3 rider: October 2008

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Catch up from the last 10 days.

I've been a bit lax the last fortnight or so, and haven't blogged any of the things that I've been upto. So I've decided to roll it all into one photo blog, with the most recent at the top, and the oldest at the bottom. So here's a quick run down of what I've been doing; A great Sunday on the Erme and the Upper Dart with some nice water levels; A dawn raid on the Top Wave, with a great water level and the wave all to myself; And a day out to Cann woods near Plymouth mountain biking. Also squeezed somewhere in the middle of that lot was an afternoon at the jumps at Pines Ridge and then onto the Mafia trails, but I didn't get any pictures!

The Erme at a great water level with Small Robin, Dan, Andy and Leo

Leo about to drop into the Slot on the Erme

Dan on the Upper Dart

Andy, Arthur, Small and Dan below Euthanasia on the Upper Dart

Just starting to get light at Top wave

Slow Shutter shot of Top wave

Me and the 'goose flying at Cann woods

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Spy shots: New Yak Paddling gear.

I've got some great spy shots for you today. I was lucky enough to be involved in a photo shoot for the new range of Cags from Yak paddling gear that is about to be released. And I've managed to get hold of a few pictures to show everyone the great new stuff that they've got coming.

The whitewater lineup features a huge range of cags, from a great entry level cag with neo neck, all the way up to an awesome latex neck cag, that is chock full of great design features. All the cags feature new materials, that are more waterproof, more breathable, lighter, more flexible and far more comfortable to wear. They also feature details like neat colour coded splash proof zips, colour coded Velcro with hyperlon tabs, better latex seals than before, and more flexible neoprene seals, with a cunning spiral seam, that allows the neoprene to stretch all over with out being restricted by a straight seam. They also have a better cut, with articulated shoulders, arms and wrists for better movement, with less restriction, and no excess baggy material.
The top of the range whitewater cags also feature an all new four way stretch, waterproof, breathable, three layer fabric in a cool new colours, including the the Camouflage colour, or Yak-o-flage, as it's made from multi coloured yaks!

The top of the range 'camo' cag.

If your not sure about the 'camo' an alternative colour way is available

There is also a complete new range of recreational and touring cags. Also in new more waterproof, more breathable, lighter, more flexible and far more comfortable materials. They also sport the great features such as colour coded splash proof zips and colour coded Velcro with hyperlon tabs. The higher spec touring Cags also feature new latex seals, and the new cut, with articulated shoulders, arms and wrists for better movement, with less restriction.

new touring, and recreation cags

A full spectrum of new cags, coming soon!

The New Range of gear is expect in the shops in November. Check http://www.yak-paddling.com/ for more details and info on the whole range of Yak Gear that is available.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

A Family Dart Trip, with the Hoppers

Louise and I managed to get out on the River Dart this weekend with our friends the Hopper Family. Yes, I said family, Mum and Dad Heather and Roger, and the kids, Ben (9) Jodie (11, this week) and Isabel (13, next month). Roger and Jodie went in a canoe together, but everyone else took to the water on their own. We hit the river early, and the weather was amazing, wisps of mist hanging on the river and lingering under the trees, all light up by the amazing sunshine.

Louise in her Canoe

Heather in her Kayak

Ben Ripping it up in his kayak

The glorious morning weather

Roger and Jodie in Their Canoe

Jodie enjoying the sunshine

Isabel in her kayak

First Dart Trip of the Winter

The South West Canoe Show is always planned to be on the first 'official' weekend of the Dart season. But previously there has not been any water in the river. This year however was different. The heavens opened over night, and then the sun came out. We spent a great day on the Dart enjoying awesome water levels and sunshine. The river was up the steps when we got on, and the river was a non stop wave train, with a few bigger rapids thrown in the mix.