By John R Dean & Sam N DeanPhotos: John R DeanPaddleboarder: Sam N DeanBiosBoth John and Sam are SUP and white water safety providers for the British Canoe Awarding Body and performance coaches in moderate water environments.WW SUP Performance Criteria ComparisonHave you considered progressing from sheltered water paddleboarding to moderate water? Well, it is possible with a bit of knowledge, support from others, and a suitable white water stand up paddleboard (SUP). But first, what courses are out there to get you both experience and help you enjoy the thrill of paddleboarding?The British Canoeing Awarding Body has created a plethora of awards for SUP, ranging from sheltered water to open water and white water.BCAB awards, available via your home nation delivery centre (Paddle Cymru, Paddle Northern Ireland, Paddle Scotland, and Paddles Up Training (England and International), are available as follows:Personal performance awards:SUP Sheltered Water Award, SUP White Water Award and SUP Paddle Surf Award.Leadership Awards:Sheltered Water SUP Leader, SUP Tidal Leader, SUP Coastal Leader, SUP Inland Open Water Leader, and SUP White Water Leader.Coaching:SUP Instructor, SUP Open Water Coach (Moderate Water), SUP Race Coach (Moderate Water), SUP Sheltered Water Coach, SUP White Water Coach (Moderate Water).Most of these require other pre-requisites, such as hands-on safety and rescue awards and appropriate support modules (weather, tides, surf and swell, navigation, and open crossings).We are focusing on the white water (moderate water) environmentSo, what is moderate water SUP?Moderate water is defined as Grade 2(3) white water. The numbers refer to what we call river grading. A Grade 2 river would be classed as small rapids featuring regular waves requiring some manoeuvring around river features (rocks, obstructions like overhanging trees and their associated debris). Grade 3, in contrast, is classed as a river where most of the rapids will have irregular waves and hazards that need avoiding.Regarding the paddleboarder, it can sometimes be more appropriate to portage around some river features, particularly when developing your skills in the white water environment, and portaging is easy with a paddleboard.It is normal when white water paddleboarding that the paddler would wear on top of their drysuit (or dry pants and cag) a buoyancy aid and helmet. The buoyancy aid assists if you fall in the moving water, with the additional protection of wearing a well-fitted helmet. But what about the other necessary kit, alongside a SUP paddle, namely the white water SUP?We decided to test a range of white water SUPs on the River Spey using a fixed set of rapids at Knockando to evaluate their performance. The Knockando rapids are a series of Grade 2 rapids with upper, middle and lower sections. We also consider it important that if you need to wear knee and shoulder pads, then you may need to consider the phrase height management.Now, we all get caught off-guard by that hidden rock now and again, so swimming is definitely part of white water SUP. But considering your height management, i.e. the ability to move (gracefully) from an upright stance to a more crouched stance, to a one-knee (or both knee) position are important considerations. The transitioning between different postures is something to practice and hone your skills at.Crucial to white water paddleboarding is the ability to read the water, to anticipate and manoeuvre your position around the river by looking for what often might be just micro-eddies within the main flow. Then, by experience, you will quickly adapt to (almost) anticipate when your balance, aided by the paddle and its position in the water, is lost, and you will fall off. Considering your safety when the unexpected happens and you fall off your board is essential.Again, by practice, try to fall first onto the board (on your knees, ideally) and then carefully disembark into the water. This is the critical danger point as you do not want to enter the water unexpectedly and land on the submerged edge of any rocks. Also, it is important to remember, if you can at this point, to keep hold of your paddle. This will help you focus on where your hands should be. It is very important that you do not put your arm out as you fall, as this could lead to a dislocated shoulder.Note: At this time, BCAB and its delivery centres do not advocate wearing any leash while on any of their white water SUP awards.Before testing the kit, we decided to compare the white water SUPs (9 6 and 9 8) against a set of performance criteria in the moderate water environment. So, a head-to-head challenge was set by considering the following white water SUP performance criteria:Tracking: Does the board maintain directional stability when crossing the flow?Punching: The ability of the board to carry its speed while going through a wave or stopper.Change direction: Can the board easily change direction mid-flow to play on a river feature or adapt your leadership strategy to avoid hazards or rescue a paddlerDirectional stability (down the flow): The ability of short boards to maintain direction pre-wave entry, mid-flow, and post-wave exit.Carving: Does the board maintain stability whilst undertaking edge control as part of a manoeuvre?Swooshing: The ability of the board to allow a pivot turn (step-back turn) while maintaining stability during a white water manoeuvre.Stalling: The ability to slow down mid-flow by dynamically changing the boards trim.Useful information:MethodologyThe methodology was discerned as part of the BCAB Coaching Philosophy, on the use of reflective practice.For action: Seven white water SUP performance criteria were initially considered prior to paddling commencement. The criteria to be assessed were tracking, punching, change of direction, directional stability (down the flow), carving, swooshing, and stalling.In action: This information on the seven white water SUP performance criteria was assessed live and the so-called first impressions immediately after each run.On action: The seven white water SUP performance criteria were reviewed again the following day after the video (and the camera images, as required) were reviewed.Reflection on action: A retrospective review was done, all data was re-considered, and aggregates of scores were determined along with the final commentary.All the white water SUP boards were paddled in a moderate water environment. The performance criteria have been quantified, and commentary has been provided on how well they can perform under the test conditions.Hala Atcha 96:An excellent performance across almost all criteria, with perhaps not its forte stalling. Great board for the big water, but does want to be on that bigger water. It is very safe and comfortable in a moderate water environment.Hatha Drop 96:A good performance across most criteria, excelling in punching, swooshing and stalling. Its least performance was in carving. A great board for eddie turns, with a reassuring front rocker for the waves. It wants you to move around the board to get the most from it.Fanatic Rapid Air Premium:This board performs excellently across almost all criteria, with perhaps its weakest area being stalling. It is a great board for paddlers who like to charge around rapids, which makes for a fun day out playing.McConks Go Wild 98iX6:A good all-round performance against all the criteria. It performed best in terms of punching and directional stability. No obvious weaknesses. A great board for reassuring stability that allows the paddler to be at any level of ability, allowing for comfort and/or a challenge.Loco Rapid Air:It performed well across most criteria, excelling in carving. Its an excellent board for surfing. The board really likes to be carving around those waves. The surprise board from the group, with some moving around, performed well across all the challenges.Red 96 Wild MSL:A good all-round performance against all the criteria. A great board for the quick feel. The twin fin system causes some sticky friction for the turns, and the narrowness of the board provides a sense of quickness when running rapids.The Authors:Both authors are SUP and white water safety providers for the British Canoe Awarding Body and performance coaches in moderate water environments.With special thanks to the following for loan of their boards.Hala Atcha: Jim Miller @Highland_outdoor_AdventuresHatha Drop: Emy McLeod @empaddlesportsFanatic Rapid: Sam Dean @sam.canoeingMcConks: Andrew McConkey @mcconks_outdoorsLoco Rapid: Jess Philip @Dipper_Paddle_BoardingRed Wild: Adam Burns @sup_paddle_adventuresA minimum of ten runs were done on each white water SUP across the upper, middle and lower sections. Each white water SUP run order was chosen randomly to aid data gathering in an unbiased way. In the upper section, two identical runs were done; in the middle section, two identical runs; and in the lower section, six runs (22 identical runs and two individual solo runs). The activity per section was determined to allow coverage, in total, of all seven white water SUP criteria. All runs were recorded by either camera (Nikon D3500 body with a Nikon DV VR AF-P Nikkor 18-55 mm 1:3.5-5.6) or phone video-recording (iPhone 13 pro using 60 frames per second, and either x1 or x3 magnification) to allow In Action review. The weather was dry, with no discernible wind.Hala Atcha 9.6https://halagear.com/collections/2025-sups/products/atcha-96Hatha Drophttps://hathaboards.co.uk/product/drop-96-white-water-isupFanatic Rapid Airhttps://www.fanatic.com/en/uk/products/fanatic-rapid-air-premium-2024-13200-1144Mcconks Go Wild 98https://mcconks.com/shop/mcconks-go-wild-98i-beginner-ww-paddle-board/Loco Rapid Airhttps://locosurfing.com/products/loco-rapid-air-inflatable-paddleboard-for-white-waterRed 9.6 Wild MSLhttps://red-equipment.co.uk/products/96-wild-msl-inflatable-paddle-board

By Cory JonesDirector of Highland Experienceshttps://highlandexperiences.comCory JonesBioCory is a Paddle UK-endorsed guide and runs Highland Experiences in Scotland. He blogs about his travels on Wee Wild Adventures. Cory is an experienced expedition leader and a founder member of the First Aid Training Co-operative.Paddling the River Spey in springtimeA first adventure with the TRAK KayakA particular kind of silence settles on a Scottish loch before dawn in early spring crisp, expectant, and full of potential. On 2nd April 2025, I stood at the edge of Loch Insh in the Cairngorms, my breath fogging the air, fingers already beginning to tingle from the cold. It was -3 C and just getting light.A particular kind of silence settles on a Scottish loch before dawn in early spring crisp, expectant, and full of potential. On 2nd April 2025, I stood at the edge of Loch Insh in the Cairngorms, my breath fogging the air, fingers already beginning to tingle from the cold. It was -3 C and just getting light.the rivers rhythmAs I settled into the rivers rhythm, I began to take in more of the life around me. A dipper flitted across the current and bobbed cheerfully on a midstream rock before diving beneath the surface. A kingfisher flashed past electric blue in the sun and disappeared upriver. Rafts of goosanders and goldeneye were pairing off, getting ready to nest. Spring was very much in the air, and everything seemed just that little bit sharper, brighter, and more alive after the long winter.OttersThen came the real highlight of the day. Just beyond a gentle bend, where the river widened briefly, I saw two shapes moving ahead of me in the water. Otters. I stopped paddling and let the kayak drift. To my amazement, the pair turned and swam directly towards me. They were curious, not threatened, and slowly circled the kayaks bow, eyeing me up. For a moment, time stood still. It was just the three of us sharing the river. Then, with a flick of their tails, they were gone, diving beneath the surface and disappearing downstream.Encounters like that are why I paddle. A few hours in, I stopped for a quick bite on a gravel beach, using the calm stretch near Boat of Garten to stretch my legs. Then, back into the kayak and into the final push towards Grantown.The final few kilometres pass through increasingly wooded stretches, with the hills rising more steeply on either side. The water quickened again, and I took more care in my line choices through the boulder gardens. By then, Id almost forgotten I was in a folding kayak. The TRAK felt solid, responsive, and utterly dependable and that confidence makes all the difference, especially when youre tired.Grantown-on-SpeyBy late afternoon, I arrived at the pull-out point at Grantown-on-Spey. The spring sun was still warm on my face as I hauled the kayak out, stripped off my wet kit, and stood quietly looking back at the water. Dismantling the kayak was straightforward, and it was easily packed back into its bag (transported inside the kayak). It was a short trundle to the roadside. It had been a proper day a test, an adventure, and a gentle reminder of how special Scotlands rivers are in the spring.What I loved about this trip was how accessible it all was. The Spey in springtime has beautiful scenery, wildlife, a bit of whitewater, and a sense of remoteness that makes you feel like youve escaped. And the TRAK kayak? Its more than just a clever piece of kit. It opens up paddling in places and ways that just arent practical with a hard-shell boat. Im already thinking about where Ill take it next perhaps somewhere even more remote.If youre planning your Spey journey, spring is a brilliant time. Just be prepared for cold starts, check the flow conditions, and ensure you have the right layers. The Go Paddling guide is an excellent resource for planning. For more about the TRAK kayak that made this journey so memorable, look at TRAK Kayaks.Sometimes, its not about going far its about going with the right mindset, kit, and a curiosity for whats around the next bend. The River Spey delivered all that and more. It always does.

HTTPS://PADDLEUK.ORG.UKInvasive Non-Native Species What are they, and how can you help?Earlier in May marked Invasive Non-Native Species Week! This week of action focuses on education and action to help stop the spread of INNS, which are plants and animals introduced into an area outside of their natural habitat.Most INNS come from different continents. They can negatively impact our health and the environment by reducing water quality and slowing downriver flow.INNS can increase the threat of flooding and clog whole waterways, preventing people from paddling in their favourite spots. They can also endanger the lives of native plant and animal species.What can you do?As Paddlers, we can play a vital role in protecting our waters from harmful species.We (Paddle UK) are working to increase biosecurity, encouraging paddlers to Check, Clean, Dry.After leaving the water, check boats for mud, aquatic animals, or plant material. Remove anything you find and leave it at the site. Check your kit, too. Invasive species love buoyancy aids and clothing.CLEAN everything thoroughly using hot water as soon as possible. Pay attention to the insides of your boat and damp and easy-to-access areas.DRY every part of your boat with a sponge or towel before leaving the site.Some invasive plants and animals can survive for two weeks in damp conditions. By following Check, Clean, Dry, you can help stop the spread of invasive species. We also partner with Bio Mate to raise awareness and help protect our blue spaces from Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS).Find out more about their amazing product on the next page. Dont forget Paddle UK members will get an exclusive 15% discount on Bio Mates portable cleaning kit, available from their website.Want to get involved?In partnership with the Angling Trust, Environment Agency and the Canal & River Trust, the team at Paddle UK organises events around the country to help tackle INNS. Check out two upcoming events below:12 June 2025 Lee Navigation12 June 2025 Leaside TrustIf you can attend any of these events, please fill out this form: https://forms.paddleuk.org.uk/live/form/Pennywortvoluntaryday1/formperma/tZwW1eS4_BN6b-YwrtM1Ut4_xj6oOL1SgIwchW_P_lQ

Our Santa Barbara surf shop manager Evan Gambetta walks you through CI's offering of all-new, redesigned traction pads. There are lots of options out there, so we wanted to help you find the right pad for your new board.All our traction pads are made with CI's "Bio Grip" grip, which means they are built from discarded waste. This helps less items going into a landfill and means you can feel a little bit better about your choice of pad under foot. Additionally, all CI pads use premium 3M adhesive tapeensuring it stays on firmly.To narrow down your pad selection further, you will need to consider whether you like a flat pad or one with an arch. Flat pads tend to give you a little more room to move, whereas and arch provides a more locked in feel. We have two different arch options, the traditional and then our new Mega Kush which has a softer, cushier feel for the arch. Mega Kush let's you be more locked in like a trad arch but still offers a little bit more room to move and is noticeably more comfortable.Next is deciding what overall grip feel you want under your feet. We have the "Mixed Groove" pattern which is a more traditional, more aggressive grip. Then we have have the newer "Thermo Press" pattern, which is a thinner pad that's gives you a closer to the board feel. If you're used to not riding with a pad, Thermo Press could be a really good option to provide added grip but without the foreign feel of a pad. The majority of our team riders do however prefer Mixed Groove, as evidenced by pro series signature pads that all have it. So if you like the more traditional feel of a traction pad we recommend Mixed Groove.Narrowing down even further, you need to select the shape you like. We've got a lot to choose from, but we recommend you take into consideration how you like your grip to fill in the tail area of your board. If overwhelmed by the options we recommend you look our signature series (Mike, Dane, Parker, and Reef)between those four shapes they cover all of the bases for most surfers's preferences. All of CI's signature pads were designed with specifications from our those surfers.One final detail to take into consideration when choosing your pad is the tail kick height. Some are more aggressive, some are mellower. It's ultimately a personal preference, but generally speaking with a more aggressive tail kick you get a little bit more to leverage against for big hacks and airs.We're really stoked on our updated line of traction pads and hope this video helped you make a decision on which one is right for you. At CI we try to do everything with the best quality and best performance in mind, which is why we confidently feel our new pad offering is best-in-class.Find our selection of traction pads at your local surf shop or here

Purchase to download or read online the PREMIUM June 2025 edition of the Paddler Magazinehttps://joom.ag/qzsdAlso available to purchase in perfect-bound and high-quality glossy print https://paddlerezine.com/printed-subs/

Download or read online the FREE June 2025 taster edition of the Paddler Magazinehttps://joom.ag/6zsdAlso available to purchase in perfect-bound and high-quality glossy print https://paddlerezine.com/printed-subs/

https://www.pyranha.com232 tech spec: Length: 232cm/78Width: 63cm/25External cockpit length: 91cm/36External cockpit width: 52cm/20.5Volume: 235L/62(US)galWeight: 18kg/40lbOptimum paddler weight: 40-65kg/90-146lb242 tech spec: Length: 242cm/711Width: 66cm/26External cockpit length: 91.5cm/36External cockpit width: 52cm/20.5Volume: 259L/68(US)galWeight: 19kg/41lbOptimum paddler weight: 60-90kg/135-200lb252 tech spec: Length: 252cm/83Width: 70cm/27.5External cockpit length: 91.5cm/36External cockpit width: 52cm/20.5Volume: 287L/76(US)galWeight: 21kg/46lbOptimum paddler weight: 80-130kg/176-287lbThe Pyranha Firecracker is my go-to kayak. If I could only have one kayak, it would be this one. It does a bit of everything; you can use it for river running and playboating. It tailees so nicely, and surfing is amazing! You can paddle it on decent-sized water as well, which is good. I had a Firecracker, which I broke, and when I looked at getting another kayak, I thought I should try something else. But then nothing was as good as the Firecracker, and I thought, why get a kayak that wont be as good? So I bought my second Firecracker! If that doesnt show you how good this kayak is, then I dont know what will.Paul GillThe Firecracker is a very responsive boat. I enjoyed paddling it, and it was so easy to tailee it. Im hoping to get a Firecracker 232 of my own soon, as I preferred paddling the 232 over the 242. It made it more playful, which I liked.Jacob GillPyranha Firecracker reviewBy Del Clare. Photos: Del & Tom Clare (https://delkayaks.co.uk)People talk about girlfriends or boyfriends who got away, and they never truly got over it. For me, the kayak equivalent of this is the Pyranha Kayaks Firecracker! I took a Firecracker 232 down the Tryweryn in the early days of its release. My thoughts at the time were all positive, but I already had both a Z.One and an Ozone, so I decided I didnt need another fun boat.Fast forward a year, and suddenly, I was surrounded by paddlers grinning ear to ear in their Firecrackers, having the absolute time of their lives. I found myself regularly thinking about that kayak. Last autumn, Pyranha generously lent me a demo to test out, and six months later, Im hooked. Ive now ordered my own Firecracker to replace the demo when its time to send it back. While Ive favoured the 232, this review applies to all sizes so read on!A little about meI have paddled regularly on white water over the last 10 years. My most common paddling spots would be my local white water course, Holme Pierrepont (HPP), the river Dee, the Tryweryn and various sections of the Tees. Im pretty average at kayaking, but my friends tell me I am better than I think. I can surf a wave and am working on my tailees but still have room for improvement. Most importantly, I paddle for the fun of it! This is the background I am writing this Firecracker review from!Ive also spent a lot of time in a small Z.One and a small Ozone two kayaks I adore and have hugely enjoyed paddling! Many of my comments in this article reflect how I have found the Firecracker compared to the Z.One and Ozone.Firecracker vs Ozone StabilityFrom my first lap in the Firecracker at HPP, I was struck by how stable it felt. The volume in the front smoothed out, crossing over eddy lines, and allowed me to paddle through holes effortlessly.With the Ozone, I always had to be mindful of weight distribution; if the tail caught an eddy line unexpectedly, Id end up vertical, regardless of whether I wanted to be or not! While thats great when deliberately playing on the eddy lines or in the boils, it could be frustrating when simply trying to paddle back up the eddy for another surf. The Firecracker, by contrast, offers a playful tail without the risk of unexpected tailees.This stability gave me the freedom to paddle even when I was feeling exhausted, especially during an evening session after a demanding day at work. A boat that requires minimal effort to ferry glide or paddle back up the eddy? Perfect. I could focus on enjoying my paddling without worrying about my tail being suddenly grabbed by HPPs notorious eddy lines!The Firecrackers stability also meant I would be more open to paddling this kayak beyond grade 2/3. While Ive loved the Ozone, Ive never quite been comfortable with its playful nature to take it down anything harder than the Upper Tryweryn. On the other hand, Id gladly paddle the Firecracker on more demanding rivers. A friend tested it on big volume water earlier this year. She spent her day practising kickflips on every wave and loved every second!Firecracker vs Z.One PlayfulnessThe Firecracker isnt just stable its fun. From surfing waves to tailees, rock spins, eddy spins, and boofing off waves and holes, this kayak makes every tiny feature on a river fun. I recently spent a low-water day on the Dee, taking five hours to complete a single lap. Our friends were surprised, What took so long? they asked. The answer? We were playing!Nearly two hours were spent at the get-on, practising tailees on a single eddy line. There is so much class joy on a river like the Dee and the Firecracker makes that joy easily accessible. While Im still working toward holding a tailee, the tail of the Firecracker is so easy to catch, motivating me to start some daily core strength exercises again.Even when the kayak doesnt quite reach vertical, it loves to spin. Catching the tail sometimes results in effortless, smooth rotations on the eddy line, which is an absolute joy! The Firecrackers tail playfulness matches the Ozone and far surpasses the Z.One.Firecracker vs Ozone vs Z.OneWhen I got the Ozone, I loved how playful it was. But I kept my Z.One because of its stability and reliability as a river runner. Now, with the Firecracker, I feel like Pyranha has blended the best qualities of both into one boat.The Firecrackers balance is fantastic. It provides the confidence of the Z.One with the agility of a lighter boat. Unlike bulkier creek boats, it feels nimble, making it ideal for effortless laps on your favourite sections. On the Dee, I completed six laps of Serpents Tail without feeling too fatigued, something I might not have managed in a heavier kayak.For those who love playing on features, the Firecracker delivers the tail engagement of the Ozone while offering a more predictable response. Whether youre carving into waves, spinning on eddy lines, or working on tailees, this kayak keeps the fun flowing without feeling overly twitchy.The Firecracker perfectly fits the category of a playful river runner. It has earned a permanent place in my fleet and led me to make the decision that it was time to let go of my Z.One. While the Z.One remains a fantastic kayak, I now find myself consistently choosing the Firecracker over it. With Pyranhas new Elite outfitting and upgraded customiser options, getting my own Firecracker was an easy decision.Firecracker sizesMany people have asked why Pyranha have called the different sizes of the Firecracker the 232, the 242 and the 252 instead of small, medium and large. . The choice of Firecracker is dependent on two things: your weight and what you want it for. You can outfit most kayaks to fit you in if you have enough foam. If I wanted, I could outfit the 252 to fit me. I wouldnt want to, as I would be so light in this kayak.At 70kg and 56, I opted for the 232. I could probably paddle the 242, but being heavier in the smaller volume Firecracker 232 gives me that extra playfulness I love. Meanwhile, some of my heavier friends have chosen the 232 precisely because it makes their experience more playful by being overweighted for it.If youre considering a Firecracker, I highly recommend testing a couple of sizes and really thinking about which one will better suit your needs. If you want a nimble river runner, you might size up; if you want maximum play potential, size down!Another viewpointWhenever I review a kayak, I always try to get input from other paddlers to ensure a well-rounded perspective. Nottingham locals, father and son duo Paul and Jacob Gill, both dedicated white water paddlers, had a go in the Firecracker and shared their thoughts with me.Paul already owns a Firecracker 242, but Jacob wanted to try the 232. Both had great experiences and gave their thoughts above.Final thoughtsEvery paddler has different preferences, and the best way to know if the Firecracker suits you is to try a demo.For me, Pyranha has done something truly special with this kayak. Whether tackling river runs, practising tailees on eddy lines, or surfing waves, it brings confidence and excitement that few boats match. Across the kayaking community, I keep hearing the same thing: this boat is a game-changer.So, if youre setting one paddling goal for 2025, let it be this get out there and take a Firecracker for a spin!

HTTPS://PADDLEUK.ORG.UKPaddlepoints: Paddle the Barrow Loop via the River SoarThe Barrow Loop is a gentle, picturesque paddle trail for all types of craft and abilities, starting and ending in the delightful Barrow Upon Soar. (Waterways licence required. Find out more: https://paddleuk.org.uk/waterways-licences/).Distance: 4km (2.5 miles)Time: 1.5 hoursSat Nav: LE12 8XJWhat3Words: ///clocked.tested.deletingFind the full route for the Barrow Loop on PaddlePoints: https://gopaddling.info/rivers/river-soar/We began the Barrow Loop from Paddle UKs Broadways Meadow campsite in Barrow Upon Soar, Leicestershire. The land belongs to Paddle UK and is managed by the East Midlands Regional Development Team, is well situated to give access to sections of the River Soar and the Grand Union Canal. Paddle UK members can park there for 3.50. During warmer weather you can also wild camp for 4.50 a night.Broadways Meadow has a water tap on-site and portable toilets between April and the end of September. The site is the perfect place to get on to the River Soar, as it is only 10 metres away. Its a fantastic Paddle UK member benefit.The Moorings pub across the river also welcomes paddlers. However, the landlord told us he would expect anyone who accesses their car park, toilets, and launch point to be a paying customer. Theres also the Soar Bridge Inn across the road as an alternative for food and drink.We were joined by Hayley, from Leicester Outdoors Pursuits Centre, and her friend Ali. They both knew the Barrow Loop (managed by the Canal & River Trust) route well and gave us tips as they guided us along.The Barrow Loop is the location for the legendary Barrow Race. Its a friendly informal race, ideal for anyone who wishes to enter a paddling competition. We got on the Soar just off the campsite before paddling underneath the Barrow Road bridge. Rather than continuing on the Soar, we paddled left towards the Grand Union Canal.About 100m from where we started, we had to portage around Barrow Deep Lock. We got out at Prunell Walk and walked across Proctors Park Road bridge. We joined the canal towpath and found a suitable place above the lock to launch our SUPs and kayaks. We continued along the canal for about 600m until we reached Mill Lane Bridge. On the left is the Navigation Inn, and on the right is Barrow Boating. Both places have toilet facilities, and refreshments are available. About 200m from here is Barrow New Weir.We portaged on the right-hand side and walked down the steps to get back on the River Soar. The river passes under the A6 and meanders through the beautiful countryside before reaching the pretty village of Quorn. From our vantage points, we could see thatched cottages and traditional stone buildings. There were a few hazards to look out for as we continued. The main issue was a sunken boat, possibly caused by heavy flooding during the winter.We headed back underneath the A6 as the trail looped around before paddling on to where we started near the campsite. Once changed and packed up, we headed over the bridge and had a lovely lunch at the Moorings pub.A Paddle UK membership covers you to use this waterway. Find out more at: https://paddleuk.org.uk/membershipTo watch the guys in action, check out our video: https://youtube.com/shorts/5pABk_uVivE?si=Wy1tMoIHDSx6kTVq

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