Winter Sessions

Well, it's been a while since the last update and there has been some fun times in the mean time. November saw epic flooding across the country, this washed out a lot of the main playspots around the country but provide some great river running, if you could find a river at a reasonably sane level.

All set for providing safety - Barry, Dee, Brian, Donal, Rob Dawg &Kav.

I got out on the Boluisce 3 times in a week, not bad for someone who lives in Dublin. One of those spins was the day after Dee celebrated her birthday out in Spiddal. It was perfect to wash away the cobwebs. Everyone made their lines on the river, but the birthday girl had an accident with a random rock, which called for James and a block of surf wax to come to the rescue and seal the leak.

Bowsie running the top drop.

Photos are thanks to John Staunton. Below is a video John put together of the day on the Boluisce. Enjoy.

After the flood began to recede, the usual winter playspot began to show themselves. We had some lovely levels at Tuam which we got some footage of. Enjoy Dee, Sinead, Shane and myself showing off the skills. Thanks God for NRS mitts and a skull cap, this is, remember, the coldest place in the WORLD.

The traditional trip to Kerry for New Years paddling and partying was struck down by a severe lack of water, which was replaced by lots of snow and ice. So with no paddling to be done it left a lot of time for partying with natives of Tralee. And of course a bit of hill walking in the snow.

Jean and Rob Dawg, looking lost on their way to the top of Mount Brandon.

View of Inch Strand with Carrauntoohil in the background.

We joined in with the local festivities in Tralee, with a spot of trolley racing. Above shows Rob in the passenger seat with Barry at the wheel.

To finish the Christmas hols and before headin back to the day job in the smoke i managed to get a couple of great Gower sessions in.

The new All Star really flies on the wave. It has amazing speed for such a short boat.

I am looking forward to comparing it to the 'Smoother', when it (if it ever) gets its debut surf!!

Above Dee carving up Gower.

So, that was my winter sessions, I am hoping for a nice wet Spring to keep the rivers flowing and I'm looking forward to competition season, with team trial, nationals and the national league events just around the corner. Bring'em on.

Talk soon

bowsie