DUOTONE: EAGLE D/LAB AND BLITZ D/LABQUICK FACTS:FREERIDE X FREERACESizes: 104 | 116 | 126| 136 | 146 | 165 | 185DUOTONE Windsurfing Welcome to True Windsurfing.The post DUOTONE: EAGLE D/LAB AND BLITZ D/LAB appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

DUOTONE: EAGLE D/LAB AND BLITZ D/LABDUOTONE: EAGLE D/LAB AND BLITZ D/LABDiscover Duotones latest freeride range: the Eagle D/Lab and Blitz D/Lab. The Eagle brings high-performance slalom race board construction into a freeride package, delivering speed and precision in a versatile design. Meanwhile, the Blitz offers riders the option of a larger board for earlier planing and added stability, without sacrificing control when conditions get overpowered..EAGLE D/LAB Customized IN A NUTSHELLA production freeride board built like a high-end slalom race board? Yes, you heard right, theres nothing else like the EAGLE D/LAB Customized! Designed for super early passive planing, automatic/instinctive jibing and maximum wind range with full control even in choppy conditions, the EAGLE D/LAB Customized brings performance and ease together in a way thats unmatched. Thanks to its Volume Yet Control Concept, you can ride a bigger board without losing any control, while the slightly longer and less curved outline gives it an unbeatable range of use. And for anyone sailing in shallow waters, you can now order it with a twinser fin setup as well.QUICK FACTS:PLANING ENTRY X PERFORMANCESizes:120 (Single) | 130 (Single) | 148 (Single)120 (Twinser) | 130 (Twinser) | 148 (Twinser)Eagle D/LAB 2026 | DUOTONE WindsurfingBLITZ D/LAB Customized IN A NUTSHELLThe BLITZ D/LAB Customized was designed to deliver maximum performance with minimal effort while maintaining control across the widest possible wind range. Built on the Volume Yet Control Concept, it allows riders to choose a bigger board for earlier planing and more stability without losing handling in overpowered conditions. Its wide tail makes jibing both smooth for intermediates and aggressive for experts, ensuring steady progression without limits. Inspired by World Cup slalom boards, the BLITZ D/LAB Customized features racier rails, outboard strap positions for more speed, 2 Step Cut-outs for reduced drag, and a recessed mast track area for greater control and aerodynamics. With the standard F_RIDE fin its comfortable and forgiving, while the RACE D/LAB fin transforms it into a freerace machine. Combining high-end construction, a huge range from freeride to freerace, and adaptability to your growing skills, the BLITZ D/LAB Customized guarantees endless hours of fast, controlled fun.QUICK FACTS:FREERIDE X FREERACESizes: 104 | 116 | 126| 136 | 146 | 165 | 185Blitz D/LAB 2026 | DUOTONE WindsurfingDUOTONE Windsurfing Welcome to True Windsurfing.The post DUOTONE: EAGLE D/LAB AND BLITZ D/LAB appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

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THE NEXT GENERATION: THE DE JONG SISTERS!THE NEXT GENERATION: THE DE JONG SISTERS!If you follow the PWA World Tour, youve probably noticed a trio of young talents making serious waves on the racing scene! Meet the De Jong sisters: Bobbi Lynn (15) and her 13-year-old twin sisters, Kit and Lone. Hailing from the windsurfing paradise of Bonaire, these girls are already turning heads with their natural talent, fierce dedication and competitive spirit.Though still early in their careers, its clear theyre not just the future of the sporttheyre very much part of its present. We caught up with the sisters to hear about their journey from learning to windsurf to rising stars, their daily life of balancing school and training and what its like growing up in a family powered by passion, wind, and sibling rivalry.WS: First of all, when did you learn to windsurf?Kit: I started windsurfing when I was eight. My twin sister, Lone, was also eight and our older sister, Bobbi Lynn, was ten.Lone: We learned in Bonaire. We had moved there from the Netherlands, where we hadnt really done any surfing. So, our first time windsurfing was actually in Bonaire.WS: Bonaire must be the perfect place to learn?Bobbi Lynn: Definitely! Bonaire is super flat, and the wind is steady almost every day. We could always go out after school, which ended around 1 or 2 p.m.Kit: Its like a paradise.tropical, warm, and windy. Perfect for learning.WS: When you all learned, did you always think youre going to compete?Bobbi Lynn: It was more like a hobby at first. I actually didnt like windsurfing when I first started. I wasnt too good at it, my dad was teaching me and it didnt go so well! I thought, Im never going do this sport again! But after a while I tried it again and I was making a lot of progress and soon I was hooked. Soon after we did our first competitions in Bonaire and we did very well! We were winning, but there were not a lot of girls, so we didnt know if our level was good enough. Our first major competition was in Aruba! That was fun and then we went to Italy, Sardinia, yeah, and there was no wind actually, so that was kind of bad!WS: What is your daily routine at home?Kit: School then windsurfing! We go to school until around 1 oclock and then we go home and we do some homework and study for any tests. Once the work is done, we head to Jibe City and windsurf till 6 or 7pm. After that we just chill or also do some more homework if exams are coming up!WS: Why did the family move to Bonaire?Kit: Our mum always wanted to move to a tropical place. We came on vacation to Bonaire and then my mum and my dad decided they really wanted to move here. My dad bought Jibe City!Bobbi Lynn: Jibe City the perfect location for windsurfing. We keep all of our gear rigged and its so easy to grab it. It just takes us five minutes to be ready and then we can windsurf all day! It is perfect!Windsurf Center Bonaire Jibe CityWS: What conditions do you sail in?Bobbi Lynn: It is usually flat water but when its windy, it gets a little bit choppy and its so much fun. Of course, we also like competing in where there are waves, chop or swell like Fuerteventura.But we dont get bored in Bonaire. I also really love the wave scene in Pozo, for example and I really want to try that when Im older, but now its good to live in Bonaire. It is the perfect place for us to combine school and training.WS: Are the twins going to compete this year at the PWA main events?Kit: Yeah, were not allowed to do competitions yet, but next year we will try to enter, the adults, for the women in Fuerteventura. We are now 13, we are really excited to see how it will go to compete against the older girls. We are really excited to see how we will go in the main competitionWS: So, whos the best out of the three sisters?Lone: I think Bobbi LynnShes older, has more experience than us and shes very good.Bobbi Lynn: I have to say Kit and Lone are very good as well. Theyre going to come for me and Im not looking forward to the moment! They are so good already! I have an advantage because of the age of course as I am two years older. When they get a bit older and stronger they will improve of course. There was a time a few months ago that they were getting really close and I was getting scared! But, because of that I kept pushing myself even more than I already was. My dad always says, like it feels really stressful because you have the sisters pushing, but in the end we will all improve and learn off of each other.I did think I would windsurf as much as I do without my sisters, but now I feel I am pushing so much more because I have my sisters! We are all definitely ambitious.WS: What are your ambitions?Kit: Yeah, I would really like to be world champion, but now Im in the category with my sister Lone, so it is going to be tough, but I also really my dream is to compete in Fuerteventura.Bobbi Lynn: My ambition is to do everything in the windsurfing from foil, slalom and waves!Lone: Im just going to do my best, I think, and well see how it goes! I have my sisters in my category, so it is going to be hard to be world champion. We will see!WS: Whats your favourite foil or fin?Kit: I think I still like fin more because Ive been training a lot more on that, so I only started foiling, like a year ago, so I didnt do foil so much, but now Im training more so I am improving on the foil.Bobbi Lynn: It switches up every single week. Sometimes Im like, oh, I really dont feel like going foiling now and stick to fin. But other weeks I like, I love foiling, I dont want to go on the fin! Im going to say foil because its good in light winds and high winds! With the fin, I really prefer it when its like really windy.Lone: Yeah, for me its in the lighter days its foil, and for the stronger days its fin.WS: How do you like NeilPryde sails?Bobbi Lynn: They are amazing sails. My dad always used to sail Neil Pride when he was younger, when he was just sailing for himself, and thats also how we got introduced to NeilPryde. People always say they are the best seals, but I totally agree with them. The new race sails are amazing. That is what I have to say!RS:RACING EVOXVIWS: How about Starboard?Kit: Oh yeah, also so easy to go with, and they are so light. We are just flying over the water with the Starboard. I think we have got the best combination.WS: What was it like racing against top pros like Justine Letemeyer, Sarah Quita and all the other top older women?Bobbi Lynn: I love it actually. I did my first competition with the women when I was 13! I didnt think then that I would have become so close to them in two years because now Im competing with them pretty close. Im already fighting for the top positions and I wouldnt have expected that when I was 2 years younger. I think its so cool and they are so amazing and I just think that they are such good examples. I see them training and I see them on my Instagram training and everything! I just feel like I want to live that life when Im older!WS: How much have your mum and dad supported you on this journey?Kit: Im really grateful for them and for the time they spend helping us to come to windsurfing competitions! They are helping us live our dream!Lone: If our dad didnt teach us how to windsurf, we wouldnt have this opportunity!WS: We heard you have you been to see Taylor Swift?Bobbi Lynn: Yeah, last year in Miami, she was amazing!WS: How did that come about?Bobbi Lynn: We went from Turkey to Miami, and there was a week between the competitions, and this was the last opportunity to see Taylor Swift because she was ending her ERAS tour. And our mum and dad got us all tickets, so its really cool! It was Kit and Lones birthday present! On Bonaire you dont have a lot to do. Its windsurfing or nothing! Our parents promised us we would do something for their birthdays, and this was like unexpected. They said put on something nice, were going somewhere!WS: And who was the support act?Kit: It was Gracie Abrams! She is the best! The best pop star, she so amazing. I wont forget that night!Bobbi Lynn: Yeah, we went to see Taylor Swift because Lone was a big fan of her and then we went to the Inter Miami football game as Kit is into football. She really loves football! She loves Gracie Abrams and football! It was the best week ever!QUICKFIRE QUESTIONSBOBBI-LYNNDE JONGFull name:Bobbi-Lynn de JongDate of Birth: 15/12/2009Height and weight:164 cm and 54 kgOne word to describe your sisters!: Lone: confidenceKit: motivatedDream Destination:Jeri, BrazilBest Result: 4th overall PWA Foil Women5th in the 2025 Super X Fuerteventura!Fav other sport:TennisFav Board:Starboard Isonic 60Windsurfing Heroes: Sarah-Quita and Matteo IachinoGracie Abrams or Taylor Swift? Neither!LONE DE JONGFull Name: Lone de JongDate of Birth: 5 September 2011Height and weight:160 cm / 48 kgA few words to describe your sisters: Bobbi: consistencyKit: good trainerDream Destination:Maui, HawaiiBest Result: World champion fin u15 2024Fav other sport: Field hockeyFav Board: Starboard Isonic 63Windsurfing heroes:Sarah-Quita | MatteoGracie Abrams or Taylor Swift? If I had to choose Taylor SwiftKIT DE JONGFull Name: Kit de JongDate of Birth: 5 September 2011Height and weight: 160 cm 52 kgOne word to describe your sisters? Bobbi-Lynn= fastLone=persistenceDream destination: Maui, HawaiiBest Result: world champion u15 foilFav other sport:FootballFav Board: Starboard iSonic 60Windsurfing heroes: Nico Prien, Sarah-QuitaGracie Abrams or Taylor Swift: Gracie AbramsThe post THE NEXT GENERATION: THE DE JONG SISTERS! appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

GEORGE GRISLEY: THE SHAKAGEORGE GRISLEY: THE SHAKAReady to master the shaka? George Grisley has you covered with his latest tutorial, breaking down this iconic freestyle move step by step. Whether youre on the beach or out on the water, youll turn heads as you launch into the trick, soar to the apex, and take in the view.George says: In this video, I breakdown my absolute favourite feeling move in windsurfing, The Shaka. This is a move you NEED in your bucket list, so enjoy the video and give it a go.You can send George your clips to analyse here: clips4george@gmail.comand dont forget to subscribe to his awesome YouTube channel.The post GEORGE GRISLEY: THE SHAKA appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

Words: Molly Smith @mols_adventuresPhotos: Molly SmithShoulder recoveryIn December 2024, I underwent a rotator cuff repair surgery after countless dislocations and a general instability of my shoulder Im sure paddling had much to do with it. Before my surgery, paddling would cause pain in my shoulder, and high bracing wasnt even an option. Even if I did, the shoulder was so unstable that the chance of dislocation was too high. Although I knew it wasnt going to be an easy road to recovery, never did I think it would be so tough. Not just physically, but it also took a toll on my mental health.For the first two weeks after surgery, I knew I wouldnt be able to move much. But I still felt so disheartened. A rotation of ice and painkillers dominated my brain; even the smallest of movements caused so much pain in my shoulder. Even breathing begins to hurt. Icepacks provided the most relief, as they were changed every few hours to bring some relief. Painkillers helped too, but the side effects of drowsiness meant I was sleeping most of the time or waiting for the next time I could take more.Those first few days were by far the worst; the frustration of the nerve block not quite being finished meant I had very little use of my hand. Even when that was over, using my hand still caused pain in my shoulder. The frustration of not being able to do even the simplest of tasks: getting dressed, making drinks, looking after myself. My head started to spin. I felt as if I had lost all my freedom and independence. Without my amazing friends and family, I am sure it would have been far worse. I have them to thank for their support and kindness during this time.After two weeks of recovery, progress was finally visible. Although it was little, it did lift me slightly. At this stage, I could only move my arm to shoulder height, and that was with my other arm as a guide.After six weeks of recovery, a wooden curtain rail became a glimpse of hope. The pole allowed me to practise the movement of paddling, however stiff it felt. Just that small glimpse of paddling, felt like a path was emerging, and it would all be worth it. The first days after surgery, with tiny shoulder movements and the frustration they caused, felt like it was going to matter.Paddling flat waterThe day finally came after nine weeks of recovery and healing, when I got back in my kayak. I paddled the flat water at Cardiff International White Water Centre. Although I felt stiff and it ached the whole time, the feeling of being back on the water was far better than I could have imagined. I felt unstable in my Firecracker, but I relished every second of feeling the water pass underneath my boat. Even just paddling in circles made me smile and brought me immense joy. I was on my way back to doing what I love and enjoy.After ten weeks, my physiotherapy efforts were beginning to show, and I had completed a few flat-water paddles, including one at Chirk Aquaduct in North Wales. The time had come to get on a river with a bit more flow. I was super happy just to be back in a kayak, but I missed the feeling of moving water.I travelled to Matlock for a paddle on the River Derwent. Although I had previously paddled this river numerous times before surgery, I had a fluttering feeling in my stomach this time: a mix of fear and excitement all at once.Once on the water, I quickly reminded myself about edging, paddling slowly and practising breaking in and out. There were a few tears as it felt like I was back at square one. I felt as if I had lost so much skill, strength and confidence in my paddling ability. Fortunately, my partner, Alex, was there to help me see that I could still paddle and that I would be fine. He completely and consistently believed in me throughout my paddling and recovery journey. For that, I am forever grateful.After a while, the look of nervousness and concern faded, leaving a sense of calm. A few weeks later, I returned to the Derwent with increased confidence. I played the river, even with it being so low: rock spinning, surfing and tailing. It was reassuring to know that my roll was still there, even when exhausted.Serpents Tail and Town FallsAfter 14 weeks, I pushed myself and got back onto a river I knew and loved: the Dee in Llangollen. With the support of my friends, I felt ready to regain that feeling of freedom by going down Serpents Tail and Town Falls.At the top of the ramp, I reflected on how long it had been since I was there last. It was time for one little push to get back onto the river. As my boat hit the water, I could not stop smiling. I was thrilled to be back. On a river I loved and had shared so many memories with friends who had supported me solidly over the past few months.At Serpents Tail, I could remember the line but still felt the rush of nerves at the first drop. But this was what I loved: the water on my face, the waters roar felt like a song. Continuing down the river allowed the memories to flood back. I felt proud of myself for how far I had come in the past months of endless physiotherapy, pain killers, and ice pack rotations. The hard work had paid off.Before I knew it, we had arrived at Town Falls. The line wasnt as cemented in my brain as it had been at Serpents Tail,. I talked it through, and the nerves came flooding in. I took some deep breaths and paddled over the first lip, increasingly aware of the slots on either side of me. I flew through, paddled towards the end and was greeted with cheers from my friends on the water and the bridge.It has now been 18 weeks. My shoulder is still not right; my outward rotation is still very stiff, but Im back paddling the rivers I love, with laps of the Tryweryn and weekly sessions at Lee Valley. Whilst my paddling is not where it was before surgery, my skill and knowledge are all coming back to me. I finally have the freedom and joy of surfing the waves and tailing on eddy lines.All of the physiotherapy, x-ray, MRI scans and other endless appointments for my shoulder all seem a million miles behind me. However, I do know I still have a long way to go until I am back to where I was.Unfortunately, I have been informed that another operation is necessary to partially release the anterior capsule, allowing for outward rotation. I continue to remind myself that it will be worth it in the long term, and I am forever grateful for the wonderful friends who support me.

MACIEK RUTKOWSKI: MISSION BALTICMACIEK RUTKOWSKI: MISSION BALTICMaciek Rutkowski, World Champion and 20-time Polish Champion in windsurfing, crossed the Baltic Sea from Sweden to Poland on his foil gear setting a new record. Covering 227.5 km in just 8 hours and 28 minutes, Rutkowski reached speeds of up to 55 km/h before arriving Polish coast at Surf Stolica, Wadysawowo, at 3:28 p.m., where cheering crowds awaited him.It was hell. After an hour, my nervous system shut down. There were moments when I didnt know which way to go. Your vision and senses blur. You have to force yourself to drink and eat. Waves hit from three directions. My hands cramped up. It was twice as hard as I imagined. When I finally saw the land, I cried, said Rutkowski after reaching the shore.Seven wipeouts, a seal, cargo ships, and signal lossRutkowski set off at 7:00 a.m. from Sandhamn, southern Sweden, accompanied by two high-powered RIB boats with rescuers and a video crew streaming the extreme journey live. After a windless start, he faced three-meter waves, gusts of nearly 60 km/h, and seven wipeouts.At one point, a curious seal appeared, cargo ships loomed on the horizon, and the support team reported signal interference aboard their boat.It was so wet on the boat that the phone started sending messages and recording on its own Maciek is holding strong. A few wipeouts were caused by the harsh conditions. Sometimes we couldnt even see the second RIB it disappeared between the waves. the rescue team reported live from the Baltic.The entire route was streamed online through Samsung Galaxy smartphones the events official technology partner. Data from Rutkowskis Galaxy Watch allowed real-time tracking of his speed, remaining distance, and vital signs such as heart rate and calories burned.Those calories now turn into support for Malwinka, the ill daughter of fellow athlete Bartek Marszaek, Polands only F1 H2O World Championship competitor. Viewers had already donated nearly 24 000 euro (70K PLN) by the time Rutkowski crossed the finish line with Maciek pledging to add to the total.Watch the full crossing here:The post MACIEK RUTKOWSKI: MISSION BALTIC appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

Words:Richard Harpham &Ashley Kenlockwww.canoetrail.co.ukPhotos:Richard Harpham &Ashley Kenlock &Peter TranterBioAshley Kenlock and Richard Harpham are highly qualified canoe and kayak guides, coaches and adventurers who recently clocked up their 15,000th mile of expeditions, including canoeing the Yukon River, sea kayaking 1000 miles from Vancouver to Glacier Bay, Alaska and exploring Mallorca by SUP.Together, they run Canoe Trail, a multi-award-winning watersports and adventure company. Regular writers for magazines, they recently completed their new paddling guide book called Great British Paddling Adventures, written by paddlers for paddlers from novice to advanced. Uniquely, it covers canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), with short day paddles to multi-day adventures, including wild camping.Buy the book on Amazon or drop us an email for a signed copy at 20 including P&P admin@canoetrail.co.ukTop 10 UK paddling destinationsThe book has been endorsed by several notable individuals, including Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Ray Mears, Miranda Krestovnikoff, and Steve Backshall. We asked Ash and Rich to tell us about the book and some of their favourite rivers, coast and lakes they visited to compile the guide.The book has been endorsed by several notable individuals, including Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Ray Mears, Miranda Krestovnikoff, and Steve Backshall. We asked Ash and Rich to tell us about the book and some of their favourite rivers, coast and lakes they visited to compile the guide.The structure of the book is designed to help paddlers plan and enjoy a range of different waters safely, as well as to enjoy other activities in the area, including where to hire equipment or access guided trips. The book is brimming with beautiful full-colour photos of different crafts used to complete each route, as well as historic locations, features, and hazards on the water, and much more besides.Comprehensive introduction which details important safety and trip planning elements, including:Route description providing details of what to expect when, portages and features on the paddle.Paddling further identifies where you can extend or shorten the trip.Annotated maps with details of hazards, facilities and locationsLocator maps tube map style maps with distances between points of interest and hazards.What three words, postcodes and grid references for points of interest.Shared economy, where to hire or get guided trips or activities, particularly for more moderate environments or more challenging trips.Calorie Credits details of cafes and eateries.Local activities highlight other attractions in the area to help readers enjoy a short break with multiple options.Wildlife Safari section covering what wildlife you might see.Derwent Water to Bassenthwaite LakeThe Lake District conjures up a nostalgic watery paradise, partly frozen in time from yesteryear. Derwent Water is a welcoming, smaller lake nestled on the shores of Keswick. Launching from the Kettlewell National Trust car park, you are immediately drawn to various islands and islets that demand visitation. Swallows and Amazons spring to mind as you explore further.Our paddling adventure reached new heights as we discovered the small but perfectly formed Derwent River, bubbling gently between Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite. Slowly, it felt a little more intrepid and off the beaten track. After a few bends, we arrived at the small stony beach below the pedestrian bridge and stopped for a picnic. Our dogs played zoomies and it became one of our favourite paddling destinations of the book shaped by this picture postcard moment.Further on, there is a small weir which you can paddle over in low conditions, and the winding river then feels more remote again as you leave civilisation behind. A permit is required for Bassenthwaite, which is designated as a nature reserve. After passing under a couple of agricultural-looking bridges, the river opened up into Bassenthwaite, which feels open and less intimate, with a vast expanse of water to greet you. You can exit on the far shore to portage to several car parks.River StourThe River Stour is a 2-3 day 50-mile paddling route through Constable country, passing Flatford Mill, small weirs and features some of which can be paddled and the exciting Langham Flumes. The flumes are two chutes that bisect the river flow, offering a log flume-style ride from the top to the bottom.There are countless small pools and little weirs to break up the winding Suffolk journey from Sudbury to the East coast at Cattawade. The Stour Conservation Trust look after this tranquil river way, which is always a delight to paddle. Locks near Sudbury give way to lush river banks, hidden wild swimming spots, historic bridges and several pubs and campsites along the route.We have paddled this hidden backwater for years and even used it as a training session, going out and back, for our Yukon River Quest race in 2016.River Spey 68 miles from Loch Insch to Spey BayThe River Spey remains one of the most iconic whitewater canoeing rivers in the UK, featuring great rapids such as the Washing Machine and Knockandoo. It follows the Speyside whiskey trail with island and wild camping along the way as it weaves through the Scottish Highlands.Starting higher up in the Cairngorms, you can join the river for day trips and utilise local accommodation or camp out. Loch Insch gives you a fantastic start location to practice strokes and tandem skills with the small loch home to ospreys and an outdoor centre. Over the years, we have featured many different parts of the Spey as day trips on our Best of Scotland expedition, with trips running from Aviemore down to Boat of Garten offering some fast bends and small riffle rapids.The third element of the Spey in the book, with options on each to extend each route, runs from Bridge of Advie down to the bridge of Carron, which includes the infamous Washing machine (Blackboat rapids) and Knockadoo Rapids.River RibbleThe River Ribble is one of those charming rivers that invites you to return, time and time again, with the section featured in the book running from Clitheroe to Ribchester. We first paddled in after lockdown and camped vanlife style in the Covid testing car park. Once on the river, all remnants of 21st-century life eased from our memory banks as we navigated this gem of our UK paddling locations. We launched downstream of Edisford Bridge and quickly felt at home on the sparkling waters. There was a small drop weir to portage.The river pours gently over slab rock with small riffles and iconic bridges along the route. It builds from small rapids to larger ones, with a more challenging S-bend section near Hurst Green. From there, it builds again until the Wheel Rapid, where the Ribble squeezes through a narrow rock gap, producing boils and faster water.Exit the river at Ribchester Bridge, give yourself a pat on the back and plan your return.The Great Glen Canoe TrailThere is something incredible about crossing a country by human power, navigating from coast to coast, and this Scottish paddle is on many peoples bucket lists. We have paddled it for decades, when it was initially known as the Caledonian Canal. On that trip, we made the papers, as our silver Grummand canoes caught the sunlight and were photographed, much like Nessie on the prowl.Going with the weather and prevailing wind is a top tip to make your trip more enjoyable than a slog. When paddling from Banavie, West to East to Inverness, consider taking the River Ness for some fun white water at Loch Dochfort. The Great Glen Canoe Trail typically takes 4-5 days and spans 65 miles, covering canal stretches, Loch Oich, Loch Ness, and Loch Lochy. Our Canoe Trail Great Glen guided trip was featured in The Times Top 25 outdoor breaks a few years ago.Loch Ness is a challenging element of the paddle, measuring 26 miles in length, and behaves like a small sea in moderate conditions, whipping up to potentially serious waves and swell. Check the weather and ensure you have the skills for the conditions. There are some campsites listed in the book, but they can be exposed.River TweedThe River Tweed flows purposefully along the Scottish and English border counties, offering perhaps Britains best touring river with fantastic wildlife, speedy short rapid sections, bigger weirs and obstacles which can be portaged and the more challenging Makerstoun rapid with the particularly puzzling named Goat Hole.Whether you start at Kelso, further up at Peebles or downstream near Coldstream, its got plenty of interesting features for canoe or kayak touring. It is the perfect river to progress to moving water, from 2D to 3D paddling. More challenging Grade 3 sections or dangerous weirs can be easily portaged. It passes ancient castles and ruins and eventually arrives at the tidal estuary section near Berwick upon Tweed.Tweedmouth needs to be tackled with the tide to avoid a slog, but flowing under the massive viaduct and bridges in the town makes it a paddle to be savoured. We have paddled this trip with our customers at Canoe Trail each Spring and also as a private trip.River Dee and Llangollen Canal, WalesThe River Dee offers a wealth of action and adventure in a short period and compact locations. Over many years, we have paddled and led sections of it with customers on our best of Wales trip.When asked to list some of our favourite paddles, this had to be in the book with the Dee Loop, including the Serpents Tail rapid and lovely bouncy grade 2 features. Conveniently, you can paddle the loop down from the Mile End Mill site and then portage past the railway line onto the Llangollen Canal and paddle back to Horseshoe Falls to paddle again.Staying on the canal and heading the other way (downstream) takes you to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, known as the River in the Sky. Paddling across the aqueduct is on many peoples bucket list paddling trips. The book highlights options to extend paddling trips for many miles, local campsites, and activities, as well as days out and the like.Jurassic Coast Durdle Door and Lulworth CoveAnywhere with a UNESCO World Heritage site designation is generally guaranteed to be a great paddling destination, and we featured several in the guidebook. This is one of our favourite sea kayaking trips that we have paddled many times and shared with hundreds of Canoe Trail customers.On our Jurassic trip, we paddle to a host of locations, including Old Harry, The Needles, and Lulworth, which is always a favourite. Launching at Lulworth is usually a long carry, weaving past other visitors with a sea kayak on our shoulders (you can bring a trolley). Once on the water, the hubbub quickly subsides as the stacked layers of folded sediment rock surround you in this ancient bay shaped almost like an amphitheatre. Nose out of the bay and paddle into the prevailing conditions to check if its a day for you (that way, you can always return without needing a rescue.)Durdle Door is about two kilometres down to Man O War beach, and is a famous, well-photographed archway. At the far end of the beach is Bats Hole, which at higher tides and calmer conditions can be paddled through. The short paddle to Durdle Door can be lumpy 3-D paddling in swell and windy conditions. Be warned! Durdle Door has been a source of many exciting developments in our paddling career, including photo bombing a Bollywood movie being filmed at the arch. Cut! And, sea kayaking along to find a group of skinny dippers. Faced with kayakers, their decision-making seemed a little off as they ran from the sea!Cambridge BacksAnywhere with a UNESCO World Heritage site designation The first disclaimer is that you need to be a member of Paddle UK to access the waters on the Cambridge Backs. Once you paddle in, around and under the historic bridges, buildings and colleges of one of the worlds most famous university cities, you will be entranced and return time and time again.The Backs stretches out behind the colleges with bridges to delight tourists with punts paddling alongside you. Its enchanting, and we have often found ourselves being photographed and papped by our visitors. The route looping through the city takes you under the magical bridge of sighs and around to Jesus Green, Midsummer Common and eventually to Stourbridge Common and Ditton Meadows. There is a portage at either end of the backs, at the southern end at Landress Green and the northern end at Jesus Lock. From this point on, you are joined by the various college rowing crews from the brightly crested boat clubs, one of the most famous being the Cambridge Goldies Light Blues boat house. As fans of the boat race, it is exciting to be paddling past.The river winds up to Stourbridge Common, a great place to pull in for a Picnic. Options include shuttling and going from A to B, or mostly we opt for an out-and-back paddle. One year, we SUPd it in winter, with no tourists and cold toes, but definitely the juice was worth the squeeze.Finally, to put the icing on the paddling cake, you could paddle downstream from the banks to the Orchard Tea Rooms at Grantchester. If the Backs is a bustling tourism destination, the route to the famous tea rooms is narrow and winding as you paddle to the cafe of choice for Kings, prime ministers and poets alike.River Great OuseThe River Great Ouse is our home stomping ground, as water people, we know every nook and cranny. Rich joined the Viking Kayak Club, based in Bedford, and learnt slalom, canoeing, and as the sport developed, tried most disciplines. Bedford is a river town with a stunning Victorian Embankment featuring leafy, tree-lined waterways and walkways. The town has been home to a large number of paddlers and coaches, including those involved in racing and canoe polo.The river meanders through rural backwaters into the town from Kempston, passing by the embankment with a range of eateries and then back into more tranquil waters as it heads through Bedfordshire and then Huntingdon before meeting the Wash at Kings Lynn. It is a perfect touring river for all craft with locks, weirs and country parks offering families and other paddlers day trips to multi-day adventures. The Canoe Trail base is located at Kempton Outdoor Centre, featuring high ropes, over 300 canoes, kayaks, and SUPs, as well as a wealth of paddling experience within the staff team, offering coaching, courses, and qualifications.Between Bedford and the sleepy riverside village of Great Barford lies Canoe Trails private woodland, offering wild camping in a riverside campsite with clearings for open fires and compost toilets. Its idyllic and was voted one of the top 52 things to do in the world by Lonely Planet for families and one of the top three destinations for SUP by Red Bull Magazine.The river is teeming with wildlife, including otters, kingfishers, red kites, and herons. It boasts an incredible history, featuring old bridges, locks built by Smeaton, and even the spot where John Bunyan was baptised in 1650. The Bedford section of the Great Ouse features the Cardington artificial slalom course, one of the first in the county, where many slalom paddlers cut their teeth. The Duckmill white water course is now called the Etienne Stott Whitewater Arena, after the towns slalom canoeing gold medallist at the London 2012 Olympics.

Words: Cal MajorPhotos: James AppletonAbout CalCal MajorCal Major is a world-record expedition paddleboarder, ocean advocate, filmmaker, podcaster and veterinarian based in the Scottish Highlands. She is the founder of the UK charity Seaful, connecting more people to our ocean through transformative ocean experiences and resources to empower ocean citizenship.Sharing adventureOne of the best things about the SUP community is the number of people within it who, recognising how much the sport means to them, want to share it with other people too.At Seaful, the UK-based charity dedicated to connecting more people to our ocean, we have an incredible group of volunteers who help us share the ocean and waterways with people who might not otherwise have had the opportunity. The feedback we receive from our beneficiaries is phenomenal but if youre reading this, I dont think I need to explain to you just what paddling can bring to the lives of those who participate in it.Living and paddling in the Highlands of Scotland is an incredible privilege. But despite a beautiful sense of community, social isolation has been identified as a problem among women here. I was absolutely over the moon when Palm Equipment asked if they could donate a portion of the sales of their new womens-specific PFD, the Tika, to Seaful to encourage more women to paddle.A womens SUP communityI have been wanting to create a womens SUP community where I live for a while a way for people to connect, make friends, and spend that all-important time on (and sometimes in!) the water, which is so very beneficial for our wellbeing. Exploring the ocean and waterways by paddleboard has been the catalyst and vehicle for much of my ocean advocacy as well, and being able to deepen others insight into our ocean is a passion of mine and a goal of our charity.I was more nervous waking up on the morning of our first session than I was the day I woke up to paddle around Cape Wrath in overhead swell. A combination of thoughts was wracking my brain with anxiety will they get cold, will the wind pick up, will they like it, will this put them off wanting to go anywhere near the sea ever again?The Early Years Practitioner in the village had introduced me to a small group of women with young children, who had never paddled before, with whom to run a three-part programme. I tried not to overthink it but that first morning I was flapping about how on earth I was going to teach them everything they needed to know about paddleboarding, the ocean, marine conservation should I include an exercise from our Ocean Literacy programme, should I guide an on-water meditation or would that be a bit too muchThankfully, my ever-level-headed partner, James, reminded me that all I needed to do was facilitate a good and safe time on the water for them and help them learn a new skill. And of course, he was right.I returned from the first session buzzing. The two women I had paddling with me were amazing, and they absolutely loved paddleboarding! Neither had done anything like it before, and both expressed nervousness around the water and a wish to be able to take their children into the sea, but that confidence was holding them back. They also told me that as mothers with young children, they couldnt remember the last time they had a moment to themselves, and for that to be on the water felt very special.Foraging, touching seaweed, and seabirdsI was so grateful for their trust in me. I had planned for us to build up over three sessions to a wee paddle along the coast to a secret cove where, in spring, wild garlic grows up the beach to the cliffs surrounding it.Paddling with grins on their faces, partly because they hadnt believed that theyd be able to stand up, we made it there in our first session! And I was able to share three of my favourite things foraging, touching seaweed, and seabirds incorporating some of the mindful elements of Seafuls mission as well. I know not everyone will love seabirds to the extent I do, but I can at least try to get them excited about them!At the jetty afterwards, we discussed wild garlic recipes, how the sea wasnt as cold as expected in wetsuits, and how excited they were to come back and do it again next week. I was over the moon.During the following two sessions, conducted on beautiful lochs surrounded by iconic mountains such as Stac Pollaidh and Suilven, we honed skills, laughed, got cold, warmed up again, jumped in the water voluntarily, and always found beautiful spots to stop for tea and cake. During these stops, the participants reflected on how these sessions had encouraged them to get outside more in their own time, inspired a new confidence in their abilities, and reignited an adventure spark that had been lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. They told me theyd returned home each week buzzing and smiling, more like themselves and with more patience for their families. These conversations, surrounded by nature and water, organically flowed to minimising wildlife disturbance, non-native invasive species, marine protected areas and even topics like overfishing.The SUP bug has bittenMy dream with this programme was to enable confidence and competency to continue paddling after our sessions, with our boards available for local exploration of our sea and lochs. The SUP bug has bitten both women in this initial cohort, and they have paddled several times since, exploring new places locally. Both have said they feel significantly more connected to the ocean, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally, since learning to paddle, and that their understanding of the ocean, including marine life, ecosystems, and human impact, has also increased significantly.This has served as a reminder to me not to overcomplicate things, that paddling is such a connecting experience, and that sometimes all thats needed is to support that first step, share these amazing blue spaces, and the rest will fall into place.Massive thanks to Palm Equipment for supporting our Womens Highland SUP programme, and thank you for reading about our project!If youd like to volunteer with Seaful, please get in touch: hello@seaful.org.uk As a small charity, every donation makes a big difference. If you would like to support Seaful, please visit https://seaful.org.uk/donate/. Thank you.