learning to paddle is a great challenge to have as there are so many aspects to paddle sport that can be explored so picking up a paddling skill can open up a wide range of possibilities. Our governing body kind of reflects this going from British canoe union, to British canoeing, from go canoeing to finally settling on Paddleuk as the new name for Paddle sports in the country. A name that reflects all the opportunities that getting out on the water in floating things offers.
Boats of all kinds of shapes and sizes As a club we have canoes in a range of different sizes and shapes and in a range of sizes all designed to suit people of different shapes sizes and gender, ranging from fast flat water touring boats to larger creek boats for expeditions on white water, for our taster kayaking we have a range of touring cross over boats in different sizes, white water boats and even a few play boats and even our paddleboards come in a selection of different types from beginners boats offering stability, to sports shaped boats for distance paddling. our boats for beginners are touring ethos tens for larger paddlers and ethos nines for smaller paddlers and we tend to use TNP paddles for those starting out, our club paddle of choice is the TNP Rapa, a nice lightweight paddle which has a glass fibre shaft ( therefore warm to use in winter.
What should I buy ? A common question to those entering the sport is what boat shall I get, unfortunately the answer is not straightforward as there are so many great products out there to try out that the best thing to do is try paddling with a club and ask to borrow boats – even in my families selection of personal boats is extensive and we have all ended up paddling with different kit from different manufacturers as well as clothing from different brands.
I paddle a Pyranha Scortch at the moment, it needs a few modifications and some ancient Werner paddles as well as a peakuk drycag and touring BA mainly as it’s got large pockets for a phone in a dry bag that is easily accessible! for whitewater drops or when paddling whitewater a quality well fitting helmet is a must.
Helen paddles a burn, but is upgrading to a Jackson Flow with Werner paddles a palm Drysuit and playboater deck.
Chloe’s currently paddling a pyranha burn, and for whitewater tricks is looking at the Pyranha Firecracker with Werner player paddles and an NRS Drysuit – which was a good size for a smaller female paddler, topped off with a Palm helmet.
Caitlin is currently paddling a dagger code which is another great moving water boat, Palm Drysuit and paddles from kober and a palm helmet and Astral boots.
Try before you buy and sit in a boat on water that’s similar to the one you want to buy off ebay… by coming along to a club paddle.
So to going out and getting a boat off eBay or something for £25 quid of facebook marketplace is one thing and to find a boat that will allow you to develop is something else entirely, it’s really a great time with so many boats out there to try out, and probably the reason we have so many different kinds of boat in our collection all suited to the different environments we paddle.
So my advice is if your looking to buy a boat- start by joining a club, you’ll get to experience a range of paddling kit as well as find a boat that will suit your weight shape size and style of paddling, get to share information about the best boats and modifications and clothing to try that will suit you as a paddlers and both save you time and money and avoid the disappointment of having to sell on unwanted kit.