Interview : Peter Tranter Photos : As stated
PADDLER 73
Interview : Peter Tranter Photos : As stated
I think it ’ s fair to say that Jim is one of the most complete WW paddlers we ’ ve interviewed . With huge experience in WW rafting , kayaking , canoeing , and now SUP , Jim has tackled a huge range of WW in many different crafts and advises both Paddle UK and Paddle Scotland on the discipline . Lately , though , Jim has concentrated his interest in WW SUP , and it was about time we had a chat . So please , take it away , Jim …
Left : A great social paddle with mates at Grantully . Photographer David Marshall
BEFORE WE START , LET OUR READERS KNOW A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF , YOUR FAMILY , YOUR BACKGROUND , ETC .
I began my love for the outdoors nearly 30 years ago when I was a child , taken up mountains , onto rivers , and to the sea . I would regularly run ahead into the mountains , sit on a rock , and admire the views , which helped me develop a true passion for the outdoor environment .
I regularly engage in all disciplines of paddlesports and have the privilege of being a national trainer for white water SUP and other disciplines , as well as sitting on different discipline and technical committees . I am a provider in different SCA / BC awards , which I deliver in canoe , kayak , SUP and rafts . I am currently on the Hala and Werner ( System X ) SUP teams for white water paddleboarding and love pushing the limits of what is possible . I am keen to share my passion and enjoyment with as many people as possible , and I love being on a SUP – a huge smile just crosses my face . I hope to see you all on the water at some point !
WHEN DID YOU FIRST START PADDLING , WHO PROVIDED THE MOTIVATION , AND WHO WITH ?
My first paddling would have been down the Ardèche in France as a child , and I definitely remember swimming a lot ! I properly started paddling when I moved up to Scotland in 2013 to start my career as an outdoor instructor . I then quickly progressed through many different paddlesports awards with the support of the company I worked for – Active Outdoor Pursuits . The motivation , to be honest , mainly came from myself constantly wanting to be on the water , and regardless of work , play or evenings , I just found myself grabbing a canoe , kayak , sea kayak , raft or sup and going for a play !
YOU ARE AT THE FOREFRONT OF WW SUP ; HOW DID YOUR LOVE OF SUP COME ABOUT ?
I must be honest : I predominantly owe my love of SUP to four people and Hala . Jim Gibson , Kirsten Petrie , Steve McKinnon and Mags Duncan . Jim Gibson saw something in me on SUP and took it upon himself to help me develop . He is responsible for the majority of my SUP development – so massive shout out ! Kirsten , Steve and Mags were all kind enough to let me SUP alongside them on the first successful ( every rapid stood ) descent of the Pallaressa in Spain , grade 3 / 4 ( 4 +).
They provided kayak safety for me – to my knowledge , this is still the only successful descent and was , at the time , the largest white water paddled by any UK SUP paddler . Also , for them to be willing to even consider , let alone be so open to allowing me to SUP alongside them , was truly amazing ! Because of Steve and Mags , Werner took an interest in my SUP ability !
And finally , to Hala , who have supported me throughout and are quite honestly the nicest people and company I could imagine . I paddled with loads of their sponsored paddlers last year in America . They were so open , friendly and supportive despite knowing very little about me and having never met before – my discussions with them keep me motivated , psyched and eager for more SUP daily .
I can ’ t wait to meet some of their staff next year when I head out to SUP again in the USA in April . I may be at the forefront of it , but you will just as likely see me take a Bimble with friends and colleagues down grade 2 / 3 white water as you will see me pushing the sport . I love the sport and the inclusivity of it , and I never want to forget that .
Photo left : The first time anyone actually stayed on the board ( of sorts ) on Triple Step of the Etive – I then went on to land the drop after properly . Photographer Daniel Smith
PADDLER 73