SUPM supports and gives airtime to the UK SUP scene 100%. And we’re the only mag that does.
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- STANDUPPADDLEMAG.CO.UKCalling all adventurers to explore the thrill of SUPBIKERUN!Prepare to embark on an exciting journey as SUPBIKERUN, the ultimate triathlon event series for adventure seekers, returns for 2025. Unlike the typical triathlon, SUPBIKERUN is an exhilarating mix of stand-up paddleboarding, cycling (road, gravel and mountain biking), and trail running. This is the ideal challenge for adventurers who are looking to explore the great outdoors and push their limits in a fun and friendly environment.Designed for those who love adventure but may be intimidated by traditional triathlon mix, SUPBIKERUN replaces swimming with stand-up paddleboarding, making it unique and perfect for aspiring triathletes and outdoor enthusiasts.Weve seen so many people transform their outlook on fitness through our events, says Sam Pauc, Event Director at SUPBIKERUN. Its not just about competition, its about community, exploration, and enjoying the journey. Were inviting you to join the adventure and experience with an event thats as rewarding as it is exciting. Were here to reassure everyone that they can take on this adventure, no matter their skill level.The two-day events are held at four stunning locations across the UK in South Wales, Dorset, Devon and the Lake District. Each event includes a complimentary training day to fine tune your paddleboarding skills, as well as camping facilities, enabling participants to make a long weekend of their adventure with family and friends.Our breathtaking venues allow visitors to explore beautiful landscapes and enjoy the thrill of outdoor events like never before, continues Sam. We have an extremely friendly format where we challenge you to push your limits in a supportive environment. Its perfect for those who find the swimming element of a triathlon daunting, as this is replaced with paddleboarding, and also includes free paddleboarding workshops, so if you havent tried this sport before, you can learn a new skill.Open to adventurers of all abilities and a minimum age of 13 when accompanied by an adult, the events kick off on 17thMay in Pembrokeshire, South Wales, with early bird pricing available now.For further information and to book your place on your next adventure, please visitwww.supbikerun.co.uk0 Comments 0 Shares 29 ViewsPlease log in to like, share and comment!
- STANDUPPADDLEMAG.CO.UKRed Equipment launch the 2025 Future Series paddleboard rangeTen newly designed high-performance inflatable SUPs make up Reds 2025 Future Series board range. Each are constructed from the brands new MSL800 double-drop-stitch material offering increased stiffness and reduced weight with a board designed for every kind of SUP adventurer the new shapes and innovations are set to deliver a next level paddling experience.Key highlights of the 2025 Future Series:Freeride Range,Compact and versatile boards like theCompact 92 and Sport 113are designed for adventure. Versatile and ready for anything, our Freeride boards offer full-on fun with minimal fuss. Easy to handle for paddlers of any levelAll-rounders and crossover designsare lightweight, packable, and adaptable to any adventure.Touring RangeExplore further with the Sport 126+ and Voyager 140+. Speed and efficiency in every stroke. Optimised for longer distances, our Touring boards blend sleek outlines with generous volume for effortless glide and reassuring stability. Ideal for exploring, recreation, fitness, or challenges -for paddlers who dream big.Specialist RangePurpose-built for chasing competition glory or tackling rapids, our advanced boards like the Wild 96 and the Elite 140 are dedicated designs for peak performance in specific situations. Precision-engineered for white-water and racing disciplines, our Specialist boards push the boundaries of whats possible.Redesigned Paddles: Launching in April 2025, offering enhanced performance and ergonomic design.As a certified B Corporation, Red Equipment continues to prioritise sustainability and social responsibility, ensuring that every product aligns with the companys commitment to ethical and environmentally conscious practices. The Future Series minimises material waste through thoughtful and sustainable material selection.Commercial Director, George Shillito explains, The paddling industry is at a crossroads, facing supply chain disruptions and fading skills. Despite these challenges, Red remains committed to innovation and design excellence. We see this as an opportunity to push forward, creating gear that inspires even more adventures on the water. By collaborating closely with paddlers and production teams, our new range reflects the future of paddling. SUP Adventure still drives us, and were all in for the journey ahead.The Future Series boards, accompanied by a cohesive, colour-coded design, are available immediately. For more information or to explore the full range, visithttps://red-equipment.co.uk/Premium equipmentIn addition to their renowned inflatable stand-up paddleboards, Red Equipment offers a comprehensive range of high-quality accessories designed to enhance every adventure. Their collection includes award-winningchanging robesensuring comfort and convenience during outdoor changing. To keep essentials secure and dry, Red Equipment provides a variety ofwaterproof bags, such as backpacks, tote bags, coolers, duffel bags, and roll-top dry bags, all thoughtfully designed for durability and functionality.0 Comments 0 Shares 64 Views
- STANDUPPADDLEMAG.CO.UKIts time to gen up for the new 2025 seasonSo, weve made issues 40,41,42 and 43 from 2024, all free to read on JoomagYou can read them online or download the PDF to your device easy as that:April issue 40: https://joom.ag/f2ZdJune issue 41: https://joom.ag/iWtdAugust issue 42: https://joom.ag/vkydOctober issue 43: https://joom.ag/llSdSUPM supports and gives airtime to the UK SUP scene 100%. And were the only mag that does.0 Comments 0 Shares 72 Views
- STANDUPPADDLEMAG.CO.UKPaddling under the midnight sunWords: Simon Hutchinson, Gnter Burgsteiner & Barbara WeitzenbckPhotos: Raw Abenteuer ReisenAustrian adventurers and Mountain guides Gnter Burgsteiner and Barbara Weitzenbck reached the end of their epic journey, completing over 2,000 miles of paddling down the Yukon River. Their journey began 51 days earlier on the Teslin River and finished in the remote Alaskan village of Emmonak, where the Yukon meets the Bering Sea.Their adventure tested their physical and mental strength, challenged their navigational skills, and immersed them in the unique culture of the Yukon River basin.The couple was struck by the generosity of the Yupik First Nation villagers who greeted them in Emmonak. The locals, eager to share their culture, offered food, shelter, and a glimpse into their traditional way of life. They celebrated the arrival of the two travellers with stories, songs, and dance, demonstrating the power of human connection and cultural exchange.No journey down the Yukon is ever a random decision. Gnter and Barbaras expedition resulted from years of planning and preparation and their extensive experience in adventure sports.As seasoned mountain guides and outdoor enthusiasts, they run RAW Adventure Travel, a company specialising in creating personalised outdoor experiences in over 80 countries. Their professional expertise spans various activities beyond SUP, from mountaineering and canyoning to heliskiing in Sweden and Canada and paragliding, underscoring their deep love and understanding of the outdoors and their commitment to safety and responsible travel.The seed for the Yukon trip was planted a decade earlier during Gnters ski traverse across Denali. The sheer size of the Alaskan tundra left a deep mark on him, and the Yukon River, flowing north through this striking landscape, called to him with the prospect of further adventure.The detailed planning process that led up to the expedition involved countless hours examining maps, researching logistics, and testing their equipment, leaving no room for doubt about their readiness for the challenges that lay ahead. Their selection of SUPs, as opposed to kayaks, was driven by Barbaras need for a means of transportation that would cater for her back problems and provide more freedom of movement during the long hours on the water. Gnter, drawing from his background in endurance sports and his meticulous nature, welcomed the challenge of modifying the SUPs for the rigours of the expedition.Setting offTheir adventure began on the Teslin River, a tributary of the Yukon. They chose this starting point because it was a new and novel route into the Yukon compared to the stretch near Whitehorse, which was more familiar, less scenic and wild and where there was a hydroelectric dam to bypass. From the outset, they faced unexpected obstacles. The water levels in the river were far lower than expected, and the low flow and movement meant they had no chance to coast downstream and instead needed to constantly paddle to achieve a decent pace. The scarcity of wildlife took them aback, but they did have noteworthy encounters with a mother grizzly bear and her cub and another where they came across a moose being chased by a wolf, which escaped by swimming across the river just by them.They put in many hours on the boards, maximising their mileage in those upper stretches, because they knew the second half would have far more challenging weather conditions, which could lead to delays. They averaged 14 hours a day, seven days a week, and mostly paddled overnight to avoid some of the hottest parts of the day.During the first week, we welcomed every single ray of sunlight because we felt the cold air current coming down from the snowy peaks. Soon, thermic development increased during the days, so we decided to change to nightshifts to escape the winds and the heat. In June, the sun never disappears. Those paddling hours in the middle of the night were the most impressive: complete silence, when nature doesnt move, and the sun spreads soft light in all colours.They hit a particular snag at the US border crossing point in the small, isolated riverside village of Eagle. The control point is a yellow telephone box hardwired to the US Border security office many miles away. Like many before them, they found that the phone didnt work, so they were stuck until they found one of the very few residents and persuaded them to lend them their phone to make the call and avoid the potential complication of entering Alaska illegally.Navigation and unexpected stopsWith the lower water levels, navigating the Yukon Flats, a complex network of channels and sandbars, which came next, was a far more difficult challenge than in a more usual year. When winter turns to spring, the vast volumes of meltwater coming downstream dramatically alter hundreds of miles of the river as the flow reshapes it and dumps timber and other obstacles, concealing the main channels and creating dead-end meanders.They didnt use GPS and relied on their abilities to read the river, which theyd developed over years of rafting. In advance of the trip, Gnter conducted a detailed study of Google Earth to gather the latest satellite images of this complex and challenging section to help them navigate it. They had to constantly manage the impact of the shallow water, which forced them to dismount and walk their boards on two occasions.They eventually reached the Dalton Highway Bridge, which is the finish point of the Yukon 1000 race, but it was only the halfway point of their journey. They were very weary as they refuelled at the local caf, but they were still in decent physical condition and determined to complete their expedition.We touched land at Dalton Highway Bridge to set our camp in the morning hours and met a couple there. After paddling another 12-hour night shift, we must have appeared pretty miserable because they immediately invited us for ice cream at the gas station. This was a happy omen for the next 1,000 miles ahead of us, where we found hospitality and welcome from the small villages we came across.Beyond that point, and for over 1,000 miles downriver, there were no roads, no bridges, and very little habitation or clear areas to pitch their tents overnight. They had expected extreme weather at this point in the Alaskan interior, and it arrived with a vengeance, leading to unscheduled multiday stops in remote villages. They took advantage of these unplanned breaks as opportunities to connect with the indigenous communities and learn about their culture.Experiencing the local cultureSpending time in the villages provided glimpses into a very different way of life from the Western world. They learned about traditional crafts, witnessed the tenacity of people living in challenging conditions, and experienced the warmth of a culture deeply rooted in the land. The villagers willingness to share their knowledge and traditions left a lasting impression, highlighting the richness of cultural exchange.The home stretchAs they approached the end of their journey, the couple felt a mixture of emotions. They were relieved at the thought of returning to the comforts of civilisation and some sadness at leaving behind the wilderness and the welcoming people they had encountered. News of their approach travelled ahead of them, carried by the strong community network that connected the villages along the river. They received a warm welcome at each stop, with villagers made aware of their arrival by those upstream, demonstrating the tight-knit nature of the river communities.Well never forget the greeting ritual the women performed to us at the river shore. Where the rivers met, they sang traditional songs and danced to welcome the incoming boats and to celebrate those departing. We were deeply moved by that act of friendship and by the warmth of the locals.Reflections on the journeyThe silence of the wilderness and the sight of bald eagles soaring overhead stand out as highlights of the experience. For Gnter and Barbara, the journey was more than just paddling down a river. It was proof of the strength of the human spirit, the value of careful preparation, and the transformative power of connecting with different cultures.Continuing the adventureGnter and Barbaras Yukon adventure powerfully reminds us that adventure lies in conquering physical challenges, embracing unexpected turns along the way, and forging meaningful connections with the people and places that make each journey unique. Today, the pair continue to share their love for the outdoors through their company, RAW Adventure Travel.They lead trips to diverse destinations, including SUP trips to Finlands lake district. They guide clients through pristine landscapes and share their belief in natures restorative power there. They provide their guests with an experience that is both physically and mentally rejuvenating, encouraging them to slow down, connect with nature, and gain a fresh perspective.To upgrade your wilderness abilities and skills, join them for one of their wilderness trainings and experiences. Sleep outside in summer or winter, spark a fire without matches, and nourish your soul with nature.The next guided SUP trip to Finlands fascinating lake district: May 24th to June 1st, June 6th to 14th, or June 14th to 22nd, 2025https://raw-abenteuer.reisen/standup-paddeln-in-finnland/GNTERS ADVICE FOR ORGANISING YOUR ADVENTURE:Keep it simple: stay light and mobile!Bring the absolute minimum of gear without ever compromising safety. In all my expeditions, summer or winter, I start with 20-22kg maximum, including all gear and food.Reduce the use of technical devices; they distract your focus from the essentials. If you have to, bring electronics as a safety backup, but dont make them central. Always prioritise the five senses over anything else when monitoring your environment.Any successful expedition requires complete immersion, so choose to be all in, to involve yourself fully, to be utterly present throughout, face the challenges, and enjoy it; the wind, the weather, and the wilderness are all one.Embrace adversity. Sleeping outside and complaining about the mattress makes little sense. You cant paddle the Yukon and complain about getting your feet cold or wet. You can either find a solution or just enjoy it. As soon as you start complaining, you have lost what makes the experience so special.Listen to Barbara and Gunter talking in detail about their incredible adventures down the length of the Yukon at supfmpodcast.com or search for SUPfm Podcast on YouTube, Spotify or Apple PodcastsSimon HutchinsonSimon is an all-season UK-based paddler, BSUPA instructor, Hutch SUP Wear brand owner, podcast host and producer. He enjoys spreading the stoke and connecting the aloha worldwide, with his love for this incredible sport. SUPfm: The international stand up paddleboard podcast, is the podcast for SUP inspiration whether youre a SUPracer, stand up paddleboard surfer or SUP adventurer.www.supfmpodcast.com0 Comments 0 Shares 73 Views
- STANDUPPADDLEMAG.CO.UKIts time to gen up for the new 2025 seasonSo, weve made issues 40,41,42 and 43 from 2024, all free to read on JoomagYou can read them online or download the PDF to your device easy as that:April issue 40: https://joom.ag/f2ZdJune issue 41: https://joom.ag/iWtdAugust issue 42: https://joom.ag/vkydOctober issue 43: https://joom.ag/llSdSUPM supports and gives airtime to the UK SUP scene 100%. And were the only mag that does.0 Comments 0 Shares 85 Views
- STANDUPPADDLEMAG.CO.UKStarboard supporting GBSUP for 2025: The Starboard Airline CUPBy Scott WarrenPhotos: P3TphotographyWe are thrilled to reveal that following a successful trial at the conclusion of our 2024 season, the Starboard Airline Cup will be introduced into our 2025 National Series, thanks to our partnership with Starboard SUP UK.The Starboard Airline Cup provides a platform for paddlers on the Airline boards to progress and compete against like-minded paddlers. With support from Starboard, we expect the Airline Cup to be a competitive, popular and valuable addition to our 2025 National Series. In addition, the Airline Cup will compete within the iSUP category, creating a vibrant, fun and competitive fleet for paddlers to test their skills, hone their craft, and compete for top honours.Here is what Starboard UK Brand Manager Paul Simmons has to say about the partnership and the Airline Cup:Starboard supporting GBSUP for 2025As UK distributor for Starboard, weve been involved with the SUP racing since the beginning, supporting both events and riders. Weve witnessed thousands of paddlers enjoying the adrenaline and anticipation on start lines, plus the exhilaration of battling friends and other paddlers at events countrywide. Weve seen novice paddlers on wide, stable boards progress onto touring, then race shapes and seen elite UK racers become World Champions. At events on rivers, lakes and oceans, weve proudly watched youngsters progress from first-timers to becoming well-known racers on the international scene.Its healthy to see that SUP events are selling out, with participation in the UK greater than ever. It brings us great excitement to be supporting the race scene, partnering with GBSUP for the 2025 season. The series offers accessible racing for all paddlers and this year features events with a broader span across the country than ever! With a range that features multiple World-Championship winning composite and inflatable boards, plus a stunning collection of championship-winning carbon paddles, Starboard offer the most complete range of SUP equipment. Theres no better place to showcase these products than the GBSUP race scene, which is why were planning to attend most of the series events, offering demo equipment and expert advice in 2025.The Airline CupThe most numerous inflatable race boards at events are the Starboard Airline models (the All Star and Sprint). Recognising how popular these models are, were introducing the AIRLINE CUP to the GBSUP series. It isnt technically one-design, as paddlers can choose the model and size that best suits their physique and ability, but All Star and Sprint Airline paddlers will have the opportunity to not only compete against all other racers (whatever theyre riding), but also benchmark themselves against the other Airline paddlers in the Airline Cup. The results come from the main GBSUP distance races and are published in addition to the GBSUP National Series results, with Starboard providing prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd male and female riding Starboard Airline boards (up to 14ft). So someone placing first on an Airline in the GBSUP 14ft inflatable division wins both the GBSUP inflatable division and the Airline Cup.Full details about the Airline Cup will be on https://www.gbsup.co.uk shortly.0 Comments 0 Shares 99 Views
- STANDUPPADDLEMAG.CO.UKQ&A with Team SLPA on the Amazon Challenge 2024Interview: Sarah ThornelyPhotos: Caroline Dawson, Jonathan Gill, Matthew Phillips, Brodie Hopkins and the Amazon ChallengeWhen you get the opportunity to paddle in a world so far removed from what you know on an iconic river in Peru, why would you not? We excitedly kept abreast of this challenge whilst it was happening and are delighted to be able to chat with Caz, Jon and Matt, who make up the remarkable Team SLPA.Want to read about the expedition itself. Head over to https://paddlerezine.com/amazon-challenge-2024/ and read for free.Paddle stats:TOTAL DISTANCE paddled | 335 KMPADDLE STROKES | 58,322TOTAL CALORIES | 18,000+AVERAGE SPEED | 8.3 km/hrTOTAL TIME PADDLING| 40:24.08Challenge mileage breakdownDay 1 48 kmDay 2 34 kmDay 3 55 kmDay 4 68 kmDay 5 76 kmDay 6 54 kmTell us a little about yourselves and your paddling experience?Caz: I own the award-winning adventure business SUP Lass Paddle Adventures. I am an accomplished paddler and coach who has completed several long-distance SUP challenges. My recent overseas trips include paddling the Vjosa in Albania and working as a guide in Scandinavia.Jon: I have been paddling for four years, gained an adventure guide qualification in 2021 and got addicted to paddle boarding during Covid. I love paddling down moving water, going on camping adventures with the paddle boards, and accessing areas where no one goes.Matt: I am a seasoned paddleboarder, sea kayaker, and natural leader. I am currently guiding river expeditions in the north of New Zealand. I have also spent several seasons guiding SUP adventures in the Sri Lankan rainforests and Panamanian jungle, exploring unmapped areas.How did you first hear about the Amazon Canoe/SUP Challenge?Caz: I came across the Amazon Challenge on social media.Jon: Caz told me to do it!Matt: Facebook during its first year, but I already had commitments. Then Caz twisted my arm when we were paddling together in Albania.Can you let the readers know how you prepared for this challenge physically and mentally?Caz: My preparation for the challenge didnt go as planned! I broke my ankle in October (just a week after I signed up). Then, three weeks before heading out to Peru, I became very sick with biliary sepsis, and I ended up having emergency surgery to remove my gallbladder. The doctors recommended I postpone the challenge, but I was determined to bounce back and give it my all. Between injuries and illness, I spent a lot of time in the gym and also took part in the SUP Twelve and Spey Challenges.Jon: We did a lot of training at the gym. Caz would make me get up at 06:30. We would go to the gym and start work. We would push ourselves further with bigger and heavier kit on our boards to ensure we were mentally and physically prepared for a challenge of this scale. We also entered a couple of races and challenges to make sure we were battle-hardened.Matt: I kept working as an expedition leader in NZ. I pushed onto some other higher-grade rivers and got out on the board as much as possible.Did the Challenge organisers give you preparation and travel advice?Caz: I am used to organising expedition-style trips both for myself and others. My biggest challenge was understanding what the rainforest environment would throw at us. Carlos and Freya, the organisers, were a great help and always at the other end of the phone or WhatsApp. The information pack supplied for the challenge was very comprehensive.Jon: Carlos and Freya were always available for a conversation and very helpful. It was a very well-organised challenge with excellent online resources. Again, Caz is the queen of organisation and kept us boys on track!Matt: I am well-travelled and have paddled a broad range of rivers, so I was comfortable with the preparation side of things. Caz kept track of things like insurance, flights, accommodation, etc with a Google spreadsheet and regular updates.We understand its quite a trek to get to Peru, can you let us know how the travelling was for you? Have you been to Peru before?Caz: Travelling to Peru was hilarious. We had 5 x 23kg board bags and six x two-piece paddles, as we were carrying an extra board and kit for Matt. We had heard horror stories of bags going missing, but our seven flights throughout the trip went smoothly.Jon: I was always excited to go to the home of Paddington Bear. Getting to go to Cusco and then travel across the Andes (we reached 4000m) and then down through the cloud rainforest was an incredible experience.Matt: Never been to Peru before. I flew from New Zealand via Chile ahead of Caz and Jon. I wish I had refreshed my Spanish beforehand!Were there specific skills you practised for this challenge?Caz: I spent time practising my fully loaded board flips on the Dee, including a swim on Serpents Tail to test if I could release my leash and righten my board. Ant Ing put me through my paces! I had previously paddled with Jon and Matt, so I knew we all had each others backs should anything go wrong.We had a crash course on the things that would want to bite, eat, or sting us in the rainforest, which Matt kindly delivered in a dodgy natural history and taxidermy museum in Cusco. Bullet Ants, Wandering Spiders, and Black Caiman were all recommended things to avoid, and we did!Jon: Caz and I trained hard to ensure we would work together as a team and know the required skills for safety, rescue, self-rescue, equipment, first aid, and camp skills. I personally spent more time ensuring I knew how to use video technology, such as drones and 360 cameras, on our adventure.Matt: What will and wont eat you? I have spent lots of time in jungles and rainforests, but each one is different the Amazon didnt disappoint.Did you feel confident before you started on day one, and how was that day?Caz: Really confident not! Paddling in the Amazon was the first time I had been on a board in almost a month, as before heading out I had emergency surgery, which wasnt ideal. I had to be careful with any heavy lifting the boys were great in helping with my kit and bags.Jon: I knew we would have it in us. However, Caz has a different story that she hasnt shared with anyone, but shes flipping nails!Matt: I felt great when we first hit the water. I had to get used to a brand new McConks board and Ainsworth paddle. Within 300-400m of the start, we were straight into a rather big and boily rapid, which was fun and set the scene for the rest of the day.Can you let us know about the indigenous people you met?Caz: Just the loveliest, smiliest, happy people. Both tribes we met when paddling were welcoming and couldnt wait to share their stories with us. A memory that will stick with me will be splashing around with the children on the boards we managed to fit 11 children on a 14 McConks board!Jon: What a humbling experience to meet the tribes and people on our trip down. The background work that Carlos and Freya had done to ensure the barriers were down and the tribes wanted to work with us worked wonderfully. There wasnt a language barrier that couldnt be broken down with the medium of mime, a smile or pointing to something. Meeting the families in the communities, including the children and showing them our paddle boards is an experience that I will never forget. Laughter surpasses all boundaries.Matt: I loved seeing the kids get the school supplies and enjoyed their excitement of being on the sups and playing games.Anything particularly unusual happen whilst on the challenge?Caz: Aside from eating alpaca and guinea pig and drinking masato (locals chew yuca root and then spit it into jars for fermentation), the most unusual thing was spotting a bright red crab in the middle of the rainforest.Jon: Our dance every 30km, we sang our Were paddling the Amazon song, and as the kilometres rolled on, our board moves and paddle spins got more and more polished. We certainly impressed the North American canoe team!Matt: I had to fish Jon out on a rope. We saw giant armadillos and spotted the endangered Amazon giant otters, which are 6ft long! Everything in the Amazon is big!Were the Amazon conditions anything like you had ever experienced before?Caz:The Madre de Dios is one of the main tributaries that form the Amazon River as we know it. The eddy lines and boils were pretty huge and very unforgiving on the first couple of days. I was pleased with only taking one swim over the whole 335km on the first rapid, on the first day, less than 500m from the start! We had some big 70km+ paddle days, which in the heat was totally energy-sapping. We had an alarm that reminded us to drink every 30 minutes. We all carried seven litres of water on our boards and got through it every day.Jon: The boils and eddy lines were huge. As we travelled down the river, the meanders got longer and wider, and the flow, slower and slower. By the end, it was like paddling in treacle!Matt: Big volume fun. I enjoyed the Madre de Dios. It was like paddling in New Zealand or a volatile tidal river.What were your absolute highlights?Caz: The wildlife. At times, it felt like we were paddling through an Attenborough documentary. The forests on either side of the river were alive with wildlife and at times, it was pretty surreal, particularly the early morning flyovers of bright red Macaws and Toucans.Jon: Meeting the communities, speaking to the people and seeing how they lived. The nightwalk in the jungle and all the creepy crawlies the size of your hand, including spotting the Wandering Spider one of the Worlds most deadly spiders.Matt: I loved the big-volume wildness of the river on the first couple of days. I loved being in the Amazon, surrounded by the wildlife, the vegetation, and the communities who call this magical place their home.What were the lowlights of the trip?Caz: We all experienced upset stomachs on the trip, some worse than others our bowel habits became an almost daily topic of conversation. Also, the sandflies were an absolute pest, which meant we all set up camp and dived into our tents quickly at the end of the day. The heat was also relentless; it rarely dropped below 30c during the day.Jon: Getting beaver fever! Seeing the destruction of the rainforest and river banks through illegal gold mining operations.Matt: Being chased down the river by a swarm of giant wasps! One stung me on the hand, and Caz over-prescribed me with antihistamines to be on the safe side, which made me very sleepy!We also got some fascinating insight, particularly from Jon, into maps, water quality, wildlife, and food take it away, Jon!The maps we had for the challenge were 40-year-old river maps, which change over time and every season, so the available maps were for reference at best. Google satellite images despite being 2024, did not match up to the serpentine twists and turns in the river. All navigation was following the rivers main flow and getting to checkpoints.For safety and tracking, we were tracked with a ping from Garmin Inreach mini every ten minutes so we could be followed at home. There was also the SOS feature we had in an emergency. Luckily, we prepared to make sure we would not have to use this.We were so remote that help was two hours by boat and 14 hours to the nearest hospital! We were in the middle of nowhere, with the forest surrounding us from every direction. There was not a road until the last day, and that was a four-hour boat ride downriver. We did see a few smaller aircraft at night, but these would not have been much help with them trafficking Narco!The water quality was very muddy, full of fine silt, and you would never see the bottom of your paddle, let alone the riverbed. Who knows what we paddled over! There were lots of trees and branches, with strainers and sweepers ready to catch you out if you were not paying attention. However, calling to one another and keeping a keen eye, we never had any issues with debris.Meals: We planned all our meals before with dehydrated Real Turmat packets being our staple; however, as a treat every other day we had a chocolate pudding to keep morale high. A 700-calorie breakfast, 700-calorie lunch with 200-calorie snack packs of biscuits, a 700-calorie dinner and a 500-calorie pudding, would be enough to keep us going, but we did have to force ourselves to eat in the heat despite not wanting to. You would feel the ache and slow down when you were hungry, especially on the bigger and slower days. Each of us drank more than 7-8 litres of water daily to keep ourselves hydrated, and despite drinking nearly constantly, we rarely needed to go to the toilet due to excessive sweating.We all saw some fascinating wildlife, including Giant Armadillo, Giant Otter, Macaws, Toucans, vultures, and hummingbirds as small as your thumb or as large as a sparrow, buzzing and being very territorial. Frogs, bats, spiders as big as your hand and playful like kittens, insects, crabs, monkeys, snakes, lizards, and some very impressive paw prints from Tapier, pigs and big cats. Massive blue butterflies, and at night, the moths and other eyes we saw staring back at us were everywhere, so much life in all abundance.Lastly, Cocaine production: We were all attuned to our senses of the water and the rainforest smells: clean, alive, and almost sweet. However, we did notice a change of smell at several locations to a rich leaf mulch smell, almost like silage or compost. This was the Narco labs making cocaine.We understand you were the first SUP team to cross the line, and Caz, you are the first woman to finish this challengeCaz: Being the first woman to paddle the Madre de Dios on a SUP is a pretty cool achievement. It felt super special after it was so touch and go as to whether I would even make the start line. There were a few tears shed. Its made me think of other paddle possibilities out there. The challenge wasnt a race, but our SUP boards travelled considerably faster than the traditional canoes, which helped us make the daily checkpoints in good time.Jon: We started as a team and finished as a team. We worked incredibly hard preparing for the trip to ensure our skills were up to speed in areas such as self-rescue with loaded boards.Matt: We stuck together, kept moving (we averaged 8.3km/hr over the 335km) and worked as a team we all had skills that complimented one another.Can you let us know about the organisers and their team?Amazon Challenge organisers Carlos and Freya were fabulous and went above and beyond to ensure everyone had a great challenge. They are keen to welcome more SUPs for the 2025 Challenge.As were the support crew a big shout-out goes to members of the Shipiteri community, who were always so smiley, helpful and supportive in their rescue boats and at every checkpoint.Can you let us know about your Challenge fundraising?Over 2000 of donations were raised through our Just Giving page, which has been split between Manu Biological Station, Los Amigos Biological Station (as visited by Sir David Attenborough) and the Shipiteri Community, all of which we visited on our trip.The funds will support rainforest conservation and the development of eco-tourism opportunities for the Peruvian Amazon communities.Do you have particular people you would like to give a shout-out to for their help?We have received incredible help and support with this challenge from friends, family, and clients making donations via our Just Giving page through to top paddle and outdoor brands that supply us with kit.We particularly would like to thank:McConks: 14 touring boardsMustang Survival: clothing, bags and buoyancyAinsworth: carbon paddlesKelly Kettle: water filtration systemLifesystems: first aid kit, mosquito repellent and suncreamWaterhaul: sunglassesSealskinz: waterproof socksExposure Lights: waterproof torchesPhizz: hydration tabletsTarget Trees: cash donationAgronomic Digital Innovation: cash donationAdvice for people sitting on the fence about this event?Go for it! Its a very special event, and the environment (30c+, high humidity, wildlife, and remoteness) makes it a unique challenge. It would be great to see more SUPs take part in 2025.Thank you so much to Team SLPA for their fascinating insight into what appears to be an incredible adventure and challenge if you are interested in registering for 2025, I am sure Caz, Jon and Matt would be delighted to give you more info and you can also check out the official website here: https://amazoncanoechallenge.com0 Comments 0 Shares 88 Views
- STANDUPPADDLEMAG.CO.UKSUP foiling progressionWords: Tez Plavenieks Photos: Oli Lane-Pearce & Tez PlavenieksSUP foiling has fascinated me for a while now. Recently, the discipline has evolved to incorporate three distinct areas: SUP foiling in waves, downwind SUP foiling, and flat water paddle-ups. For any experienced paddler in open tidal water, SUP foiling is more accessible than you think.SUP foiling typesYou can split SUP foiling into three distinct areas. SUP foiling in waves is an evolved form of SUP surfing. Using breaking waves to ride on foil and surf albeit in elevated form. Downwind SUP foiling is a step on from downwind SUP. Chasing bumps and using wind and rolling wave power to drift surf along the coast has caught the attention of many flyers.SUP foiling paddle-ups is perhaps the trickiest thing to master. Paddling flat out from a standstill, riders aim to generate enough speed and momentum to pop up on foil before pumping around until their bodies give up. Learning takes a while, but it is no less possible with the right gear and paddle technique.Paddle technique is everythingAs the title suggests, SUP foiling is all about paddling technique. There are ways to bypass this, such as using electrical foil assists like FoilDrive. But for the purist, theres a challenge to SUP foil sans additional propulsion.By default, any long-time stand-up paddler will have developed enough technique to SUP foil. Paddle-ups require more refined strokes and power. With downwind SUP foiling falling just behind. SUP foiling in waves, meanwhile, isnt quite as susceptible to bad paddling. But still, youll need your chops sorted and be able to call on a variety of strokes. Seasoned got this over and above those wanting to learn the art without prior paddle-boarding experience.SUP foiling kitGear for SUP foiling has evolved considerably. High-aspect foils now offer an efficiency not previously available, while Barracuda style downwind foil boards (used for all types of SUP foiling and light wind winging) deliver super early release and the ability to get the job done.Quality paddles, meanwhile, are available to all riders and have been for a few years. A paddle defines stand up paddle boarding as a whole, which is still valid when discussing SUP foiling. So, the best paddle you can lay hands on is always worthwhile.SUP foiling in wavesIf you have any SUP surfing experience, foiling in waves is a logical step. Paddle boards have always offered the opportunity to exploit lesser-quality surf. Foils now lower the threshold even further and turbo-charge the experience.You may choose to ride a longer, thinner downwind style foil board for the earliest release possible. Combined with the right foil, this can result in takeoffs from unbroken waves. Alternatively, a stubbier foil board will also work fine for those who have a crumbling or breaking peak to play with. Foil size is dictated by wave power. Although you dont need anything big or with too much oomph.Downwind SUP foilingCatching wind-blown bumps and riding for miles along the coast is extremely addictive. And with a foil beneath you, wind strengths and bumps sizes dont need to be excessive. Theres a period of learning that can be frustrating at first. But stick with it, and youll get there.In time, youll be zooming atop the chop with the best of them. Logistics do need to be considered every time you do a run. This is why some riders favour wing foiling upwind, packing down their wing before downwind SUP foiling back to base.Flat water SUP foiling paddle-upsIdeally, you should have a solid foiling technique before attempting flat water SUP foiling paddle-ups. Youll need to know how to pump your foil and time it correctly with paddle strokes. After that, its about choosing the right venue and investing the time.Sheltered flat water will help massively. A stretch devoid of chop is a lot easier than wind-blown spots. And then its practice, practice and more practice. It took me a while to unlock the flat water paddle up. And still, to this day, it can catch me out. But its worth the hassle when it comes together.Following onHaving gotten to grips with all these areas of SUP foiling, the next step is to challenge yourself further. So bigger waves with surf environments in mind, longer downwind runs, and quicker pop-ups are all goals that can be aimed for.In each instance, you may need to address your gear. For instance, a small, more performance-orientated foil is needed for bigger waves. Or a narrower, downwind board for paddle-ups thatll release even earlier. However, this presents further challenges also. To be honest, foiling never stops being a challenge. But thats part of the appeal.Summing upIve always chased the performance end of stand-up paddle boarding, away from recreational SUP. And for me, foiling ticks all the boxes. Super versatile, and like paddling on steroids, it encompasses all the skills learned on fin over the years and ramps this up.If youre thinking of getting involved, Id urge you to do so. While theres certainly a period of learning required, its a quicker process than youd think if you commit. Take the plunge and learn to fly!0 Comments 0 Shares 134 Views
- STANDUPPADDLEMAG.CO.UKCompetitive sprinting 101Words: Scott WarrenPhotos: P3T PhotographySprinting is a fundamental part of SUP and is found in almost every discipline in some form. Its how we accelerate our board beyond normal paddling, allowing us to catch waves, get up on the foil in SUP Foiling, chase down the ball in SUP Polo, or get through a particular stretch of white water. As a fundamental skill, its essential that we practise technique and learn skills about when and how to use our sprinting so we can unlock progression in our chosen disciplines. For this article, however, we will be focusing on the competitive element of sprint, which is often our first experience of paddling fast with the purpose of achieving our goal.Where did it start?Sprinting has been a mainstay of SUP in the UK since the first boards arrived on our shores and the first adopters picked up a paddle. Doing fun sprints with your mates or learning to catch waves standing up put sprinting right at the heart of the foundation SUP technique. Many of the early races were held at the club level, so were, in reality, versions of a sprint being short in distance and accessible for newcomers to try, with the Coke bottle races being a great early example. Simple drop in a bottle tied to a weight, and you have yourself a marker to race around. Sprinting at its core. From there, many of the big events tagged in fun SUP sprints as a way to fill the gap around the main distance race, encouraging paddlers of all levels to give it a go.What about now is competitive sprinting still a thing?Over the years, with the development of the sport and the progression of paddlers taking part, distances and formats have become longer and more challenging, but sprinting has always been a fundamental part of the sport. Whilst it did not have the limelight or any real specialist sprinters who only did short distances, sprinting could be found at most events, culminating in the Sprint National Championships held at the National Watersports Centre in Nottingham as part of the then British Canoeing Sprint Regattas.So what is considered a sprint?The easiest way to think of SUP sprinting is to compare it to athletics and track sprinting. Sprinting is competitive SUP in its shortest forms, taking place over distances of up to 500m. Beyond that, you can consider it starting to become a middle-distance race, just like a 1500m track race at the Olympics. Typically, sprints are held over 100m, 150m and 200m in various formats across flatwater and beach locations.What formats are there?The most common sprints are either a ltraight-line format similar to track sprinting, with paddlers starting a set distance from the finish and paddling a straight course, or a tech sprint, which is usually an out-and-back setup where paddlers sprint from a start position out to a buoy or set of marks, turn 180, and race back to the finish.Sprinting techniqueThe fundamentalsThere are many ways to sprint, making the short-distance side of SUP very accessible. You will see a wide variety of styles and skills deployed as paddlers look to reach their highest speeds and maintain their effort of the course distance, but to start, lets look at the fundamentals.The bottom handGenerally, you want to use more power when sprinting, so the easiest way to do this is by dropping your bottom hand one hands width lower on your paddle than you would typically have if paddling fast for a distance race. If you are coming from a recreational paddling technique, then moving your bottom hand down a couple of hands width is a great place to start. Moving your bottom hand changes the leverage point on the shaft and blade, allowing you to put more power through your paddle stroke, typically unlocking more speed over a short distance.Reach point and shortening your strokeOne of the most common misconceptions about sprinting is that you must shorten your stroke to paddle fast and start sprinting. Now, whilst this statement is true, which goes against that very statement, how we apply that principle is the key part. You should maintain your normal reach point, out in front of you, without overstretching too far. Shortening your stroke in sprinting usually means exiting earlier and achieving a shorter stroke length this way rather than putting the paddle in closer to you and still exiting close to your feet. The goal is to have an efficient yet shorter stroke to allow for a higher cadence.What is cadence?Cadence is the term used to understand how many strokes you take per minute when paddling, sometimes called stroke rate. Typically, when progressing, a higher stroke rate or cadence will allow you to achieve higher speeds by increasing the number of strokes you are taking per minute over your normal paddling style. As you progress further, there is a balance between speed, power, and cadence, but we will come to that later. Typically, achieving 60 to 70 strokes per minute is a great baseline to aim for when looking to sprint.Adding powerPaddling at a higher stroke rate alone wont necessarily make you start sprinting. Combining the bottom-hand placement and an increased cadence will start the process, but you will likely need to increase your power.So what is Power? Put simply; power can be defined and measured as an increased output or effort over your normal baseline levels of effort when paddling normally. Increased power comes from a harder pull through your bottom hand, engagement of the core muscles and use of your body weight to drive the board forward quicker.An excellent way to think about this is opening a heavy door. Pulling gently on the handle while standing square to the door will make it difficult to open. However, if you reach forward with your bottom hand and then engage your core to pull harder on the handle or even rotate your body while pulling, you will be able to open the door more easily.Getting faster unlocking progressionSo now that you understand sprinting and its fundamentals, how do you progress? Several advanced techniques and skills come into play to get faster at sprinting, and for this, we will focus purely on the straight-line elements and miss out on more tech sprint-based elements such as beach starts and buoy turns.Getting off the lineSimply paddling faster and with more power will allow you to start sprinting, but a key element to progression is getting off the line quicker and more efficiently. Returning to our track sprinters, especially in the shorter distances of 100m and 200m, the athletes have a starting phase where they drive out the blocks at the starting gun. The same goes for SUP in that you cant reach peak speed immediately and must drive away from the line as quickly but as efficiently as possible to achieve your best start.A great way to achieve this is to start with your paddle out in front of you ready, and at the start, single bury the blade deeper than normal to get hold of the water more effectively. Your goal is to initiate forward momentum in the most efficient way. What you want to avoid is a great big splash but smacking your paddle into the water surface, almost like the wheelspin of a car lots of smoke and style but minimal forward momentum at first.AccelerationMuch like getting off the line, you cant suddenly reach peak speed immediately, so you must go through an acceleration phase to get the board moving effectively across the water. Each paddler is different, but experiment with 10-15 strokes or maybe 20, depending on the sprint distance and your preference. With each stroke, you push your speed up by increasing the stroke rate and power and bringing in other elements of your sprint technique, such as leg drive and rotational power. The goal is to get you through the acceleration phase efficiently without burning out before you hit the maintenance phase.Maintaining your speedThe secret to a fast sprint is how effectively you can maintain your peak speed. Notice this is not top speed, which is your highest physical number. Given that we are in a very dynamic environment and with each stroke, we have acceleration and drag to contend with; peak speed is considered to be your highest average and sustainable speed across your sprint distance. Usain Bolt was considered not the fastest starter or accelerator, yet he often finished first. His success came from his ability to maintain his peak speed for longer than his competitors and, more often than not, take fewer strides to complete the same distance. Not bad for someone considered too tall for sprinting! The maintenance phase of your sprint will likely be the longest, so its important to work on that area the most. To maintain your peak speed, you can reduce the overall power so you dont burn out, find a cadence that keeps the board moving effectively through the water without losing speed between each stroke and use your legs to spread the load and lactic acid away from your arms.How can you start sprinting?Sprinting is a great way to train, allowing you to do short bursts to increase your speed and power. Many short interval sessions (sub 2-minute efforts) can be done at a sprint speed. Sprints are also a fun way to get into racing if youre a newcomer to competitive SUP. Pick a point a short distance away, line up with your fellow paddlers and see who gets there first. You dont need any specialist kit; although there is a real skill in making a big round-nose iSUP move quickly, they are just as fun to sprint as a dedicated race board.Most clubs will run fun racing with a sprint element, and dedicated sprinters such as Anni at Frangipani SUP are pushing the sprint discipline with introduction days and clinics.What about competing in sprints?Sprints can often be found at various events, from Beach-based Tech Sprints on the GBSUP National Series to a Sprint element included in the GBSUP British National Championships. Other events will also have sprint elements, so its always worth checking out whats on the schedule and what you can get involved in. 2024 also sees the return of the GBSUP National Sprint Championships at this years Paddle UK September regatta at the National Watersports Centre, which, as the name suggests, is a dedicated Sprint Championship held over 200m with paddlers competing in their own lanes.Haywood SportsHere at Haywood Sports, we are always happy to help. Our coaching covers all areas of SUP, and our home is on the coast in Kent. We are also always happy to answer any questions on paddling, from locations to conditions to kit and safety. Get in touch by phone, email, or social media. https://www.haywoodsports.com0 Comments 0 Shares 76 Views
- STANDUPPADDLEMAG.CO.UKCoast to coastLiverpool to Goole: A northern adventure of a lifetime!Words: Jo MoseleyPhotos: Gee Jackson, Jason Elliott, Daisy Best, Sara Edgar, Sarah Chisem, Ant Ing, Chuck, Frit Tam, Julie Kelly, Lucy Morris, Jo Moseley and Michelle EllisonWould you like to challenge yourself with an endurance SUP adventure and wonder if its within your grasp, or would you like to know a little more about what is involved? If the answer is yes, let my friends and me tell you about the beautiful 162-mile Liverpool to Goole coast-to-coast trail along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal (128 miles) and Aire and Calder Navigation (34 miles).It is five years this summer since the Canal and River Trust officially created the trail that passes through Merseyside, Lancashire and Yorkshire in the north of England. This was shortly after I was fortunate enough, aged 54, to become the first woman to complete the challenge, fundraising for The Wave Project and The 2 Minute Foundation whilst also picking up litter. The first person was my friend Jason Elliott, who then also aged 54, made the crossing in February 2019 at times during Storm Erik. As a plastics recycler, Jason was fundraising for Surfers Against Sewage.The beauty of this challengeis that the route is very well documented, with detailed information to help you plan. Yet, as far as I am aware, at the time of writing, only 12 people have crossed it in full in one trip. More have climbed Everest or swum the Channel!The Leeds and Liverpool Canal is the longest canal in Britain. It took over 50 years to build and was completed in 1816. In its heyday, millions of tonnes of coal were transported on barges, and it was very significant in the development of the cotton and weaving industries. There are 91 locks between Liverpool and Leeds and several more from Leeds to Goole, so you will get very good at portaging (carrying) your boards!This includes the 21 locks at Wigan Flight and the world-famous Bingley Five Rise, the steepest staircase locks. There are two tunnels to navigate: Gannow Tunnel (559 yards/540m) and the mile long, Foulridge Tunnel, close to the border between Lancashire and Yorkshire, which works on a traffic light system.The canal runs through both industrial and very rural areas, giving you lots of variety to enjoy. It is also near the UNESCO World Heritage Site Saltaire Village and the stunning architecture of Salts Mill.Leisure and wellbeingNowadays, the canal is very much a place for leisure and wellbeing. You can hire narrowboats in Skipton, immerse yourself in the history of Wigan Pier, spot kingfishers, walk or cycle along the towpath, visit the highest point on the canal at Greenberfield Locks, swim in Leeds Dock or have a meal on the Leeds City Centre Waterfront. Nearby is the Holdfast narrowboat bookshop, and an ice cream boat is in Skipton Basin.Waterways LicenseThe Canal and River Trust manages the canal, and you will need a Waterways License, which is part of your Paddle UK (formerly British Canoeing) membership. Part of the license fee is reinvested back into the care of the canal structure and tackling INNS (invasive non-native species), which can impede your paddling. Go to http://www.canalrivertrust.org.uk and http://www.paddleuk.org for more information.Life changingPaddleboarding coast-to-coast changed my life back in 2019, and it was one of the reasons I went on to write my two books about beautiful places to SUP, launch a podcast, and make a film about the trip called Brave Enough A Journey Home to Joy with Frit Tam of Frit Films. The route is included in my first book, Stand Up Paddleboarding in Great Britain.However, I didnt just want you to take my word for it, so I invited paddlers who have completed the challenge to share their tips and memories with you. Thank you, Jason, Gee, Daisy, Julie, Lucy, Sarah, Sara, Anthony, Chuck, Mel, and Michelle, for your experience and generosity.How long does it take to paddleboard coast to coast?Usually, it takes about 10-14 days, depending on how many rest days you include. That said, Anthony, 33, and Chuck, who were raising money for Suicide Prevention UK, completed it in under 100 hours, sleeping by the canal side in January 2024. Gee, the youngest amongst us at 28, also powered across in just five days as part of her demanding English trails coast-to-coast adventure triathlon (SUP, cycle, and run).Whats the best way to train?For most of us, training for the distance was important to prevent injury and increase enjoyment. Long tedious paddles on a local waterpark helped physio Julie, 55. Sarah, 54, lifted weights and did strength and conditioning exercises at the gym. Lucy, 55, a former physio, swapped to a standing desk at work to build up her postural stamina. Her legs never felt tired on the route! Jason worked with a PT for some heavy kettlebell work and, along with Sara, 58, emphasised the importance of using your core and legs to power your paddle. Daisy made long trips near her home beforehand, feeling they were never enough but of course, they were! Personally, I was recovering from a frozen shoulder and plantar fasciitis in the lead-up to the trip, so kettlebells, yoga and spin helped me get strong enough.Invest in yourself and your kitAnthony, who runs Stand Up Paddleboard UK and is a highly experienced white water coach, stressed the importance of correct technique, and I would definitely advise updating your skills. Sarah also recommended investing in a good-quality paddle. She recorded 12,300 strokes on one 19-mile day! Gee suggested padded gloves to ward off blisters and some used trolley wheels to carry the boards between locks. Lucy recommended a smaller fin to help navigate weed, which can really slow you down. Keeping hydrated and fuelled is key, too, as is knowing how to self-rescue.A huge of SUP supportSupport from friends, family and strangers was a recurrent theme. This might be driving a motorhome and making soup on chilly days or surprise visits from friends travelling from afar. Michelle spoke about strangers on the towpath offering her and Mel a cup of tea. Having a friend you can laugh with when things go wrong was also pretty awesome and priceless for this duo.As Ant says, you can get through anything with a good friend beside you. A community can make all the difference.Lucy noted that The Coast-to-Coast Alumni will support you all the way, sharing their experience and the latest updates on the route. If you follow anyones journey on social media, you will see people cheering from afar and donating to the causes, be that Cancer Research UK (Lucy and Julie), Mind (Daisy, Michelle and Mel), Changing Faces (Sarah), Andys Man Club, or the Eve Appeal (Sara).Overcoming challengesThe coast-to-coast inevitably throws up obstacles to test you. There is always the chance of strong winds, rain and swans, quite understandably, defending their territory. There are also sections around Wigan to Blackburn that can be prone to weed, which makes paddling very slow, It nearly finished us! Lucy recounted.Joy and self-beliefFor all the challenges, what shines through with each interview is the sense of joy and self-belief this trail brings. Singing, dancing, and laughing on the boards was not unusual!Many told me how proud they felt of their achievement. They came to realise that you never know how strong you are unless you try and that our minds and bodies are extraordinary. Trusting yourself and your training is key, as is taking the 162-mile journey one paddle stroke at a time.I think Sara summed it up when she said, At the top of the lock, I had an overwhelming sense of accomplishment, camaraderie and simple joie de vivre.I couldnt remember feeling so happy and alive in a long time and I let anyone within shouting distance know it!Im so grateful to everyone who has shared their story. I hope they inspire you to take on the coast-to-coast and feel the same joy, confidence and achievement. Do let us know if you do! Happy fifth anniversary to this extraordinary trail!For more information www.canalrivertrust.org.uk and www.paddleuk.org.uk0 Comments 0 Shares 127 Views
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