AS Watersports. Canoe and Kayak specialists, Exeter, Devon.

Liam returns from Ecuador.

2012-02-09T12:08:00.002Z

Ecuador 2012.

Last week I returned from a 3 week kayaking trip in Ecuador and I still haven't stopped smiling. I spend most my hours in the Summer on the water teaching kayaking to and I absolutely love it. Though with the winter coming up I knew I was to be spending a bit more time indoors and started getting itchy feet so I decided to book a trip to Ecuador, South America. I'd had my eye on this location for over a year and a half.

Past trips to France, Italy and Switzerland have all ways been with a group of friends and organizing everything for ourselves. That's something I love doing. Though this time I wanted a different sort of trip. Admittedly I wanted to be a little lazy. So headed out on my to Ecuador on my own and joined Small World Adventures an outfitter who spend the winter months guiding week long trips and clinics . They have been guiding there for 15 plus years. Accommodation, food, drivers, vans boats were all part of the cost. This meant I could relax and save your energy for the paddling!

Enjoy the Photos!

See our gallery!

50% Off Big Dog Kayaks at the Pots Rodeo.

2012-02-03T14:51:00.001Z

Big Dog kayaks are giving away a massive 50% Off voucher to the winning uni team at this weekends
Pots Rodeo and Boater-Exe.

The winning team get a Big Dog kayak of their choice and only pay for half of it. Thats a BIG prize.

The event is still open to anyone over the age of 18 (on the day of competition) but this prize if for Uni teams only.

www.potsrodeo.co.uk

Get all the event info on the Pots Website.

Lettmann Paddles now in stock.

2012-01-30T16:43:00.000Z

Lettmann Paddles, high spec, high tech, high performance kayak paddles now in stock. If you've not heard of Lettmann paddles before here is what you need to know; They are designed and hand built in Germany from the highest quality materials, to offer you the highest levels of performance. Lettmann was founded by Klaus Lettmann and they have their roots in competitive sport. No wonder, founder of the enterprise, Klaus Lettmann, was white water racing champion of the world. And his son and successor, Jochen Lettmann, is several times canoe slalom champion of Germany and got the bronze medal at the Olympic Games in Barcelona.

Lettmann paddles are used today by many competitive paddlers, whether in polo, whitewater racing, slalom, or extreme racing. Local paddlers Steve 'Ugg' Whetman and Ed Cornfield swear by their Lettmann paddles, and UK extreme racer Pete Scutt uses his while competing in the Etive river race and the Adidas Sickline.

Lettmann Ergo pro Extrem LCS70 whitewater paddle

Lettmann paddles are hand made, laid into a mould and then vacum formed, to ensure that the paddles contain the perfect balance of materials to resin, for maximum strength and minimal weight. The blades and shaft of Lettmann paddles are made as one piece, making them stronger and lighter, with a single joint in the centre of the shaft.

Lettmann Ergo pro LCS50 whitewater paddle

Lettmann paddles are available with Lettmanns Ergonomic shaft. The Crank shaft has a 'pistol' style grip that helps to naturally align your hands and wrists. This causes less stress and fatigue helping you to deliver more powerful strokes. The blades are also in front of the centre line of the shaft, which makes smoother and easier to control power strokes, while allowing you use a lighter grip.

Lettmann Ergo pro LCS50 touring paddle

The Profile blades feature a foam core, which helps to create exceptional stiffness and performance. The 3-D profile is based on an aeroplane wing. Like a wing, as a fluid passes over it creates pressure differences between the two faces, resulting in a super efficient power delivery. Draw strokes and bow rudders become super smooth and clean strokes. The foam core profile also has inherent buoyancy which helps improve rolling and bracing.

Lettmann Nordic WW LCS70 wing paddle

We will be stocking a range of the Lettmann paddles for both whitewater and touring paddlers in a range of different constructions.

The LCS70 Extrem construction is the top of the range construction, that has Carbon and Aramid blades and a Carbon shaft.

The LCS50 construction has Carbon and Glass blades and a Carbon Shaft.

We will be stocking the following range of paddles.

The Ergo profile Extrem LCS70 Whitewater paddle

The Ergo profile LCS50 Whitewater paddle

The Ergo profile LCS50 Touring paddle

The Nordic WW LCS70 Wing paddle

For more info, or to try out a set of paddles pop into our waterside Exeter shop, or call the shop on 01392 219600

Pots Rodeo and Boater Exe up date.

2012-01-28T14:15:00.000Z

Its all looking very good for next weekends Exeter Uni canoe Club event at Flower Pots- Mill on the Exe.

Mill on the Exe are putting on a Beer and Burger deal and will have drinks promos on the night. Don't worry as this year they have bought extra Hot Chocolate in to cope with demand.

Yak Adventure equipment will have a selection of drysuits for paddlers to test. Try out their new Titan suit along with some more of the range. You may have to have your photo taken though!
There will be discounts available on the suit on the day and also vouchers for discount after the event.

Win a Titan drysuit on the upcoming Facebook competition. Keep your eyes on this page: Yak Adventure Equipment.

Booming Sounds to keep you amped up and ready to rumble provided by Sound Events

This years event is raising money for the Devon Air Ambulance. A very usefull serivce for paddlers who need help in remote locations. It is also a very expensive to run service and is funded by donations. Please dig deep and fill the collection buckets on site.
You can find out more about the Devon Air Ambulance Trust here: www.daat.org

Pots Rodeo Saturday 4th Feb. Mill on the Exe www.potsrodeo.co.uk

Another happy customer.

2012-01-10T17:02:00.000Z

Just before Christmas we sent another shiny kayak on its way to the water. This one was a beauty as well.

The pictures don't do it justice as this P+H Cetus HV was stunning. The blue and black worked really well and the finish was impeccable. With a glass and Diolen layup this Cetus was a great weight and nicely durable. It even had a foam stiffener laid into the hull inside the boat. Which you can see inside the cockpit as a white strip.

Factory fitted with a towing cleat and bullseye ready for towing and rescues. We then fitted a Silva 70p compass for further sea worthiness.

Custom graphics finally set this Cetus HV off a treat. All ready for its soon to be very happy owner!

Stunning and shiney black and blue. The black is not always advised for sea boats as it does show the scratches, this one was fitted with a keel strip to help keep it in good nick, the keelstrip was coloured to hull to keep it all looking smooth.

Left hand side skeg slider controls. A skeg is still the most popular option on sea kayaks instead of rudders.

Colin, super pleased with his new P+H Cetus HV. What a great match to his van! Colin used the P+H kayak customiser tool on the website to check out his dream boat. http://www.phseakayaks.com/

Order a P+H Cetus online today: P+H Cetus

Gear Trippin'!

2012-01-10T16:32:00.000Z

Trippin'! No, not psychedelics but moving your kit about. Sea to Summit are an Australian brand that have some really neat transportation solutions. Infact their canoe and kayak range is called Solution Gear.
Ewart has been testing the Gear Trip Deck bag and is loving it.

"So my trusty Nookie dry bag finally got binned. It was over 5 years old and was showing it. Thrown in the back of the van, dragged around Europe and kicked around Newbridge car park. It didn't get any love but it held up well. New kit bag time it was. The next in line was a very nice Ortlieb Rack pack. This now serves as my main kit bag. However I always have too many bits of extra kit in it. Spare thermals, socks, gloves etc.
Which is always handy to loan out if someone forgets something. The only problem was I kept chucking my wet kit back in the bag with all the spare dry stuff. I needed help". (yes, we know that Ewart).

Enter the Gear Trip from Sea to Summit. We first saw these last Autumn and thought they were good.
The idea is that you can store all your wet kit safely inside your kayak and it drains into your boat at the same time. The bag is made up of a nice ripstop nylon on the top and base with mesh sides for draining. A strong shock cord helps keep it on the cockpit rim and there is a nice big handle to pull it off and to carry it.

The gear trip fitted to a Wavesport Habitat 74 creek boat. You can see the handle at the front and the shock cord coming out the back. There is a slider on the shock cord to keep it tight around the boat.

Sea To Summit Gear Trip open

Here you can see the mesh sides to the bag that allow the drainage into your kayak.

A two way zip means you can open from either direction. There is plenty of room for every day paddling kit. Inside you can see Ewarts Palm Fuse cag in the LTD edition Harlequin colours and a Yak Descent pfd. Also inside are some Five-Ten Water Tennies, Yak Moray dry pants, Sweet Saviour thermal, Yak Toki thermal, Palm Ti soxs, Sweet Rocker helmet and a Playboat Pro team deck. Every thing Ewart needs for a day on the river. There is space for more as well. Then when you get home you can just chuck it in the bath, rinse off your kit and then carry it outside to hang up.

Over all a great kit bag. £44.95, instock and ready to rock. Click to buy here.

More Exe Big Paddle pics

2011-12-14T14:59:00.000Z

A few more pics from the Exe Big Paddle back in October. Showing yet again what a great day it was.

Signing during the prize giving

Carboard construction madness.

Ewarts dad Peter gets back on the water for the first time in 20 years.

The guided tours were popular. The Exe above Topsham is perfect for all paddlers.

Some cardboard canoes lasted better than others. The unseasonally good weather made swimming a lot of fun.

Sun, water and kayaks = massive fun! The Perception Expression and Dagger Alchemy are just perfect touring boats for this kind of water. Stable, responsive but not twitchy, fun and comfortable. Ideal for begginers or even those coming back to paddling after a long break.

St James, or Salmon Pool weir. Nice and easy in the summer levels. This weir is easily portaged if you dont want to run it (get out on the pontoon river right above the weir and put back in using the steps below. Just out of shot to the left).

This is all part of the Exeter canoe loops routes. Download the Exeter Canoe Loops map.

the Rivers Source, A white water symposium

2011-12-08T14:55:00.000Z

The Rivers Source is a new event being hosted by leading white water coaching and guiding company Gene17 Kayaking in January 2012.

A.S Watersports will be hosting a repair workshop on the Saturday afternoon/evening.
During the workshop you will be able to learn how to fix your boat if you have split it. Workshop style repairs, when you have all your tools and repair materials and river bank repairs when its just what you have with you.

Get information on what to carry and how to use it.
In the second part of the workshop you can have a go at fixing your own kayak. If you haven't broken it it we will supply lots of pre-split plastic for you to try your new found welding skills.

See the info below more more details and how to book.

Always one to open new doors, Gene17 will start the New Year with a brand new event, The River’s Source, a coaching event for White Water Paddlers. This Symposium will be organised along three themes; Paddler, Club/Business & Industry and of course hosted in Devon, at the prime location of the River Dart Country Park.

We’ll invite all the leading providers, industry contributors and experts from far ranging fields. Work shops on white water kayak design, or a Q&A session about the legal position of a coach or club leader, starting a club or developing a competition/coaching programme, the list will be extensive and inviting.

We’ll offer the Symposium to day visitors and weekenders a like, see the River’s Source – a White Water Symposium for details. Symposium news along with other news from Gene17 can be found at Gene17Kayaking Facebook Group Events and our Twitter feed.

Booking info and full programme: the Rivers Source

Big "O" Film Show this weekend! Friday 2nd December

2011-11-30T10:13:00.000Z

The Gene17 Adventure Paddlers weekend at the River Dart Country Park in Ashburton Devon is always one of our faveourite kayaking events. It has grown and grown and is now probabley the biggest gathering of white water paddlers in the South west and also with exception of the Student rodeo one of the biggest in the country. Usually blessed with good water levels (not looking too bad so far this year) its a great chance to hook up with firends old and new to share ideas about trips, get information on any aspect of an expedition and have a jolly good social.

The Friday night see the the Big O Film show. Olaf Obsommer is one of europes best ww paddlers and an amazing film maker. Come and see for your self!

Friday 2nd December’s entertainment, Olaf’s Adventure Kayak Movie Show in the Ballroom at the River Dart, for 19:30 to start at 20:00, online booking, £7.50 or £8 at the door.

The BIG-O movie tour programme takes about 90 minutes. 5 films will be shown, plus Q&A sessions.

From the Big O Studios the Adventure Kayaking Show trailer in English

Here’s the programme:

Ecuador – Jungle Adventure

Olaf Obsommer is fascinated by the primeval forest with all its plants and animals since a long time. When he and his team faced the challenges of »the gorge of holy waterfalls« on Rio Upano, things started to get serious. For Obsommer one of the pinnacles of his paddling career: »Rio Upano is Ecuador’s biggest head stream of the mighty Amazon. I brought home tons of amazing footage from South America, wild animals and spectacular scenery from this trip.«

Galapagos – Big Boss on holidays

Olaf shares his trip of a lifetime to the last paradise on earth with us. Sea lions, marine turtles, albatross, iguanas and many more exotic animals will fascinate the audience.

Mexico – a real river god

On their never-ending quest for the ultimate river god Olaf and the A-list of international kayaking travelled to Mexico’s Agua Azul. Here they found amazing whitewater, committing waterfalls and indescribable landscapes. Not only the whitewater paddlers will be thrilled by this segment – also the landlubbers will feel the adventurous spirit of this trip.

California – shattered dreams

California is known as the eldorado of steep creeking action. Every ambitious kayaker dreams about a trip to the High Serrias in the »Golden State«. But sometimes the weather just pees on your parade. A severe winter with a lot of snow issued a totally new challenge to the group and the boys had to learn that not every wish comes true.

Canada – Tatshenshini River

The »Tat« is a must-do for every canoeist. Approachable only by boat this remote river flows through the Canadian territory of British Columbia and Yukon. Grizzly-Bears and white-tailed eagles line the banks, majestic glaciers cover the surrounding mountains. After the Tatshenshini joins the Alsek River this crosses the US border and flows into the Pacific Ocean. For this trip Olaf teamed up with some friends to enjoy the rough beauty of North America and to shoot footage for his latest adventure documentary. This time it was not about the extreme but about the divine natural setting.

The New Dagger Mamba 8.1, Spitting venom and ready for action

2011-11-03T13:41:00.000Z

Straight out of the oven at Dagger Europe and now lurking in a corner of the AS Watersports shop, (ready to strike at any passing whitewater paddler) its the new Dagger Mamba 8.1. The design team at Dagger took the already successful and very popular Mamba range and have refined it to make it even better than before.

Spitting venom and ready for action, the new Dagger Mamba 8.1

The new Mamba features some neat and subtle differences from the original, all aimed at making the new Mamba quicker, smoother and easier to paddle. Whether you are just starting out in whitewater paddling, or a gnarly creeker the new Mamba ought to be on your hit list.

The New Dagger Mamba 8.1, looks fantastic!

First up the size/volume. All of the new Mambas are now slightly larger than the originals, this means that they fit a wider range of paddlers, and have a bit more room for comfort too. The popular mid sized Mamba the 8.1 will fit a wide range of paddlers from 70-100kg, while the larger 8.6 now fits 80-118kg while the smaller 7.6 fits paddler upto 77kg.

New Mamba on the left, old Mamba on the right

The hull shape has had a few small tweaks as well. The rocker profile has changed, with a slight injection of extra volume in the stern, to keep the speed up and also to keep it stable when punching through holes, crossing eddy lines and boils and exiting drops.

The Extra volume, and tweaked rocker in the tail. Extra speed and stability

Also on the hull the rails have been lifted slightly, this allows better edging, more forgiveness and the rails are less likely to trip over rocks or obstructions. Yet it will still carve in and out of eddies and across the current, and it will still snap into the smallest of micro eddies.

Over view of new and old. The New Mamba on the right and the old one on the left.

The New Dagger Mamba range has something to offer everyone on the river. There are three sizes to fit a huge range of people and there are two levels of outfitting. The river spec Mamba has an easy to adjust seat, and a welded hull stiffener, that allows you to move the seat forward or back by around 10cm. As well as the standard hip pads, full plate footrest, ratchet adjustable backrest, adjustable thigh braces and grab handles. This spec is great for paddlers who are looking at getting their first river runner, or clubs and centres who want an easy to adjust boat to fit a wide range of paddlers.
Then there is the Creek spec, which comes with Daggers tough rotomoulded seat and bow stiffener. This spec is designed for the creek boaters and hardened whitewater fans. The extra strength and stiffness that the solid seat offers is a vital safety factor when you are planning to rack up the gradient.

Let Simon Westgarth tell you more about the new Mamba

New Dagger Mamba Overview - Coming Soon from James Bebbington on Vimeo.

The New Mamba is currently only available in the 8.1 size and in the adjustable spec, but fear not the boys and girls at Dagger are working feverishly to get the rest of the sizes and the full range of outfitting ready. We are expecting to see the rest of the range coming in early next year.

You can check out all the specs on our website - Dagger Mamba River and Dagger Mamba Creek

Burn vs Shiva, Pyranhas big boats go head to head.

2011-11-02T09:57:00.007Z

With the new Shiva gettting ready to roll off the production line this winter you may be undecided which boat is for you.

Heres a little more on how to choose the right boat for you.

Burn V Shiva (Rails V Round Hull)
It’s all about the paddler really, how do you paddle and how do you like your boat to respond?

The Burns hard, carving rails give a precise and controlled feel, letting you drive around the river easily and the flat hull lets you surf and ferry with style. Do you like to make every little micro eddy? Work the river and enjoy a stylish and technical run? Then the Burn is probably the one for you.

The Shiva on the other hand has a rounded hull, soft stern chines a massive rocker and loads of volume. These features give you softer landings on big drops, rear driving force when you want it, awesome boofability and resurfacing capability. If you are running big drops and pushing harder lines the Shiva is the one you want.

Shiva – Ultimate Steep Creeker

Features
Rounded Hull – Forgiving - Gives softer landings on big drops.
Smooth Stern Chines - No rails to trip you up but the chines gives driving force when you need it.
Progressive Rocker - Easy to Boof and Flair over features.
High Volume Bow & Stern – rides easily over features, resurfaces quickly.
Stern release edge - Allows really fast lines for drive. Low profile deck – Easy to roll.

RRP £949.00

Burn – Precision Creek Machine

Features
Flat Hull – Dynamic - planning surface for surfing and ferrying.
Hard Carving Rails – Precision carving capability around the river.
Aggressive Rocker – For great boofability.
Medium volume bow and stern – Punches through features.
‘V’ed deck – sheds water and resurfaces with control.
Reprofiled deck – Easy to roll.

Staff member Ewart getting to grips with some tight steep technical paddling in the Pyranha Burn.

That's what Pyranha say. We think if you are paddling in the South West either boat will be good but the Burn may just have the edge as we just don't have any big water falls but we sure have some great technical paddling.

Burns are instock in all sizes, and we are able to offer some great prices for these instock colours.

RRP £949.00 Very special offer: £799.00

Call now to see what colours we have instock

01392 219600

Dart Loop Maps

2011-11-01T14:44:00.002Z

We are now stocking some very pretty maps of the Dart "Loop" by local artisit and paddler Julie Perren.

We have this version and soon will have a version with descriptions of the major rapids.

Call now or buy online by clicking the image above

Watermark Experiences

2011-10-26T16:47:00.003+01:00

Watermark Experiences Weekend, River Dart Country Park, Ashburton, Devon.

12th-13th November 2011

Our friend Debs sent some info over about her new project with Matt Tidy.

Debs has run a few youth trips now and this looks like a great project.

Here's a bit more info. Spread the word.

Twice World Freestyle Champion Deb Pinniger and internationally renowned whitewater kayaker Matt Tidy are planning the official launch of their new Community Interest Company: Watermark Experiences, at the River Dart Country Park on the 12th-13th of November 2011.
Watermark Experiences offers an ongoing programme of unique and challenging kayak adventures for young people aged 12 to 23.

We would like to invite young kayakers, clubs, youth groups, schools and their volunteer coaches to this free event, offering a chance to meet up with the Zanskar expedition team who have recently returned from India, and to discuss Watermark Experiences adventures for 2012. There will of course be some fun on the water and a limited number of free-guided river trips.
We hope to see you there.
For more information on this launch weekend see our web site
Or e-mail

Sweet Protection specials back on.

2011-10-20T15:04:00.008+01:00

We have extended our special offers on Sweet Protection soft wear and selected helmets.
Sweet gear is designed in one of the worlds premier white water destinations, Norway and tested world wide by a high flying test team including Rush Struges and Mariann Saether.

Sweet use Gortex Pro shell and Performance shell fabrics. The Pro shell has a super tough outer with a highly breathable membrane. Designed to keep you comfortable in all conditions.

Performance shell, as used in the Shadrack is a lighter more flexible 2 layer fabric. Better for the high activity of freestyle and playboateing or just the paddler who keeps on moving.

This kit is awesome to to give it the recognition it deserves we are offering some pretty amazing prices..
Click the banner to see the awesome deals on offer.
Or call in store and talk to one of our sales staff.

Click the button to see what we've got.

Sealect Designs Anchor trolley kit

2011-10-20T11:10:00.003+01:00

Sealect Designs have a new Anchor trolley kit coming out this winter. With the trolly being such an important part of anchoring it helps to have a good one.
When Ryan from Sealect showed it to us at the Kanumesse show in Germany we knew it would be a great addition to our Kayak fishing accesories range.

The kit has very thing you need to fit it and it all comes in a nice resealable box which is usefull for outfitting bits and bobs, spare parts or even putting tackle in.
Pre order online now for early December delivery.

Order here: Sealect Designs Anchor trolley kit at A.S Watersports

Putting the boot in, with the new Liquidlogic Stomper

2011-10-18T11:48:00.003+01:00

We've just been lucky enough to get our hands on the new Liquidlogic Stomper 80, so we thought we'd give you a quick run down on this great new kayak.

Many peoples first thoughts are, "It looks just like a Jefe, whats the difference?". Yes, at first glance you'd be hard pushed to spot any difference, but if you look again a few subtle changes will start to emerge.

Starting with some of the small differences, on the inside it still sports the fantastic and comfortable 'Bad-ass' outfitting, but it has been tweaked. It is possible now to flip the whole backband up and out of the way, allowing easy access to the rear of your kayak, great for getting your gear in and out, whether its your lunch, rescue gear or overnight expedition kit!

Comfy 'bad-ass' outfitting

The new flip over backband

Easy access to the back of the Stomper

Another small change that you might not spot straight away is the rear deck. The sides of the Stomper are softer and more rounded than the Jefe. Meaning water is less likely to load up on the rear deck, making it easier to paddle in boily, confused water.

Softer rear deck profile

But the biggest difference by far is the hull. The Stomper features a Semi-planning hull, with a flat central section, and softer higher rails. The Rocker profile has had some changes too. This makes the Stomper faster, and easier to turn in all situations. Combined with a more rounded sidewall this makes the Stomper easy to edge, and stable on edge too.

Semi-planning hull, with softer higher rails

So, if you are looking for a new creek boat, or just looking for your first river runner the Stomper is the boat for you. Stable, fast, easy turning, great boofing, comfortable, tough and with 5 attachment points.

The Stomper is available in two sizes the 80 and the 90.

The 80 is suitable for paddler 50-95kg and the 90 is suitable for paddlers 77-122kg.

Check out the Stomper in our webshop

New stuff!

2011-10-10T16:46:00.004+01:00

We just cant get enough of new stuff!

Good job too as we have loads of it in the shop. A.S Staff had a quick road trip to Germany at the end of September to the Kanumesse trade show. This is the biggest paddles sports show around and is just mind boggling with the amount of stuff on show.
It was hard to keep our grubby mitts off it.

Check out our little gallery here: Kanumess part 1

Lots of the stuff on show is making its way to the shop or has already landed.

Coming soon: Liquid Logic Stomper, two sizes of the new flat bottomed creeker from LL.

New Dagger Mamber, 3 sizes in all. The medium will be first. This is due in a couple of weeks.
Prijon Pure, Big boy boat from Germany. Ewart has taken on the midium size the thrash around Dartmoor this winter. More on this when the rain comes and his busted collar bone are a bit more fixed. Doh!

New paddle variations form Werner due in a few weeks. Gone are the glass shaft Werner bent shafts. IN come the Carbon bent shafts with Glass blades. This will give stiffer shafts along with the durability of glass blades. All for just £10.00 more.

Most of the Palm kit is now here but there ar e a few bits still on the way. Unfortunately the Harlequin Extrem pfd seen at the show will not be for sale due to an increadable high price tag (over £500!).
However the lime greeen Amp is on its way!........

More soon...

Teignmouth canoe club sea kayak demo evening.

2011-10-10T16:33:00.002+01:00

A month or so ago we went down to Teignmouth with some sea boats for the club to have a go in.

There are some nice pictures in our gallery here: Teignmouth Canoe club demo evening

And a video from one of the members. Minus points for having so much of Ewart in it.!

Demo evening

South West Canoe Show 2011. WOW!

2011-10-10T15:35:00.006+01:00

Its been a while since our last blog and lots has happend.

The South West Canoe Show consumed our time some what. However, it was a fabulous day made even more amazing by the weather we had. Possibly one of the best days of the year?

There were a good numbers of visitors who all appeared to be having a great time checking out the latest and greatest in new paddling gear, boats and paddles. There are lots of photos up now in various places so we have tried to compile them here. If you have any we would love to see them!

Rather than fill the log with pics you can just follow the links. Here is one that for us sums up the whole weekend. Sun and fun with boats. The little lad in the picture had just won the junior race and is high fiving his sister!

SWCS On Facebook (no need to login)

Ewarts mobile pics

The Exe Big Paddle was a great success. The general idea was to have a very large social paddle down the Exe and back up the canal. Easay going but with plenty of local interest and with history and nature guided tours to pass on the info. There was lots of newcomers taking the chance to have a free taster session run by the guys and girls at Globe 360.

But the real highlight was the Cardboard canoe race in the late afternoon.

See the photos here: The Exe Big Paddle (as pics)
Palm Blog: http://thebigpaddle.com/index.php/thank-you-all/

Many thanks to every one who gave up their time to make this event happen. Exeter Canoe Club, the volenteers from South Devon Collage, Andy Davey @ the BCU, Ben Heddon @ Haven Banks, Palm Equipment, Canoe England, the Wild Life Trust and all the guides and safety staff.

More blogs on the way!

Winners! Canoe and Kayak UK awards 2011

2011-08-15T16:13:00.005+01:00

Oh Yes! Canoe and Kayak UK mag has recently published its awards for 2011.

The awards are the result of lots of debate, testing and votes from readers and online users.

We are very pleased to announce that we have been awarded "Retailer of the year" for 2011.

Thank you to any one who voted for us.

Along with awards for centres, coaches, facilities and paddlers there were the all important product of the year awards. Fortunately for us we stock most of them and here they are:

Open canoe of the year: Venture Prospector 16

Kids kayak of the year: Pyranha Rebel

Recreational kayak of the year: Islander Calypso sport

Most innovative product of the year: Palm Extrem PFD

Gear of the Year, Hardwear: Werner Stikine paddles

White water kayak of the year: Dagger Axiom

Freestyle kayak of the year: Wavesport Project X

Composite sea kayak of the year: Valley Etain

Plastic sea kayak of the year: P+H Delphin

Touring kayak of the year: Perception Expression

We have to say we agree with pretty much all of these. The Perception Expression has been a great boat this summer. Perception also had some other highly commended product too. Here's what they had to say on their website:

Canoe & Kayak UK Magazine Kayak Awards 2011
Aug 09, 2011
CKUK Kayak Awards 2011
Perception Kayaks are excited to share that not just one, but three models from our range have recently won awards from CKUK's 2011 Kayak Awards. The popular UK Canoe & Kayak magazine announced the results last week. The Perception Expression won 1st place as the 'Best Touring Kayak of the Year', while our kids touring kayak and new tandem tourer were both 'Highly Commended'.
Perception Expression - Touring Kayak of the Year

Launched back at the end of 2010, the Perception Expression range is already proving to be at the top of its market. Available in two sizes the Expression is ideal for the adventure-seeker who wants the best of both touring and sea kayaks: a fun, manoeuvrable day-kayak that remains stable and predictable when loaded down with gear. We're really thrilled that CKUK see the wide appeal and performance the Expression range has and thank them for ranking it as 'The Best Touring Kayak of the Year'. To find out more go to the Expression product page.
Perception Prodigy II 14.5 - Highly Commended Recreational Kayak

New to the Perception line-up at Easter, the Prodigy II 14.5 tandem is already making a name for itself as a recreational tandem with unmatched comfort and a high level of outfitting and detail. Its rocker profile focuses on speed, tracking and minimised noise when paddling through flat water and light currents. Whether paddling solo or tandem, with pets, kids or adults, this kayak can be configured perfectly for any outing. As the only tandem kayak to get a mention in CKUK's Kayak Awards, the Prodigy II 14.5 is set to lead the way in recreational kayaks. To find out more go to the Prodigy II product page.
Perception Carolina 12xs - Highly Commended Kids Kayak

With few child specific kayaks out there to choose from, our kids Carolina 12xs has been highly commended by CKUK for being designed for touring rather than white water. Offering directional stability, speed and the ability to keep up with others and set a good pace on river trips!

You can see all of these products and more at the South West Canoe Show Sat 1st Oct 2011. Outside the shop on the Piazza.

www.swcanoeshow.co.uk

New server switch happening today.

2011-07-28T15:10:00.004+01:00

Our sever switch is happening today! Unfortunately the webshop will be down for the day. Please bare with us while we make the changes. This will give you a much better running site. If you come across any discrepencies please let us know. There may even be a reward in it for you!

Thanks,
The team.

The Exe Big Paddle Sunday 2nd Oct

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Come and join us for a celebration of paddling on the River Exe. Choose from different guide tours including Nature and History, general guided tours and a 5 mile charity paddle.
There will also be a Cardboard Canoe race! Get designing now but materials will be available on the day. Just cardboard and tape, no cheating. Prizes to be won!

More detailas as they happen here: www.thebigpaddle.com

The South West Canoe Show 2011

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Its back! This years show takes place on the 1st of October. Get set to see the best that paddling has to offer. Boats, paddles, kit, talks, presentations, deals, info, advice, demos and more.
Take a look at the show website: www.swcanoeshow.co.uk or the facebook page: South West Canoe Show

or email info@swcanoeshow.co.uk

Off our trolleys! Sea to Summit

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We have taken on the new kayak and canoe trolleys from Sea to Summit. You may know this Aussie brand for the light weight travel accesories they do. These trolleys are light, strong and really well made. In fact we think they are much better quality than some of their competitors.

Sea to Summit Kayak trolley. Like the Eckla version but with much bigger wheels for easy transit. The strap helps keep boats steady whilst on the move.
Nice anodized orange aluminium finish to set it apart from the others RRP £64.95
Buy here: Kayak Trolley

Sea to Summit Canoe trolley. Much the same as the kayak trolley but on a bigger scale. A nice wide base to give support on a large area of hull for a secure fit. The wide wheel base also keeps things on track over the rough ground.
RRP £79.95
Buy Here: Canoe Trolley

The best of the bunch! This sit on top kayak trolley is great! The rubber coverd prongs fit nice and firmly through the scupper stopper holes in your sit on top. The strap helps keep the boat from bouncing off over rough ground. Reducing the risk of puncturing your boat. The quick release clamp for setting the width to fit the scupper holes is smooth and secure. Green anodized aluminium finishes off this awesome trolley. Ewarts fave new bit of kit in the shop.

RRP £69.95
Buy here: Sit on top trolley

Devon Air Ambulance sea swim 18th Sept 2011

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We like to support the Air Ambulance here at the shop. Its one of the the three charitys we support. When it comes to paddling these guys are one of the serivces we may need.
The organisers could dop with some safety kayakers as well.
Check out the details below.

You don’t have to be a swimmer to get involved in the BBC Radio Devon Appeal one mile sea swim!The annual BBC Radio Devon Appeal sponsored swim is taking place on Sunday 18th September 2011. This unique event, now in its second year offers a great opportunity for serious and fun swimmers alike to raise money for the Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT).If you are not lining up on the start line but you want to be part of the event, then why not volunteer as member of the sea safety support crew. To ensure the safety of our entrants as they enjoy a fun and leisurely swim, we are looking for volunteers to provide sea safety from kayaks, canoes and boats. Power boat volunteers must be certified at level two power boat whilst kayak and canoe volunteers should be BCU 2 star or above with some sea experience. DAAT’s Fundraising Director Caroline Creer said: “We would like as many people as possible to provide volunteer support at the swim and make it as safe as possible for those rasing money for the charity which is a vital asset to the region”.
After completing the sponsored swim, entrants and volunteers will be able to enjoy the beautiful location, entertainment and the revel in the satisfaction of knowing they have raised money for a great cause. Last years 152 swimmers raised in excess of £10,000 which has made a huge contribution to the BBC Radio Devon Air Ambulance Appeal. The aim of the Air Ambulance appeal is to not only to raise the profile of the charity and the life saving work they do in the region, but also to encourage and engage the Devon community to help raise in the region of £600,000 in order to facilitate the ordering of a new helicopter. By owning rather than leasing a helicopter, the DAAT charity saves in excess of over £10,000 every single month!Details on how to volunteer and sea swim entry forms are available from any of the DAAT charity shops, by calling them on 01392 466666 or visiting our website at http://www.daat.org/asa-agatha-christie-sea-swim-18th-september-2011/. Entry is only £20 plus a minimum of £30 sponsorship with all proceeds going directly to the BBC Radio Devon Air Ambulance Appeal.