker
OH LORDY!
Set to become the downhill event of the year, the inaugural Lord of the Lumpers contest was held in County Louth on the 9th May. Stakes were expected to be high at the event where the winner would become Lord and hold bragging rights over all his subjects for the year! The first ever Lord of the Lumpers went off without a hitch with some serious slagging as well as racing!! The Staff of the Lumpers went, very deservedly to Mr Ian MacIntyre, as did first place in the jump off at the end of the day.
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(l-r) Kyle Dunn in 4th, Lenny in 5th, Big Ian Macintyre, 1st place and the first ever Lord of the lumpers! Dale MacMullen in 3rd place and Michael Cowan in 2nd place
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Mark Pattinson passes Ben Bulben on his way to TS06 in Sligo Town
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Get set for A Race Around Ireland On the 12 September the Race Around Ireland Challenge will kick off for its second year attracting World Champions and weekend warriors on a great adventure around the Country. The race will again loop around the entire island passing some of Ireland’s most famous landmarks, taking in magnificent scenery and crossing the country’s highest mountains. Beginning in Navan Co. Meath, solo riders set off at 8pm on Sunday 12th with the teams starting at 8pm on Tuesday 14th September. For more information visit www.racearoundireland.com
Concrete skate park update It’s been promised for months, so when exactly is the buidling of the North of Ireland’s first concrete skate park going to start? überdog put that quetsion to the body responsible, Belfast City Council and got the following response: “Work on the site of Belfast’s new £500,000 Bridges Urban sports park, which is part funded by the European Union’s PEACE III Programme, is expected to begin towards the end of the summer. “Over the last few months, we have been working with our contractors Freestyle Skateparks to finalise the designs and materials for the site in preparation for construction. “Conditional planning permission for the urban sports park was given by the DOE in December 2009. This involved securing technical approval and agreeing lighting arrangements with DRD
What a session The Animal Relentless Mountain Bike Team wowed the crowds with an impressive stunt show at the Sea Sessions festival in Co. Donegal recently. Way to go boys!
Roads Service and now been met Belfast City
Join the jet set
Council can proceed with
A Jet Ski Freestyle Clinic is being
building Northern
held in Lower Lough Erne on
Ireland’s first purpose
Saturday 11 & Sunday 12th of
built outdoor urban
September. Ant Burgess, a British
sports park.”
and World Jet Ski Free Style
these conditions have
Now that that’s sorted Belfast’s soon to have one of its own Matt Gillespie at Bushy Park in Dublin
Champion and his crew will be on
let’s hope we see the
hand to teach you tricks and show
bulldozers to move in
you what it takes to become the next
soon.
future champion on the water. For more information on how to get
For further updates log on to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/urbansports
involved visit www.jetproducts.co.uk
GET NOTICED
If you want your team to be the best dressed; want your event to have the best signage or are looking for promotional goodies that scream ‘notice me’, then get in contact with D-Signs + Displays. These are the guys who have dressed Team Woof and created all the überdog banners and event signage and you’ll find they offer a professional and friendly service that’s creative and value for money. For more info tel: 028 8774 7844 or visit www.d-signsonline.com
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TRAILTREKKER Mournes to Carlingford 4-5 September 2010
ES S O L C N I O T A R T S REGI
Saturday 31st July!
oxfamireland.org/trailtrekker Text TREK to 51500 or Tel: (028) 9089 5972 *
*Standard text rates apply. Oxfam Ireland. Company Registration Number 284292. SP: PUCA 00353 1 499 5939.
77 77 $ SUHVV DG 1,B LQGG 77 $ 77 $ SUHVV S V D DG 1,B LQGG
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EuropeAn Waveski report the lovely French town of Plouhinec in
Briezh Riders crew of Brittany, did very well
Brittany recently. The competition attracted
capitalizing on their local knowledge. Dave
74 riders from around Europe including a
Speller of Jersey also did extremely well by
Campaign for Donegal biking facility
team from Ireland featuring our very own
making the semi finals before being
A welcomed campaign to develop a
waveski correspondent, Mart McCann. With
knocked out. All in all it was a fantastic
state-of-the-art downhill mountain biking
so many competitors and only a three-day
competition bringing together the waveski
trail on forestry lands owned by Coillte in
window to run the competition the
and paddlesurf community in Europe.
Co. Donegal was launched in May.
organisers were under pressure. To add fuel
Daily video highlights are available on
Speaking in Letterkenny, local TD Joe
to the fire the forecast was weak and the
worldriders tv at www.subgraviti.com
McHugh explained further: “Downhill
The European waveski titles took place in
The French riders, most notably the
already small surf was expected to drop off
mountain biking is an increasingly
completely by day three. As a result the
popular outdoor sport that has already
standard competition format changed
attracted thousands of tourists to Ireland.
dramatically. Heats were dropped to 15
Coillte has developed mountain biking
minutes each instead of 20; the reportage's
trails in a number of locations throughout
were dropped and the organisers ran two
the country, and each of these is
banks with two sets of judges throughout
commercially viable.
the event to allow for it to be run off in two
“The company owns large tracts of
days.
land in our county, and Donegal downhill mountain biking enthusiasts have identified a number of possible Coillte sites in the county for this project. Contact has been made with Coillte about this exciting plan and engineers are examining the proposals.” The proposed Donegal facility would be the first of its kind in Ulster. It is illegal to pursue the sport on forestry plantations in Northern Ireland, so this is a massive opportunity for Donegal. Currently there is no downhill mountain biking trail in the North West. Local mountain biking enthusiasts are also establishing a Donegal mountain biking club to drive this
Try a threesome
initiative forward. If you are interested please email joe.mchugh@oireachtas.ie
Swim, cycle and run your way round Northern Ireland with a new triathlon series. The Decathlon sponsored Triathlon Series takes place across counties Antrim, Armagh, Down and Fermanagh during the summer months and is expected to attract more than 2,000 triathletes. The sweeping Mountains of Mourne will play host to ‘Top of the Mourne Triathlon’ in Rostrevor on Sunday 25th July and Saturday 7th August will see the pretty town of Castlewellan as the setting for the Mourne Triathlon. The triathlon series will finish on the toughest challenge yet, the Half Ireman at Groomsport on Sunday 22nd August. Each of the triathlons cover different distances to suit all abilities from the first-timer to the experience triathlete. For more information visit www.tri247.com
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Tricks & Tips
his skill MTB master Dave Youngs continues jumps eed step-by-step guide to wheelies, sp
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tutorials with a ps‌ and bunny ho Jake Samuels Pictures:
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NOVICE / BEGINNER:
BUNNY HOPS
bike’s ed jump is the ability to use the spe the and s thi n wee bet e together. enc The differ off the ground with the wheels e bik the se rai to y bod r you suspension and
Approach
leave the alise were you want the bike to Line up for your obstacle or visu bike. Push down the suspension to pre-load the ground. The easiest way is to use ad evenly on the press the bike. Keep low and spre once or twice on the bike to com elled in the air! e speed means more distance trav bike. The physics are simple - mor
The physics are simple more speed means more distance travelled in the air... obstacle Imagine a tree root or a water channel you want to clear. As the travel rebounds, extend your body to the upright position with your arms and legs moving together. Don’t let the front drop down too quick or the bike will nose dive. If you use SPD pedals this will help. However if you are using flats, try to flick your heels under the pedals and the rear will leave the ground. It’s a bit like jumping up in the air with the bike attached to you.
exit
ugh with the bike and As you come in to land, follow thro ’t let your body freeze or lock bend your elbows and knees. Don will cause you to crash. Stay your arms and legs out, as this es 1 and 2 when we were tackling smooth and light - remember issu . for the next urban or rural obstacle small drops? Look ahead ready
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Tricks & Tips
ADVANCED:
WHEELIES
lls that you ics. We are going to look at ski bas to k bac ng goi re we’ ss cla For this advanced w and style as you rip on the trail to add a bit of flo use and ed eet str the in rn lea can practice. Don’t start trying to spe of lot a e uir req lls ski the few attempts. along the single track. All over a large kerb on your first hop ny bun or , les tac obs h hig ot e shop. jump two-fo an expensive bill at your local bik and rs tea in end l wil it do Trust me, if you
Approach h at a fast Start on a flat surface and approac a comfortable, easy walking pace. You should be in brake with one to pedal gear. Cover your back tly back and sligh ht finger. Move your body weig set as a clock n bend your arms. Imagine your chai the 2 o’clock face. As your leading foot passes e force than position, push down with a bit mor look ahead. On and back e mov usual. Let your body of your bike will your first few attempts the front half a pedal turn. If come crashing back down after and you feel like the front wheel comes up too high , touch the back you are going to fall off the back down. brake and the front will come back
obstacle If you are trying to clear an obstacle you should have started approx half a metre from the kerb obstacle. Don’t look at the root, hit it will you or be or whatever it may the p Kee or come off your line. k pedals turning and drag the bac or brake if you start to come too high gather too much speed. You are t aiming to get the bike to the poin k Loo s. htles weig were the front feels the If . ahead and past the obstacle r bike moves left or right, move you right knees in or out and hips left or nter cou and ight stra to keep the bike . the balance problems
exit
drop the front by using the back Once clear and you are happy, ’t want to keep your weight back, you don brake or stop pedalling. Try and h weight. load the front end with too muc use all the front suspension or pre-
www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk
13
011-014 Dave Youngs Pages V02.qxp
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ADVANCED:
SPEED JUMPS
Approach
to manoeuvre the bike onto or over You need the speed to allow you jump to photos we are using the speed the obstacle. In this sequence of ent like a kerb. g similar in the urban environm represent a step-up or somethin your pedals r weight into the back third with Centre your pedals and move you of the bike r body mass over the rear third centred. Lean back and place you ugh the thro h pus and Pull up on the bars as you want the front end to rise. mpts. atte few will be difficult on your first pedals with your legs bent. This
obstacle Start to move your body weight of the bike. forward and into the middle third the bars up Here comes the tricky bit. Push rear of the and away from you to bring the ing on a land are you bike off the ground. If landing by little flat tabletop you can cheat a your hing the front wheel on the top and pus body weight forward.
exit
kly as possible into Try and move your weight as quic a normal attack position ready the middle third and settle in to ension will have gone through for the next bit of trail. The susp to its full travel. Don’t let this its travel and will be rebounding as taught in issue 1 and 2. push you off line. Look forward
■ Ireland’s most qualified coach and guide, Dave Youngs has over 15 years experience in the field. Dave holds the MIAS Level 6 Coaching Qualification, endorsed by the CTC and Association of British Cycling Coaches and is a qualified First Aid and map reading instructor. Youngs MTB Instruction have recently been working with a number of high profile European holiday companies and local activity centres to ensure mountain bike standards are maintained and Dave has also been training local Down Hill champions wanting to make the transition to coaching and guiding.
In issue 4: Wet roots, Switchbacks, Gap Jumps 14
www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk
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016-017 CRC Advert Iss03.qxp
8/7/10
14:45
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016-017 CRC Advert Iss03.qxp
8/7/10
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018-019 stevie bell pages V03.qxp
8/7/10
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Minterview
Meet the Mech a STEVE BELL: TEAM COMMENCAL pictures: Sven Martin | www.svenmartinphotography.com
AGE: I'm 42 and I’ve been riding bikes from
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY INVOLVE?
down and hope that we get some good
the age of 4.
On a typical race day myself and Andy Ward
results! Then it’s time to start packing away
LIVES: Dromore
(the other mechanic) would arrive at the pits
all the pits and bikes.
around 7-7.30am to set everything out i.e HOW DID YOU GET
turbo-trainers, work-stands bikes etc. We do
WHAT’S LIFE LIKE ON THE ROAD?
INTO THE DH SCENE?
a few bike checks and then the riders would
It’s pretty damn tiring! People seem to think
I started racing BMX in 1982 and raced for
do one or two practice runs. Then we would
oh Steve's in Canada, Australia, Italy,
15-16 years all over the place, on the
almost do a complete rebuild before the
America having a good time, but it’s intense and bloody hard work. On the
mainland, Europe and in America.
plus side I’m getting to see the
I got into DH around 95-96 and raced Irish Nationals, British Nationals , NORBAs and a few
Steve enjoying one of the local trails during a well earned break back home
world on a circuit doing something I enjoy rather than slogging it out in a job that I
World Cups for a few years.
don't give a crap about. WHO WERE YOUR SPORTING IDOLS GROWING UP?
WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER
I didn’t really have any when I was
HIGHS TO DATE?
younger, but I do now. A few that
High points had to be Andorra
really stand out are Valentino Rossi
World Cup 2008 (which just
Lance Armstrong and James
happens to be where
Stewart (a US supercross rider).
Commencal are based) when Dan won the 4x, then Rachel
WHEN DID YOU DECIDE YOU'D
won the women's DH and
LIKE TO BE A MECHANIC?
Gee won the men’s DH all in
I didn’t really plan to be a World
the same weekend. Then the
Cup mechanic, it sort of happened
World Champs in Italy the
by accident. I went to the 1st WC in
same year when Rachel won
Spain with Ben Reid just to hang
the women's DH and Gee
out and was offered the job with
won the men’s within hours of
Commencal for the 2nd round and
each other, something that
that was that really, so I've been with
has never been done by any
the team since 2007.
family in any discipline of cycling.
EVER GET CAUGHT IN SIBLING RIVALRY BETWEEN DAN, GEE
WHERE DO YOU MOST
AND RACHEL?
LIKE TO RIDE? My favourite places to ride
I guess they're just like any other family that spend a lot of time
race runs, making sure everything is pretty
are probably Canada i.e Whistler and
together - there's a bit of rivalry and some
much as perfect as possible. We would take
Silverstar, Moab Utah in America and the
tension sometimes, but I pretty much let
a turbo-trainer to the top of the course for
French Alps like Morzine, Les Gets, Chatel.
them get on with it, it's easier that way.
warm-up at race time and then head back
18
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018-019 stevie bell pages V03.qxp
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Minterview
h anic
WHAT ARE YOUR PREDICTIONS FOR
a badly broken finger.
WORLD CUP PODIUM SUCCESS THIS
The men’s is going to be pretty close
YEAR?
between Greg Minnaar (rd1 winner) Sam
I think Rachel will probably be unchallenged
Hill, Brendan Fairclough and Steve Peat who
if the 1st round is anything to go by winning
you can never rule out, though I do think
by 10 seconds in the muddy conditions with
Gee may just win the series this year as he only lost the 1st place by 0.25 in Rd 1 with not the greatest of race runs which is the best start to a year he's ever had so it's a big boost. I also think that our own Ben Reid is closing in on a podium place somewhere this year which will be very well received by everybody on the circuit as Ben is one of the hardest working and most liked riders out there. The 4x is going to be a catch up for Dan after 2 rounds of bad luck as Aussie Jared Graves leads the way, but Dan is the fastest and most complete rider out there so we'll see. IF YOU WEREN'T DONG THIS WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING? I’d maybe try my hand at coaching or something. o Follow the progress of the Atherton
it’s intense and bloody hard work, On the plus side I’m getting to see the world...
Team on www.athertonracing.co.uk
DH 4X Stevie does it all. Often there is more to being a wrench than just working on bikes, Like in golf the caddy makes important strategic decisions like what club to select or in this case what tyres to run
19
020 Adverts x 2.qxp
8/7/10
16:39
Page 20
of Ăźberdog Missed issue one or two
magazine?
SHAME ON YOU! ÂŁ2 Buy them online for just
with FREE P&P*
o.uk www.uberdogmagazine.c
You'd be barking not to!
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20
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021 CRC Team V02.qxp
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mtb
The power of six Rostrevor… The Chain Reaction Cycles Intense 2010 Race Team hit the trails inpictures: Nigel Elder@CRC
T
he Chain Reaction Cycles
Then it was back up
Intense 2010 Race Team
North to the CRC HQ
returned for the third
located just outside Belfast
consecutive season, looking
for a clean up and an
better than ever with more
advertising photoshoot.
vans, a cool new trainer and the best looking graphics and race kit to date. Five became six with the addition of
The next day it was off to Rostrevor to test out the new M9. The team took to
new team member, Finland’s Matti
the woods like a hot knife
Mehikoinen, who joined seasoned
through butter, hitting up
members Chris Kovarik, Julien Camellini,
lines and shutting down
Matt Simmonds, Ruaridh Cunningham and Claire Buchar. The team flew over to Belfast to visit the Chain Reaction Cycles headquarters, meet the CRC family and set up and test the brand new 2010 M9 Protos that they would be using this year. It was an eventful few days with the team travelling to Cork to compete in round 3 of the Irish NPS where they secured several podium positions on a course that Claire described as being like “peanut butter mixed with Nutella”.
trail sections that locals have been riding for years. Giving everyone who rides these trails regularly an eye opening experience as to what is possible. “It’s a wonder guys like Ben Reid are quick buggers as the trails didn’t disappoint with off camber wet roots, big rock gardens, tight sections and open and fast at the bottom,” reported Chris Kovarik. o
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Follow the team’s progress through out the season at www.crcintense.com
21
022-023 DH Wicklow V01.qxp
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The bustling pit area
Darragh O’Connor Club: EPIC MTB Category: Sport Position on day: 19
ROUND 6 saw the DH contingent converge on the picturesque Glen of Imaal to take on a spanking new track built by the Epic MTB DH crew. The warnings of unexploded shells from the neighbouring Irish Army artillery range soon paled to insignificance as we were slowly and cruelly eaten alive by a plague of midges of biblical proportions. A few wellprepared riders had come with full head nets and walked the camp unmolested as the rest of us walked around slapping and scratching. Practice day ended with a drive-in cinema experience with a difference when Drifted II was projected onto the sidewall of the Cycling Ireland tent. In the late evening smoky fires were the order of the day if you
wanted to enjoy a brew without losing a pint of blood. Race day commenced with an international incident as the Irish Army, all two of them, got upset when a steward blocked the gate to their range. The weather had been promising all weekend and allowed for a dry first run on a course packed with cracking features. Then the heavens opened. The wet track might have rendered the race over as a competition but more fun was had in the mud on the second run. More importantly, the midges were forced to seek shelter in tents and campers where they laid their eggs by the million. A great weekend on the whole, once you stopped scratching it! o
for full race details and results log onto IrishDH.com Adam Tarbett Club: Flow Racing Category: Under 16 Position on day: 7
The beautiful Wicklow mountains - where better to spend your weekends?
Derek Davoren Club: MBW Racing Category: Sport Position on day: 2 Kamil Hnyk Club: Dublin Blazers Bmx Category: Master Position on day: 10
22
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David Lenehan Club: Lakeside Whs Mullingar Category: Master Position on day: 5
Tom Clogher Club: TC Racing Category: Sport Position on day: 13
Scott Leaney Club: Roscolines Category: Junior Position on day: 9
Jack Crowley Club: 021 Racing Category: Under 14 Position on day: 3
Dan Sheridan Club: Flow Racing Category: Under 16 Position on day: 1
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23
024-027 Skateboard test.qxp
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skateboard
Board M e your typical There was no table, wipe board or suits in sight because this wasn’t skaters in the ‘bored’ meeting. This was a gathering of some of the most skilled north and the topic of discussion was…? Yep, you guessed it, boards!
PADDY MAGUIRE BOARDER CO. BOARD
This board has a really sick shape and it’s Irish made which is good because you’re supporting a local business. I love the graphic on it and at £45 it’s pretty cheap compared to some of the imported boards, so you’re saving money and supporting Irish. I’ve had about six of these boards, I love them.
LUKE HUMPHREYS BAMBOO BOARD
I bought my board in Spiral Threads in Belfast and I love it. It just feels different - it’s got more pop and although it feels a lot lighter, I think it’s even sturdier than a maple board, I went down a set of six steps on it no problem. The bamboo definitely reacts differently and it seems to be really hard wearing. I’d say it’s cheaper than maple for the quality you’re getting and the concave is just perfect, there’s not a fault in sight.
24
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skateboard
M eeting...
CHRIS FORSYTHE SLAVE BOARD from HYPE
I skate on a Slave board because it’s got a great shape and is dead durable. This deck costs about £55 and is pretty wide which makes it good for landing big jumps. I wouldn’t recommend it for a beginner who should start on something thinner which will flip faster, but for someone who can skate for longer, it’s a sick board.
DRYDAN FRACTURE BOARD
My board is a great value for money - it’s durable and gives a good ride. What I really like about Fracture boards is that you can skate them straight away, you don’t need time to get used to it.
25
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skateboard
JARED BAMBOO BOARD
I think the bamboo board definitely has more pop. The fibres are really strong and it doesn’t wear away at the tail. I’ve had my board for a month now and apart from a bit of side splitting which was easy to fix with some super glue it’s perfect - not bad going considering I’ve been known to go through ten boards in one month! I’ll be staying on bamboo and although the board is really plain, I’ve had lots of fun customising it with my own design.
NIALL CAMPBELL BLUE PRINT BOARD from HYPE
I love my board. The best thing is that it’s really big (8.125) which gives it loads of pop and helps me with my steez. I’ve learnt a lot on this board – it’s a nice shape and a good size. It costs about £45 so it’s one of the better value boards and you can have lots of fun with it.
26
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024-027 Skateboard test.qxp
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skateboard
Longboard Challenge Tried & Tested: LUSH SAMBA OFF SEASON LONGBOARD £200 (complete) from SURF MOUNTAIN
DRYDAN: This is a great board if you’re into filming as it delivers a really smooth ride. It’s super for hills and can really pick up speed. Great fun and a nice change from the normal skateboard.
Bored with flat ground skating, three of our riders took the Lush longboard for a spin downhill and despite several spills and a few holes in shoes and teeshirts, they all wanted more…
JARED: This is the sort of board I’d like to take out for a day into the countryside just chillin’, listening to music and enjoying the sunshine. I’ve only had a few goes on it but that’s enough to make me want to go out and buy one right away.
LUKE: This is something really different, it’s a real blast and great for getting up some speed. It’s the best adrenaline rush I’ve had for ages and I definitely want to buy one.
WIN THE LUSH longBOARD Like what you see? You could win the very board used in our test (scratches included), worth £200 courtesy of überdog magazine and Surf Mountain. To enter visit our website www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk and follow the competition link. Good luck. Competition closing date Friday 3rd September. Full terms and conditions online. www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk
27
028-029 Lukes Skating tips V02.qxp
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In part two of his skate tutorial Luke Humpreys reveals how to master the Pop Shove–it...
Lesson 2: The Pop Shove-it invented by Rodney Mullen The Pop Shove–it is when the board rotates 180 degrees sideways. It was variations to this trick few a are and is the core to a lot of other more advanced tricks. There which means the board “BS” or ide” but the one I will be teaching you in this issue is called “backs but we shall “FS” or side” rotates the way your toes are facing. The other variation is “front why not try them 360? 180 look at this in another issue. Once you have learned to do them
1
REQUIRED SKILLS: THE OLLIE SET YOUR FEET up in the Pop Shove-it position. (shown to the right) Bend your knees ready to jump and prepare to scoop the board around with your back foot. Keep your balance and remember to do the trick as if you are always going to land it.
EXTEND your legs and snap down on the tail. The back foot does all the work in this trick, so as you snap down scoop your back foot behind you to create the spin. Remember, the harder the scoop the faster the spin. It takes time to generate the right force on the board but you’ll soon get it.
2
AS THE BOARD finishes its rotation, stomp down with your front foot first. Try and get your foot to land on the bolts for a more stable catch. Once your front foot is down your back foot should drift onto the rear bolts naturally. 28
AS YOU SCOOP the board, jump in the air so it can rotate beneath you. Also jump forwards slightly, because when the board is in the air it usually moves in front of you. It requires quite a bit of practice to jump at the precise height and distance forward until it becomes natural.
3
4
AFTER the board is on the ground, bend your knees to absorb the impact and roll away with steeze!
5
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028-029 Lukes Skating tips V02.qxp
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Skateboarding
step 1
step 2
step 3
step 4
step 5
Starting foot position
COMMON PROBLEMS: Even though the Pop Shove-it is known as a fairly basic trick it’s not without its problems, however most of them usually relate to getting the jump and scoop just right. Since I have started skating my Pop Shove-its have changed quite a lot, because as I get more proficient, I can pop the board higher and therefore I need to change the amount of force needed to scoop. Remember, if the board isn’t getting
the full rotation you are not scooping hard enough, and if you feel you are scooping as hard as possible but still can’t get the rotation, try popping harder. If you land on the ground before the board (this happened to me a lot!) try popping a little less but jumping a little higher. As I have said before, it takes a lot of practice to get it right, but once you start landing them it doesn’t take long before it starts to feel natural! o
Giving it a go? Why not video your attempts, whether successful, disastrous or just plain daft, and email them into tv@uberdogmagazine.co.uk
at If you are still having trouble check out Luke’s youtube channel should www.youtube.com/sk4tebox where you’ll find a video tutorial that help. Check it out and subscribe to it for more trick-tips. www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk
29
030 Mboard Day Page V02.qxp
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Mountain boarders came out in force to celebrate World Mountain Board Day at Surfin' Dirt recently. The event attracted riders from across Ireland to what is the only official mountain board course in the country. A world first was also recorded when Irish rider Leo Gorman became the first Irish rider to perform a backflip on his board. Leo, who is current UK under 14 freestyle and boarder cross champion celebrated in style by pulling endless of stunts out the bag and showing the rest of us how to do it in style! Photos: Andy McCombe
Back Flip Record Leo Gorman captured performing the first back flip on a mountain board by an Irish rider
30
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032-033 Rollerbladder Atkinson V02.qxp
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rollerblading
Ian Atkinson swapped Northern Ireland for Texas last year, a rollerblading his way into the street skate culture and bagging Thrillaz’… staring role in a new skate video, ‘Lone Starpictures: Thomas McClelland NAME: Ian Atkinson
growing up, so I guess the trick I find most
AGE: 20
enjoyable is a nice long Alley-oop Unity.
Pictures: Thomas McClelland
CURRENTLY LIVING: Bangor. I just returned from San Antonio a
WHY DID YOU MOVE TO TEXAS?:
few weeks ago.
I moved initially for college, but I had an idea the weather and skating would be
HOW DID YOU GET INTO
great and I had already skated some of the
ROLLERBLADING?
skateparks over there and made friends,
A long time ago on TV they showed the
so that was another big factor. As soon as I
ASA rollerblading competitions and I saw a
moved there, Tom McClelland and Chris
very old edition with Nicky Adams. At this
Kerr visited for a couple of weeks and we
time I was rolling around the streets on
met all the local San Antonians so it was
Argos skates and jumping off curbs. A few
easy to get established and I got to skate
months later I got some junior K2 skates
about 4 times a week while I lived there.
and started going down to the McKee clock and jumping the three stairs there.
WHAT IS THE VIDEO LONE STAR
There I met older rollerbladers like Michael
THRILLAZ AND HOW DID YOU GET
Beverland, Stephen Bradley and Ally
INVOLVED IN THAT?
McMullan who encouraged me to progress
It's a video produced out of San Antonio,
and try new things.
featuring the LST crew which is all over Texas. A good friend of mine, Josh Castillo, picture: Thomas McClelland
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING
was shooting it so although I was only
THE SPORT?
there for a while I was able to get a bunch
I got my first proper pair of skates in
of clips for him and travel with him to get
sure I'll be able to represent out there as I
November '01 so I guess it's been over 8
more footage.
know a lot of people who skate there.
years now. WHEN IS THE VIDEO ON RELEASE?
DO YOU THINK ROLLERBLADING HAS
WHERE DID YOU GO TO PRACTICE?
The video is due to be released in late July
A BRIGHT FUTURE IN IRELAND?
The summer after I started skating street
at skate shops across the US including
I think the scene has definitely died down
the skatepark in Bangor opened up, so I
Low Life skate shop, SDSF skate shop and
in recent years, but those who truly love
basically lived there! Everyone would leave
Revolution skate shop, along with Low
the sport will keep doing it. There are a lot
at about 6pm, I'd go home for dinner and
Life's new video and a Lone Star T shirt
of outdoor parks opening down south
go back to the skatepark until it closed.
thrown in for a package deal, definitely
which is encouraging as the kids now have
worth checking out!
somewhere to skate and as a result the scene seems to be growing down there.
HOW DID YOU LEARN YOUR TRICKS? Most people I skated with were older than
DO YOU SEE A FUTURE FOR
Up here there aren't the same
me so I would just try and copy what they
YOURSELF AS A ROLLERBLADER?
opportunities so fewer kids are getting into
were doing or what I saw in videos. Other
I see myself skating as long as my body
the sport which is a shame. But even in the
than that, a lot of falling and perseverance!
lets me! I'm only 20 now and I know
north rollerblading has a small, but
people in their late 20's and early 30's who
definitely bright future. o
WHAT IS YOUR SIGNATURE MOVE?
are still able to get a good session. So I
I skated a lot of ledges, rails and mini ramp
guess I'll see what the future has for me
Check out the trailer for Lone Star
but I'm moving to Dallas in August so I'm
Thrillaz at www.vimeo.com/10739938
32
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picture: Thomas McClelland
Everyone would leave at about 6pm, I'd go home for dinner and go back to the skatepark until it closed...
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034-035 Surf Turning Board V01.qxp
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surf
Go with the flow:
Off the Lip Building on last issueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leasson on how to master a bottom turn, surf coach Iain Gilmore shows us how to tackle a top turnâ&#x20AC;Ś
L
ast issue we learnt how to do
lip. Get low by compressing your body
straight up as you can. As you turn up
a bottom turn, the most
into a low crouching position and put
the wave your body will want to extend.
important move in surfing as
your trailing arm in the water for balance
Don't stand straight up and get all stiff,
it generates all the speed
and leverage. Really lean into it
just try to do what feels natural and flow
needed to launch you into
transferring your weight to the back foot.
with the wave. Open your shoulders into
your first turn on the wave face. This will be a top turn or off the lip. Catch a front side wave with some
You should always be looking at the section you want to hit, even before you do your bottom turn. Bottom turn at a 75
the turn as the top half of your board comes over the lip. The difference between a normal re-
power and a nice lip, look for some
degree angle to start and as you get
entry and a fins out re-entry is in how
speed! You need just a little bit less than
more and more comfortable go as
long you wait before you change
you would for an air. Start your bottom turn out on the flats. You want to accelerate through the bottom turn, and use your body like a spring to crack the
34
You should always be looking at the section you want to hit, even before you do your bottom turn...
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surf
direction and kick your fins out. Opening your shoulders will initiate the re-entry, and pushing out your back leg will turn it into a fins out re-entry. Keep watching the lip ahead and below you as you pivot over the middle of your board on the lip. Timing and balance are very important at this stage; If your weight is too far back you'll fall backwards off the lip onto the flats and your board will land on top of you, and if your weight is too far forward or you turn to late, you'll be left out the back of the wave. You want to end up with the lip in between your feet with your back leg extended, and pushing through the turn. Your front leg should be bent in a straight line over your body, from your leading shoulder to your knee, over your front foot. Stay low and go with the flow as your board pivots. Try to look at the transition of the wave so you can get ready for your descent. As the lip starts to fall you will hopefully be going with it. If it's a heavy section step on your tail in preparation for an air drop; if not cruise back into the wave and hit the lip again. o KEY POINTS: • POWER through your bottom turn straight up towards a throwing lip. • ROTATE your shoulders into the turn and use your body’s extension to spring off the lip. • KICK your fins out when your board is half way over the lip. • EXTEND your back leg while keeping your front leg bent and the lip between your legs. • WATCH the waves transition to ride it out. ■ Iain Gilmour is a qualified ISA Surfing Coach and owns Adventure One Surf School in Donegal. He has over 28 years surfing experience in breaks all over the world.
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036-038 Surf Board Guide V01.qxp
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surf
A buyers guide and if you Long, short, thick, thin…there’s a board out there to suit every wave . Here Iain want to make the most of the surf, you need to ride the right board for you… Gilmore turns personal shopper and advises on which board is right hen you first go to a surf
The second option is the plastic or
to their hand-made mini-‘mal’s (i.e. Malibu,
epoxy moulded plastic board (Bic,
or longer boards) for several years longer as
shop to buy a surfboard it
2
can seem quite a
NSP, Highfly).
they come in handy for the small summer
daunting task, especially
Some surfers call these kinds of boards
swells. Hand-made boards are more
when presented with a
‘plastic fantastics’ and they are available in
expensive due to the fact that the
rack of surfboards of all different shapes
all good surf shops and are considerably
manufacturing process is more labour
and sizes. If you are a complete beginner to
cheaper than a hand-made or ‘custom’
intensive with a board taking approx three
the sport the first question you should ask
board. Plastic boards usually cost around
days to shape, spray, glass and sand.
yourself is: how much do I want to pay?
£200 upwards new. They are lightweight
As surfing explodes in popularity in
Well as a beginner most surf schools would
and durable and because of this tend to
Ireland there has been an increase in
recommend a ‘mini-mal’ board which is a
hold their re-sale value quite well. The only
cheaper ‘hand made‘ boards imported from
board with a longboard shape (usually fatter
downside to these boards is that as you
the Far East. This definitely gives the
and rounder ends) but only 7’3” - 8 feet in
become an intermediate surfer you will
consumer more choice, but ask for people’s
length. As a basic rule of thumb you should
outgrow the board as they tend not to be as
opinion on them before you spend your
try to get a board that is at least 1-1.5 feet
responsive in turning as a hand-made
hard-earned money. It may be worth
taller than your own height.
board, due to the rails in the tail section
spending £100 more on a board that is well
You generally have three options:
being quite rounded.
made by a recognised shaper.
W 1
Buy a second hand board. You could get these from looking in a
3
The third, and most expensive option, is a hand-made or custom board
For intermediate surfers who want to downsize from a 7’3 - 8’ mini-mal the best
local trading paper or online on sites like
tailored to your exact specification by a surf
way is to opt for a board 6’6 - 7’ in length,
www.irishsurfer.com. Many surf sites have a
board maker (or ‘shaper’). Although you are
with a shortboard template. This type of
buy and sell page. Most surf shops also
initially paying more for the board, people
board comes under many names, for
carry secondhand boards.
tend to find that they will hold on especially
example ‘Fat Boy Flier’, ‘Retro Rocket’ or The Malibu / Longboard or ‘Mal’, is enjoyed by surfers of all ages and abilities, an ideal board for beginners
36
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surf
to surfboards ‘Slayer’, but essentially they are very similar in shape. They still have plenty of width and volume, usually 19 3/4” -21” which is what
The shortboard is regularly used by professionals in surfing contests - it features a nose rocker and two to four fins that allow for quick, radical turns
as an intermediate you will still need to help you paddle into the wave, but they respond more critically and will really help develop your surfing. These boards are also great for the older surfer who still wants to ride a shortboard but isn’t getting in the water enough to be able to ride at the level he/she is used to. As you progress as a surfer you will begin to understand how boards work and what types of boards suit what kind of conditions. This will be where you will want to develop a ‘quiver’ of boards that can suit your needs, including the very shortest skinniest boards, called shortboards. Don’t make the mistake of buying a small, low-volume board at the very start. At the start, many surfers buy a board that is far too short, and end up catching very few waves as a result. Smaller boards are generally harder to surf. For most people a quiver will include a longboard, a semi-gun and a shortboard or fish-style board for the smaller days. When you feel you’re at this stage you will probably want your boards custom-made to your specifications by a shaper. Most shops can order custom-made boards and tend to use the same shaper each time they place an order, but there are also a number of shapers around Ireland who make quality boards at great prices. Wherever you buy your board from, be it a shop or direct from a shaper, make sure you ask plenty of questions before you part with your cash. But most of all, be honest about your ability and you should end up with the right board. The right board means one thing - MORE WAVES!!
picture: Stephen Scullion
■ Iain Gilmour is a qualified ISA Surfing Coach and owns Adventure One Surf School in Donegal. He has over 28 years surfing experience in breaks all over the world.
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37
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surf
board directory Shortboard
Retro / Egg
Shorter and narrower than a long board, the shortboard
This modern hybrid board is inspired by
allows for maximum maneuverability. Regularly used by
the original shortboard creation and is
professionals in surfing contests it features a nose
normally thicker, flatter and wider than a
rocker and two to four fins that allow for quick, radical
shortboard. Typically features a rounded
turns. While not recommend for a beginner they are
nose and tail for extra floatation. Super
super fun for anyone with a bit of experience.
fun for catching smaller waves.
Fish Taking its name from its fish-like profile, the Fish is shorter and wider than most short boards. Fish surfboards typically feature two to three fins and are extremely agile. Popular with experienced and moderately skilled surfers thanks to its ability to go fast in slower-breaking waves. Note: any type of board can have a fish tail, but isn't referred to as a Fish unless it has the other features of a Fish.
Malibu / Longboard A.k.a the ‘Mal’, the longboard is enjoyed by surfers of all ages and abilities. A longboard ranges in length from 8’ to 10’6 and is ridden from the tail all the way to its nose. The thickness and length of a longboard make it easy to paddle and catch waves of all sizes. An ideal board for beginners.
Mini-Mal The Mini-mal is a shorter version of the longboard, or Malibu surfboard, but with characteristics that make it handle like a shortboard. It ranges in length from 7’2 to 8’2 and because of its width, it’s a good fit for beginners, heavier surfers, and anyone with the desire to catch more waves with less effort.
38
Big Wave Gun
Tow Board
Gun or paddle-in boards are thin and
For the most extreme waves which are too large to paddle
long (ranging from 7-12 ft) with a
into. Tow surfing is when the surfer is towed into the wave
single or thruster fin set up. Designed
typically behind a jet ski. Unlike the Guns, which are
to tackle monster waves, this board is
designed as longer boards to allow the surfers to paddle
built for speed and intensity and is a
into the big waves, Tow boards can be as short as
poor choice for all but the big wave
shortboards, with footstraps to keep the surfer attached to
surfer.
the board.
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039 CLUB PAGE ISS03 V02.qxp
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WHO IS THE CLUB FOR?
observer, surf kayaking could be compared
ranked junior surf kayakers in the world in the
Surf Kayaking enthusiasts of all abilities.
to board surfing with the obvious difference
IC section.
that the surfer is in a finned kayak.
However, we are not just a competition club;
WHAT DOES THE CLUB DO?
In the Northern Ireland Surf Kayaking Club
we hold ‘come and try it’ events for
The club’s objective is to promote
we have a league of four competitions each
newcomers in a friendly and safe
recreational surf kayaking in NI in order to
year held all round the North and South of
environment, but for those who are interested
increase participation, especially amongst
Ireland. The 16 squad members are then
in competing there’s always a chance of
juniors and women. Our aim is to increase
chosen from the rankings of the
winning a place on the squad or a prize.
the standard of surf kayaking and to
competitions. We have a plastic boat
promote good surf etiquette and
category for novices to encourage beginners
understanding amongst all surfers. In
and newcomers and the winner gets a brand
HOW OFTEN DOES THE CLUB MEET?
addition the club manages and develops the
new surf kayak.
We have four competitions each year and
NI Surf Kayak League and represents NISK
We have a very skilled team at present. At
we also meet for training and introduction
interests internationally.
the recent World Championships in Portugal
days.
there were a lot of great successes, for
SUMMARISE THE SPORT AND THE CLUBS ROLE WITHIN IT
example, Dessie McGlinchy finished 2nd in the Men’s IC (international class) and Jonny
WHAT DOES CLUB MEMBERSHIP INVOLVE?
Surf kayaking is an exhilarating sport that
Bingham was 3rd. We have a very active and
Club membership entitles you to use of
pushes you to the next level and encourages
promising junior section of the squad – Corin
boats, entry to competitions, free surf
you to conquer your fears. To an innocent
King and Andy McClelland are the two top
kayaking DVD produced by NISK.
NISK squad in Portugal Jonny Bingham Dessie McGlinchey
Chris Hobson Dessie McGlinchey take 2 Jake King
track them down at:
www.nisurfkayak.com
040-041 Kayak River Lagan.qxp
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kayak
Ramble River
A e on th
paddlers It may not deliver a white water ride, but the River Lagan offers ts… an opportunity for an easy wet-fix all year round as Iain Walker repor ’d rather lick a rats a**e”. An
“I
The people you see at these little weirs
races and canoe polo. A little further
interesting perspective on
are Belfast’s frustrated kayakers trying to
upstream from Shaw’s Bridge is Eel Weir
paddling in the Liffey (from a
make the best of what is, to be honest, a
(soon after Gilchrist footbridge). Many
Dublin kayaker).
fairly unremarkable river for a white-water
kayakers do their first short river run down
Understandable enough,
enthusiast. You see Ireland gets a lot of
the Lagan from Drumbeg and this weir is
rivers running through cities collect all
rain but most of it falls in winter and the
the main point of interest on what is
manner of interesting objects from the
river levels rise and fall quickly the rest of
otherwise a fairly basic flat river. While the
ubiquitous stolen bikes and shopping
the year. Many rivers are too low to run
trolleys to dead dogs and the occasional
after March/April but some like the Lagan
headless torso. Nice for anaerobic
can be messed about with year round,
bacteria and rats, not so good for water
especially for beginners, intermediates,
sports ...
and anyone living close by wanting an
So what of our own dear Lagan? Any visit to Shaw’s Bridge at the weekend and
Many kayakers do their first short river run down the Lagan from Drumbeg and this weir is the main point of interest on what is otherwise a fairly basic flat river
easy wet-fix. The weirs and rocks at Shaw’s Bridge
you’ll likely see what appear to be lunatics
also offer a good spot to have a look at
frantically trying to paddle up a tiny weir
different types of kayaking and maybe
but never quite making it. Instead they
have a think about whether it could be for
keep flipping end-over-end or bobbing
you. You’ll see traditional open canoes
vertically in the water. Given the apparent
with people going for the waterborne
likelihood of everything from Weil’s
equivalent of a ramble; beginner groups
disease to bubonic plague there must be
learning their first skills; playboaters
a reason. There is - fun!
practising stunts; and sometimes slalom
You’ll likely see what appear to be lunatics frantically trying to paddle up a tiny weir but never quite making it Instead they keep flipping end-over-end or bobbing vertically in the water
40
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kayak
weir can be run at most water
cleaner these days, just keep
levels it changes significantly
your mouth closed if you
according to the water flow with
capsize. Hardly a taxing white-
a surprising number of rocks
water ride but it gives a reliable
exposed in low levels. In high
little bit of water to play with
water the weir can catch out the
when the big stuff isn’t delivering
unwary and many paddlers have
or for a mess about on a
taken swims here that they’d
summer evening. Many of us
rather not admit to (Mark). Again
learned the basics there so still
this is a good spot to stand and
have a soft spot for it. As for the
watch if there are paddlers
people in little boats trying to
around and of course having
paddle up the weir ... clap when
someone looking at them will
they get their boats vertical –
pile the pressure on to any of the
that’s what they’re trying to do. o
Clap when they get their boats vertical – that’s what they’re trying to do
less experienced as they line up to take the short drop. So what’s the verdict? ...
■ Improvements are currently being made to the Lagan’s
Deadly (in the liver failure sense)
canoe trail. We’ll be
or dead good? To be honest
reporting on the new
neither. The river is much
developments in issue 4
the weir can catch out the unwary and many paddlers have taken swims here that they’d rather not admit to... www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk
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042-044 Sea Kayak V02.qxp
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paddlesports
The Donegal
Sea Kayake r
Outdoor On a break from his day job as centre manager at Tollymore National its surrounding Centre, Trevor Fisher explores the diverse waters of Donegal and paradise… islands, revealing why this spot is fondly described as a paddlers
W
hat is it about sea
down, but it is a magical place, particularly
lying, surrounded by small cliffs, with many
kayaking in Donegal?
as you think of the journey ahead. Do leave
zawns, bays and arches.
You always come away
plenty of time for exploring the coast, with
with the feeling that you
the caves and arches providing plenty of
any of the island groups where you are
need to go back, to go
opportunity for rockhopping and landing at
bound to find some shelter.
to the next island, go round the next headland, explore the next bay... That
If conditions are not ideal, head north to
the few beaches along the way. The few beaches are spread along the
The Bunbeg Area
feeling of ‘I want some more’ ensures that
coast and are only accessible from the sea,
Bunbeg is a small, very sheltered harbour
we always do go back. However, the more
in calm conditions. This is definitely a trip to
giving convenient access to a number of
we go back, the more blanks there are to fill
be undertaking in settled conditions to allow
islands in the area, such as Cruit, Owey,
in. It is a vicious circle, of the most enjoyable kind! The number of islands and bays, of
Donegal Coast, near Dunbeg
exposed headlands and high cliffs ensures that there is generally somewhere to paddle in most weather conditions, throughout the year. This brief introduction will give a taster for two very different areas, from the huge cliffs of Slieve League to the group of islands further north, around Bunbeg.
Slieve League The 13km section of coast between Malinbeg and Teelin has some of the most spectacular cliffs on the Irish coast. They rise to over 600 metres from the Atlantic, making them the second highest in Ireland and almost three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher in Clare. The coast has waterfalls plunging into the sea, arches, plenty of caves and the occasional stoney beach to land on. Although the section of coast is only 13km long, most will paddle a much
for full exploration of the coast. The fetch
Gola and Umfin. Cruit is, in fact, joined to
greater distance, spending time exploring
from North America to Slieve League is
the mainland and it is possible to drive to
and taking in the atmosphere.
quite long, so conditions can get extremely
the northern tip of the island where there is
challenging in onshore winds. When
a small slipway, giving easy access to
and Teelin is quite long and tedious, so
conditions and fitness levels allow, a small
Owey. Owey has been uninhabited since
many paddlers choose to do the journey
detour out to Rathlin O’Beirne is very
about 1980, but a number of houses have
‘there and back’, launching at the sheltered
worthwhile. This small island is 2km off the
been renovated in recent years. The
pier in Malinbeg. It is quite a steep carry
coast from Malinbeg. It is relatively low
harbour, which lies on the eastern end of the
The shuttle for the trip, between Malinbeg
42
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paddlesports
l Coast:
e râ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paradise island, is very sheltered, but easy to miss if
A circumnavigation of Gola gives a great
variety of rockclimbs, at most grades, giving
you are paddling from the south. The coast
day out, with arches and cliffs, caves,
something for everyone.
of Owey is spectacular, with arches, cliffs
hidden bays and exposed headlands - all
and an unusual canyon north of the
on a relatively small island. The main
well worth a visit. The coastal scenery is
harbour. Tides in the sound between Owey
attraction for many outdoor enthusiasts is
spectacular and there is limited
and Cruit can be strong and the sea
however, the rockclimbing. Every year,
rockclimbing. The island was always too
choppy, especially with the wind against the
during the summer months, many climbers
small to sustain a viable community but
tide.
camp on Gola, above the beach on the
there is evidence of some habitation in the
western side of the island. There is a wide
past.
There are a number of islands between
Umfin is a small island north east of Gola,
Owey, and Gola to the North, including Bo island and Inishinny and Inishcoole, however the next major island is Gola. Gola is a large, beautiful island - the main village was deserted by the 1970â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, but the island once supported a population of 200 people.
A circumnavigation of Gola gives a great day out, with arches and cliffs, caves, hidden bays and exposed headlands all on a relatively small island
Owey Landing
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Slieve Leage cliffs
paddlesports
The general area, particularly close to Bunbeg is very sheltered and provides a great alternative to the more exposed sections of the Donegal coast to both the north and south. Having said that, it is always worth remembering that conditions can change quickly, especially on the more exposed western sides of the islands and in some of the narrower channels where a chop can kick up when wind opposes the tide.
Camping Most of the islands have good campsites, many also have access to fresh water. Details of all campsites, landing and embarkation points, water, plus lots of other useful information will be found in ‘Oileain’ (see below)
Equipment A sound sea kayak is required for any open trip in this area. The type chosen is very
Eireann both have good websites, with
the outside of the islands, eddying. The
much down to personal preference. It is
synoptic charts, marine forecasts and
streams in the channels tend to be from HW
useful to have the ability to store kit and
coastal reports so are worth checking out.
Galway +0130
camp on any of the islands, so front and
Tides
Alternative Activities
rear hatches are useful. Do be aware that
Tides off Malinbeg run N strongly for nine
Donegal is well known for its wide variety of
conditions can change quickly,
and a quarter hours out of the twelve,
climbing, particularly on accessible coastal
starting at HW Galway -0300 and run S
cliffs, as well as surfing. Good rockclimbing
kit, waterproofs and wear a properly fitting
weakly for the other three from about just
can be found on Gola, Cruit and Owey
spraydeck and buoyancy aid. Additional kit
before LW Galway. The spring rate of the N
slands, as well as on Sail Rock. There are
such VHF, towline, repair kit, food and drink,
going stream is about 1.5 knots and the S
plenty of good pubs, some of which have
spare paddles, hat, suncream and a
going stream is very weak.
great music, a wide range of
keep it dry, especially if you are planning to
Also remember to bring adequate spare
camera should also be considered.
The main offshore tidal stream from Aran
accommodation including hostels,
to Bloody Foreland starts and finishes half
campsites and B&Bs, plus good hillwalking
Weather
an hour earlier than the main west coast
for those wishing to venture further inland.
Checking the weather forecast is a must
tidal stream further S. The NE flood starts at
(and not just the 30 second forecast on the
HW Galway -0350 and the ebb at +0235. In
Resources
music stations!). The Met Office and Met
this region however, it merely brushes off
Check out ‘Oileain’, and excellent guide to Irish Islands, written by Dave Walsh. The Irish Sea Kayaking Association (www.irishseakayakingassociation.org) has plenty of good advice and an active forum where most questions can be posted and answered. o
■ Trevor Fisher is the Manager of Tollymore National Outdoor Centre. He is an experienced sea kayaker, sailor and climber. Tollymore National Outdoor Centre is Sport NI’s National Outdoor training centre and is located close to the Mourne Mountains in Co Down, for more information visit www.tollymore.com
44
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zip line
Todd’s Leap of Faith offers Ireland’s largest Zip Line has finally landed at Todd’s Leap and it one hell of a ride as office manager Patricia Currie experienced… magine your wildest fantasies of
and 15-20 builders watching me sail
being Tarzan or Jane being vividly
down the line from the roof of our new
brought to life as you feel total
extension - WOW what an experience!
I
exhilaration, swinging at high speed
I glided past the drop off point and
from pole to pole through the valley
wondered ‘where am I going now?’ but I
in County Tyrone. I have just come off the Zip Line at
soon returned to the platform for off loading. I can honestly say it was one of
Todd’s Leap and I’d totally recommend it.
the most exhilarating things I’ve ever
Yes it takes a bit of bravery as you take
done (parachute jump - tick, bungee -
the ‘Todd’s LEAP’ of faith but it’s well
tick, paragliding - tick) but the Zip Line -
worth it when you’re whizzing down the
well it beat them all and I can’t wait to
valley shouting ‘wooo hoooo’.
have another go!
The instructors were fantastic and unbelievably patient with us girls who
■ If you’d like to experience a
were a bit apprehensive (it is very high)
breathtaking rush of adrenaline as you fly
but they checked everything several
through the air on the Todd’s Leap Zip
times, strapping us into our harnesses
Line or Mini Zip, call the centre today for
while we were on the ground and
special introductory offer prices.
making several safety checks to ensure
Tel: 028 8556 7170, www.toddsleap.com
they were well secured.
Despite not being particularly religious I felt the need to say a couple of prayers... From here it’s a 30-foot climb up enclosed steps to the top of the tower and out onto the platform, which is where my problems started. When it came to stepping off the platform I found myself literally frozen with fear. Despite not being particularly religious I felt the need to say a couple of prayers and make a few death bed confessions (think we might need a counsellor up there) and after umpteen checks with the instructor - “are you sure this is ok, are you really sure?” I was off (eyes closed, muttering a few more prayers). As I ‘zipped’ across the valley I could see the tops of the trees, the archery butts, the paintball sites, the Land Rovers out doing off road driving, the super slide
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rescue
Who you go n North On call day or night, 356 days of the year, the members of the the West Mountain Rescue Team deserve our respect and support for tireless and entirely voluntary life saving work that they do…
P
icture the scene – a couple of
Eight of us went haring over to the source
reasons, have become stranded in the
climbers have been pitting
of the noise and we found the two lads
hills or mountains,”
their skills against some of
and got them stabilised and evacuated. It
the most challenging terrain
was the classic mountain rescue and
covered the Sperrins but over time its
in Ireland when weather
every team in Ireland was involved. I’ve
geographical range has expanded to
Initially as the name suggest the team
cover most of Northern Ireland
conditions change - a snow storm turns into a white out and they lose their way. Temperatures
The NWMRT (l-r) Tommy, Marie, Han and Stephen
with the exception of the Mourne Mountains, which has its own mountain rescue team.
are below freezing, conditions are life threatening and they are
This widening of borders
out of telephone range. It’s the
and the fact that more people
middle of the night, they’ve been
than ever are exploring the
stranded for many hours and
local landscape has resulted
their prospects are looking
in a surge in demand for the
bleaker by the second.
skills of the NWMRT as Han reveals: “ It’s got busier and
This was the reality that faced the North West Mountain Rescue
busier year upon year. When I
Team (NWMRT) members when a
first joined the team we were
call (or ‘shout’) came out for
under funded and under
assistance from their counter
used, now we are under funded and over used. With
parts in Wicklow. Han Fisher was
the number of shouts we have had so far
one of several team members who
this year, 2010 looks set to be bumper
responded and he recalls the day vividly: “It was probably my most memorable
been told it was the single biggest search
rescue to date. I got the call at midnight
that had been held in the island at that
that two ice climbers were in trouble. By
time (2009) and it was a hell of an
and planned events (organised walks and
this stage the Wicklow team had been out
experience to be part off.”
pilgrimages), so members make a heavy
for hours and were calling in support from
Han is just one of a team of around 48
year.” In 2009 the NWMRT attended 65 rescue
commitment when they sign up and can
everybody. We couldn’t get a helicopter
volunteers that make up the present
be expected to receive a call at least once
down as the weather was that bad, so we
NWMRT, a vital rescue group that has
a week.
drove and arrived at the scene at about
been servicing the province since 1980.
6am. I’d been in work the day before so
Yet despite the fact that the charity is
2009 and is nearing the end of her
by that time I had been awake for 24
about to celebrate its 30th anniversary,
probation period: “I absolutely love it,” she
hours.” Working alongside fellow NWMRT
awareness of its existence and the
enthuses, “We all have different roles that
members and members from the Mourne
selfless, life saving work that members do,
we play in the team and everyone gets on
Rescue Team, Han and the group
is relatively low.
really well. I’m still on probation as I have
searched for a further eight hours. “The
“I get really frustrated when people say
Marie joined the group in September
some training programmes to complete,
conditions were terrible,” he recalls. “We
to me ‘oh I didn’t know we had a
but my experiences so far have been
were walking through snow that varied
mountain rescue team,” says Han. “We
fantastic.”
from ankle deep to knee high, so it was
do, and we are being called upon more
A call can come at any moment, but
tough going. We were taking a quick
and more to provide vital assistance to
sods law it will be the middle of the night
break for food when we heard whistles.
people who, for any number of different
when it’s lashing down! “We all get a call
50
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rescue
o nna call? We normally wouldn’t’ work on the cliff face, This is usually the coast guards area, but we can and we do...
probation for about a year during which time we train them up across a number of skills including first aid, navigational skills, rope tying, equipment technology, helicopter training…the list goes on. It can take a year and half before someone is a full team member, so for an entirely voluntary team that’s a big time investment.” Of course a big time investment means a big cost investment and for the charity, funding is a constant source of concern. “As well as funding individual and group training courses we have a massive investment in equipment each year,” Han explains. “Ropes, harnesses, helmets… they all have life spans and anything that becomes blood contaminated on a rescue operation has to be trashed. It’s a constant battle to stay on top of our equipment needs and then on top of that we have course fees, car tax, fuel, insurance etc…the list is enormous. “Grant funding from Sport NI allowed us to buy three vans and sort out a rescue base in County Fermanagh which we use for training, but that funding is starting to dry up now so this year we will be doing a Stephen descends Fairhead to rescue an abseiler (in this case, Han)
lot of fund raising events and will be relying on getting a few new sponsors.” Operating as a voluntary organisation all
in the form of an SMS text and you reply
and capable of tackling any rescue
the members devote their time for free:
with whether you can attend or not,” Marie
scenario.
“No one is paid anything,” adds Han. “We
explains. “The team are totally committed
Han explains the training process: “We
can claim back petrol mileage but at the
with each member committing to attend at
have a waiting list of volunteers that want
end of the day we are a charity, so if we
least 60% of call outs.”
to come on board, but it’s expensive to
do we’ve just got to stand on the side of
take on a new recruit and it takes a long
the street with a collection box to raise that
A paediatric nurse she brings vital first aid
time so we are naturally cautious when we
money again. I could probably live in a
skills to the group but at the end of her
take people on. New members go on a
much higher style if I didn’t do mountain
probationary period she will be competent
basic training course and are then on
rescue,” he laughs,
Marie is one of eight female members.
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rescue
are better and stronger in searches where
their own strengths to the group which is
five members of the team are in
For the purpose of today’s photo shoot
navigational skills are of paramount
great.”
attendance - Han, Marie, Stephen, Tommy
importance. Each team members brings
The saying goes that you are only as
and Anthony. There is clearly no room for
strong as the people around you and in
egos amidst this tight knit group and the
case of the NWMRT, there is certainly
camaraderie is obvious. Among them
strength in numbers, but this shouldn’t be
there is nurse, joiner, self-confessed IT
taken for granted.
geek and a fireman, and yet a common
The charity needs support, sponsorship
bond unites them - the desire to save
and funding in order to continue acting as
lives.
the guardian angel of walkers, climbers
“Our sole purpose is to protect life,”
and explorers in the mountains. So next
explains Anthony. “That covers all life from
time you see these volunteers collecting
age 0-100 years old, but children are
on a street corner, please give generously,
especially vulnerable and we’ve even
you never know when your life might be in
Our sole purpose is to protect life, That covers all life - we’ve even been called out to a couple of animal rescues...
their hands. o For more information on the North West Mountain Rescue Team or to make a donation visit www.nwmrt.org
been called out to a couple of animal rescues.” Dispatched by the emergency services the NWMRT are often asked to aid the police or coastguard in search operations. Every member I spoke to had had to overcome the unthinkable, standing strong in the face of death when a search operation ends in the discovery of a fatality: “Yes, we’ve all came across fatalities but we don’t like to talk about those operations out of respect for the family members of the victims involved,” says Tommy. “We are warned when there may be a fatality involved,” adds Marie “ And if you aren’t comfortable with that you don’t need to attend the rescue - you are always given a choice, you’re never asked to do something you don’t feel comfortable with.” In our photo shoot scenario an abseiler (Han) has got in trouble half way down the Fairhead and a member of the NWMRT (Stephen) drops in to the rescue “We normally wouldn’t’ work on the cliff face,” Stephen explains. “This is usually the coast guards area, but we can and we do. We are all trained to cope with a variety of rescue operations, but you’ll find that some people are more comfortable
Han and Tommy get to grips with the heardwear
with abseiling than others. Likewise some
52
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adventuring
out of
darkne s Mark Pollock’s expeditions have taken him from the hottest to the coldest places on earth and earned him a place amidst Ireland’s leading adventurers. What’s truly remarkable is that Mark is blind, but for this competitive sportsman, that’s merely an inconvenience… years ago Mark Pollock was
12
total despair and then I found out that I could
guide dog called Larry and he started to hear
leading a charmed life - he
get on a computer course and get a
about blind people doing the things that he
was about to sit his finals at
computer that could talk back to me. I
aspired to do. “I learnt about blind bankers,
Trinity University in Dublin, he
thought that if I could do that, I could write a
lawyers, solicitors etc...and realised that there
had a job offer from an investment bank in
letter and apply for a job. There was a little
were people out there living with blindness.
London and he was an international rower.
glimmer of hope that if I could independently
So then I had to ask myself the question that
But life can be unpredictably cruel, and in the
everyone has to ask themselves - what is it
blink of an eye that all changed when two
that I want to do, because suddenly it was
weeks before sitting his final exams, Mark
possible.” Just six months after losing his sight Mark
went blind with detached retinas. “It was unexpected and unexplained” he reveals. “I
had grown in confidence and ability and
went from riding on the crest of a wave to
returned to Dublin to start a job. “I wanted to
being stuck in my bedroom with no sight
live on my own,” he explains. “I knew I was
wondering what I was going to do with my
going to have to learn to be an independent
life.”
blind person and Dublin was a familiar city that felt safe to me, so that’s where I settled
“When I lost my sight I was no longer the
and where I’ve stayed. “
student soon-to-be banker. I went from all
Mark talks about rebuilding his identity in
those things that defined me, to a blind man
four parts - the rebuilding of work, study,
with no identity.”
sport and socialising. He laughs as he
There followed a period of despair, anger and blame but slowly Mark started making
explains that the socialising never stopped
small journeys towards rebuilding his life and
and talks with pride about how he worked for
redefining his identity. “On the face of it it looks like I made the difficult choice, to get up and get on with my life, but actually lying in bed with your life 100% focused on something that you hate is the difficult bit. “Over the last 12 years I have slowly but surely tried to get on with living my life and to squeeze the blindness out by filling my life with the things that I enjoy.
a number of different companies while
I went from riding on studying part-time for a Masters degree. But the final part of the jigsaw that clearly the crest of a wave to it’smeant the most - sport. “Nearly three years after I went blind, the being stuck in my games which featured a bedroom with no sight commonwealth rowing regatta were coming up in 2002, wondering what I was so I decided to try and get back into the My aim was to get fit enough going to do with my life sport. to make the trials and I was
For me it was easier to get on with living than
write something, in some way that would
overjoyed when I got picked for the NI team.
lie in bed existing.”
lead onto something else. The computer
Getting back into rowing and sport was the
gave me a sense of hope that there was
key to everything else for me - that was really
potentially life after blindness.”
when I started to feel like ‘me’ again.”
Mark went blind on the10th April 1998 (the day of the Good Friday agreement) and after a few months and a couple of failed
Moving back to the security of his family
Although Mark still owns a rowing boat
operations, he came to the realisation that he
home in Belfast Mark took that first step to
and uses it as an important part of his overall
would face the rest of his life in complete
independence and enrolled in the computer
body fitness training, this ambitious
darkness: “For a couple of weeks I was in
course. Around the same time he got a
sportsman has gone on to conquer some of
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adventuring Mark became the first blind man to walk to the South Pole in 2009
e ss
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adventuring
the most challenging terrains and obstacles
competitive race. I don’t just like going for a
stand on one leg and close their eyes they’ll
in the world - most notably becoming the
walk in the mountains, I like the drive that
fall over,” he explains. “I’m having to walk or
first blind man to walk to the South Pole.
competitions instil in you and the people who
run without the eye co-ordination to help my
are involved in the race. There’s a great
balance, so my body has had to adjust over
the Gobi March, an extreme six marathon,
sense of camaraderie, even with the teams
time. When I was wearing the big gloves in
seven day event across China’s Gobi desert
you are racing against.”
the South Pole I realised that I also
First on Mark’s list of achievements was
compensate my sight by using my hands a
which he completed in 2003: “It started as a
And so it was that in Feb 2009 Mark
challenge for challenge sake and then I got
become the first blind man to walk to the
lot more than I would have in the past. I’m
the bug. My policy since then has been to try
South Pole. Quite an achievement and one
feeling my way. Hearing also plays an
and learn a different sport or tackle a different
that required skill, dedication, discipline and
important role as I’m constantly getting
environment each year.
most importantly for Mark, trust in his fellow
instructions from team mates about terrain
explorers.
under foot so that’s an important route of
“From the heat of the Gobi desert I
communication.”
entered the North Pole Marathon, going from
“Trust is big issue for me. Being blind I rely
the hot to the cold. Then I tried the multi-sport
on the guidance of my fellow team members
Coast-to-Coast race in New Zealand, which
and at times my life is literally in their hands.
snowboarding and has competed in the
involved kayaking, cycling and running. I
I’ve got to go with the right people and to
Round Ireland Yacht Race, a classic off shore
tried twice and failed twice because I couldn’t
date I’ve been fortunate that that has been
race covering1,400-miles. So what’s next?
make the time. Next I went on to do an Iron
the case. There are times when you are on
“There’s so much I’d like to try. I like the
Man in Switzerland, followed by a kayaking
the edge of a cliff or in freezing, life
snow; it’s a good environment for me as the
event across the Irish Sea and then in 2007
threatening temperatures and you have a
terrain underfoot is easier to manage than
the angle was to do the highest and lowest
responsibility to your team mates, your
rocks. If I can learn how to kite on the water
foot races- the Dead Sea Ultra (lowest
sponsors and your family and friends to keep
here I would like to transfer that skill onto the
So far this year Mark has tried his hand at
Mark kayaked across the Irish Sea in 2006
Mark sweats to success in the Gobi March. Pictured here with fellow walker Nick Wolfe
marathon in the world) and the Everest
yourself safe. You can’t go on that sort of
Marathon (highest in world) a month later.”
journey with a guy who’s going to blow it.
Each trip has it’s own tale but one of the
I’m learning to be a good judge of character
most life defining for Mark was the North Pole
and have found that people usually deselect
Marathon (2004), Marks second adventure,
themselves along the way through the
where he met explorer extraordinaire, Sir
training process. Lots of people fancy the
Ranulph Fiennes: “It was a real luxury to be
idea of an adventure race but when the
in his environment and in his company.”
training and preparation becomes intense
Mark recalls. “We stayed in the same tent as
you quickly know who’s 100% behind you.
him, but I always felt like a bit of a bluffer, that
It’s a natural selection process.”
I wasn’t really a proper explorer, so when the
Mark may have lost his sight but he does
South Pole Race came up in 2008 I saw it as
have four other senses to help him navigate
a real opportunity to prove myself. I liked the
his way and he has developed an acute
fact that it wasn’t just an expedition, it was a
sense of balance. “If you ask someone to
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adventuring
snow and climb to a height and then kite my
inspiration to people and his reply is a
way down.”
modest one: “From time to time my story
For the second half of the year though
may have helped people, but I would
Mark has other plans: “I make a living as a
suspect they were already moving down that
professional speaker and an author. My first
road. There’s a whole collection of positive
book came out in 2006, so it’s time I did
things that you need to have around you to
another. ‘Making it Happen’ was my
give you a push in a certain direction and
message book, now I want to try and
occasionally my story may be part of the
discover what the truth is about the decisions I’ve made in life and write about that. I’m
jigsaw puzzle.” o Mark Pollock was in Belfast recently for
going to do some soul searching to find out
the opening of Decathlon, Northern
how I ended up being the person I am
Ireland’s biggest sports store.
today.” A professional speaker, Mark would also like to forge a career in radio, but that’s for the future. For the present he’ll continue to try new adventures and write and speak about his personal experiences, letting people draw their own conclusions: “Some people write to me and say I heard you speak or I read your book and I’ve gone on to do X. Y or Z” he reveals. I ask him if he thinks he is an
www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk
■ IMPORTANT UPDATE Since this interview Mark Pollock has been seriously injured following a 25-foot fall from a bedroom window in a tragic sleepwalking accident. On the day we went to press Mark was in a stable but serious condition in the Royal Berkshire Hospital having sustained multiple broken bones and internal injuries in the fall. Our thoughts are with Mark, his fiancee and his family and we wish him a full and speedy recovery. For the latest news on Mark's recovery visit his website www.markpollock.com
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wakeboarding
Wide Awake 2009, Following a knee injury which saw her step out of the sport in achieve wakeboarder Sian Hurst is back on her board and ambitious to Pictures Victor McAuley big things in 2010…
E
ncouraged by her brothers, Sian
competition, winning the under 15 group: “As
travelled to competitions with them since I
Hurst first stepped on a
my prize I won a board which I was so
was born. My brothers would treat me as one
wakeboard when she was 15 and
excited about because up until then I had
of them and everything they did I had to do
has been hooked every since. “I
been using my brothers board which was
better. We have a saying in our house, ‘Go
way too big for me.”
Big or Go Home’ and I apply this to
watched my brothers compete in an Irish competition and I went home straight away and got them to teach me. I got up on the
This was to be the first of many wakeboarding victories as Sian reveals: “In
everything!” It looked like Sian’s natural talent and competitive streak were going to take
board first try and was addicted.
her to the very top of her sport, but in
“When I saw how wakeboarders could flip and spin on the water I knew I
2009 her luck changed when she
wanted to try it. When I was younger I
suffered a knee injury while training. “I was training in Florida with Glen
always wanted to be a gymnast and this was like gymnastics on the water. It
Fletcher last summer and was trying
seemed perfect for me.”
heel side front flips when I blew out my knee,” she explains. “I flew home and
Living in Enniskillen, Sian was able to practice often and was fortunate to
found out that I had torn my ACL,
befriend a group of Irish riders who kept
cartilages and meniscus. I was
their boat at a marina beside her house.
absolutely gutted as my riding was at
“This led on to a great friendship and
its peak. I had to undergo surgery
they pushed me to learn new tricks at
where they took a piece of my
the same pace they did. Being the only
hamstring and used it to replace my
girl in the group, it was a pretty intense
ACL.” Following surgery Sian underwent
pace,” she recalls. “I remember learning wake to wakes and instead
intensive physio and wasn’t allowed
The friendly competition pushed Sian,
I was the first girl from Ireland to land any sort of flip on a wakeboard when I was just 15
bringing out her competitive streak as she
2007 I was picked to compete for the first Irish
recalls; ”I wanted to be as good as them,
wakeboard team. I competed in the Worlds
around me was out on the water. I sat on my
and they didn’t want to be beaten by a girl,”
in Qatar and finished in 2nd place in the junior
surfboard and paddled around the lake every
she laughs. “They taught me my first invert, a
girls. I couldn’t have been happier, I had no
morning to try and keep in shape.
tantrum, which is like a backflip off the wake.
expectations going into the competition and
I was the first girl from Ireland to land any sort
couldn’t believe how well I did.
of shortening the line the boys would speed up the boat to make the wake smaller. This led to a lot of caught edges and pain, but it made me tough!”
of flip on a wakeboard when I was just 15. I
“I then competed in the E.A.M.Es (Europe,
to ride for nearly 10 months, something she found incredibly difficult as she reveals: “It was very hard for me at the start as I hadn’t gone that length of time without wakeboarding since I started and it was mid summer so everyone
“Looking back I think it was good for me to take a step back for a bit. It made me appreciate wakeboarding a lot more and
started on the trampoline and transferred my
Africa and Middle-East) championships in
realise what I really loved about it. I think the
skills on to the water. I use this technique
South Africa and finished 3rd.”
time off has made me stronger and more
when learning all of my tricks as it helps my
Describing herself as naturally competitive
determined.” Now back on her board it’s not
air awareness and improves my muscle
Sian reckons it’s all in her genes: “Being
memory.
competitive runs in my family. My dad and
uncommon to find Sian practising at the
granddad were both rally drivers. My brothers
bottom of her garden in a bay she
were also great tennis and rugby players so I
nicknames ‘K-Bay’ (a small part of a 80km
Just a few weeks after getting on a board Sian entered her first wakeboarding
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wakeboarding
“From a female point of view
lake called Lough Erne), with her brothers
travelling involved but I have been very
and friends. She also rides with other
fortunate to have the help of my sponsors
wakeboarding is still very new and I would
members of the Irish team, namely David
Ultrasport Europe, Liquid force boards, Bern
love to try and grow the female side of the
O’Caoimh in Shercock, Cavan and has
helmets and O’Neill wetsuits that are very
sport. This summer I am putting together
thrown herself into a full-on training regime to
good in supporting me with gear etc.”
girls-only wakeboard coaching days to try
get in shape for the season ahead.
A hockey player, cross-country runner and
and show girls that this is a great sport for
surfer, Sian also wants to add kiteboarding
them to try. Hopefully with the help of these
as tough a time getting back my fitness but it
to her sporting porfolio but she is most keen
clinics the wakeboarding bug will spread.”
was hard to motivate myself as I knew that I
to see wakeboarding develop as a sport in
couldn’t ride for nine months and I wasn’t
Ireland and believes it has a bright future:
never tried the sport? “Try it! There are so
allowed to swim or run for a few months after
“Even since I started, wakeboarding has
many ski clubs all over Ireland that teach
my surgery either, so I had to try and find
grown so much as a sport. With big
wakeboarding. During this summer I will also
something else to amuse myself.
international competitions like Wakejam in
be doing some coaching around the country
Enniskillen, Ireland has been put on the map
so if anyone would like coaching just get in
for wakeboarding.
touch.” o
“I tried to keep in shape so I wouldn’t have
“I started this season by taking a trip to Florida, some of the Irish team were
And her advice for someone who has
spending a few months out there so I stayed with them for 10 days. I wasn’t allowed to do any jumps so I spent my time at a cable park to try and build the muscles in my arms and legs. I find that there is nothing that makes you fit for wakeboarding except wakeboarding and more wakeboarding, so all I need is water time.” So is she feeling prepared to re-enter the competition scene? “I’m getting there,” she smiles. “You can never say that you are totally prepared. With wakeboarding there is always another trick you can learn or another grab you can add to your tricks. “I got very excited when I was given the all clear to do my tricks again and I over did it a bit resulting in a slight tweak of my knee a few weeks ago. This brought me down to earth and made me realise that I’m not invincible after surgery. I was a bit scared to try all my tricks again but I am getting them back slowly and I think that’s the only way to do it to prevent hurting myself again.” Ready or not Sian has a busy summer ahead. Her calendar of events includes Wavestock in Wales; the UK pro tour and the Irish nationals. “In August I’m travelling to Sweden with the Irish team to compete in the Europeans and next year I hope to compete in the US Pro Tour, I need to learn a few more tricks before then but I am planning to have them dialled this summer.” Now aged 19, Sian looks set to regain her place among the stars in the local and international wakeboarding field and she is grateful for the help and support of her sponsors which have helped make it all possible: “There is a lot of
www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk
■ Sian appeared at the recent Waterways Ireland Lough Fest in Enniskillen. You can contact Sian at shurst@tcd.ie and follow her on Facebook If you want to see more, check out some videos of Sian at http://wakegirls.com/videos/?v=23" and www.youtube.com/cwfeldmann
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climbing
Scaling New is the Founder of the NI Youth Climbing Team, mountaineer Eddie Cooper man responsible for making climbing cool again…
F
for the first time I was surprised, you could
or some reason I can’t take my
Gradually Eddie became more aware of
eyes off Eddie Cooper’s fingers.
the skills and techniques involved in climbing
actually put gear into cracks in the rock face
Don’t get me wrong, the man as a
and in his own words he “learnt to climb in a
that would stop you falling to the ground .
whole is charasmatic, especially
more sensible fashion.”
So although the Mournes were smaller, to me
once he gets going on his favourite topic (the
Of course 30 years ago the sport in Ireland
Fairhead seemed safer.” It was during his first climbs on Fairhead
youth team), but when he tells me that he
was relatively undeveloped and safety
can pull his entire body weight up a cliff face
measures didn’t stretch much further than
that Eddie met some of the best climbers in
using one finger, I’m pretty awestruck.
tying a rope around your waist and hoping
Ireland, including the Fairhead legend Calvin
that if you fell, the ground below would be
Torrans. Through their encouragement he
kind.
grew in ability and with this newfound
And so I should be, for in the world of mountaineering/climbing Eddie Cooper is a name that commands respect, not just for
confidence came a thirst for greater
the recent advances he’s made with Ireland’s
challenges in the form of tougher routes.
first youth team, but for his own climbing
“At that stage everyone was finding new
achievements of which there have been
routes and that’s what I went on to do, easy
many throughout his 30 year climbing career.
lines were accomplished and harders one were found.”
“As a child I always climbed things, “he
Spurred on by adrenaline Eddie sought
begins. “I climbed in and out of my bedroom window; I climbed down at White
out more technically challenging climbs and
Rocks and got stuck on top of cliffs… that’s
was soon travelling beyond Ireland : “I kept
just what I did. If we drove past a cliff all I
seeing things that I wanted to do. I’d read a
wanted to do was climb it. I’ve no idea why, I
magazine article about some crag in Europe
just always wanted to do it.”
and I’d get in my car and drive to find it. “I was always attracted more by the line
There’s no questioning the passion and sense of adventure, often associated with
than great heights. There’s a buzz in
brilliant sports people, was there from a very
climbing things that are high, but for me it’s
early age, but it was only when he became a
more about seeing a challenge and thinking
teenager that Eddie was formally introduced
‘I’d love to climb up that’. That was my
to the sport: “When I was about 14 I joined
driving force. There were always things I
the 6th Belfast Scout troop in Belfast and we
couldn’t climb that I wanted to climb.
were taken climbing and I loved it. Later,
“The protection was pretty minimal.,”
“I spent my life travelling around the
when I got a job I borrowed the Scouts rope
Eddie explains. “Falling meant hitting the
country and then the world. When I started
and rule book, a couple of pegs and went
ground quite often, but when you’re young
climbing everybody did everything - we
down the Mournes, tied a rope around my
you bounce quite well, I don’t bounce so well
tackled rock, alpine, ice – nobody considered
waist and started climbing. I knew nothing
now,” he laughs.
themselves a specialist in any one field, we
more than that I wanted to climb, I didn’t
Like many before him, Eddie began
tried them all and I loved the variety of that.” As Eddie’s passion for climbing grew, so
know there were guide books and specialist
climbing in the Mournes, progressing to the
equipment there to help, I just knew I wanted
imposing cliffs of Fairhead when he felt in
too did his desire to immerse himself into the
to climb.”
need of a greater challenge, although
world of mountaineering and as a
ironically Eddie found it safer. “For me
consequence he decided to give up his only
got a small book published by the BBC
Fairhead was a revelation as I learnt you
‘real job’ in the bank to enable him to have
called Rock Face which explained what I
could actually fall off safely. When I started
the freedom to follow his sport. “Ever since
should have been using and doing and it’s
climbing Fairhead was considered a hard
then I’ve done lots of different things from
probably the reason why I’m still alive today!”
and serious crag but when I went down to it
building to working in shops,” he explains.
“After about six months teaching myself, I
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climbing
Heights “Most of what I do now is coaching but that’s
Fairhead or a
not the only thing I do. I don’t have a ‘proper
long ridge in
job’ as my parents would put it, they’re still
Alaska… they are
hoping I’ll grow up and become
all fabulous places to
responsible!”
be.”
Untied and unchallenged, Eddie took to
Revealing that each
the road: “Initially I travelled to Europe and
climb presents a new
climbed in the South of France area, then
set of challenges Eddie
moved onto the Chamonix which in my
says: “It’s hard to pick a
opinion still offer the best technical Alpine
favourite climb as the
climbs anywhere in the world. Then I tried
challenges are all different
Alaska, North America, the Himalayas…
mentally and physically.
“I like to concentrate on the more technical
I like to concentrate on the more technical routes rather than just trudging up a big snowy mountain - This idea of climbing up Everest as part of a large expedition I find unfathomable
An 8,000 metre Alpine
routes rather than just trudging up a big
climb tackled without
snowy mountain. This idea of climbing up
oxygen is a huge mental
Everest as part of a large expedition I find
challenge as your brain starts
unfathomable - why would you pay huge
disintegrating and your mind
amounts of money to pull yourself up a fixed
isn’t thinking clearly. In
rope on a mountain with a sherpa carrying all
contrast, climbing a very,
your stuff and providing you with oxygen? I
very hard boulder problem
can’t understand that. To me that’s not
that’s only 15 feet high is probably
mountaineering, that’s a guided tour!
physically the most difficult thing
“To me climbing is about the challenge.
you’ll ever do. The challenges in
It’s about being self sufficient and looking
climbing go from one extreme to
after yourself in the mountains . Reinhold
another and I love it all to be
Messner and Peter Habeler climbed Everest
honest.”
in ‘78 without oxygen, so why use it today?
So is it fear or excitement
Climbing is the only sport in the world that
that makes him go back for
seems happy going backwards.”
more? “I certainly don’t like
He may be outspoken with his views, but
being scared as in thinking
Eddie is quick to concede that there is a type
I’m going to die or hurt
of climb out there for everyone and that
myself badly, “ he replies.
ultimately it’s about personal choice.
“That’s not a pleasant
When asked about his favourite climb he
experience. Yes there are
remains uncommitted : “Fairhead and the
times when climbing produces a
Burren in the south are high on the list, but
huge adrenaline rush and excitement, but
the nicest thing about climbing is the variety.
if you enjoy being scared I think there’s
I find it very difficult to pick my favourite spot -
something quite odd about you!
climbing a 3,000 vertical climb in Yosmite is fabulous, but so is climbing a route in
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“I’ve broken both ankles twice but that’s the worst I’ve done which relatively speaking
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climbing
isn’t that bad. If you take any sport seriously
allows them to progress quite quickly and
junior Irish Leading championship this year
you will have injuries, that’s just the way life is.
enter competitions in Britain and Europe.”
and have represented Ireland in Europe. “I’m
You have to accept that you take calculated
Through Eddie’s network of climbing
not a pushy parent but I’m a pushy coach,”
risks and at times they will go wrong, but you
connections the kids benefit from the
laughs Eddie. “As a coach you need to be
have to be prepared to get up and get back
coaching of some of Ireland’s leading
honest and if you don’t push the kids to their
on.”
climbers and boulders, like Rob Hunter, and
limit, you’re not really being fair to them.”
Fortunately for the sport’s progression
respond by showing incredible grit,
With around 20 members aged between
here, the necessity to earn a living led Eddie
determination and most importantly potential:
10 and 18 years old the NIYCT is pushed to
into the field of coaching and he hasn’t
“Our kids get world class coaching and for
capacity and although Eddie would like to
looked back since. “I started taking classes
the first time ever Ireland has young climbers
see the club grow, funding is a problem as
in the Ozone in Belfast and quickly realised
competing with the best in Europe.
he reveals: “The club is now getting to the stage where we are going to have to be quite
that I most enjoyed teaching the kids who
The grade they are climbing at is
were enthusiastic and often quite talented.”
phenomenal. There are very few adult
fussy about letting people join which is a
climbers in Ireland who would be capable of
shame, but with the resources we have, we
eagerness to progress on a competitive
climbing at or above the grade that some of
can only handle a select number of people
level, Eddie along with Margi Maxwell set up
our kids are tackling.”
and in the current climate money is harder
In response to the kids talent and
the NI Youth Climbing Team four years ago.
Among the rising stars is Eddie’s daughter
The first of it’s kind in Ireland the club offers
Rachel who along with Andrew Colligan won
support and coaching for those children that
the junior Irish bouldering championship and
than ever to come by.” Hope for the grass roots of the sport comes in the form of Mountaineering Ireland
have been talent spotted and show real
who have appointed a new development
climbing ability.
coach and Eddie is optimistic that with their
“At the moment the club is designed for
encouragement, new clubs will mushroom:
people who have shown talent in rock
“We don’t try to exclude people, we try to
climbing and who we feel could climb at a
include them but the standards are high and
high standard and compete in competitions.
it would be nice if there were other clubs for
It’s about pushing the standards and those
people who just loved climbing but aren’t yet
have gone up astronomically since we
at the high standard we require. There is a
started.”
club now starting in Dublin and hopefully
“To climb hard in Ireland is very difficult,” he continues. “The weather is lousy and the
more clubs will open across the country.” Outside of his commitment to the team
style of climbing is serious, therefore the
which involves weekly training sessions,
talented kids were finding it hard to progress
regular trips abroad and competition
to a level where they could compete on an
attendance, Eddie still finds time to climb
international standing. For them to get a
himself, spending most family holidays on a
head start they need to go to Europe where
cliff. “Personally I think it’s important coaches
they can develop their skills on hard, safe
actually show a willingness to get out there
sports routes. The club opens up those
and do it themselves. There’s a hell of a lot of
types of opportunities and the coaching
mental pressure for kids on hard routes and at
Ireland has young climbers competing with the best in Europe...
competition level, so its important they realise you are willing and able to do it yourself and you know what they are going through.” While Eddie’s club may only ever benefit a small number of youths he is very encouraging of the sport as whole and would encourage everyone to give it a go: “The nice thing about climbing is that people can enjoy it at all levels so it is a fabulous sport to be part of. Climbers compete against a climb, not each other which is nice. You get to pick the route you want to do, so you always pick the perfect opponent!” o For more information on the NI Youth Team visit www.niyct.com Interested in climbing? Climbing walls can be found at Tollymore National Sport Centre (tel: 43 722 158) and The Ozone, Belfast (tel: 90 458 024)
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g n u o Y m ’e t r a t S überpups
TV in their room, but you really een scr t fla d an PSP ox, Xb an e hav e They es and get involved in a sport. Th sol con eir th wn do put to em th want the six most exhilarating to de gui ’s og erd üb s re’ He w? ho d question is what an w to get them started… outdoor activities for kids and ho
BIKING We’re not going to be specific about the
making it one of the least expensive sports
type of biking, let’s just say anything on two
out there.
wheels, or four if they’re learning on
Kids around the age of five are generally
stabilisers. The great thing about a bike is
ready to move on to a 12” frame bike and
that you can cycle pretty much anywhere;
with a little coaching they’ll soon be taking
you don’t need lessons (but you do need a
to the track on their own two wheels.
reasonably fit parent to run alongside and
Playing fields and deserted car parks are
catch them if they fall) and once you’ve
a great place to learn the basics and once
bought the bike and helmet it’s free,
they’ve mastered those there are plenty of cycling routes around the province. Dirt and BMX tracks provide hours of endless fun and are a great way of introducing them to the more competitive element of the sport. If they show potential consider entering them into the junior category of the Cross Country or Downhill races. Entry is usually free and the atmosphere is family friendly and very supportive. For event dates and details visit www.irishdh.com or www.ulsterxc.com If you really want them to progress, lessons are available in specialist fields, for example Belfast Urban Sports (BUS) offer BMX coaching and there are a number of The start of Under 12s race at a recent XC race in Ballynahinch
mountain bike coaches as well including Dave Youngs who is überdog’s expert in the field.
SURFING It’s hard to watch the surfers riding the waves at the beach and not want to be out there with them. Every kid wants to
depending on your child’s availability. Some clubs also run kids summer schemes. Prices vary, so contact the surf schools directly for rates, Once again equipment is usually included in the cost of the
learn how to surf, and who can blame them? It’s fun, it’s cool
lessons and can be hired once your child is ready to do it on
and it can also be competitive. Living in Ireland we are spoilt
their own, but at this stage you’d be probably best to invest in
for choice when it comes to surfing spots with the beaches in
a beginner board and a westuit which will set you back
the north offering some of the best surf coastline in the world.
around £100.
For this reason it tends to be in the Portush/Portstewart and
For more information on surfing in Ireland and for contact
Donegal areas that you’ll find all the surf school and surf
details of local surf schools contact the Irish Surf
shops. Hourly, daily and residential courses are all available
Association, www,isasurf.ie
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überpups
MOUNTAIN BOARDING
Oisin Harper strikes a pose
A cross between a skateboard and a snowboard, mountain boarding can be done on any surface, in any weather at any time of year. Relatively simple to learn, all you need to invest in is a board and your little one can get going. A mountain board is designed to tackle all terrain with riders ripping up specifically designed tracks as well as grass hills, woodlands, gravel tracks, streets, skateparks, ski resorts, BMX courses and mountain bike trails. In general the idea to is to get to the bottom of a hill having as much fun as possible. Northern Ireland has one official mountain board track at Surfin’ Dirt in Bryansford, Co.Down. Here you’ll find a variety of trails ranging from beginner slopes to long carving runs with jumps and obstacles for the more advanced rider. Mountain board lessons are also available. Visit www.surfindirt.co.uk got more information.
SKATE BOARDING
picture: Gary Harper
CANOEING
and safety gear is normally included in the cost. They will learn how to deal with
Street skating just has to be one of the
If you think your son/daughter would like
emergencies and how to capsize safely
coolest sports around. The kids just look the
to take to the water canoeing is a great
as well as basic boat handling skills.
part with their boards, hoodies and Vans,
option as you can start gently with some
Children don’t need to be able to swim
pulling tricks at every corner. If your child
flatwater paddling and move up to the
vast distances but they will need the water
wants to join them there’s very little help
more demanding and thrilling river and
confidence to make sure they can deal
needed on your part. Buy them a beginners
white water riding as their skill develops.
with a capsized boat and get ashore
board from one of the specialist board shops
As a complete beginner your child will
safely.
(a helmet and some knee pads are always a
need to take lessons to ensure they are
good idea too), take them to one of the
equipped with the basic skills required.
can take them out (never in a group of
popular skate jam sports and sit back while
These can be booked through
less than three people) and explore the
they watch and learn. Skate boarding
www.canoeni.com, or through your local
wonderful rivers, lakes, loughs and
lessons are available at Belfast Urban Sports
canoe club. Prices vary but start from as
coastlines that the north of Ireland has to
( email team@ourbus.org for details) but
little as £10 per session and equipment
offer. Equipment is available to hire but
Once they have learned the skills you
generally it’s a trial and error thing with kids
you may want to
picking up the skills required by watching
invest in a basic
others and trying it out for themselves. Skate
beginners set, after
turtorials like the ones in überdog magazine
which, the sport will
and online at various YouTube channels can
cost you very little to
also help.
enjoy. To find out where
Indoor skate parks can be found at Belfast Urban Sports and in the Belfry in Newcastle
you book canoe
but when you’re a street skater, every curb,
lessons and
corner and railing is your playground!
where you can paddle locally visit www.canoeni.com and www.cani.org.uk
ROLLER SKATING
You may have done it in the 80s while wearing neon socks, but roller skating is
back and it looks set to be bigger than ever before with a wider range of rollers available. Traditional roller skates or ‘quads’ (you’ve got to keep up with the lingo my friend!) have been joined by roller blades and inline skates offering fans of the sport plenty of variety. In a similar way to skateboarding this is really a D-I-Y sport so buy them a pair of rollers, give them a push and watch them go. Watching others is the best way to learn - make a trip to The Wigram Roller Park in Bangor and you can all give it go. A session costs £3.50 with rollers available for hire for £1.50.
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111 OLD DUNDONALD ROAD, DUNDONALD, BELFAST BT16 1XT TELEPHONE: 028 9048 5462 EMAIL: INFO@BATTLEFIELDSPORTSNI.COM WEBSITE: WWW.BATTLEFIELDSPORTSNI.COM
AIRSOFT GAMES WEEKLY Green Zone Combat stock the best kit and have the largest display of airsoft guns in Northern Ireland GREEN ZONE COMBAT STOCK THE BEST AIRSOFT KIT FROM AEG's/GBB pistols always in stock | Airsoft accesories and Magazines BB's, Gas and Tactical clothing | Repairs and upgrades Follow Green Zone Combat on Airsoft NI
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Green Zone Combat is a UKARA registered and fully insured airsoft site
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Guide to
Airsoft überdog’s airsoft correspondent Graeme Livingstone provides an insight into the growing sport of airsoft...
W
hen people think of combat sports their minds usually go to laser quest or paintball. Both well known and popular pastimes here in Northern Ireland. However, there is a third,
lesser known option that provides a completely different style of combat gaming...airsoft. Have you ever found yourself watching a movie where the hero is loaded to the hilt with every gun known to man, with an endless supply of ammo and a fresh wave of bad guys storming towards him and thought to yourself - ‘that looks like a lot of fun!’? Or maybe you are a demon on the latest first person shooter on the XBOX or PS3 and want to test your skills in the real world. Maybe you’re neither and you just want to have a great afternoon with your friends. Well, airsoft offers you that and more. It’s a safe and enjoyable honesty based game where you have two sides playing against each other to fulfill an objective in either a CQB (close quarter battle) situation or a larger battlefield with forests, trenches and buildings for cover. If you get hit you simply fall back to your regeneration point or base and then try again!
INVESTIGATE: So what exactly is airsoft? Airsoft, or airsoft skirmishing, bases its’ game play on a relatively realistic approach. If you are hit then you are dead, you go back to a designated area called a ‘Regen Point’, and then you are free to head straight back into play. You use a replica imitation firearm (or RIF) that fires a small plastic pellet. Games run with two (or more) teams in a pre arranged scenario with
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be a few more sites popping up around the country very soon. Airsoft is a very strict sport in terms of rules and guide lines. These are in place purely for player safety and are usually laid down in the pre-game brief. Basic rules include no physical contact, no abusive language, respect the gaming area and any rented kit and most importantly - take your hits... If players decide to become ‘bullet proof’ during play then it can ruin the day for everyone. There is more fun to be had by sticking to the rules and respecting the other players involved. It also gives a greater sense of realism. The only other rule that is enforced very meticulously is that you wear
PARTICIPATE:
eye or face protection at all times during games.
certain objectives and tasks that need carried
Okay so I’ve covered a few things about the
To get started you do not need any kit. You
out in order to win. These could range from
sport, now it’s the important bit - how do you
can rent weapons and face masks from any
capture an enemy base, deliver a package,
get involved?
of the sites and they will more than likely give
protect a VIP or just stay alive for a certain
First off, you should be aware that due to
you a full set of camouflage too. My advice
the nature of the sport and the ammunition
would be to rent for a few games until you
used, there is some pain involved if you get
are sure that you want to keep playing, and
well controlled environment. Simple safety
hit in the right spot. Paintball is well known for
then look into getting your own gear. To buy
issues require referees to be present for
its pain aspect and yet still attracts a huge
an airsoft RIF you need to be at least 18
games, however, their role is to observe and
fan base. Fortunately, however, the pain
years old and have a UKARA (United
make sure everyone sticks to the rules, with
involved in airsoft is a lot more bearable than
Kingdom Airsoft Regulation Association)
very little interference. In terms of combat
the sting from the impact of a paintball! The
number which you can obtain by playing at
sports this is as realistic as it gets!
6mm, 0.2g BB (ball bearing) travels at no
any site, a minimum of three times within two
more than 328fps (feet per second)/100mps
months. This will get you the required
country which provide different playing fields
(meters per second). This is the upper limit
signature from the site owner. You then take
and different game styles. Some sites are
that UK law allows in Northern Ireland and
that, on a completed form, to a retailer who
large and house open areas of ground
any guns that are involved in play will not
adds you to the database and gives you your
surrounded by forest areas that allow you to
exceed this limit. So be prepared, just in
unique number. The age limit for airsoft is 12
spread out wide and cover a lot of ground,
case!
years and up so if you are under 18 and
amount of time. Games take place in a very relaxed but very
There are several gaming sites in the
others are smaller and provide faster game
The next thing you should know is where
play with much more intense fire fights.
you can play. There are
Others have small indoor areas or are
several sites in Northern
catered solely for indoor, CQB style game
Ireland such as Urban Assault
play. Every option is covered for every game
at Battlefield Sports located at
style.
the Ice Bowl in Dundonald,
want to play then renting is the only option.
Camp Predator and FRV just
SPECTATE:
outside Ballynahinch, Green
Unfortunately airsoft isn’t a great spectator
Zone Combat in County
sport. With the action happening over a large
Antrim, SG1 in Bellaghy and
area you would have great trouble seeing
many others. At the rate the
anything of interest and with many of the
sport is growing there may
objectives requiring a certain level of stealth the players are more than likely going to be out of view! It is a sport that requires you to get involved to truly see the action and experience the rush for yourself!
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Airsoft
Guide to Investigate, spectate & participate If you do start playing regularly and find you want to buy your own gun then the first thing you need to do is decide which
bits of kit you need to get started are the rifle and your eye protection. The guns are also endlessly
BIG SHOTS 5 TOP AIRSOFT SITES
one will suit you best. I wouldn’t say there
customisable and you will often see
is one perfect gun that everyone should
players with scopes, lasers, silencers and
start with because, like most sports, the
front grips that can all be purchased as
choice of equipment is down to the
optional extras. They add to the
players’ individual style. If you like
experience and can give your gun a
URBAN ASSAULT @ BATTLEFIELD SPORTS
sneaking around and picking your
unique look.
web: www.battlefieldsportsni.com
enemies off one by one, then a small rifle
Airsoft is extremely open to new players
tel: 028 9048 5462
is the way to go. Something along the
and sites welcome all bookings that
This indoor, CQB battle arena tailors to players
lines of an M4 CQB, an MP5 or even a
come their way. You can get started with
who want that close-up shooting experience,
pistol or shotgun. If you would prefer to
ease and no training or experience is
running hour long games and holding various
stay back and hide, taking out
required. There is no upper age limit and
competitions throughout the year. This is the
unsuspecting enemies from a distance,
no high fitness level requirement, as you
only indoor site in NI.
then a sniper rifle would be your weapon
determine how much you get involved in
of choice. Or if you prefer an all-out
each game. If you would like more
assault with a huge supply of ammo,
information on sites, guns and kit or
GREEN ZONE COMBAT
running into battle head on screaming
would like to talk to players directly then
web: www.greenzonecombat.com
‘get some’ at the top of your lungs, then a
join the biggest airsoft forum in the
tel: 0777 2919974
support weapon such as an MK249 is an
country at www.airsoftireland.com/forum
This site, (size unknown as they are expanding
option you might consider. There is a gun
and see the social aspect of the sport first
at the moment), offers very fast game play
for every occasion and game style and if
hand. We are all proud of the close knit
through and between manmade structures
you want to spend the money you can
community in the airsoft world and the
such as houses, dug outs, trenches and a few
have anything you desire. Near enough
forum is the hub for all information on
old cars, great for all game types.
any weapon you can think of is available
games and advice. So if you like what
in an airsoft form. From the smallest of
you see and want to give it a go then
CAMP PREDATOR
pistols and revolvers to the Vulcan mini
simply pick up the phone and call one of
web: www.predatorcombat.com
gun that sports a Gatling designed six
the sites to book today. o
tel: 028 4377 0566
barrel firing mechanism. There are even
A very versatile site with buildings, trenches and
replica guns from computer games and
multiple bases for a good mix of long range
films including the Pulse Rifle from the
and fast close up play. It has a 40 acre area
Alien movies. Prices start at around £100
home to a village, forest areas, a lake and
and can go up to the £3000 mark (in
more.
extreme cases). A reasonable set up including a rifle, side arm, assault vest,
FRV
eye protection and fatigues would be in
web: www.frvairsoft.com
and around £250-300 but really, the only
tel: 07730 586926 This site also has opportunities for close up play but is much larger and would be more suited to large numbered games played over a larger distance. The site is 80 acres in size and also has forest areas along with some open ground, wooden building and the odd ruin lying around.
SG1 web: www.sg1combatgames.co.uk tel: 07713273102 A much smaller site, at only 8 acres, SG1 provides a lot of cover for stealthy play, they have a large kill house and several bases dotted around the site. A great place for big or numbered games, and fast objectives.
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Has the summer passed you by? Did you blink and the sun was gone? It’s time to make the most of the days that are left by getting out there and doing something. Here’s what’s hot and happening for August and September…
14-15 August
7 August
The 2010 Irish National Downhill Championships
Mourne Seven Sevens Challenge
Kilbroney Forest, Rostrevor
Donard Car Park, Newcastle No mean feat, this challenge involves hiking 18 miles in around 10 to 12 hours across the seven route summits, scaling heights of up to 0850m on Slieve Donard. The challenge route starts and finishes in Donard Car Park, Newcastle and the only rule is that each of the seven peaks and Ben Crom Dam must be visited once. Find a map, get a compass, plan your route and off you go! Entrance forms are available from the website www.nireland51.freeserve.co.uk/srs.htm or you can enter on the day at the check-in point at Donard Car Park.
21 August King of the Dirt (ATB) Surfin' Dirt, Co Down It’s back to Surfin’ Dirt but this time it’s the boards that are battling it out downhill in this two boarder downhill head to head duel. Qualifying rounds start in the morning, finals start in the afternoon. Usual age categories, prizes for winner and runnerup in each category, uplifts, cost of entry is £15 seniors/ £10 juniors. For more details visit www.surfindirt.co.uk
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This is the big one! The eagerly anticipated 2010 Irish National Downhill Championships take place in the picturesque and spectacular venue of Kilbroney Forest, Rostrevor, Co. Down. Widely regarded as the best and most challenging DH course in Ireland the track offers a mix of outright pedal power and savage technical sections to test the best. Hosted by the Chain Reaction Club and with timing by NACC the event organisation standard will be high. Expect pulse-racing action on the course with lots of family fun in the forest. For more details visit www.irishdh.com
8 August
20-21 August
King of the Dirt (MTB)
Todd’s Leap Ulster Rally
Surfin' Dirt, Co Down
Antrim
A two bike downhill head to head duel. Qualifying rounds start in the morning, finals start in the afternoon. Usual age categories, prizes for winner and runnerup in each category, uplifts, cost of entry is £15 seniors / £10 juniors. For more details visit www.surfindirt.co.uk
See the best drivers and fastest cars from the UK and Ireland across modern and historic classes. Race starts in Antrim town centre at 1.30pm on the Friday with a Champagne finish at Junction One on Saturday afternoon around 3.30. For more details visit www.ulsterrally.com
24-25 August: Kinnego Marina, Lurgan Introduction to Bushcraft Wilderness Survival Skills Fancy yourself as the next Bear Grylls? This two-day course costs £60 and teaches the basic skills of wilderness cooking, shelter, water, trapping and foraging for food. On day one you will venture down the River Blackwater to the shore of Lough Neagh in an open Canadian Canoe and sleep in a tipi. Day two will continue bush craft skills with a surprise task before packing up all equipment and leaving Coney for Maghery by canoe raft. Contact Kinnego Marina to book, telephone 028 3832 7573
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Diary Dates
28 August
28-29 August
Slieve to Slieve
CANI Upper Bann and Lough Neagh overnight trip
Carlingford Lough Two mountains, one expanse of water and a race between the two that has never been done before. The peaks of Slieve Martin and Slieve Foy are separated by a 3km expanse of water and the event will see participants race from the top of Slieve Martin to the shore of Carlingford Lough on foot, across Carlingford Lough in a kayak, to the top of Slieve Foy on foot, before retracing your route to the finish line at the summit of Slieve Martin. For more information contact 26 Extreme, www.26extreme.com
3-5 September
4-5 September
Leave No Trace' Trainers Course
Oxfam Ireland Trailtrekker
Tollymore National Outdoor Centre The course will focus on the delivery of the seven principles of Leave No Trace and techniques for teaching. As a group you will be advising and critiquing each other in an effort to learn more about how to effectively communicate the skills and ethics of Leave No Trace. The emphasis is on discussion with real practical methods used in an outdoor classroom. For more information visit www.tollymore.com
Portadown Explore the numerous bays and inlets around the lough or the vast expanse of open water while observing a diversity of wildlife and historical sites. During this trip you’ll paddle the Bann into Lough Neagh and then head out to Coney Island to set up camp, hitting the water again the following day en-route home. The trip is free to CANI members and £10 for non-members. Please register interest or book through office@cani.org.uk or www.cani.org.uk
Newcastle, Co. Down to Carlingford, Co. Louth Teams of four will walk 100km through beautiful Irish terrain in 36 hours. The signed trail consists of ten sections, each approximately 10km apart, beginning in the stunning Donard Park, Newcastle, Co Down and finishing in Carlingford, Co. Louth. Be prepared for undulating, rugged forest trails, picturesque country roads, short sections of challenging mountain terrain and many superb views along the way! Teams are asked to raise £2,000/ 2,000 for Oxfam Ireland. For more information email trailtrekker@oxfamireland.org or visit oxfamireland.org/trailtrekker
11-12 September West Coast Longboard Championships Lahinch, Co. Clare The long boards return to the west coast for this annual competition hosted by the West Coast Surf Club. Entry forms for the contest are available from www.westcoastsurfclub.com Closing date for entries is the 1st September 2010. ISA membership essential
Open Days at Tollymore Tollymore National Outdoor Centre, Bryansford, Co.Down Canoe sport Open Day, 25 September Hillwalking Open Day, 26 September Come and discover the range of courses and facilities available from the new Tollymore National Outdoor Centre. Places are limited so booking is essential. Tel: 028 4372 2158 for details
25-26 September Tramore Oceanic Surf and Sea Festival Tramore Beach A full programme of surf activities for ladies and an action packed weekend of family fun. Activities open to all include a skate jam, kite and wind surfing, a seaweed workshop, Country Market and much more. For more information tel: +353 (0) 51 39 0944 or email: oceanic@eircom.net
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serious All the action was on the water at the Riverfest event in Coleraine with some bill was the stunts being pulled by top wakeboard and jetski champions. Top of the included Tampa Bay Show Skiers who put on an impressive water ski display that by the pyramid formations, jumps and backflips. More amazing feats were displayed jet ski and jet ski team and top local wakeboarders, while on the Sunday a Yamaha one of the boat demonstration left spectators wishing they could get their hands on there was exclusive jetty passes so they could hit the water themselves. Riverside and plenty for the crowds to enjoy with a climbing wall, bouncy castle, laser quest and big band entertainment. Energy drinks came compliments of Relentless event. 端berdog magazine was there to add more excitement to an already rocking
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Old bikes, new bikes and stunt bikes, they were all there to be enjoyed at the annual Car & Bike Show at Elim. Pulling in a crowd of around 3,000 people, the star attractions on the day (aside from all the classic cars and bikes) were the UK FMX stunt team and the talent that is Kevin Carmichael, an ex-world champion stunt rider who showed amazing precision skills aboard his big Triumph machines including the massive 2.3 Litre Rocket III.
boüt ye... it’s a mini interview - a minterview! or was in World Back Flip Champion Gary Tayl t team recently stun MX Northern Ireland with his UKF w in Bangor… Sho Bike Elim the at ds wowing the crow NAME: Gary Taylor AGE: 27 PROFESSION: FMX rider WHAT IS YOUR BIKING BACKGROUND? I’ve been riding Motocross bikes from an early age. I was quite lucky because my mum and dad owned a motocross practice track. I raced through the schoolboy classes and won a few races, I then raced professionally in the adult ranks for a short period. I found doing a few heel clickers was more fun and I pursued freestyle. I did my first ever fmx comp in ‘98 on my 80cc,which I won. I am now the company director of the UKFMX team. I travel all around the world putting on demos and competitions. WHAT ARE YOU FAVOURITE CROWD PLEASING TRICKS? Back flip, lazy boy and cliff hangers. WHAT IS YOUR SIGNATURE MOVE? A can down. WHAT'S BEEN YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE? Being able to run my own fmx company, UKFMX and running in the IFMXF. DO YOU EVER TIRE OF THAT ADRENALINE RUSH? No it’s great, it’s the reason I get out of bed in the morning. HOW MANY SHOWS DO YOU DO A YEAR? Around 40. WHAT CAN SPECTATORS EXPECT FROM ONE OF YOUR SHOWS? Lots of good tricks! We put on a very entertaining 30 minute, heart stopping show that provides a massive adrenaline rush for them as well as us. DO YOU ENJOY PLAYING UP TO THE CROWD? Yeah it’s great fun, the more the crowd love it the better we ride. HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT 'WHAT NEXT?' I see a lot of crazy stuff in fmx, so no, not really. IF YOU WEREN'T RIDING A BIKE FOR A LIVING WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'D BE DOING? I don’t know but I think it would have to involve my bike. My mum and dad owned a track so it’s in my blood. I guess I would be doing something up there. o
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With the sun splitting the trees and with a backdrop to die for, the 4X race at Surfin' Dirt on the edge of Tollymore Forest was eagerly anticipated by team 端berdog. 4X, beautiful in its simplicity, involves four bikes at a time ripping up 400 metres of doubles, gaps, drops and berms. First bike past the post takes the prize - simple. The racing was fast and furious throughout the day and everyone had a real blast. Between the races, entertainment came in the form of the dirt surfin' boys who wowed us with gravitydefying jumps, back somersaults and a few dramatic spills. After the racing was done, the bikes and boards started hitting the biggest of Surfin' Dirt's ramps. Well, you know how it goes...one challenge lead to another and so on....queue the car jumping!
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check out video footage at www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk
www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk
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A disused quarry provided a lunar landscape for this joint event. A blistering day made for arid and dusty conditions with plenty of riders picking up punctures along the way.
Saturday 19 June saw Davagh forest unearth its secret trails for the first time in 15 years after permission was granted by the Forestry Service for a one day event.
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Over the Hill... The Dunmore Mountains offered a challenging course for all
categories at the Ulster XC Series Round 4 and Irish NPS Series Round 6. Hosted by Dromara Cycling Club, the land was kindly donated for the day by local landowner Mr Wrightman and the course stretched over 3 miles, winding its way over both peaks of the Dunmore Mountains. Described by one racer as 'more uphill than down' the course provided a taxing mix of steep climbs and dramatic descents and there were some red faces approaching the final climb to the finish line. The Red Bull girls were onsite to keep energy levels up and of course 端berdog magazine was in attendance with Team Woof documenting the day for your enjoyment.
For full race results visit www.ulsterxc.com and www.irishxcmtb.com www.uberdogmagazine.co.uk
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25th May saw the first jam of the year on Ballymenaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest set of dirt jumps. A spell of hot weather left the earthen delights like concrete...
Some serious style was on show...
No better way to spend a summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s evening
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the
y r o t c e dir
d the north of Irelan ss ro ac es ss ne si oor bu your guide to outd Bike Shops Chain Reaction Cycles Kilbride Road, Doagh Ballyclare BT39 0QA tel: 028 9334 5515 email: shop@chainreactioncycles.com web: www.chainreactioncycles.com
m Chain Reaction Cycles offer the widest
water sports The Edge Watersports Warehouse at Hanna Boats 233 Loughan Road, Coleraine County Antrim BT52 1UD tel: 028 27 668 999 email: enquiries@edgewatersports.co.uk web:www.edgewatersports.co.uk
selection of products from the industries leading brands in all cycling disciplines. To compliment the service they provide to their on-line customers they also have a state of the art showroom and shopping facility where they showcase the ultimate products in the world of cycling ranging from high tech DH mountain bikes to featherweight road race bikes that are at the cutting edge of cycling technology and design which feature exotic materials and manufacturing processes combined with the very latest components.
m Established in 1996 by Rob & Joan Skelly The
Bike it Cycles
Coast & Creek
74 Grand Parade Belfast Antrim BT5 5HH tel: 028 9079 7974 email: info@bikeitcycles.com web: www.bikeitcycles.com
m Bike It have the right bike to meet every need: from a child's first cycle, to the
enthusiasts looking for the latest and best cycles, not forgetting those people cycling to work or just pedalling for exercise and fun! Bike It cover all disciplines and areas including road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, BMX, clothing and accessories. Specialists in Trek /Merida/ Lapierre bikes and Endura and Madison Clothing. Open from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday.
Bik Tuition
Edge Watersports is now one of the premier retailers for water sports equipment in Ireland and the UK. We sell the top brands such as O'Neill, Liquid Force, O'Brien, Jobe, Circle One and RTM. Our staff are true waterbabies, with years of experience in all aspects of water sports. Whether you're a beginner, intermediate or advanced water sports enthusiast The Edge aims to offer you the best and most extensive online retail service of water sports gear in the UK and Ireland.
at Taggart & Co Ltd 38-44 Main Street Ballymoney BT53 6AP tel: 028 2766 2130 email: info@coastandcreek.com web: www.coastandcreek.com
m Coast and Creek are currently
loading information and products onto their website and hope to have a full array of top quality paddle products available to buy online very soon. Feel free to browse the site and check back regularly to see what's been added! They want this to be your paddling website as much as theirs. Please e-mail them with any suggestions for content or layout, or particular brands you're finding it hard to get hold of. In the meantime, feel free to visit their shop in Ballymoney and check out their stock of kayaks, sit-on-tops, paddles, kayak clothing and accessories.
Climbing Wall
Dave Youngs Mountain Bike Instruction
Hot Rock Climbing Wall
mob: 078 0942 6202 email: davidyoungs8831@yahoo.co.uk web: www.youngsmountainbikeinstruction.co.uk
Tollymore Mountain Centre, Bryansford Newcastle, Down BT33 0PT tel: 028 4372 5354 email: trevor.fisher@tollymore.com web: www.tollymore.com
m Dave Youngs has been involved in mountain biking for many years. During that time his proven method of instruction has been the key to his success. With a relaxed, but confident and friendly manner, he will get the best from your strengths and individual character. Always pushing the individual to achieve their aim but never beyond their limits.
mountain boarding Surfin’ Dirt Mountain Boarding Tullyree Road, Bryansford Down BT34 5LD mob: 077 3921 0119 email: info@surfindirt.co.uk web: www.surfindirt.co.uk web: www.gaspactionsports.com m Surfin’ Dirt is the one and only mountain board centres in Ireland, Located in the spectacular surroundings of the Mourne Mountains, Surfin’ Dirt mountain board centre provides an exciting venue for mountain boarders and mountain bikers of all skills and ages. Beginners have the opportunity to learn and develop skills on the nursery slope, while more advanced riders will enjoy the long carving runs, jumps and features on the main hill.
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m There are two climbing walls at Tollymore,
one outdoors and one indoors. The outdoor wall was built in the early 1970s, and is a large granite boulder structure. It is used on many rockclimbing courses, and is ideal for learning to place gear, set up belays and learn basic ropework.The indoor wall opened in 2000. It is owned by the Mountaineering Council of Ireland and managed by Tollymore. It consists of a bouldering wall and a lead wall. There is a wide variety of routes on this wall, which are changed regularly. The wall is over 9 metres high, and generally has over 70 graded routes. The bouldering wall is 4 metres high and has vertical and overhanging sections.
Outdoor Shop Jackson Sports 70 High Street, Belfast Antrim BT1 2B tel: 028 90 238 572 email: sales@jackson-sports.com web: www.jackson-sports.com
m Jackson Sports have been supplying specialist
outdoor clothing and equipment since 1967, building a reputation as a leading UK store for both mountain and water sports. Their employees are passionate about outdoor pursuits and are all involved in selecting the best quality gear for each purpose from hundreds of brands, to ensure you can choose from the best possible range. They stock thousands of specialist quality items and are continually adding to the product range, current lines include Lowe Alpine, Berghaus, Aniamal, Rab, Crux, Sprayway, Meindl, Marmot, Helly Hansen to name but a few - check the rest online
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surfing Fin McCools Surf School
Troggs Surf Shop 88 Main Street, Portrush, BT56 8BN tel: 028 7082 5476 email: shop@troggs.com web: www.troggssurfshop.co.uk web: www.troggssurfschool.com web: www.surfingireland.com
m Troggs have over 30 years of professional surfing experience, building a reputation
as a leading surf shop in the UK and Ireland. Our employees are passionate about surfing and help select the best quality products from hundreds of brands such as Alder, Quiksilver, Billabong, Animal, Oakley, Rip Curl, O’Neill and Reef to name a few. Check out our online store where we offer the best and most extensive online retail service of surfing and snow goods in Europe - catering for beginner to pro surfer alike.
Chasers Surf Tours Portrush, County Antrim tel: 07517 255 135 email: info@chaserssurftours.com web: www.chaserssurftours.com
m Chasers Surf Tours is
Irelands premiere surf tour operator. With over 20 years of surfing experience, Chasers will provide the ultimate experince. Our professionally trained drivers and guides will transport you from coast to coast searching for the best surf our island of Ireland can offer.
Rossnowlagh, Co. Donegal tel: 071 9859020/ 086 8049909 web: www.finmccoolsurfschool.com email: finmccools@gmail.com
m We are delighted to be able to
announce the arrival of the Fin McCool Surf Lodge. The new Lodge is located right next door to our current shop and offers comfortable 4 & 3 bed dorms or double rooms. There is beds for groups of up to 24 people and we are ideally suited right on the beach for those here for lessons or just up for the weekend. Prices start from €20 per night with discounts available for groups of 8 or more people.
scuba Aquaholics Dive Centre 14 Portmore Road, Portstewart, BT55 7BE tel: 028 7083 2584 email: dive@aquaholics.org web: www.aquaholics,org
m Try a drive with Aquaholics. This five star PADI dive centre offers an extensive range
of scuba dive courses from beginner to advanced including PADI, DSAT and TDI courses. Enjoy a wreck or reef dive; join one of the daily boat dives; take a thrilling power boat ride or book a complete dive package with accommodation at the Dive Lodge in Ballycastle. Visit the dive shop in Portstewart for a full range of major brands, servicing, rental and sales.
combat games Todds Leap Activity Centre 30 Todds Leap Road, Ballymacilroy, Ballygawley, Tyrone BT70 2BW tel: 028 8556 7170 email: info@toddsleap.com web: www.toddsleap.com
m Toddsleap.com is the No 1 outdoor activity centre in Ireland. Based in Ballygawley,
Toddsleap.com specialise in producing superb corporate entertainment, teambuilding days and stag/hen events incorporating the very best in extreme off road driving, Paintballing, quad biking, clay pigeon shooting, archery and a variety of bespoke activities to suit every budget and group size. They aim to take you, your family, friends and colleagues to the edge and beyond. New activities every year, why not try the new super slide - over 200ft long. Coming soon: The longest Zip Line in Ireland and an all new ropes course.
sharp shooters Paintball 32 Altmore Road, Dungannon BT70 2UN tel: 028 8775 8727 or: 07887 655 447 email: info@sharpshooterspaintball.com web: www.sharpshooterspaintball.com
m Sharp Shooters Paintball Games Sharp
Shooters Paintball has launched a unique paintball site to offer an exciting alternative leisure activity to Northern Ireland. Situation outside Dungannon, the site is easily accessible (see contact page for precise location). Sharp Shooters offers you 10 acres of natural woodland and grassland with a full range of gaming options to test your paintballing skills! Whether you want a fun day out with friends, a team building day with colleagues or for the more serious player we have the ultimate game for you! To find out more about this excitement-filled activity and make a booking please ring Rodney Wilson on 028 8775 8727 or 07887 655 447.
Green Zone Combat 36 Drumsavage Road Hamiltonsbawn Co.Armagh BT60 1NE tel: 0777 2919 974 email: info@greenzonecombat.com web: www.greenzonecombat.com
m Airsoft specialists Green Zone Combat describe this combat sport as being "not unlike paintball but with less pain, more vibrant, realistic game scenarios and better weaponry." Green Zone Combat is staged on five acres of land deep in the County Armagh countryside. The site is essentially a mix of open and built up areas - some with an almost urban feel and makes for a varied and intense gaming experience. Go away from a day's airsofting and you'll realise this isn't a sport - it's an obsession!
Battlefield sports N.I. Dundonald International Icebowl 111 Old Dundonald Road Belfast BT16 1XT tel: 028 9048 5462 mob: 0784 3203 497 email: info@battlefieldsportsni.com web: www.battlefieldsports.ni.com
m Battlefieldsports provide
outdoor/indoor laser combat games and airsoft. Games are run on a “challenge by choice system” which means that you decide what level of intensity and realism you want in the games before you start. For all games we provide clothing, hats/helmets and weapons and there are no hidden extras. We guarantee the best fun you will ever have no matter what level of game you are playing.
Predator Combat Games
SG-1 Combat Games Lough Beg Coach Houses, Ballyscullion Park, Magherafelt BT45 8NA tel: 07713 273 102 email: booking@sg1combatgames.co.uk web: www.sg1combatgames.co.uk
m SG-1 Combat Games is an established airsoft site set in a 5 acre wood.
Our realistic game play scenarios are designed to entertain and challenge. Many customers who've played at SG-1 come back for more and our fully qualified friendly staff make sure your day is a success and fun! We cater for all kinds of groups: birthday/stag/hen parties, or just a bunch of friends who want to experience something out of the ordinary. SG-1: the authentic airsoft experience is open 7 days a week: 8.00am-11.00pm
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7A Dundrinne Rise, Castlewellan, BT31 9LY mobile: 07825 169631 tel: 028 4377 0566 email: sales@predatorcombat.com web: www.predatorcombat.co.uk
m Come visit us at Predator Combat Games,
for an adreline pumping, action packed day of air soft! Air soft is a fast moving combat game, and Predator pride ourselves in being one of the longest established and popular UKARA registered sites in Northern Ireland. Based near Drumaness in Co.Down, our 20 acre site has enough variety to keep new and aspiring players engaged all day long.
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s e t a m 0 1 s l l a b t 100 pain e u n e V 1 s e n o Z 6 id 20 Qu
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