Sun to Snow - Thanks!

From 40 degree C, Sunshine, Big volume of the the Nile in Uganda to the Arctic, blizzard, low water conditions of Scotland!

First stop was the 6 day SRA Raft Guide qualification, run by a good friend Cam Allan off of Brookbank Scotland. 6 days of rubber bus driving & jumping in and out of rivers! Thankfully, whilst I've been away playing in the sun, The guy's at Nookie have been beavering away making lots of new cool stuff to keep you warm and dry in these very situations.

To test this new gear even further after 6 days of abuse I headed further north [and west] to find more snow and more rivers. No rubber bus this time just the trusty Pyranha Burn...

...Mission accomplished, 10 days in / on / off / trampling around a river in some of the harshest condition the UK can throw at you! All in the name of product development, its a hard life, well this time it was a cold one anyway ;-)

Staying warm and dry, Ben

Gorge de l'Areuse: Ron Fischer

Last weekend we had a lot of rain and it was time to check out the rivers in the French part of Switzerland. I went together with Thomas Rogenmoser to the amazing Gorge de l'Areuse and after a hike trough the Canyon we decided to paddle it on the next day. The difficulties were not high but the river offered some special actions like a natural tunnel and a narrow gorge. Enjoy the pics...

The paddler is Toro and i made the pics

so, i start on Sunday my trip to Pakistan and i'm really looking forward to send you good pics!

Cheers
Don Ron

New Nookie Team Rider Miss Mega surfs Santa Cruz

On the third weekend of March every year, the Kayak Surf Festival is held at Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz. This year I competed!
After attending the event last year as a spectator I had a vague idea of what to expect surf wise. I was familiar with quite a lot of the competitors which helped as I had met them last year at the S.Cruz event and at the Worlds in Mundaka .

The horn blew and my first heat had started. There were not as many women competing in the event as there were men, but the women who were there, were extremely good. Throughout the event I found myself paddling against the likes of Kate Smith (1st in women’s World Cup 2006), Gina Morley (5th in HP, Worlds 2005), Ailsa McDougall (4th in HP, Worlds 2007) and Jameson Riser (5th in Ladies Open 2007).

As the swell came in, it brought waves of 10ft faces. Having never surfed anything this big before I was slightly nervous, but as soon as I caught my first wave the adrenaline started to pump and all I could think of was getting another one.
The Women’s Final was held on the Sunday morning followed by the Junior’s Final. The wind had picked up slightly so the waves weren’t as clean as they had been, but the size was still there.

A set was coming in, I could see the peak of the wave just breaking on the outside, “that’s the wave” I thought. I paddled, faster then I had ever paddled before. I was on it. Bottom turn, cut back bottom turn. The next wave came. This time I wasn’t fast enough.
It can be hard during heats to keep focused on just yourself, and ignore what your competitors are doing. One of the worst things I have found myself doing in the past is keeping track of other people waves and what they do on them during the heat. In this competition I managed to stay completely focused on myself and it felt so much better. I never thought I would be competing at Steamer Lane after just learning how to role in a kayak only a year before in the same location. It just goes to show that nothing is impossible.

The awards were given out on the Sunday evening. Kate Smith 1st, Gina Morley 2nd, Ailsa McDougall 3rd and myself 4th. Although I did not make it in to the top three I am still extremely happy with how I surfed and especially with how far I have come in just one year. I would not have been able to do this without the continuing support I receive from my sponsors, thank you.
During the next year I hope to improve my skills and push my abilities so that in 2009 I may bring home a Santa Cruz 1st.

For anyone who is interested in surf kayaking or who wants to get involved but doesn’t know how, get in touch with your local sports council or club. It is an amazing sport and I would encourage anyone to try in at least once.

Robyn Pearcey

'Air' Harvey Wins Gold in Santa Cruz

Last weekend I was in California for the US Open Kayak Surf Competition in Santa Cruz, also the 1st of the 2008 World Cup qualifying events. With my title to defend from last year, I headed out a week before the event to train on the famous Steamer's Lane surf break. Preparations went well and I started the competition reasonably confident that I was on good form.

In the opening rounds, conditions were good with 10ft peaks shaping up nicely for me to work the wave and achieve some good scores. However, with some of the peaks in excess of 12ft on the face and rides of 150m, the paddle back out after each wave was long and tiring, leaving no margin for error. With some solid surfing i progressed to the quarter finals ranked in 2nd place behind the world champion. Up against 2 US team members and with difficult windy conditions, the quarter final was a tough heat and i struggled to find form. However, I did just enough to finish on top and go through to the semi-final. Windy conditions prevailed so it was all about getting 3 safe rides, which i managed with the highest score of both semi-finals.

Reaching the final was a real achievement but with current world champion Rusty Sage and 2006 world champion Dave Johnston (both local to Santa Cruz) also in the final it was a really stacked heat. Setting nerves aside I managed to relax and focus. With the wind easing and a lower tide the surf was shaping up well. Sunshine and 6ft surf made for some of the best conditions of the contest and so the scene was set for a spectacular final. Looking deep, I managed to find 2 good waves within the first 10 minutes and with a solid start but aware I was playing it slightly safe I waited for a 3rd good wave to really push myself. I managed to drop into a nice 'bowl-shaped' wall and knowing i needed something big, took a risk and managed to pull off and land a massive aerial. As I landed I could hear the crowd screaming for me...an incredible feeling...With only 3 minutes left i hoped i'd done enough and was wishing for the end of the heat. On the final hooter the atmosphere was great, we spent a few minutes congratulating each other and relaxing before heading to the beach...as well as competitors, the other surferes are good friends and it was fun surfing with them and giving the spectators a good show.

It's hard when you pull off a move to know exactly what it looks like, but as I walked up the beach, the support from the crowd said it all. Rushing back to catch my flight i didn't get the result until I arrived at the airport but i'm so excited to take the Gold, and especially as my 3rd wave was a perfect 10 score from all 3 judges.

The competition really is tough and each year the bar is being raised and more people are reaching the top level. Winning 2 years in a row is really special and the success of other UK surfers just shows what talent we have within the British Isles. This first place gives me automatic qualification for the World Cup Finals which we will be held in France this October. It's also really exciting to see the talent that is coming out of Guernsey. Over the next few years there's really good prospects for other local kayak surfers winning national and international medals.

Once again i'd like to thank my sponsors and everyone who continues to support me in achieving my goals and flying the Guernsey flag.

To keep up to date with my news etc, please visit my website: www.chrisharveyonline.net
For more information about the sport, visit: www.bcusurf.org.uk

Chris 'Air' Harvey

Nookie Team Rider Leo Carpene's BIG MOVES

Leo in Uganda testing his new carbon Gui Gui prod in December '07

National Student Rodeo – Nottingham 8th / 9th of March 08

Someone told me that a competition bigger than the Lyon River Festival existed, so I asked them “which one?” He answered “the NRS in Nottingham!!!”
I was convinced and so I prepared the van, put some DK stickers on it, picked up three friends on Thursday morning and left Paris for England.
I only had one thing in mind “how can a competition with 680 paddlers be held properly?” and “what's a party with that many paddlers like?”

The road was ok until we reached the ferry in Calais. A friend forgot to bring his ID and an English policeman almost threw us back home.
Finally after 3 hours of Londons jams we reached the kayaking course at nightfall.

We spent Friday paddling and meeting up with friends (Sam, Max, Boulby, Louise, Jen, Nath…).


Saturday was a busy day for the organisers who made really good work managing up to 3 competitions at the same time on different places on the river. I’ve never seen that many paddlers in the same place, not even at the world championships.


We were entering the Open category which was obviously not as serious as the rest of the competition. I don’t even know the results to be honest... I should be second just after John Best - always the best ;) -

It does not mean that it wasn’t well organised, I think that was part of the philosophy of the event. We are used to very selective competitions in France where beginners can not paddle a lot. Here, everyone was enjoying the contest, and everyone had opponents of his level.

We went to the pirate party on Saturday night. We, unfortunately (or fortunately), didn’t take the camera for safety reasons. The party was good and everyone played the game of being dressed up, at least until everyone got undressed…

The Sunday started at mid-day… and we had to leave early to take our ferry back to France. We missed the prize giving and went to London to eat some typical local food.

The feelings on the ferry were a contrast between meeting back with our super friendly French policemen and being on-board with the Dutch Female Hockey team!

Thanks to the organisers who did a great job ! We’ll come back (if you still want us) :P

Léo Carpene
www.nookie.co.uk
www.guigui-prod.com
www.dkayaking.net

Few critics:
- Don’t turn the music off too early on a Saturday night!
- Not enough people shouting on the bank for their friends (except Sheffield Uni)
- Not enough people understanding French

Big Fun in the Sun...

You may have noticed that winter in the UK is cold, normally with drizzle! Getting out of here - is the way forward! Instead of the annual new year winter sun Surf Safari, this year opted for Uganda, home of the mighty Nile...



With only two weeks to play with, we had to pack in some awesome river running, big wave playing and a whole lot of relaxing at the bar



There really is nothing that can beat some BIG volume fun in the sun

More to follow soon...

Until then all the best things in life have a montage - heres ours...

http://www.mysterymove.com/PS_WEB_GALLERY/UGANDA/index.htm
catching up on sleep before the next [epic] adventure!
Ben

Nookie Amphibious Task Force

This time of year frogs appreciate a bit of bank support and being expert amphibians they only choose the best kit.

Wales to Morocco: Nookie Team Rider Nathan Eades

Hey just dropping in to give you an update. Recently got back from a long road trip with my good mate and sick surf kayaker Marc Holland. The pair of us have been living out of a van for the last 4 months while we travelled down the entire coastline of Europe to get to Morocco! We had some amazing surf sessions on the way and had a fantastic trip! There’s a full report going into CKUK of the trip so I won’t harp on about it- instead I’ll give you a shout when it’s published so you can see all the best shots! Until then, here’s a couple to keep you going!

Thanks to Nookie for the ongoing support and supply of great gear without which, these trips would be a lot less accessible!
Yellow Boy

Nathan Eades

Nookie Team Rider Alex Keller's Dawn Raid on the Rheinfall

Look carefully and you'll spot the paddler!

The newest edition to the Nookie Team Riderz is Alex Keller from Switzerland. Alex has been featured in a previous video with fellow Team Rider Ron Fischer running the Rheinfall. These awesome dawn photos are courtesy of Rainer Eder.
Alex ran Europe's largest waterfall last week as an early morning dawny....... some wake up call!

New product page on nookie.co.uk

The 2008 range of Nookie white water products and accessories are now fully available for your viewing pleasure at nookie.co.uk. Simply follow the products link and scroll and click on any of the bars to unveil their hidden secrets.


The pages are constantly being updated with more information to help you make the best choice for your style of paddling. Popular FAQ's and instructional videos will help you understand why we do what we do with our designs.

Whilst visiting the site why not enter the online comp and win some freebies. Simply follow this link.

Nookie Team Rider Ron Fischer's Introduction

Hello! My name is Ron and for a few months now I’ve been a member of the amazing Nookie Team Riderz. So, It’s time for me to write something in the blog.

My mission for the cold months this winter was and remains, to paddle the awesome rivers down in Chile. I’ve been here for two months now and I don’t want to go home. Lots of rivers, lots of water, warm temperatures, good people and a beautiful landscape. Together with the incredible Nookie gear makes this area the perfect winter resort for kayakers.

We began our trip in Pucon, which is a great place to paddle a lot of small creeks. Then we took our car and drove south all the way down to the Rio Bravo. On the way I paddled some of the best rivers I’ve ever run like the Llangahue, Rio Fuy, Futaleufu and Michimahuida.


So now I’m sitting in my car, writing this in very bad Swiss/English (for Dan to translate back at Nookie HQ in Cornwall, England) and waiting until the mechanic has fixed the broken alternator. I hope it works this afternoon so we can continue our trip to the Rio Baker and Bravo.

So, have fun, ride a turn in the snow for me and we will hopefully see you somewhere on the river.

Don Ron

What's Wrong With Being A Weekend Warrior Anyway?

Shock! - Another wet weekend in the UK bought almost every river in our small country into its prime. So what do you do when you've got limitless options? Go with the flow? or head for somewhere with out the crowds?

The Usual end of week communications hatched a plan for the 'Llangollen Biathlon' A quick blast down the Dee in squirt boats followed by an afternoon session around Llandegla's infamous black run on the mountian bikes - Unfortunatley i forgot my Camera - Doh! So you'll have to put up with Sunday's session instead!

Woken by a phone call 'get your ass out of bed and get over here - it's in'...

... river surfng at it's finest, I'll let the photos do the talking...


Carving it up...

Blunt-a-rama

Soul surfing at dusk

...have fun!

Ben

Water, Water, everywhere - but not a drop in North Wales

A week of rain bought floods to most of the UK, so with this news its time to head to the hills.

Frantic end of week phone calls e-mails and text's gather everyone in the newly refurbished Conwy Falls Cafe [shameless plug - the coffee's good, home made cake and chips are even better!], only to find out its been mildly damp.

Low water runs only then! It'd be rude not to go for a couple of laps of the mighty Aberglaslyn before hiking 2Km up Snowdon to go explore the Cwm Llan slides.

A classic North Wales rock ditch fest all in the name of fun!

Mental Note: Nookie's super reinforced elbows are far better at shrugging off Welsh rock than my boney ones!

Later Ben

Nookie Hits the US

Well, its been several months in the making, but Nookie has touched down in the US with avid reception. My name is Tony Zanetti, and I am the US Sales Rep for the gear you all love, Nookie (thats me in the brown Nookie Hoody). I have been hard at work promoting the company and its equipment. Here is what I have been up to so far.

This past weekend, I loaded up the trailer and headed out to Bob's Hole on the Clackamas River in Oregon. I met DragoRossi Regional Paddler, Robby Virostek and set up shop with samples of all the latest and greatest from Nookie. I had extra Zone Shells, V Shock Decks, and Xtreme Dry Trousers on hand for folks to test and people were flipping out. After five hours and more then three dozen people trying gear, I packed up.

I sent a sample set of the Zone Shell, Xtreme Dry Trousers, and V Shock Deck to the sales manager, Luke Spencer, at Portland's most popular Kayak and Outdoor Store, Next Adventure. Luke has tested products from every kayak company in the industry and here is what he thinks - "The dry top and pants were awesome! I love the extended neoprene around the waist area, it really helps keep you dry, they are also very comfy. Dryness was as good as your gonna get for not being one piece. They are by far the best pants I have used yet! The top was awesome. I had a little bit of water come through the cuffs but overall 8 out of 10 on dryness. 9 or 10 on comfort. 9 on looking good. Durability seemed of the highest quality but only time will tell how it wears over the long term. Comfortability on neck and wrist is a 10! I would own this top. The tunnel system is easy to use, comfortable and well thought out."

The cold climate here in the Northwest is the perfect time to get a true test of the gear. I thought I would throw this shot in of Robby and his brother Joey suiting up for some ocean surfing.

Earlier in the season, Nookie products tagged along on a 26 person 'fun paddle' down my back yard river, the East Fork Lewis in Washington. Despite the snow, the level was great, and the Zone Shells, Xtreme Trousers, paired up with Thermal Core Top and Thermal Core Pants was the perfect comfort combination.

I have had a steady flow of interest across the country, so I will keep you all updated on where you can get your Nookie in the States, very soon.

Tony Z

Pimp your RiverMonster

The title says it all, make your already cool Rivermonster even cooler.

Ingredients
1 Nookie RiverMonster or any buoyancy aid with a chest harness will do.
1 Nookie sticker.

Method
Make sure your buoyancy aid is clean and dry, untie and remove the yellow quick release toggle from the cam buckle. Stick the sticker on straight and poke the holes for the release toggle through using a Biro from the sticker side. Rethread the cord and reattach the release toggle using an overhand knot.
Hey Presto all done, give yourself a Blue Peter badge!

Stay safe kids
James
www.jamesweir.net

Doug Cooper's African travels Part 2

Hey there everyone, i trust you all have sufficient hangovers and battle scars from partying , i fell in a cactus .

So a few days ago we all awoke fairly early and managed to flag down an old van to take us north to a break called Tamree, a break renowned for its consistancy and huge throaty barrels.
Piling boats on the roof and one on top of a fridge in the back and then all squeezing in alongside we headed North along the coast. On our way we swiftly realised that every break we passed was going off and in a big way. Finally arriving on the cliff top to our horror the waves were huge closing out and definitely pumping the sand bar, throwing all manor of hell in to our minds. Gingerly heading to the shallows all a little apprehensive we luckily got out back between a set. Once out i felt small. No....... tiny!!! Taking off on a few of the smaller sets we began to find our feet. Piers turned to us and said "look there is a hill in the sea, and its heading for us", we looked as an enormous set headed towards us. Danny took one look and started windmilling out back as fast as possible whilst Alan and i shook momentarily before wooping and preparing to get in to the line up. Once upon us it towered way over, i felt like a speck on the wave, i felt my boat begin to plane and i set my edge at a super steep angle of attack knowing well that if i didnt make the drop i was toast. Once far enough down the wave i took a moment to admire the huge banking face of water that i was riding before getting down to hucking the mother of all calli roles completely clean neither boat, body or paddles graced the water because i was flying at least 6 feet above it. A clean landing and still enough time to get back out on the face and escape the ever closing wall of crashing pipe behind me .
The rest of the day was spent riding waves of similar preportion. On our way home we picked up a few surfers who had broken down. Riding home we watched the sun setting over the point and in to the sea. A vast sky of deep reds and purples welcomed us home with the few minutes of dusk left we slung our boats on the balcony and headed to the pizza place on the beach where we spent the evening playing cards and sipping louessa tea with Moroccans.
With almost three weeks left in Africa and my tan coming on strong i wish you all good health and all that doo darrr

Doug xx