http://peakuk.com/index.php Peak UK - The Kayaking Company - Team, Event, Product and Website News en-gb Sat, 05 Jul 2008 06:23:44 GMT Sat, 05 Jul 2008 06:23:44 GMT http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Tim Baillie pete@peakuk.com (Pete Astles) t_baillie@hotmail.com (Tim Baillie) http://peakuk.com/index.php http://peakuk.com/RSS/peakukrsslogo.jpg 88 31 http://www.peakuk.com/peakuknews.php?article=113

Peak UK Slalom Test Pilot Rich Hounslow won his first World Cup Medal this weekend at World Cup Race 2 in Tacen, Slovenia. He made the challenging course look effortless on his way to collect the Bronze medal in the Mens Kayak Race.

Check out the Official Race Website for more information and the full results.]]> Mon, 30 Jun 2008 01:01:01 GMT http://www.peakuk.com/peakuknews.php?article=113 http://www.peakuk.com/peakuknews.php?article=112

This weekend the ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup 2008 kicked off with Race 1 in Prague. The racing was fast and furious, go to the Official Race Website for news, photos and video from the race.

In the Mens C1 class Peak UK Team Athlete David Florence charged hard to win the Bronze Medal for the second year in a row. It was a precision performance and we're wishing him all the best for the Beijing Olympic Games later in the year.

Rich Hounslow ripped up in the Mens Kayak race to qualify in 7th place just 1 second back from the medals but then missed a gate in the Final and so finished a still very respectable 10th.

Fiona Pennie raced hard in the Womens Kayak class but in a very tight race she missed the final by just a tenth of a second and so finished 11th.

Next week the racing moves to Tacen in Slovenia for Race 2.

Official Results Prague World Cup 2008


The Flower Ceremony


Champagne Time
]]> Mon, 23 Jun 2008 01:01:01 GMT http://www.peakuk.com/peakuknews.php?article=112 http://www.peakuk.com/peakuknews.php?article=111

Teva Tour 2008



2008 European Rafting Championships, Austria



Sea Kayaking, West Coast of Scotland



Mountaineering, Glenmore Lodge February 2008
]]> Tue, 17 Jun 2008 01:01:01 GMT http://www.peakuk.com/peakuknews.php?article=111 http://www.peakuk.com/peakuknews.php?article=110
We welcome Steve Brooks and John Blake to our Expedition Team. Steve and John have
kayaked in some of the remotest places on the planet, they have tested our kit throughout
the years sending us feedback and some inspirational photos!
Based in and around the
Austrian Alps they cannot only be seen on rivers such as the Oetz, Inn and the Rosanna
but their exploits have taken them to over 15 different countries and 5 continents.

Throughout the year they will be sending us blogs and updates of their adventures and in
Autumn the boys are off to warmer climates in search of some exploratory descents.]]> Mon, 09 Jun 2008 01:01:01 GMT http://www.peakuk.com/peakuknews.php?article=110 http://www.peakuk.com/peakuknews.php?article=109
The river provided a challenging sprint and slalom course with the risk of a flip if not careful. The downriver was 15km typically grade 3 water with some long slow sections meaning a tiring hour long battle with up to thirteen other rafts.

In the men’s events, the boys ranked 9th overall in R6 and medalled with 3rd in R4. The lads also gained themselves a well deserved gold medal in the ‘Head to Head’ R4 event, beating 26 other nations and earning themselves a standing ovation at the awards ceremony that night.

The ladies were dominant throughout all R4 races, earning medals in every event, including gold in ‘Head to Head’ and ranking 2nd overall to become silver medallists. In R6 the girls ranked 4th overall including a bronze in one of the most exciting downriver races they’ve experienced. Getting off to a bad start in 7th position, the girls gradually Schumacher’ed everyone to take third.

This event was a huge success for both Peak UK teams with a total of eight podium appearances between them. They are now looking forward to British Selection later this year with a view to competing at the World Championships in Bosnia, 2009.


Results
Ladies:
R4 Ranked 2nd Overall (Silver)
Gold Head to Head
Silver Downriver
Bronze Slalom
Bronze Sprint
R6 Bronze Downriver
Ranked 4th overall

Men’s:
R4 Ranked 3rd Overall (Bronze)
4th Sprint
Gold Head to Head
8th Slalom
5th Downriver
R6 Ranked 9th overall
12th Sprint
10th Head to Head
5th Slalom
11th Downriver

Full Results (PDF)]]> Wed, 28 May 2008 01:01:01 GMT http://www.peakuk.com/peakuknews.php?article=109 http://www.peakuk.com/peakuknews.php?article=108

The date of the 7th Peak UK Himalayan Challenge (14th Himalayan Rodeo) has been set for November 28-30th 2008. This year the event is moving from the Bhote Kosi to the Trisuli River, Nepal but the event format and emphasis on fun will be the same.

Go to the Events page for more information.

If you are interested in taking part or just partying with us get yourself to the brand new Peak UK Shop at Equator Expeditions, Thamel, Kathmandu on the 27th November. Sign up and get the bus ride up to the river on Saturday morning. It's a really great weekend and fun is guaranteed for everyone.]]> Wed, 21 May 2008 01:01:01 GMT http://www.peakuk.com/peakuknews.php?article=108 http://www.peakuk.com/peakuknews.php?article=107

Check out the gallery for more top shots of GB Slalom Selection Race 3 in Nottingham.

Photographs by Dave Leathborough © Focused on Adventure 2008.
There are several shots of all competitors. Email Dave (photos@focused-on-adventure.com) with your bib number if you are interested in purchasing prints or digital copies of the images on CD.]]> Thu, 01 May 2008 01:01:01 GMT http://www.peakuk.com/peakuknews.php?article=107 http://www.peakuk.com/peakuknews.php?article=106
The Peak UK slalom squad were all in action.

In the Men's C1 class David Florence ripped up to take the win and joins Fiona Pennie, who won the first two races, on the GB Olympic Team. A Big WELL DONE to both of them.

In Men's Kayak Richard Hounslow won the race but was beaten on overall points by Campbell Walsh so Rich makes the World Cup team but Campbell is the Olympic Boat.

The Men's C2 class is a little bit more complicated since GB have yet to qualify and Olympic spot. Baillie / Stott won the race so now need to try and qualify an Olympic place at the European Champs in May.

All in it was a good days racing for Team Peak Uk and they now make up two thirds of the GB Olympic team so far. Nice One.

Race 3 Results (PDF)]]> Sat, 19 Apr 2008 01:01:01 GMT http://www.peakuk.com/peakuknews.php?article=106 http://www.peakuk.com/peakuknews.php?article=105
The Peak UK slalom squad had mixed fortunes at the first two races.

Fiona Pennie ripped up and secured the Womens Kayak Olympic place by winning both races. She dominated the races winning by a clear margin, congratulations to her.

Richard Hounslow and Huw Swetnam did not have such a good weekend. Both of them had some very good sections over both races but unfortunately neither can now win the single available Olympic spot. Rich scored a 2nd and a 3rd whilst Huw got two 4ths. They'll both be looking to perform well this weekend to earn the only remaining place on the World Cup Team.

Campbell Walsh, having a 1st and a 2nd, is now hot favourite for the Olympic spot with Andrew Hadfield, second race winner, the only other kayak with a chance of beating him.

In the C1 and C2 categories David Florence and Baillie / Stott are facing a third race show down since both of them are currently drawing on points with their rivals.

Race 1 Results (PDF)
Race 2 Results (PDF)]]> Tue, 15 Apr 2008 01:01:01 GMT http://www.peakuk.com/peakuknews.php?article=105 http://www.peakuk.com/peakuknews.php?article=103
The problems adjusting to a different form of the game showed in the first match against NW Berlin with Viking on the wrong end of a 9-7 score line. From then on however, years of training at end-to-end polo in short pools began to pay dividends. Wins against Michel de Ruyter of the Netherlands and Liblar of Germany meant that another win in their final group game would put Viking through to the next stage. Viking showed good composure against the German side Meidericher to secure that win and survive the ‘group of death’ (so called because it featured 3 of the top 4 teams in Germany).

In the next stage Viking played two Dutch teams, Deventer and Oddyseus. Viking lost against Deventer late on Saturday night, but beating Oddyseus on Sunday morning was enough to book a semi-final place.

The semi-final opponents were Deventer again. As in their last two meetings, in the previous round and in the final of the Odense Open, Viking fought to match the Dutch physically and deny them possession. With a 4-2 lead deep into the first half that approach was working but the score was level by half time with Deventer eventually coming out on top.

In the playoff for 3rd place there was an opportunity for revenge against NW Berlin and it was duly taken. Viking showed how well they had adapted with a comprehensive 7-1 victory. In the final Deventer beat another German side, Goettigen.

Viking left disappointed not to have graced the final but even a puncture on the slip road of the autobahn could not dampen the sense that the team had assembled in Essen to play some excellent polo against decent opposition.]]> Sat, 05 Apr 2008 01:01:01 GMT http://www.peakuk.com/peakuknews.php?article=103 http://www.peakuk.com/peakuknews.php?article=104

Legendary kayak manufacturer Struer from Denmark have just opened their very own amazing retail shop in their home town Struer. It looks like something off Grand Designs!! We are proud to supply them with our finest equipment. Check out the great images the shop's manager Jesper has kindly supplied us with. If you're in the area pop in for a look round, it's very impressive...





Struer Kajak A/S
Industrivej 12
7600 Struer, DK
Tel. +45 97 85 11 37
Fax. +45 97 85 26 54
email: mail@struerkajak.com
web: http://www.struerkajak.com/]]> Sat, 05 Apr 2008 01:01:01 GMT http://www.peakuk.com/peakuknews.php?article=104 http://www.peakuk.com/peakuknews.php?article=102
The Peak UK Slalom Squad scored a clean sweep in Race 2 on Saturday. Richard Hounslow, David Florence, Fiona Pennie and Baillie / Stott all won their respective classes. David was most impressive winning his class by a clear 9 seconds.

They nearly achieved a clean sweep on Sunday as well but unfortunately Rich slipped to second after a couple of silly touches on his first run.

All in it was a very succesful weekend of racing for the squad. Now they're back in Nottingham for final preparation before travelling to Holland this weekend to race Olympic Selection on the 12th - 13th April.

Full Results from Grandtully]]> Sat, 29 Mar 2008 01:01:01 GMT http://www.peakuk.com/peakuknews.php?article=102 http://www.peakuk.com/peakuknews.php?article=101

The GB Raft Team proved this weekend that they are indeed as tough as old boots by completing the Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Marathon (The DW). The DW is the longest non-stop canoe marathon in the world and the Raft Team completed the race in an incredibly impressive time of 31:53:10. They were the first raft ever to attempt let alone complete the race and had to battle through quite horrendous windy and cold weather conditions. As well as proving themselves tough as boots they were also raising money for Sport Relief.

Well done to them and all their support crew.













]]> Tue, 25 Mar 2008 01:01:01 GMT http://www.peakuk.com/peakuknews.php?article=101 http://www.peakuk.com/peakuknews.php?article=100

It's been a good week for the Peak UK Slalom Test Pilots as they collected a sack of new 2008 kit including Racer and Stretchskin TopDecks. As you can see the 2008 kit is pretty bright so they should be easy to spot. The kit's real nice with a number of small improvements from the 07 racer range. The decks are harder wearing and the StretchSkin tops utilise thinner and stretchier material to allow ultimate freedom of movement.

The Squad put the kit to immediate good use this weekend collecting two silvers and a gold medal at the first race of the domestic season.




New face for 08, Huw P Swetnam is back on the PeakUK Slalom Squad after an impressive 11th place at the 07 World Champs.]]> Sun, 16 Mar 2008 01:01:01 GMT http://www.peakuk.com/peakuknews.php?article=100 http://www.peakuk.com/peakuknews.php?article=99
It's an honour to support guys of Francesco's calibre. Francesco started kayaking in 1981, he has his own kayak school - Free Flow in Italy and has more expedition and first descent experience than most including the Bio Bio in Chile, and the Humlar Karnali in Nepal. Welcome aboard Sir Salvato. ( he makes a mean pasta dish too apparently!!! )









Francesco Salvato

Born in Padova on the 5th of September 1962

Starts kayaking in 1981.

1984 starts to teach kayaking in the best schools of the country. Since 1998 he runs his own kayak school "Free Flow".

1986 License of Kayak Instructor

1986 License of Rafting Guide.

1989 Diploma at I.S.E.F. ( Superior Institute of Physical Education) graduation in physical education with a thesis on kayaking technique.

Expert in river rescuing, author of "il kayak in sicurezza" a book on river rescuing .

Since 1992 cooperates with the Italian kayak magazine "Canoa e Rafting", fro 1998 to 2000 he is the coordinator for the magazine.

1993/94/95 Italian champion in down river
1995/96/97 Italian rodeo champion.

1998/1999 member of "Teva Tour" in Europe and France.

Since 1998 he is testimonial for Teva sport sandals.

Since 2002 leads commercial trips on the Zambezi river in Zambia.

Since 2004 he is part of Dagger Team.

2004 he writes the manual of kayak technique "In equilibrio sull’acqua".

EXPEDITIONS:

CHILE 1986: First Italian descent of the Rio Bio Bio

COSTA RICA 1988: Rio Chirripò

PERU 1989: Colca, Urubamba, Apurimac

NEPAL 1990: Solo descent of Tamba Kosi, Sun Kosi, Trisuli

USA 1992: Grand Canyon of the Colorado

NEPAL 1993: First repetition of the Humla Karnali

ZIMBABWE 1994: Zambesi

ETHIOPIA 1995: Blue Nile

CHILE 1996: Rivers of Patagonia including a solo descent of the first canyon of the Rio Baker

NEW ZEALAND 1997: 18 rivers including Kokatai, Huka Falls and Nevis Bluff.

TEVA TOUR IN CORSICA AND ITALY 1998.

TEVA TOUR IN FRANCE 1999

CALIFORNIA 1999: The classics of California white water

NEPAL 1999/2000: First ever solo descent of the Humla Karnali considered the most challenging river in Nepal.

ECUADOR 2001/2002: Descent of the most challenging rivers of the country.

VIDEOS:

ZAMBESI: PADDLING THE BATOKA GORGE

CILE, KAYAK LA DOVE LA TERRA FINISCE

ESCAPE TO NEW ZEALAND.

ISN’T IT: PADDLING IN CALIFORNIA]]> Wed, 12 Mar 2008 01:01:01 GMT http://www.peakuk.com/peakuknews.php?article=99