Canoe Kayak Trader Blog

Update from Alex

2012-01-05T07:31:00.000-08:00

Stratford On Avon Kayak Canoe Club (SOAK) christmas trip to the Upper Dart 2011

A video taken using Alex's new go-pro mount giving some great angles

From the team at Canoe Kayak Trader we hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas and New Year and wish everyone a great 2012.

Demo day at the Nene Review

2011-11-25T05:19:00.000-08:00

We would like to say to say a big thank you to everyone that turned up to the demo day that we ran on the 13th November at the Nene White Water Centre, especially to Square rock, Palm and Pyranha for all there help in making the demo day a great day out. Also well done to everyone who entered the freestyle comp I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!

Please see pictures below Enjoy!

We had a large fleet of demo boats for people to try out

Jackson Kayaks

Dagger Axiom

The new Pyranha Shiva

The New Dagger Mamba

Cheers

Alex

Introducing our two new Canoe Kayak Trader Team paddlers

2011-11-21T05:33:00.000-08:00

Canoe kayak trader would like to welcome our two new team paddlers Pete Bridgeford and Jake Boswell. If you see them out on the water pop over and say hi!

Pete Bridgeford

Hi guys, I’m Pete Bridgeford, aged 17 and I’m in my 2nd year at Evesham college studying game design and media.

I’ve been paddling for around 5 years, at my local club based in Stratford called ‘SOAK’, and I now mainly focus on the freestyle side, but I’ll also happily run rivers.

I got into freestyle when I saw one of the guys in my club cartwheeling, which made me want to try it! My dad bought me a Dagger Kingpin 6.1, which I started to learn the basics in, I then progressed and got a Pyranha Molan which I learnt to front loop in, and I now paddle a Jackson Rockstar.

I mainly go paddling at HPP, Nottingham, with Alex Read, when even I can, and I’ve recently been out to places like Slovenia and Plattling. This year I’ve also started entering freestyle events such as the youth freestyle series and some British league events.

I’m a Qualified Level 1 coach and a Level 2 coach trainee, and hopefully going to pass my level 2 assessment in the near future, and I’ve also recently achieved my 4* ww river leader.

Video of Pete in action http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvVV4ags8ZI

Jake Boswell

I started paddling 4 years ago at my local Canoe Club in Hinckley-Break Out Canoe Club. After completing my 2 star, I took up Canoe Slalom. In Spring 2010 I bought my first kayak, a Pyranha S6F.I was introduced to Freestyle at the Nene on a junior coaching day with 'Squarerock' that summer

In October 2010 I upgraded to a Jackson Allstar. I joined Paddleplus Canoe Club at the end of 2010, where I got to know other young freestylers and started to do harder whitewater. In March this year I started to compete in the Youth Freestyle and British League for the first time. I feel I have had a good first season and hope to make a big improvement in my performance in 2012.

I am also a Level 1 Coach, and now a Level 2 Coach Trainee and am hoping to complete my 4 Star Kayak Whitewater Leader over winter. I am 17, attend Sixth Form College and am a NPLQ Lifeguard at my local Leisure Centre. My local paddling spots are HPP, Nottingham and the Whitewater Centre on the Nene.

Check out Jake video http://www.youtube.com/user/jakeboswell99?blend=5&ob=5#p/u/6/_i1lh8uPFmw

November White Water Weekend

2011-11-21T04:49:00.000-08:00

Day 1

The trip started off with me arriving at Matt's house at 7am on a chilly Saturday morning and then it was off on a long drive to the River Dee to meet the group. After getting changed we all headed down to the water for a day of skills practice. Firstly we work on ferry gliding and breaking in and out on a nice little rapid. Then it was time to head down the Mile End Mile section putting the skill the group had learned into practice, followed by a quick play on the wave at the bottom of the course, then a much earned lunch. The second half of the day consisted of fine tuning the skills and learning how to play on the waves.

Day 2

Started with a great cooked breakfast and then it was of to start the day off paddling up the canal to horse shoe weir with the group really excited about the day ahead of paddling. Everyone in the group stepped up for their first ever run down Serpents Tail (See video below). It was really great to see all the group up for the challenge. After several runs down the tail it was time to head back down to mile end mill for a recap on what they have learnt during the course of the trip.

I would like to say thank you to the group for all your effort during the weekend and i hope you enjoyed it.

Photos will be up in the next few days!

Cheers

Alex

The New Pyranha Shiva Demo now in stock

2011-11-18T02:11:00.000-08:00

The Shiva - Ultimate Steep Creeker

The Shiva has a rounded hull, soft stern chines, a high bow rocker and loads of volume in the bow and stern.

These features give you softer landings on big drops, rear driving force when you want it, awesome boofability and resurfacing capability. The rounded & high deck, with a high centre of volume, countering a low centre of gravity for easy rollability.

Key Features

Forgiving - Gives softer landings on big drops.

No rails to trip you up but the chines gives driving force when you need it.

Easy to Boof and Flair over features.

rides easily over features, resurfaces quickly.

Allows really fast lines for drive.

Easy to roll.

New 2012 Mamba

2011-11-06T08:22:00.000-08:00

Newly beefed up for 2012, the Creeker edition of the Mamba offers a sturdy, reliable package designed to carry you safely through your next adventure.

With increased volume and carefully designed rails, the Mamba is built to be fast and predictable on even the pushiest of big volume whitewater, whilst maintaining excellent performance on the steeper stuff.

Whether it's a multi-day trip in the Himalayas or on a big waterfall run in Norway, the Mamba will take you through your next adventure in style and in control.

The Mamba 8.6 is sized for larger paddlers from 79–118 kg or for paddlers who want to carry more gear with them for longer trips.

Features

Multi adjustable contoured hip pads
Safety step out wall
Whitewater PFS 2.0 System
Precision adjustable thigh braces
Adjustable bulkhead footbrace with foam padding
Multi-adjustable, contoured hip pads
5 horisontal security grab handles
Tank style rotomoulded seating

Specifications

	7.6	8.1	8.6
Length:	7'7" / 231 cm	8'1" / 246 cm	8'6" / 259 cm
Width:	25.5" / 65 cm	26.75" / 68 cm	27.5" / 70 cm
Deck Height:	14" / 36 cm	15" / 38 cm	15.5" / 39 cm
Weight:	43 lbs / 19 kg	45 lbs / 20 kg	48 lbs / 22 kg
Cockpit Length:	34" / 86 cm	34" / 86 cm	34" / 86 cm
Cockpit Width:	19" / 48 cm	19" / 48 cm	19" / 48 cm
Paddler Weight:	120-170 lbs / 54-77 kg	150-220 lbs / 68-100 kg	175-260 lbs / 79-118 kg
Volume:	57 gal / 216 L	62 gal / 235 L	72 gal / 272 L

Tested rigorously by some of the most renowned paddlers and kayak coaches in the world, the new 2012 Mamba has been refined, tweaked to perfection, and made to prove itself again and again on a huge variety of whitewater.

With increased volume and carefully designed rails, the Mamba is built to be fast, yet predictable and forgiving on even the pushiest of big volume whitewater.

For the aspiring class 3 paddler who wants to stay upright and on line, or the seasoned river guru who requires a fast, capable river boat to make those tricky moves every time, the 2012 Mamba is a new classic.

The Mamba 8.1 will suit medium sized paddlers from 68-100 kg.

Features

D-bone welded in seat track
Whitewater PFS 2.0 System
Vector thermoformed seating with seat booster
Precision adjustable thigh braces
Adjustable bulkhead footbrace with foam padding
Multi-adjustable, contoured hip pads
5 horisontal security grab handles

Canoe Kayak Trader Nene Freestyle Competition

2011-11-01T09:34:00.000-07:00

Hey Folks!

Canoe Kayak Trader are hosting a freestyle competition at the Nene Whitewater Centre. The Competition will be held in Pool A "The Pour-over". We will also be trying to organise a novices competition in Pool C.

The Competition is being held on the 13th November and will begin at 4:30pm, it will be free to enter you will just have to pay Nene Course Fees. There will be Adult, Junior and Novice classes, with placing paddlers recieving prizes.

The Winner of the Adult and Junior Classes will be offered sponsorship from Canoe Kayak Trader for 2012. There will also be a mass start BoaterX starting at around 6:30. (Playboats only)

We will be running a freestyle workshop at 3pm ran by Team Square Rock Chris Chapman, this is ideal for whitewater paddlers looking to get into freestyle, there is a small cost for this of £5pp, limited spaces so please book by email us. Click here for more information

This event is being held in conjuction with the Canoe Kayak Trader Whitewater Demo Day at the Nene Whitewater Centre, also on the 13th of November it allows paddlers to try the latest boats the industry have to offer, from the leading brands such as Jackson Kayak thanks to Square Rock, Pyranha and Dagger. We will also be taking a selection of the latest clothing as well as some fantastic offers ideal for Christmas presents.

The Whitewater Course opens from 2:30pm but the boats will be available to demo from 1:30pm on the flat-water. We will have our friendly staff on hand to give advice on your purchases, we will not be charging for demo’s at the Nene but normal course fees apply to the course. Click here for more information

For more information please Click Here

Hope to see you all soon,
Jenna, Matt, Alex, and the boat centre crew!

Canoe Kayak Trader, Mill Gardens, Mill Rd, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV31 1BE
Tel: 01926 88 99 28 or Email: sales@canoekayaktrader.co.uk

Sea Kayak Anglesey Oct 2011

2011-11-01T04:22:00.000-07:00

HI Folks

Intro to Sea Kayaking, in Anglesey, North Wales. October 2011.
Awesome weekend & the weather gods were kind.
Day 1. East Coast Bychan Beach to Llugwy Beach around Moelfre.
We got the Force 5 to 6 South Easterly on the first day along with sunshine (do not always believe what you read online!! BBC predicted rain all weekend.) Took shelter in the bays & along the coastline & we all proved our ability to paddle into wind. Got a gentle taste of sea surf on the rolling tide in between the island & mainland & not a swimmer in site!

Day 2. Bull Bay to Amlwch to Porth Wen & Return.
Ventured onto the North Coast to gain shelter from predicted winds only to find the sea flat calm!
Practised boat manouevres & skills in the bay then headed off into wind & tide to see just how long it really takes! All relieved to turn & run with tide & wind. Porth Wen as always is a primo lunch spot.
Rescues & rolling practise back in Bull Bay just left enough energy for the drive home!

Thanks to everyone who came along for a great weekend. And thanks to the weather Gods for looking our for us!

New Ophion Paddles now in store!

2011-10-31T04:40:00.000-07:00

The New Katana - Carbon blade with ergo fibre glass + kevlar shaft £279

The New Katana Club paddle - Glass blade glass shaft £169

Cyclone- Carbon blade with ergo fibre glass + kevlar shaft £279

Rapture - Carbon blade glass shaft £219

Please call us for more information 01926 88 99 28

Cheers Alex

Canoe Kayak Trader Demo Day at the Nene white water centre 13th November 2011

2011-10-28T03:54:00.000-07:00

Canoe Kayak Trader Demo Day at Nene White Water Centre

Sunday 13th November 2011

1:30pm to 5.30pm

Come and check out the latest boats and kit for 2011 white water session

We will have boats from Pyranha, Jackson Dagger and more!

Square Rock (Jackson Kayaks) will be attending with staff to help advise on boat choice. There will be a wide selection of river runners, white water boats and playboats. Also some of the square rock team will be on hand to provide hints and tips on play boating throughout the day.

We will also have kit from Palm, Nookie and Sandiline

Demo is free so you can come and paddle lots of different boats all day for nothing.(Course fee apply)

We look forward to seeing you on the day.

The Team at Canoe Kayak Trader

New Nookie thermals now in stock! just in time for winter

2011-10-28T01:43:00.000-07:00

Check out the new Nookie Thermals that have just arrived in stock at Canoe kayak trader just in time for the winter

THERMAL BASE

Long Sleeve

Woven-in antibacterial nano technology

for odour control

UPF 30+ (Ultraviolet Protection Factor)

3D micro-pocket multifilament fibre traps

more air, retains warmth

4-way stretch for ultimate mobility

Anti-Chafe seam placement - Comfort when paddling

Ultra warm quick drying (unlike Merino)

Compression fit

Extremely windproof

Highly breathable

Unisex fit

Construction

ProStretch30TM Brushed 88%

Polyester, 12% Spandex

Colourway

Warm Grey with Contrast Stitching

(Blue on Ls & Orange on Ss)

Sizes

LK (XXS), BK (XS), S, M, L, XL, XXL

Price

Long Sleeve - £39.99

THERMAL BASE PANTS

Woven-in antibacterial nano technology for odour control

UPF 30+ (Ultraviolet Protection Factor)

3D micro-pocket multifilament fibre traps more air, retains warmth

4-way stretch for ultimate mobility

Anti-Chafe seam placement

Ultra warm quick drying thermal technology

Compression fit

Extremely windproof

Highly breathable

Elasticated waist

Foot stirrups

Fly for easy relief

Tight fitting to perform as an excellent base layer

Unisex fit

Construction

ProStretch30TM Brushed 88%

Polyester, 12% Spandex

Flatlocked seams

Colourway

Warm Grey with Black contrast stitching

Sizes

S, M, L, XL

Price

£39.99

New colours from Pyranha

2011-10-03T03:14:00.000-07:00

New Boats

Small burn in Lime/Dark green

Karnali in rapid spec

New Play boat package deal

2011-09-27T03:26:00.000-07:00

New website

2011-09-15T05:39:00.000-07:00

Check out the new canoe kayak trader website at www.canoekayaktrader.co.uk

New Palm women's Ariel Now in Stock

2011-08-20T08:52:00.000-07:00

Cheers

Alex

CKT Staff go open boating (4 star training)

2011-08-16T07:32:00.000-07:00

It all started on Wednesday night with us loading the van and cars up after finishing work. Then the convoy was off to North Wales

Day one

we all had a early start of the day with us all heading of to picking up the canoes and then it was of to Bala Lake. It was a windy morning which was perfect for the day events of Sailing and Navigation. We started the morning of by looking at different ideas on how to paddle against the wind, with some working better then others it was time for lunch.

In the afternoon we then found a nice spot to do poling then followed some sailing.

Day 2

In the morning we had to get every thing from the camp-site packed away and meet Phil at 9 so it was yet again a early start but this time we managed to fit in breakfast.

The second day was the white water day on the training and the location was the Dee.

We all got a chance to lead the group down different section of the river, Dan had bad luck as at the start of the section he was about to lead his lucky paddle snapped.

After some much needed lunch we had a play on some waves then headed down river.

After a second great day of paddling it was time to head back to Leamington.

Just want to thank Phil for running the trip

Cheers

Alex

New Kit now in stock

2011-07-19T03:20:00.000-07:00

CKT Staff take Open Boats to HPP

2011-06-17T12:15:00.000-07:00

We took one of Old Town's Packs to HPP yesterday (Thursday the 16th)

Dropping into the inlet gate

The first of the Twin Waves

Running the twin waves - shipped a bit of water on this one!

Checking the bottom half of the course - after stopping to let the water out!

Dropping into the Tardis

Spending some more time on the Tardis

And Even more of the Tardis!

Palm Zenith Cags

2011-06-11T11:09:00.000-07:00

New Zenith Cags now in

Cheers Alex

CKT boys go to HPP

2011-06-09T06:18:00.000-07:00

Over the last few week me and the boys from CKT have been going to HPP to do a little bit of playboating.

Below is some of the photos that we have been taking

Hope you enjoy

Cheers

Alex

Nick

Dave

Pete

Alex

Camo Nomad now in stock

2011-06-07T04:51:00.000-07:00

Video from WW Weekend

2011-05-29T03:45:00.000-07:00

Below is some of the video from the White water trip at the begining of the month

Enjoy

Alex

YFS at the Nene

2011-05-28T03:56:00.000-07:00

Well it’s that time of year again, when the youth freestyle series starts up, with the first event being at the mighty Nene White Water centre on the 22^nd of May.

I arrived at around 10am to realise it was very windy and not very warm, defiantly not a day for my shorty cag, which unfortunately, was all I had with me, but as the day went on, luckily, the sun decided to come out, to make a great days paddling!

The day started off with a few hours of paddling the course, practising in the features, getting ready for the comp later on, or if you weren’t quite as confident, there was a flat water freestyle session with help from some other paddlers, to help build up confidence.

After lunch, the competition started, held in the pour over for most of us, and further down the course for the novice category.
This year, I’m in the Under 18’s category, so have some hard competition from the likes of James Weight, Bren Orton and David Wild, so I knew it was going to be tough!

Once all the competition was over, it was time for the special event, which is always a great laugh! We had to get into teams of 5, and jump into the pour over, and collect 10 balls as quickly as possible, luckily, the water warm enough!

Well done to everyone who competed, hope to see you all at the next the next event, which is at Boulters weir on the 9^th of July.

http://www.youthfreestyle.co.uk/index.php/fsevents

See you on the water

Pete

New CKT Van

2011-05-17T06:39:00.000-07:00

Check out our newly signed writen van. Look out for it on the road

New Kit

2011-05-15T08:11:00.000-07:00

This week saw the arival of some new kit in store see below for some pictures

Cheers Canoe kayak trader

White water weekend.

2011-05-10T07:46:00.000-07:00

Last weekend started with a early wake up call to get to Matt's house for 6am for the long drive to Wales to meet they guys on the course for 10am.

Day 1 started with a paddle down the Dee starting at Glyndyfrdwy to Mile End Mill Which was a great experince for the guys on the course with some of them even getting a chance to run Surpents Tail (Video will follow shortly) After a long day paddle it was time to head to the Bunk house that we were staying in for showers and food.

Day 2's destination was the Tryweryn with the sesion starting out with some eddy hoping and ferry gliding curcits, next we did some throw bag pratices while some of the group ran a section of the river, and then finished of with some surfing and 3 star skills on the lower part of the course.

Photos and video of the trip will be upload shortly

Hope every had a good time and I will catch you on the water

Cheers Alex

Demo Nights at the Nene

2011-05-10T07:10:00.000-07:00

Its that time of year again,

We are starting to run our demo nights at the Nene they will be running on the first Tuesday of every month where we will be taking are demo fleet of boat for people to try. If there is a boat that you would like to try just let us know.

hope to see you guys there.

New Year Demo Day

2010-12-04T06:52:00.000-08:00

We will be having are New Year Demo Day on the 2nd Jan 2011. More info can be found on our website www.canoekayakrader.co.uk

Happy Paddling!

White Water Trip Nov 2010

2010-11-19T10:27:00.000-08:00

Whitewater Weekend North Wales November 2010 Want to say thanks to Fred, Paul & Pete for a cracking paddle. We had a run down the Lower Tryweryn (first time for 2 of the 3) & then the Upper Conway including Bryn Bras falls (or Brass Balls Falls) for the first timers!

Congrats to Fred for finishing his 3 star kayak & delivering the "goods" when required.

Pete showed all the hallmarks of having practiced inbetween his white water trips & no longer submits to aquatic inspections of the river bed. Medals for progression!

And Paul deserves a mention just for turning up & making it down both rivers the right way up especially not having really kayaked in about a year! Some video to follow! Thanks again gents, you made my life fun for the weekend!

Kids River Dee Trip

2010-10-31T06:57:00.000-07:00

During October half term we ran a day trip up to the River Dee for some of the young people that have been coming on courses for a few years and needed a new challenge!
We arrived to a slightly-higher-than-i-would-have-liked Dee, and got on at Glyndyfrdwy with lots of very excited faces all round.

After just a few minutes, we came to the first rapid, a lovely bit of grade 2 with some big bouncy waves at the bottom to enjoy. One at a time, everyone ran it, and everyone stayed upright, with a particularly impressive brace from Eve when we all thought she was about to trip up on the eddyline at the bottom.

The rest of the top section was a lovely combination of fast flowing flat sections and sections of grade 1 to 2 white water, which everyone really enjoyed, with only one or two occasional mishaps. The more experienced paddlers were being challenged to hit as many eddies as possible, while the rest were practicing moving the boat around on the rapids and spotting the rocks early enough to avoid them - with varied success!

At horseshoe falls we decided that the canal would be a good option, as a lot of people were getting tired by that stage, and the river was quite high.

Then it was back onto the river for a quick run down the first two drops at Mile End Mill, and a ferry across to the finish... well that was the plan anyway, perhaps Charlotte and James P has different ideas and didn't want to miss out on the last drop?! :-) James ran it beautifully, and Charlotte won the prize for swim of the day on the middle stopper, and did the last drop sitting on Dave's deck... nice rescue Dave - good job he was paddling that giant Karnarli!

We all got out just as it started to get dark and headed to Mc D's for some much needed grub!

Congratulations to James S and Calum for passing their 3 star assessment...

Thanks to everyone for making it such a great trip, I couldn't have hoped for a nicer bunch of young people to spend the day with. And of course, thanks very much to my beautiful assistants Dave, John, and Will.

Jenna

Sevylor Dealer Day

2010-10-08T08:01:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday and Wednesday I had the pleasure of attending the Sevylor Dealer day held by Meridian Zero at Symonds Yat. It was a great chance to try out all the Sevylor products. Below are some of the pictures from the event.

View from the Reef

SUP

Big thanks to Meridian Zero and Coleman for a great event

Cheers

Alex

Freestlye at the Nene

2010-10-03T09:06:00.000-07:00

Over the summer Matt and Myself have been going to the Nene White Water Centre on Tuesday nights, running intro to white water and freestlyle courses, as well as bringing our fleet of demo boats for people to try. Below are some of the photos of the freestlye courses that I have been running:

Chris playing in the pumps

Arron looking cool

Night time playboating in pool A

Aaron playing in pool A

Alex in the pumps

Cheers

Alex

1* Trip to Warwick September 25 2010

2010-10-01T09:22:00.000-07:00

We were lucky to wake up to a lovely bright morning, and the day stayed warmly autumnal for the trip. After getting kitted up, the four of us set off from our Leamington site and spent the first hour paddling to the weir at princes drive, while covering some foundation skills.

The weir was unforuantly blocked at the bottom due to building works meaning a portage and wet feet. The rest of the morning was spent heading along the Rivers Leam then Avon toWarwick where we stopped for lunch in st Nics park before paddling round the corner to have a look at to the castle.

After everyone had had enough of the veiws of the castle from the water we turned around and started the journey back to Leamington, stopping to cover new skills and building on those we had covered in the morning.

Everyone on the trip had a fun day and left with new skills, a 1* certificate, and having had a very enjoyable paddle.

Yannig

New Canoe Kayak Trader Blog

2010-09-19T06:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Canoe Kayak Trader's new blog were you can keep up to date with what the CKT staff have been up to.