A chat with …
MIKE HAYWARD
Interview : Peter Tranter Photos : Mike Hayward , Chris Walker , George Novak , Angela Sture & Sten Sture
Earlier this year , Mike ’ s book publishers contacted us to find out if we wanted to interview Mike in connection with his latest project titled , ‘ Just Around the Next Corner : Adventures with Kayaks ’. We also noticed that Mike had been awarded British Canoeing ’ s ‘ Outstanding Contribution Award ’, in recognition for his work with Lakeland Canoe Club . What more could we ask for ? Take it away Mike …
What motivated you to start paddling ? I lived near the Forest of Dean when I grew up and spent much time outdoors . Paddling is a natural connection , so I jumped at the chance to have a go while on holiday in Snowdonia . I didn ’ t start paddling more regularly until I was at college . It was only on a lake in a forest , and I recall going in not very straight lines .
Where ’ s your local paddling spot ? No particular favourite spot ; the Cumbrian and Pennine
rivers are all local to me .
What kayak and equipment are you using ? Currently , paddle a medium Dagger Mamba or Medium Code , depending upon which river we are paddling or the water level . I use Mitchell Blades . My sea kayak is plastic Valley Etain , just reliable and conformable – no need to worry about crunching a composite boat on rocks . I still paddle ‘ Sherman ’, an old black Coleman canoe I won in a photography competition . https :// mikehayward . ampbk . com
Kayaking , sea kayaking or canoeing , which gives the most satisfaction ? A mix is excellent . River kayaking for excitement . Open boating for longer river trips , usually abroad , Canada but in recent years , Scandinavia and sea kayaking with wild camping for feeling free . I still want to seek out rivers not in the ‘ guidebooks ’ though these days they are not necessarily as hard as they once were .
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