Peak UK - News

Plattling European Cup Event 2013

Thu, 16 May 2013 01:01:01 GMT

This weekend kicked off the 2013 international freestyle kayaking circuit with the Plattling, Eurocup event in Germany. The European Cup is a 3 part series that runs the same year as every World Championships. Unlike the European and World Championships it is not a national team only entry event so as well as the usual big team paddlers it also attracts a wide variety of new names. This years event coincided with the German Championships and the national team selections so it was a largely German dominated in every field. That said there was also a very international representation with paddlers coming from as far a field as New Zealand, Korea, Russia and the USA to take part.

The weather in the lead up to the event was amazing, beautiful blue skies, warm weather and sunshine. But as the event drew closer the weather took a turn for the worse and with the exception of the finals the entire event took place in bitter cold winds and pouring rain. Despite the weather the atmosphere was positive and everyone went out and threw down hard. With the excessive amount of rain Plattling, the normally friendly feature, became a very difficult flushy hole. Scores were significantly lower across all fields compared to past events. It was a relief for paddlers (myself and Pringle included) to make the cut each round with some well known top level paddlers not making the cut to finals.

Arriving only a few days before the event with a serious case of jet lag I got in as many training sessions as possible before the event started. It was great to be back in a boat and transitioning back to Plattling style paddling with all the memory's from the last world championships still fresh in my mind. By the time the event started I was back to full energy and ready to throw down. With the change in water levels came a change in strategy. My first rides in every round became a gauge from which I could adjust and build on my routine to best suit the feature at the time. The quality of paddlers combined with changing water levels made it one of the most challenging events I have competed in for a while.

The squirt event saw my first return to my tiny 'slip' squirt boat since December 2012. Squirt boating is such an incredible sport it felt amazing being back on the water throwing such a smooth flowing boat around. During my first run my mystery took me by surprise, as I disappeared under water I remember thinking to myself that after six years in the sport I should really know better. I had forgotten to take a breath before my decent and was rapidly shooting back to the surface gasping for air.

Overall the paddlers from Great Britain had a great start to the series with James 'Pringle' Bebbington winning bronze in the open Mens K1 followed closely by James Weight and Ryan Liquorish with George not far behind. Josh Wedgewood claimed 5th place in the C1 finals and Sam Stevenson was crowned king of the wave.

In the end the Germans dominated the podium taking gold in all but two fields, squirt and K1 women's. Reliving the dream of my 2011 World Championships I had a great finals day bringing home gold in both disciplines. Another great event and start to the 2013 international freestyle circuit.

Images: N�ria Fontan� Mas�. James 'Pringle' Bebbington. Clair O'Hara

Great Glen Paddle Report.

Thu, 09 May 2013 01:01:01 GMT

So after a few last minute training sessions on the mighty Derwent gorge it was time to head up to Fort William, to undertake the Great Glen Paddle Challenge.

65 miles of canal, Lochs and river ways (unfortunately the river section was off limits due to low water levels) lay ahead to be conquered, within day light hours. Fort William to Inverness. Coast to Coast.

This meant a 5am start on the water, something which I'd never experienced in the 10+ years of slalom racing, but we got to the start with at least one eye open. Fully packed with survival bags, changes of clothes, glow sticks, torches, food and fluids (the organizers I think didn't seem that confident in us I guess...!), our support crew knew where to meet us and had more supplies ready and waiting for hungry paddlers. We were good to go.

A cold but clear morning greeted us, which made for pleasurable paddling; although Pogies were needed we weren't breaking the ice of the canal, so we considered ourselves lucky!

Our biggest concern for the whole challenge was the wind, not only concerned about having a pace dropping head wind, but also the potential of a frustratingly uncontrollable side wind. Actually I'm lying there, our biggest concern was finishing... But to our absolute surprise, the weather Gods were incredibly kind, we encountered a small amount of wind on Loch Lochy, but from then on in, nothing! Loch Ness was like a mill pond. Brilliant!

To cut an 11 and half hour story short, we finished. In far better time than we could have hoped for, extremely pleased and tired. Traditional Scottish hydration was supplied at the finish line: marathon style space blanket, tin of lager and a chocolate cake, not bad!

I have to mention our support team of Sally and Stephanie, without them, our finishing of the Great Glen Paddle simply would not have been possible. Thanks Ladies!

Find out more about the Great Glen Paddle here, this was the first time the race had been organized by a very passionate group of people I'm sure next years event will be bigger and better. If you don't fancy the one day challenge in a race format, I can strongly recommend the Great Glen Trail as a destination either by boat or bike, go check it out!

www.greatglenpaddle.co.uk

Until Next Time.

Paul and Pete

Slovenian Times - Soca Video

Wed, 08 May 2013 01:01:01 GMT

Slovenian Times from Fran�ois Hemidy on Vimeo.

Paddlers: Fabian Bonano, Andraz Krpic, Janez Cizman, & Fran�ois HEMIDY

A film by Fran�ois HEMIDY & Tribulations Project.

Great Britain Selection Round Up.

Thu, 02 May 2013 01:01:01 GMT

Selection can make or break paddlers seasons. For others it is merely a step onto the international circuit.

Athletes from all over the UK came together for two weekends of racing to fight for a place on the Great Britain canoe slalom team. The four race series began at Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham on the weekend of 13th/14th April and concluded two weeks later in Lee Valley, London.

Peak UK members who successfully managed to represent the team are as follows:

Men's Kayak : Joe Clarke , Richard Hounslow and Huw Swetnam

Mens Canadian Single : David Florence and Mark Proctor

Womens Kayak : Lizzie Neave and Fiona Pennie

Canadian Double : Etienne Stott/ Tim Baillie & Richard Hounslow/ David Florence.

The European Championships will be the teams first taste of international competition, which take place in Krakow over the weekend of 8th/9th June.

For a full list of results visit: www.canoeslalom.co.uk

Photos by: Neil Proctor

New Showroom Opens At Peak UK HQ in Darley Dale

Wed, 01 May 2013 01:01:01 GMT

Last year at Peak UK was a busy one. We have moved around Matlock several times over the last couple of decades, from a small room in a historic old cotton mill (now a World Heritage Site don't you know...), to a couple of dusty old quarries before eventually moving an hour south to Nottingham. However there comes a time when we felt a yearning to return to our roots and the call of the dales was just too much to ignore...

So Pete set about designing a brand spanking custom built premises a mere stones throw from the almighty river Derwent and right on the edge of the Peak District.

Time went by, a fantastic new building began to take shape, and soon came the time to load up the boot of Ali's Corsa with all our worldly possessions (sort of) and undertake the pilgrimage back to the homeland.

The new factory is constructed from local sandstone quarried literally a mile up the road, sturdy steel frames and huge glass sides to make the most of the whopping 6 hours a year sunshine. Gone are the days of Mitchell and Shep scrapping over the microwave in a dank little hole round the back of a disintegrating quarry, instead now we have a staff shower, TWO toilets, and a swanky kitchen full of appliances that frankly I'd never even heard of.

More importantly however, the creation of new space has allowed us to design and build our very own Peak UK showroom, which is now very much open to the public! That means you! Our entire 2013 range is on display, and available for purchase on site, and there are some seriously discounted prices on remaining 2011 and 2012 stock. We also sell Ainsworth and VE paddles and a range of repair products. There is parking available and we are only a couple of miles down the road from the slalom course at Matlock Bath, so why not pop in for a brew and check it out?

Our opening hours are: Mon - Thurs: 9-5
Friday: 9-4.

Our address: Peak UK Kayaking Co Ltd
Old Road
Darley Dale
Derbyshire
DE4 2ER

Telephone: 01629 732611

Terra Santa Paddlers Band 'The Spraydecks' - Boatman

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 01:01:01 GMT

The Spraydecks - Boatman from Terra Santa Kayak Expeditions on Vimeo.

Probably the first band comprised of kayak instructors, the Terra Santa Paddlers Band sacrificed their instruments and dignity for their one-stop UK tour to celebrate the Sea Kayaking UK 30th anniversary symposium with this perfect combination of water and music…

Music & lyrics: Levellers

The Spraydecks:
Oded Pollack - drums
Omer Singer - bass guitar
Michael Gringaus - guitar
Jonathan Preminger - voice and fiddle

Scottish Student Sport Wild Water Racing Event

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 01:01:01 GMT

The 2013 Scottish Student Sport Wild Water Racing Event was a huge success! 32 competitors entered from Strathclyde and St Andrews take to the water for a 3.5km race in 7 different events! Students were from all over the UK, Belgium, Germany, the USA and even South Africa! This is the first event of its kind since the 1980's! The heavy April showers didn't deter a BBQ and a seriously dedicated safety team from getting involved!

Many thanks to Peak UK for your help and we hope to continue this event next year!

Kirstie Macmillan

Slovenia Soca 2013 season is starting already!

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 01:01:01 GMT

Two of my friends and I stayed all day to take photos and videos of this beautiful and colorful river. Section Katarat.

For this season the river awaits us with enough water, because the mountains are still snow covered, due to the strong last winter. Also we find some variations between the old lines. These variations were caused by the great flood of last December, where the river reached almost one thousand cubic meters per second.

So you also find in the Alpin Action shop all Peak UK 2013 gear and also offers on instructional courses and guided descents for all levels and categories.

The hope to enjoy.
Fabi�n Alejandro Bonanno.

Millau sessions 2013

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 01:01:01 GMT

Vacation Week for school children. Catalonian concentration by the Autonomous Federation, with 6 paddlers club: Aran, Judith, Kira, Dani, Iker, to spend a week training in one of the most perfect places to learn freestyle moves for all levels of paddlers, with coach Jacko Jackson.

Millau is one of the most visited places for the moment, with holes and small waves to practice with children of all ages. And has a wonderful rental house just in 1 minute walking with 3 huge bedrooms, dining room, communal kitchen, a study room where you can see the videos correction, a football field... A place where you can take advantage of the time.

Morning session and afternoon in small groups to take advantage of your time and do the housework (meals, breakfast ...), video corrections... and enjoy the hole in off hours.

Happy of this productive week of freestyle with good company and great promises around the world of kayaking.

Ph. Aran Balaguero.
+ Info:
http://aixaskayak.blogspot.com.es/

Small video of the week.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0S2UAX8BX0&feature=player_embedded

Kefalonia Sea Kayaking April 2013

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 01:01:01 GMT

Leaving the relentless UK winter behind us we headed for the quiet sunny island of Kefalonia, just off the West coast of Greece.

Clear skies and temperatures in the twenties greated us on arrival. We were greeted at the island's tiny airport by Pavlos, owner of the local Sea Kayaking Kefalonia Company. We straight away headed to the local taverna for fresh food delights and a more than healthy sampling of the beer Greece had to offer.

After a few Frosted glasses of Mythos we headed to the local super market to stock up with supplies for the week ahead out on the water.. Pasta, wraps, sausage, cheese, more pasta, wraps, sausage, cheese, and even more pasta, wraps, sausage, and cheese, not forgetting a box of local wine to wash it all down with!!

Over the next six days we explored the west and north coast of the island. The sea warm enough to swim and blue, the weather mild and sunny. Camping on islands, and white sandy / fine pebbly beaches. The stunning rocky coastline was deserted. Popular beaches in the summer months were totally empty. The water was mainly calm and winds not too strong although one afternoon the headwind and swell forced an early and interesting dumpy waved landing on a remote and beautiful beach. We explored every inch of coastline, in and out of caves, bays and beaches. Quaint harbour villages offered great and cheap accommodation with amazing seafood and cold mythos beer from refreshing frosted glasses.

Kefalonia is a gem of a place for sea kayaking in the spring and autumn. Easy to get to with budget airlines and kayaks / gear and guiding is easily available from local experts / activity providers.

Thanks to Glenmore Lodge for inviting me along and to Pavlos from Sea Kayaking Kefalonia for being our local guide.

For trip info checkout
www.glenmorelodge.org.uk
www.seakayakingkefalonia-greece.com

Adam and Matthews attempt to conquer the DW

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 01:01:01 GMT

It didn't take long for me to tempt Matt into paddling the Senior Doubles class of the Devizes to Westminster Canoe race, we both felt we had unfinished business to attend to. Matt had completed the race in the singles class (over four days) 17 years previous and I had been part of the GB rafting teams to stupid attempt to push rubber for 125 miles!?!

For those of you unfamiliar with the race, it starts on the Kennet and Avon Canal in the Wiltshire town of Devizes and heads 125 miles to Westminster Bridge joining the River Thames near Reading, for the senior doubles class (2 person racing kayak) it is a straight through race taking anywhere between 16 hours (for the super quick kayaks) to over 30 hours (for those fools in either rafts or sea kayaks!!).

Being part of Nottingham Kayak Club we had a wealth of experience to call upon to be our support cast, these would be the people that would feed, change and motivate us along the way. So the hard work was done, we had our crew, now all we had to do was train!! As with my last attempt in 2008 (the coldest Easter in 40 years) this Easter would be early falling on the last weekend in March, this could mean one of two things, there would be high flows on the River Thames or it would be cold.

We trained well through the cold early months of the year and during the warm up races, the Waterside Series, which are held on the first part of the DW course. In the run up to the race, the rain kept falling and the Thames got so high that there was talk of the race being altered to please those health and safety folk you hear so much about!?! But as it was me in the race and as you will have learnt from the previous paragraph, the river eased off and the temperatures dropped in the week of the race and made it...the coldest Easter night on record!!

We wrapped up warm before the start trying to layer up so we would have minimal stops for kit changes along the route, the temperature was just above freezing as we approached the start line not really feeling anything other than, what are we about to do!! The first 14 or so miles are flat and uneventful so I lighten the mood with a little light coughing as my body got used to exercising with the cold I had picked up during our 'rest' week, great timing, fearing the fact that we had 35 or so portages coming up within the next few hours and the running would either make or break our race. The best way to describe that section of the race was survivable!! The portages were manageable but the coughing was killing my back, just over five hours in, we hit Newbury, our first big mental milestone, 90 miles to go!!
...and if your wondering, Matts time will come!!

Now in darkness and with the flow increasing we actually started to enjoy ourselves, Matt had learn the old steering in the dark trick and I was managing my back situation!! The temperature was dropping as we headed into towards Reading, the halfway mark with regards to time, not distance, but a massive boost to finally be on the Thames some eight hours in, 70 miles to go. A short feed, hat change and added pogies over our gloves and we were off into the wide darkness of the River Thames.

The temperature through the night reached down to around -5 degrees with a chilling fog surrounding the river as we advanced upon London town, in these stretches there are 20 to 30 minutes of paddling between locks meaning sore points get a good working before a minute or so of stretching as the boat is portaged and it's in and off again. Daybreak came around Windsor as the clear skies lightened and greeted Matt with some funny tummy rumblings, a few secret woodland toilet stops later and it was decided that Matt wouldn't be eating again!! Teddington would be the next big milestone as you head onto the tideway and swept to Westminster Bridge, this of course isn't the case and it's a hard horrible never ending winding journey to the finish line and at last time to get out of the boat, stretch and relax.

The DW is a massive event with hundreds of volunteers helping out during both the 4 day and the overnight race, we definitely were thankful of their support as they cheered us through even the darkest of times. Our support crew were awesome although they didn't let us stop when we wanted to!?! Also to PEAK UK, after hearing some of the stories about how many layers people were wearing when they finished!! We finished in what we started in with only the change of hats and gloves en route, thank you for your help with our warm dry kit.

We finished third in a time of 17 hours and 28 minutes, 100 boats finished and over 60 retired during the night.

Olympic gold medallists Baillie and Stott in first 'full blooded' competition since London

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 01:01:01 GMT

Tim Baillie and Etienne Stott, winners of an historic first gold medal for GB in the sport of Canoe Slalom at last summer's London Olympic Games, get back into competition for the first time proper this weekend in Nottingham.

Crewmates in Men's C2, the pair will be in action at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham on the first weekend of this month's GB Selection trials.

In medalling last summer they have already pre qualified for the British team in C2 but they are treating this weekend's competition as important preparation for their international season.

"Since the Olympics we competed in the British Open last November and we had a race in Scotland a couple of weeks ago, but it wasn't as full on a race as Nottingham will be, so this will be the first real full blooded race that we will have done since the Olympics," said Stott.

"It's a great opportunity to gather information about our form and the things we will need to work on going forwards into the International season.

"And a great opportunity for us to fine tune our racing technique before the international season starts, which for us will be the European Championships in six weeks time.

"The last few months we've worked really hard, it's been really tough with very bad weather, certainly the toughest winter I've ever experienced in the UK in its length and difficulty of training. We're looking forward to the season arriving and the summer conditions arriving with it."

For the three months following the London Games, Etienne and Stott made a seemingly non-stop run of appearances across the country to help promote canoe slalom.

Although they have resumed full time training they are making the most of this weekend's opportunity at Nottingham, where they were based for many years, to encourage more people into the sport.

"The main priority is to tell people that this weekend's competition is free and people can come and watch the Road to Rio starting and the next generation of paddlers trying to establish themselves onto the senior team," added Stott, who will be giving an autograph signing session with Baillie on Saturday afternoon (at approximately 2.30pm) following their second run of the day.

"This weekend we really are seeing the next generation in action."

Etienne and Baillie will be joined at Nottingham this weekend by the cream of national talent in both canoe sprint and canoe slalom. London Olympic Games silver medallists, Richard Hounslow and David Florence, will be in action in the senior section and Britain's top juniors, under 18s and under 23 levels will be in action in their own categories.

Event organiser Steve Evans said: "Canoe Slalom was one of the high fuelled adrenaline sports of London 2012 which gave us some wonderful memories. This is an exciting opportunity to see some of the world's top canoe slalomists take part in domestic competition here in Nottinghamshire this weekend."

Olympic medallists, including Tim Brabants, Ed McKeever, Liam Heath and Jonathan Schofield compete at the British Canoe Union (BCU)'s first of four sprint regattas at the National Water Sports Centre this season.

Around 300 races take place on both Saturday and Sunday, over distances of 200m, 500m and 1,000m. There will be open and senior A races, races at U23 level (K1 and C1) as well as the Junior National Championships and International Selection Regatta.

BCU sprint racing committee secretary Cathy Wynne said: "There is going to be a race every three minutes on the main Regatta Lake at Holme Pierrepont and with so many talented canoe sprinters taking part it will be an exciting event."

Whitewater in Northern Argentina

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 01:01:01 GMT

I see myself facing the end of one of the best season in Tucuman Argentina... my hometown.

Since last January my friend Diego and me were paddling the classics and opening new sections and I am very glad to say that all our effort was completely worth while.

Well, for all those boaters who have been to Argentina I am going to say that they need to come back and paddle in the North West... So, here I go with details!

Loro River: I-II

It is a dam release river at only 15 minutes drive from the downtown of Tucuman towards north in El Cadillal village, this is a very well-known area for tourism. Very good for beginners and kayak schools. This run is very enjoyable for all the family and friends with the road on the side all the time. It is possible to paddle from Las Turbinas (put in) to Puente carretero or to Puente de Trapani. First run is 3 km. and the second is about 5km. Excellent views.

Lules River: II-III

Start at the triple confluence in the village of Potreros de las Tablas (Put in) and is one hour drive from Tucuman. This run is about 2:30 hs. Or 3 hs. depending on water level. the more water the more fun you will have. Once you get there you will see yourself into the wild where are steep wall with a very dense jungle and some nice side creeks. There is no exit and take care after few km with the broken dam, at low water is not a problem but you must scout at high water level. For the take out you need to go to the town of Lules and go to a place called La quebrada de Lules, everyone in town knows that place so that will be easy to find your finish.

Los Sosa River: II III IV V

Only needs 45 minutes to get there on a fresh route with the river beside. From Tucuman drive south towards Tafi del Valle. Basically this river has 5 main section on Rp. 307.

Section La Heladera: (IV-V)

Put in is on the old house situated on the left after passing the small creek La Heladera and take out is on the left side where the route gets closer to the river and there is a empty house with single track to the river.

Section Fin del Mundo: (III-IV)

Put in is the take out of Heladera section. Take out Rp 307 after passing the Indian statue parking on the right on the last U turn.

Section Indio Vialidad: (IV-V)

Put in is the take out of the Fin del Mundo and the take out is the house of Vialidad.

Section Vialidad Aforo: (II-III)

Put in at the Vialidad house and take out is in Aforo house.

Section Aforo abajo: (II-III)

Put in is Aforo station, the stretch is about 4 km. but you have many take out because you will see the route on your left side. Everyone like this river because the access, continuous rapids, landscape and more. You will need to come over here!

Pueblo Viejo River: III-IV

It is also a very fun run with very continuous rapids on the first part and the second part is a bit easier but be careful with logs. About level water you will be able to see it from the road a couple of times, do not underestimate this river because sometimes can surprise you!

Section Usina � Barrio: (IV)

Put in is at the power station you have to walk to the river between the bushes and then dawn for 200 m beside the river until the place where the water is release. If you are able to paddle this 200 m then you are going to have a great run. Take out is on the river left some where after passing the little village. The stretch is about 3.5 km.

Section Barrio- Puente: (III-IV)

Put in is the take out of the first section abode and the end is on the bridge. The stretch is 10 km more or less. Oh! Always take left each time the river split.

Cochuna River: IV

The Cochuna river is also a very characteristic river from the area, pretty similar to Pueblo Viejo river but with a bit more of gradient. Very continuous run and with high water is an intense class 5 run!

Lower: (IV)

The put in of this section is at the bridge and the only one that cross the river just before 'Las Banderitas' which is a very steep dirt road. This section runs very continuous with some places to scout before big trees across the river, make sure to eddy with enough time. After 7 km the river join the confluence with Potrero River and from there the river takes the name of Medina River that becomes a class III big water run, super fun too! A bit more down you will get to the dam, there the portage is on the left next to the gate. Be aware. After the dam is only 1 km to the take out on the river left and is the place where the miner trail starts at Alpachiri village.

Upper: (???)

Never done before... it is seem to be a steep creek of 7 km with 2 km of walking to get the put in. unfortunately I did not have chance to run it this summer. I cannot wait for the next raining season.

Potrero River: IV-V

'The Perl'... yes, it is how do we call this new discovery! I am so glad and proud to be able to say that in Tucuman we have a world class river. Diego Budeguer and I did the first descent last February. It is a big pity that I don't have pics or video to show. The reason is because we did not expects such a river, we put in around 12.30 pm and honestly I tough the river was going to be easier... resuming this river has 3 hours of class V into a deep gorge with slides, waterfalls and big boulders. After the first 3 hours the river starts to more friendly until meets Medina River where a big water class III starts.

Medina River: II-III

I have written up that this river is a super fun run as you can see in the picture!
You can paddle from the dam to the bridge (the only one) at the main route.

Well, to all those interested in these type of rivers, you are always welcome!

Winter weather: Portugal & Galicia.

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 01:01:01 GMT

The best time for creek kayaking in our surroundings, in winter, is in Portugal and Galicia.
So you only have to check different websites meteorology, rivers ... to find out which area you want, to go down the most beautiful rivers of the place.

This time we started the car for a quick visit of 3 days. We go out on a Friday night with Aniol, Ian, M. Parra and along the way we picked up Pablo. About 12h we arrived to Castro Laboreiro for resting and doing kayak the next day.
When we wake up we found a great surprise, some frenchmen were in the area so we could share with them the descend in good company.

Castro Laboreiro is one of the most beautiful rivers and known of Portugal. The section is divided into two parts: the first section with three marked rapids and some nice slides, and the second section with some rapid and almost perfect three falls, one after the other. (by means of the sections there are two curious portages)

That same day, after a long kayaking day we prefer to rest in the same place and next day try paddling a section Castro upper river, but bad weather (snow, rain ...) made us take the day off, so we went direction Galicia for descending the slide to the river Umia one of the most spectacular in Galicia at the moment.

Short but intense in good company.

Here you can see a short video.

Short three days trip to the west Coast of Spain and to the border with Portugal. Found super low water on the Castro Laboreiro but the classic Panadeiro slide was at pretty high flows. Great paddling, some crazy carnage and epic good times with friends which is what is all about.

Portugal & Galicia Winter Edit from SB Productions on Vimeo.

Cameras: 
Aniol Serrasolses  
Marc Parra 
Albert Aixas
 Eric Deguil 
Maxime Mitaut

Editing:
Aniol Serrasolses. SBP

Great Glen Canoe Paddle Training Report

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 01:01:01 GMT

So we've had to bright idea here at PQK HQ that we'd take part in the Great Glen Canoe Paddle in April of this year. The Paddle is a 65 mile challenge from the West coast of Scotland starting in Fort William and finishing on the East coast at Inverness. This will take participants along parts of the impressive Caledonian Canal, through the biggest Lochs in the UK and (water levels depending) down a section of the River Ness (Grade 1-2). This challenge can be undertaken in two different ways, one as a 24 hour non stop challenge, or second as a 3 day more social affair: never ones to shy away from a challenge and bit of hard work, Pete and I decided to go for the 24 hours challenge.

We've managed to get some good training in so far. A weekend spent up in Scotland familiarizing ourselves with the water, and the scale of the challenge. Another weekend, based alittle more locally on the Caldon Canal and Beeston Canal loop and then shorter sessions on the mighty Derwent Gorge.

On our Scotland trip we bumped into some local lads enjoying the first weekend of the fishing season, the were very happy chaps after catching one of the biggest Salmon we've ever seen!

On the Caldon Canal, we were treated to a bizarre visit to the Welsh Cheese Tasting Barge, great tasting cheese kept the energy levels high although a little more of it would have been good and an accompanying glass of red!

Until next time!

Paul