The new Hero hits the UK

The new Jackson Hero has hit the UK and I took it out for a spin on the beautiful river Gamlan in North Wales.

This was my first time on this particular river and we were exceptionally lucky with the water levels, although the river was dropping off very quickly we managed to get in a great run and therefore got to put the boat through it’s passes.

The Hero I think is a massive improvement on the older style boat that Jackson brought out. The Hero is only 231cm long, not the longest riverboat on the market but that is why it appealed to me to get it out on some of the tighter steeper runs. The manageability of the boat is a godsend, especially if your main discipline is playboating. The Hero’s hull has been taken from the Jackson Fun range and has been lengthened, surfing waves in this boat feels like your in your freestyle kayak, which is again great for getting out of those STICKY situations.
Although relatively short the Hero still has 75 Gallons of volume which is ideal for the style’s of river in Great Britain, and weighing less than 20kg the boat is perfect for your trek to the top of any river.

Overall the boat work well, but what impressed me most was it’s ability to work its way down the river responding to your every move.

Stats:

Length: 231cm
Width: 65
Volume: 75 Gallons
Weight: 19.05kg
Paddler weight range: 52kg to 87kg

For more info check out jacksonkayak.com


Video of the hero

Prague - First leg of the world cup

The first leg of the world cup was held on the whitewater course in Prague.
I had my reservations about attending this particular competition as I remember in 2005 for the Euro cup the event and feature not being all that great, but I am so glad I went as this time the feature was good and competition hot.

Seeing the best paddlers in the world come together to compete for the top spot saw some amazing rides, with most rides including Mc Nastys, Phoenix Monkeys and even Air Mc Nastys the competition was intense. The hole was challenging and it took some effort to keep a consistently good ride going for 45 seconds.
It all started on the Friday with the Men’s pre lims and then ending on the Sunday with the finals of all the categories coming together to make for a great day of superb competition. As the weekend went on the rain fell and feature became more and more flushy, but that didn’t stop the dramatic display of style and skill as the top boaters showed their stuff and the results were as follows.
More results to come

Men’s Kayak

Peter Czonka took first place with an awesome first ride of 980. His second two were in the 600-500’s.
Nick Troutman took second with 840 points.
Mathieu Domoulin took over the third place position from EJ on his last ride by 3 points.
EJ- got 4th
Dustin Urban got 5th.

Women’s Kayak

Fiona Jarvie
Emily Jackson
Ruth Gordon
Juta Kiser
Adrienne

Junior Men

Sebastian
Jason Craig
Maxime
Michael palmer

Can't stay away!!!!

Another great trip to Uganda, bit of a last minute decision, I think going out to look after my sister was a good enough excuse.
2 weeks of Sun and waves, going back to this place feels like going back home to me. If you haven't yet visited this kayaking paradise, you need to, and be quick the dam is being built fast.

Check out the short film from the trip.

JB

Can't stay away!!!!

Another great trip to Uganda, bit of a last minute desision

Can't stay away!!!!

Another great trip to Uganda, bit of a last minuteite desision