International Liffey Descent

The Liffey Descent no in its 56th year is one of the true spectacles of marathon racing both within Ireland and worldwide, being mentioned in the same sentence as both the Dusi and the Fish, it certainly holds highly amongst athletes.
The Liffey descent is a blue ribbon event for Canoeing Ireland and amongst Irish paddlers, with many training and challenging purely for this event each year the standard is high
The International Liffey Descent is one of the International Canoe Federations World Series Events with points available towards the world series of races.
As well as the true racing classes the Liffey descent is made up by a large number of recreational paddler whom are still entered in the race but for many the challenge is to merely complete the 28km course before sundown.
Before the event the pretension is high with athletes arriving from across Europe and others from further afield the days leading up to the event are spent scouting the weirs and prepping boats and nutrition for the event the K2 event is one of the most fiercely contended and leads out the event.
At the evening registration its all smiles as bibs are collected and t-shirts chosen but with one eye on the start lists to see who else is in the field there's certainly an air of caution, with the competitive paddlers filing out quickly to finish preparation and get an early night the job is still to do.
As a general purpose paddler the registration is an excellent opportunity to sit down relax and grab a drink with friends you haven't seen in the last year whether is travelling or other commitments the descent brings everyone together.
As the sun rises on Saturday Liffey Descent morning the calm misty waters of Dublin's River Liffey are peaceful and still, the glasslike texture awaiting the thundering waters to be released from above and engulf the morning air with electricity and excitement.

As the Sun lifts from its night time slumber the paddlers start arriving the sleepy heads are filled with excitement the Liffey descent morning provides a feeling like no other to simply stand at the start with people setting up and last minute airbags and bailers the atmosphere is alive with activity. As the crews start their slow paddle upstream to the start line the thoughts of the days racing ahead, a last peak over the mighty Straffan weir to pick the line will it be the tight fish shoot or the far right plunge a swim at this early stage would leave you behind the field with ground to make up, do you play it safe or go fast? With all these thoughts passing through the heads this and the other 9 Weirs, 1 portage and other river obstacles the thought process is utmost. how far ahead are you thinking is it luck or skill? a mistake by another crew can make or break your race. as you look at the start lists the favourites are picked but the difference with the Liffey Descent to many other events is the what ifs, its never a clear race and the winner can never be picked, and to many that's what really makes the race, the strongest are never necessarily the best, you need to have both clean lines and pulling power to get out the way of the pack but with the dam open and 40 tonnes of cool white water pouring through the gates every second its not as simple as it sounds.

As the starters hold the racing lines up above the bridge and banks are loaded with spectators all waiting for a glimpse of the pack. The racers pushing the line until finally “BANG” and away are the first wave the K2 crews are tearing up the flat water as they approach Straffan the first weir on the journey to Liffey descent glory. Approaching the top as the crown peer on, the crews drop into file giving way to hope for a safe pass, as they feel the concrete flex on the hulls of there carbon and Kevlar racing boats the crunch and scrape as the rudder catches and lifts on the hard rock below and the scrape of the brace as they reach out with their winged paddles for purchase to keep their tippy racing machines upright. The crashing wave as they hit the bottom and the last reach for purchase in the airiated water below as the K2 pushes out into the clearwater and aims for the bridge arch and onwards to the next challenge rumble in the jungle the twisty turns and overhanging trees gives little space for attacking and overtaking so crews must pick their way unable to tap a constant rate the power is pushed to just as quickly be lost. By now crews will have in their minds who and where they are and this is where experience will pay knowing where and when to attack and push on with the crew in front measuring their efforts to avoid being caught its a careful balance that requires a huge amount of mental strength to stay on your game plan as well as the physical strength to hold on.
As the K2s steam into the jungle other waves will have started with a whole host of other boats from racing K1’s, WWR, then the General purpose class.

from the super competitive Gola sprints and deceptors looking for the win, these boats specifically built by Irish manufacturers in days gone by to fit into this general purpose category and really bring it into a racing class. behind them then roll on the plastic boats, dancers, Europa's long and slick but nowhere near as fast as the carbon racers then the creekers the club paddler out to complete the task and enjoy every minute of it. last up come the Canadians, no not the country, the boats two or three person boats provide one of the most fun and exciting rides down the turbulent Liffey, being open top provides the danger of swamping and falling in with little ability to roll and being able to share the event with friends makes it a truly exciting way to spend a day out
.
As the last of the paddlers drop over Straffan and the crowd still cheering the mass exodus begins, with worried parents and determined partners heading downstream cameras and water supplies in hand planning the next location to catch a shot or hand over the valuable drink.
The portage takes place following a 2km flat paddle across the Lake this is where the K2s can really open up the distance on the field hitting a rhythm and able to mentally push out the thoughts of the race gone and focus now on the race ahead, pulling into the beach at the far end its a 700m run with boats in hand around the Leixlip Dam. Along the service road and down the sloping path to end up riverside once more as you set back into your boat paddling out to avoid the threat of the Bridge arch and onwards towards the lower Liffey weirs, Sluice, Lucan, Shackletons, Wrens Nest, Palmerstown and Chapelizod weirs all ahead.
With plenty of potential for error and mistakes the race follows on the Sluice providing options of safe lines down the weir or running the main Sluice gate more commonly known for its freestyle hole and slalom course provides plenty of grounds for an unfortunate dip the fast paddle through to Lucan this is the second most famous weir on the river as it provides huge spectator areas and its famous High Drop on River Left or the sloping weir face river right both proving its own dangers as the spectators again line the bank eagerly awaiting the competitiors, waiting to see whos leading this far and whos made it or retired its all eyes on the lip as the first K2s hit the weir.
As the race follows onwards the highdrop becomes ever used providing some of the best photos from the day with smiles and wet times for many.with the rescue teams on hand to assist swimmers and safely reunite them with their boats and paddles and allow them to hopefully continue the race.
Meanwhile at the finish line the anxious feeling is rife, organisers, caterers and sponsors set up in a festival finish all awaiting the moment the first boat rounds the corner in the distance, all ever hopfull its an Irish crew out front. will it be a race for the line a sprint finish or a pulled out lead. the wait is on.
As the crew rounds the corner the anxious wait is short lived sub two hours from start to finish, the binoculars identify the leaders its an Irish driver and this time out on their own, all they need to do is ride to the finish line but they are still pushing driving, you can feel the intensity and grit in every stroke. The moment they cross the finish line and the relief followed by jubilation of hard work having paid off.
Whether its their first win or 10th it makes no difference the feeling of achievement and accomplishment having picked their way through the minefield and come out unscathed and out front is a feeling which is hard to match. the magic of the Liffey Descent lives on in all its winners, competitors and spectators its the one day a year where everyone comes out together forgetting any politics and stand together to feel the intensity and emotion the Liffey descent beholds.

As the field filters its way into the finish the stories of clean lines, tumbles and spills develop the day involved will sit deeply within its competitors all taking away positives from the day and having an aim and challenge for the future. For many spectators the Liffey Descent is the reason they want to get into kayaking for world class athletes its about aiming for the records and for the avid paddlers its about the fun and enjoyment on the way down.

The Prize giving is applauded by all and achievements congratulated, before the evening party starts in typical Irish fashion the Guinness tap on overdrive pouring as many Pints as water flowing out of the dam today as the steady stream of drinks bring the stories and tales late into the night as the paddlers and athletes depart back to their homes around the country or out to the airport to catch a flight further afield everyone of them takes home a part of the Liffey descent magic and the drive to come back to this peaceful river flowing through the Irish countryside once more to the Magical Irish Liffey Descent.
See you next year

Here's the start of the 2015 Liffey Descent from Straffan Weir.







For More information on the International Liffey Descent keep an eye on the Canoeing Ireland page HERE

Closing of another chapter.

After 2 years and 9 months as Watersports Manager of Great Outdoors, Dublin I’ve decided that its time to move on,

Id like to publically thank everyone instore for firstly giving me the opportunity back in 2012 they came to me with a plan and that they wanted me to be a part. at the time it was a gamble on their behalf but over two years on the the gamble was rewarded with a thriving kayak business once more.

And Secondly, for putting up with me, whether it was the stores lads constantly shipping boats, or the web manager to help with products and promotions everyone in the store was always super helpful

Id like to thank Ken Costigan and Derek Moody the two directors in the company for the time and effort they have put into the business and the help they have given me.

The Great Outdoors is 40 years old next year and I now feel like part of the family, the managers and staff were open and friendly but were all actual outdoor people who understood what was needed because they did it. I want to wish the store and it management all the best for the next 40+ years.

So about me,

Simply sometimes a change is needed, I've spent the past few years contending with Dublin bus in and out of town on a daily commute and its mind numbing, I spend more time on the bus each day that I could be using to paddle or enjoy. The store change around and loosing the watersports store had a huge impact on me losing part of my personality with it.

all the time I spend on the road paddling theirs so many times I wonder why am I going back. money is surely not the motivation so its got to be about enjoyment and the spark. once the spark has been extinguished its time to move on. 

I've a few plans up my sleeve but for the most part I wont be too far away, Ireland is a small community and I'm still a paddler (an injured paddler but still a paddler)

My main plan is to get fit again, with surgery later in the year to repair a torn Labrum, before then I can get fitter to help speed the recovery process to get me pushing hard again.

I want to be back on the water again, coaching, guiding and doing the things I'm good at, I wont be walking away from Kayak retail completely by rekindling a relationship with Colm @ I-Canoe, now I won’t be the competition but an ally I'll still be able to point people in the right direction for the kit they need.

Alongside these the creation of a new website is a high priority. More info will come later on this project but its a new idea and plan not really currently facilitated in Ireland. but I need to learn more on websites which is delaying this.

and did I mention myself and Jen are getting a new Puppy…. I guess its another life change His names Marlon and he's had an accident and also needs to work on some rehabilitation

So lastly thanks to everyone who has supported me and Great Outdoors, Customers and friends, if you ever want some advice or a chat give me a shout.

See you on the river

Adrian

Long Term Review – Palm Equipment Spark Suit

Having been using the Palm Spark suit now for 2 years fairly solidly I decided it was time to put some thoughts into words.
The Spark suit is designed as a lightweight freestyle / freeride suit, because of the freestyle aspect its built as a semi dry meaning as standard it comes with neo ankle gaskets and a glide skin neoprene neck as well as the standard latex wrists and Plastic master Zip.
Palm Say

They have hit the nail on the head!
‘Most comfortable and colourful suit yet’
That's the reason I'm wearing this suit for 90% of my paddling.
The Spark is built from Palms XP3 material so super breathable and lightweight without the bulk of reinforcing you will find on other suits making it a lighter weight suit.
Being a lighter weight suit makes this suit really comfy, the plastic zip gives far more movement and flex than other metal zips or the old TiZip. this extra movement makes you forget you even have a zip giving you full rotation and movement for any strokes.
The new ‘toothed’ zip looks more like your standard jacket zip just chunkier, this makes it much easier to do up on your own. you do have to have some flex but it is very easy to zip yourself up.
Compared to metal zips the flex is just perfect also making it extremely difficult to break (I haven't seen a broken one yet!)

The colour, now this bit is important!
The lime green is perfect, this suit is designed to make a statement and it does, the Green holds its colour well without excess fading and doesn't show too much of the dirt the grey panels take most of the abuse keeping your Greens green you wont need any Daz!
 
As standard this suit comes with Latex wrists and a Glide Skin neck, the latex is essential on the wrists to keep water running down your arms and the glide skin neck is not only super comfy but provides a very good seal, whether its freestyle of creeking the neck gives a great seal, being able to step out dry at the end of the day is a nice touch from a semi dry suit
Me being a bit of a girl when I first got the suit I decided comfort was key and actually sent mine back for fabric socks to be added by the nice guys at Palm HQ and can honestly say its the best thing stepping into the river with warm dry feet, its certainly the best €50 I've spent.

As standard the ankle seals are neoprene cones, same as they use on the Neon pants and traverse bib, these are a semi dry closure as they will stop the bulk of water running up your leg but the neoprene will allow small amounts to pass between your skin and the cuff, if you add a set of neoprene socks you can stay pretty dry but for extra comfort of the fabric socks cant be beaten.
The suit is fairly lightweight this makes it ideal for alpine paddling and generally having fun, on tighter runs or Irish “ditches” I usually add a set of elbow pads both for my own protection and to take a lot of wear and tear away from the suit.

As with all the Palm kit the cut is second to none the 4d cut as they call it just means that they actually though about how a person sits and paddles in the boat, wrapping the suit to alleviate excess baggy areas and to give enough space to allow freedom of ,movement, Some other companies prefer to use a box style cut this means it fits a wider size range of people in a standing situation. when you look at a Palm dry suit hanging they look huge, then when you first put one on you find the excess length in the legs, but once you sit down the magic happens, suddenly that excess is taken into a nice comfortable fit with no pressure on the lower back or shoulders whilst paddling means your suit will not hold you back.

I'm very happy with my Palm Spark suit to the point that I own both this and a Stikine (Palms top end suit) to which I've only worn about 8 times in the same period because I'm so happy with the Spark. the only reason I'll be getting rid of this one will be to buy another brighter one!
See you on the river,
I'm the Man in Green!

Buy your Drysuits HERE at the Great Outdoors Dublin!

Pyranha Kayaks FREE connect upgrade!!

www.thekayakstore.eu

Pyranha Outfitting – Thigh Braces

  Lots of people lately have been purchasing club spec boats and asking about upgrading the boat with thigh braces, this is a really simple job to do and will take about 10 minutes to complete,

By adding thigh braces will give you much better control of the boat especially in moving water whilst edging the boat, it also allows you to upgrade to a ratchet backrest with the thigh braces pre drilled to take a ratchet.

Here's a quick step by step guide to fitting Connect thigh braces into a club spec Z-One

Collect together the tools needed

1 x Drill with 6mm bit

1 x Marker pen

1 x Philips Screwdriver

1 x Thighbrace kit from Pyranha containing

2 x Connect Thigh braces 4 x bolts 4 x plates 4 x washers and 2 x O-Rings

The boat is premarked during moulding for the thigh brace positions, Take the pen and clearly mark the four imprints

Carefully drill the four holes with the 6mm drill bit.

2 are on the top of the cockpit rim the other 2 come in from the sides

Place the bolts through the drilled holes, Long bolts come in from the side and shorter bolt from the top use the washers on the outside with the rubber O-ring on the longer bolt between the washer and hull

Lift the thigh brace into place, Lining up the bolts.

put the flat plate into the longer bolt and tighten gently

Now slide the thigh brace to check movement and push the bolt through the middle hole in the top (number 3 of 5 holes)

Offer the plate with the extended thread to the bolt, flat side first and carefully tighten

Now tighten the outer bolt untill hand tight.

To adjust remove the top bolt and loosen the side bolt carefully slide the thigh brace to the correct position line up the hole and retighten.

Add a sticker to the boat and you’re done!!

A simple addition to create a secure fit for any paddler,

Werner 4 Piece Split Paddle Review

Split paddles have been an essential part of kit lists for years and the question is always asked what are the best splits??

I can conclude the Werner 4 piece split paddles are the best split paddles period.

If I could end the review there I would but I feel I need to give some more explanation.
Over the past month I've managed to travel about Europe both driving and flying, when one of my friends came to join the fun In Austria all I had were cranked paddles with her preferring straight shaft sticks I was left with lending her the splits. She was impressed and never once commented about them (which is always a good sign) They held up well and have since gone back into a boat for another while.

So then again a few weeks later as I flew into France with no paddle, having sold the splits to a friends canoe club earlier in the season I was leant them back to use on a creeking mission, always slightly apprehensive on using splits as a primary paddle off we went,

Having put the paddle together with simple push button joints I was already impressed with the stability and sturdiness of the paddle wondering how it would hold up.

Quite honestly it held up as well as any single piece paddle From the first stroke the only difference I noticed was the blade size and length, usually I use a 203cm 30degree Shogun so a 194cm glass Sherpa was always going to feel difference but a few strokes in and I was away, the blade felt smooth and clean catching the water as id expect from a solid paddle and zero instability on the joints,

The paddle comes predrilled to go 45 degrees left or right hand or zero degree, so I set it to right hand and off we went,
After 3 days and nearly 30km of paddling on some of France's steepest rivers at no point did I ever feel my paddle wasn't up to the task,

The carbon Shaft is stiff and strong the Glass blades offer just enough flex to take much of the pressure off of impact's and especially when rubbing down walls, The glass blades tend to wear down over time instead of chipping ofr cracking like many other materials.

If you want a paddle you can safely paddle off of any river of any grade this is your only option the light weight carbon shaft and glass blades mean when being carried its as light as it gets and once together you will notice no performance lost in your split paddle option.

Werner will build the 4pc to your personal preference but think of your group what's going to be most useful personally anyone could use a Sherpa as its the mid size option but the Powerhouse could be on the large size for some paddlers. So I use a Sherpa 194cm as my preferred split option as many of the guys I paddle with are much smaller than me.

This is definitely a tried and tested piece of kit which will be coming with me on every adventure.

They aren't the cheapest option but certainly in this case you pay for what you get.

Available from