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Out of reach... Hello followers of Peak UK! I have found that after nearly a month of living in Brazil, having access to any river equipment is almost as difficult as crossing the Amazon by land... The reasons are varied, outlets, dealers and distributors are completely unknown. Internet would be one way to buy but the majority of people here only use the internet to email or chat with friends and relatives from other regions and only speak portuguese.
I found myself in front of the computer almost every day last week showing them river equipment, kayaks, etc. It was really amazing how interested my colleagues from the river were and how many questions they had.
I also saw what happens when the equipment you have is very old, inappropriate or of a low quality. A clear example is to see many open spraydecks. Almost total absent of any jackets, and PFD's are missing patches, torn and are discoloured from many years use. Completely different to what we're used to seeing in European countries and North America.
Lately i have lent my personal gear to many of them, almost everyday because of the situation. I am convinced that having better equipment will improve their paddling.
It felt great to see how some of them got the courage to run Baxi ( a classic fast line in the middle of the town falls) For the first time in kayaks. It was an event they spoke about for many days after.
 Tony missing the boof!
Happy holidays to everyone and a great new year! Meanwhile i have to go back to work for the eager customers waiting to get on the river.
Fabian (Posted on the 28th Dec 2011 by pete) |
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