The Paddler Magazine Issue 59 Late Spring 2021 | Page 126

ThePADDLER 126

Glyn ’ s top tips

EQUIPMENT :
Make sure you have comfortable paddling gear – you ’ ll be on the board for a long time ! Dress for the conditions as well .
A buoyancy aid is mandatory . We ’ re on a river with obstacles and rapids . One with a hydration bladder would be superb , and a pocket to stuff sweets and your phone into is handy too .
A waist leash is also mandatory . It ’ s a river with obstacles . You need to be able to detach from the board quickly if needed . Make sure you take some advice about how a waist leash works and practice a few times beforehand .
First Aid Kit ( waterproof ). One needed per team . You also need a first aider on your team , but hopefully , you won ' t need either !
Throwline . Two are needed per team . If you ’ ve never used one , it ’ s worth having a session learning how to throw one and how to be rescued . Hopefully , you ’ ll never need to use one . ( If you ’ re carrying a line , also consider carrying a rescue knife in case of entanglements ).
River fin . The upper section is especially shallow at times , and a shorter fin makes a lot of difference . It ’ s worth practising with a small fin before the event as it makes a massive difference to the board ’ s handling and not everyone likes going sideways for 50km .
Hydration pack . There are places to refill water along the course , but make sure you have enough water with you to stay hydrated . I used a one-litre waist hydration pack and took a two-litre pouch on the board ( which I didn ' t need in the end ). Many cans were consumed at various checkpoints .
Snacks . Salty and sweet and plenty of them . We had times where our team were getting ‘ hangry ’. Jelly babies on the go work well for a slight sugar boost and fit nicely in the pouch on your buoyancy aid !
Food . Proper food is a must , so take time to eat some proper food and not just snacks . Also , make sure you have a decent breakfast before paddling !
Drybags . These are great for putting things in to stop them from getting wet on the trip . They are great for this sort of event . Having one or two bags that can easily be removed from the board make the portages a lot easier .
Sunscreen . Plenty of it – we ’ ve ordered plenty of sunshine especially !
Fly repellent . There are quite a few flying things around that bite , so something to keep them away is helpful .
Hat . Keeps the sun off your head . Sunglasses . Partly to help you see . Mainly to look good .
Spare clothing . It ’ s worth having a few bits of spare clothes amongst your group .
Spare paddle . Worth having a spare with your group .
Sense of humour . You ’ ll need one , especially for the cooling towers !
Thank you , Glyn , for that great round-up of this fabulous event – it really should be on your wish list ! If you have any questions about the event or want to see videos and photos from previous events to inspire you , take a look here : www . trent100 . com , Trent100 on FB and @ trent100k on Instagram .