Ensure your paddling plans go ahead by making informed decisions on where to paddle to stay safe Water quality is at the forefront of all water users minds at the moment. When you go paddling you dont want to become ill from the water youre paddling on. We have so many beautiful waterways to paddle []The post How to make good decisions about paddling considering water quality appeared first on Go Paddling.

For all the amazing sunshine we get in Britain during summer we often get a fair dose of rain too! Its an easy choice to get on the water on sunny days, but a bit of rain shouldnt stop you going paddling too. Lets be honest, youre probably going to get a little bit splashed []The post Paddling in the rain all you need to know appeared first on Go Paddling.

Planning a staycation and want some inspiration?! Weve got your back! The UK is a fantastic place for a kayak, canoe or stand up paddleboard holiday. From meandering countryside rivers to historic city canals and family lake adventures. Whether youre looking for a fully active holiday or just a day out doing something different well []The post Paddling Holidays and Staycations appeared first on Go Paddling.

Adventurer Ed Pratt has completed a solo mission to travel the length of the River Thames from source to sea. He recorded a daily video about his trek on Youtube and raised about 22,000 in funds and awareness for The Rivers Trust. The Trusts mission is to improve the health of our precious rivers which []The post Thames Source to Sea Ed Pratt appeared first on Go Paddling.

Day 1 Action from the warm up day here in Sylt for the Citroen Windsurf World Cup Are you a Windsurfing.TV Member? HELP make videos like this possible JOIN the Membership program To become a member all you have to do is support the channel with Beer Money Go to: https://windsurfing.tv/beer-money/

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WHATS UP JAEGER STONE?: A CHANGE IN DIRECTIONWHATS UP JAEGER STONE?: A CHANGE IN DIRECTIONAs a former World Cup and Red Bull Storm Chase winner Jaeger Stone was at the pinnacle of the wave sailing scene pre-COVID we hear from the Aussie ripper why he swapped being a full-time pro windsurfer / physiotherapist to become a fire fighter? If he has any aspirations of returning to the World Tour? And his thoughts on asyms plus more.Words: Jaeger Stone Photos: Two Goat Media, Jens HogenkampFROM PRO WINDSURFER TO FIRE FIGHTERMaybe somewhat unusual from the outside looking in, but I had always really enjoyed having something other than windsurfing. I love learning and being challenged in different ways, and for a while physiotherapy fulfilled that desire alongside windsurfing, but I couldnt see myself continuing to work as a physiotherapist long term. 2020 gave me the opportunity to think about what I wanted to work towards going forward, what I enjoyed the most and what my values were. Professional competitive windsurfing is an amazing lifestyle, but my interest in competing itself began to change, and I thought about my transition away from full-time competition months before I decided to commit to it. I realised that being completely focused on competition was no longer what I wanted to do and that I wanted to go after some new opportunities.Making that decision and committing to it was hard. Transitioning from being a full-time competitor who gets paid to windsurf, to someone that works a full-time job is a significant change. That transition is going to be difficult no matter when it happens, but I like knowing that it was my decision and that I have options.I decided that I wanted to work towards finding a job that offered me challenges, opportunity, flexibility, financial security and a lifestyle similar to that which I had when I was competing full-time, so I applied to become a fire fighter. Perhaps theres a little more certainty with contracts and events now, but during 2020/2021 there wasnt, so it seemed like the right time to commit to making that transition. Ive kept my options open, even to compete occasionally if thats what I wanted to do, but throughout this whole process Ive realised that just because Im not competing anymore, it doesnt mean that my windsurfing goes backwards as a result.WORK/LIFE BALANCEMy work/life balance is awesome. I spend more time doing the things I love now than I ever have. Western Australia is such a great place to live, and my lifestyle is built around the ocean and being active. I windsurf, surf, swim, dive or fish basically every day depending on what the weather favours. Im also now able to spend more time in the shed with Dad, trying to absorb as much as I can from him about boards.My partner Chelsea grew up in a small farming town called Mingenew, about an hour east of Geraldton. Shes always loved the ocean, but she has also always loved that spacious country lifestyle and all the animals that come with it. We ended up buying a beautiful home and property just north of Geraldton, close to Coronation Beach. The garden, fruit trees, pet sheep, chickens and horse occupy us when were not at the beach, and its so much fun learning about different things.MISSING COMPETING?I still keep track of most of the events and Im definitely interested in competing in an event from time to time, especially if its in a location that offers amazing conditions or an opportunity to visit somewhere new. The current PWA/IWT wave schedule visits some amazing locations, so Ill keep my options open.I havent really missed competing, but there are certain feelings or memories that I associate with my time on the World Tour. Generally, events are really enjoyable. You get to go windsurfing with your mates, hang out and push each other as hard as you can. However, to be consistently at the top or to go for a world title, I think you have to invest and dedicate a large amount of time into each event, and that ends up being a significant amount over a year. I really enjoyed that for a while when windsurfing was my main focus, but now I would rather prioritise different things. In saying that, if I do choose to apply for a wild card and compete in the occasional event, Ill go to have fun, but Ill also want to make sure that I am completely invested in doing the best I can.MARGARET RIVER WAVE CLASSICI was lucky enough to win the Margaret River Wave Classic this year. The conditions were challenging but the event itself was a success, and the organisers did a great job. Severne were sponsoring the event, and the organisers put in a huge effort, so I think its important to show support and attend local events so they can continue to grow. Its now the biggest wave sailing event on the W.A. calendar, and I would say its the biggest wave sailing event in Australia with a strong fleet of sailors.Main Break is such a unique wave and there are so many factors that always come into play. I make every opportunity to spend as much time as I can down there now, and it is one of those places that really pushes you out of your comfort zone if you want to ride it well.DEFINING MOMENT?Difficult question! Im not sure I can pinpoint any exact moment, but some of my injuries have shaped my path and how I look at things. My intentions straight after school were to compete on the World Tour for a few years before going to university, however, my studies were somewhat fast-tracked when I did a Lisfranc injury. I had two significant injuries in Hawaii and then at the end of 2019 before the season ended, I injured my knee which put me on the sidelines for 4 months. Those times challenge you physically and mentally, but I think its about what you make of them and realising that youve got the time and an opportunity to do something, or work on something completely different. That first injury meant that I went to university and completed a Physiotherapy degree by my early 20s, whereas the injury in 2019/2020 gave me the time to begin working towards becoming a Fire Fighter. Injuries also teach you gratitude and patience. Theyre a reminder to be grateful for everything you have and can do every day, and they teach you patience because although you just want to get back on the horse, you must give things time. When you do that, and you work hard towards your goals, youll always come out the other side a better windsurfer and person.INSPIRATIONS?So many theres inspiration from athletes in all sports. To me, Ethan Ewings surfing is incredible and embodies everything I wish to emulate when windsurfing. His style, flow and power are so easy to watch. In the windsurfing world, theres plenty of people that have inspired me or continue to inspire me in different ways. Brawzinho [Marcilio Browne] and Marc [Par] are two people that are always aiming to become better windsurfers, and their progression is very motivating. Tom Traversa inspires me to go outside of my comfort zone, not many people commit to hitting big sections on waves like him. Im competitive with them as well, but what they do inspires me to get better.HIGHS AND LOWS OF WINDSURFING CAREER?I feel like theres been many highs and lows in and out of competition, and Im sure there will be more. Particular competitive moments would be winning the Red Bull Storm Chase (RBSC) and then winning the PWA Tenerife event in the same year (2019). The RBSC was a huge highlight and something that I really value and means a lot to me. I didnt really think of that as a competition at the time and just enjoyed the entire adventure. I enjoy that format, those conditions, and the opportunities an event like that allows. Winning that gave me confidence, but I also wanted to prove to myself that I could win a more traditional PWA competition. Having made finals before, but not finishing first, it was quite special for me to do that in the same year in Tenerife, a place I enjoy spending time. Scoring 11 points for a push-forward and making the podium in Pozo is something I think is pretty cool too! There are so many moments outside of competition as well and Im looking forward to more.I spent so much time training in Maui and Morocco, prioritising starboard tack training to become the best all-round windsurfer I could be. I wanted to get to a level where I could go into any heat at Hookipa knowing that I had a chance of winning. However, other than my first year on Tour when I was finding my feet and figuring it all out, when I did get that confidence to win, I missed the last 3 PWA events in Maui due to injury. I dont need those results to give credit to my windsurfing, but it would have been nice for me personally to get a decent result in a PWA event there. I accept that though, and the training would have paid off at every other starboard, onshore, offshore, or port tack event I competed in.STRESS COMPARISON COMPETING VS FIRE FIGHTINGTheyre completely different situations, but one of the main priorities with both would be remaining calm when youre under pressure. Nerves and stress are normal, and theyre factors that you need to manage and deal with so you can focus entirely on the task at hand.TIME ON THE WATER?I mentioned it briefly above, but Im probably on the water nearly every day. Whether that is windsurfing, surfing, or something else depends on the weather, but I windsurf in W.A. just as much now as I was when I was competing. Previously I was in the Canaries during the Australian winter, so I windsurfed much more at that time of the year, but whenever there is wind over our off-season Im still out there. My intentions are to continue to progress my windsurfing and particularly wave riding; thats my focus. I dont have the opportunity to sail starboard tack for 3-4 months of the year now, so that wouldnt be as consistent as it was, but I believe my port tack sailing and sailing in general is still getting better.ASYMS FAD OR FUNCTION?They rip. I think theyre just another option and offer a different riding experience. The concept isnt new, and its nowhere near as extreme as it used to be so theres no compromise to overall sailing ability, but at the moment the asymmetrical is generally perceived as being too niche in the current windsurfing market. Most of the asymmetries are very subtle and just facilitate the top or bottom turn on your biased tack. Those subtle asymmetries mean that Im able to achieve a different approach, feel new sensations and attempt to draw different lines. Theres quite a few of us still using asymmetricals on a regular basis in W.A., and well continue to do so, but working alongside Severne and Stone Surf Designs we are unlikely to release an asymmetrical board for mass production at this stage. Like most things we do, we will try different things, learn from them, and take the positives to progress equipment and design forward.The post WHATS UP JAEGER STONE?: A CHANGE IN DIRECTION appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

Jess AshleyInterview: Peter TranterPhotos: Jessica Ashley, EoEPS, Jon Hipkin (@hipkinjon84), @barryoutdoors, @colmsphotosJess is a wild swimmer, sailor, and wingfoiler who started SUP in 2019. Jess is one of the #ShePaddle Ambassadors for Paddle UK for 2024, a kit reviewer in Gear Shed for SUPM for the last 12 months, and is also an admin for the East of England Paddlesport FaceBook Group, the largest affiliated cub with Paddle UK. So, we thought it was about time we caught up for a natter. Take it away JessHow and what attracted you to SUP?I started paddleboarding with my family during lockdown to get outdoors and on the water with a very young child who was two years old. We always sailed and spent time on the water as a family, so with the lockdown, it was the thing we could start doing to spend time back on the water again.What continues to draw you to the outdoors and SUP?The tranquillity of it all. I love a sunrise or sunset paddle, and I can spend the whole time admiring the beauty of nature.Do you have a mentor?I dont have a mentor per se, but Oli Jordan, who owns East of England Paddlesports, is definitely someone who supports me and has taught me a lot throughout the years of helping him run the group. Andy Large and Matt Payne, who are also admins of EoEPs, and Ollie Nawrat from Saltwater SUP have all taught and supported me a lot with different aspects of paddling.Why do you think the #ShePaddles initiative is essential?I think showcasing women in watersports and maritime is so important to help other women and girls see that we can do it, too! The more role models people see, the more we can encourage other women and girls to give it a go! I also love how diverse this initiative is, with women from all backgrounds. Its not only to encourage women and girls; its to ensure our future in paddling is inclusive to all, regardless of gender, background, etc.What would you recommend to women applying to the Ambassador programme for 2025?Go for it! If paddlesports is your passion, definitely apply. You dont know unless you try!I wasnt going to apply because I didnt feel I had much to give, but a fellow female paddle friend pushed me to do it because she knew how passionate I was about promoting the sport and my love for it!Do you find SUP helps you with your mental health?Absolutely! I believe in blue therapy, so if I am ever struggling, I go for a paddle, swim, sail, wing, or walk next to the sea! A tranquil SUP resets my mind. I am very busy and active, but when I struggle, I take myself out on a paddle and sit there, and it seems to clear all my stresses and worries.As part of your role as a #ShePaddles Ambassador, are you setting yourself any personal challenges, initiatives or events in the next 12 months?My main goal is to help other women and girls gain confidence on the water so they can go out and use it as blue therapy or to make like-minded friends like I have. I am lucky enough to be an admin of a paddlesports group where I can host #ShePaddle events, such as a pool session for beginners to help women gain the skills.What is the best way to spread the #ShePaddles message and passion for the sport?I think show by doing is a great way to spread the word. The more women we see out on the water, the more we can spread the love and joy. Hopefully, having more women on the water will spark other women to give it a go!What would you say to women who have seen the #ShePaddles articles and stories over the past few years but are doubting their abilities to get involved?Dont ever doubt yourself. We can do anything we put our minds to, and dont let other people make you think otherwise! There are so many places to go to gain the skills to be a confident and competent paddler, and remember, we were all new to this sport at one point!Have any paddling events over the past year been memorable?There have been so many memorable paddles! I am lucky enough to be a part of such a huge group that runs so many events that it is hard to choose a favourite. Still, the most memorable is a sunrise paddle event I organized, a midweek, super early 5 am paddle. The sea was like a millpond, the sky was stunning, and 28 people attended the event on a random Thursday morning, all before heading off to work! To make it even more memorable, we went for a swim, and a seal swam around us! But the other memorable event was kayaking down the Ardeche in France with my best friends and camping outdoors in hammocks under torrential rainfall!Wheres your favourite place to paddle in the east of England?This is a hard one! I prefer paddling the sea and estuaries to explore the creeks and see what nature has to offer, so I would probably choose the estuaries around the River Colne, Blackwater, or the Deben. They all have something different to offer!Have you always been very active outdoors?Yes. I was born and raised in Canada, so being outdoors was a huge part of growing up, but my parents werent really into anything outdoorsy. However, we did go sea fishing and camping as a family the odd few times. The thing that sparked my love for the outdoors was being in the Girl Guides and going to summer camp in Canada. Its a totally different outdoorsy life to the UK, and it was totally wild with the risk of bears, coyotes, and racoons to contend with!Outside of SUP, what else keeps you on your toes?I am always on my toes and rarely have time to rest. Outside of SUP, I spend my time on the water, either wingfoiling, sailing, or cold-water swimming. I now have a watersport regardless of the wind and weather conditions! And if the weather or my schedule doesnt allow water time, you will find me at the gym lifting weights! I am a mum of a six-year-old and three spaniel dogs, and I work as a vet nurse, so I am always a tired, busy bee!Who are your paddling inspirations?Cal Major inspires me. Not only is she a passionate paddler, but she is also using paddling to reach masses of people to highlight the climate and biodiversity crisis and protect our earth and the wildlife that live on it. Not only that, but she also works as a veterinarian!All the female paddle adventurers inspire me, such as the last two Adventure Queens grant winners (whom I am lucky enough to call friends): Sarah DuPlessis and Natasha Sones. Natasha won the 2023 grant and did a solo paddle adventure and wild camp around Norway. This years winner Sarah, plans to paddle and wild camp around the Outer Hebrides.Youre heavily involved with the East of England Paddlesports Group. What does that entail?We run many events throughout the year for our members, most of which are free to attend. Our ethos is to promote grassroots paddling, and we volunteer our time to run these to get people out enjoying the water and making like-minded friends.Much of our time is spent planning events such as paddles, trips, and talks, updating our social media pages, and providing content and guides for safe paddling, such as what to wear, what to take, etc. We have been asked to write a book that will be published in 2025, so keep your eyes peeled!Whats your dreammust havefood when paddleboarding?I am a massive foodie, so this is a hard one! Sushi would be an awesome treat to have while on a SUP. Ive never tried it, so perhaps I must make this dream come true this year!Matt Payne (fellow EoEPs admin) and I did get a warm fried chicken baguette on a paddle to Mersea Strood once, and when we went to eat it, it was still warm. That was a huge treat!How did you get involved with the East of England Paddlesports Group?I joined the group to find paddle events and attended a falling in session Oli held in Frinton. I was a confident paddler, having grown up next to the sea and sailed for many years, but I was never sure if I was capable of getting back on my board if I fell off or if I was doing rescues correctly, so I went to a session with a friend.When I got to the beach where the session was held, I instantly recognised Oli. We had been friends since we were young, and I decided to catch up. We had lots in common with our outdoorsy life and love for the water.I started attending the events after that, as I felt like I knew at least one person, and I started making so many like-minded friendssome of whom are my closest friends now!Quickfire questionsWho would it be if you could paddle with anyone, dead or alive?Ross Edgely.Which famous person would you like to see play you in a film?Jamie Chung.Pick two celebrities to be your parents:Jackie Chan and Lucy Liu.Are you a bathroom/shower singer, and if so, what do you sing?Nope, but I am a car singer! I love to sing old school R&B and emo music.An ideal night out for you is?Sitting around a fire under the stars with friends.What one luxury item would you take with you on a desert island?Coffee.What would you prepare for us if we came to your house for dinner?Homemade Chinese food Ramen, Bao buns, Roast duck complete with a cheesecake! I make a banging homemade cheesecake!Whats in your fridge right now?Greek yoghurt, Meat, Veg & fruit (I eat clean!)Who are your SUP buddies?Sarah, Joe, Fe, Oli, Matt, Andy, and the group members who attend our events!Any final shout-outs to friends, supporters and sponsors?My husband and son, thank you for supporting me with all these extra-curricular activities I am involved in!The EoEPs admin team, all the independent adventure women in my life who inspire me daily: Sarah, Fe, Helen, Claire, and Natasha, to name a few; Ollie from Saltwater SUP, who always encourages and helps me with paddle-related things; Zoe Green who sent me the application to apply as a #ShePaddles ambassador and of course, Paddle UK, for choosing me to be an ambassador for 2024!