The Welsh Open

Last Sunday we hosted the Welsh Open at CIWW, and what a day it was!

First thing all the sponsors of the event set up shop to display the latest gear and supply endless amounts of demo boats for the day. The full production Dagger Nomad models were drawing in some attention!

I had to work for most of the day but that wasn't a downer because I was on freestyle coaching. It was great to see a range of young kids and adults trying to get into freestyle and seeing the quick progress they were making was great! Big shout out to Lowri Davies for helping us out on the sessions!

After work the Boater X began. We had built a purpose made ramp about half way down the course and it worked really well allowing 4 people in each heat. The course was set out with a number of obstacles that needed to be touched, if missed you were out!

My first heat went really well starting with a minor scrap with Natty Cordon, I managed to get ahead and have a clean run to the finish line. My 2nd heat was much the same breaking away from the pack early.

On my final run I was lucky enough to get a prime starting position on the left, so once we hit the water I again managed to get an early lead and avoid the carnage that ensued behind me! It was such a fun race and I was pleased with my 1st place!

Mean while the freestyle was taking place with 3 ability levels. The prize everyone was fighting for was a wooden trophy that Ronnie had worked really hard on during the lead up to the event. I was taking part in the elite category but after the boater X my shoulder froze up a little and I wanted to avoid injury with my upcoming Italy trip. And I would have got my ass kicked as there was some serious talent competing!

Thanks to everyone who organised the event and to all the sponsors who supplied demos, and prizes. Also a huge shout out to everyone who competed, it was nice to see lots of new faces!

Photo Credits to Gav Cooper and Isabel Cuesta

Next up PADDLE FEST!

Palm Orbit First Look!

I've been lucky enough to get hold of another piece of kit from Palm that isn't in the stores yet. The Palm Orbit spray deck!

Rand decks have become all the rage over the years with the theory being that they are less likely to implode when boofing big or running waterfalls. I hadn't really put much thought into owning one until I ran Lady Falls (40 foot) last year. I boofed the waterfall because of the shallow landing and on impact my Impact spraydeck (ironic) came off the right side of my cockpit.

So here is my first look review of the new Palm Orbit Spraydeck!

Firstly the whole range of decks have had a fresh new look, with tough, black outer and grey, flexible inner which will absorb impacts and prevent implosion. The new and simpler Palm logo sits bold and proud in the middle of the deck!

The pull tag of the deck is blue, matching the logo and is heavily stitched both on top and underneath the deck adding extra strength. There is also a little quick release tag to clip onto your BA whilst scouting/ out of your boat or to hang and dry.

The waist is flexible and easy to put on and sports the O ring seal which helps keep the deck in place and seals water out, with or without a cag.

The 4mm diamond shaped rand has been tested on a number of boats and creates a nice tight seal around the cockpit. The rubber is nice and stretchy so unlike other rand decks, you wont have to ask your buddies to help you put your deck on!

Heavy duty Gripsil has been used on the underside of the deck to really grip the cockpit and keep it in place.

I can't wait to put this deck through it's paces over the next two weeks in Italy! I will be able to give a more detailed review of it's performance upon return, I'm sure it's going to be a cracker!! Keep an eye out for these in stores and head to Escape Watersports to get your orders in!