PADDLER 79
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IT ’ S A TOUGH CALL WITH ALL YOUR EXPEDITIONS ABROAD - DOES ONE POP UP AS YOUR FAVOURITE ?
For me , it simply has to be where it all began — despite many expeditions since and paddling in more spectacular places on more beautiful water with harder rapids . The two-week Pallaressa trip in Spain simply has to take the win because it is where I realised , and many others as well , that the harder grades are doable on a SUP , and the sport can develop further . And the trust of my fellow paddlers to be willing to safety boat me on something that had never been done successfully was just incredible !
WHAT OTHER WATERSPORT COMPANIES / BUSINESSES ARE YOU INVOLVED WITH ?
I do a bit of work for Glenmore Lodge , Outfit Moray , and Active Outdoor Pursuits , but I am also one of the company directors for Paddle UK and Paddle Scotland and sit on different technical boards and committees , respectively , so I do a lot …
WHAT IS THE PRIMARY KEY TO HIGHLAND OUTDOOR ADVENTURES ’ S SUCCESS ?
Wow , now that ’ s a tough question to answer ! In truth , I guess I was helped by the support and belief from my friends and family that I could do it and make it work . And now that it is working , the clients and people working for the company make it awesome !
WITH IMPORTANT POSITIONS WITHIN PADDLE UK AND PADDLE SCOTLAND , PLUS YOUR TRAINING AND BUSINESS ACTIVITIES , HOW DO YOU MAKE TIME FOR OTHER INTERESTS IN LIFE ?
That ’ s a good question . To me , the most important thing in the world is a love of the outdoors and spending time with friends and family . I ’ m not going to lie . I struggle on occasion to find time to do everything that I love to do , and I would say I don ’ t really have the time for other interests . I certainly couldn ’ t take on anything more than I already do without giving stuff up !
WHAT TYPE OF FITNESS TRAINING DO YOU DO TO KEEP YOURSELF TIP-TOP ?
Honestly , I don ’ t ; I am always on the river , the sea , the lochs , the crags , the mountains , and the sports keep me fit !
Surfing on the river Garry . Photographer Eloise Casells
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Having topped out on Ben Nevis climbing up the White line and now heading back down Photographer Louis Kennedy
WITH YOUR BUSY SCHEDULE AND PHYSICALLY DEMANDING DAY , HOW DO YOU FUEL YOURSELF AND WITH WHAT ?
Breakfast varies ; usually , I eat muesli with fruit . If I feel adventurous , I eat eggs and bacon . Lunch would be more fruit , maybe some home baking , and homemade sandwiches with homemade bread . For dinner , I try to cook as much as I can but often find that I bulk cook and then freeze things for busy days , so quite often , it is reheated meals .
IF YOU COULD HEAD ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD TO PADDLE , WHERE WOULD IT BE , AND WHAT WOULD APPEAL ABOUT THAT LOCATION ?
The Grand Canyon — do I even need to explain why ? I mean , wow , just wow . A few people have already SUP ’ ed it , so it is doable . What a location in the world it is !
WHEN PREPARING FOR A DAY ON WW IN REMOTE LOCATIONS , WHAT QUALITIES DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A FELLOW TEAMMATE PADDLER ?
Mutual trust is the first - do they trust me , do I trust them ? Their skill personally and with rescues , the ability to know when someone needs help and the willingness to help if required to do so . But above all else , good banter ! https :// www . weehops . com
PADDLER 79