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FIRST TRI FOR ISLAND EVENT the flow The inaugural Hebridean is urging athletes to sign up. The event on July 30 includes a 1.5km swim in Loch a’ Bhaile on the western side of the Isle of Lewis. The bike ride is a 40km out-and-back route from the loch, followed by a 10km run. and cycle helmets are obligatory and neoprene swim caps are recommended. Places are limited – email hebtri@ gmail.com. Next year, an open public entry triathlon will be held on the same course. See www.hebtri.co.uk kit of the week Helinox Chair One Mini Helinox have launched a children’s Have version of a popular you camping chair, the Chair One tried? Mini. It uses the same materials and Riverboarding construction What is it? as the original award- A crazy way to descend a white winning Chair One, but in a water by on a smaller, more lightweight package. foam board. The Chair One Mini is very simple Tell me more to construct thanks to a one-piece A high-adrenaline outdoor aluminium frame that is held together sport import from New Zealand, by shock cord. FIONA riverboarding takes sea surfing The breathable mesh fabric is tough boogie boarding to fast flowing and comfortable and the chair comes RUSSELL . with a zipped carry case that has grab Participants wear wetsuits, handles. n The Helinox Chair One Mini costs buoyancy aids and helmets £65 from selected UK retailers. For If you’ve taken the to surf-ride down river and over more information and details of lying prone on large stockists visit www.helinox.eu plunge and tried boogie boards. white water , Fins are also worn on the feet to help with forward momentum rapid learners Riverboarders at Pinkston Watersports Centre, Glasgow daredevils might on sections of water that are flatter or slower. conscious when doing this in the he descended a 22m (72ft) want to get Phil Robinson, of Outdoor rivers and we have instructors on the upper reaches on board to try a Pursuits Scotland, leads leading the group and of the Pacuare River in Costa riverboarding on the River Tay as back-up where required. Rica on his board. new sport where in Perthshire and taster sessions “However, Pinkston is a great Anything similar? at Pinkston Watersports Centre place to try riverboarding first Riverboarding has two sibling you wear a , in Glasgow. before going wild on the river. sports, white water sledging helmet and fins to He reckons it’s a great thing “The switchback still and hydrospeed. to try if you have enjoyed white gives a charge of adrenaline Another Scottish outdoors surf over rapids water rafting. fun and is perfect for beginners.” provider, Boots ’n’ Paddles, He said: “Participants need Anything else to know? guide white water sledging to be game for getting into the On the Tay, a riverboarding trip tours on the fast-flowing River route to success Volunteering water and being fully immersed. heads 3.5 miles from Stanley to Garry, near Loch Ness. “They need to be able to deal Thistlebrig. This is particularly full-on with having pretty much no There are five main rapids, when the dam higher up the Adopt a path including those named hell-hole river is released. Walkers are being asked to adopt paths control whatsoever as they in Scotland’s two national parks. descend the rapids. corner, wee stinker and the weir. More sedate outings take The Mountains and the People “This activity is fast and To finish, riverboarders can place on the River Feshie, near project will also create 36 traineeships furious and tons of fun. try the ultimate challenge of the Aviemore. as part of a £6.1million scheme to Everyone who does it says it trip – navigating the fastest and Who can riverboard? improve routes in the Cairngorms and offers a real buzz of adrenaline.” longest rapid, with the biggest Lower age limits of around Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. For people who are not so sure waves. 14 apply and boarders need The Adopt a Path scheme needs volunteers to inspect routes and paths about a big river environment, But this is nothing compared to be good swimmers. to spot areas requiring maintenance. It you can try riverboarding on to the record-breaking Find out more aims to improve over 78 miles of paths Pinkston’s purpose-built riverboarding descent claimed www.outdoorpursuitsscotland. and offer more than 1000 days of water flume. by South African-born co.uk and www.boots-n- volunteering. The paid traineeships will Advice Phil said: “We are very safety adventurer Mike Horn. It’s said paddles.co.uk offer a chance to gain qualifications for work in the conservation sector. and Join me on my adventures in Scotland’s great outdoors by checking out my award-winning nSee www.themountainsandthe ideas website at www.fionaoutdoors.co.uk – you’ll find lots of great information about walking,

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cycling, running and other outdoor activities, as well as kit reviews. ■