Using my paddles in Nepal

Since April this year, I am now being sponsored by Robson Paddles. They have always been my paddle of choice and I have always competed using a Robson. Here are a few pictures of myself and Tusc (who is sponsored by Lightning) paddling around Nepal.

Using my paddle in the Himalayan whitewater Championships

Tusc, waiting on the rock at Hakapur on the Sun Kosi river.

Our camp on the Sun Kosi river next to the Dudh Kosi confluence. This guy was very impressed with our paddles!

Very cool baba we got chatting to on the Sun Kosi

Flying through the waves on the Karnali

Just before setting out for a day on the Upper Bhote Kosi

Using the Robsons to teach a kayak clinic on the Trisuli.

Preparing to take on the Sun Kosi rapids!

Playing around on the Trisuli

Tusc taking on Hakapur

Tusc having a play on the Sun Kosi

How the local kids use the paddles!

Having fun on the Upper Bhote Kosi

Maila Gurung

Testing out Lightning Paddles

Photoshoot with a difference - Jumping Croyde!

Recently I was in front of the lens for a surf kayaking photoshoot at Croyde Bay, Devon. The photoshoot was for the promotion of the North Devon area for tourism and also for promoting the Atlantic watersports and Interceltic Games which is being held in North Devon this summer. The photoshoot was a bit different as we wanted not only surf kayaking pictures on the water but also creative shots on land with my kit (not the sort of thing usually done with kayakers but I'm sure the results will be great!).

A lot of the pictures used the theme of jumping (including jumping my legs through my Robson paddles whilst holding them!). We also had artificial lighting on the beach to create some great effects.

The photoshoot and interview with me was one of a few featuring top local athletes such as surfers, a windsurfer and a kitebuggy rider. These will go towards some national media articles.

It was really great working with such a creative photographer (Roy Riley – www.royriley.co.uk). I’m really looking forward to seeing the results!

  

Philip Watson

Robson-Crashtest.flv

So, are the paddles strong? Below is a view of the Robson brand.

My Paddle

Lightning Freeride Paddles

My initial thoughts on the blades were how strong the catch was. Being used to slalom blades, I imagined less power but the catch on these blades was solid.

On forward strokes, as previously said, the catch is very strong and you feel a nice connection between blade and water. It feels planted. As the stroke continues back it continues to stay very stable in the water, and provided nice resistance to pull the boat past. Overall this is a very powerful blade even being the smaller of the two lightning non buoyant blades.

The shaft is extremely ovaled, this gave me lots of control with my blade angle. This leads on to how I felt they were on rudders, they sliced surprisingly nicely for a creeking blade, and again the power and connection to the water felt very strong. 

After paddling with them more, I am finding that they are a lot easier on the wrists and elbows, due to the nice flex in the blade. They also seem bomb proof, and from the stories that are being told from the testing in Nepal they are!

Thanks for reading,

David Bain

New Update

As many of you may have seen, Lightning paddles have made the journey across the water. They now join Robson as part of the Mega Sports family. This blog is for the children of the family, for the brothers and sisters who paddle with Lightning and Robson paddles in the UK. It features paddlers from across all sectors, from the salt water kayak surfer Phil Watson, to Olympic challenger David Bain. Lets not forget Matt Kenna or Tusc Any other special family members.

Each blog post will be a small insight, a snap shot of the life of your paddles, of my paddle, of your paddle.