River Bann - 20/21 November

I seemed to spend all of this weekend on the Bann, from Banbridge down to Tullylish.

On Saturday I headed out with a couple of guys from LCP, with 2 MUCK impostors. The river was a very high level with all the recent rain, with most of the usual playspots too flushy, but a lot of new ones came into play. This was the first time myself and Eddie had been out since getting our 4star leadership award last weekend and we were put to the test a few times.

With the water level so high, and fast flowing we had to be on the ball as few in the group had much experience of a river this high or fast flowing. There were only 1 or 2 minor incidents, but were all handled quickly to allow everyone to get back to the fun.

On Sunday I returned with a group from UUJCC. The water level had dropped from the previous day, and most of the weirs were stickier than the previous day, with 1 or 2 particularly retentive. I was the crash-test dummy testing just how sticky things were. This was lots of fun, and resulted in a few fights to get back out.

A good weekend paddling - now where has that rain gone.

Owenkillew - Sunday 7-Nov-2010

Yesterday saw an early start - making my way over to Gortin for 10am to meet a few guys from MUCK to run the Owenkillew.

It had been a few years since I had run this river, but held many early paddling memories for me, including my first river roll and taking Sonya as a beginner down the gorge in a topo duo.

My weapon of choice for the day was my trad open boat - Qiqi hadn't been out in a while so I brought her for some company.

We had a few novices with us, but was a small and tight group so it was all run quite relaxed - especially since Eddie had borrowed my armchair called Peapod.

The river is a nice grade 2 with a short grade3 section towards the end. It was perfect for people in the group to get to grips with whitewater, and most people even made it down the gorge.

The only downside to the trip was Qiqi stealing my kitkat when we stopped for lunch.

Crana Weekend 2010

This weekend saw the return of the Crana Canoe weekend.

I headed up on Saturday morning for the first day of the dam release. There was slalom and freestyle on today. I was only taking part in the freestyle, which wasnt the most exciting event due to the shallow feature, but was lots of fun which resulted in a party wave and high-5s during the competition.

However, it was Sunday most people were looking forward with the return of the carnage fest which was the boaterx.

This year there was an intermediate event held only on the grade 3 section. I entered this paddling the c! gyramax. My first run started slowly, but I soon built up speed, and rammed the other competitors in my heat out of the way to be in the lead by a few lengths by the final weir. Unfortunatly I took it a bit too cautiously and ended up at the far side from the finish and lost places as I made my way across.

My second run saw me running against Sonya who had commandeered Peapod - and promptly disappeared into the distance to come 3rd in the ladies event.
I punched so hard through the first weir I popped my left strap, and like the idiot I am continued on without fixing it. Just as I came to the most continuous and rocky section I rode up on a rock - which isn't normally an issue, but in trying to raise my left edge my knee came out through the spraydeck. This resulted in a very painful beating as my right foot was jammed in the boat and took quite some time to free myself.

Not to worry - the advanced boaterx was to come next, and I was doing away with the skirt and hopping into the spanish fly for the grade4 fun. I have only done 1 river run in the OC-1 so far, and that was mostly grade2 - so I had a lot to be worried about.

My first run went ok, I got the line I wanted, but had no momentum and capsized in the stopper at the bottom. Although it didn't feel like it, video evidence showed I half rolled the boat up - but was still in the stopper so I bailed.

More determined now, I nailed the second attempt, got a big launch off a rock leading into the top of the section, which gave me enough speed and momentum to steer down through the stopper at the bottom and come away with only 2 inches of water in the bottom of the boat. Success!!!

What next year - tandom canoe?

Sluice Fun Rodeo 2010

Saturday saw the return of the Sluice Fun rodeo. As the name suggests, this is fun.

The competition is run on a jam format, meaning a flush isn't the end of your competition, and you get to compete against people and not a scoresheet.

The feature was quite flushy, and as such proved difficult to stick moves in the C1. I still managed a few more basic moves, but couldn't stick loops or pirouettes.

There was also an old school rodeo, in which I paddled a Perception Gyramax C1. This was fun, for as long as it lasted. Unfortunately the straps in the boat were terrible and popped as soon as I capsized. With no other outfitting I only managed 1 or 2 successful rolls - but I did get a nice big ender for my troubles.

The day ended with a no-spray decks boatercross. I ended up getting blocked by everyone - for some reason they weren't happy with me paddling a 4meter long boat in a race against playboats.

EDIT: Just found a picture of the gyramax getting sucked under just before a popout

Annacloy - Saturday 02-Oct-2010

Finally - after a few months of car problems and no rain both come good at once.

I headed to run the Annacloy in Co. Down with Piggin Paddlers. The lever had come down from the previous day when there was lots of rain - but it was still a very high level.

I was paddling in the Spanish Fly, my first proper river run in it. It was good to experience the way the handling changes with varying levels of water in the middle of rapids. It turns very quick, and so I was trying to hit difficult eddies. I had a close call on the grade 3 bit, when I was trying to ferry across a diagonal stopper to hit a micro-eddy on the far side, when the back of the boat caught and i swamped. Hitting the wall with the eddy, I bounced out and carried on down the river, almost capsizing going over a wave due to the water sloshing in the boat - I realy love my low brace in this boat.

There were a few good spots to play on here, mostly carving and spins. There was one hole where I some how got some downtime - in a Spanish Fly!! The boat was sucked into the hole and it wasn't until the water was halfway up my chest when I popped free.

It was a good day out, and I am a lot more confident now to run harder stuff in the boat, it is so responsive in white-water. Roll on the winter

Cork Rodeo 2010

Saturday saw this years Cork Rodeo at the Cork Sluice on the Lee.

I made the long journey down with both C1 and OC1, picking Niall and the Irish Freestyle PA on the way.

Unfortunately there was no release for the event, so instead of the usual thrashy and aptly named "hole of death" we had a much more relaxed affair.

There were 3 C1s competing, with Jack Phelan from Waterford having his first outing. I spent most of my runs trying to get a Space Godzilla just so I would beat Niall as Phonics Monkeys weren't sticking in the hole. I almost got one, but was a bit too scrappy to count. Due to the lack of power we resorted to silly moves like paddle spins and rail grabs, and even the odd shudder rudder.

I competed in the OC1 in the same heats as the mens sport so I could have a break between my runs. The feature didnt have enough power to cartwheel, so I had to resort to spins and enders. I went for some air and flamboyance at the end by paddling into the feature standing in the boat and leaping out - crowd pleasing to the end.

Liffey Descent 2010

Saturday saw the 51st Liffey Descent.

For the 3rd year, Sonya and myself headed to Dublin to race in the Touring Canadian Doubles class.

Unlike previous years we have competed, Saturday morning was very very wet - with the first rain in months. Despite this moods were still high in the car park in Straffan.

 Luckily the rain stopped about 10 minutes before we were to get on the water and start the paddle up to the start line.

After much waiting around the race finally started, and before long the final group, the open boats were allowed to go.

First up was Straffan Weir - just after the start. Last year we got a decent line on river right, and this year I was amazed that somehow Sonya brought us down a line so far right I looked longingly at the stopper we had completely missed. No bailing required, great start and on with the Jungle.

We carried on, making up a few places until the portage, where as usual we make up a number of places from having the wheels ready for running, and wading through the ditch at the end to avoid the queue to get back on.

This year we decided to run the Sluice instead of the chicken line, and I believe we may have got some air at the bottom as our boat went at about 60 degrees up the wave and over the back of it.

Wrens nest was our only slip this year - literally - as I simply fell out of the boat halfway down the weir due to the amount of edge on the boat on my offside. We quickly gathered ourselves, and boat and headed to the last big weir or Palmerstown. This year we nailed the perfect line, and swung around the wave to avoid getting nay water in the boat.

The finish in sight - we spot Niall in his C1 WWR (which we discover later had 14 holes and a bend in it) and we push for the finish.

We came across the line in just over 3hours, in 12th place and the 1st mixed crew to finish - success - roll on next year

Upper Bann 17-July-2010

Following all the recent rain a group of us from LCP met up with some Donegal refugees for a run on the Bann from Banbridge to Gilford.

The river level was enough for a decent run down, although it was a lot lower than we were expecting with the recent heavy rain.

There were a lot of spots suitable for playing on the full length of the river, and one where we had a huge party wave - which was great fun.

 
Normally when doing this run, we would get out at Tullylish, however recently CANI has been trying to get paddlers to continue to Gilford where there is a better get-out and a carpark.

This, however resulted in a very long flat-water paddle - taking at least 30mins with only 2 additional weirs. This proved to be a major problem in the C1 and by the end I was struggling to move.

Despite the extra flat paddle at the end a good day out was had by all.

Thanks to Catriona Woods from DCC for the pics.

CANI Clubfest 2010

This weekend saw the inaugural CANI Clubfest at the Share Centre in Enniskillen - with most clubs in NI meeting up for a weekend of paddling and fun.

We arrived on the Friday night, and after setting up camp and getting dinner myself and Niall headed to the water for a spot of late squirt boating.

The water was weirdly warm- although unfortunately it was about 5inches too shallow, and you hit the bottom just before getting vertical - but it was fun.

Saturday saw all 100+ paddlers make the 5mile paddle from Crom back to the Share Centre. This was done in a variety of boats, mostly sea kayaks and open boats, but a few river runners and even a playboat.

I paddled one of the CANI sea kayaks, and I'm not sure if it was due to lack of padding on the seat, or the alien sitting down position, but I soon suffered from cramp in my legs.
Not to be deterred - I got my hands on a canoe paddle, some knee pads, and I soon had a C1 sea kayak.

This proved to be a great idea, I was more comfortable, ans paddling as fast, if not faster than the same boat being paddled sitting down. Definitely something I need to do properly in the future.

We stopped for lunch just past the halfway point where the canoe paddled was liberated by its rightful owner, so i was back to sitting down.

On Sunday morning each club was to run a taster session of a certain discipline for other people to try. Myself and Niall helped Rodger Hamilton from CANI run a freestyle session. This was a bit tricky due to a shortage of suitable boats, I only had a C1 with me and Niall only had a squirt, but we managed to get suitable boats and fun was had.

It was after these sessions that things descended into chaos. I got my hands on a waveski - which after trying to tailsquirt a few times we tried to fit as many people on it at once as we could. After much trying we discovered 3 people could sit on it for a few seconds before falling in.

The weekend was a great success - roll on next year


Photos courtesy of Navarat Turner and Derek Stephenson

Austria Day 4

Today I get up early to compete. I am the first person to compete and open the competition in the OC-1 class. I am able to borrow a boat from Philippe from Germany, a Robson CU-Fly. I have never paddled one of these before, and was initially a bit nervous and apprehensive, but all the Irish team have turned out to support me. Soon all the nerves go and I drop into the feature. The boat handles very nicely, and luckily is very easy to roll. I am very happy with my run, and whilst I didn't make the cut for the finals, I am now 6th in Europe!

Next up were the junior men. Neil and Daniel don't have great runs, but Eoin Keyes pulled off a big air loop, and all the other moves he had been practising and finished 8th, moving into Fridays semi-final.

Next were the womens pre-lims. Unfortunately none of them made the cut for the semis either.

The final category of the day was the C1. I am in the first heat and I go into it feeling a lot more comfortable following this mornings session. I am very happy with my performance today following how I have been faring all week, finishing in 16th.

Since I didn't make it past prelims, the pressure is now off, so I can work on stuff in the hole for the next few days in between the rest of the competition.

Up tomorrow is the Mens K1.

Austria Day 3

I get up early for a morning session before the nations training starts, but only manage about 10mins before the feature is closed. It wasn't a good session anyway.

Team training is at 11.45, this time i have been lent a better paddle by Adrian, but I'm still not getting on great. Towards the end of the session the paddle snaps just before i enter the hole. Luckily I manage to stop myself going into it with no paddle.

In the evening we headed to the castle for the opening ceremony. This was good fun, and had the youngest junior, Daniel, as our flag bearer. There was a buffet put on and a free bar - maybe not the best idea the night before the competition starts. I have to be up early as I am opening the competition in the OC-1 class at 10am.

Austria Day 2

I sleep in late today - making up for the journey over I suppose.

Free practise today ends at 10.50, so I just take it easy until the scheduled team training at 3.30. I'm really not doing good and I'm getting no moves.

The flow of the river is even stronger today, making a tricky eddy even harder to get into. As I try to stop flushing past it i end up landing on the rocks, where i get the paddle ripped out of my hand as I capsize. By the time I get out of the boat the paddle is probably 20miles down stream. A few of us chase down after it, but there is no sign of it.

My paddling is done for the day and I now have to try and source a paddle as my spare is rubbish.

Austria Day 1

I get on the water at 10:00 for an hour long session. The hole is tricky and will take some time to get used to.

I get on again at 3pm with all the Irish team as we swamp the hole to have a team training session. I finally get a spin in the feature and try a loop - which failed.

Most of the team seem to be getting to grips with the hole which is good.

It starts raining very heavy, so I'm heading to bed for an early night - I need it.

Austria Day 0

Early start in the morning - leave at 4.45am heading to Belfast City Airport. Checkin went fine, no issues or extra charges for boat. Was through security by 5.30 for the 6.50 flight to Gatwick.

The flight was on time and got to Gatwick and checked in fine again with no issues again with the boat. Unfortunately the plane was delayed by 40mins due to an issue with the air-conditioning on the plane.

Finally we get underway and land in Vienna not too far behind schedule. The 32degree heat upon arrival is killing me.

Collect all my baggage and get the short bus to the train station. Just about make the 4.30pm train to make the 6hour journey to Lienz.

Spoil myself with a beer on the train - i need it to cool down

Only 1 transfer of trains, in Villach. I am helped on the the train by someone who turns out to be a former member of the Austria WWR team. I look through some photos he took at a recent race and invite him down to watch the freestyle finals next weekend.

Get to Lienz at 10.30, pitch the tent, and then go off and party with the Austrians and Germans

Leaving for Austria - European Freestyle Championships 2010

Well here it is - after much drama and chaos involving car engines blowing, lack of funds, and last minute refunds of ferry and flights booked the time is almost here.

I fly out of Belfast tomorrow morning to make my way to Lienz in Austria to compete in the European Freestyle Kayak Championships for Ireland. Due to last minute issues requiring me to fly I will only be competing in the C1 category unless I find an OC1 boat out there.

I will try to update the blog as much as possible during my trip so please keep checking back.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people who have helped me make this journey through extreme generosity.

Philip Turner
Joe Kerr
Claire Feenan
and
Terry Cross of Delta Print & Packaging

Without the kind donations from the above people this trip would not be going ahead.

Thanks to everyone who has wished me luck and see you all on my return.

Video from Shaws Bridge

Check out the video made by Conrad

Shaws Bridge 02-June-2010

After having a week off paddling due to sickness - I headed down to the lovely "clean" lagan at shaws bridge for a play.

I had also just received my new PeakUK Combi shorty cag today which was getting tested. It proved to be as dry as my long sleeved cag - only felt a lot more comfortable. Great piece of kit.

Present were myself, Niall, Conrad, Colin and Johnny. Water levels were low as expected, but the first weir now provides a nice playhole following the recent work involving a digger.

A fun session was had all round with me working on loops, phoneix monkey and space godzilla's.

I am still not quite getting my loop, but after looking at some video footage, and consulting with Niall and Conrad it appears that I have the timing sorted, but im just not tucking hard enough for this feature, however I should be able to get it in a larger feature.

Today the hole was not at a nasty retentive level, but was still good enough to string multiple ends and provide enough pop to work on a space godzilla.

There is a video to come soon, but for now here are a few photos from early in the session.

All pictures taken by Conrad Daly

Canoe Polo - LCP vs MUCK

On Sunday, a group of us from Lisburn City Paddlers headed to Ballyronan to face a polo challenge from Mid Ulster Canoe and Kayak club.

This was going to be interesting from the start since the only people in LCP who had played polo were myself and Sonya.

Most of the people playing were beginners, and was whilst was played for fun, was still played hard.


In the first game I managed to stop most shots, until the dying minutes when the only div2 player present finally got one past me.

In the second game I got a goal following a perfect pass through 3 opposition players from Sonya.

However - I cant seem to remember the final score from that match ;)

Shaws Bridge Slalom

Sunday saw a slalom competition at Shaws Bridge organised by CSNI (Canoe Slalom Northern Ireland). This was also the first event of the CANI league.

There was a big turn out seeing over 50 paddlers compete over the day.

I competed in both C1 and C2 with Niall. It was good to have one of CANI's C1 slalom boats to paddle as last time at a Slalom I had to use my playboat.

First runs for me were the C1 runs. Both runs I hit just the 1 gate each, making it the cleanest of any C1 runs in the day, however my speed between the gates let me down and I finished 3rd overall.

Next up was the C2 race, which had a large number of competitors this year. This was a lot of fun, as both of us were very confident in throwing the boat around, tail-squirting at many gates. Out of the 7 entrants, myself and Niall came 4th - which isn't bad for 2 freestyle paddlers in a field full of real slalom paddlers.

As if the C2 wasnt fun enough, Niall had brought his squirt boat too, and once the competition was over it was time for some sinky action before the prize giving.

Many thanks to Navarat Turner for all the professional photos.
You can find more from the event at her site http://community.webshots.com/user/aqua_invader?action=profile


All pictures Copyright Navarat Turner 2010 

Irish Nationals - Round 1 - Limerick

Saturday saw round 1 of the Irish Nationals at Curragower in Limerick.

This was to be my first time competing in the Spanish fly, and most of the people there had never seen a boat like it, never mind someone paddling it.

OC-1 was to be the first category to run on the feature, which provided great amusement to those watching. Unfortunately the feature was still forming when I had to go, so it was very green and difficult to catch. Having never paddled here before I struggled, but still managed to put up a score - which seemed to impress a lot of people who believe you need a spraydeck.

C1 was to be the last category to run, so I spent most of the rest of the competition in the Judges tent scribing. I got to see a number of fairly impressive runs from a few of the guys in the mens K1 - although the feature wasn't as good as it can be which stopped the biggest moves being thrown.


This gave me a chance to watch exactly how they were catching the wave, and using it, and i was really looking forward to the C1 competition where I would get to go back into the feature.


Just as the last few K1 runs were coming to an end the feature started to die. All the C1-ers ran to try and get at least 1 run in before the feature died completely, but by this stage even if you did catch the wave you flushed as soon as you started to initiate a move.

The following day I headed with Orky and Niall to a newly discovered squirt spot round the corner in Limerick. We only had 2 squirt boats with us, so I resorted to being camera man from the spanish fly. This actually worked out well as I could take good pictures, and still provide rescue when Orkys boat sprung a leak and he went down more than he anticipated.

Hopefully after some boat repairs I should get squirting myself next time.