Sunshine? In Bala?! Quick, get the toys…

Last week there was sunshine. In the UK. Even in depths of North Wales! Well, what better time to get out and put the new FX PFD to the test?

I’m so impressed with this buoyancy aid, the freedom of movement is incredible and the amount you can fit in the pocket while it stays out of the way blows my mind! OK, that’s perhaps a little dramatic… but seriously, it’s like Mary Poppins designed this!

It’s proper safe too (and not just cos it keeps to the first rule of safety: Look Cool), the shoulder straps are sewn right down to the waist making them integral to the whole system and less likely to fail when you really need them. Most other manufacturers just sow to the top seam, even on their top spec “rescue” buoyancy aids!

And all that for just £74.95! That’s less than a tank of petrol these days…

I’m looking forward to a summer of fun and adventures in mine. Where will you take yours?

Chipper Challenge

It’s been a bit of shock returning to the UK from a sunny Chile in this weather, but this morning I gritted my teeth, donned my mitts and dug out my slalom boat from under the snow…

A few of us have started using Strava to time ourselves on sections of river, it’s great for training or just for getting a bit competitive with your mates. Today it was the Chipper-to-Bala challenge on the Tryweryn. If anything was going to motivate me to paddle fast, it was the fact that it was below freezing!

I was beginning to wonder if I’d gone insane at the put-in, but actually once I got going it was quite a pleasant temperature and kinda good fun! I think the fact I took out in my garden; returning to a nice cup of tea in front of a roaring fire probably made the experience all the better…

So, if you’re up for a challenge then 38 minutes from the Chipper to just above the bridge in Bala is the current time to beat (I suspect Pete Woods in his Dagger Green has already beaten that though). If you Strava, this is the segment: http://app.strava.com/segments/2386051. We use a smartphone in a waterproof case tucked into our buoyancy aid pocket with the Strava app running to record our run.

Happy racing!

Bren & Pringle – Tryweryn Video

Last summer my buddy Palm’s junior ripper Bren Orton had the idea to shoot a little vid on Tryweryn, This was the first session we had on the Top Hole there.

For those who don’t know Tryweryn, it’s a fun dam released river, near Bala in North Wales. I started out kayaking on this river and did my 1st flat spins and cartwheels here.

It’s often over looked for play boating but is actually an awesome little river that’s fun to run down and has some sick little waves and holes surrounded by green lush, welsh countryside.

Thanks to Bren for the sweet clip!

More from the boat show soon,

Pringle

Carnage at the Palm 8-Ball: Tryweryn Festival 2011

We’ve just got back from the Tryweryn Festival in North Wales. For now here are a few shots from the now legendary Palm 8-Ball Competition (boaterX, but with inflatable obstacles!)

Massive thanks to Bleddyn and all the guys at NWWC, and to all the coaches (especially Andy Turton and Lowri Davies) for working so hard over the weekend to make the festival a success.

It’s definetely one for the diary, we’ll let you know when next years’ dates are decided.

Join us at the Tryweryn Festival this weekend.

Fancy going paddling at the weekend?

Some where with warm water perhaps? And guaranteed whitewater? And sun?

Well, why not come join us in North Wales for the Tryweryn Festival 2011? If it’s anything like last year’s it’s set to be a cracker.

Why should I go?

• Try the full Dagger Europe whitewater range. On real whitewater. For free.
• 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 bike and 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.

Where can I find out more information?

More info on Tryweryn Website

Facebook Event Page

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…