The post International Paddle Sports Trade Show 2026 to Hit Strasbourg with SUP & Foil Industry Buzz appeared first on SUPboarder Magazine.

STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON!STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON!HEAVY-WATER SESSIONS ON THE ISLE OF WIGHTRoss Williams and Timo Mullen take on a pumping southwest swell at Compton Beach on the Isle of Wight, where the conditions may have slightly spiralled out of control. John Carter looks back on two days of proper heavy-water action.Words: John Carter Photos: John Carter and Peter Heather / PH Imagery.Click on any picture to enlarge and scroll through the gallery!DIALLED INJC: Unless youre permanently glued to weather maps and forecast models, some wave-sailing opportunities can easily slip through the net. Ill admit I hadnt really clocked the incoming southwest swell paired with south to southeast windsuntil a message pinged on my WhatsApp from Ross Williams, confidently suggesting that Compton Beach on the west side of the Isle of Wight could be firing on Thursday and Friday.A closer look at the charts suggested he might actually be onto something, although the setup was far from perfect: lightish winds, a long-period swell and the kind of gloomy, wet weather that can kill the wind and make conditions unpredictable. Not exactly the turquoise imagery Id recently been drooling over of Thomas Traversa and friends slaying the perfect points breaks In Cape Verde. Still, colour is a matter of perception and visual appeal is subjectiveat least thats what I kept telling myself.More likely, Compton was shaping up to deliver thick, brown waves under dark, rain-soaked skies: a long way from the turquoise point breaks of Cape Verde but potentially heavy with a different set of photographic opportunities. Game on!THURSDAY: THE BUILD-UPI headed west just after midday on Thursday, my trusty VW Polo was loaded to the brim with camera gearI was clearly optimistic. As my Polo happily trundled into Compton car park (It doesnt get out too much these days!), Ross was already there, in his truck, enjoying the luxury of warmth while giving the sea a long, thoughtful stare.The tide was low, but there were some solid, clean sets marching in under side-to-side offshore winds. Not bad at all. Ross, fresh from a winter largely spent running his caf rather than charging down wave faces, was the first to admit his water time had taken a hit. Still, today looked like the perfect invitation back and he seemed quietly up for the challenge.Conditions were deceptive. Light winds and a low tide turned the impact zone into a washing machine, making every attempt to get out back a test of patience and commitment. Once on a wave, though, Ross still had plenty of fire and determination, driving down the line with speed and power, eyes clearly scanning for aerial sections.Timing was everything and a bit of rustiness showed; a few misjudgements were punished swiftly and without mercy. Compton has never been big on forgiveness.But perseverance paid off. After two solid hours of graft, Ross came in smiling, having banked a handful of proper turns and a couple of airsexactly the kind of session that reminds you why you keep coming back.HEAVY FRIDAYBy the time I got home Thursday night, my phone was already buzzing. Timo had scored a late Kimmeridge session on the same swell and signed off his message with the immortal words: Compton tomorrow?The forecast had shifted slightly. Light south-westerlies and sunshine to start, rain moving in, then stronger south to south-east winds later. What really caught my eye, though, was the swell: building from 1.5m at 14 seconds to a rather more serious 2.6m at 17 seconds by afternoon. In my book, that has the potential to get spicy. Very spicy. In the midst of winter you sometimes have to just put your faith in the forecast. This one was giving us a tiny window of opportunity in the late afternoon when it would most likely be fading light and miserable weather. Would the wind swing to the SE or would the waves arriveswe really had no idea aside from trusting a few maps and graphs on all the forecast models. How they can be that accurate, who knows but sometimes you have to take a chanceright? Timo didnt need much persuasion. By 9pm his ferry was booked and he was officially all in. Still, nothing about this forecast was guaranteed. We needed the wind to fill in and swing, the swell to funnel neatly up the Channel, all lining up after a 1:40pm low tide. A lot of ingredients, one volatile recipe. Risky? Absolutely.Friday morning started exactly as promised. Sunshine gave way to a thick blanket of mizzle and low cloud as I headed westhardly photographer-friendly, but at least the forecast was behaving. Timo rolled off the ferry at Cowes at 1pm and by 1:30 he was pulling in beside me at Compton in driving rain. Ross, delayed by a school assembly (his daughter was star pupilsome moments you just cant misseven for potential epic windsurfing), wouldnt be joining us until after three.First glance: similar size to Thursday, but the tide was rock bottom and Compton on the push can go from polite to gnarly very quickly. Reports from Cornwall suggested things were already going nuclear, so we werent too worried about a lack of swell.PULLING THE TRIGGER!By 2:30pm Timo was rigged5.3 Duotone, trusty 106L Grip, otherwise known as the get out of jail cardand heading into the abyss. The waves were already detonating in the shallows, exploding onto the sandbar with proper intent. I wasnt convinced there was enough wind for him to escape the impact zone, but after a couple of heart-in-mouth moments he punched through the chaos and clawed his way upwind.Choosing his moment carefully, Timo soon dropped into a set wave, screaming down the line on a chocolate-mast-high wall. Glory beckonedbriefly. The wave was hollow, ugly and in absolutely no mood to be messed with. Any attempt at an aerial would have ended in a swift, humiliating beat-down. Sensibly, Timo straightened up as the wave avalanched behind him in a brown, angry mess.For the next 45 minutes, he danced on the edge of the impact zone. The swell had doubled since our arrival, and the power of the waves hitting the sandbar was heavy, relentless and deeply intimidating.Ross arrived around 3:15pm, wasted no time rigging, and charged straight into the chaos. By now the waves were even bigger and heavierbut just to keep things interesting, the wind had started to back off. Ross fought his way out, taking several full-force poundings along the way. Cold water, dropping wind and a high likelihood of broken gear made it very clear this was not the day for heroics.After a few more wavesand a few more reminders of who was in chargeboth Timo and Ross called it. Sometimes the smartest move is knowing when to walk away.By 4pm it was almost dark. The wind had nudged back onshore, rain lashed sideways again, and the brief window slammed shut. A short session, brutal conditions and plenty of dramaclassic Compton. One of those days that doesnt deliver the glory shots, but leaves you buzzing all the same.THE AFTERMATHWe rounded things off with a proper debrief in the Albion Hotel bar, perched right in front of the crashing surf in Freshwater Bay. Pints in hand, we replayed a few moments of the session debating whether any of those lips were actually hittable or whether they were simply suicidal gear destroying beasts. From the safety of the warm bar, the waves suddenly looked almost inviting. Winter windsurfing is always a challengeat least until the next time!The post STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON! appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

The post Black Project Unveils Nexus A New Race + Touring SUP Paddle appeared first on SUPboarder Magazine.

The post Entries Open for the 2026 Great Alabama 650 SUP Athletes Encouraged to Take On Americas Longest Paddle Race appeared first on SUPboarder Magazine.

EMILIO GALINDO BARQUN: STORM HUNTING IN SOUTHERN SPAIN!EMILIO GALINDO BARQUN: STORM HUNTING IN SOUTHERN SPAIN!When the PWA tour goes quiet, senior wave judge, Emilio Galindo Barqun goes hunting. Winter is his seasonnot for rest, but for wind, waves and scoring the kind of sessions you only get by chasing storms. From the south of Spain, Emilio just sent us a striking gallery captured during a wild stretch of weather thats finally switched the coast on. It hasnt come easy: long drives, endless forecast checks and plenty of waiting. But when the elements briefly line up it looks like the reward was worth the chase!Photos: Flo @windch4aserClick any photo to enlarge and scroll.Emilio: This years winter has been a slow-building one at South Spain, a few sessions here and there but nothing too crazy. Fortunately, it looks like this is changing now We are being constantly battled with big storms since a couple of weeks, one after the other.This is bringing a lot of rain, which is uncommon in this part of Spain, and loads of waves. Most of the time it is just a light breeze of wind, and rarely a little bit more, but today it is gusting +50 knots!This last couple of days I could score some nice waves, but still couldnt get a classic clean easy session. Im riding alone most of the time, as the waves are messy, no channel, no wind.Usually the window to attack is very slim, as the wind is blowing onshore most of the day, and you have to be very patient and knowledgeable about when it is going to turn side off.But in the offseason from my work on PWA Im fortunately on holidays, so Im devoted to find the perfect spot everyday, with the best waves and side offshore winds. And lucky me, Flo (@windch4aser) is also here on the same schedule and mindset to go on the hunt, so we are shooting some nice pics from time to time.Everything else you all know the drill, a lot of time behind the computer checking every single forecast model, webcams and weather stations, plus a lot of driving and waiting till the elements align. As always, a few fails here and there but most of the time we ended up scoring big time!Premium surfboards for windsurfing | DUOTONE WindsurfingION Water | HomeThe post EMILIO GALINDO BARQUN: STORM HUNTING IN SOUTHERN SPAIN! appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

JP MAGIC WAVE S-TEC 85L REVIEW | WINDSURFER MAGAZINEJP MAGIC WAVE S-TEC 85L REVIEW | WINDSURFER MAGAZINEThe first board in the 85L Wave Test is the JP Magic Wave 85 in the S-Tec construction. Totally revamped for 2026, the boys from Windsurfer Magazine thoroughly tested it in some hardcore conditions to see what it had to offer.Link to the board https://jp-australia.com/p/windsurfinWindsurfer Reviews powered by The OTCThe OTC Watersports: All your watersports tuition needsWindsurfer Magazine Windsurfing focused print magazine based in the UK.The post JP MAGIC WAVE S-TEC 85L REVIEW | WINDSURFER MAGAZINE appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.

The post Monthly Round-up of SUP / January 2026 appeared first on SUPboarder Magazine.

Words:MIKE DEVLINPhotos:Mary Jelliffe &Chris HeaneyMike Devlin paddled with Andy Hall, Chris Heaney and Mary Jelliffe. Local logistics, accommodation and general support provided by Rasmus Paulson of Tasiilaq Tours. https://eastgreenland.com/ providers/tasiilaq-tours/Mike DevlinThe pristine paradise of Sermilik Fjord, East GreenlandWoken early this morning by the warmth of the sun and clear blue skies, we breakfasted in our beautiful campsite surrounded by panoramic views of majestic mountains, high snowfields, and mountain glaciers. This was going to be a special day. Looking out across Sermilik Fjord, the clarity of the air betrays distances. Our route for the day offers an amazing journey amongst ice and bergs released into the ocean by the massive Helheim, Fenris, and Midgard Glaciers. An unimagined experience amidst floating ice and bergs adrift , reflecting a vibrant turquoise in tranquil seas.Growlers and white monoliths, every size and shape, our journey Tolkien-esque, an adventure in time as we make passage towards the village of Tiniteqilaq (the first local settlement stop of our trip), amongst these extraordinary manifestations of a millennia of precipitation.As we embark on our day, it is again hard to believe we are several hours paddling from the far shore of the fjord and further still from our destination for the day. Nonetheless, on this day, at this time, distance and details are not essential to us. Taking our time, attempting to take in, appreciate and understand the scale and the beauty surrounding us, our only focus.Our whole day was a stunning, serene vista of ice, snow and mountains, with distant bergs looking ethereal as they, and we, drift wraith-like, ghostly apparitions through layers of sea fret. All the more magnificent and awe-inspiring as we make our way in a world of silence, save that is, for the occasional crack and creak of ice, flow of melt water and the occasional, sometimes not so distant sound of thunder, as bergs collapse and capsize.Shaped by their long journey from ice cap to sea, via rivers of ice and their tumultuous collapse and release from glacier snout, and then by sea, weather and climate, their size and scale are difficult to comprehend. These white, blue, green and black, often massive formations dwarf our presence amongst them. Domes, towers, spires and arches imagined shapes (space ships, medieval fortifications and high apartment blocks) that change perspective, entice and captivate our imaginations, stretch our comprehension and understanding of what we are experiencing as we paddle by and around them.Formed from compacted snow over a millennium (a time line impossible to comprehend), floating despite their enormous size (only 10% of a berg is visible above the water) and because they are formed predominantly from fresh water and therefore less dense than saltwater.Intense, translucent bluesPredominantly white, due to the less compacted nature of the yearly accumulation of snow and the passing of light reflecting through bubbles of air within. Older, denser ice, compressed over time, has fewer air bubbles, allowing blue wavelengths of light to penetrate and create the most intense, translucent blues caused by impurities, such as dissolved organic matter or by the presence of marine ice. Black ice is caused by sediment from glacial bedrock or by a layer of dirty ice that has formed in a crevasse.Our overall visual perspective of the ice changes and is enhanced by daylight. Clear blue skies, direct sunlight, overcast skies and reflective glare all create different but equally magical views.Spectacular sceneryAs we make our way towards the far shore, each of us becomes immersed in the spectacular scenery and this fantastic world of ice, unable to fully grasp the nature of our experience. Convinced only that we would be unable to articulate our experience to anyone at home, we were grateful, however, that we had been allowed to experience both the overall scene and the conditions.Our journey this day continues in the same way: a trip through a 360-degree panorama of mountains, a journey amongst giants. This was a day we didnt want to end, and indeed a day that continued to enthral us to the end as we pitched tents at our final destination, we did so in the company of a pair of Humpback whales truly a day of superlatives.Of course, not every day of our trip was quite so spectacular. Nonetheless our time in East Greenland was special.So why were we there?Collectively, our purpose was to visit these Arctic Landscapes, kayak in the spiritual home of the sea kayaker, attempt to identify with an indigenous Inuit culture intertwined with the Arctic environment, and to contextualise the places visited, landscapes and experiences of the Trans Atlantic Air route expedition led by Gino Watkins in 1929/30.Our paddling objective would take us from Tasiilaq to Watkins Southern Camp near Hundee. along with a return paddle via Johan Pederson Fjord to Tiniteqilaq, Kuummiut, the abandoned American airbase at Ikatek (Bluie East), and finally returning to Tasiilaq. Along the way, we would visit old Inuit winter settlements and summer camp sites.Allowing for contingencies, weather, boat support, flight variables and team fitness, we allowed approximately 18/20 days for paddling. Our reward is an amazing team and individual journey in a unique environment. Insights into managing climate, changing sea scapes and conditions (mostly reasonably measured, at times however, wet, windy and wild), ever-moving brash ice and bergs to navigate (some the size of small islands), and a wildlife tick list that includes the worlds top predator.Arctic landscapesMaking a return to East Greenland, specifically the Angmagssalik area was never an if for me, it was simply a when.Greenland, the worlds largest island, is an immense, remote wilderness extending 1660 miles north to south and 650 miles east to west. East Greenland has only two areas of habitation, Scoresby Sund in the north and Angmagssalik, an archipelago of islands and settlements 600 or so miles from the southern tip of Cape Farval.As such, the east coast feels more remote than the west coast, and the Angmagssalik area, a vast environment in its own right, provides a dramatic snapshot of the vast scale and pristine nature of the greater Greenland.Stunning panoramas of the coastal mountains, glaciers, snowfields and of course the Greenland Icecap. Impressive ice fjords and coastal tundra, vegetation composed of dwarf shrubs, sedges, grasses, mosses, lichens and vibrant flowering plants, adapted to the harsh Arctic climate,Inuit cultureAs one travels these islands and fjords, one cant help but reflect on the harshness of life here for the Inuit peoples of the past, for whom this was home. While summer weather can be relatively mild, stable and sunny, there is no doubt that winters are harsh, with many dark hours to the day, cold temperatures, snow, high winds and lots of ice. All the same, the area is some 150 kilometres south of the Arctic Circle.It is clear from the writings of Knud Rasmussen (1879-1933), Arctic explorer and anthropologist and indeed Gino Watkins (1907-1932) and his team (writing in 1929-1932) that the Inuit lived a subsistence lifestyle, feeding themselves, clothing themselves with only what they could hunt and catch. A tough and resilient people managing to live and hunt in often severe conditions and extreme cold, and doing so until the post-war years of the 20th Century.Transient summers travelling between favoured summer camps selected for their access to trout, char and salmon, as well as seal, walrus, whale and bear. Travelling in family units by kayak and umiak (family boat), living under skin tents.Harsh winters, living in turf houses kept warm only by seal blubber lamps and a single soapstone cooking pot. Home to perhaps several families and the focus of their whole winter existence, save for time when the hunters were able to take to the ice with sledge and dogs.Indeed, our journey took us past numerous such camps and settlements, with traces of camp areas and turf houses evident, along with the remains of graves on exposed rocky foreshores, a testament to very hard, often short lives and practices that highlight resilience, community and indigenous heritage.Greenland Qajaq cultureAt the heart of Inuit culture is the Qajaq or Kayak as we know it. Inuit kayakers (beginning to learn their craft as early as five and six years old) and hunters were celebrated within their culture as the providers of the key elements of their subsistence lifestyle.The Qajaq or Kayak is at least 2,000 years old. Further inferential evidence places their origins back another 2,000 years and possibly longer.With evidence of some 40 different Inuit kayak designs, there were two primary uses for kayaks: those used in sheltered inland lakes and rivers to pursue Caribou, and those used in open ocean to hunt sea mammals.The Greenland Inuit designed low-profile, low-volume sea kayaks with sharp upswept ends. Typically 17-18 feet in length, narrow of beam and with hard chined V-shaped hulls, these boats required the utmost skill from a paddler. Kayak and circumstance required the paddler to maintain continual balance with either paddle or body movements. Inuit paddlers responded with over 25 capsize recovery techniques and both self and team-rescue skills.The kayaks low profile shed water well and was difficult to spot from a seals eye view. Low flat decks, set up with harpoons and hunting equipment, meant they provided little capacity for carrying game, so Inuit paddlers usually towed their game using complex toggle systems and seal bladders. Paddles were purposely made long and narrow to reduce dripping-water noise when hunting, while maintaining a high wetted area to facilitate propulsion.Arguably, the modern sea kayak is the culmination of many years of Inuit evolution, as well as contemporary developments to accommodate human physical advancements and modern technical/performance demands. Equally, one could argue that all modern kayak designs have undergone a similar evolution.Gino Watkins and the Transatlantic Air Route Expedition 1930/31While an undergraduate at Trinity College, Cambridge, Gino led the 1927 Cambridge University Expedition to Spitsbergen, exploring and mapping Edgeoya, the third largest island in the Svalbard Archipelago. A year later (July 1928 to May 1929). He returned north on an expedition to Labrador, accompanied by James Scott, exploring and surveying the upper reaches of the Hamilton River (now known as the Churchill River) and the Unknown River, becoming one of the first Europeans to see a series of significant falls.Following his Labrador experiences, he gained the support of the Royal Geographical Society for the British Arctic Air Route Expedition (BAARE). The purpose of this 1930-1931 expedition was to investigate the possibilities of an air route from Britain to the west coast of the United States via Iceland, Greenland, Baffin Island, Hudson Bay and Edmonton. Along with his colleagues (Freddy Chapman, John Rymill, Quinten Riley, Augustine Courtauld, J.M. Scott, Capt. Percy Lemon, L.R. Wager, Alfred Stephenson, Lt. Martin). Lindsey, Flight Lt N.H. DAeth, W.E. Hampton, Surg, Lt E.W. Bingham and H.I. Cozens ). Gino proposed exploring Greenlands east coast and inland ice, the least-known areas along its coast.Sailing on Sir Ernest Shackletons old ship, the Quest, from London in July 1930, to Ammassalik in East Greenland, where a base camp was established at Hundee. On 8th September 1930, a meteorological station was established on the ice cap at 6705N, 4148W, where a series of observations was conducted. Several exploratory flights were made, during which a range of high mountains was discovered, later named the Watkins Mountains.A series of sledging and boat journeys were made to survey and chart parts of this area of the east coast of Greenland and to examine the ice cap of the interior. An experienced dog-driver, it was on this expedition that Gino learned to kayak, becoming a skilled paddler and accomplished hunter. This skill was intended to support the expedition and his team with food.On his return to Britain in 1931, Watkins began planning a Trans-Antarctic Expedition, but was unable to raise sufficient funding due to the worldwide economic depression. He decided, therefore, to return to his East Greenland Expedition 1932-1933, sponsored by Pan-American Airways, to extend the work begun during BAARE. Again, Ginos primary responsibility was to feed his three companions, John Rymill, Quintin Riley and Frederick Chapman, through his hunting.In August 1932, Rymill and Chapman discovered Watkins empty kayak on Lake Fjord, where Watkins had been seal-hunting alone. His body has never been found; he was aged 25.There she blowsIn addition to its stunning landscapes, East Greenland is home to a diverse array of wildlife and flora. While dispersed within this vast environment, visitors may be lucky enough to spot Ringed and Harp Seals and an occasional Walrus.Whales are commonly seen in the waters around the archipelago. Humpback and Minke whales are common, while Fin, Narwhale, Pilot, Beluga and Sperm Whales are occasional visitors. We, ourselves, were lucky enough to have sightings of both Humpback and Fin Whale during several of our paddling days magical and enigmatic experiences in themselves.Land mammals of the area include Stoats, Lemmings and Arctic Fox regular cheeky visitors to our camp sites, often patrolling our camp area, awaiting our early morning departures.Polar Bears, while most frequently found in the north and northeast, can travel along the entire east coast, reaching the south of Greenland with drifting ice. While not commonly seen, local hunters have an annual quota of bears they can hunt. So they are there, and precautions need to be taken to ensure camp security! That said, the most likely sighting of a polar bear will sadly be of the skinned variety, drying outside a hunters house in one of the settlements.Among the bird species, Northern Wheatears, Northern Fulmars, Terns, Eiders, Gyrfalcons and White-tailed Eagles are commonly seen. The coastal cliffs are breeding grounds for Black Guillemots, Little Auks, and Puffins.The Raven is also familiar. With daily sightings, they seemingly follow our journey around the archipelago, adding a fascinating perspective to our trip and an insight into Inuit culture, rich with stories featuring the raven as a trickster. Symbolising transformation, magic and mystery, the Ravens ability to shape-shift and its role as a creator and deceiver in tales illustrate essential lessons about life and survival. It is respected and feared, teaching valuable lessons about ambition, consequences, and the balance of nature. The Ravens presence is often seen as a good omen, bringing luck and prosperity to those who encounter it.Ikateq Angmagssalik FjordJourneying as we did around the archipelago and settlements, old and more recent, was an inspiring and emotional experience. A vast, mostly pristine environment. Many incredible vistas and awe-inspiring landscapes. An arctic wilderness of peaks and glaciers, home to a unique flora and fauna. And then we visit Ikateq, Angmagssalik Fjord, the site of an abandoned World War II airbase Bluie East Two (BE-2) a stark contrast to all that is pristine and clean about this land.Established in 1942 after an exhaustive search amidst the craggy peaks for a location that could support a 1500-metre runway, Bluie East Two operated mainly as an alternate airfield, as well as a base for meteorology, navigation and search-and-rescue.Then, in 1947, the US simply shut the base down and walked away. Leaving behind the buildings, infrastructure and vehicles. Almost 80 years on, these relics of conflict, required to operate in such a remote location, along with thousands of barrels drained of fuel, are rusting, twisted and deformed barrels disintegrating and still leaching into the water courses and fjord.Geopolitical driveBluie East Two is a site in juxtaposition to the peace and serenity of Greenland, an affront to the islands history and remarkable landscape. If anything positive could come from this human tragedy, it should be seen as a metaphor against the juggernaut of human consumerism and the thirst for technological advancement and superiority. The geopolitical drive for Earths rare earth minerals is focusing on Greenland in a way that can only bring further negative impact and disaster.As our journey comes to an end, however, it is the wider beauty and pristine nature of this land, as well as the desire to explore and immerse ourselves in the landscapes of the polar environment and remote places, and the history of a culture that called this implacable and harsh land home, that inspires and highlights the necessity of preserving it and how important it is that the Inuit first nation peoples of this land are supported and protected from powerful invaders desperate to exploit a wilderness that defines our fight against climate change.It is only when flying out of Kulusuk, at the end of our adventure, mind-mapping our return to fjords and mountains ever more remote that one can begin to fully appreciate just how vast this land is, how immense the Greenland ice cap actually is, despite losing between an estimated 200-270 billion tonnes of ice annually to climate change.Other Greenland featuresingrid Ulrich, reveals her photographs of Greenland: https://paddlerezine.com/ingrid-ulrich-reveals-her-photographs-of-greenland/South to north Greenland solo: https://paddlerezine.com/south-north-greenland/Solitude in Greenland: https://paddlerezine.com/solitude-in-greenland/

Words: Ian JonesPhotos: Ian Jonesand the rest of the crewThanks to: Davide Longoni and Tommy Fasoli of Riversoul the kayak and rafting centre in Valsesia https://www.riversoul.it/?lang=enAndy Holt of Escape to Adventure. Kayak courses and guided trips. https://escapetoadventure.comRead Ians previous expedition from Ecuador at: https://paddlerezine.com/the-piatua-ecuador/Itchycoo Park The Egua River, ItalyOver Bridge of SighsTo rest my eyes in shades of greenUnder dreaming spiresTo Itchycoo Park, thats where Ive been(What did you do there?) I got high(What did you feel there?) Well, I cried(But why the tears there?) Tell you whyIts all too beautifulAs we park at the put-in of the Egua after the drive up the lyrics above play to the theme of the day, Its all too beautiful, Steve Marriot tells us as I switch off the ignition.I doubt Paolo Longoni realised what he had done on the 27th May 1984, when he made the first descent of the Egua in a Taifun di Prijon. I doubt he realised that over the coming years, people would flock to this steep little ditch of a river in the Valsesia region of Italy, that it would feature in pictures, videos, and articles. We owe this man a great debt. Sure, someone else would have done it first, but they didnt; Paolo did, and many followed, including us.The Egua has become a test piece of the area and the individual. The locals run it at high levels, few eddies, the tap turned open, a constant flow of moving water, changing, pulsing, pushing, pulling, requiring adjustments. Adjustments made without thought, the connectivity between brain and body seamless; hopefully, that seamless action translates to the boat, its movement, its position, our position, whether we are going to get a beating or a smooth passage.The lines are narrow, subtle even. We decide to commit: to paddle or not. Is it grade, yes or no? At the put-in, theres a hubbub of conversations in French, German, Italian, and English around me. Ive done this river before, yet there is still a sense of trepidation; the earth beneath my feet is constant, the water beneath my boat is not.Placid to chaosThe character of a river changes from placid, still waters in an eddy to the chaos of white water created by unseen riverbed obstacles. It is the chaos we see that makes the concerns in our minds, and the more concerns, the more chaos we see. Our job, if that is how you want to define it, is to see our own path through the chaos. A reflection of the chaos of our everyday life, pretty much. Just as life throws us curveballs, so does the river. We plan for what we expect, but have to be ready for the unexpected.I guess the level was the high side of low, enough, enough to float and have fun, not enough to scare us witless, which, given the gradient, would be all too easy with a few centimetres more.A gemDescribed by Dr Robin on ukriversguidebook.co.uk forum back in the day as an insanely steep low volume creek with mind-blowing slabs and drops. A gem. Who are we to argue? The Egua is the white water park for kayaks you might design if you won the Euro Millions.It is probably the perfect example of the regions rivers that have been drawing boaters to the area since that first descent. One of the many tributaries of the Sesia river, its origins lie high up the valley, and the put-in is a fair drive up the SP10 from Balmuccia. If you are making the pilgrimage to Italy, it is most definitely a river to include in your hit list.It starts with a bang from the put-in under the bridge, water cascades down steeply, disappearing out of sight as you crane your neck from your eddy under the bridge, looking for the line. Navigate the first few rocks and shoots before dropping into the gutter, negotiate a few stoppers and make sure you are facing the right way by the time you arrive at the first drop of note.River stoppingThe Egua is an exercise in river stopping, not river running. At these levels and within our ability, we stop, inspect, set lines, and set safety. With experience and levels, and perhaps fewer in number, our flow might match the river. There are twelve of us in the group, a big group, but there is an order, and the progress we are making is such that we can keep track of numbers.experienced groupIn the read-and-run sections, I am the last man. Davide knows when he sees me, its good to go. In set-piece rapids, Tommy is usually designated last man, unless he has set the line and is on bank safety. The group is experienced and works well together; a nod is as good as a wink to a blind man, as my grandmother used to say. Signals are exchanged, and progress is made.The achievement of one rapid is soon surpassed by the next, one problem solved becomes another to overcome as we move downstream. There is no crux move on the Egua; there are lots of them, and a pin is a missed stroke away. There are a few I do not want to be in those places, but by and large, the river at lower flows is forgiving. I imagine this might change at higher levels, and it doesnt take much imagination to see it. The gradient is relentless.Today the sun shines, the water glistens, the silence broken by laughter, shouts of encouragement, we are all paddling for each other. Of course, we want to make the moves ourselves, but we gain just as much satisfaction from seeing our friends make a clean line, hoping we can do the same.Captured for posterityHowever, when one of us messes up, the group has it on camera, phones, SLRs, GoPros, and drones; its all there to be captured for posterity, the clean lines are appreciated; the not-so-clean lines provide the fuel over a beer at the end of the day for some light-hearted ribbing. The trophy blades are awarded at the end of the week, and its the Egua that provides the moment of the week. The moment Davide thought he could be dealing with not one but two dislocated shoulders, one of our number escapes with only injured pride, the blades are his until the next trip.This is the first time I have run the river top to bottom with no portages, bar the chossy section after the first feature. It feels good, or is it relief? Im not sure. A trip to Italy without paddling the Egua would feel as if Id been cheated. Its that gutter move at the top that causes the concerns, the concerns that manifest themselves into the vaguely sleep-deprived night when you know its what awaits when dawn breaks, when breakfast and coffee are done, and the 50-minute drive to the river is over. Ive been waiting a year for this, since the last trip. The mental gymnastics rehearsed a hundred times over the previous twelve months are behind me; only the moves ahead remain.Nouria NewmanI know above me, on the bridge, there is an audience, eager to see success or failure. An audience wanting to see the lines, to see how difficult it looks, some thinking, can I make those moves, execute the proper strokes at the right time. Nouria is up there, not that I know that until the end of the day, and Im pretty sure she doesnt need to see our lines!I sit patiently, waiting. A signal, and this is it, a year in waiting. Three hundred sixty-five days give or take a few since I was last here, last year, four of us walked off, instigated by me, the levels were spicy. Today, lower, much lower, doable. Nose clip, a breath, break into the flow. Success follows.The river keeps on giving until the last drop, Cylinder, straight forward, but safety live bait is required. Its a flat-to-flat drop, calm water to calm, but at the bottom, the sloping rock slide creates a recirculating stopper that has been the undoing of many. Get this wrong, and there is potential for some downtime; get it really wrong, and the only way you are coming out is someone coming in to get you, on a rope, even at low water levels.The jewel in the crownOf all the rivers in this region, the Egua is probably the jewel in the crown, the centre piece of your Italian experience. The Sesia, classic river running. The Gronda is steep, but it just doesnt have that out-there feeling as you see the village below you. I think one of the reasons the Egua delivers so much to the average boater is that its achievable.So many of the rivers we might see these days on social media are beyond many boaters. We see the pro boaters, the sponsored few, dropping into the social media perfect river. The Egua is that river for us, decent boaters, all wanting to test ourselves and have one of our mates take that picture that we can put on our wall at home or make our social media profile picture.Thanks, Paolo, for showing us the way all those years ago.The Egua RiverThe Egua River in Italy, located in theVal Sesia, isa world-renowned, steep, technical whitewater creek, famous among kayakers for its waterpark feel with slides, drops, and granite features, often rated Class IV-V, perfect for advanced paddlers seeking adrenaline, especially during spring snowmelt, with guides offering trips and challenging sections like Egualand for skilled creekers.Key Characteristics:Location:Val Sesia, Piedmont region, Italy.Difficulty:Highly technical, primarily Class IV-V (advanced/expert).Features:Steep gradient, numerous slides, drops, bedrock, and boulder gardens.Nickname:Egualand due to its waterpark-like nature.Season:Best in spring (April-June) with rain and snowmelt, providing ideal water levels.Who Paddles the Egua?Experienced whitewater kayakers looking for challenging, fast-paced creeking.Groups that build up skills on more manageable sections before tackling the Egua.Check https://rivermap.org for maps and put-in/take-out details.

WORDS:LISA DREWEPHOTOS:LISA DREWEBioLisa is an award-winning outdoor writer, paddler and guidebook author, best known for her Paddleboarding book series published by Wild Things Publishing. She has explored hundreds of routes across Britain by paddleboard and kayak and writes regularly for outdoor and paddlesports publications.https://www.islandeering.comRead Lisas prior post on ten of the best paddling routes in London and thr South East at:https://paddlerezine.com/10-best-paddling-routes-in-the-se/Five UK Winter paddles with pitstopsFrom sea lochs, mountain lakes and canals to a tidal lagoon full of military history, here are five winter paddle routes with great cafes and cosy pubs on the way.Winter paddling offers a quieter, more considered way to explore waterways, with fewer people on the water and a natural shift towards sheltered routes and shorter, slower journeys. Cool air on your cheeks, woodsmoke drifting from canal boats, and breath lifting into pale light sharpen the experience, while landscapes stripped back to their essentials open up around you. Afterwards, theres nothing better than cosying up by a pub fire, wrapping your hands around a warm coffee, or stepping into a welcoming caf for a post-paddle treat.Here are five of my favourite winter paddles and pitstops.1. Loch Harport, Isle of Skye, HighlandA long, narrow and generally sheltered sea loch on the west coast of the Isle of Skye, which opens into Loch Bracadale and its scattered islands. Framed by low, heathery hills and distant views of the jagged Cuillin, its biggest draw for many visitors is one of Scotlands most famous single malts, crafted on its shores at Talisker Distillery. But venture out on the water, and there is far more to discover, including regular sightings of sea eagles.Once launched, paddlers have several options. At 5km long, the loch lends itself to simply exploring its indented shoreline. Paddle southeast past the village of Carbost towards Satran, and on spring high tides slip past the cemetery and wrecked fishing boats to explore the salt marshes of the River Drynoch (6km return). Alternatively, head northwest past the fisheries and out into Loch Bracadale (9km return). More experienced paddlers can continue west beyond Portnalong Harbour (11km return), then round Ardreck Point into the sheltered, sandy sweep of Fiskavaig Bay (8km one way from Carbost).Back on shore, the village of Carbost is one of my favourite places on Skye for coffee, brunch, beer and seafood not to mention whisky making it a perfect post-paddle stop.Parking & launching: Carbost Pier, IV47 8SR (5, includes launch fee). Grid ref. NG 37601 32203; Lat, long: 57.30473, -6.35839. (www.carbostwaterfront.weebly.com).Pitstops: Caora Dubh (https://caoracoffee.com) for the best coffee in Skye.The Old Inn and Waterfront Bunkhouse (www.theoldinnskye.co.uk) best pub and music in Skye.The Oyster Shed (www.theoystershed.com) and Three Chimneys at Talisker (https://talisker.threechimneys.co.uk) for excellent seafood.Caf Cuil (www.cafecuil.com) local food, brunch and cake.Getting there: Leave the A87 at the Sligachan Hotel, take the A863 towards Dunvegan, then left onto the B8009 to Carbost. Drive through the village, pass Talisker Distillery, then immediately turn right into the parking for the pier.Special notes: Generally sheltered from the prevailing SW winds, especially along the lochs west coast. Avoid NW winds, which funnel down the loch. The Drynoch salt marshes empty quickly, so its best one hour either side of a spring high tide. If paddling to Fiskavaig Bay, take care around Ardtreck Point as any SW swell/wind can concentrate around this point.Map: OS Explorer 410, Portree & Bracadale.Full route map: www.islandeering.com/paddleboarding-loch-harport/2. Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal Explorer: Pencelli to Talybont-on-Usk (7.5 km return)Meander along the pretty Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal through the wooded Usk Valley, at the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Built to transport coal, limestone and agricultural produce, traces of this industrial heritage are still visible along the canal today. Paddle from Pencelli on a peaceful out-and-back route to Talybont-on-Usk, with an optional tunnel extension (an extra 2.5km return). From the Pencelli slipway, turn right (southeast), passing the Royal Oak pub and continuing beneath a succession of bridges and drawbridges, with fine views across to The Blorenge.Reach the main drawbridge on the outskirts of Talybont-on-Usk. Portage on the left bank, cross the road to rejoin the canal, then continue across the aqueduct between the Star Inn and the White Hart. For an optional extra, paddle a further 1km to reach the 343m-long Ashford Tunnel, where, halfway through, a ventilation shaft opens dramatically to the sky. Return the same way.Access: British Waterways Licence required, which is included in membership of the Paddle UK or PaddleCymru, or can be purchased from the Canal and River Trust.Parking: Small parking area alongside launch point (alternatively, park on the roadside on B4558 towards Pencelli Castle campsite, and access the canal down the steps beside the road bridge).Launch: Pencelli Slipway, Talybont-on-Usk, Powys, LD3 7LX. Grid ref. SO 092 250; Lat/long 51.916, -3.322.Pitstops: Pencelli: The Royal Oak. Good beer, popular local canalside inn (www.facebook.com/TheRoyalOakPencelli).Talybont-on-Usk: The White Hart Inn, canalside pub and bunkhouse.Canalside Caf in Talybont village for breakfast, lunch, cake and Indian food (https://talybontstores.co.uk).Camping: Pencelli Castle Caravan and Camping Park. Fabulous camping and caravan site on the edge of Pencelli village, close to the canal and local pub (www.pencelli-castle.com).Getting there: A40 E from Brecon, signed towards Abergavenny; right onto B4558 signed to Pencelli; continue through the village, following signs for Plas Pencelli.Special points: Launch from signed canoe access points only to protect the canal banks. If entering Ashford Tunnel, check the tunnel is clear of other craft before entering, wear a forward-facing bright white light and a PFD with an attached whistle. Do not attempt to paddle the tunnel alone.Map: OS Explorer OL12, Brecon Beacons National Park (western area).Full route map: www.islandeering.com/paddleboarding-pencelli-to-talybont/3. LLynnau Mymbyr, Capel CurigPaddle amidst Snowdonias highest mountains, with magnificent views of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), the Glyders and Moel Siabod. Fed by the River Nantygwryd and once a single lake, the growth of a delta now almost cuts the lake in two.Launch from the gravel slipway at the lakes east end.The stunning views of Snowdons Horseshore will draw you along the wooded southern shore past the boathouse and jetty to the west end of the lake, where there are also fine views of The Glyders. Continue through the narrowing, watching out for wildlife in the reedbeds, into the second lake.Pass below Garth Farm Campsite, where the Nantygwryd enters the lake, and a couple of tiny gravel islands make a good place to sit and enjoy the views. The return along the north side of the lake is craggier with views to Craig Wen and Crimpiau at the east end of the lake as they loom over Capel Curig.Access: No licence required.Parking: A4086 layby, Plas-y-Brenin, Capel Curig, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0ET. Grid Ref: SH 71583 57832; Lat/long: 53.10219, -3.91954.Launching: Via a gated path from the layby, head down the steps, cross the footbridge, turn right along the track to the waters edge (250-metre walk). More accessible parking and launching arranged via Plas y Brenin.Pitstops: Lolfar Wyddfa Bar & Dining, Plas-y-Brenin. Hearty food, local ales and superb mountain views at the outdoor centre (www.pyb.co.uk/lolfar-wyddfa-bar-dining/).Lessons: Plas y Brenin offer a wide range of adventure sports courses, including paddlesport courses and taster sessions on the lake.Special notes: This is a natural lake. Please clean your board before you enter to prevent the spread of non-native species. In higher river flows, take care to stay upstream of the bridge to the Plas-y-Brenin centre.Getting there: Leave the A5 at Capel Curig; head 500m west on the A48086.Map: OS Explorer OL17, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).Full route map: www.islandeering.com/paddleboarding-llynnau-mymbyr/4. Calshot Lagoon to Ashlett Creek (6 km return)A rich mix of coastal beauty and military history, this route explores the sheltered waters of Calshot Lagoon before skirting Southampton Water to Ashlett Creek and its historic inn. Protected from the Solent by the 1.5km-long shingle bank of Calshot Spit, the lagoon is a haven of saltmarsh and intertidal mudflats, supporting a wide range of resident and migratory birds.Launch from the north side of Calshot Spit to enter the lagoon, taking time to explore the waters around Calshot Castle. Built by Henry VIII in 1539, this low, circular stone fortress once mounted heavy guns to defend the vital harbour at Southampton from seaborne attack.Nearby, the vast hangars of Calshot Activities Centre were initially constructed as part of Calshot Naval Air Station, which operated flying boats. In the late 1920s and early 1930s, Calshot also hosted the prestigious Schneider Trophy an international seaplane racing competition that played a key role in the development of high-speed aircraft.Continue north past the perimeter of the former Fawley Power Station to enter Ashlett Creek and the small, picturesque harbour beyond. Here, the Jolly Sailor a historic smugglers inn offers a warm welcome and open fire, to warm up before returning the same way.Access: No licence required. Launch: Calshot Lagoon Beach.Parking: Calshot Activities Centre (charges), Jack Maynard Road, Fawley, SO45 1BR; Grid ref. SU 487 020; Lat/long 50.81595, -1.30937.Pitstops: Calshot Activity Centre, basic grub with great views across the Solent (www.facebook.com/CalshotCafeBar). The Jolly Sailor, cosy pub for food and drink (www.facebook.com/AshlettCreekJollySailor).Camping: Stunning views over the Solent to the Isle of Wight and beachside camping with Calshot Activities Centre (annual Calshot Camping Access pass required for pitch booking 35. (hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/calshot/stay/camping).Getting there: J2 M27, then A326 south towards Fawley. Look out for the brown tourist signs for Calshot Activities Centre.Special points: During spring tides, a double high tide can occur, giving more time to explore within the lagoon. Its best to enter as soon as the mud banks are covered, which can be up to 2.5 hours before high water (HW). Be mindful that the lagoon empties quickly and can catch paddlers out. Its recommended to exit one hour after HW or to stay in deeper water around the end of the spit.Map: OS Explorer OL22, New Forest.Full route map: www.islandeering.com/paddleboarding-calshot-ashlett-creek/5. Exeter Canal Loop(7 km circular)A gentle, varied loop from Exeter Quay linking the Exeter Ship Canal and the River Exe, passing historic quayside buildings, a country park and water meadows.Start at the basin at Exeter Quay and paddle south along the canal past the historic wharf buildings for 1.4km. Leave the canal just before Salmonpool Swing Bridge (Grid ref. SX 927 907; Lat/long: 50.70610, -3.52031) and portage your craft for 150 metres from the landing stage on the left bank to the River Exe, using the steps to access the water.Continue downstream beneath the footbridge and on to Countess Weir Road Bridge. After 150m, exit the river via the steep slipway on the right. Cross the sewage works access road and use the landing stage to relaunch into the canal.Paddle north (right) along the canal, passing back under the road bridge to reach the locks and pub. Use the pontoons opposite the Double Locks Inn to portage and stop for refreshments. Return along the canal to Exeter Quay, with excellent views of the distant cathedral and opportunities for wildlife spotting along the way.Access: No licence required.Parking: Haven Banks car park (charges), Michael Browning Way, Exeter EX2 8HH.Launch: Exeter Canal basin at AS Watersports Pontoon (please keep the area free before/after launch), 300m walk from the car park, EX2 8AX. Grid ref. SX 92067 91915; Lat/long: 50.71681, -3.53023.Pitstops: Exeter Quay Topsham Brewery and Taproom. Great beers and atmosphere for post-paddle pint (www.topshambrewery.co.uk).Boatyard Caf and Bakery. Good coffee and pastries (www.boatyardbakery.co.uk).Double Locks Inn. Very popular Devon pub with open fires and good roasts (www.doublelocks.com).Getting there: Approach Exeter city centre on A377, at traffic lights turn right at Haven Banks sign and follow Haven Road to the canal basin.Special notes: On low tides, the river Exe can be shallow downstream of St James Weir, and some access points may be unusable, so starting the trip two hours either side of high tide is recommended. Watch out for other water users and the low bridge at Salmonpool on your return to Exeter Quay.Map: OS Explorer 114, Exeter & the Exe Valley.Full route map: www.islandeering.com/paddleboarding-exeter-canal-river-exe-loop/Final wordWith the right routes, winter paddling is about comfort as much as adventure. Sheltered water, short days and quiet surroundings make for memorable journeys especially when they end with warm food, hot drinks and a pub or caf close to the launch point.