The day started with the Men’s K1 Quarter Finals, cutting the field to 10 with three 45-second rides, best 2 counting.
The water was dirty from yesterday night’s thunderstorms but the level seemed to be lower making the feature tougher and harder work to get the moves in.
In the Quarters, everyone was expecting higher scores as we had one ride to throw away but in the end it was lower scores than yesterday, with paddlers getting to grips with the harder level.
The GBR team did very good with all 3 making the top 10, GB’s James Weight in 1st. He is consistently performing on a top level this event. He is the only paddler managing to hit any combo/ trophy moves (the back loop to mcnasty).
I got 5th with mediocre rides I wasn’t quite happy with my paddling so went away to the nearby lake to pull myself together to bring out my best for the semi finals later.
It is a very hot beautiful sunny weather here, but this also means the paddlers are boiling in their gear in the waiting eddy (water is still quite cold here, so many wearing long cags despite the sun).
Next up was the Junior Men’s Semi Final, cutting from 10 to the top 5 who go through to the Final tomorrow. Many boys were struggling with the lower water level.
Palm’s Bren Orton managed to put it together in his 2nd run to get 1st again with GB’s James Benns again on his heals in 2nd. The other GB paddler Sam Stephenson claimed 3rd to get his place to the finals too.
Bren has a very good chance here for the final and has been regularly hitting rides that would place him in the men’s final so I wish him good luck for the fight for the title tomorrow. James Benns the other very talented GB Junior who is very capable of doing a winning ride will probably be the only one who can be an equal competitor for Bren.
Women’s Semi Finals was next with a few surprises. The reigning World Champion GB’s Claire O’Hara unfortunately had a hard time with the lower level and finished 7th, missing the finals. Frenchie Marlene Devillez (reigning European Champion) looks like she’s going to keep her title this year with another 1st going into the finals. Palm’s Anne Huebner unfortunately also missed the final. What is good however is some new faces making the final, Norwegians Tora Heggem and Kari Olnes who just turned senior this year.
Then it was back on the water for me in the Men’s Semi Finals. Competing the second time in the same day in this hole was tough for all of us but actually the standard of rides did go up.
I finally got two rides I was happy with and came 1st with 930 points in my best ride. Just behind me by 14 points was reigning European Champion Peter Csonka, my most usual challenger who I very enjoy to paddle with and against.
He has been suffering quite a bad injury and almost didn’t practice at all in an effort to try and get healed up before the event. Through the pain however he is doing a very tough rides to beat.
3rd was Sebastian Devred from France with a very consistent rides as he usually does.
4th went to Spanish reigning Junior European Champion Joaquim Fontane. Who is performing in his first senior year at a very good level.
The last place in the finals went to GB’s James Weight who seemed to take a break from his high scoring domination to save himself for tomorrow
I think it will be one of the hardest finals I’ve ever been in, with scores similar to Worlds so far but on a much harder feature. I’m looking forward to trying to bring out my best against such good competition
Pringle
P.S. Results in the Gallery below (bit backwards order so check the corner to see whether its for Semi’s or Quarters…:-)
Day 2 of the european championships saw the senior men and junior ladies stepping up for their first rides of the event.
The junior ladies was typically closely fought and some impressive rides were thrown down by the girls in this powerful hole. Jen Mcgally and Kim Aldred from Gbr both made it through to the next round of the competition and Nuria fontanne messo from spain managed to put some fear in the junior boys with some huge space godzillas.
During the mens prelims tensions are always high, with both rides counting there is little room for error, a mistake here will cost you dearly and could potentially stop you from advancing to the next round.
Palms James Bebbington managed to lay down some great rides and secure his place in the next round along with the other members of the Gbr senior team, James Weight, Andy Brinkley and Alan Ward – unfortunately Gav Barker, who has been battling an injury for the past few days did not quite make the cut,
The cut for the senior men is filled with some of the top paddlers in the world and it’s going to make for an awesome few days spectating.
Unfortunately due to problems with the internet here, I can’t upload todays pictures, but will make sure I get them up tomorrow after my rides
With alpine adventures under way and expedition season fast approaching, this months Coaching Dispatches looks at big waves.
Photo: Tim Burne | Location: Sweden
Posture is the key to everything, without it we would capsize. When dealing with big waves upper and lower body separation becomes even more important. As the boat rides up and over the wave we must be ready to let the boat pitch upwards and keep our centre of gravity over the front of the boat.
When riding through a long wave train, our vision might be limited, we might only be able to see on top of the peaks. If we then want to change the way we are facing to change river position, we must think tactically about when this can effectively be done. In tight smaller wave trains, we might not be able to turn effectively in the trough of the waves because of the resistant from the peaks around us. We can’t push the boat through a wall of water. On big tall waves we might not want to travel up the wave facing sideways, in order to maintain posture and boat speed for anything unexpected behind the wave.
Posture is Key. Photo: Adam D | Paddler: Matt Tidy | Location: Nepal
As we see a big wave approaching, the obvious reaction is to hit the power and charge. We get that shot of adrenaline, tense up (effecting posture) and stop thinking about our strokes. As you get more used to this environment you’ll find you generally need less speed than you think and you’ll then find you have more control.
Remember you can’t take a big stroke off the top of a wave because there isn’t much water about. Two common mistakes I see regularly, is to take a stroke at the peak and the last half of the stroke just fires through the air or reaching behind a wave. In both cases we are not anticipating the change in water level through the waves. Slow, even powered strokes. This is a great time to play with changing blade pressure.
Nick applies even blade pressure as he rides over a wave in Switzerland.
Don't forget to turn around and play on those waves! Photo: Tim Burne
Chris Eastabrook Coaching offers bespoke personal coaching covering a range of skills and mental preparation designed around your white water kayaking goals.
The European Championships 2012 opened yesterday in Lienz, Austria. They held a Opening Ceremony in a 14th century Castle (museum) with free drinks, speeches and a drum performance (just using 2 kayaks).
Lienz is the only place in the World where they would let kayakers into a museum with as many free drinks as they want
Today the competition started from OC1, Junior Men, Womens and C1 Prelims.
The level is a bit different to what people are used to, so its proving quite challenging. (and it’s a pretty tough feature to begin with But the beautiful surroundings, hot sun, mountains, lakes, swimming pools make up for the harshness of the feature.
Junior Mens was dominated by the British team getting the first four places (see results below in photos). Palm Paddler Bren Orton put himself in 1st position a long way ahead with over a 1000 points, getting a first ride that would likely see him in a similar place in the mens.
Womens current European Champion Marlene from France is currently in first place followed by Claire O’Hara from GB. Palms Anne Huebner got through to the semi finals and Katya finished 11th just missing the cut.
C1 prelims were won by GB’s Adam Ramadan ahead of the current European Champions Lukas Cervinka from Czech.
So far you can definitely say that Team GB have dominating the competition, especially taking into account the results in OC1 & Squirt Boats.
Tomorrow the most exciting part coming (hopefully with a K1 men where I’ll get to compete to make the cut to the top 20.
Once again our training weekend was set for North Wales. Spirits were high as were the water levels! But so was the strength of the wind. We were minus our coach for this weekend but he had done his home work and left us with a gruelling weekend plan to follow. Session one was a flat water session on Bala Lake doing sustained speed sprints. It was really hard to sustain anything with the wind that we were having to battle against, but we are ‘in it to win it’ so we soldiered on! After about an hour morale was pretty low when we realised we wern’t even half way through the session, but at least we were all still dry thanks to our Palm cags and dry trousers!! With an almighty roar from Suzie of “I am NOT TIRED” we put our heads down and finished what we had started! Then we quickly made a run for a lovely warm café in Bala for a cuppa, chat and re-coup.
Session 2 was spent on The Mighty Tryweryn practising our slalom skills. If only sometimes the water could flow a bit slower…and annoying rocks weren’t always in the way…
Most people might go home after a full day rafting like that, put their feet up, have a well earned cup of tea and watch Antiques Roadshow or re-runs of The Good Life. Not us. Nerys was ready to Body-Rock us with half an hour of pain with a Capital P! We set up in Debs living room and did a pretty immense core/plyometric workout which had the bonus effect of giving the floor a good polish too! I’m not sure what was harder, a day full of rafting or that evening session.
We didnt' think it was appropriate to show you a photo of us looking sweaty in Nezza's workout so have one of us doing handstands instead!
Sunday brought us much nicer weather and a day spent in Llangollen. We once again worked ourselves hard in the morning using the canal as our flat water venue this time doing endurance style sets, then we moved onto the Dee in the afternoon running down from Chainbridge to Town Falls for some more endurance based training. It was fab running the river with water in it and was great preparation for the European Championships in August – our next major competition!
Our formations for the Europeans are:
Sprint: Front – Deb, Rosie
Middle – Suzie, Alli
Back – Bryony, Nerys
Slalom: Front – Deb, Rosie
Middle – Fran, Alli
Back – Bryony, Nerys
Endurance: Front – Deb, Rosie
Middle – Fran, Suzie
Back – Bryony, Nerys
So watch out for us and cheer us on!!
We all trailed off home on Sunday sad for another weekend to be over, but Fran and Suzie, being gluttens for punishment, couldn’t wait to get out again. So two days later they were on the Menai Straights this time in Sea Kayaks doing sprints once again…maybe they should hook us up to the mains power supply.
Just back from my trip out to the Teva Games in Colorado it was time to get the van loaded and head off to Austria.
Palms Bren Orton and myself drove straight out to begin training at the site of the 2012 European Championships in Lienz. A beautiful town in the Austrian Alps with a sick play hole in the bottom of the valley surrounded by towering mountains and stunning scenery.
The hole is a really tricky powerful feature that takes time to get used to but also gives you lots of air when you do get the moves. Everyday our paddling is getting better and despite the difficulties of the feature is one of the most fun to paddle.
Aside from the paddling the area is also great for exploring the outdoors. On my rest day I decided to take a trek up the towering mountain nearest the campsite it took a while…and I didn’t quite make the last 20m to the summit but the view was amazing out over the valley with Buzzards flying over-head and black squirrels in the trees I loved it.
One of the challenges here is the fluctuating water level meaning that 1 min its perfect and 20 minutes later your on rocks. The bonus of this however has been plenty time in the Swimming pool opposite the hole to perfect our diving and some good adventures nearby…last night we drove up to 2067m of another mountain, so high in fact that we parked next to a snow mobile
Anyhow 1 more week till the comp begins, hopefully Katya will be here soon too so will report back with more updates as the event progresses.
Earlier this year a friend of mine asked me to take him on a little trip to the stunning Loch Sheil, which is a real wilderness experience, with no roads leading into or out of most of its banks. It is 18 miles long from its northern most end at the famous Glenfinnan monument on the ‘Road to he Isles’ to Acharcle at the southern end. Wildlife is always very plentiful and the Loch is well know for its Golden Eagles, as indeed we found out after we spotted a fine specimen which stayed with us for a while before disappearing off into the distance heading off to the surrounding forestry and mountains.
Loch Sheil is on the west coast of Scotland set in a dramatic rift, surrounded by peaks such as Moidart, Ardgour and Sunart and is around 18 miles west of Fort William by road on the A830. It is the 4th longest lake in Scotland, at 18 miles, yet averages just half a mile wide. It is very deep in parts and as it is so long it contains and is surrounded by many differing habitats. The Loch and in particular Glenfinnan is also well know for its presence in the Harry Potter films, in particular ‘The Chamber of Secrets”. So dont be surprised if whilst your at the Glenfinnan end of the Loch you see The Hogworts Express steaming across the Glenfinnan Viaduct!!
I was joined on this trip by my good friend and fellow paddler Iain together with my trusted hound Rannoch. This was Rannoch’s first trip away since snapping his cruciate ligament whilst out running and having to have it rebuilt followed by lots of physio and hydrotherapy, a rather costly affair indeed!! Bye the way has anyone tried enforcing 6-8 weeks bed rest for a Springer Spaniel?
As there were no portages planned we decided go heavy,on a trip of luxury and comfort with lots of good food, and wine of course together with some cast Iron Dutch Ovens, tripods to cook with and to finish it all off a canvas Bell Tent to live in. Boats packed, us ready and Rannoch with his own PFD fitted we set off heading north surrounded by majestic mountains lightly dusted with snow.
Rannoch and Iain playing hunt the stick!
Are you ready, can we go yet? Rannoch in his PFD
Ready for the off
Looking North up the Loch
Iain soaking up the environment
The weather was kind to us as we set off although it was threatening to snow on and off and there was a steady wind blowing into our faces all day. Our plan was to head north but keeping to the southern shoreline for some shelter, and make our way up to the ancient burial island of Eilean Fhianain with St Finans Chapel on it.
After battling with the now quite strong wind we decided to take shelter, have some lunch and a well earned brew courtesy of our Kelly Kettle. Lit with a small amount of Birch Bark I was carrying together with a fire steel the Kettle was soon on the go. I always carry a small supply of dry tinder type material for firefighting etc as I cant always guarantee finding something suitable near by, and I always carry a fire steel as even when wet these will give sparks unlike a wet lighter or matches. I also carry a short length of garden hose which has a piece of copper pipe with its end flattened pushed into it. I use this to blow down giving my fire or kettle lots of oxygen which is very important, especially in the early stages. I would like like to lay claim to this useful little addition, however a few years I found mention of something very similar in one of Calvin Rustrum books on wilderness living! Meanwhile whilst I kept an eye on things Iain headed off in search of some dry wood for the kettle eagerly assisted by Rannoch.
Lighting the Kelly Kettle with the aid of a bit of garden hose and copper pipe!
A short time later we were back on our travels, with the temperature dropping quite quickly now and the wind picking up it was time to add a layer or two, so on went my Palm Alaska, a great jacket for this type of environment. We soon arrived at the ancient burial Island and spent some time exploring it, noting that some of the dates on the tomb stones were in some cases from the last few years. I also took the opportunity to get out the fishing rod and try and catch some supper for us, but instead caught nothing!!
Looking up to the burial site on Eilean Fhianain
The view back down the Loch from the burial island
Dad are you sure there's fish in here?
After leaving the island we pushed further north and started looking for a good place to camp. Eventually and just as light was starting to fade we found a good spot and set up our camp. We chose to use a Bell Tent which meant we had alot of room including standing room and cooked some fine cuisine on open fires using our Dutch Oven suspended with a tripod. A truly cracking combination.
Home sweet home..
In keeping with the mood of the trip I chose to carry my kit in traditional Duluth canoe packs, made from canvas and leather and incorporate a Tump line worn on the head whilst carrying. These packs were made popular by the late Bill Mason in the Path of the Paddle series. Very robust, very versatile and designed specifically to fit in canoes.
My Duluth packs
Even Rannoch has his own portage sack so as to carry his food and kit!
Over the next day or so we pushed on further up the Loch. One area of particular interest to me is the small island of Eilean Drollman which is the exact spot on which I was camping on whilst on a similar canoe trip on September 11 2001, the day of the twin towers tragedy! I was unaware of exactly what had happened until a day or so later when I visited Fort William and was stunned by the events that had occurred. Hence I now know that island as 9/11 island. It is always a weird experience visiting this spot and remembering what has happened.
9/11 island and my bivy spot from 2001!
All too soon it was time to head back down the loch. Luckily the wind was in our favor so we took the chance to make the most of it and sail back. We spent some time rafting the boats together and building an A-frame sailing rig to accommodate my tandem sail I had made. We opted for a single spar across the center of our boats, made from and old log we found. I like to use a single spar in the middle as it allows the boats to move independently, however if conditions are more challenging then I may use two spars, one at the bow and one at the stern. Really important here is that any knots, lashings etc used are of a quick release style in case of the event of a capsize. It is also very important to have a system for the sail to be raised and lower quickly. Remember to have a plan should anything happen i.e. man overboard, swamping or a capsize.
Building our tandem sailing rig
Putting my feet up and letting the wind do the work
A tired but very happy Rannoch
A good couple of days paddling and exploring can be had on Loch Sheil or a longer more interesting trip can be had by paddling the Loch Sheil circuit starts at Glenfinnan passes down Loch Sheil into Loch Moidart and then following an exposed coast line north to Glen Uig before heading further up the coast finishing at Lochailort. I have completed this circuit a umber of times and have extended it further by continuing on the River Ailort (tracking, polling and grunting!) to Loch Eilt and then finding the road at its Eastern end to portage back to the start. These trips can be reversed according to the prevailing winds and conditions.
If however if like us you are just after a few days on Loch Sheil then there are two options for launching. The first is at the northern end from a small pier near the hotel (grid 901805) and the second which is where we began our trip is at another small pier this time in Acharacle (grid 684 678).
This is another one of those special places I never grow tired of. Every time I go back I discover something new. Go and see for your self.
The final words must come from my paddling partner from the trip Iain…..
I’m taking part in the rather insane and incredibly physically challenging Yukon River Quest in aid of Help for Heroes.
If you can support me your donation really will make a difference to this amazing group of young people. Please visit our fundraising page http://bitly.com/HoPyM3o
or you can Text YUKN99 £(the amount you wish to donate) to 70070. Thank you for your support.
I’ve just returned from a beautiful week in Valsesia, filled with smooth bedrock paddling, wine, pizza & pasta. My top 7 highlights were (in no particular order):
1. HRH the Queen’s epic boof on the the Sorba Slides. – See picture below!
2. The take out of the lower Cervo - We accidentally put on at the take out, and with dogged determination paddled about 10km of shallow, scrapey, sieved out choss and nasty weirs – The take out was a blessed relief.
3. Luke’s shoulder being put back into its socket. Luke ‘Background’ Farrington was unlucky enough to pop out his shoulder whilst paddling on the Egua, however his future paddling recovery prospects have been hugely improved thanks to the quick, expect actions of Mr Tom Parker who managed to reassemble Luke within minutes of the dislocation.
4. Il Gatto e la Volpe – Although the paddling is world class, it is Alberto’s sublime restaurant/pizzeria which makes Valsesia my favourite paddling destination in the world. Enjoy fresh game papardelle, pizza, olive oil, grappa, espresso, and if you’re really lucky, some local donkey sausage.
5. The Egua – Whether throwing outrageous freewheels on the waterfalls, swimming down the cylinder, or doing laps of your favourite drop, this remains one of the best rivers in the world for steep, technical paddling and general fun.
6. The Valsesia River Festival Party – Amazing Dj sets from Wokka Wokkie and Cheese, and massive fun had by all. Good work by Gene17 on organising this excellent event once again.
7. My car not exploding – Somewhat optimistically, we made the trip this year with 5 people & boats. Despite some minor overheating issues, severely cramped conditions, and very little ground clearance, my trusty 306 Harriet did sterling work getting us all there and back. Long may she continue!
Check out the images below!
After one week back in the UK we’ve been lucky enough to have a pile of rain, and had the chance yesterday to paddle the Mawddach in west Wales. A classic rain fed run, it features some excellent (& some filthy) class 4 & 5 rapids, and halfway down, the infamous Rhaeadr Mawddach waterfall. I’d seen pictures and a couple of videos of the falls being run in relatively low flows, and it’s pretty full on. A river wide ledge hole at the top, immediately followed by an awkward 5m drop into a narrow cauldron, which then spits directly out into a 7-8m steep slide with a ramp and a kicker to send you flying the remaining 6 or so metres into the pool. Oh, and the optimum line has you coming within a couple of feet of an abandoned mineshaft…
Despite being pretty high (90 on the gauge downstream), I was feeling confident to paddle the drop, with a new line, starting from river left. Although The entrance did not go exactly according to plan, with some downtime in the cauldron requiring a speedy recovery, the second two drops went perfectly, finishing on an enormous boof into the landing pool.
With plans for a quick, efficient, faff free trip I’d left all of my cameras in the car, and therefore have absoulutely no footage or evidence of my descent, however I plan to go back before too long, so watch this space…
For now though here’s a stitched together screen grab from the video of Jo Rea Dickins’ descent earlier this winter. this gives a good idea of the scale and complexity of the waterfall!
Huge thanks to Matt Tidy, Sara James, Dan, and Tom for sorting safety on this one!
Next Friday I will be flying out to Whitehorse, Yukon Territory in the North of Canada to take part in this years Yukon River Quest, which is also known as the “Race to the Midnight Sun” and is billed as “The most spectacular paddling race in the world!”
I will be heading out for this years race with two teams, one of which is from London Irish Premier Rugby Club, and the other is from Interserve, which is one of the world’s foremost support services and construction companies. I will be member of the team from London Irish Rugby comprising of Toby Booth, Justin Bishop, Neil Hatley, Gavin Gleave, Tony Cilia and of course myself. As well as successfully completing the race our aim is to raise money for our chosen charity Help for Heroes, which helps wounded service men and women that have been injured whilst serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. You can visit their site at www.helpforheroes.org.uk and find out more about the fantastic work they do.
The 14th Annual Yukon River Quest starts to the east of Alaska at Whitehorse, Yukon on the 27th June 2012 finishing some 450miles/745km later on Armed Services Day, the 1st July just below the Arctic Circle, at Dawson City, Yukon. Athletes paddling canoe/kayak, solo, tandem and crewed join from around the world to test their endurance, racing day and night along the 450miles/745km of rugged river shoreline to the Klondike in the most spectacular paddling race in the world.
The Yukon River Quest had its birth in the Dyea to Dawson Centennial Race to the Klondike. In 1997 and 1998, up to 50 two-person teams hiked over the 33-mile Chilkoot Trail from Dyea, Alaska to Lake Bennett, and then got in their canoes and paddled 100 miles of headwater lakes to the beginning of the Yukon River in Whitehorse, where they continued on for another 460 miles to Dawson City. The event was a tremendous success, drawing adventure athletes from around the world, but the best teams were always the best paddlers.
Now a days the race starts with a 400m run to the boats and launching point, each team will then follow the route taken by prospectors chasing the last great gold rush of 1897. Like the aspiring miners of the Klondike, the race is more than just the story of gold and glory. To get to their final destination of Dawson, each team will have to endure a daunting challenge on a perilous river in raw wilderness – at least 30% of participants do not complete the race due to the severity of conditions. All teams must be self sufficient, for in the wilderness if you capsize and lose your boat it is possible you may be out there on your own for days.
There are only two compulsory stops throughout the entire race. The first is at Carmacks, which is approximately 220miles/340km in to the race and must be reached within 35 hrs. Here teams must take an enforced minimum 7 hour rest before continuing. The second compulsory stop is only for 3 hours and comes after 374miles/602km and is located at Kirkman Creek. Other challenges that we will encounter during the race include the 30 mile long Lake Laberge which can often involve strong winds and waves, and the aptly named Five Finger Rapids or Rink Rapid. I was also a little concerned when I had to sign a disclaimer saying that I accepted the risk that I may be mauled by bears, burnt to a crisp in forest fires and that I may be several days from help!!
We have entered in the Voyageur class, which means we will be paddling a Voyageur style of canoe just like the one in photo below.
A Voyageur style canoe during a previous Yukon River Quest
The Voyageurs were the people who engaged in the transportation of furs by canoe during the fur trade, it is a French word which literally means “traveller” The Voyageurs used two types of craft during the era of the fur trade. The famous Canot de Maitre on which the fur trade depended was around 36 feet long, had a crew of 6-12 and was capable of carrying 3 tons over the route from Montreal to Lake Superior, hence it was also know as the Montreal Canoe. The smaller Canot du Nord carried a crew of 6 or 8 and a cargo of around 1.5 tons over the smaller lakes, rivers and streams of the Northwest.
The Voyageurs who crewed these boats were also know as Engage’s or hired canoe men and would have fulfilled different roles. The Gouvernail would have been in the stern of the canoe and acted as a steersman. The Avant was in the bow and as well as being the captain and lookout he was also responsible for steering. The remainder of the crew were the work horses and were know as Milieu or middle paddler.
All of us involved have been putting in quite a lot of training for the event in various ways, including a having spent a weekend in North Wales and discovering the delights of the River Dee!
A quick team talk before getting on the water
Bish explaining to Hatts and Tony about the finer art of paddling!
A fine body of men! From L-R Me, Justin Bishop, Toby Booth, Tony Cilia and Neil Hatley
Hey guys, doe s my bum look big in this?
You can find out more about our challenge by visiting
In Spring 2010 our team paddlers, testing the prototype Palm Fuse jacket came back to tell us it was going well, really well…. but that it could be better….. How we asked? By adding a pair of pants and making it into a suit they explained.
But that’s not a proper dry suit came our response. Nope, they countered, and some would say the Fuse isn’t a proper dry cag, but we are plenty dry enough and we want freedom and comfort, because that’s how we are paddling.
So we went ahead and made what they asked and created something a bit new – The Spark suit.
“New ways of thinking demand new methods. The Spark suit breaks from the past to meet the needs of today’s paddlers.” – Barney Caulfield, Designer.
” In the Spark freeride suit, I can go for a quick run or charge all day; light weight, flexible cut and easy to wear, looks great too.” – Simon Westgarth, Gene 17 coach and Spark suit idea generator.
” I can coach all day, be in and out of the water and still be dry and warm’ Tom Parker, BCU level 5 coach
“After 4 months of winter, and paddling in almost every condition, count me as an advocate! This thing has far over achieved in every category that a drysuit should.” Andrew Holcombe, Racer, coach and River ambassador
” Crazy good.” – Dave Carroll, Freerider
What’s the difference?
4D cut – articulation
Developed for our premium jacket range this has now extended into the pants and really raises the bar, not only in the way it allows extended articulation in all ranges of movement, but importantly how it keeps construction simple and durable – less seams and fewer seams crossing equals better performance.
Advanced Glideskin neck
Can it be an immersion suit with a neoprene neck? We think so. Smoother, more comfortable and arguably more durable this system has been around for long enough to be proven, its simply that no-one dared adding it to a suit. The ankle system used is also, perfect for warmer conditions and suited for use in other water sports like SUP, kite surf and sailing.
XP 3 layer fabric
Our microporous membrane 3 layer material is highly waterproof, durable yet light and flexible, perfect for garments that require significant articulation, yet rugged enough for all weathers.
TI-Zip® Masterseal zippers
A dry zip that changed what’s possible in immersion suits. The low profile and flexible nature of the Masterseal allows the zip to be attached across curves perfect for a better fit around the back and shoulders. It also requires less maintenance, a bonus for wet paddlers!
Size matters
Along with other suits in our range we have quite literally broadened the size range available. The Spark comes in six sizes, including a new Medium Broad size, allowing paddlers to get optimum fit from a suit that provides optimum flexibility.
Check the full spec here and get to your dealer to try-one yourself.
I wasn’t quite happy with my paddling so went away to the nearby lake to pull myself together to bring out my best for the semi finals later.
