Features footage from our drive from the Uk to Galicia, time on the Frieira Dam Wave on the Spain/ Portugal border and then the footage we have from our weeks creeking in Portugal.
Simon Mayo’s Monday programme on BBC Radio 2 featured Palm’s marketing manager, Paul Robertson, talking about the differences between canoeing and kayaking. Nice one Paul!
Check out the interview on BBC iplayer (skip to 18 minutes)
The first ever Cardiff International Whitewater Safety & Rescue Symposium took place yesterday at Cardiff International Whitewater course. As headline sponsor, Palm brought along team paddler and rescue professional Dave Carroll to share his massive knowledge on safety and rescue practice (and infectious humour!).
With over 50 participants the day was a huge success and is sure to grow to be a regular fixture. If you haven’t made it down to Cardiff Whitewater yet it’s well worth a visit. With 250 metres of more less continuous whitewater it’s an ideal alpine training ground. Many thanks to all of the CIWW staff and coaches for putting on the event and organising such fantastic weather.
It’s hard to explain just how much I ache at this moment, but I’m sure many of you reading this are still feeling the full effects of this year’s NSR, be it from the copious amounts of partying or the water quality…
So continuing on the theme in the post below – here’s our video wrap up of the weekend:
We’ve just got back from the National Student Rodeo – what a weekend it was! Over 800 paddlers from university clubs all over the county travelled to the National Watersports Centre in Nottingham, UK for probably the biggest (and definitely one of the most fun) events on the European boating calendar.
The Topo Duo Final
But what makes it so brilliant?
1. Enthusiasm
I’ve never seen so many paddlers loving boating as much as I did this weekend. More a festival than a competition, the NSR is all about getting as many people on the water as possible. It’s not about being the best. It’s about grinning inanely whilst powerflipping, epic ‘King of the Wave’ competitions, or standing up in your boat and blowing kisses at the judges. It’s about swimming, grinning and coming back for more.
Old Skool Queen Niamh
2. Carnage
Oh the carnage…. From the inflatable sofa-cross (geddit?) to the now infamous Duo final the carnage at NSR this year will take a lot of beating. Check out the shots and video below if you don’t believe me.
3. Organisation.
The event is meticulously organised. To get 800 paddlers down the course in one weekend is amazing. For it to all run on time is incredible. And when you consider that the NSR is entirely run by volunteers (from Leeds University and River Legacy) it’s mind blowing. Here’s some of the 90 paddlers Leeds Uni brought with them. Well done guys.
Event organisers Leeds Uni
Ex and Ex-ex Rodeo Bosses Andy and Luke judging the final
4. The party.
Students know how to party and the NSR party is always epic. The beach theme provided plenty of inspiration for some brilliant fancy dress. In fact we were so impressed by the quality of the outfits we’ve decided to give a prize to the best dressed. If you were there and fancy your chances just post a picture of yourself at the party to the Palm Facebook Page. We’ll judge them on Friday and send the winner a free Kinetic or Lara WW jacket. Too easy!
4. The Prizes. Nottingham University were eventual winners of the competition and took away our Dagger Axiom with custom NSR graphics.
Nottingham University collecting their prize
Massive massive thanks to Jethro, Nic and the rest of Leeds University Canoe Club for organising a brilliant event. See you there next year!
Win a Free Palm Whitewater Jacket!
Got a spare 2 minutes?
Post a photo of yourself at the NSR party to the Palm Facebook Page.
We’ll judge the best Fancy dress
We’ll choose a winner on Friday and send you a jacket in the post.
Last week we supported Desperate Measures with the Canoe and Kayak Pool at the Boat & Caravan Show and Cardiff International White Water with the CIWW Pool at the Outdoor Leisure Show – both held at the NEC Birmingham.
30,000 people visited the Shows, both of the Pools were busy throughout with much fun had by all who ventured onto the water. CIWW gave over 600 people a taster of kayaking during the three days of the Outdoor Leisure Show in addition to having a fun and interactive display.
