Foreword
Rich Adventure
Welcome to the adventure planning HQ It ’ s that time of year after the New Year ’ s best intentions have faded , and more realistic goals and objectives have set in . We follow a simple recipe , more paddling trips , getting paddling fit for the season and planning wilderness adventures off-grid .
RICHARD HARPHAM
We have been busy sharing adventure anecdotes and inspiration at the British Canoeing Provider Conference , the Caravan , Camping and Motorhome Show at the NEC ( where we were running the pool and Forest Camp areas ), as well as looking forward to the Outdoor Expo in March and the Bushcraft Show in May . VIPs include Paul Merton , a cast of adventurers at the Expo and Ray Mears at the Bushcraft Show and , of course , a reprobate band of paddling brothers and sisters .
The weather has been mostly changeable , and it seems strange that not so long ago , we had a serious ‘ deep freeze ’ period , and were paddling with ‘ ice berg ’ like bits on the river , then floods , followed by unseasonal warm spells and risk of sunburn . It has also remained challenging for us as we continued with our ‘ off grid ’ land project converting a static caravan , aka base camp home , into a log cabin , making a new external roof , wood burners and decking braving subzero conditions . That which doesn ’ t kill you makes you stronger , we hope . For those that remember it , we are feeling like a remake of the ‘ Good Life ’.
We are beyond excited that soon we will depart for our latest Yukon Canoe expedition in June , a real bucket list topper ! This will be my eighth expedition there , including competing in the Yukon River Quest race , and it does feel like a second home to me . I feel privileged to share the incredible wildlife ( last time , lynx , bears , moose , porcupines and beavers ) and many historical sites and hidden gems on the trail . Better still , my partner in crime and wife , Ash , will enjoy this part of Canada for the first time .
Some of our Canoe Trail supervisor team are preparing for assessment for their core coach and undertaking the touring leader qualification . It does fit together to deliver a power base of qualifications for leadership and coaching . British Canoeing has done a great job with new and revised qualifications , and getting news this week that they have been appointed as the SUP national governing body ( NGB ) is fantastic news for SUP and paddling in general .
Paddling is on the up , with more and more people getting on the water , whether on SUP or by canoe and kayak . Check out the new Paddle Safe , SUP Safer and PSRC ( Paddle Sports Safety and Rescue Course ), which are brilliant for filling in gaps in theory or practice .
Happy Trails , and stay safe Ash and Rich
Richard Harpham , FRGS and Ashley Kenlock are human-powered adventurers , paddling coaches and leaders who have completed over 12,000 miles of expeditions by kayak , canoe , SUP , ski and bike .
www . richadventure . com
They run the awardwinning Canoe Trail , watersports and adventure business together , offering coaching , expeditions and canoe and camp in Bedfordshire .
www . canoetrail . co . uk
Thanks to BAM Clothing , Paramo , Valley Sea Kayaks , MSR , Palm Equipment and Silver Birch Canoes for sharing the dream .
PADDLER 3