By Owen Perryhttp://owenperry.ca Photography:http://circa1983.caThanksThanks to Northstar Canoeswww.northstarcanoes.comand Nemo Equipmentwww.nemoequipment.comfor the supply of canoes and equipment for the trip, and toBeckers Lodgehttps://beckerslodge.caA Canadian odysseyLocated about an eight-hour drive north of Vancouver, one of the worlds most exceptional canoe circuits. Bowron Lake Provincial Park, named after mid-1800s BC Gold Commissioner John Bowron, has a rich history dating back thousands of years with the Carrier, Shuswap and Iroquois First Nations. More recently, the town of Barkerville, once the largest population centre north of San Francisco, was famous for the Cariboo Gold Rush in 1862. Stories of exploration, hunting, fishing and gold panning run deep through this part of British Columbia. It is remote. It is wild. It is a setting fit for an odyssey.The OdysseyThe story of Odysseus follows the Greek hero home from Troy to Ithaca after the Trojan War. It lasts ten years, and through it, Odysseus encounters many perils, including the eventual demise of all of his crewmates. While the experience my friends and I had in the Bowron wasnt nearly as extreme or perilous (we thankfully all made it home safely to our loving families afterwards), there were definitely moments where it felt like a true Odyssey; a superlative test of physical and mental ability. In fact, it would surprise me if anyone completing the full Bowron Lakes circuit is the same person they are going out as they were going in.With that being said, I wouldnt recommend the Bowron Lake Circuit to anyone who is a complete beginner. Of course, dont let that discourage you. In the two times Ive paddled the circuit, Ive met families with young children along the way, and they truly seemed just as happy and in love with the Odyssey as we were.The primary dangers to avoid on the Bowron are the Cariboo River and, more generally, foul weather and fierce wind on bigger lakes like Isaac, Lanezi, and Sandy. Sweepers and deadheads during the river sections can be sudden but are avoidable with strong paddling and skilful steering. Weather, on the other hand, cant altogether be avoided.Conditions can rapidly change on the larger lakes, as we discovered on our fifth day when we had to paddle into a gale wind and ice rain for six hours between Lanezi and Unna Lakes. But what would a canoe trip be if you didnt have to overcome a little adversity? As Yvon Chouinard said, The word adventure has just gotten overused. For me, adventure is when everything goes wrong. Thats when the adventure starts.Bowron Provincial Park only permits about 4,500 canoeists to paddle the circuit every season to protect its natural beauty from human impact. We often found ourselves paddling an entire day without seeing another soul. Landscapes and scenery that would draw millions of tourists per year in a place like Banff or Lake Louise, feel like yours alone during the journey. Silence, too, is rarely broken. Except for the sound of your paddle and the occasional loon call, you feel lighter and more in tune with the natural world. It feels like time has stood still here, the landscape remaining more or less unchanged since the end of the last ice age.Bob VoyageDepending on how leisurely or expedient you intend to be, the 116km/72m route can be done in anywhere from 11 hours, 47 minutes, 58 seconds (the record) to 14+ nights (as we discovered one couple along the journey had planned for). As for myself, a father of one with a super supportive pregnant wife at home, I planned a six-night trip with the option for a seventh if we needed it. Our intention was to push hard the first few days, then relax and have some more leisure once we reached the midpoint around Lanezi Lake.When it comes to portaging, a majority of it is done at the beginning of your journey. Three portages, about 6km/3.7m in total length, between Bowron, Kibbee, Indian Point and Isaac Lake are all completed on the first or second day. We started our trip after staying at Beckers Lodge (highly recommended!), allowing us to begin the first portage around 10:00. With sunny weather and tailwinds, we made great time and arrived at a campsite on Isaac Lake around 19:00. After lighting a campfire and eating a meal of homemade dehydrated shepherds pie, we enjoyed a mug of Le Villageois boxed wine that at the time could have passed for a $120 bottle of Bordeaux. An InReach message from my wife Jacky and son Eadon that night accidentally signed off with Bob Voyage, which, after a few glasses of Villageois, we all thought would be a pretty hilarious outdoors-themed Youtube channel.Isaac LakeOn our second day, we paddled almost the entire 40km/25m of Isaac Lake, stopping to catch a few lake trout, which we decided to harvest for our evening meal. Isaac is the longest, deepest, and, in this paddlers opinion, most beautiful lake on the circuit. Its crystal clear emerald waters drop steeply off the shore to depths of 183m/600ft, and its surrounding peaks with hanging glaciers tower more than 2500m/8200ft. Its intimidating, both in size and grandeur. One could easily imagine having your hands full in stormier weather on Isaac, and the advice youll hear is not to paddle past a campsite if things are looking dark on the horizon.Fortunately for us, most of our twelve-hour day of paddling was in light rain and calm conditions. We arrived at the infamous Chute section of the trip around 20:00 after a double rainbow and crimson red sunset. We set up camp in the dark that night, and fried the trout over an open fire. Coated with dehydrated mashed potatoes, flour, and spices, the smokey flavour and texture of the fish was something Michelin-star restaurants strive to achieve. A fishing rod should 100% be on your packing list for the Bowron.The ChuteDay three began with sizing up the rapids where Isaac Lake flows into the Isaac River. Known as The Chute, this is the most technical section of the circuit and should only be attempted by paddlers with at least some white water canoeing experience. While not extreme by any stretch, its capable of putting a good bit of water over your bow or even capsizing you in an eddy if youre unsure of your bottom turn.A quick search on YouTube for Bowron Lakes Chute will reveal more than a few failures over the years. Our group, fueled with the previous days confidence and a bit of bravado, quickly decided to shoot the Chute and paddle the Isaac River. Thankfully, Bob Voyage and the Lake Slayers (a freshly adopted group moniker) encountered little drama this morning.With a buoyant outlook, the day then turned to navigating the more technical Cariboo River portion of the circuit. According to a park ranger we spoke with, a majority of the rescues (about five annually) happen along the Cariboo River. It isnt the speed or level of rapids here that is a cause for concern, but rather the opaque silty water hiding deadheads. On this day, our group paddled the section into Lanezi Lake without incident and made camp at probably the nicest campsite on the circuit a group site with a cabin for drying out wet gear.Lanezi LakeIt rained for most of night three, but our reliable NEMO Equipment Dragonfly tent kept us dry as it did for the entire trip. An InReach weather report arrived in the morning that was decidedly dicey, so after a bit of debate, a consensus was reached to spend the day recuperating at the cabin because even Lake Slayers need a bit of rest sometimes.We enjoyed soaking in the incredible scenery of Lanezi, bathing in its waters, carving paddles, hunting for mushrooms, reminiscing around the campfire, and drying out our wet gear. We even made good friends with a group of four women calling themselves the Bowron Babes, who, like the Lake Slayers, were taking a day off to recover at the cabin. They caught a beautiful 4lb lake trout in the morning, which we helped prepare and cook for lunch over the fire. It was a good day for our souls and group camaraderie.The galeThe fifth day of the trip was befitting of an odyssey. Despite a weather report calling for 50km winds out of the northwest, we knew we needed to try and slay some lakes. Once on the water, though, we were immediately padding into a fierce headwind that would not relent for six hours. My Northstar Canoes Polaris performed admirably on this day, keeping upright and cutting through the chop.However, the icy rain and whitecaps left us cold and wet as we reached camp at Unna Lake around 16:00, where we hurried to build a bonfire, hot drinks and dehydrated butter chicken to warm up. While our gear was soaked, our spirits were not. Maybe it was the roaring fire or perhaps the dram of Japanese whiskey, but we all shared some good laughs recounting the difficult day that was.The morning greeted us with a bluebird sky for the first time since day one. The serene surroundings of Unna Lake were reflected in its calm waters as we dried out our gear in the morning sun. After breakfast, we ventured out across the lake to check out the magnificent Cariboo Falls, and on the way, we came across a prolific blueberry patch you needed to see to believe. Returning from the falls, we encountered our friends, the Bowron Babes, as well as a cow moose and her two calves, who seemed unbothered by our presence.Offering only an occasional glance in our direction, they feasted on lake weeds as we paddled past them in our canoes. After packing up our Unna Lake camp, we set out to our final campsite for the trip at Spectacle Lake.Spectacle and the final stretchWe made it to the Spectacle Lake campsite around 18:00, surrounded by a golden light, enjoying a final dinner of pesto pasta and a dessert dressed up with blueberries gathered earlier in the day. We were joined soon after by the girls, who had a much longer day of it than us after having to set up camp on Sandy Lake during the storm the night before.Together, we shared battle stories from the previous day, recounting the moments and discussing our next days adventures. And, for the first night of the trip, we saw the Milky Way overhead as we leaned back in our NEMO Equipment Stargazers.Morning blessed us again with some good weather as we made the final push through the Bowron River and Bowron Lake finish line. The Lake Slayers were sore, but riding high on our sense of accomplishment, we ended our Bowron odyssey at Quesnel, BCs finest Chinese food restaurant. We were not the same people at the start of the trip as we were going in.

The post Recap: Vendee Gliss SUP Race 2021 appeared first on SUPboarder Magazine.

Words:Elinor Griffiths &Geth Roberts Photos:Mirco Goldhausen,Ed Loffill &Sea Kayaking WalesAbout Elinor Before Norway, Elinor participated in many sea kayak expeditions in the British Isles, notably some major trips to Scotland. She enjoys paddling, sheltered in advanced conditions with great company, and is an advanced leader for her club.About Sea Kayaking Wales Based in Anglesey, SKW provides expedition and holiday opportunities to Scotland, Norway, and Pembrokeshire. They hope to add Croatia, Greece, and Ireland to the destinations list. SKW also runs progressive coaching courses on Anglesey, from beginner to advanced, and are providers of all the British Canoeing Leadership, Coach, Safety and Personal Performance awards. Clubs/groups are also encouraged to hire SKW for meets and expeditions. SKW is also a dealer of Sea Kayaking UK, Tiderace and Zegul sea kayaks. You can demo most models on the course opportunities. www.seakayakingwales.comSea kayaking in Arctic NorwayAdventures traversing Senja, Kvaloya and many other magical Arctic islands.At Sea Kayaking Wales, we love hosting expeditions in wilderness places like Arctic Norway. This July, we ran an expedition to the Senja and Kvalya islands. nderdalen National Park, with its sea-facing saw-tooth peaks, narrow ridges and steep mountainsides, forms much of the western flank of Senja.Further north, great fjords and fingerlike peninsulas thrust out into the Arctic Ocean. Much of Senja resembles a supercharged version of Scotlands Isle of Skye. Meanwhile, Kvalya and Sommerya have an Outer Hebrides feel about them, with frequent azure coastal seascapes and idyllic pale sandy beaches. Combining the traverse of these islands became a fantastic adventure and truly life-affirming experience for all involved.For 2025, we aim to offer two more expeditions to Arctic Norway, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the famous British Sea Kayak Expedition from Bodo to Nordkapp. One of our 2025 expeditions will replicate the 2024 Senja and Kvalya Expedition plan (albeit with less intense paddling days), and the second expedition will venture further north with a more exploratory (weather dependent) plan to explore: Srya Island or the more sheltered and stunningly beautiful Nordkvalya-Rebbenesya Protected Landscape. Our van team will support both expeditions by hauling our trailer of quality composite sea kayaks. SKWs 2025 Arctic Norway Expedition is described in the following paragraphs by Elinor Griffiths.Elinor Griffiths Experience of the SKW Arctic Norway Senja Expedition 2024Im just back from a wonderful sea kayaking expedition in Norway. We were fortunate to have good weather, enabling us to paddle to exposed and remote areas with stunning views daily. I have wanted to paddle for a while in Norway, and last year, I wrote to Geth Roberts of Sea Kayaking Wales asking if they had any planned trips. He said no but to give him a couple of weeks. He duly returned with the option of paddling around Senja, Norways second-largest island and in the Arctic Circle.It looked like a beautiful location and lived up to and beyond expectations. Expertly led by SKW guides Mirco Goldhausen and Tim Vanhoutteghem (Arctic Norway expert and fire master), they planned a route taking us from the south of Senja up along the west coast and along the fjords on the north, then onto further islands, including Sommerya (Norwegian summer isles), Kvalya and Vengsya before being picked up near Tromso.The expedition had a lovely group of people, 11 days paddling, 225km (about 140 miles). Longer paddles and moderate sea state for the first few days, rewarded by sun and calm waters for the second half. The highlights included a night paddle, swimming nearly daily, white coral beaches, turquoise seas and high mountains still with snow, and eating wild cloudberries.Norway paddling days one and two of 11 (9-10th July)Planes, buses, taxis, and a ferry will get us to the trips start after food shopping and picking up kayaks. We set off at 21:00 on the south coast of Senja (not sure if endless daylight is a good thing!), and we made a short crossing to a small island for our first camping spot and late dinner. The next day, we followed the Senja west coast for about 24km to the next camp, starting to get an idea of how dramatic the coastline is and the beautiful sunsets. Unfortunately, mosquitoes also liked the calm, sunny evenings, so we learnt to keep covered up. Apart from when swimming! The second beach also had a stream for washing off the salt.Norway paddling days three and four (11-12th July)Day three: We travelled 18km further up the west coast to camp on a small Island with a rocky landing and quite hilly terrain, making camping tricky. Our tents were scattered wherever there was a small patch of flat ground. But the evening walk to the highest point revealed lovely views over Senja one way and the island of Hinnya the other.Day four: We might not be able to land for a little while. After a stop soon after leaving, the next stop was five hours away and 33km in total! Probably a good thing A little while wasnt defined at the start. The reward was an unexpected late seafood pasta lunch in a lovely restaurant. Conditions were the most challenging of the trip. The SW wind was helping but also causing bigger waves. The final stop made it all worth it: a white coral beach and, best of all, a well-cared-for compost toilet!Norway day five (Sat 13th July).A rest day. The morning was rainy, so I slept late and drank several cups of coffee in Tims large tent. Then the clouds cleared, and we paddled a short way to the main island of Senja and restocked food supplies. We walked halfway up a mountain, and then we returned to our small island camp. The idea of a midnight sun paddle was floated, and the evening was so calm it would have been rude not to (plus my FOMO got the better). I am so glad I went. It was a beautiful light and memorable paddle to the fjords edge to see the sun at midnight.Norway days six and seven (14-15th July)Day six: The previous night, we discussed options given the weather forecast of large-ish swell and wind, meaning that we couldnt land or launch safely at some of the planned beach stops due to surf. Our guides came up with a plan but seemed apprehensive about proposing it. The reason became clear: to reach a safe and sheltered beach, wed need to paddle over 40km. But everyone was up for it, with the promise of an easier next day in the Norwegian summer isles. The 42km didnt feel that long; the views kept getting better and better as we paddled past the five fingers of north Senja to spend a final night on that island. The landing beach was indeed lovely.Day seven: On to Sommerya (summer isle) and another white sandy beach with a food shop on one of the larger Isles. Oh, and ice cream and apple cake.Norway days eight and nine (16-17th July)Shorter (relatively!) paddles further northeast amongst the islands off Kvaloya. We camped on the low-lying islands with white coral beaches, enjoying the views of the more dramatic landscape on the larger island several eagles and millions (maybe thousands) of terns.Norway paddling days ten and 11 (18-19th July)The last two days felt gorgeous, like a holiday: sun, blue skies, sea, and calm waters. I explored around the island of Vengsoya and the others nearby. Many were inhabited years ago, with people braving the sometimes wild seas to go fishing and heading back to tiny, sheltered bays hidden in the islands.ThanksSea Kayaking Wales would like to thank all our amazing Arctic Norway 2024 participants: Elinor, Steve, Helen, Neil, Kendra, Ed and our SKW guide team: Tim, Mirco and our 2024 intern Jake.We aim to complete our 2025 Arctic Norway expeditions selections by January 2025. The Arctic Norway Srya or Nordkvalya-Rebbenesya Expedition will be aimed at experienced expeditioners with moderate to advanced sea kayaking skills. The Senja and Kvalya Islands Expedition will welcome less experienced expeditioners with sea kayaking proficiency up to and including journeying in moderate water conditions. Our 2025 Senja and Kvalya islands expedition will aim to be less physically intense than the 2024 version (the 2024 team were all very motivated advanced sea kayakers).

The post The Long Paddle: Brendon Reaches John OGroats / Update Interview appeared first on SUPboarder Magazine.

By Steve BrooksWeb: www.gokayaking.at FB: SteveBrooks Insta: @kiste_walaBioSteve BrooksSteve has lived in Austria for over 25 years, from being a place to come and work seasonally on the river to a base camp and finally making Austria his home! Steves love for kayaking and adventure is infectious, and this can especially be seen in the kayak School he set up 14 years ago. Based out of the Arlberg Region in Western Austria, the school runs courses for beginners plus coaching and instructing kayakers through all the whitewater grades, including creeking and river running. Between the kayaking season in Austria, Steve can be found kayaking, leading courses, adventure trips and expeditions in the Soa Valley, Indian Himalayas, Peru and Chile in South America.He speaks Austrian German like a local and has picked up a little bit of an Argentine dialect in Spanish. When Steve is not kayaking, he searches for that perfect powder run in the backcountry in his home mountains of St Anton am Arlberg or rides his Royal Enfield Bullet in search of undiscovered rivers in the Himalayas.With their stunning newly built lodge in the Andes above Pucon, Steve, Josefa and Mati, who are two local Chileans, show guests some of the best rivers Chile has to offer, from Waterfalls to Big Water to Alpine Style. Steve loves taking his Canon 1DX and lenses out on the river, looking for that perfect shot that showcases not just a kayakers skill and technique but also some of the most spectacular scenery and rivers on the planet!Exploring AustriaIt was the first week of June at home in the Arlberg region of western Austria. Josefa had just arrived from Chile and was settling into our house. It was her first time out of South America, a big three-month adventure for her.Madaubach GorgeThe previous winters snowpack was low, and with spring melt due to start in a week, we had a few days off, so I proposed we kayak the Madaubach. Situated in the stunning Lech Valley in the state of Tirol, the Madaubach Gorge is something special. I first kayaked it in 2020 during COVID-19, when tourists were still banned from visiting but allowed to explore our local area.It is a deep, tight gorge that starts in the western part of Austria. The Alpine stream makes its way down to join the Lech River, one of the few free-flowing rivers in the eastern part of Austria. So, after explaining the action plan, we got ready for an early start the following morning.Stunning driveBecause the river starts just over the other side of the mountains to the north of our village, we had a bit of a drive but a truly stunning one over the Arlberg Pass, into the next state of Vorarlberg and over the Flexenpass to the village of Zrs and Lech, we then followed the road that hugs the impressive Lech Gorges past Warth and then finally back into Tirol and following the River Lech to the village of Bach. Here, we turned south and drove the final part to the graveyard, and from now on, we would have to carry our kayaks five kilometres up the forest road to the put-in.Our final kit checks were made, the kayaks heaved onto our backs, and we set off. My whole idea is very agricultural: bang it out as quickly as possible and get on with it and suffer! With every step I made while walking up, I kept saying there was a reason I kayaked in the Himalayas. It was so much easier employing a local porter or sherpa to haul my kit, and I never once felt guilty as I knew the money I spent on their wages goes a long way for their family. I left the girls and kept going and going, saying to myself I could get a rest at the next corner; I felt I was back in the British Army, knocking out some kilometres over the mountains of Wales!The route we were taking up to the put-in of the Madaubach is part of the E5 trek that starts in Oberstdorf in Germany and finishes in Meran in Sd Tirol (Italy). It is one of the most popular treks in the German-speaking Alps, and in high season, you cannot find a bed or even space on the floor of a mountain hut, but as this was Spring, the passes were closed, and it was just day walkers making their way up the road. s I crossed over the wooden bridge, I got a stunning view of the Alperschonwasserfall.The further you head up into the valley through the forest, the more you seem to go back in time; in the 18th century, a small mountain hamlet with a population of 60 lived at the top of the Madau Valley. However, over the centuries, the hamlet lost its inhabitants until finally, in 2023, only one person was registered as living there. His name is Klaus.A little further upstream of the Alperschonwasserfall was a rocky outcrop by the side of the road where I could lean my kayak up against and finally take that couple of minutes break I had been promising myself the past ten corners! The forest road had great cover, but it was still hot, and sweat was pouring down me. As I was taking more gulps of water, I saw a 44 jeep in what we would call Hunters Green come up the road; as it got closer, I saw that the young girl sitting next to the driver looked remarkably like Josefa.By the time the vehicle stops, Josefa is waving, and with a big grin, I see her kayak in the back of the jeep. The driver was, in fact, Klaus. He was driving up to check to see if any wolves had taken sheep further up on the pastures when he saw Ute and Josefa walking along the track with the kayaks on their backs. He could not believe these two small girls were putting in so much effort to kayak through the gorge of his home river. So, with only space for one kayak, he put Josefas into the back of his jeep and promised Ute he would return to her.The abseil pointSo, with no further to do, I get my kayak onto my back and grab a quick photo of Josefas Waka Goat heading off up in the distance to the abseil point. Klaus comes flying back past me; the only positive I can bring out of this situation is that the abseil point cannot be too far away! When I reach the abseil point, Klaus arrives with Ute and her kayak. Josefa looks impatient, and I finally get the kayak off my back. We say goodbye to Klaus with the girls giving him a loving hug for driving them up, and we start to set up ready for the abseil.It is not a full-on vertical abseil, but it is steep and high enough to warrant setting up a rope to backwalk down and lower the kayaks. It is just over three pitches with our 25-metre rope as I make my way down the first pitch, with three kayaks following me afterwards and then as Josefa starts to make her way down, a group of elderly German hikers peer over the lip and start talking to each in loud voices (they must be loud as even I can hear them with my helmet on), openly praying to God that nothing happens to us and to beg him to stop this crazy thing we are doing.Ute has a huge smile on her face, and I laugh to myself all the while. Josefa has no idea what they are saying. At the top of the second pitch, we see a lot of wild orchids growing and flowering on the steep terrain; they are an endangered species, so while trying to avoid any damage, we continue down the second pitch, slowly but surely. It is a bit of an exposed ridge to get over with us, the kayaks and paddles before setting up another belay point for the final pitch down to the riverside. Finally, by the side of the river, we can rest, have something to drink, and start getting everything ready for the final and main part of this mini-adventure, which is the kayak down!The ChimneyAs we headed off, with me leading, followed by Ute and Josefa, we wound down through the tight and deep gorge walls until we reached the Chimney. The Chimney is where the river passes through this fantastic tight, canyon-walled piece of rock some 60 metres in length. As you look up, you can see a sliver of light where the canyon walls tighten up. When we first looked at this on a reconnaissance trip a few years back, you would not think it was possible to kayak, but down by the river, it was wide enough for us to flow through. As we exited the Chimney, the natural light was a welcome, including the rapids that followed.The Madaubach makes its way down, twisting and turning with blind bends and all with the possibility of behind the next bend being chocked full with wood. This happened on my first trip, and I managed to kayak up the beach on the river right, jump out of my kayak and go around one mega wood chocked strainer! However, this time, there was nothing too much to mention. Yes, we can check out a few tight rapids, which landslides and the previous winter avalanches had made a few times, but nothing too stressful. It was absolutely amazing to be in such stunning surroundings and a very different environment from what Austria is usually known for, such as its large volume and steep alpine rivers, such as the Oetz and Rosanna.We were progressing nicely, and it was not long before we got to a sweet little drop. We caught the eddy on river right, hopped out of our kayaks to check the line and then with the camera ready the girls dropped in. More read-and-run rapids followed with some more around the bigger rocks, boofing off anything we could find.The final rapid appeared, and last time, I had to portage, and again, this time, it was a portage. It looked like a great rapid, but with huge alpine trees blocking any possible line, we shouldered our kayaks and made our way around it. Now, the river started to lose its gradient, and it was a fun paddle down to the bridge just above the village of Bach.What an adventure!Ute was gutted she could not do it the first time but was really happy that she managed to see another one of her local rivers that rarely gets run. For Josefa, it was something very unusual and different from her home rivers, such as the Palguin and Trancura in Pucon, Chile. She was certainly happy she met Klaus on the walk-up, and with that, we loaded up the truck (Big Mama, as Josefa has named it) and headed up to Steeg for homemade ice cream.Though only Class 3, the Madaubach certainly requires some planning and preparation. The Gorge is deep and very narrow, making a rescue or extraction extremely tricky and complicated. However, it is a stunning place, and even if you do not like the idea of kayaking some relatively straightforward but extremely committing routes, it is certainly worth having a walk up the valley to check it out!Huge thanksFinally, a huge thanks goes to everyone who supports me in being able to keep kayaking, travelling, exploring and having fun:Peak Paddle SportsStriebel Designs PaddlesWaka KayaksArcteryx St.Anton Austria

As a SUPboarder Pro member you have the ability to ask us any questions about SUP, and get a completely honest and independent answer. The email Ask the Expert service is something that many of you have already used and the SUPboarder team have enjoyed guiding you through the world of SUP.The post Ask The Experts Monthly Video #21 appeared first on SUPboarder Magazine.

DUOTONE: ULTRA FREEWAVE SLSDUOTONE: ULTRA FREEWAVE SLSCheck out the video of the awesome new Duotone Ultra Freewave SLS!Duotone say: Introducing theall-new ULTRA Freewave SLS where power meets precision for the ultimate windsurfing experience! Ditch the compromises of standard freewave boards for a board that truly excels in the waves yet also allows you to do proper freestyle power moves! Built from the ground up with a potent new-school freestyle shape, the ULTRA Freewave SLS delivers blazing acceleration, unmatched control, and incredible manoeuvrability. Switch effortlessly between single and tri-fin setups to unlock wave-riding thrills and explosive freestyle tricks. With cutting-edge FULL CUSTOM Technology, its lighter, stronger, and crisper than ever before. Feel the rush with every jump and turn the ULTRA Freewave SLS is more than a board; its your ticket to endless excitement on the water.www.duotonesports.comThe post DUOTONE: ULTRA FREEWAVE SLS appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

Words : Cory JonesPhotos: Cory Jones &Mandy E. RushCory and MandyCory Jones is a Paddle UK Endorsed Canoe Guide and runs a wilderness first aid consultancy and Highland Experiences based in the Highlands of Scotland.Mandy E. Rush is an adventurer, author and illustrator. Together, they are Wee Wild Adventures. https://weewildadventures.comMandy and CoryCanoe the Yukon Whitehorse to Dawson City An absolute classic .and still worth doingThe Yukon River is more than just a riverits an adventure, a journey through history, and a dream come true for paddlers and explorers alike. Our recent expedition, which spanned from Whitehorse to Dawson City, proved that this classic route, renowned for its stunning beauty and rich history, remains a must-do for any canoe enthusiast.Living in Scotland, the chance to canoe in the Yukon River is a childhood dream come true. This trip is just over 715km (450 miles) of canoeing, which most groups complete in 12-16 days. For many, the Yukon represents the epitome of wilderness adventure: a vast, untamed river meandering through remote forests and past rugged landscapes. The Yukon River is the fourth longest river in North America, offering a canoeing experience with relatively low technical demands but plenty of opportunities for adventure. Although this is a classic route, we only saw other groups once every other day; the expedition still felt like it was remote and untravelled. I completed part of the route in 2022 when I took part in the Yukon River Quest race, but this time, I wanted to come back and explore the river rather than just travel through it on the marathon race.The historyThere is a huge amount of history to explore along the Yukon River, from First Nations settlements and fish camps to fur trade development in the nineteenth century. Plus, the history of the Klondike gold rush (the Yukon was once described as the River of Gold) and the 200+ paddle steamers that once plied their trade from Whitehorse to the Pacific coast on the Yukon.Mike Rourkes Yukon River Marsh Lake to Dawson City is an essential guide to the river and its recent history. We found this guide invaluable. This guidebook was transported in a waterproof map case for our whole journey so we could follow Mikes forty hand-drawn maps (1:65,000), which included current and historic site names, details of all river obstructions, route choices to make the best use of the river flow and potential wild campsite locations with their GPS location. The guide also includes the history of the river and its settlements.Most specialist canoe hire outfitters are based in Whitehorse (the capital of the Yukon Territory). Most groups running the Yukon start here unless they want to avoid the changeable conditions on Lake Laberge. Transatlantic charters service Whitehorse, which has regular connections with international airports in the south, making it the ideal starting point for the tour. Our outfitters (Up North Adventures) were very helpful and were based only metres from the river in Whitehorse, where we were to start our journey.The first day in Whitehorse was spent visiting the large outlets to purchase our two weeks of expedition food and cooking utensils. Then, we sorted the food into barrels (hired from our outfitter) so it would be bear-proof on our trip down the Yukon River.A fishing permit is required if you want to fish from your canoe on the journey. These can now be purchased online for around $25CAD from the Yukon state government website.On our departure day of July 20th, it was very wet; we were hoping that this was not a sign of things to come, and it wasnt. The weather for our trip was generally dry, with only a couple of days of full-on rain. In fact, at the start and the end of the trip, we had a few days where the temperature was over 30C (92F).The first day of the route from Whitehorse follows the fast-flowing Yukon River section for about 30km to the start of Lake Laberge. This section gave our group time to become accustomed to the hired canoes, which were heavily loaded with 14 days of food, camping, and personal equipment. The high river cliffs encountered were home to thousands of sand martins, and noisy belted kingfishers and bald eagles dominated the wooded areas.Lake Laberge Lake Laberge is the first significant challenge of the route because strong winds and large waves can build up in a matter of minutes. It is unusual for Lake Laberge to be calm for its entire 50 Km (30 miles) length. There are options to travel down the right or left side of the lake, but it is over 3km wide. Once you set off down one side, you are committed. The right (east) side is shorter, whilst the left (west) is longer but has more places to shelter.We chose the right side of the lake and, because of a strong crosswind, rafted our canoes for extra stability. This also allowed us to benefit from a small sail we had brought, which was shared by both canoes. In the end it took two days to cross lake Laberge which talking to other groups was not a bad time. Some people encounter a strong headwind and cannot progress for a while.An alternative for those looking to avoid Lake Laberges challenges is starting on the Teslin River. This lesser-known route begins at Johnsons Crossing and offers a less tumultuous introduction to the Yukon River system.There are some great camp spots along the river, none better than at the end of Lake Laberge, where the Lower Laberge campsite (once a place where the logging roads began) reveals the ruins of a bygone agerustic cabins and a run-down Dodge truck.Next is the Thirty Mile River, with its blue-green waters and excellent fishing opportunities. Fishing for Arctic grayling is a fantastic side activity on this beautiful wilderness river. The Thirty Mile River is a relatively narrow channel. It begins at the outflow of Lake Laberge and ends at the confluence of the Teslin River. The history is evident along the way, both in the geological features and in the cultural heritage.HootalinquaWe camped on gravel bars and former wood camps that have returned to a wilderness that the first prospectors would have recognised. We had the chance to explore the ghost towns of Hootalinqua, Little and Big Salmon Village. Each night and morning, we cooked on an open fire. Driftwood abounds at the edges of the gravel bars, so there is no need to cut live wood to make cooking fires.After a week of paddling, we arrived at Carmacks and literally got a taste of civilisation. The Coal Mine Campground at Carmacks has a grill bar, toilets, showers and a washing machine. There is also the opportunity to stock up on extra food at the nearby store. We didnt take a rest day at Carmacks as many groups do, so we continued onto the infamous Five Finger Rapids. This is the only real rapid, apart from a few wave trains, on this journey and is approached from the extreme right-hand side. At this time of year, it is little more than a Grade 2 rapid and easily ridden. The thrill of running these rapids added excitement to our expedition.Beyond the Five Finger Rapids, a striking white band in the river cliffs drew our attention. Known as Sam McGees Ashes, this feature is often linked to Robert W. Services famous poem The Cremation of Sam McGee. While the poem tells a haunting tale of a prospectors cremation in a steamers boiler, the actual white band results from volcanic ash deposited by an ancient eruption of Mount Bona-Churchill, an eruption 1200 years ago.Yukon Territorial Heritage SiteAs we continued downstream, we arrived at the Huch Hudn/Fort Selkirk Historic Site. The Yukons First Nation and the Government of Yukon co-manages this culturally significant area. Once a bustling hut, Fort Selkirk is now a preserved historic site designated a Yukon Territorial Heritage Site in 2010. Its rustic charm and historical importance provided a poignant reflection on the rivers past.It is hard to imagine that a little over 100 years ago, Fort Selkirk was the capital of Yukon Territory, with a bustling population of around 30,000 people. Travelling down the Yukon in a canoe, it is hard to visualise that 100 years ago, over 200 paddle steamers serviced settlements like Fort Yukon along the river.One hazard we had to be aware of was wildfires, which have become increasingly common in recent years. Sadly, the 2024 Yukon Quest paddle race had to be cancelled in June after wildfires engulfed part of the Yukon River and surrounding forests. By late July, the same fires were still raging around Fort Selkirk. At a couple of points on our trip, we paddled through areas of smoke from forest fires, and at one point, we put out a small fire beside one of our coffee break spots.The wildlifeThe Yukon River is teeming with wildlife. Along our journey, we encountered black bears, moose and beaver. While a bear sighting is thrilling, we took necessary precautions to ensure safety. Proper food storage, cooking away from our tents and keeping bear spray accessible were essential. After landing on a gravel bar, one of the factors as to whether we should camp was what footprints we could find. Usually, the bear prints we found on the sandy beaches were quite old, so we stayed on those beaches; if the footprints had been fresh, we would not have camped there.One evening, we were collecting driftwood after pitching our tents when we saw some black bear prints which went directly into the river, indicating the bear had entered the water and swan to the other side of the river. About an hour later, we spotted a bear on an island in the river about 100m from camp. It was totally relaxed wandering around foraging on berries. Fortunately, it didnt decide to swim back over to our camp.Arriving in Dawson City marked the end of our expedition. This charming town, a Klondike Gold Rush-era relic, offered a delightful contrast to the wilderness we had traversed. With its rich history, Dawson City embodies the spirit of the gold rush days. We visited local attractions such as Diamond Tooth Gerties, known for its lively entertainment, and the Jack London House and Museum, which offers insights into the famous writers life.Our outfitter arranged for our pickup from Dawson City, and after a couple of days of rest and exploration, we were driven back to Whitehorse. The return journey provided a chance to reflect on the incredible adventure we had just completed.HighlightsCanoeing the Yukon from Whitehorse to Dawson City is recommended for paddlers of various skill levels. Highlights include the challenging Lake Laberge, the serene Thirty Mile River, and the historic Fort Selkirk. The wildlife encounters and stunning landscapes make this journey an unforgettable adventure. The route offers a blend of remote wilderness and historical intrigue. Whether youre a seasoned paddler or a novice adventurer, the Yukon River presents an opportunity to experience one of North Americas most iconic wilderness journeys.

The post Aztron Soft Top Technology Range Overview 2021 / SUP & Surf Review appeared first on SUPboarder Magazine.