Some Nile Special pics

So all is good out here on the Nile, I'm working lots at the moment but on days off, Nile Special is the destination of choice.
Here are some photos taken by Deuce,  Julian and Just James (pringle)

From England to Uganda

From a cold, wet, dark November to an action packed hot December back on the Nile.
The water level is pretty low at the moment but that’s not such a bad thing as different waves and rapids appear and disappear as the day goes on. Club wave works in the morning from about 7am till 1pm. Club is a large piley wave, pretty consistent but as the day goes on it becomes more and more trashy and surgey, until it hits about 1pm then it’s not worth paddling. There’s a gap of about 3 to 4 hours where neither Club or Nile Special work properly, and then at around 4 pm Nile Special kicks in, a large peaking wave with a pile. When Nile Special kicks up you get an awesome steep green wave where any big wave move is possible. The Gui-Gui Prod is an incredible boat the air you can generate is substantially more than any other boat on the river, landing a big move flat is violent and your back defiantly knows about it…but its so worth it.

I’m seeing the river from a different perspective this time round as I am working as a raft guide, so it’s not just my self I have to navigate safely down its also 6 or 7 others as well. Big white water, sun, pineapple, flips and broken bones are the order of the day on the river and none of that gets boring. The money I earn from rafting pays off my tab at NRE so its happy days.

Life off the water consists of mainly eating, drinking, socialising and trips back and forth to town to buy a new pair of sunny that broke on the river the day before.

Photo by Julian Stocker

A short film from Hurley & HPP

Jon

Hurley Classic and the GB team

Monday morning and the weekend is over.
We were lucky to get Hurley on a good level both for Selection and the classic. On Saturday they held the 3rd selection event for the British team, with a low 2 gates and not many entries the event was over by 2 o'clock. Well done to all the paddlers and congratulations to all the boaters who made the team. Saturday saw some good rides, well done to Sam Anderson who steamed into first place after his 2 ride with some quick felixs and clean blunts, also to local boy Pikey who came a very respectable 2nd. The junior men saw some big air loops and with a low turn out from the women Claire O' Hara and Nicola Beeby had a chance to enjoy each others company with not to many distractions.

These are the final results for the GB team here

For the Hurley classic we were blessed with 3 gates which gave people a chance to really showcase thier paddling ability. About 10 paddlers in a heat and with half an hour to strut thire stuff, the highest scoring 4 moves were counted. Well done to Gerd Serrasolses for spain for takeing top spot and Gav Barker hot on my tail in 3rd place.
Check the results of the classic here

Well done to all the judges and organizers for both events and a big thanks to the rain gods for letting it happen.

Photos by Dave Wortly see more here GB selection  Hurley Classic

Hurley is back, but for how long?

So on Sunday Hurley was on a great 3 gates, a strange layout as it was on the 3 next to the wall which made the middle wave gate slightly more piley but still with some nice green shoulders. Popping back down today I expected the same sort of level, only to find the water had dropped substantially and Hurley was back down to 2 gates. No grumbles as we slid down the steps and made the best of a good level, with a big green right shoulder, pan am's, donkey flips and clean blunts we all making an appearance.
With the 3rd selection event looming on the horizon I did feel quite guilty just using the wave gate and not even having one ride in the hole, but with way water levels are looking I have heard it said that the weekends event may not run.
Updates on the event and wether it will run will be posted on tvfreestylers

Jon

Photos by Pringle

The results from the 2nd selection event

Here are the results from the 2nd selection event held in the tardis HPP. For the full listings click the link below. selections_results.doc K1 Men 1. James Bebbington 2. Jon Best 3. Joe Bradley 4. Alan Thwart 5. Stu Parry 6. Sam Anderson 7. Ben Brayfield 8. Ed Smith 9. Benjamin Aldred 10. Matt Nicholas K1 Women 1. Jen Chrimes 2. Claire O'Hara 3. Lowri Davies 4. Georgina Preston 5. Nicola Beeby K1 Junior Men 1. James Benns 2. James Weight 3. Brandon Hepburn 4. Brenden Orton 5. David Wild K1 Junior Women 1. Gabby Bates 2. Rachel Bovil 3. Tasha Isaacs C1 1. David Bainbridge 2. Stu Parry 3. Lee Pyke OC1 1. Paul King 2. Peter Orton 3. Lee Pyke Squirt Men 1. Josh Gosling 2. Chris Jones Squirt Women 1. Claire o'Hara 2. Sara James

Mini DV vs HDD

So my video camera finally blew up the other day, and with a trip back to Uganda on the horizon I thought id best go out and but a new one. This is where the problem starts, which one to get?

My old camera was Mini DV (little tapes) and with a budget of about $250 I couldnt afford an all singing all dancing HD camera, just standard quality for me.
I wasn't till I got to the shops that I realized that not many places sell mini dv cameras anymore. John Lewis seems to be one of the only shops in Nottingham who's sales assistances brains haven't been replaced by soggy marrows, so John Lewis it was. The tall bald man told me that Mini DV is becoming obsolete and that Hard Drive is now the way forward. I then told him that I had heard that editing with tape is genrally easier and less hastle especially when formating and importing film. He said the HDD cameras now are getting super advanced and editing is just as easy and you dont have to worry about buying tapes. The only problem with HDD cameas is the softwear it comes with is quite advanced too and so your computer needs to be up to the job.
I have a pretty old MAC and so he said I may have trouble importing footage from the camera to my laptop. John Lewis and most other electrical shops have stopped stocking mini dv camears now, so to jessops it was to get the only SONY mini dv camrea in Nottingham. I think in the long run HDD is the way forward and soon all cameras will be using Hard Drives, but for ease of use you cant beat using tape. It seems to me the standard quality on tape is just as good as on HDD and editing on tape is slightly less flawed, only time will tell.
If anyone else has come across a similar dilemma please feel free to comment.

Jon

2nd Selection event done!

So the rain gods were kind to us last week and the river levels stayed low.
The Tardis was in good condition and showcased some huge air by many of the paddlers. The results have not yet been posted but as soon as they are I will post them on here. At the AGM on Saturday night they discussed what will happen with the results if Hurley isn't high enough to use as the 3rd event.
Again as soon as they are published I will post them up.
Well done to all the paddlers at the weekend.

Current rankings after the 1st selection event.

Here are the rankings after the first selection event.
Check back after the weekend for the second update.
Good luck to all the paddlers.

K1 Men rankings
1. James Bebbington
2. Richard Chrimes
3. Alan Ward
4. Joe Bradley
5. Stu Parry
6. Ben Brayfield
7. Jon Best
8. Matt Nicholas
9. James Reeves
10. Chris Bucksey

K1 Women rankings
1. Jenny Chrimes
2. Lowri Davies
3. Claire O'Hara
4. Nicola Beeby
5. Poppy Layton

Junior Men
1. James Weight
2. Brendon Orton
3. Matt Rogers
4. Rhys Roberts
5. David Wild
6. Brandon Hepburn
7. James Benns
8. Jamie Mitchel
9. Ryan Liquorish
10. Aaron Layton

Junior Women
1. Gabby Bates
2. Rachel Bovill
3. Millie Leith
4. Kim Aldred
5. Tasha Isaacs

C1
1. Dave Bainbridge
2. Stu Parry
3. Lee Pyke
4. Jamie Burbeck
5. Adam Ramadan

OC1
1.Paul King
2. Lee Pyke
3. Jamie Burbeck
4. Chris Noble
5. Peter Orton

Squirt Men
1. James Reeves
2. Chris Jones
3. Josh Gosling
4. Jamie Austin
5. Aaron Layton

Squirt Women
1. Claire O'Hara
2. Lowri Davies
3. Millie Leith

Water condition for this weekend / 2

So the water is slowly dropping the tardis is back in though not as big as it usually is. A little more rain is due, but fingers crossed all will be good for the event.
Keep checking the right hand side of the site for daily updates.

Water situation for this weekend at HPP

So the rain on Sunday has raised the water levels considrably at HPP, not to mention the water quality is pretty bad too.
The Tardis is washed out and muncher is very small.
The 2nd selection event for the British team is planned to be held in the tardis on Saturday, at this rate it looks like the tardis could be washed out and they may have to look for an alternative feature. The forcast is not looking good for this week, let's hope the level drops before the weekend.
I'll keep this updated.

Jon

Adidas Sick Line

In a tight and thrilling final on the legendary Wellerbrücke course German kayaker Alexander Grimm won gold today at the adidas Sickline Extreme Kayak World Championship in Austria’s beautiful Ötztal.

Its all over, check out results and more at www.adidas-sickline.com/index.php?id=23

Brit Champs wrapped up

The British championships and the first GB team selection event is over.
The event went well, and with the introduction of the boater x, extreme slalom, old dogs freestyle and the novice freestyle, all in all it made for a great weekend.
The finals of the Brit Champs saw some great rides, with huge air loops and even some new combo moves.
I will try to find the current results for the first leg of selection, but for now here are the results of Brit champs.

K1 Men
1. James Bebbington
2. Ed Smith
3. Sam Anderson

K1 Jn Men
1. Stu Parry
2. James Weight
3. Joe Bradley

K1 Women
1. Jenny Chrimes
2. Lowrie Davis
3. Claire O’Hara

K1 Jn Women
1. Gabby Bates
2. Poppy Layton
3. ?

C1
1. Dave Bainbridge
2. Stu Parry
3. Adam Ramadam

OC1
1. Paul King
2. Jamie Burbeck
3. ?


Bainbridge, contemplating winter


Pringle, straight as a die

Photos by Stu Morris

British Championships 1

So the hole (twin waves) is set to go, with help from Rob, Shep and Pas at whitewater control they have made a great spot for all hole moves. The comp kicks off tomorrow with the pre lims for most categories.
In the evening the party will be held by runandjump with lots of booze and music, catch you there.




Photos by Rob Edgar

runandjump rules of accommodation

Over the past month we have been traveling around visiting different destinations having booked no accommodation due to lack of funds. This is quick guide for anyone that ever ends up in a similar situation.

Well to start with you need to plan your trip having not booked any accommodation or even researched anywhere to stay, this saves a lot of stress and hassle before your trip.

The rules.
Make sure you begin the evening within a tight social scene, this is good for networking and could lead to a bed for the night. But be careful, over zealous networking could hinder your chances of broaching a deal.
Although gender has an influence on who you talk to during the evening, often the female could take friendly banter the wrong way, you have to explain early on that ' I am not talking to you with an alter motive in mind'.
As time goes on it is important to make head way with these conversations, dropping hints about the fact the campsite was fully booked and how the hotels are very expensive around here.
If you succeed with this technique then that's great, the bed is yours, wonderful.
OK imagine the conversations during the evening fall on deaf ears and a group of people you started with gradually gets smaller as night draws in, this could be a major problem. If this happens it is important to keep your cool, don't panic and start dropping in lines like ' I think I've lost my hotel key
is your room close by' or 'you have amazing eyes and I'd love to stare at you all night'
this will only cause problems for future nights, don't limit your options.
There are a few things you could try, head towards a group of guys you know pretty well and ask if they have room on their floor, you can usually sneak by the front desk and get up to the room. Using a towel as a pillow works well and there is usually a spare sheet kicking around you can use as a duvet.
Option two is find a car park with a grill that blows warm air, you can sleep on this grill to keep warm, it is important to keep your clothes on otherwise you will wake up looking like you've spent the night on a large BBQ.

OK a quick guide on the do's and dont's
Do's
1. Share your time amongst males and females as it is important to keep your options open.

2. Make up a jovial story about the fact you have nowhere to stay, say something like your tent was squashed by a heard of wild cows that had escaped from a near by field.

3. Offer people a round of drinks, this will raise your likeability factor.

4. Get talking about a trip to your country or town, and how they are more than welcome to crash at your place, and you'll take them boating.

5. Talk to as many people as possible and look interested in what they have to say.

Dont's
1. Don't limit your age range, often the elders will take pity on you, and if your lucky they'll also get your breakfast.

2. Don't show off about how the last time you were at Lyon you did the biggest air screw ever!

3. Don't get to drunk, often this will back fire.

4. Don't be to confident, no one likes arrogance. You will never succeed.

5. Don't drop in to many hints about the fact you have nowhere to stay, people will start to figure out what your plan is and once one person finds out it will travel like wild fire.






An example of mediocre accommodation.

We're here and we're making a mess!

The show is in full flow and everyone is feeling the chilled out vibe. All the exhibitors are pleased with the number of traders and dealers attending the show. The Run and Jump stand is here exhibiting the new clothing line and living the 'Run and Jump Lifestyle'! The new clothes are looking sweet and lots of retailers are commenting on them. Several are placing orders and the brand is going global!

Daily challenges include finding somewhere to stay and encouraging the girls to bring us Mojitos! Each evening there is a party inside the exhibition hall which is something you never see in the UK. Last night the parties were held on various stands giving everyone chance to network... Tonight is the main party which we here is always epic; we will tell you how it goes tomorrow!

P.S not sure where the last 2 blogs went, very odd.

First stop the Pionteks

So the journey begins with me, Zach and Dave B just making the ferry with 20 minutes before it floated off, good timeing I think.
The long drive across France, Belguim and the Nether Lands, lands us at the house of the Pionteks, a warm welcome from all the family, who then provided us with a huge BBQ and plenty of beer was greatly appreciated.
Jeffrey Piontek works for runandjump as a distributor for the German market, he and his brother Leon also paddle slalom C1 on the German circuit, Leon is the current C1 slalom junior national champion, nice work ;)

Next stop Kanu Messe, fingers crossed we'll get there with the stand still in one piece.













JB :)

Kanu Messe 2009

Next stop is Kanu Messe in Germany, the biggest canoe and kayak exebition in Europe.
This show is great for buyers; manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers to network and show off their latest products.
I'll be attending representing runandjump clothing, Zach Pillinger has been working night and day to make sure his products and stand is ready to impress. Here are a few samples from the extensive and stylish clothing range brought to you by runandjump.














For more info on runandjump or Kanu Messe follow the links below.

kanumesse
runandjump

Worlds Round Up

This was my fourth world championships, my first was Graz back in 2005, and my hand goes up to all the organizers of this world champs, i think they did a great job.
The event was thrilling from start to finnish, I have never seen so many locals engrossed in watching freestyle kayaking, from the pre lims to the finals the grand stand was a bustling arena of support.
The finals saw the most amazing display of competitive freestyle I have ever seen, the standard was exceptional high.
Well done to all the Team GB competitors and a big congratulations to all our medalists, great job.
Here are the results from the event.




K1 Men
1. Nick Troutman
2. EJ
3. Stephen Wright




K1 Women
1. Emily Jackson
2. Ruth Gorden
3. Tanya Faux





C1
1.Dave Bainbridge
2.Guillaume LaRue
3.Alexandre Besseau





K1 Junior Men
1. Jason Craig
2. Dane Jackson
3. Sebastien Devred





K1 Junior Women
1. Nouria Newman
2. Sandrina Hornhardt
3. Leoni Häberling





OC1
1. Jeremy Laucks
2. Stephan Pätsch
3. Odei Areta





For a full list of results visit http://www.icf-thun2009.ch/

JB

Dave Bainbridge Wins Gold

Congrats to Dave for winning the gold in C1 at the 2009 world championships.

It was 3 runs best run counts, 5 paddlers battling it out for a place on the podium. Dave was the 4th paddler to go and his score put him in the lead, from then on no other paddler could match his massive score. Clean pan ams and clean back pan ams were the order of the day for Dave, and with that he showed the world why he deserves to be the worlds best.

Good work Dave.








JB :)

Worlds update

So the GB team are here in full force preparing for the 2009 freestyle world championships.
Currently the wave is fluctuating quite a lot so training slots are sometimes hit or miss, it can be nice and piley one minutes and super green the next, we're doing the best with what we've got.
The opening ceremony begins on Monday so competition starts first thing Tuesday morning, wishing all the British team members the best of luck, I'll update as the days go by.

Chow for now.

JB :)

Siang River Festival 2009 - Sharing the Love

Siang Fest 2009 is a month-long opportunity to paddle your own self-support trip down the epic Siang River, in Arunchal Pradesh, India. Come on out, paddle some big water, drink some Old Monk, and make a movie or write an article about being some of the first people to advocate protection of the Siang River.

Provided you promise to be good kayaking-ambassadors, RiverIndia.com will offer free camping and help to arrange your Restricted Area Permit to visit this beautiful and endangered river in off-limits Arunachal Pradesh, India.

e-mail explore@riverindia.com if you're interested in joining the group of paddlers coming out!