The Pyrenees is probably not the first place that springs to mind when you mention the words Open Boating! But having just returned from a short paddling trip there, rest assured a good time was had by all. The aims of our trip was to allow people to work towards BCU star wards where possible and also to give people an Alpine experience. We based our selves at the Camping du Valentin campsite in Laruns at the head of the Ossau valley, which is in the Parc National des Pyrenees.
The Pyrenees itself is a mountain range in the South West of Europe that forms a natural border between France and Spain and offers the perfect environment for adventure and a challenge offered by the variety of good white water paddling. Anyone and everyone will enjoy paddling the rivers in the Pyrenees, as there are sections of rivers ranging from grade 2 to 5+. The river levels vary according to the water releases from dams, rainfall and melting snow. This year the levels were low due to a lack of rain and little snowmelt, this however did not prove to be too much of an issue for our plans.
It was decided that a god starting point would be to spend the first day after traveling, refreshing peoples rescue skills at the Slalom course on the River Pau not far from Lourdes. This proved to be worthwhile and gave people the opportunity to practice their swimming, use of throwlines and good chance to explore the use of swim lines, all of which proved very useful as the week developed.
Throwline practice
Getting to grips with swim lines
Using a vector to pull to assist the rescue of a canoe
Knit one, pearl one!!
Despite the variety of river paddling opportunities available to us, day two found us searching for some flat water in the form of a lake in order to look at some fundamental canoe skills, paddling both tandem and solo prior to tackling some of the rivers. This proved somewhat of a challenge as most of the local lakes are in fact private and owned by the Hydro-electric scheme and paddling is not permitted.
One of the many warning signs
Even after some careful research prior to the trip and after having spoken to some local paddlers our first location was a classic example of this and so we had to head further afield and travel across the border into Spain. This proved worth while and gave the group the opportunity to not only paddle in a stunning setting but also due to the wind an opportunity for a bit of sailing.
A stunning setting for some open water paddling
Time for some sailing
After having explored the local area and enjoying the scenery we headed back to the beach for a spot of lunch and an opportunity to take a look at the use of tarp shelters in conjunction with boats, poles and paddles etc
A bit of tarpology was also on the lunch time menu!
For the remainder of the week we focused on our white water paddling and visited a number of rivers including the Garve de Pau and Garve d’Ossau. The guide book states that theses rivers are grade 2 to 3, however due to the low water conditions they were only of a good grade 2 with nothing too serious. Incidentally the guide book I refer to is White Water Pyrenees by Patrick Santal.
Looking back up the Ossau with the majestic mountains in the back ground
The look of concentration!
During our river trips we came across a number of barrages that form part of the Hydro electric scheme and required portaging. Also a number of weirs were encountered, that after inspection were run, proving to be a real highlight for some.
Richard narrowly avoiding swamping!
Enjoying one of the many weirs
Despite the low levels of water experienced the trip proved to be a great success, and I would certainly recommend it as a good paddling location for open boat. I am already planning to head back there again next year and explore more of the rivers. All those who took part benefitted greatly and felt the experience was worth while, plus a big improvement was noted in everyones skills.
Thanks to everyone that came along and made the trip possible.
Get some coaching from top coaching providers including Palm’s Lowri Davies. Whether you want to gain confidence on grade 3/4, perfect your playboating, or simply fancy a guided trip of the scenic lower Tryweryn, these guys will be able to help you out. Sign up when you arrive.
Race in the PALM 8-BALL! This is full contact paddling. Think head-to-head boaterX mixed with Robot Wars. The aim? Get to the bottom of the section first and avoid being taken out by one of many inflatable kayakers in your path…. (Exact time to be confirmed although probably Saturday afternoon)
Leave your car at the takeout and take advantage of free shuttles throughout the weekend. Leaving you with more time on the water! Ace.
Outfit your boat. Do you struggle getting the fit of your Dagger kayak just right? Come see us and we’ll help you pad it out to perfection!
Discover Palm’s 2011 range. We’ll have experts on hand to talk you through the range and our design process.
Bring your bikeand take part in the multisport challenge.
Sounds good! How much is it?
Tickets are £25 and on sale now! Call the centre on 01678 521 083 or pop in to reception to book. Please advise of any dietary requirments at time of booking.
As with last year there will be shuttles from the lower river, camping at Bala Mill on Friday and Saturday night, evening entertainment and meals provided on Friday and Saturday night.
I’m convinced, now show me some shots of last year’s 8-Ball Carnage!
I thought you’d never ask. Here you go.
This all sounds a bit advanced to me, is there anywhere I can go to try paddling for the first time?
Don’t forget, we’re also in the East Midlands this weekend at the Midsummer Great Escape in Belvoir Castle. The perfect opportunity to get on the water for the first time…
In Plattling the site of the 2011 Freestyle Kayak World Champs things are really hotting up, it’s exciting as its now days away from the beginning on nation training and not long till the events prelims kick off!
The levels have risen to almost perfect levels, paddlers from all over the world are flying in with many new boat designs from plastic and carbon and many of the main contenders are honing in their comp rides. Its a pretty fun time to be here. You can feel the anticipation around the camp ground as people come and check out what everyone’s throwing, what boat people are using, what moves are working and what aren’t and of course the downside of all the paddlers coming in….long eddy queues!
For myself I have spent quite a lot of time here already and have a good idea of what my ride will be whatever the level so i’m just choosing the times when the hole is quiet to get on and make sure all my moves are still going how i want and work on some of my harder tricks to see if i can get something extra special to pull out if i need it.
One of the really cool things about this event is how people are really stepping their paddling up to new levels, the Americans generally have been really focusing on linking the moves together as much as possible whereas the Europeans have been focusing on going big and super straight on the big moves and on various trophy moves and the more fluid linked sequences.
The women have also taken a big jump up in their paddling and the top competitiors are throwing many of the high scoring moves in their rides and i expect the top girls scores will place highly in the mens too. Katya’s been getting really good rides lately hitting big Fonix’s, Mc’nasties, loops and Godzilla’s and i think if she keeps her current surge going she stands a great chance.
I mentioned earlier how paddlers are pulling out all stops here to win with many paddlers having spent at least the last half year doing focused training for this event and also about the huge variety of boats been used here, i’ll go into that a bit more;-
We have the Jackson Rockstar and All Stars in both plastic and Carbon being used by the majority of the paddlers, many are saying the perfer the plastic over the carbon addition which is a bit puzzling to me but does seem to be reflected in their paddling. Watch out for Gerd from Spain and of course Ej, Dane, Nick & Emily along with Dustin Urban/ Stephen Wright to go well in this design.
Then their is the new Robson Carbon boat which was designed by Martin Koll mainly for this event and is really strong for Mc’nasties and Fonix’s and looks like it can go very well especially in low water. Many of the German team will use this boat.
And of course the Composite Guigui-Prod Easymix 2008 and the newer 2010 edition. I use the 2008 model and think that its the best design hands down for any hole feature as long as your the right build for it. For the smaller paddlers the 2010 edition looks like a good contendor with a few of the Spainish and french looking good in it.
The Vajda composite boats are also out in force here with Peter Csonka, Bartosz from Poland and Katya all looking good and standing a good chance to do well in them.
Then from Wavesport their is the Project X which is looking like a very hot design but only available in plastic. Look out for Bryan Kirk and Simon Strohemier in these.
Finally their are a few home made and adapted composite boats here such as Joey Hitchens own creation and Seppi Strohmeier’s cut up and adapted Carbon Wavesport CX.
Its going to be really interesting to see which styles and designs come out on top here at Worlds. there has been a huge amount of creativity and development put into freestyle for this one competition and huge step up in skill levels around the World and around the disciplines. I really think the Europeans stand a great chance to take away a lot of the medals at this event!!!
Anyways, here’s a few photos of what’s been going on, check back soon for more on whats going on as the event kicks off!
Wish me and Katya some good luck for the next couple weeks!
Team Palm completed the Race for Life yesterday in aid of Cancer Research UK.
Congratulations to Sam, Rowie, Penny, Julie, Anne, Kate, Jo, Emily and Jane from Palm HQ who braved the rain and wind on the beach at Weston Super Mare to run 5K to raise money for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work.
Here’s some shots of the team in action!
Team Palm @ Race for Life
Fancy getting involved? Race for Life events are fantastic fun for women of all ages and fitness levels. Enter your local 5k or 10k Race for Life and raise money for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work.
Find your nearest Race for Life on the Cancer Research UK website.
We’re off to Belvoir Castle in the midlands this weekend to take canoeing to the masses! We want to get as many people on the water as possible and will have all the boats, equipment and expert coaches you need. If you haven’t tried canoeing before, now’s a fantastic chance to try something new! Your ‘come and try it’ session can be booked at the show and full details will be in the showguide which you will receive on arrival.
Other than the chance to try the fastest growing watersport in the UK, The Great Escape offers you:
Over 180 exhibitors selling everything from luxury British, European and American motorhomes and caravans as well as vast selection of accessories to compliment your camping experience.
Two open air concerts.
A full daytime activity programme including circus workshops, activity workshops, pub quizzes, bingo, balloon modelling workshops, magic shows and much more!
Authentic French food with freshly baked bread, french tarts, croissants, chesses, cold sausages, olives and more…
Great daytime music programme
Bring your fishing rods with you and take the opportunity to get some great fishing in. Visit www.ajsfisheries.co.uk and book your fishing spot for the weekend.
And there’s more ….. Belvoir Castle have offered campers a discounted offer to visit the castle on the Sunday too…
Our Come & Try it event in Nottingham
We’ll see you there!
The Midsummer Great Escape
Location: Stand #97, Belvoir Castle, Grantham, Leicestershire. NG32 1PE
Dates: 17 – 19 June 2011
On the way back to Germany to the site of the 2011 World Champs in Plattling now but here’s a little wrap up of my trip to compete in my first Teva Games in Vail, Colorado.
The first kayak event that was held was the Steep Creek Championship to be held on the Homestake Creek. Anne wrote quite a but about that already on the post below but here’s my personal little take on it.
Its a pretty beautiful area with mountains all around and a very different landscape to anywhere I’ve been before!
I arrived the day before the event started so got to take a few practice runs down. The creek is really rocky & bony but pretty fun to paddle. My main issue was getting the line on the last drop, Leap of Faith. I had two nice lines down it and 2 bad ones in practice. The other thing I noticed was that due to the alltiude here (10,000 feet) you get tired really quickly,, pretty crazy.
In the race the field cut to 22 after the first run with the remaining competitiors getting a second run to sort out the final results. I went pretty hard in the beginning and had quite good lines on the upper section although did get caught up on a few rocks and lost some time there, but i was quite happy anyways until i reached the last drop and screwed up my line. Got backlooped in the drop then stuck up against the wall upside down, took me a good 10 seconds to get back up and get to the finish….
Not the best run for sure, I finished up in 33rd, think i have a quite a bit to learn in creek racing. Mike Dawson were pretty incredible though getting great smooth lines and incredibly managed to tie for top spot down to the hundredth of a second!!!
The results were:-
1st:- Mike Dawson & Honza Lasko
3rd:- Jakub Nemec
Ladies:-
1st:- Adriene Levknect
2nd:-Nikki Kelly
3rd:-Martina Wegman
and Palm’s Anne Hubner in 4th
The next event was the Freestyle Kayak held in the hole at International Bridge.
The feature was good but a little shallow and tricky to set up.
In the qualifying round the field cut to the top 15. I had pretty good rides, did miss a couple moves but was pretty happy wit how it went finishing up in 4th position. Stephen Wright took 1st spot with some huge Loops and Godzilla’s.
The following day were the semi’s in the morning and finals in the evening.
In the semi’s you need to make the top 5 to get in the finals. I felt pretty good, dropping into my run. Had a really good start getting my entry move, both Mc’nasties, both Fonix’s and then went to go do Loops and Godzillas but couldn’t get the pop for it. Still was pretty sure I’d done plenty to make finals so in my second run, i stupidly took it pretty easy to save energy for later.
Results came out and i was sitting down in 8th, in my mind from scoring the video I’ve seen of my ride i came in 3rd… But judging is done in real time, without the benefit of video so mistakes do happen time to time, so just learn my lesson to never take it easy in a ride and move on to my next target, Worlds!
For those that want to check out the 60 second ride judges gave me 590 when it should have been scored 750 at least see:- https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150200452045949&oid=319949401906&comments
Finals were really well fought out however with some great kayaking getting thrown down. First was Dustin Urban with some really nice smooth paddling to beat out Ej who got 2nd with Dane in 3rd.
Womens were 1st Emily Jackson, 2nd Ruth Ebens and 3rd Hayley Mills.
Then the last event was the 8 Ball Kayak which is basically a head to head 6 at a time race down the easy stretch above the freestyle hole to under the bridge with one little twist. The 8ballers, a bunch of kayakers, rafters & SUP’ers whose job it is to take out the racers. i decided not to take part in this one with Worlds being so close, i didn’t want to get hurt but it looked awesome, super carnage!
1st was Mike Dawson, 2nd brendan Bayly and 3rd David Fussili.
Womens 1st was Nicole Mansfield, 2nd Louise Urwin and 3rd Emily Jackson.
Was a really cool competition for sure but now its on to Plattling to get ready for Worlds.
After arriving Monday night in the amazing little town 2445 m above sea level in the middle of Colorados Eagle County I had two awesome days getting ready for the steep creek competition at Homestake even higher up in the mountains. Having my first practice runs down the tricky steep section I quickly got an idea what it means to race in that altitude. Having nice practice runs I felt best prepared for the Steep Creek Championships on Thursday. My first run was pretty sweet till I entered the last pool, there I got turned around and went backwards over the last drop. Lucky me was able to roll and finish the first run at forth place. So the top five lady were supposed to do a second run – both counted. It was Adriene Levknecht (USA) in the lead with an incredible advance of seven seconds to the next placed Martina Wegman from the Netherlands and Nikki Kelly out of New Zealand. Trying to catch a place on the podium in the finals I didn´t really find into the race again and ended up forth. Adriene took home the 2000 dollars price money followed by Nikki and Martina. Lou Urwin from New Zealand was the only lady who did better in the second run than in the first but finally ended up fifth. Congrats to Adriene for her absolute superior time which would have placed her under the top 15 of the mens.
The first run of the mens class was dominated by Mike Dawson (NZL) beating the time of second placed Honza Lasko by three seconds followed by Jakub Nemec in third position, both from the Czech Republic.The mens kept fighting hard in the finals and the spectators got to see sweet lines as well as good carnage down the last drop “leap of faith”. In the end the top three didn´t give any chance to the following crowd and there was a almost unbelievable finish were both Honza and Mike ended up with exactly the same time after two runs. So they shared the first place at the podium and split the price money – Jakub stayed in third position and sent off Michele Ramazza (Italy) and Sam Sutton (NZL) to the places four and five.
Team Palm paddler James”Pringle” Bebbington had a hard time in the strong mens competitors field and ended up 31th.
Having a fun day out there yesterday, got to see smooth lines, hard crashes and carnage I´m excited about todays Freestyle competition in the heart of Vail.
We are part way through our first Canoe Village event of the year and word of our success has spread, as yesterday we were visited by Royalty!
Arriving in style - our royal visitor
Whilst being shown around, the Countess of Wessex made a bee-line for the Canoe Village stand to see why it is one of the most popular features at the show and how the collabiration between manufacturers and govening bodies is helping to grow participation in the sport and enjoyment of the outdoors.
Meeting our on water organiser - Rob from Globe 360
She was amazed to learn how we’d broken records for the fifth year runnning by getting over six hundred, mostly new, participants on the water on the first day alone , although a shoulder injury prevented her from taking to the water herself. She also took time to look over the different types of boats taking a particularl shine to the Wilderness Tapon 120 Angler and of course the show stopping Mad River Duck Hunter.
The Tarpon 120 proved popular
The event continues today and tomorrow and the Canoe Village will then be moving onto the South of England Show next week and the the CLA Game Fair in July.
After making the German freestyle team for worlds 2011 in Plattling and due to the fact I haven´t been in a playboat since October last year I decided I have to get in some more practice rides before worlds. For this reason I moved in to the small community at the wave in Plattling and found some good companion in the British crew with Emily Wall, Sam Ward, James “Pringle” Bebbington, Katya Kulkova (I know you´re not British … but almost ;)) and for sure Martin Koll, Bartosz Czauderna and the Irish boys – Orky and Thomas. Working the whole day in the organization team for worlds I was dying for my workout – the evening session in the wave. Though the water level was pretty low most of the time I had great fun kayaking, lots of dark chocolate ice-cream and barbecue. But after playing in the same hole for about two weeks I´m excited to move again – next stop: Teva Mountain Games in Colorado! Bye bye Plattling – hello Vail!
Check back for updates how kayaking is going overseas.
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