When I heard there was going to be a new ladies Palm Element suit, I was really exited. New zip shape and materials to make it more manoeuvrable, drop seat for ladies relief and the same articulated cut and lightweight but durable material as my favourite cag – the Aqua (see this video for more technical details).

Last weekend an exciting parcel landed on my desk: a pre-production model for me to test! I rushed straight down to the Tryweryn, disregarding the fact that we were having the hottest October days on record. Over the course of the next couple of days I played about in my playboat, bashed around in my creekboat and fell out of inflatables trying to splat NRA bridge. I had an awesome time messing about with my mates, and hopefully you’ll enjoy this video.

We have noticed that a lot of women are paddling and getting out on their bikes too. So we thought, how about a female only weekend based around Llangollen where you can get some top paddling and MTB coaching tips from two very experienced coaches in their respective fields?

Lowri Davies an aspirant BCU Level 5 coach, former European Champion and owner of FlowFree and Ally Campbell CTC Skills and Jumps & Drops instructor and co owner of Campbell Coaching will join forces to deliver an unrivalled female specific paddling and MTB coaching course. They’ll help you to develop your skills and confidence both on the water and on your bike, but most importantly they’ll make sure you have lots of fun too! Female only courses provide a unique environment of supportive like-minded people as well as inspirational role-models for outdoorsy ladies.

The whole weekend of adventures and expert coaching costs just £195! If you want to join us for just part of the weekend, then get in touch.

Want to find out more info? Contact either company via their websites: FlowFree or  Campbell Coaching

Fellas take note: this would make a great present for that special lady in your life!

A few weeks ago, Becky Russell and I ran some Ladies Specific Courses in glorious sunshine on the rivers of North Wales.

Saturday’s Confidence Booster was a particularly fun day on the water, with ladies ranging in experience from just a few beginner rivers to those who’d paddled for years but now felt their confidence waivering. With low ratios, we were able to cater the day around these varying backgrounds and soon had everyone happy, smiling and progressing with their paddling. At the end of the day, almost everyone went for a body-surf in the bottom wave of Mile End Mill – a sign of improved confidence, high spirits and unusually hot weather in Llangollen!

Charlie Gwilliam looking determined

On Sunday it was time to focus on White Water Skills such as driving the boat across eddylines, boofing and using the river’s features to our advantage to make our paddling more efficient and dynamic. Thanks to Tom Wardill for some cracking photos from the day.

Lowri explains the next challenge…

Ladies Specific Courses are always a joy to coach and extremely rewarding as the atmosphere of peer encouragement and a fresh perspective never ceases to provide great progress in the paddling of those on the course.

The next Ladies Confidence Booster is set to be October 10th with a Ladies Playboating day on the 11th. Keep an eye on the ‘Ladies Courses’ page for more dates to be added soon!