1 Week till the South West canoe Show 2008

It's now only one week till this years South West Canoe Show.

So here is a quick run down of what you will be able to see at this years show; For the whitewater paddlers we have new boats from Pyranha, with the Kanarli and Z:One, Liquid Logic with the Biscuit and XP, Dagger with the Green boat and Axiom and Wavesport with the new Diesel range.

For the Sit on top paddler there will be new range of Tarpons from Wilderness Systems, the new Trident 13 fishing kayak from Ocean Kayak and new boats from Native Watercraft. For the Canoeists there will be new boats from Mad River Canoes to check out.

On the software front there is the complete new range of Yak waterproof cags, on display in the UK for the first time. The new range has something for the recreational paddlers, touring paddlers , and the whitewater paddlers alike. There will be a chance to see the new Sweet range of Helmets and the new Sweet gore-tex cag. Palm have some new gear, including some great new water shoes that look set to rival the mighty 5:10 boots.

And on-top of all this there will be all your favorite tried and tested gear from all our favorite manufactures; Palm; Dagger; Yak; Nookie; Typhoon; Sweet; IR; Astral; Pyranha; P+H; Venture Kayaks; Venture Canoes; Valley Sea Kayaks; Valley Surf Kayaks: Kirton Kayaks; Lettmann; Wavesport; Mad River Canoe; Wilderness Systems; Native Watercraft; Heritage; Ocean Kayak; Old Town; Perception; Exped; Ortlieb; Bending Branches; Pelican Canoes; Aquabound; Eckla.

Plus, as if that wasn't enough, also at the show will be local Colleges for those of you interested in becoming an instructor or coach and coaching and guiding companies like Gene 17; Canoe Control; Sea Kayak South West; Sea Sports South West and Haven Banks.

Don't forget there will be special Deals on Boats and Kit available for the show day only, and a whole range of package deals available on the day as well. For a sneak Preview of what's available check HERE. Plus all your favorite gear will be on sale from the stands and in the shop.

You can also demo a huge range of canoes, kayaks and sit on tops on the canal and river, beat the queue and download the boat demo registration form HERE.

And finally, there will be a BCU Club Forum held in the Exeter Canoe club, a 'Mexican roll' down the river Exe by Exeter School Kayak Club, a BCU White water race down the river Exe and the Hog Roast!

Hip Hop is not Dead!

Hip Hop is Not Dead

New Camo Immersion Research Splash pants now available. Yes you too could look this stylish!!!

A quick bit of fishing.

I managed to pop out for a bit of kayak fishing action yesterday. I went down to Exmouth and enjoyed the calm conditions, and the great sunset. I even managed to catch a few things! I caught the biggest sand eel I have ever seen, it took my biggest lure too. It was the best part of a foot long and wriggled and flapped like a mad man!! And I caught a great big mackerel, it was just a shame that it was only the one mackerel.

The Monster Sand eel!

Looking back towards the beach, over a calm sea.

The sea and the sky turning amazing colours.

What Team AS did next.

Well after our 'Team' day out on the river last weekend we had to do something this weekend. And what could be better? SURF!!!!!

We headed up to Westward Ho! on the North devon coast and had a great afternoon messing about in the surf!

Ewart was trying out his new surf board, Kayleigh was practising her 'Pop' on a long board, Jemma (back with the team at last!) was splashing around on a body board, and I played with a wave ski, before swapping to a bit of swimming and photography before having a go on a longboard. Meanwhile, out back various kayakers in various surf boats and playboats we loving the waves as well. All in all a great day in the water!

What next?

Ewart practising his head stands

Me trying out Ewarts Longboard

Jemma lines up her body board for another wave

Kayleigh getting to her feet

Ewart finds a rare shoulder on an inside wave

Team AS hits the river.

With all this rain around 'Team AS' finally did what we'd all been waiting for, and went for a Whitewater paddle. Ewart, Kayleigh, Sam, Liam and myself hit the water. It was very much a gentle warm up paddle, seeing as Ewart hadn't paddled Whitewater since his first shoulder injury, about 15 months ago, Kayleigh is still recovering from another shoulder injury and Sam hadn't been on whitewater in a while! So we headed off for a classic Grade 2 fest'.

The team, me, Kayleigh, Sam, Liam and Ewart

Just after the get on, and straight into the trees!

As you can see from the photos there were lots of trees to dodge, and the river never let up for a moment, continuous class two rapids straight from the get in until the get out. What a great trip!

Liam, Ewart and Sam catch their breath on a rare calmer moment

Kayleigh takes the lead

Hopefully it'll stay wet, with the exception of Saturday the 4th of October for the South West Canoe Show, and we'll get many more days on the river.