PADDLER 74
PADDLER 74
Above : Lower Gauley having just paddled the upper we joined the rest of the Hala team and got this awesome shot of the custom board they made for me for the trip . Photographer Paul Clark
WHAT EQUIPMENT ARE YOU USING ?
I use Hala Gear SUPs – it depends on the trip , but the 9 ’ 6 is best for stability on big water or challenging G4 or upwards water . If I want more of a playful paddle , then I use the 7 ’ 11 , which certainly spices things up . For expeditions or paddling on the sea , I predominantly use the Rado at 10 ’ 10 .
In terms of paddles , this varies with regard to what I am doing ; I love the Hala river paddle for big water , and the Sawyer Super Styk for its durability and lack of flex in the shaft ( I have broken numerous other paddles in the shaft due to the flex in the force I water I am paddling and it is always scary when that happens ) or the Werner Session when I feel I want a thinner paddle for navigating around rocks when I don ’ t need support strokes very much .
I love the Damx drysuits , the Jobe SUP vests , Kokatat Hustlrs and Astral footwear .
HOW DO YOU SEE WW SUP DEVELOPMENT ? WOULD IT BE FAIR TO SAY THAT IT IS RIDING A WAVE NOW ( NO PUN INTENDED ), AND DO YOU SEE ANY DRAWBACKS ?
I see WW SUP development as an ongoing thing . We currently have so few people pushing the sport and paddling at the top ends of the grade brackets , but it is still relatively new . I feel that many top-end paddlers have yet to emerge within the sport .
I know for a fact that there is someone in Scotland who , if he committed to paddling SUP as opposed to the career he is going into , would be better than me within a few months and likely better than Chris
Morgan within a year ( but alas not his chosen career path and you have to respect that )! Many people certainly share the same feeling on leashes within Paddle UK , so it is certainly riding a wave on that front , but I won ’ t go into that as it will spark a whole debate that has been had a million times over already .
I think the biggest drawback for WW SUP development is still its awareness – so many people chat with me not knowing anything about the sport and are always amazed that people can stand going downriver on a SUP . I would love to see the awareness of the sport developed further !
BEFORE HEADING INTO WW ON A SUP , WHAT ESSENTIAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS SHOULD ONE ALWAYS CONSIDER ?
Choosing an appropriate board to minimise swims and one you know you can get back on . A buoyancy aid , helmet , a team of people ( I would rarely , if ever , paddle on my own , and when I do , I ensure I have regular coms with people throughout the day ), whether or not to wear a leash in regards to the risks of entanglement , entrapment , flush drowning etc - this depends on the type of river you are paddling and the obstacles that might present a danger .
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON MISTAKES BEGINNERS MAKE WHEN THEY START WW SUP ?
Other than holding the paddle the wrong way around ! Not understanding how to use a leash safely would be one for sure ! Pushing their grade too hard too soon and kneeling on one or both knees in the wrong style of water ( contrary to what most people ’ s subconscious might tell them , kneeling is not always safer – it is sometimes and sometimes does reduce the risk of falling , but sometimes it increases it instead ( something that will be explored in another article – stay tuned !)
WHAT ARE THE MOST CRITICAL SKILLS TO DEVELOP TO PROGRESS FROM BEGINNER TO INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED LEVELS IN WHITE WATER SUP ?
From beginner to intermediate , for me , it is all about gaining efficiency on the board . This includes your ability to move on the board forward , backwards , and up / down , as well as the ability to have a short , efficient paddle stroke on both sides of the board that does not turn the board very much , if at all , utilising your hips and core to paddle forward efficiently .
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WHAT STRATEGIES DO YOU EMPLOY FOR MANAGING FEAR AND STAYING CALM IN CHALLENGING WW SITUATIONS ?
Honestly , don ’ t panic ; trust the people you are with more than anything else and ensure you paddle with people you trust ! If you relax in the water and consider your breathing , then that helps a lot , particularly in some of the huge water I have paddled , where frantic breathing could be horrendous ! If in doubt , look at the rapid from the bank . If still in doubt , watch someone do it or follow someone down , and if you are not sure , then walk the rapid – trust your subconscious !
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