The Crew
Back in October last year, amidst the heart of Scotland's untamed wilderness, where rivers carve their path through rugged landscapes, I met with two friends - Sam and Cam - bound by a shared love for the thrill of the rapids, to seek some drops and chat about river SUP life.
Having spent countless weekends together on the river, Sam and Cam are more than just paddling partners, they are best friends, united by a shared passion for the water.
Sam, a devoted family man and accomplished Indiana Boards ambassador, brings a warmth and stoke that extends beyond the river, while Cam's relaxed, but focused style, paired with his dedication to watersports education make him an inspiring force.
After an early morning rendezvous at a Tesco's Finest car park...tandem driving ensued. Spirits were high with anticipation as we approached the Falls of Shinn at Lairg by mid-morning. Alas, the water levels were low, teasing us with the promise of a future descent.
Craggy water
Our convoy moved onwards to Craggy Water, where drizzle danced on the surface of the heath and we would be faced by a twin drop, while this challenge was still met with utmost enthusiasm, in the midst of exhilaration, I lost my board, initiating a frantic chase downriver.
That evening we camped wild in a spongy moss pine woodland glen and drank a few drams of whisky - to warm the cockles of course. The next day as dawn broke, we revisited the Falls of Shinn one last time, met with the verdict of conditions this time too large for a descent! Undeterred, we set our sights on River Freshie, where fun dunks and mellow rapids awaited. All too soon the farewell loomed, a poignant moment reflecting the transient beauty of our shared adventure.
This story is from the Issue 42 - Spring 2024 edition of SUP International.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 42 - Spring 2024 edition of SUP International.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Turning Points
With spring in the air and the start of a new decade, thoughts naturally turn to what we can do differently in the name of betterment. Finn Mullen reflects on some changes to consider when looking to improve your SUP surfing.
THE CLOSE OUT- TREV'S GREAT BIRTHDAY ADVENTURE
I have had my fair share of great birthdays, usually coinciding with a national holiday in a country that I’m visiting. But this one was a bit different.
Paddle Science #18 - The Body Fortress. Boosting Immunity
At this time of year, the rate of infection for colds and flu normally tends to slow down as we enter warmer, springtime months. However, if you’ve been anywhere at all in the world recently, then there’s one word you can’t escape at the moment: Coronavirus. Infection rates, mortality rates and prognostic data are changing daily at the moment. As a new virus none of us have previously been exposed to it, meaning that currently, we have no immunity to it. It’s only through being infected by a virus that our bodies are able to make the right antibodies to not only enable us to recover but to also help protect us from any recurrent and future infection from it. If you’re keen to stay well and keep getting out on your SUP board this spring, then focussing on boosting your immune system is a positive step to take.
Ceylon Stories
Like a teardrop on the tip of the Indian sub-continent, Sri Lanka is a little tropical El Dorado of beautiful landscapes, rich cultural heritage and people with incomparable kindness. Thanks to its favorable exposure to the swells of the Indian Ocean, the has a large number of good waves along its incredible southwest coast where French pro Alexis Deniel and his partner Melanie had an unforgettable experience this winter. Discover their colorful journey through this dream destination sharing its jewels after decades of civil war and the tragedy of the 2004 tsunami.
Polar Bear
In 2019, the Polar Bear showed the world his teeth. After a fourth place in the toughest SUP race in the world, the Red Bull Heavy Water, the now 19-year old Christian Anderson became World Champion in November in the Technical Race at the ISA World Championships in El Salvador. He also won the U-18 title on the Euro Tour with an 11th place overall. What’s behind the young Dane's rise to power?
SHADENFREUDE
TEST REPORTS
Desire Lines
We were on the outskirts of Helsinki, scouting a new destination for our sup camps. Just 45 minutes’ drive from the city, the untouched nature of the Nuuksio National Park stretched out before us. Mirror-smooth lakes, wild herbs and an impressive fauna waiting to be explored over on board or on foot via the many desire lines made by the land mammals.
Magical. Mystical. Epic.
Alexandra is a club ambassador and SUP racer for Bray Lake; relatively new to the SUP scene she completed her first race season in 2019. She participated in her first international event, the Gla Gla, 2020, and placed 1st Brit, 8th lady and 81st overall, out of a mass start of 637 paddlers. Here she shares the highlights of her first Gla Gla experience.
Green Medicine
As a keen outdoorsman and busy GP, Paul Sampson has come pretty close to attaining the mercurial work-balance. When not busy with his patients, he can be found hiking, climbing, paddle boarding, wild swimming… anything that gets him outside soaking up the great outdoors and reconnecting with nature in the beautiful South of Cornwall.
Depth Charge
Many of us have are staying away from the beach for a while, some are confined to our homes, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still train for the surf. If you try the following for just one week you’ll see results, never mind three months…
