Kit List 2014

So as most people are aware I have at my disposal just about any kit I want, This is obviously for many a lucky position to be in but at the end of the day the reason I have the Kit is because I need to sell it, (sometimes I have to actually make money) So its important I trust the equipment I sell. If I wouldn't use it I wont sell it theirs a simple philosophy, Every item in store I would personally use and trust it to fit a customer for its purpose.
I am currently paddling everyday in a variety of different boats but looking forward for this season I'm heading away to King of the Alps in Italy this weekend and come to the stage of sorting out what am I going to take,
So here's a rundown of some of my favourite pieces of kit this year and what I'm taking with me to Italy.
Starting from the top, Helmet, This season I'm back in Sweet Protection lids, My preferred choice is my Strutter with a funky green/black paint job but for when things get steep I've got the Rocker and when things get serious (Or Twat are out rafting) I've got the Rocker full face,

Sweet protection make the best helmets period. I don't thing theirs too many arguments here, they are comfy, solid and take the impact saving your head. Personally I love the strutter as I feel it gives me the most freedom and field of view. Throw on a nose clip and custom Walshy Way ear plugs and were ready to roll.
Next up shell wear, Last year I used my Spark suit pretty much the whole year, I loved the suit so much I sold it and got another, Its an ideal suit, soft and light, very breathable and maintenance free. Did I mention the colour Lime green goes with everything!

So this year I'm at a conundrum The nice guys and girls at Palm Equipment HQ kindly built me a lovely Fuse CagDeck, Taking the popular Fuse jacket, and the solid Impact deck and combining the two for low bulk and freedom of movement, I also got them to add a latex neck for those cold days on the water and the result is absolutely amazing, probably me favourite piece of kit this year!

But for the rivers I'm torn between my spark suit and my other fuse jacket combined with Ion Bibs. Honestly I'm so torn because of the colour options, both pieces of kit will work amazingly but the Sherbet and aqua Fuse jacket goes perfectly with my New FXR.
The FXr is an amazing river vest taken from the FX PFD with a upgrade, Condura outer, guide belt and did I mention the colour, Sherbet again this season is going to be bright! 
The increased buoyancy of the FXr and the huge pocket makes the vest suitable for extreme racers freestylers and coaches alike this vest has resigned my super safe Amp to the sale rail!
With both the Spark and the Fuse jackets they both lack reinforcing as on the atom so I like to wear elbow pads over the top, last year I picked up a set of the Sweet Protection elbow pads and found them incredibly comfy, nice and soft giving loads of movement and protection to both the suit and my arms and looked great.
The Impact Deck from Palm  with its tough Kevlar protection and grippy yet super soft latex makes for a solid deck with an Oring seal uptop to stop flushing and keep you really dry this is one of the best upgrades to the palm catologue over recent years some of the decks have been pretty bad but the new lineup is solid and works a treat!

Down below I picked up a set of the new Horizon shorts Palms fleece lined wonders these are super comfy but I think for the chilly alps I'm going to stick with my old faithful Gradient shorts, though I've been using the Kaituna pants in the slalom boat and really liked them a lot. a lot closer fitting but lack the protection of the nylon outer of the horizon and gradients.

Underneath I'm heading into a second season of using Icebreaker though during the winter I did mix in a few Helly Hansen Merino thermals but for travelling Icebreaker is the boss, for this season I'm sticking with the crewe long sleeves but adding a crewe short sleeve to the mix in case I decide to pull out the Zenith cag for a few days!
In the footwear department I'm still pushing on with my Keen Gorge Boots, comfy and reliable these things are solid in the toughest conditions, I've seen a prototype for 2015 of the new Gorge-Us boot so keep your eves open for something new,

Hardware for this year and I'm still loving my Werner's, The 203cm Shoguns for creeking and 197 Shoguns for play though thinking of switching to double diamonds for play as they hold less water making the release much smoother, but Werner Werner Werner…… that's all
Boats for this year is always a tough question, this time last year I had NEVER paddled a Mamba, now you rarely see me without it! I'm torn between the XL Burn 3 and the big Mamba both super boats but for King of the Alps the predictability of the Mamba is coming with me. but watch this space more time out in the Burn 3 and it could be an easy change,

For freestyle I picked up a Gui Gui earlier this year and really don't know how I ever lived without one, so much so I've really lit a spark back for freestyle something I gave up last year but now seriously thinking about getting back on the horse and heading to World Cup 1, Seriously looking at the Helixer GuiGuis newest design. I was never truly convinced of the merits of carbon until now, if I'm not in the carbon boat it has to be the Jed from Pyranha the super fast hull just wants to launch, its so much fun to paddle, (just needs another inch in the feet)

The new wheels, Most people have now seen my new paddle van on the road, now sign written and cruising, loaded and ready to boat,

Thanks to Eamon Cummins for the shots

Why Canoe?

So a few years ago we ran a video comp by the same name, during those videos were a mix of freestyle and whitewater kayaking vids from a selection of Irish paddlers, showcasing the fun and enjoyment they had on the water, but over the past few years some of these paddlers are still pushing hard while others may have fallen from the horse,

some see kayaking as a young mans game but with paddlers like Eric EJ Jackson still paddling and competing at the top of his game at a tender 50 years old and closer to home Confident paddlers like Bernard Walsh a late starter in the kayak game but still loving every second and really pushing his own ability,

So why do we paddle?

People can paddle for many different reasons whether as a child pushed into a kids camp where they will learn the basics or joining a club set up to offer development training to bring along their skills, Or an adult who wants to try something new and exciting kayaking is a game for everyone without prejudice.

But the real question always unfold in how to hang onto new members, to hang onto these people you must first understand their motivations for participating,

was it

-to make friends

- to learn a new skill

-enjoyment

-fitness

- lose weight

- peer pressure

- relationship

-monetary

- Parent Pressure

the options are almost unlimited, as a guide the majority of people participate in outdoor recreation for a couple of key reasons

Enjoyment/fun People do things because they enjoy it!

and because friends participate by paddling with peers and friends it can only help you have a better time on the water.

with this in mind the way to hang onto people is to offer fun sessions and get people talking to each other.

I personally paddle almost every day and I paddle for very much the same reasons, I enjoy being out on the water, if im not enjoying it I shouldn't be their. and for friends I have a lot of friends who paddle and I met most of them by paddling, its a social sport being able to bounce off each other and trust in each other to help you out when the time comes, whether its the drive out to a river, surf or a playspot travel with friends makes the drive much more enjoyable.and by chatting after the session of monster swims epic rides or just enjoying a great day chat about the day and see how everyone felt, when everything goes right that warm feeling inside is unbeatable, when things go wrong you have people their to look upto and who can help you improve.

Paddling every day takes its toll on both the body and your mental capacity,

Your body needs days off by pushing too hard you will be tired, once tired you are prone to the occasional silly mistake which will probably leave you upside down. Variety is the spice of life shorter sessions in a variety of different disciplines / boats or conditions will keep things fresh whilst being able to transfer skill across the board,

Every good paddler can hop into any boat whether a K1 or a Freestyle boat, They wont be the best but the other skills they know will transfer giving them a good initial level of ability.

With the light evenings arriving its really time to get out in the boat as a beginner its time to find a course or a club as an instructor you need to lose the bad habits ready to teach all the newbies and as a paddler its time to get out and enjoy the water once again.

So before you head out just take a second a think why you paddle and look at what you can achieve.

Croatia Sea and rocks, and rocks and sea

Having spent much of my younger years around the sea, whether it be in the playboat getting eaten in the dumping waves or paddling europas and dancers miles and miles on sea kayak trips around the Solent.

At some point probably when I went to college I found out their was more to paddling than the sea, exploring rivers and creeks for the first time but always going back to the sea like a first romance.

Sound romantic, except most paddling in the UK involves gale force winds usually offshore and tidal races and just big nasty waves that want to eat you and your Sea Kayak, Obivously their are some beautiful days too,

Having paddled and expeditioned around various parts of the UK, Ireland, Channel Irelands and North Coast of France I'm fairly confident in big Atlantic rollers and deep tug ship troughs,

This summer I decided to go somewhere different, having already spent two weeks creeking and much of my previous few trips have been in the freestyle boat.

This time I was in search of Sun, Sea, Ice Cream and of course paddling.

So after a look at the map and some suggestions it was decided that Croatia was the destination.

More specifically, Dubrovnik, The  pearl of the Adriatic, and home to Outdoor Croatia. A new company set up for 2013 by two well experienced guys who have been working for other providers over the past decade have taken what they know and started their own venture to improve on what others are doing. Both Vedran and Marco are ex competitive International high performance paddlers from slalom and sprint.

We were greeted at our apartment by their instructor / guide, The Ice cream loving, Johnny. another former competitive slalom paddler, a lad full of knowledge and very friendly and helpful.

We boarded the passenger ferry for a trip out to the Island of Lopud, where their main base is.

On arrival we were taken to the base, with a racked fleet of new shiny Venture Kayaks, capellas and Easky 15s as well as Prijon Doubles. With Lendal Paddles and Palm equipment their was no need for me to bring anything, the kit is as good as it gets.

Before I go any further I must mention that the weather is a scorching 36 degrees and the sea beautiful blue and flat.

Yep its flat the only waves are from passing boats the tidal range here is limited as in not a lot.

Having recently been paddling the Hammer from P&H on Irelands West coast the playboat of the sea was definitely a little over the top for these conditions, the biggest risk out here was the sun so rash vests, hats and sunglasses were a must.

We set off as a small group of 4 on the popular Caves and Arches Tour
Myself, Cassie plus Frenzi and Patrick from Germany who were complete beginners with Johnny our guide.

We set off from Lopud into the bay where Johnny taught some basic strokes, paddling forwards and turning the kayak as well as stopping the boat, all of the Easkys and Capellas have a drop down skeg to help the boat track while the Prijon doubles are fitted with rudders to make life easy,

heading for the Island of Sipan we hit the open water looking out as far as we could see with nothing but the wide blue Adriatic Sea an amazing sight we soon hit the island where we found a big 25m natural archway before Johnny led us up the cliff to one of his favourite jumping spots, we let him take this one himself as it was a little too high for us.

We got back into the boats after the arch photos we headed for the next stop, a short paddle around the headland and we were at the underwater Green cave. A beautiful spot and without a guide would go unnoticed as you leave the boats behind and don the snorkel and mask before diving down and into a cavern the size of a small van plenty of space for the whole group even a dog on another tour.

Inside looks like a darkened room but as you turn towards the entrance the sight is just spectacular as the sun reflects through the water and off of the sandy bottom it turns the entrance bluey/green and silhouettes anything in front. Absolutely amazing.

Outside the cave and the bay us perfect spot for a swim and snorkel with lots of small fish to be seen in the glimmering sun,

The water is clear and the visibility just goes on and on,

After some more cliff jumping outside the cave we headed back into the boats and around the peninsular  for a well deserved lunch at a lovely restaurant, In the village of Surdurad with a bit of time for a stroll around the area before packing up and heading for the third island of the tour. The rocky outcrop had another hidden surprise a large cavern on one side of the island with a hole in the roof, some say this was part of the war and a bomb was dropped in the wrong place, others say erosion, we just looked at the scale of power which was needed to create the opening.

Onwards we paddled heading back for our starting point in Lopud where we took out and packed up before a goodbye from Johnny and time for scoops of Ice Cream before boarding the ferry for the hour ride back to Dubrovnik. Sitting on the front deck with cheeky beers with Marko chatting about the days adventures a perfect cooling down period before being picked up by Vedran in the van to shuttle back to our apartments.

This was my first time paddling in Croatia and as the lads say "Croatia is sea and rocks, and rocks and sea!" they were definitely right but what they didn't mention, these are some of the most amazing rock formations and from the sea you can get up close and see every detail in the landscape and texture.

For more information on sea kayaking in Croatia as well as other activities on offer check out OUTDOOR CROATIA

Croatia

They are genuinely nice people and always happy to give the best advice on planning trips away.

 

www.outdoorcroatia.com

Pyranha Shiva takes a diet,

 

So with an Alps trip coming up fast I took some time today to put together my kit ready to head out to Italy,

Firstly thanks to all my equipment Sponsors, Keen Europe, Great Outdoors, Palm Equipment, Pyranha Kayaks X-1 Audio and Werner Paddles, I'm looking forward to testing the kit out in Europe over the next few weeks.

My Pyranha Large Shiva has been my weapon of choice so far this season and really looking forward to getting it away on pushier water,

The Shiva is a round hulled creeker designed to be super safe and ride over everything this is not my usual paddling style preferring a hard railed river boat to cruise around the river, but for 2013 the Shiva is quick for racing which was one of my aims to go faster.

With racing and travelling in mind the Shiva is a pretty solid boat which weighed in at a hefty 25.3 KG

Having previously lightened a Bliss Stick Mystic (Check it out here) I knew what needed to be done, unsure of what could come out I set to work with the help of My Colm Healy from I-Canoe who had great pleasure in drilling my boat

Firstly I stripped the boat down to get a rough shell weight, with the shell weighing in at about 19kg this boat was always going to be heavier than the mystic.

So Starting with the footrest out came the Pyranha footrest weighing in at 1.8kg,

By removing the back plate and rebending and attaching the metal arms brings the footrest weight down to just 0.6kg a healthy saving, sorry I forgot to take photos. but basically the big lump behind has been removed.

Next up it was time to remove the rear pillar once the seat is removed give the foam a knock and out she falls, pillar weighted 0.6kg and managed to trim it down to just 0.3kg

Waffling out the non essential plastic is a great way of saving weight we used this method before on the mystic seat so this time I did it on all non essential plastic starting with the hull stiffener then the seat and lastly the front pillar, obviously be aware of where you are taking plastic from, make sure the parts are still rigid and wont just buckle.

So after much chopping and moving the Shiva diet brought her down to a slightly more respectable 21.6kg saving 3.7 kg

Once again I took some time to weigh a couple of other boats for comparison purposes,

Pyranha	Shiva Large (standard)	25.3 kg
Pyranha	Shiva Large (Lightened)	21.6 kg
Wavesport	Recon 83	24.9 kg
Dagger	Mamba 8.6	24.2 kg
Zet	Director	22.0 kg

I'm heading away for a few weeks paddling in Italy il update let you know how she paddles.

Video Update

So I havent updated much lately so heres a few videos from recent trips to Holland, European Championships in Lienz as well as some sluice Footage!

 

Sluice with Emily Jackson

Competition Rides

Cardboard Boat Race1

Cardboard Boat Race Gopro

Poor Muirreann Takes a spill

Isel Wave Austria Session

Trip to Holland

Sluice Mega Mix