India Sikkim By Darin McQuoid India Kashmir Issue 5 Issue By Steve Brooks Stu Morris TheInternational digital magazine for recreational paddlers . By Peter Tranter Paddlerezinecom Canada By Leslie Kolovich Dave Cornthwaite By Leslie Kolovich Lake fishing By Simon Everett Portugal By Chris Kenyon Spain By Nigel Gill Canada By Becky Mason Tanzania By Alan Feldstein First paddle By Phil Carr Testing By Terry Wright

OLYMPICStu Morris interview boat DESIGNER 80-MILES SUP record distance on OKANAGAN HIGHSikkim and Kashmir expeditions in EXPECTATION

Contents January 13

Photo of the month for January 2013 Derwentwater, Lake District, December 2012. By Geoff Griffiths

Editor Advertising sales Front cover: No pools form on the Teesta Peter Tranter Anne Egan River. By Darin McQuoid. [email protected] Tel: (01480) 465081 Tel: (01480) 465081 [email protected] Huge thanks to: Darin McQuoid, Steve Brooks, Mob: 07411 005824 Stu Morris, Leslie Kolovich, Dave Cornthwaite, www.thepaddler.co.uk Simon Everett, Chris Kenyon, Nigel Gill, Becky https://www.facebook.com/ Mason, Alan Feldstein, Phil Carr and Terry ThePaddlercouk Wright http://www.linkedin.com By Terry Wright. /pub/peter-tranter/36/bb8/134

Not all contributors are professional writers and photographers, so don’t be put off writing because you have no experience! ThePaddler.co.uk ezine is all about paddler to paddler dialogue: a paddler’s magazine written by paddlers. Next issue is February 2013 with a deadline of submissions on January 30th.Technical Information: Contributions preferably as a Microsoft Word file with 1200-2000 words, emailed to [email protected]. Images should be hi-resolution and emailed with the Word file or if preferred, a Dropbox folder will be created for you. ThePaddler ezine encourages contributions of any nature but reserves the right to edit to the space available. Opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publishing parent company, 2b Graphic Design. The publishing of an advertisement in ThePaddler ezine does not necessarily mean that the parent company, 2b Graphic Design, endorse the company, item or service advertised. All material in ThePaddler ezine is strictly copyright and all rights are reserved. Reproduction without prior permission from the editor is forbidden. Issue 5

India Where we’ve been… 06 6 Sikkim, India Descending from the top of the world in a kayak in Sikkim, north east of India. By Darin McQuoid 18 Kashmir, India Descending solo from the top of the world in a kayak in Kashmir, north west of India. By Steve Brooks Stu Morris 36 Stu Morris 36 Interview with an Olympic boat designer, European Champion athlete, all round good egg and now owner of VE Paddles. By Peter Tranter 42 Canada Following Bob Purdy’s ‘Paddle for the Planet’ SUP epic across Okanagan Lake in BC . By Leslie Kolovich Dave Cornthwaite 52 52 Dave Cornthwaite Tap into Leslie Kolovich’s podcast inteview with the interpid British record breaker. By Leslie Kolovich 56 Lake fishing The basics on freshwater kayak fishing from England’s Lake District. By Simon Everett Lake fishing 80 Portugal 56 Central SUP club and a four-day visit to Portugal’s ‘Capital of Waves’. By Chris Kenyon 86 Spain Ibiza - the seaside palace of Tyrant King Tourism. If you can’t beat them – join them. By Nigel Gill

94 Canada Spain The making of the instructional paddling DVD 66 called ‘Advanced Classic Solo Canoeing’. By Becky Mason 104 Tanzania Paddling and safari to complete a truly once Tanzania 104 in a lifetime experience. By Alan Feldstein

Canada Regulars… 94 68 First paddle Phil Carr assesses the Pyranha Nano. 74 Testing, testing 123 Terry Wright reviews the Native Watercraft Slayer 12 plus gear from Snugpak and Lifeventure.

ThePaddler 3 ThePaddler 4

Peter Tranter Huge thanks Editor Welcome to ThePaddler ezine’s fifth edition and biggest yet at 112 pages. Before you launch into our adventures and advice from across the planet – I just want to say a truly heartfelt huge thanks to all the paddling enthusiasts from all the disciplines and across the world who have contributed to ThePaddler in such an entertaining way, whether it be a feature, coaching, reviewing or just helping to spread the message. ‘A picture says a thousand words’, the images you consistantly supply to the Paddler are amazing and together with the quality of the stories continue to take our breath away, truly inspirational! It doesn’t end there because your sheer enthusiasm and willingness to help has personally kept me sane and happy during the long hours to keep the magazine up and running at the high standard you deserve. Respect! The ezine would not exist at all if it was not for our advertisers – to them – thank you so much for your faith in the project and understanding the need for a publication that is dedicated to the recreational paddler, not just here in the UK but across the world. For those of you who may be interested - the ezine is now also available on Apple’s iTunes and on Android’s Google Play in crisp high definition. https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/the-paddler/id582662941?mt=8 Then press the link to the iTunes store and download the app from there. https://play.google.com/store/apps Then type ‘thepaddler’ in the search box. Meanwhile back to the subject of river access in the UK, please read on…

The website

invites those www. that contest the public right of

navigation riveraccessforall.co.uk to challenge It was a simple enough question but one that Owen He also ignores the views of the 2011 Red Card to Red these assertions Paterson, Secretary of State for the Environment, Food & Tape Report (commissioned by the Department for Rural Affairs chose not to answer. Douglas Malpus’s Culture, Media and Sport researched and written by the and in particular Petition to the House of Commons had asserted that Sport & Recreational Alliance) which said, “DEFRA should to say which there had been a public right of navigation on all rivers introduce a statutory right of access in England and Wales between Magna Carta and the 1472 Act for Wears and for un-powered craft to inland water for recreational legislation or Fishgarthes and that as such could only be extinguished purposes. This system of rights and responsibilities should exercise of by legislation or exercise of statutory power. be based on the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.” (see page 201) and the Select. statutory Mr Paterson’s side stepping of the question confirms that authority ended there is no such legislation and, consequently, is a public No agreement either with The Select Committee of the right of navigation on all rivers in England and Wales. House of Lords on Sport and Leisure who said in 1973, the historic right “The legal question of rights of way over water must be However, the rest of his statement makes it clear that his settled. A number of different legal interpretations of this of navigation. policy is to ignore this. The policy of his Lib Dem partners right of way have been referred to in evidence and it is however is to introduce a new statute enshrining the No such time for these to be resolved.” public right of navigation as in the Land Reform (Scotland) challenge has Act, 2003 (See their manifesto commitment ‘Liberal As an advocate of resolving issues by agreement, we are been received. Democrats will: Increase the general right of access to the beginning to see how it works Mr Paterson. You tell us countryside along the lines of the model introduced by what you want, making no reference to the law or the the Liberal Democrats in Scotland’ – 2010 Liberal views of others outside anglers and landowners and Democrat Manifesto, page 81.) everyone else has to agree – just like on our rivers!

ThePaddler 6 Breathless in Sikkim

Four thousand All are out of breath from the metres above sea level in the northern Indian simple task of carrying their state of Sikkim, an intrepid team of kayaks down a footpath to the kayakers attempt By DarinMcQuoid By to run what is headwaters of the River Teesta. possibly the steepest flowing river on the planet!

ThePaddler 7 ThePaddler 8 Crossing high above the Teesta the above high Crossing The world’s seventh largest country, India is too large to fully experience in one trip. Sikkim is a state with a rich and storied past, tucked away in the far North-east between Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. Sharing more cultural traits with Nepal than southern India, but lacking in rampant Western tourism, Sikkim is a great place to explore off the beaten path. The team came to Sikkim for one specific river; the Teesta. Flowing off the world's third highest mountain, Kangchenjunga (8,586m), the river loses elevation in a dramatic manner, averaging an incredible 112 metres per kilometre for 100 kilometres. Heading to arguably the steepest sustained gradient in the world and minimal beta, the It looks like group doesn’t know a slice of west what to expect. It takes four long days of driving, from near sea level to over 4,000 Asian culture metres. Law dictates high up here in north Sikkim, hiring a local guide in north Sikkim and only 30 kilometres from Tibet Targain warns them that the river will be too steep to kayak. The culture has changed with the elevation gain as much as the flora and fauna. It looks like a slice of west Asian culture high up in north Sikkim, only 30 kilometres from Tibet and 1,500 kilometres from New Delhi. Ice melts on the side of the road as drysuits are put on. They had planned to put-in at Lake Tso Lhamo, but military restrictions halt the jeep in Thangu Valley. No one complains because all are out of breath from the simple task of carrying their kayaks down a footpath to the headwaters of the River Teesta. Through the valley the river is unremarkable for rapids yet exhausting thanks to the elevation. The scenery makes it worthwhile though, with towering snow-capped peaks above and Bhuddist prayer flags lining the sides of the river. The road crosses at the end of the valley and the team pulls off the river. Unloading at 4,200m

ThePaddler 9 ThePaddler 10

The exit of Thangu Valley India ThePaddler 11 ThePaddler 12

Making the local drink

Jesse Coombs hikes into a new section of river Good morning flat tyre in the middle ep ! je a h it

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ThePaddler 13 ThePaddler 14

Like ants through a gravel pile, the team spends eight hours negotiating the portage

goes underground in a quarter mile boulder Below Thangufor six kilometres, the Teesta Valley, is simply too field. Like ants through a gravel pile, the steep for the team to kayak. This is a rare team spends eight hours negotiating the occurrence in whitewater kayaking on a portage, only to find that there is just too river of this volume. Day after day the team much water in the riverbed. Already spent, spends their time running each section of the only option is to bushwhack a thousand the river possible. It seems like every section feet out of the canyon and find the road. of river the team as able to descend is Relief is palpable when they can hear their sandwiched between impossibly steep local guide calling for them at the edge of a sections often boxed into narrow gorges. small mountain village. Perhaps Targain After a week full of action one last section really did know all along. of the Teesta is attempted. While the team didn't attain the classic Kayaks are packed with overnight gear as whitewater they'd dreamed of finding in the the river enters another deep canyon of upper reaches of the Teesta, there is classic unknown length. Perhaps the wisest – the whitewater to be found in Sikkim. Lower elder team member decides not to put on to stretches of the river see commercial rafting this section of river. The rest of the team business blooming and there are many pushes downstream, only to find that the rarely done rivers and plenty of more river is once again too steep and literally feasible rivers to explore in Sikkim.

ThePaddler 15 ThePaddler 16

INFORMATION

LOCATION: Spread below Mt. Kanchanjunga (8534 m), the third highest mountain in the world and revered by the Sikkimese as their protective Deity, Sikkim shares borders with Tibet in the north; Bhutan in the east, Nepal in the west and state of Bengal in the south. Kanchanjunga's five snowy peaks soar high above the Himalayan landscape of Sikkim, sometimes wrapped in mists and wreathed in clouds, sometimes blazing while against a brilliant blue sky. Below Sikkim unfolds its magic and its charm : a garden state with rich green tropical forests; brilliant birds and butterflies; an amazing variety of orchids, rhododendrons and wild flowers; rushing tumbling streams and torrents; and endless vistas of snow-crowned peaks. https://maps.google.com/?ll=26.74561,88.890381&spn=11.551952,12.414551&t=m&z=7

PADDLING: Sikkim white water rafting and kayaking have recently developed into an important tourist attraction in the state. The mighty Teesta and its tributary Rangit provide for great opportunities for white water rafting Sikkim-Indiaand kayaking in and the tourism department of Sikkim is devoted to develop the tourist profile of the state and promoting white water rafting and kayaking as one of their major projects to achieve this end. White water rafting in Sikkim takes place on the Teesta and Rangit rivers. Teesta offers great white water rafting opportunities and has successfully placed itself on the international rafting map. Presently graded at four, many water sports enthusiasts arrive every year to experience rafting in Teesta. The trail is serpentine and the scenery is beautiful with great forests lining the river banks. Rangit also offers white water rafting opportunities, however, the stormy Rangit waters are more difficult to raft than Teesta and as such only the highly experienced rafters undertake the Rangit expedition. Between them, the rivers offer certain trails which are graded between two and four where many novices find their thrills. It can therefore be easily said, that Sikkim rafting has something for all white water sports enthusiasts at all levels of expertise. Makha, Sirwani, Rangpo and Bardang are the best places for rafting in Teesta, whereas Sikip, Jorethang, Majitar and Melli are the best spots to experience the Rangit. Kayaking in Sikkim is also gaining in popularity with time. The Teesta is the ideal place for kayaking in Sikkim. However, kayaking in Sikkim can be potentially dangerous and some level of expertise is needed to undertake it.

WEATHER: Due to the extreme altitude, there is an immense variation in climate and vegetation. With a rainfall of about 140 inches in Gangtok, the climate is tropical up to 5,000ft, temperate between 5,000ft–13,000ft, alpine at 13,000ft, and snowbound at 16,000ft and above. The best time to visit Sikkim is between mid-March and June but especially, April and May, when the rhododendrons and orchids are in bloom. However, temperatures can be high, especially in the valleys. During the monsoons, from the end of June until end September, rivers and roads become impenetrable, though plants nurtured by the incessant rain erupt again into bloom towards the end of August. October, when orchids bloom once www.mapsofindia.com again and November tend to have the clearest weather of all. As December approaches, it gets bitterly cold at high altitudes, and remains that way until early March, despite long periods of clear weather.

VISAS: Visitors require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) in addition to normal Indian visa to enter Sikkim and can visit Gangtok, Rumtek, Phodang and Pemayangtse.

ThePaddler 18

the GRAND H

A solo descent down the Tsarap Chu and Zanskar Rivers D ofCANYON the HIMALAYAS

By Steve Brooks

ThePaddler 19 ThePaddler 20 What a journey brutalI am finally dropped off next to a So as I pack the final contents of my bridge some 4,300m above sea kayak I wave to every truck, jeep and level. I had left Manali the day bus that drives by and blows its horn. before and crossed the Rohtang I am finally ready. Over 300Km of Pass, not before stopping and waiting white water lays ahead of me and a for a light truck to be rolled back the few box canyons. Will there be right way. The back part of it people around? Just how remote is was somewhere over the the Tsarap Chu and Zanskar Rivers? side of the mountain. Then as These questions and others were we head towards Jispa, going to be answered, I put in! locals tried to rob the bus but luckily the bus boy fought back to prevent them gaining entry. In the meantime the bus driver did what he knew best (and had been doing since we left Manali) and that was to put the pedal to the metal!

ThePaddler 21 ThePaddler 22 Phugtal

It was only three hours to my first camp, the weather was not great and I knew the box canyons were relatively close. The night went smoothly, except for the kerosene (I had decided to take kerosene for the trip but I was now thinking this was a mistake). The morning brought snow, sleet, rain and more sleet. It took a lot of hot tea to get some warmth into me. I was seriously thinking why I had decided to take kerosene instead of petrol! Though one thing was for sure, as I was putting on I was glad to have a set of Pogies. Just minutes downstream I got to the first box canyon, with plenty of boils it was just a taste of things to come. I lunched at Satok, a good landmark for the next box canyon. This time it was a portage around the first two-thirds of the rapid, some rocks had formed a nasty class VI sieve. I could not put my kayak on my shoulder as it was heavily laden down with all my food and expedition kit. No matter how well I had acclimatized I was breathing hard dragging my boat at a height of over 4,000m. The next three box canyons kept me on my toes until I reached the Lingti Chu confluence and the village of Yarshun. I decide to push on feeling great and wanting to get my first night in the canyon. The night did not disappoint as the darkness closed in the canyon walls made an amazing foreground and the crisp clear night air made the stars even more intense! I set off early this morning as I was wanting to get to Phugtal Monastery, a truly amazing place. I left my kayak and kit at the river and carried my camera up some 400 vertical metres to get to the entrance. At first I met no-one, I had seen a few monks on the roof as I walked up so I kept heading on in. Finally I met up with a German guy who was studying the Ladakhi culture and language. He showed me upstairs to meet the monks. I got a tour of the monastery, including the prayer room, social areas and the kitchen. The setting too was dramatic, hanging off the cliffs, windblown and whitewashed, prayer flags draped, hanging or flying in the wind, the monastery is certainly something special. The only way to reach this place if you are not a kayaker is some three long days of trekking from the village of Padum (my halfway point), the journey to Leh is at least a week long! TSARAP CHU

Hanging off the cliffs, windblown and whitewashed, prayer flags draped, hanging or flying in the wind, the monastery is certainly something special

ThePaddler 23 ThePaddler 24 We just both made it into a sheltered cove as a massive explosion went off and rocks came flying down from everywhere From Phugtal it was just 30 minutes to the confluence of the Kargiak Chu. The river picked up and I was running some classic Himalayan class IV. Camp tonight was close to a local farmer, the wind was brutal and I could not help get sand absolutely everywhere, dinner was going to be late tonight. My final day on the Tsarap Chu, could I had heard also be my hardest, though it turned out to be the best white water day! I just had to negotiate Reru Falls. For me it was a portage, though I would consider it within a group but I was having enough trouble from the Indian Foreman, or what I would call a supervisor! He was running down screaming for me to take cover, I grabbed my camera, paddle and ran for it with the foreman chasing. We just both made it into a sheltered cove as a massive explosion went off and rocks came flying down from everywhere. The foreman looked at me and said, “You were very lucky!” I just hoped my kayak was still in one piece! They were blowing into the canyon walls to make way for a road that would go from Padum to Darcha (in-fact a road is planned to go from Leh through the Zanskar Gorge via Padum and finally onto Darcha). With the excitement of dynamite behind me as well as Reru Falls I now had some three hours of class IV read and run. It was great to be in these big pushy rapids, it kept me smiling all the way down to Padum. I had now reached my halfway point and place to finally get rid of the kerosene and buy some petrol. I did want to spend the night in Padum but it would have meant trying to drag my kayak up to the rim and then wait for however long it took for a taxi to come by. I left the boat and kit again secured to a rock by the river and headed into downtown Padum. The first priority was the fuel the next some to eat. I had been living off rice and dhaal since the put in and now it was time for the taste buds to get a treat! I was not disappointed, fried Momos and a Coca-Cola! I camped just below Padum close to the confluence of the Stod River, once the Stod and Tsarap Chu come together the Zanskar is formed! That night I received a few visitors but for me I was mesmerized by the lights of the village of Karsha. After three nights of complete darkness the lights of Karsha was something unusual. As I kept staring towards civilization I realized how my I had enjoyed the Tsarap Chu and will the Zanskar be just as good?

ThePaddler 25 ThePaddler 26 A 300km white water solo journey through an amazing canyon and one of the remotest places on the planet, next...Well that was going to be Peru!

ThePaddler 27 ThePaddler 28 The little clear blue stream that I was using for water turned into a red brick coloured mud torrent ZANSKAR I arrived at the start of the Zanskar Canyon with the weather worsening, by the time I reached camp thunder had started and the noise the rebounds was making was immense. The little clear blue stream that I was using for water turned into a red brick coloured mud torrent, the noise of all the rocks tumbling into the Zanskar just added to the atmosphere. The next day saw me running some huge waves, negotiating tricky currents and get-ting occasionally tailed in the box canyons. I got to an oasis in the canyon, water was spurting out of the canyon wall bringing a piece of green to the dusty arid environment. As I came close to the village of Chilling, the weather turned on my again, thunder, heavy rain and lightning. I had exited the canyon just over an hour ago and I had made camp noticing the water was getting darker. An hour after stopping one of the side streams must have broke as the river was getting higher, darker and the wood started to mount up in the eddy down from my camp. Firewood would not be a problem tonight! This carried on for most of the night meaning the final river day was fast and bouncy all the way down to Splash Rafting Camp close to the Zanskar and Indus confluence. I was offered a lift back to Leh which meant of a hot shower, clean clothes and a beer watching the day finish over the grand Leh Palace. A 300Km white-water solo journey through an amazing canyon and one of the remotest places on the planet, next...Well that was going to be Peru!

ThePaddler 29 ThePaddler 30

Steve Brooks Steve has clocked up a fair few kilometres of whitewater so far in his career. In fact he has paddled in over 16 countries, on five continents including first descents along the way! In the summer you will find Steve at his home near Landeck, Austria where he has been running a successful kayak school and guiding service for the past couple of years. When the Autumn sets in, the weather getting colder and rivers drying up, Steve heads with his kayak to sunnier climes, always looking for that piece of river heaven. He seems to have found it in South America and the Indian Himalayas! For more info check out: www.gokayaking.at and www.stevebrooks.at

ThePaddler 32

INFORMATION

GETTING THERE: Kashmir: Srinagar now has an international airport and direct weekly flights are operating from Dubai. All major airlines operate regular daily flights to here from New Delhi and other major cities in India. Srinagar Airport is 14 kms from the city

Ladakh: Indian Airlines and Jet Airways operate regular flights to Leh from Delhi and shuttle services to Srinagar and Jammu (thrice weekly to each city) and to Chandigarh (twice weekly). Leh airport is 6kms away from the city centre.

Jammu: Jammu airport is 8kms from the city centre. Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and Kingfishers operate scheduled services between Jammu and Delhi and Jammu and Srinagar/Leh. https://maps.google.com/?ll=33.916013,76.915283&spn=7.645701,15.369873&t=m&z=7

PADDLING: The Lidder river in Pahalgam has stretches where its gentle gradients are well suited for beginners. Sonamarg is another favourite place for rafting in Kashmir as the river Sindh roars through Kashmir-Indiathe area and makes sport challenging for the players. The grade scale at Sonamarg touches up to Grade 4. Paddling in Ladakh is quite unlike anywhere else in the world. It provides the best opportunity to enjoy and experience the natural beauty of the spectacular landscape with deep gorges, towering snow-capped peaks, hilltop monasteries, hillside villages, and glimpses of the unique wildlife. Ladakh offers a range of rafting options on the Indus and its major tributaries. The best stretch for professionally guided runs in white water is on the Indus between Spituk and Nimu or Saspol, which rates 4 to 5 in the international river grading scale of 1 to 6. Upstream of Spituk, the Indus has the easiest stretch up to Karu, which is ideal for basic training or ‘scenic floating’. The most difficult but exciting rafting option is available on the Zanskar River, along its spectacular course through a gorge in the Zanskar Mountains, between Padum and Nimu. This is suitable only for well- organized white water expeditions, prepared for a week of rafting and camping in absolute wilderness. Participants are required to be trained rafters themselves while the arrangements should be assigned to a dependable professional agency. Adequate arrangement for rescue back- up is an essential prerequisite for embarking upon this white-water expedition and Indus River (Ladkah) and Suru River (Kargil). These rivers range from Grade 3 to 5.

WEATHER: The weather in Kashmir is like that of Europe, as it can rain any time in any season. Kashmir offers a variation in climatic conditions from region to region. Ladakh and Srinagar are the coolest, whereas Jammu has a tropical climate. Autumn with dry, yellow and reddish leaves has a charm of its own and in winter, can be covered by a blanket of snow.

VISITOR INFORMATION: www.go2kashmir.com Srinagar tourism reception centre, Srinagar. Tel: 0194-2452690-91, Email: [email protected] Jammu tourism reception centre, Jammu. Tel: 0191-2548172. E-mail: [email protected] 0/-*/&
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  ThePaddler 34

Kali River – Adventure for good causes

By Andrew Theobald, Phoenix Canoe Club After 18 months of meticulous preparation involving trips to the Rivers Wye, Tryweryn, Usk and Teifi (to name a few), various fundraising events and grants, 37 members of the Phoenix Canoe Club, Barnet Network Scouts and Barnet Explorer Scouts set off from Heathrow for a two week trip to India, with the highlight being a six day expedition down the Kali River.

To read further visit: http://www.thepaddler.co.uk/expindiakali.html



ThePaddler 35 ThePaddler 36 Interview with

STUMORRIS BSc. Hons

Level13 4 years Coach British team athlete European Cup Champion Olympic boat

designerDirector of VE Paddles

ThePaddler 37 ThePaddler 38

here and what was your first paddle? First time was on holiday when I was around nine-years old. There was an Army open day and Wcanoeing was one of the activities. I was smitten! How did your first paddle progress into what is now a very successful career? Well, I swam both the Tryweryn and newly opened Holme Pierrepont white water courses in my first year. At the time, I recall they were the two scariest but most exciting experiences of my life. At fourteen, I entered my first canoe slalom event at Stafford and Stone C.C. I won and gained promotion at both this, and the subsequent event. By 16, I had switched to C1 and was training full time. I earned a place on the GB junior canoe slalom team and competed at the Junior World Championships in 1995, Czech Republic. I progressed through to the senior team and competed at numerous World and European events before switching to the GB freestyle team in 2000. Freestyle competitions at that time were more like kayak festivals, I would go along with my boat, see all my friends and have a great time, who won and who lost was not important. This was a refreshing break from the high intense demands of slalom competition.

What were your competition highlights? Winning the 2006 European Freestyle Cup Championships.

What was your first international competition like? I think it was a Pan Celtic Cup in Castle Town Ireland, I was competing on the English junior team, can’t really remember too much except it was fun to travel somewhere new and go paddling.

I had a unique opportunity to design and manufacture kayaks that were solely for a particular individual Stu Morris

Is there anyone in particular in the Explain your PhD research… My UK Sport sponsored research took place at sport that has influenced you? Nottingham University’s Engineering There have been many great influential people, Department. It was entitled ‘On The Effects of within the sport, for me the one that stands out Kayak Geometry and Athlete Performance in is 1992 Olympic Silver C1 Medalist Gareth Olympic Canoe Slalom’. Marriot, his skill and dedication to the sport made him an icon at the time. As many of your readers will know, a successful kayak is a compromise of speed, Do you design other paddling manoeuvrability and stability. The difference in a equipment? kayaks form attributes, affects the relative I have designed and made every piece of performance relating to each of these parameters. paddling equipment at some point. When I was Previously, kayak designs had evolved slowly 13 I taught myself to laminate and I produced over time through trial and error. There is my own helmets. I went on to make canoe kit for currently no scientific methodology for Peak UK, designed and made many kayaks over comparative testing of white water kayaks or the years for myself and companies such as measuring resulting performance. Robson. I now design and manufacture VE I set out to change this. To give you a bit of paddles. I enjoy designing and making stuff that background, it is important to know that canoe you can interact with and use to have fun. slalom competitions are regularly won and lost by fractions of a second. The difference between What is the single biggest gold and silver medal positions in the 2011 improvement you can make to a Men’s Kayak World Cup race in Bratislava was a mere 0.15 seconds — that’s just 0.17% of the kayak in the design process? total run time. Making it suitable to the individual and the environment in which it is to perform. Kayaks are The event takes part in a demanding, highly generally ‘off the shelf buys’, as the Olympic boat variable white water environment. Canoe slalom designer I had a unique opportunity to design and is a heavily equipment based sport, where that manufacture kayaks that were solely for a kayak and its interaction with the water is particular individual, their weight, technique, extremely important, athletes look to improve fittings all custom built to fulfill their needs. their equipment to produce performance gains.

ThePaddler 39 ThePaddler 40

I manufactured a series of identical kayaks with a I actually think the succession of iterative changes made to certain You now run your own company: next major areas of their form (rocker, depth, width and seat VE Paddles – is this the next step development will position) to highlight the effects they had on in your career? performance. Yes, it is hard going and I am very busy, but at the come from the same time, it is very enjoyable. I love it when I I laser scanned the different shaped kayaks and receive emails from paddlers saying how amazing materials they are analysed their hydrostatic properties using 3D their new paddle is, it makes it very worthwhile. manufactured computer-aided design to define each of the from. kayak forms. Two GB athletes then undertook three field If you could meet anyone dead or tests – a flat water sprint (for speed), a turning alive who would it be? task (for manoeuvrability) and a white water task Isambard Kingdom Brunel. He was an English (for race performance) – to define the relative mechanical engineer that pushed the limits of affect of each geometric form parameter on the what was possible in his time. He built many boats’ performance. amazing things to last the test of time, these included dockyards, railways, steamboats, The tests were timed and the athletes’ provided bridges and tunnels – all on a grand scale. structured feedback on how each kayak performed. An onboard six-degrees-of-freedom inertial measuring unit captured acceleration and What would you say to him? What did you plan to build that you thought was angular velocity recording three-dimensional too ambitious? movement. All of which were logged and compared against the geometric properties. What was the best advice you The kayaks were taken to the Strathclyde University tow tank facility where each form’s were ever given? ‘Be careful’ by my Mother. drag characteristics were analysed at multiple speeds and accelerations. Where is the best paddling place This research showed that all areas of form had an impact on how a kayak performs, as did the you have ever been to? Austria/Swiss Alps every time! I have paddled relationship between these parameters and how many places in the world over the years but they interact with one and another. Austrian and Swiss Tirol area is by far my favourite. It has lots of amazing white water in a How would you say your work on very small radius, great scenery, nice food, it is Olympic designs influences what never too cold or too hot and the people are extremely honest and kind. kayakers paddle every day? Well, I have developed a protocol for designing future kayak’s based around both objective and subjective scientific measures allowing designers to have a greater understanding of the needs and wants of the paddlers and how to create geometries to fulfil those objectives. All in all, this will result in kayaks that although may not look too much different they will be refined in such a way making them very user friendly. This will allow kayakers to keep pushing the limits. I actually think the next major development will come from the materials they are manufactured from.

What do you do in what must be your very limited leisure time? Well I try to get away from it all really and do something that clears my mind. I always enjoy a trip to North Wales, good company, a bike, a Thanks for your time Stu boat or just a set of walking boots and my dog. ThePaddler 41 ThePaddler 42 Bob in downwinder. in Bob W

Bob’s plan was to paddle the entire length of Okanagan Lake, roughly 80 miles, in one day On the road with Leslie Kolovich World paddle for thePlanet Day

had just quit my 9-5 uniform-wearing, clock- consisted of only the photographer, Joan Vienot, punching, rules-and-regulations, numbers- and Chief Support John Anderson. Bob’s wife, Igame job, working as an Activities Director at Sharon, would join us at mile 40. a nursing home! Interestingly, it was the sweet The morning was still dark when we launched residents there who were encouraging me to fly our paddleboards. Knowing I had not trained or out that big white door, and live my life with ever paddled more than seven miles, so that was passion! I will cherish their wisdom forever. They my goal. Bob and Stefan Idzan, (Bob’s friend and are the angels who guided me to Kelowna, training partner) went on ahead, their pace being British Columbia, Canada, to cover an event, much faster than mine. which would change my life. The mountains of the Okanagan sent a vibration to my heart from the moment I first spoke to Bob Purdy who had been paddling everyday since January 2011, to draw attention to his Here’s where cause, “To change the way we live on the planet.” When Bob asked me to join him for World Paddle for the Planet Day, I was honoured, but I it gets personal I was alone in the middle of the lake. The dark of had no idea this edition of ‘On the road with the night began to lighten, as the sun was about Leslie’ would touch the depths of my soul. I to make a morning appearance. My senses were know the planet is struggling, but it is easy to in an acute state. I could hear individual look at pictures and see only the splendour. raindrops falling on my jacket, hitting the water, At 1:30 a.m. on Friday, June 16, 2012, we packed and I noticed the sound the blade of my paddle into the van in the light rain and headed out to made as it sliced into the water. Surreal. I also Penticton, our starting point for World Paddle heard my heart beating, not because of exertion, for the Planet. Bob’s plan was to paddle the because I was ‘in the moment’ and I knew it. I entire length of Okanagan Lake, roughly 80 always talk about how stand up paddling is the miles, in one day. Rayburns Marine World sport that truly puts you ‘in the moment’ -- well, provided the support boat and two captains, one this experience nailed that statement completely for each half of the event. The rest of the crew solid!

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alone on that lake, breath steady, his balance perfect. Always It thatwas I understood then, why Bob was so passionate smiling, always concerned, and always about paddling for the planet. I fell in love with appreciative, he encouraged me to take it just one the lake that day. I also fell in love with the hour at a time. So I kept paddling. At mile 16, planet. I heard her heart beating, I felt the pride even though my breath was steady and my heart of her looks, I saw the moods of her weather, and was strong, but my arms were on fire and I her desire to be there for the humans who need couldn’t take another stroke of my paddle. I her every single second they breathe. kneeled down on my 12’ Naish board, knowing that my guardian John Anderson would see me, I have interviewed many people, who have and bring the boat back to rescue me. paddled some astounding distances, and I have been truly amazed, but I never really understand I crawled into the boat, tears in my eyes from the why anyone would want to do that. It was when pain and also because I had just achieved Bob told me that I had just paddled 10 miles that another milestone, a 16-mile paddle. Mr John, my tears began to flow. I actually had done expertly massaged my spent arms and shoulders something I had never done before, nor thought as I sipped our magic elixir, coconut water, and I could. I felt so good, knowing I was doing it for ate an avocado-tuna sandwich. Bob carried on, a cause greater than just personal satisfaction. strong and steady. About an hour later, I felt recovered enough to get back on the water. The rain started to come down even harder, but the water remained calm. Bob was focused, his

Bob in flat rain John Anderson with Leslie.

My breath was steady and my heart was strong, but my arms were on fire

Bob paddling into the sunset ThePaddler 45 ThePaddler 46

This is when I surprised myself by paddling four more miles, but that’s when my was getting dark, with more rain and wind, and body said, “Hey girl, I believe you understand we still had three hours to go. I could easily have the needs of the planet now, and you will not be called it good at that point, but Bob was any good if you kill me!” I felt pretty damn good, determined, continuing to take food and water with 20-miles under my paddle. every hour, still managing to speak kind words. Telling us how close we were to the finish, he was But enough about me! Around hour 16, I saw the one giving the pep talk! Bob waver for the first time. A downwinder, with big twisting waves, so close together that it took With darkness quickly approaching, we were all of his energy to stay standing. Wisely, he put concerned that we would not have enough light on a lifejacket. I began to wonder if this was to keep track of Bob on the water. Miraculously, worth the risk. I began to be scared for his life, we saw this bright alien vessel coming towards and I think we all were, but we said nothing. It us, and to our joy it was Kevin O’Brien with glow lights on his board and paddle. Symbolically and literally he lit the way for the tiring Bob and crew. Nearing midnight, after 19-hours on the water, a surge of energy came to us all when we saw the glittering lights of our final destination, Vernon. Bob glided into shore ahead of the boat, and we all cheered as we heard him call out, “WAHOOOO!!!” There was no fanfare, no TV cameras, just the lucky few who were there to

The Stand Up Paddle Radio Show

The Stand Up Paddle Radio Show has been an integral part of the SUP Explosion since July 2009, with creator and host Leslie Kolovich giving the sport a unifying “voice”. An avid Stand Up Paddler herself, Leslie’s interviews are about the stories behind the paddler, the stories behind those who love the water, the stories of all of us who care about humankind and the planet we live on. Listen to podcast interviews from around the world with passion being the one thread that joins us all. If you have a story idea or topic feel free to contact us. [email protected] witness the super-human strength of this planet paddler. Tears and emotions of all kinds poured from us exhausted earthlings. I’m pretty sure Bob’s completion of the 80-mile length of Okanagan Lake is a world record for Sending a SUP wave of continuous paddling. The story doesn’t end here, as Bob continues to change around the world! paddle daily for the Planet and has not missed My name is Bob Purdy, I am the a Daily Paddle since his mission began on standup paddle surfing, elder in January 1st, 2011. The next World Paddle For training from ‘Paddle for the the Planet Day is set for Lake Powell, in Planet’. I have been paddling my Panama City Beach, Florida, October 10-13, standup paddlesurfer every day 2013 (see panel). since January 1st, 2011 to, “Change the way we live on the planet!” After 19-hours on the water, a surge of At 12 noon on October 12th, 2013 I will stand up in Florida for 24 hours at Lake Powell – a rare and energy came to us all when we saw the unique coastal dune lake. For ‘change’ – environmental, social and economic ‘change’. I have also invited some of the world’s top paddlers to join glittering lights me in Florida to paddle for the ‘change’ they are of our passionate about. On October 12th, I am inviting you final destination as well to paddle for the ‘change’ you want to see, wherever you are in the world! Paddle for all 24 hours, or for 24 minutes. Paddle by yourself, or with a group. Create a relay team. Paddle a river, an ocean or a lake, just paddle, and join me in creating a healthier planet! Our planet is asking us to change. Look at the air – is it clean? Look at the water – is it clear and healthy? Look at the land – what do you see? The effect we have had on the planet is evident. The one home we have needs our help – today! The David Suzuki Foundation has been asking us to ‘change’ for a very long time. Dr Suzuki and the Foundation together have influenced the world in a positive ‘way’ for decades. My wife Sharon and I are long time contributors to the Foundation and we invite you to contribute what you can to help fund their amazing work. Visit www.paddlefortheplanet.ca for more info on ‘Paddle for the Planet’, ‘World Paddle for the Planet Day’ and the David Suzuki Foundation. Click on the donate button to contribute, with our thanks every penny donated will go directly to the Foundation! Many thanks to everyone for standing up and making a difference, especially Sharon! A special thanks to Leslie Kolovich and Joan Vienot from the SUPRadio Show (www.supradioshow.com) for inviting me to paddle in Florida! More thanks to our incredible sponsors and the biggest thanks of all goes to you, for sending an ‘SUP wave of change’ around the world! One person is the difference, stand up and be that person! www.paddlefortheplanet.ca https://www.facebook.com/pftplanet

ThePaddler 47 ThePaddler 48

INFORMATION

Weather: Climate in British Columbia is influenced by latitude, mountainous topography and the Pacific Ocean. This diversity causes wide variations in average rainfall, snowfall, temperature and hours of sunshine, sometimes over very short distances. In general, however, temperatures are warmer in the south than in the north, and rainfall is heaviest along the coast and lightest in the southern interior. BC is a large province and therefore has a number of different climatic zones. The climatic zones are: Coast Mountains and the Islands; the Interior Plateau; Columbia Mountains and Southern Rockies; Northern and Central Plateaus and Mountains and the The Great Plains. https://maps.google.com/?ll=49.875168,-119.462585&spn=1.598346,3.845215&t=m&z=9

Paddling: Ocean kayaking: Paddling hotspots on Vancouver Island’s west coast include the Broken Group Islands and Clayoquot Sound. The Gulf Islands archipelago and Nanaimo are popular destinations on the east coast. BC-CANADANear Vancouver, Bowen Island provides the gateway into island-dotted Howe Sound, with the neighbouring Sunshine Coast communities of Sechelt and Gibsons and Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park (near Powell River) close by. Heading north, the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast's popular areas are along the lush, pristine coastline around Klemtu, Bella Bella and the Hakai Luxvbalis Conservancy Area. Paddlers can truly escape in remote areas around Prince Rupert and Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands) in Northern British Columbia. For convenient paddling near the city, Vancouver offers the protected waters of Deep Cove, False Creek and Jericho Beach. Victoria offers paddling directly from the Inner Harbour. Explore the Gorge Waterway and nearby Discovery Island Marine Provincial Park.

Lake paddling and canoe routes: The Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit, a 72- mile chain of four lakes in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region, is arguably BC’s best-known canoe route. In the Thompson Okanagan region, Wells Gray Provincial Park offers excellent lakes, wildlife and waterfall viewing and includes Murtle Lake, North America’s largest paddle-only lake. Nation Lakes Canoe Circuit draws paddlers to Northern British Columbia. The four pristine lakes that make up this chain are considered an undiscovered jewel. Another option is the Powell Forest Canoe Route, located on the Sunshine Coast in the Vancouver, Coast and Mountains region. It’s a gorgeous circuit of eight lakes and five portages with 35-miles of paddling.

Whitewater kayaking: BC's whitewater crown jewel is located in Northern BC on the Stikine River, called “the river of a lifetime” by world kayak freestyle champion Olli Grau. Known as one of North America's greatest whitewater challenges and best pure class V whitewater rivers, the Stikine was first run by kayaking legend Rob Lesser in 1981. The Grand Canyon of the Stikine has sheer, 1,000ft walls and is considered unnavigable except at low water flows (normally in August or September). It’s only been successfully run by the world’s most accomplished whitewater paddlers. Northern BC also has the pristine ecosystem of the Tatshenshini-Alsek river system, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and kayaker's delight. BC is famous for another kind of whitewater challenge – surfing the standing waves at http://www.hellobc.com saltwater tidal rapids. Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park, on the Sunshine Coast in the Vancouver, Coast and Mountains region, is popular with expert kayakers and spectators. The consistent and thrilling rapids and the tide change that happens between the Sechelt and Jervis Inlet, easy put- ins, and stunning scenery make Skookumchuck an exciting area to explore. The Blue Chip SUP School

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Dave Cornthwaite is a British adventurer, author and motivational speaker. He has broken five world records, written two books and completed more expeditions than you have fingers since he gave up a graphic design job in 2005.

Shaped by a passion for combining sport and travel to encourage people to look after their own little corner of the planet by thinking big, staying healthy and smiling as much as possible, Dave’s take on adventure is unique.

He is best known for his Expedition1000 project, – an ambitious series of 25 journeys of at least 1,000 miles in length, each one using a different method of non-motorised transport. He aims to raise £1,000,000 for his selected charities by the end of the project. Dave Dave Cornthwaite

Leslie Kolovich, host of ‘The Stand Up Paddle Radio Show’, interviewed Dave at her studios in Florida and you can link to the podcast on the following page. SAY YES MORE SAY YES MORE ThePaddler 54

Follow Dave on www.davecornthwaite.com Lake Geneva crossing in Switzerland. In April 2010, Dave and his friend Sebastian Terry became the first people to Stand Up Paddleboard the 87km length of Lake Geneva, from Villeneuve to Geneva. Photo: Dave Cornthwaite.

Expedition1000Leslie Kolovich podcast interview with Dave Cornthwaite Hey there, this is Leslie Kolovich. Joining me on the podcast on the facing page is my friend Dave Cornthwaite from an interview I did with him last October. This guy is THE list of ALL positive adjectives! He had just completed his 7th adventure out of 25 by swimming 1001 miles down the lower Missouri River! He began the swim on August 10th, and finished in two months to the day on October 10th. Dave tells me he did not know how to really swim when he decided to do this adventure – he did it because his mother gave him swim goggles for Christmas. She must have known he would learn to swim on the Missouri don’t you think?

Swimming the Missouri River, USA.The hardest yet, Dave swam 1,004 miles along the Lower Missouri from Chamberlain, South Dakota to St Louis, Missouri. His team paddled alongside him on Lakeshore SUP boards and in a Mad River canoe. Photo: Dave Cornthwaite Dave had a great team of stand up paddlers and a kayaker: Emily Bell, Vanessa Knight, Ben Stiff, Annabel Hancock, David Zaple, Louisa Currie and Sarah Mortiboys throughout the journey. He tells me in the podcast, that this was by far the most difficult adventure he has ever done. Dave also spoke about the perspective from being in the water verses on top of the water on a stand up board or kayak. His passion for his message and causes has become even more clearer in his mind from the experience in the river. Dave expresses his thoughts on the planet’s dire situation, and how his focus is on ‘people’. Changing the way people think, and live on the planet, “If we pursue money all of our lives, we are just gonna be absolutely miserable, if people can experience nature they tend to care more about it.” Dave feels we would have a much happier planet if everyone took to the outdoors, for their own adventures. I’ll second that! You know that feeling when you are sitting around a campfire with the sparkle of the Milky Way Galaxy above and the gentle breeze coming off the beach or through the forest? Your soul is crying out for it! You are the one that can make that change in your life. Your sleeping bag is in the garage – so go get it. Congratulations Dave for your huge accomplishment on the Missouri and for inspiring many!

Hey there, this is Leslie Kolovich. Joining me on the podcast on the facing page is my friend Dave Cornthwaite from Listen to the podcast. an interview I did with him last October. struggling to reach struggling the sea. Photo: Dave Cornthwaite waterway in 2009,most Australia's important investigating why is the Murray Kayak - Murray River, Australia. This guy is THE list of ALL positive adjectives! He had just completed his 7th adventure out of 25 by swimming 1001 miles down the lower Missouri River! He began the swim on August 10th, and finished in two months to the day on October 10th. Dave tells me he did not

know how to really swim when Dave kayaked the 1540 mile length of he decided to do this adventure – he did it because his mother gave him swim goggles for Christmas. She must have known he would learn to swim on the Missouri don’t you think? Follow Leslie on www.supradioshow.com ThePaddler 55 ThePaddler 56

Simon Everett gives us some ideas about fishing the lakes from a kayak We are privileged to have some wonderful lakes throughout the country that are available to fish from a canoe or kayak. The most obvious places are the large waters of the Lake District, but there are smaller, secluded lakes that can be just as productive and in some cases so secret that only a handful of people know about them. There are good venues in Wales too, with Llangorse Lake and Llyn Tegid, or Lake Bala being the most easily accessed. In Scotland there is myriad of opportunities with the large, wild lochs being the most popular. Like our pure paddling brethren, in England and Wales the kayak angler is still looked down upon with suspicion and incredulity, whereas in Scotland it isn’t the access that is the problem, it is the fishing.

LAKE FISHING LAKE FISHING ThePaddler 58

down ShuttersIt seems that one come aspect is fine, whether Some fisheries, however, have taken a more pragmatic approach, such as the South West that be the fishing or the paddling, but as Lakes Trust who positively welcome properly soon as the two are combined the equipped kayak anglers on their lakes, a few shutters come down and dogma fisheries in other parts of the country. Rudyard returns, with most approaches being lake in Staffordshire was one of the first to open its doors to fishing from a kayak and thanks to met with a solid stonewall, even though the work of the Angling Trust to promote their there may be boats and float tubes being kayak fishing safety courses and a code of used to fish from. conduct, more fisheries are trying to accommodate requests from keen anglers who use a kayak as a vehicle to access the water. The education process is slowly taking effect. For those lakes where there is access, the majority of fishing is done with lures or fly and the intended targets are predatory fish, with trout, perch and pike being the three major species. For anyone camping on a big water, a fresh trout makes a wonderful camp fire supper, but the majority of fishing is done on a sporting basis. Certainly as far as pike fishing goes, taking care of the pike is at the forefront of any angler’s mind, whilst they are ferocious looking creatures they are also quite susceptible to damage and they do need careful and considerate handling. Pike also need to be handled correctly from a if you get sliced by a pike’s teeth it is like being cut with a scalpel

safety perspective because they have razor sharp teeth with an anticoagulant on them, which means if you get sliced by a pike’s teeth it is like being cut with a scalpel and the wound will bleed profusely for hours. I can assure you, it isn’t pleasant.

Environment Agency rod license Catching pike is very exciting, especially with the prospect of a fish of 25lbs being a realistic possibility from many of the waters that can be accessed for fishing from a paddle craft. Now I know this will be a bit alien to most paddlers, but private waters have the right to charge for launching and for fishing, anglers are used to this concept and are happy to accept it, knowing that there is a cost to maintaining the facilities and fish stocks. For the wild waters, such as most of those in the Lake District, the fishing is free and on the larger ones so is the paddling, but wherever you fish, even in your own garden pond, you need to have a valid Environment Agency rod license which covers you to fish with up to two rods, or hand lines. It is the law and if you are challenged a sizable fine will ensue, the agencies are having a massive crack down on ‘license dodgers’, you can buy one on line, or from most Post Office counters, so there is no excuse for not having one. ThePaddler 59 ThePaddler 60

There are also different seasons these are in force to protect for thethem whiledifferent spawning. All freshwaterspecies fish use shallow water to spawn, with gravel beds or weed beds being the two habitats that are important for breeding success. Pike and some coarse fish, such as perch favour weed beds while trout and other game fish use the shallow gravel beds of feeder streams or exposed areas on aquifer fed lakes.

By knowing a little of the habits of the various fish The size of the trout will dictate the size of the it is possible to narrow the chances of finding lure, in most instances, but even very large trout them. A venue such as loch Lomond or have been caught on the tiniest fly, but this is the Windermere is a large expanse of water to look for exception that proves the rule. Brown trout can a needle in a haystack. To this end modern grow very big, loch Awe is famed for its huge electronics can be a great help, not so much for brown trout, the term ‘Ferox’ is used to describe finding the fish, but for finding the structure or these monster fish that have turned cannibal and topographical features that will be attractive to prey on all fish up to the size of a mackerel. them. In open water, shoals of bait fish can be a Specialist anglers will use a big lure trolled deep, good guide to the whereabouts of the larger or a natural fish bent into a curve and weighted to predators, because where there is a food source take it down into the depths where these monsters Loch Awe is famed for its huge brown trout, the term ‘Ferox’ is used to describe these monster fish that have turned cannibal and prey on all fish up to the size of a mackerel. predators are never very far away. Using a sonar lurk. The British record Brown Trout currently device can help locate your target species. stand at 31lb 12oz, a fish that was a yard long! Anglers with experience can read a water and Perch will also come to natural bait, small flies instinctively have a good idea where the fish are and spinners or lures used for trout, but being going to be, in much the same way that a white voracious predators they will also take a fly or lure water paddler reads the current and the shape of meant for bigger trout or pike. When you catch a the water to pick the best route. Different types of perch be careful not to get spiked by the sharp fish use different parts of the water, according to spines in its dorsal fin or on the edge of its gill their feeding habits. cover. These colourful fish are also a sporting proposition on light tackle and there are many Trout can be found on the surface in deep, open anglers who specialise in fishing for big perch. water dimpling the surface of the water as they suck down floating insects as they hatch or those Lobworms are a favourite bait, you can gather hapless ones that have been blown on to the water them at night by watering the lawn, then by the wind. They can also be tucked in under the collecting the worms by the light of a torch – tread edge of rocks or a weedbed, where they prey on carefully all they will feel your footsteps and dive the tiny coarse fish fry. for cover very quickly. Digging humus rich soil will also yield good worms, to condition them for To catch trout one needs to present an artificial use, keep them in a bucket or ice cream box with a representative of their natural food, or even a good layer of moss for a few days before fishing. natural one. Traditional anglers will use flies to The moss makes their skin toughen and helps to very good effect but a small spinner is also very keep them on the hook better. effective as it appeals to their predatory instinct. Loch Awe is famed for its huge brown trout, the term ‘Ferox’ is used to describe these monster fish that have turned cannibal and prey on all fish up to the size of a mackerel.

ThePaddler 61 ThePaddler 62 Coniston Water, Lake District England

ThePaddler 63 ThePaddler 64

Lure fishing is easier, both in terms of the actual fishing and in bait collection. It is so easy to set off with a rod and line and a small box containing a selection of lures, circumventing the need for labouring to collect bait or the messy business of putting the worms on the hook – even if they are very effective at procuring fish. As the kayak angling trend continues, the appeal is being discovered by keen coarse anglers and the various technical methods of catching freshwater fish are being employed, even if it means anchoring the kayak from both ends to prevent the kayak from swinging in the wind. Fly fishing is a very popular way of fishing from the kayak in freshwater, trout, pike and perch are the main species targeted, but chubb will also happily take a fly in the summer, as they hide under an overhanging tree or a deep back eddy. Tackle for fly fishing is even more specialised than that for spinning or lure fishing, different tackle is required for pike than for the smaller fish. Using a rod and outfit classed as 10-weight is the responsible way of fishing for pike. They are big fish but are quite delicate and a prolonged fight on light tackle will almost inevitably result in a dead fish, even if it is released seemingly happily, unfortunately the fish often die days later. Using suitable tackle will allow the angler to play the fish harder, get it to hand faster and released with less stress. It is beholden on all anglers, however casual they may be, to have the welfare of the fish as a priority.

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www.kayakfishingshack.co.uk ThePaddler 66

Unlike saltwater fish, other than trout or other salmonids, freshwater fish are not used for camp fodder. It is illegal to remove most freshwater fish, they have to be released by law. Trout and other game fish are governed by both size limits and the number of fish per angler that can be taken in a day, each fishery is different but the rules of that particular water will be published, either at the water’s edge or within the rules at the booking lodge or, of course, on the internet. Play by the rules, because being caught with prohibited or restricted fish can result in more than just a hefty fine. Taking a salmon or sea trout without the correct license and permission can result in the seizure of your craft and any vehicle used to get to the water. Coarse fish seasons differ to the game fish seasons too, the closed season is there to protect the spawning fish, generally the trout season starts on 15th March and runs through to 30th September, salmon and sea trout seasons vary from river to river and the coarse season runs from June 16th through the winter to the last day of March. Whatever type of fishing you end up doing, it provides an additional facet to your paddling and in many cases has brought new paddlers into the fold, for others it has added a new dimension to their paddling and enticed them onto new waters. There is one rule that isn’t written anywhere, but it is compulsory, you must enjoy your fishing!

Play by the rules, because being caught with prohibited or restricted fish can result in more than just a hefty fine ThePaddler 67 ThePaddler 68 The runner is creeking

A short creek style kayak is nothing new and Pyranha themselves developed the very successful Microbat series a number of years ago. I owned a Pyranha Microbat for years and always enjoyed the way it paddled, so I was keen to give the Nano a try. Northshore Watersports kindly allowed me to loan their demo Nano. By Phil Carr ThePaddler 69 ThePaddler 70

From the very start it was clear, as it was with my Jed, that the Nano is a boat that performs best when paddled aggressively www.pyranha.com www.unsponsored.co.uk

From the very start it was clear, the last couple as it was with my Jed, that the Overof years, UK based Pyranha have brought out a number of top class high performing boats including the Shiva creeker and Jed playboat and now Nano is a boat that performs best when they have brought us the Nano. Many of the newer creek boat and playboats on the market incorporate a continuous rocker and hard edges as core design elements. These elements paddled aggressively are designed to allow kayaks to be both quick in a straight line yet still retain the ability to turn easily. The Nano shares these same key features. Anyone who has paddled a Pyranha designed kayak over the last couple of This is what years will be familiar with the Connect 30 system. The system consists of a Pyranha says fully adjustable padded seat with gear racking system, adjustable hip pads, adjustable thigh-braces and ratchet backrest. With the ease of adjustment about the Nano getting a custom and comfortable set up in the Nano was very easy. The Nano is a short creek boat with a playful The Connect 30 outfitting is very effective, may be less luxurious than the nature, it has influences Liquid Logic BADASS system, but never the less is very good. In some ways from Shiva, Jed and Burn I much prefer the Connect 30 outfitting for a number of reasons. For make for a super example the hip pads are provided with numerous shims that can be manoeuvrable, compact swapped out very quickly, the backrest is supportive and firm and the creeker with the ability thigh-braces can be adjusted and positioned very quickly. As a result it is to run harder lines as well as open up play very easy to set up the Nano for a positive/aggressive paddling posture. potential. The Nano comes supplied with a full plate footrest and despite being over Aspiring creekers will six-foot tall and wearing my creek shoes I still had plenty of foot room. find the Nano stable, easy to roll and playful enough to enjoy river features. Experienced boaters will get big fun in a small package

Numbers comparison Based upon M sizes Nano Stats Length: 218cm Width: 66cm Volume: 259 litres Burn Stats Length: 245cm Width: 65cm Volume: 279 litres Shiva Stats Length: 259cm Width: 67.3cm Volume: 305 litres

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seem a little confused – Is it a creeking playboat or a playboat creeker? Well, I think that it is actually a little Whenevera new boat I like to try a rollI on paddle flat water just to make bit of both. The Nano is a blend of the best of both sure that it isn’t going to do something weird and that worlds, which shouldn’t work, but somehow does. my outfitting setup is correctly. I as I began to paddle around to get accustomed to the Nano I found that it I suspect that any paddler on Grade I to IV water will was very stable on edge and was easy to roll. There enjoy the comfort, stability and performance of the were no nasty surprises or strange behaviour to worry new Pyranha Nano. about. After a few rolls in some very cold water I took the boat down the long course at the Tees Barrage. This is a piece of water I know really well and I find it an ideal venue for comparing boat against boat. Despite its relatively short length (218cm) the Nano paddles like a much longer boat, which is exactly the same experience I have had with my Pyranha Jed. As both kayaks share the same genetics this does make sense. I found the acceleration of the Nano was pretty good, a couple of powerful strokes each side moved the boat up to top speed. The Nano tracked well but also turns really well, which isn’t always an easy feature to achieve. Although the Nano has quite hard edges, they don’t run the full length of the hull. Instead they stop around 50cm short, approximately mid-way along the stern, which helps the back end of the boat to feel nice and stable even in confused water. I was able to utilise the hard edges to power the kayak into the eddies and then swiftly back out into the main flow. From the very start it was clear, as it was with my Jed, that the Nano is a boat that performs best when paddled aggressively. So much so that Pyranha describe the Nano as a freerunner kayak that not only has the creek boat character but can also play down the river as you go. This makes the design of the Nano www.pyranha.com

I found the acceleration of the Nano was pretty good, a couple of powerful strokes each side moved the boat up to top speed A Canoe is for life not just for Christmas…

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Testing,Native Watercraft Slayer 12 testin http://www.nativewatercraft.com A few weeks ago I was contacted by Ant Perkins from System X, who are the importers of a large range of kayaks and related products including Native Watercraft, Kokatat, Ctug and Scotty. I was asked to do a review for the Slayer and so here are my findings. By Terry Wright.

Ant was interested in the growth of coarse fishing As many of you may know the majority of from kayaks and saw a link to the American Bass American kayak anglers fish on what they know as fishing scene and wondered how a US boat would 'flat water', what we in the UK know as freshwater. fare on UK freshwater. He decided to take a That is lakes, canals and rivers and perhaps the odd gamble on importing a Slayer 12'. estuary or sheltered bay. Would it be any good for old fashioned, ‘stuck in their ways’ UK anglers. For those that do not know, Native set up a Facebook page in the states for anglers to offer So Terry (Izzetafox), Daz, Simon (Dorado) and Steve likes and dislikes through the Native range and (Lureman) from www.coarsekayakfishing.co.uk set what they would like to see in a new boat. out for a post Christmas trip to the kayak friendly Rudyard Lake in Staffordshire. A beautiful lake Native already have a wide range of very popular created in Victorian times as a ballast reservoir for boats in the US but are best known in the UK for the the canal network. Manta Ray, which has a reputation as a competent and well-constructed boat. Many will see links between the Manta and the Slayer but I digress. The Slayer is as I have said a fisherman's boat, stable, comfortable and spacious. First impression was the great finish with everything having a ‘quality’ feels about it. Native Watercraft states that this kayak is designed by anglers for anglers. That's American anglers… how would UK anglers find it? ThePaddl er.co .uk te st s t a t i o

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The first thing I missed was the rod holder. Looking on Native e

r Watercraft’s website I saw that they have a ‘Fishing Buddy Bag’ e s which it would appear many American anglers favour. So I used t to my crate with rod tubes but also laid a rod on the in cockpit rod pa top rest. So no real problems there. dd lers - e mail us: re After a few minutes familiarization and setting the foot pegs and views@ adjusting the backrest on the chair to compensate for the ‘bulge’ the pa in the back of my PFD I was off for a paddle upwind and along dd le the beautiful lake. Despite the gloomy light, the Rudyard still has r .c its own charm. o . u I have to say that the Slayer paddled nicely into the wind when k you consider that the paddler is sitting high in the chair. I have to say at this point that this is not a ‘paddler’s’ kayak, it is an ‘angler’s’ kayak. This is not a criticism; often a fast sleek kayak is great for speed but lousy for carrying as much gear as some anglers (me!) want to take. There will always be a compromise. The Slayer is by no means a slow kayak though, it is a kayak built for a job and as such it is plenty fast enough. I have to say that as I paddled across the lake the side wind, albeit not the 18mph predicted, caused me no problems. I was beginning to like this lady. g ThePaddler 75 ThePaddler 76

I tied off by the Lady of the Lake boathouse and suddenly So what is my opinion? wondered about the lack of a paddle park. Now if you I love it and I want one! This is indeed a freshwater Manyto System X thanks owned this kayak and really wanted one, then 10 minutes kayak anglers will appreciate. It is stable and spacious, (www.systemxeurope.com) with a drill, rivet gun and six-inches of bungee cord and plenty of easily accessible storage and enough speed to for the loan of the kayak you would be sorted. However, I found that the front well keep an angler happy. What do I think of ‘That American and to Desperate bungee did the job adequately. Chair’? Native Watercraft calls this the ‘First Class’ chair. Measures of Nottingham A lot to live up to. (www.desperate- As I paddled around the lake I was constantly feeling that measures.co.uk) for the high chair and the high centre of gravity should affect After sitting on it for about five hours I have to say 'First supplying it. stability. I need not have worried I felt secure at all times, in Class' does not do it justice. When sitting on a kayak for fact more secure that one or two kayaks I have paddled. long periods I suffer the dreaded 'numb bum' and stiff legs. Thanks also go to Ray the At the end of the day I felt great it is a very comfortable Ranger – who was very As it is a fishing kayak access to the storage areas is chair, which is soft where it needs to be and supportive in welcoming. He is always essential. This is where the Slayer really scores. Turning to other areas. ready with a cheery word, get gear from the rear well is safe and easy and moving to a cup of tea and the latest the forward area is simple with the flat cockpit floor. It has high and low positions, though personally I cannot information of how Easiest way is to just kneel and get your gear. No worries see that I would want anything other than the low Rudyard Lake is fishing. Just of swamping if you take the hull cover off, no need to put position. Paddling is a little awkward in high and I guess you £10 includes fishing, your feet over the side to straddle the kayak to maintain would only ever use this whilst actually fishing and not parking and launch fees. stability. Two large scuppers in each well ensure swift when travelling. It makes you wonder why us UK There are toilets, changing drainage. The Slayer just fills you with confidence making freshwater anglers have missed out on the comfort that facilities and a cafe. life so easy. our American friends have been enjoying. Not anymore. www.rudyardlake.com As I have not fitted an anchor trolley I just used a concrete mud anchor and tied off to the side handle, but again What did Lureman and Daz think? fitting a trolley would be an easy enough job. For those Lureman is a very experienced paddler both at sea and who love personalizing their kayak, there are six lengths of on freshwater. He liked it very much and appreciated the the ‘Groove’ system on the gunwales and a length on the stability. Daz? Well Daz is in love! Daz has a constant back hull access hatch so fitting Scotty accessories will set things problem and no kayak he has paddled has eased the up just as you want them. problem. Until now! Daz loved ‘That American Chair’ he found it very comfortable and his back loved it too! Towards the end of the day I had to hand the kayak over to Daz and Lureman for their opinion and a bit of a play. I should add that although this is an angler’s kayak, it would Low light and slow shutter speeds spoiled the pictures a be ideal for the nervous paddler who finds most kayaks little but you can see that the promised 'You can stand on too tippy for their liking. This is a perfectly stable kayak. this kayak' is true. Tag along stern wheel High low first class seat

Adjustable foot rests

Open stern Open bow storage storage with scuppers with scuppers

Hatch with bucket

Console compartment for electronics

Native Watercraft Slayer 12: £820 UK. $1179 US. Colours: Camo (featured), sand, olive, lime, firebrick and mango. Native Watercraft Slayer 14.5: £940 UK $1279 US. Colours: As above.           

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SLAYERSLAYER 1212 SLASLAYERYER 14.5

WWW.NATIVEWATERCRAFTCRAFT.COM ThePaddler 78

Snugpak Subdivide http://www.snugpak.com New Two for one deal Collapsable A few months ago we tested the Lifeventure handle Wheeled Dufflebag and came to the conclusion of videos not being overly impressed. So when we received Elastic cords Jamie Mitchell is one of the this I must admit to being more than pleasantly for coats etc undoubted stars of the booming surprised. It addresses all the points of where we SUP scene, but he made his name felt the Lifeventure product let itself down. as a traditional paddleboarder, in the prone position by winning an Like the Lifeventure bag – the wheels on this are amazing 10 straight rugged and sturdy and there the similarity ends. Molokai2Oahu World The collapsible handle is indispensable in all these Championships. type of bags if they are to work correctly. The guide rails for the handle also give the bag a strong Every year the world's best spine with no sign of weakness. paddleboarders gather in Hawaii to contest the World Inside there are more pockets than you shake a Championship of Paddleboarding. stick at and even better – it can be divided halfway To claim the world title, the down, which saves the usual frustration of winner must cross one a fearsome accessing items at the bottom. stretch of water: the 32 mile Straps on all four sides allow it to be compressed Ka'iwi channel, or more popularly when not in use, and the elastic cord on the top is known as the 'channel of bones'. Dividing zip ideal to store a coat or jacket so it is easier to Jamie Mitchell has made the world move around an airport or train station. title his an incredible nine times in Wheels Perfect! succession - could he make it the perfect 10! One more victory Available in black. Volume: 90 litres. Dimensions: 79cm(L) x 36cm(W) x 40cm(H). Weight: 3200g would cap off a decade of From £79.95 UK; From $149.95 US; From 119.00 Euros dominance in one of earth’s toughest events. Decade of Dominance follows Jamie as he prepares for and contests the most important race of his life. To Lifeventure Thermal win he will have to overcome not only the competition but also the Mug and Jacket ‘channel of bones’ and all that the http://www.lifeventure.com ocean can throw at him. Directed Staying warm in the chill by Brent Deal. Stylish and with a dazzling array of colours - Apart from plenty of incredible lifeventure’s thermal mug is classy looking and ocean footage, it also features the perfect for its use of keeping your coffee or tea Gerry Lopez, Kelly Slater, Rob hot for up to four hours. In summer it changes Machado and Dave Kalama. I 180 degrees and keeps ice cold beverages – found it fascinating and interesting well – ice cold and this time for up to 12 hours! It and would highly recommend has a waterproof sleek design made of stainless buying a copy. steel and a very classy brushed finish. A very www.decadeofdominancemovie.com clever design that is just right as it amounts to one large coffee.

Thermal jacket Just in case the mug’s thermal properties are not quite good enough for some people, Lifeventure have also produced a separate jacket, which it claims increases the heat retention by up to 25% and protects the mug itself. The Lifeventure Thermal Mug Jacket is made from tough Cordura fabric and features soft inner lining with foam padding for maximum durability and protection. All I can say is we have been inseparable for the past ten days!

Thermal Mug: 300ml capacity in blue, black, pink, green, orange, purple and steel. Jacket in black Mug: £10.99 UK; $17.99 US; 13.49 Euros jacket: £9.99 UK; $17.49 US; 13.19 Euros



     

Available every single day ThePaddler ezine daily ThePaddler 80

The fastest SUPgrowing watersport in Europe…

Central SUP club visit Peniche, Portugal known as the ‘Capital da Onda’ (Capital of Waves) One of the great things about the Stand up Paddle scene in the UK is the fact that it is in its infancy, thus giving us the opportunity to grow the sport in the right way. By Chris Kenyon Chris KenyonChris dropping in on a Starboard converse at a beach Supertubos. break near the legendary

Central SUP club visit Peniche, Portugal known as the ‘Capital da Onda’ (Capital of Waves)

ThePaddler 81 ThePaddler 82 was through this It common interest that we met Jason and Sally, the owners of SUPxscape, based in Peniche, Portugal. Working together these two ASI schools organised the first SUP exchange trip in October this year. Both Central SUP and SUPxscape are fully accredited ASI schools offering courses and lessons through the ASI pathways. The link came with the Central SUP ASI Level 2 paddlers wanting to progress their skills from flatwater to SUP Surf and where better to learn than Peniche, Portugal known as the ‘Capital da Onda’ (Capital of Waves) Once the logistics were sorted Dan, Jade and Dan joined Chris Kenyon and Scott Warren, the owners of Central SUP for a four-day trip out to Portugal. Being awoken by your alarm at 3am to Scott Warren tucking into a nice left make a flight is not the best experience, but it hander on his Starboard Pocket Rocket. was worth it for what was to come. The flight was smooth and we were in Portugal to a warm reception from Jason and Sally in no time.

Obidos Lagoon They took us directly to our accommodation and then it was out for lunch and a paddle on the Obidos Lagoon. The lagoon was breathtaking and Sally guided us across as we soaked up the atmosphere of Europe’s largest salt-water lagoon. A few skills were polished before the big day tomorrow where we would hit the surf. One of the first sights we had of the Atlantic Ocean was from the cliff side at some perfect waves barrelling in off shore

Jason Periera leading a level 3 ASI SUP Surf course with Central SUP club members Dan, Jade and Dan. Enjoying a night out at a local restaurant with Jason and Sally of SupXscape.

conditions. It was a sight to remember, Peniche, Baleal and all the surrounding beaches certainly captures the imagination. After we paddled the lagoon it was time for a bite to eat and some rest ready for the first day in the waves.

SUP surf course The following day we headed out to look for some suitable waves for the SUP surf course, one thing is for sure that Peniche has waves and lots of them! Having the local knowledge of Jason was a huge bonus as it meant we could find somewhere that would be ideal for beginners. We were taken to a great location at Baleal Island with beaches on both sides of the causeway where Dan, Jade and Dan began their SUP Surf instruction by Jason whilst Chris and Scott headed out for their first SUP surf in Portugal. We had the beach to ourselves and the two-foot offshore waves were a great warm up to the day. The SUP surf course was underway with all participants enjoying their first experience of catching the surf on a paddle board. Having the advantage of a paddle in the surf makes it easier to catch the waves and gives a whole new experience to riding them. Whilst this was going on Scott and Chris caught their fill of waves and were ready for lunch at the beach cafe. In the afternoon it was onwards with the course whilst Scott and Chris caught some bigger waves on the beach to the south of Baleal Island. Due to the consistency of these waves it was easy to catch one, paddle out and then catch another. The lagoon was Meanwhile on the north side of the island it was breathtaking a pleasure to see Dan, Jade and Dan progress and Sally guided us across as through Jason’s instruction and begin to start we soaked up the watching the swell and catching waves of their atmosphere own. of Europe’s largest salt-water lagoon

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Paddling out into some offshore swell on the last day of the trip.

After a full day’s SUP surf we were ready for one of the local On the last day of our trip Jason took us to a Portuguese restaurants where you can eat out for great beach not far from the legendary Super around €10 per head which includes beer and as Tubos to have our last SUP surf and for the guys much barbecued chicken and ribs you can eat! to complete their ASI Level 3 Beginner SUP surf Just what we needed after a day out in the waves. course. There was a strong offshore wind to begin with so Jason used the opportunity to evaluate The next day the conditions were not as the skills that Dan, Jade and Dan had learnt. favourable as the previous day, Jason, Scott and Chris and Scott headed out into some super Chris did a quick reccy of possible spots but due clean chest high surf. Chris caught the wave of to strong winds it was not suitable to be out in his life as he dropped into a chest high wave that the water for a beginner. However it was a perfect seemed to jack up and go overhead. For a opportunity for the group to learn about moment we even saw him go inside the barrel! different surf spots and conditions and to By now the wind had dropped and the group recognise rips and currents, which is all part of were all out in the surf catching waves in the becoming a good surfer. It can save you a lot of brilliant hot sunshine before the flight home. time and effort if you are able to understand how Back on the beach photos were taken and a wave works and what kind of swell and wind certificates were awarded. Dan, Jade and Dan all conditions are going to make it the best option passed their SUP Surf beginner course and had for a good SUP surf session. After a tour of the achieved a lot in a short space of time. surf spots we were then treated to a mini downwind paddle on the lagoon for the afternoon. Another great day. Grow the SUP scene on an international scale The trip was so worthwhile; it was an opportunity to network between organisations and clubs to help grow the SUP scene on an international scale. Central SUP and SUPxscape have already put plans together offering the For more information opportunity for paddlers to come out in May and October 2013. The group are also looking at on the courses and Central SUP paddle boarding building a free diving course into the holiday to please contact Scott Warren of Central SUP on help build confidence and breathing skills for [email protected]. For more out in the surf. This was a highly recommended experience and a great way of getting two schools information on SUPxscape and Stand Up working together and sharing the aloha! Sally Paddleboarding in Peniche, Portugal please contact and Jason were so welcoming and perfect hosts with a brilliant and professional set up in Sally on [email protected] or visit Portugal which is well worth checking out. www.supxscape.com PORTUGAL SUP CAMPS & TRIPS www.ericeirastanduppaddle.com

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The mood is convivial and on the beaches bronzed sea- nymphs splash and laugh. Love, young and old, is in the air! Paddlers hoping for a remote expedition around Ibiza are going to be sadly disappointed. Ibiza is the seaside palace of Tyrant King Tourism. All the best beaches with road access are swamped with parasols and sun-loungers – people are everywhere; all seeking a small taste of the Mediterranean good life.

For the expedition kayaker it’s a case of ‘If you can’t beat them – then join them!’ So you sit back in a beach café at sunset and enjoy an ice-cold beer with olives. The mood is convivial and on the beaches bronzed sea-nymphs splash and laugh. Love, young and old, is in the air!

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launched from a ramp We close to where the ferry from barcelona docked. The five day forecast from Windguru was reassuringly benign, but we knew that mid-September was the start of the storm season. Turning a corner out of Ibiza town, 5km of packed beaches with high-rise hotels behind, stretched before us. I was shocked! Half way along there was nothing else for it - Eli shouted ‘NOW!’ and we drove the kayaks up the beach and jumped out at a run. Hearts pounding, elbowing left and right, we fought our way up the beach. Hot and sweating, mission accomplished, we withdrew to the boats with supplies from the supermarket and two half-digested breakfasts! There are quieter spots to camp at, sometimes with a row of picturesque fisherman’s boat houses, the ‘zizz’ of crickets and the scent of pine. We usually sought these out, but were careful to erect the tent only at the last moment – camping It seemed that everything – even a remote sea cave, was co-opted for tourism

FEATURE BY: NIGEL GILL Notorious My rear hatch cover was starting to perish. Then Eli found a cute little orange rubber duck and mounted it on my boat as a mascot. The next day the hatch cover had split full width – the duck was obviously jinxed, so we quickly gave it houses, the ‘zizz’ of crickets and the scent of pine. We usually sought these out, but were careful to erect the tent only at the last moment – camping away to a crying child. isn’t allowed by the authorities. San Antoni is notorious for its clientele. The Day three brought us to the beautiful offshore locals joke that even football hooligans need to island of Es Vedra, looking like a vast cathedral take a holiday. We lay in the tent listening to a slumped into the sea. Opposite it is the Cap de distant ‘yee - aha’ live band compete with a Jueu or ‘Head of the Jew’, which bears an ‘chunga-chunga-chunga’ disco, and despaired of extraordinary resemblance to a Mongolian face ever getting to sleep. in profile. Next came Calo Codolar, a fine cave with exposed rock strata. We paddled inside, Boats are everywhere around the island. In one where at the back a small tunnel had been cut. spot I counted 23 of them seaward of us. The The next moment a commercial group of few gulls sit silently on rocks, as if utterly coasteerers poured out through it – it seemed bemused by the extraordinary array of passing that everything – even a remote sea cave, was co- craft – yachts, ferries, motor cruisers, fishing opted for tourism! smacks, RHIBs, outboards and jet skis. With Eli, I often have a leadership crisis – I have to remind her that I’m a Level 4 Coach. usually over which route we are going to take. I She reminds me that have to remind her that I’m a Level 4 Coach. She reminds me that she’s Spanish and that this is her home patch! So I remind her that the British she’s Spanish defeated the Armada. There’s little scope for and that this is her home patch! European cooperation!

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And so it was on to the very fine Punta de

an arch flanked by a phalanx of ragged ses Torrates, pinnacles. The wind had picked up to Force 4 and an international conference had to be convened to decide whether we go around the exposed point or through the sheltered arch. Anyway – all good leaders sometimes need to adjust their decisions.

Storm Days five and six saw us storm-bound. The sea was wild, sand was airborne and rubbish bins were rolling down the beach; so we took a bus to Ibiza town. The old quarter was charming, but more memorable was the Fish Therapy Clinic. You pay your money, then climb into a tank of water, surrendering yourself to a shoal of small fish. They nibble off anything they judge you need to have removed (....Yikes!) Bless her, Eli offered to pay for me. Success We set off again the next day, but got defeated in the late afternoon, trying to round Punta Grossa. We faced an offshore Force 6 and a small but vicious sea. The next day the wind had eased. There were waves that were over head height at some of the headlands, but with well-loaded boats, we never needed even to brace. We completed the circumnavigation on the ninth day. It had been a fun trip despite the over- burgeoning tourism. We had eaten well and basked in that fabulous Mediterranean warmth, colour and friendliness. I was happy as I pulled my boat up the ramp at the Nautical Club in Ibiza town. Then I noticed something bobbing in the water beside me. I could not believe my eyes - it was that blasted orange rubber duck!

ThePaddler 91 ThePaddler 92

INFORMATION

Location: Ibiza is located in the Mediterranean Sea, to the east of the Spanish Peninsula, and is one of the Balearic Islands. Ibiza, which covers 572 square kms, is a whole world in miniature and stretches from the coast inland. Ibiza, with its smooth relief, along with Formentera, make up the so-called Pitiusas islands. The Greeks referred to them as the islands of the pines, Ibiza itself being the larger of the two. If you have ever wondered about the name of this place and found it intriguing, here’s something to make it more so. When Ibiza city was founded, in 654 BC, it was called IBSM (Ibosim). How’s that for exotic?

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Coastline: Throughout the 18kms of natural sandy beaches, fringed by crystal clear waters, Ibiza offers a huge range of possibilities to cater for all types of preferences. On the majority of our beaches, there is the chance to SPAIN do all kinds of water and outdoor sports. For those who enjoy hill walking or rambling, the Ibizan coast is a paradisiacal place to spend time. Moreover, many of these beaches are not only of great natural beauty but also have a historical worth in that there are many remains of past civilisations, old defence towers and other signs of Ibiza’s past history that are of great interest.

Getting there: You can reach the island either by plane or ship. Ibiza has its own airport, Sant Josep, set in the southern part of the island. Several airlines provide direct access from the Spanish Peninsula and Europe. The three main ports are the ports of Ibiza, Santa Eulària and Sant Antoni. The ferry companies of Balearia, Iscomar and Acciona, sail to the ports of Ibiza and Sant Antoni from different places on mainland Spain. Apart from the ferry crossings, it is also possible to reach the island by private ship, chartered crossings and various cruises. The regular sea crossings reach the island of Ibiza from Barcelona, Valencia, Dénia and Palma de Mallorca.

National Parks: Ibiza has two National Parks of particular ecological interest and natural beauty; the ses Salinas National Park and the nature reserve of es Vedrà, es Vedranell and the little islands to the west of Ibiza. Ses Salinas National Park consists of an area situated between the south of the island of Ibiza and the north of Formentera. A wide variety of differing natural features can be found, from salt lakes and beaches to lunar cords with centuries-old ghost trees, cliffs and rocky coastlines. In these places a peregrine falcon or a fishing eagle can be spotted, along with the little Freus islands including s’Espalmador, s’Espardell, and the isle des Penjats. The nature reserve of es Vedrà, es Vedranell, and the little islands to the west of Ibiza is situated to the south-west of the island of Ibiza, in the town of Sant Josep de sa Talaia. This protected area is made up of small islands, marine environment, cliffs, streams, beaches, cultivable fields, forests and hill ranges. A special feature of this reserve is the fact that it includes the highest point on the island; sa Talaia is 487 metres above sea level.

Paddling: The island is awash with caves, gullies, nooks, crannies and cliffs. Some that have experienced those claim it is like another world – another http://www.ibiza.travel/en/ world easily and comfortably accessible by kayak! One of the most popular kayak services on the island is Ibiza Mundo Activo, a service which offers the hiring of kayaks, lessons and tours among other sports. https://maps.google.com/?ll=38.873394,1.468048&spn=0.513726,0.944138&t=m&z=11

Opening Very Soon! ‘Sea Kayakers retreat’ based in IBIZA the White Isle. Accommodation - Kayak day trips - SendWeekly adventures enquiries - Trips/Tours to Mal - Kayak or YogaMau - Exercises [email protected] - Massage - Kayak Technic &Training.

ThePaddler 93 ThePaddler 94

The idea of making my THEinstructional paddling DVD ELUSIVE ‘Advanced Classic Solo Canoeing’ had been on the back-burner ever since I made Classic Solo Canoeing 10% way back in 2000. I had written much of the advanced script in 2000 but then to keep the original film under an hour so I decided to leave all of the advanced strokes for a second film. Over the intervening years a couple of tentative attempts were confounded by scheduling and funding issues but then it became apparent that 2011 was going to be the year it really would happen. Throughout my life I've always been told that creative endeavours are 90% hard work and 10% creativity – this formula proved to be true and this is the story of the mysterious 10%. By Becky Mason ThePaddler 95 ThePaddler 96 Shooting Underwater footage

12 feet under

A well thought-out script and storyboard was the most important thing you can do for a film project

Many people have mentioned that the success of any project. My Dad was a filmmaker underwater footage in ‘Advanced Classic Solo for the National Film Board of Canada and Canoeing’ is one of the features that makes my through his career he taught me that having a movie sparkle. I'm inclined to agree and feel that well thought-out script and storyboard was the it is a major part of that creative 10%. That being most important thing you can do for a film said you can't have it without the hard work side project. of the equation. I've taken that advice to heart and it has been They both are equally important, it's just that the invaluable. So for this movie I wrote and rewrote creative part can be elusive. The 90% is made up the script until I knew every word and then of planning, problem solving and going over recorded all of the dialogue. After I nailed the details with a fine tooth comb. It's preparation commentary down Reid (my husband and co- and ground work and that's the key to the producer) and I drew each scene so the words came alive for me in my imagination. When I With all the prep done this allowed me to be was confident that the script stage was finished I able to focus on my storyboard and shot list as then interviewed and selected my production well as being precise and clean with my paddling crew. Picking the right camera technology technique during the shoot. suited for my project was difficult The real estate adage of "location, location, because there was such an array location" rings true for film too. After much of camera choices. In the debate the location we chose for this movie was days of my Dad's career Lac Vert, Quebec, a pristine wilderness lake 50km you had a narrow north of Ottawa. I thought it was perfect for selection of profiling my strokes and one of the main reasons cameras we chose it was because of the stunning clarity of that the water; we knew that it would look spectacular on film, both above and below the water.

12 feet under

shot 8mm, 16mm or – if you were super rich, 32mm. Definitely not the case now! I often wonder what my Dad would make of the digital era and the amazing technological advances it has brought. One thing that I know he would have loved is that these days with a bit of money and some computer know-how you have the ability to make your own films from start to finish right at home. But if you're the canoeist then you will need a cameraman. So I rented a high definition digital camera and hired cameraman Neil Carroll and asked Ken Buck, Dad's former cameraman for his canoeing films ‘Path of the Paddle’ series, to direct the shooting. Ken also was a big help on location offering advice and his wealth of experience. It was a challenge to arrange the shoot in the secluded site I had chosen so I strong-armed a friend to haul all the heavy gear in and out of the canoes and up cliffs for shots. Reid the unwilling cameraman

ThePaddler 97 ThePaddler 98

We borrowed a GO-PRO camera because it seemed to be simple and compact enough to allow for the creativity we were after Becky Mason Becky

apprehensive about going under the water again. This time I enlisted my partner Reid and we set out to get the underwater shots. We borrowed a GO- to capture some underwater footage but, after In 2000 I had tried PRO camera because it seemed to be simple and trolling my scuba diving cameraman around compact enough to allow for the creativity we were Meech Lake on the end of a rope for half a day it after. We read the instructions – pretty straight ended badly with a broken camera and no footage. forward – but the big "OH NO!" moment Thankfully technology has come a long way since happened when Reid went online to research 2000! When we wrapped all of the traditional further and found that it was essential to have a flat shooting for my new film I was both excited and lens attached to the GO-PRO waterproof housing Underwater circle stroke

Underwater front sweep

Underwater low circle stroke for underwater shooting. He read with night before the shoot, found a piece of plexi-glass consternation that the convex lens on the and cut a round lens and glued it to a PVC waterproof housing was good for out of water plumbing pipe he cut to fit. He then discovered footage but underwater the curved lens bent the that plumber's putty would seal that sucker on the light and made for a fuzzy image. underwater housing of the GO-PRO without damaging the borrowed camera. Three hours later Because of earlier delays we were on a very tight he emerged successful. Desperate times indeed and deadline at this point and we were booked to an episode I like to consider as part of the creative edit soon. We had one day. So Reid, my handy side of the equation, but Reid may disagree! husband, beetled downstairs to our basement the

ThePaddler 99 ThePaddler 100

Capturing the

underwaterscenes involved a radically different approach from the bulk of the shooting for the movie. It's where Reid and I let the 10% inspiration shine through. We knew that we needed to trust our artistic instincts and even though we had pinned much of our hope for the success of the film on the underwater segments we realized that we just had to let things unfold unscripted, as they may. Perhaps that is the key to creativity, being able to trust in your intuition. As forecast, the morning dawned bright and sunny as we drove to Lac Vert. I had brought along a 50lb battery pack with my laptop so we could charge and download the camera and spot check the footage and we were in business. Our borrowed GOPRO didn't have a viewfinder so we were basically shooting blind – ‘point and pray’ we called it. But all seemed to align that day. Mother Nature shone down on us and gave us sun and just the right amount fluffy gorgeous cloud cover and everything jived for us in one day. The location, the light, the fish, and my paddling were spot on and, remarkably, the technology didn't get in the way of our creativity and most importantly it didn't fail us. Reid got our spectacular underwater and overhead shots. With a few clamps and some pieces of lumber he got creative, attaching the camera to the canoe for a variety of underwater and overhead shots and finally with great trepidation, standing up to his neck in water on the edge of a steep drop-off with the camera far below me on the end of a 12' pole following me as I had fun doing what I do best, dancing with my canoe. With no script to follow we experimented, letting our creative muse loose and chasing the ideas and images that were in our heads. It was thrilling, exciting and a little nerve-wracking too. It wasn't until we got home and downloaded the three hours of footage that we discovered that not only was the footage all that we'd hoped for but that we got fish too! They sure were curious fellows swimming right up to the camera for a look; they even ruined a couple of our best shots. But Freddy the Fish as we came to call him inadvertently stole the show and became the star of the movie.

Freddy the fish DIY guy with his lens

The location, the light, the fish, and my paddling were spot on and, remarkably, the technology didn't get in the way of our creativity

ThePaddler 101 ThePaddler 102

GO-PRO shooting overhead footage

There were of course many moments throughout the production where I felt bursts of wonder at how I could have had them. They are creativity. Whether I was writing the script, indeed gifts. But the greatest and most storyboarding, editing or even recording the memorable was that day we left the rules at narration there would be moments of clarity home and followed our whims and instincts. where I would feel a shift to the right side of my Some of it worked, some did not, but the brain and some random yet brilliant connections freedom and joy of creativeness that we felt was would occur. These moments, the nebulous 10%, even more rewarding than the results themselves. are truly remarkable, even miraculous and I often How could you ask for more? About Advanced Classic Solo Canoeing underwater shooting (http://youtube/W7B3mCWsyq) Becky Mason acquired her paddling skills and her fondness for canoes from her father, Bill Mason, the author and film maker of the ‘Path of the Paddle’ series. She continues the family tradition of sharing her passion for canoeing through her paddling instruction, film making, writing and presentations as well as being a water colour artist. She has been through much of Canada and the northern United States teaching and presenting and in 2010 and 2011 her touring took her to UK and Europe to introduce Style canoeing. Her introductory and advanced solo canoeing instructional videos from her Classic Solo Canoeing series are considered excellent teaching aids. Mason continues to teach canoeing at her home near Meech Lake, Quebec. Details at www.redcanoes.ca Becky is a Patron of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society’s Boreal Program and a Quetico Foundation trustee. She has Flatwater Paddle Canada Style instructor status and is honoured to be a patron of Paddle Canada. Her Advanced Classic Solo Canoe in 2011 won Best Instructional movie at the Waterwalker and Reel film festivals.

The 104 Paddler PERSPECTIVE Paddle Tanzania By Alan Feldstein

At a recent adventure show a speaker discussed the top three places you should visit before you die. She said two should be wherever you want but the first and number one thing you should do is go on safari in Africa. I could not agree more! It is a once in a lifetime experience to stay at beautiful camps and lodges with comfortable beds, toilets, showers and amazing food and have the

ability to see lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, gazelles, monkeys and DIFFERENT A all the other animals that continue to roam the vast plains. It is life-affirming to witness the ‘circle of life’. In fact it is so wonderful that I decided to share it with PERSPECTIVE Paddle Tanzania By Alan Feldstein

all the other animals that continue to roam the vast plains. It is life-affirming to witness the ‘circle of life’. In fact it is so wonderful that I decided to share it with others and started a safari company Infinite Safari Adventures (www.infinitesafariadventures.com). ThePaddler 105 ThePaddler 106 ‘Someday’

I have been travelling to Tanzania since 2000. In 2008 I and Steve Chumbley, my ground based partner isbecame one of if now!not the first to kayak off the coast of Tanzania in kayaks hand built by Steve. After four days of blissful paddling I realized that this was something that many people would want to do and started Infinite Safari Adventures. The port of Tanga We now take clients on kayak adventures a short drive from the port city of Tanga. Tanga was a major strategic port for the British in WWII and is still bustling. Our base is the unspoiled Fish Eagle Lodge. It is

the only lodge in the area and is operated by a wonderful couple from Zimbabwe whose lodge has been blessed by the local village elder. In fact on the day Fish Eagle opened, he had the owners go out in a boat and throw crystals in the bay.

Coincidence? Despite being a bit skeptical right after it was done a large sailfish and two dolphins appeared. Coincidence? No one will know, but afterwards, the local elder took him to a cave – his ‘office’ he called it and gave him all his contents which was a treasure trove of old stuff collected over the years. Nothing better could explain the spirit of the people of Africa. Fish Eagle Lodge is an amazing place to stay and kayak. You stay in a beautiful ‘banda’, where each one is open to the ocean with incredible views. The rooms are spacious and fully equipped with showers, flush toilet and a lovely deck to Weaver bird Weaver

sit out on and have afternoon tea that was brought to me every day. The main lodge, where you have your meals, enjoy a cold beer after a paddle and meet staff from the local village, also has an observation deck to view the unspoiled coastline. This is the way to kayak!

The days are relaxed and simple. After going to bed with the sound of the ocean and Bush Babies putting you to sleep you arise from a restful sleep and head to the main lodge for a full delicious breakfast of eggs, bacon, fruit, and fresh juice. Then it is time to canoe paddle.

You stay in a beautiful ‘banda’, where each one is

Traditional open to the ocean with incredible views

ThePaddler 107 ThePaddler 108 There are a number of paddle routes depending on people’s experience and desire. Each bright yellow boat has been hand-made by Steve and is equipped with state of the art equipment from the United States and Australia. We paddle to villages, down mangrove tributaries keeping an eye out for egrets, fish eagles, a goshawk and many other birds. Because it is salt water and shallow there are no hippos, crocs, sharks or any other dangerous creatures to worry about. Being down the groves is amazing – the only sound heard are the birds and your paddle dipping into the still waters. After a paddle you can fish, snorkel or take a nap in a hammock. A few days later it will sadly be time to go home. After a drive to Tanga it is a short plane ride to Kilimanjaro Airport and then on to home. As you leave Tanzania, relish the fact that not only did you see spectacular wildlife on safari but you truly saw Tanzania, its people and its beauty in a way very few have. Many people tell me Africa is on their bucket list. To them I say “Someday” Is Now!

Infinite Safari Adventures (www.infinitesafariadventures.com)

It is salt water and shallow there are no hippos, crocs, sharks or any other dangerous creatures to worry about ThePaddler 109 ThePaddler 110

INFORMATION

LOCATION: Tanzania is located in east Africa bordering the Indian Ocean, between Kenya and Mozambique. The capital is Dodoma (but the commercial capital and largest city is Dar es Salaam).

CLIMATE: Tanzania lies just south of the equator and on the whole enjoys a tropical climate. There are two rainy seasons, generally the heaviest rains (called Masika) usually fall from mid-March to May and a shorter period of rain (called mvuli) from November to mid-January. The dry season, with cooler temperatures, lasts from May to October.

POPULATION: Around 39 million people live in Tanzania.

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ATTRACTIONS: Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater – part of the ‘northern circuit’ of parks, these two wildlife parks/reserves are the jewels in the crown and TANZANIAarguably offer the best safari experience in Africa. Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest mountain draws hikers from all over the world. It takes about a week to climb and no technical expertise is necessary to summit Uhuru Peak.

Zanzibar – gorgeous beaches, romantic islands as well as a fascinating capital built by Arab slave-traders and spice merchants called Stonetown, make Zanzibar a unique destination.

GETTING THERE: Tanzania has two international airports, one outside the commercial capital Dar es Salaam (airport code: DAR) and the other near Arusha (and Mount Kilimanjaro) called Kilimanjaro International Airport (airport code: JRO). Charter flights and some international operators fly directly to Zanzibar Island (airport code: ZNZ). If you’re planning to visit northern Tanzania, the best airport to arrive at is Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA). KLM has daily flights from Amsterdam. Ethiopian and Kenya Airways also fly into KIA. If you’re planning to visit Zanzibar, southern and western Tanzania, you will want to fly to the capital Dar es Salaam. European carriers that fly into Dar es Salaam include British Airways, KLM and Swissair. There are long-distance bus services between Tanzania and Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Mozambique and Uganda.

LANGUAGE: Kiswahili or Swahili (official), English (official, primary language of commerce, administration, and higher education), Arabic (widely spoken in Zanzibar) and many local languages.

RELIGION: Mainland - Christian 30%, Muslim 35%, and indigenous beliefs 35%. Zanzibar, more than 99% Muslim.

CURRENCY: Tanzanian Shilling. VISAS: Most nationalities need a tourist visa to enter Tanzania, they are valid for six months from the date of issue. Check directly with a Tanzanian Embassy for fees and procedures. http://goafrica.about.com Tanzania’s Tourist Board: E-mail: [email protected]. Tel:(255) 022 2111244 http://tanzaniatouristboard.com/ Your paddles, courses, jobs and travels To advertise your £20.00/$32.00 ad on this page email: [email protected] XQLYHUVDOFDPSÀUHÁDWSDFN VWDLQOHVVVWHHOJPV www.hotsam.co.uk

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Explore Milos Island, Greece 6 Day-trips with 8 nights B&B for €560 pp. Genuine hospitality, quality equipment, an amazing place to paddle. BCU qualified coaches. We are open all year, everyone is welcome. WWW.SEAKAYAKGREECE.COM           BOATHOUSE ON THE TAY FOR SALE ‡ Direct access to Tay ‡

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