A video summery of a September weekend in Scotland, Sections of the Array, Coe and a cheeky little bit of Swale footage because we can! West coast goods from the UK GoPro footage courtesy of Phil Higgins and Martyn Butler. Edited by Nathan Butler.
Jesse Coombs is one of the worlds premiere extreme kayakers. With calm confidence and a friendly smile, Jesse explores the most intriguing and remote corners of the earth. Jesse continually pushes the envelope and continues to chalk up first descent after first descent. Eric Jackson describes Jesse as “a student of life and as humble as anyone can be”, it was this quote that prompted me to ask Jesse if he would like to take part in the 2011 Unsponsored Q&A series. I am really pleased that Jesse agreed!
A common problem faced by paddlers each time they buy a new boat. Reasons for such problems can be placed in to one of two categories;
* The paddlers kit is letting the water in.
* The boat is really leaking.
If your paddling kit doesn’t fit correctly it will leak and yes the boat will fill with water. If it’s a simple case of ill fitting cag or deck then the solution may be easy but expensive – get some kit that fits. On the other hand your kit may need a little TLC – check seals/seams and repair or replace as necessary. Continue reading
From the very first moment you sit in a boat you start to get “a feel for it”, how it fits and possibly even how it may perform. As beginners we start off in boats that may be used by many different size paddlers, which results in cockpits being kept clutter free. Loose, comfortable boats feel good on flat water, but they can make leaning and bracing difficult. Once the boat is padded to provide a close, body-hugging fit that still allows for quick and easy water exits, performance can dramatically improve. This same rule applies to all levels of kayakers, whether they’re paddling easy whitewater, big water runs or creeks. Customised outfitting helps transfer every trace in the river’s current through the kayak’s hull to your body, helping you sense your surroundings, make critical maneuvers and maintain your balance, thus staying upright!
Since paddlers press against their boat’s inner hull with the small of their backs, butts, hips, thighs, knees and feet, it is these key areas that should be customised to match the shape and size of the paddler. To make this as easy as possible I am going to break the cockpit into a handful of sections and tailor each one to help you get the best control possible from your boat.
A lot of discussion goes on about the pros and cons of wearing nose plugs. I don’t really want to enter into that because at the end of the day it is down to personal choice. So assuming you wish to wear nose plugs – which ones are best? The short answer to that is the ones that are comfy and stay on!
Up until quite recently the nose plugs available have been developed specifically for swimming or diving – all types being adequate for the job but not ideal. However over the last 10 years paddle sport specific plugs have made an appearence.
Before I discuss the fitting of such devices in a boat I need to make something perfectly clear – Any device that slows down or restricts your exit from your boat is DANGEROUS, there is a reason why they are termed SUICIDE STRAPS. If you are daft enough to fit a lapstrap, thigh straps or any other system then it is at your own risk. Unsponsored and the kayakers who have submitted images of there systems take NO RESPONSIBILITY for damage caused to boats or lives resulting from the use of such systems. You’ve been warned! If you do decide to install a system please take note of the following guidelines:
Any system MUST be quick release
Any system MUST be quick release
If you’re getting munched in a hole you must be able to get out
Any system MUST be quick release
You get the message!
Fitting a strap system
For this job you will be dealing with the seat of your boat. There is no need to drill or tamper with the boat shell. This could easily mean leaks, or permanent damage! Continue reading
The HOG (Hand of God) is a helmet retention system that comes fitted as standard to all new Shred Ready helmets but is also sold individually as an upgrade.
This guide shows the fitting of a HOG to a Shred Ready Scrappy helmet, although the same principles apply if you wished to fit a HOG to another helmet brand. Continue reading
Clay Wright is a professional whitewater kayaker and kayak designer. He designed the signature “Java” creekboat for Perception Kayaks back in the day and works at Jackson Kayak. Clay has competed extensively – 2005 US National Freestyle Champion, World Squirt boat champion. 1st Green Race Winner, 1st descents in 7 states and 5 countries, inventor of the Loop, 5x and current US Freestyle Team member.
Clay is definitely one of the big hitters in the kayak world and it is a huge pleasure to have Clay take part in the 2011 Unsponsored Q&A series. Continue reading
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