2011 Paddling Equipment

As a full time paddler and coach using the right equipment really does matter, I am privileged to have good friends and sponsors to keep me kitted out whatever the weather, For the 2011 season I have chosen to use the following equipment for the majority of my paddling.   

   .Adrian Durrant,

Boat 

Jackson Rockstar M

Having owned 4 allstars at last it was time to step up to the new Rockstar, I chose the elite version purely because I preferred the blue and white colour, this boat has slightly more volume helping me stay afloat! with the lack of water their have so far been few opportunities to get this boat out but the few chances I've had I can honestly say she rocks!

new rockstar

Downtime UnderDawg

I am continuing to paddle my Downtime Underdawg Built so kindly for the last world championships, after a few injuries and swollen ankles I finally fit back in my boat its the same boat with a different set of padding lets hope she still works! 

Dry Wear

At present I am continuing to use the Sandiline range of equipment with both long and short sleeve cag decks and dry cags makes the perfect combination for all boats. The kit is dry, hardwearing and allows good movement, since changing to it I have been very impressed.

Decks

For 2011 I have changed over from my old faithful Playboater work deck to a new NRS Drylander Deck, First impressions were it looks silky smooth and the price tag is much less than I would of expected to pay for a new deck, performance wise this thing is unreal! the waist tube is a lighter comfier neoprene which stretches and moves and avoids unwanted bulk, the deck is 4mm Neoprene with latex layer to really hold close to the cockpit rim, and another latex trim on the top to give some protecting from abrasion. If your after a cheap deck that is high on performance this is the one! the deck is shaped to really fit the boat, I've used the deck on a range of boats and its not failed me for comfort nor performance,

 

Paddles

Over the past year I have used and tested many different blades with my current list of paddles exceeding most people lifetime list so here's a quick breakdown of what I think,

AT2 Standards 194-30 – big powerful foam core blade, Current blade of choice for creeking

Werner Double Diamonds 188-12 – Big play blades good catch and response lots of power transfer.

H20 Team 185-12 – Good grips and stiff shaft indestructible blades bounce off everything

H20-2 191-30 - Good grips and stiff shaft indestructible blades bounce off everything

Mitchell Squirt Bade 185 –12 squirt specific shape smooth and fast entry and exit.

Helmet

Play- Sweet Strutter

This classic helmet offers both protection and style in a lightweight shell,

Creek- Sweet Rocker

The ONLY choice for a full protection helmet if you really like your head, safe as houses this helmet is the daddy worth every penny!

Work- Protec B2 helmet

this lid has a great style fantastic colour scheme and fit lots of ventilation and will bounce all day long!

PFD

For 2011 I have upgraded from my Peak river guide to a beautiful shiny blue Astral Green jacket, after testing one of these over the winter I knew their was no competition great fit with full movement big side pockets gets stuff off your chest and space for the extra mars bar a solid safe choice for 2011

For freestyle I'm still with the Sandiline K1 competition Pro PFD nice and light with a low cut and loads of movement make it great for freestyle!

 

Media

Headphones

Currently using the new H20 Audio Amphibx fit armband as a lighter case weighs less and offers easier access to the phone and touch screen, the case is a perfect training aid both on flat-water and in a feature,

when the water gets tougher I switch back to the older style amphibx case which offers better protection against bumps and bangs.

To pair with these great cases I use either the new flex all sport super hero headphones  or the Surge sportswrap for moving water to guarantee the headphones stay close with no excess cable.

Camera

For 2011 I have received a brand new Olympus T-810 I have only just got this but look forward to taking on my 2011 adventures its the top end indestructible camera with gps and compass

here's what Olympus say!

toughest ever technology, the new TOUGH cameras are virtually indestructible. They’re waterproof**, shockproof***, freezeproof and scratch resistant to an unprecedented degree. A sliding double lock mechanism for port and battery protection and additional lens barrier mean your TOUGH will survive just about anything

• Waterproof to 10m, shockproof to 2m, crushproof to 100kg and freezeproof to -10°C
• 5x wide optical zoom (28-140mm*)
• GPS & Electronic Compass
• Eye-Fi Card compatibility
• 3D photo shooting mode
• 720p HD Movie and HDMI Control

 

Thank you to all current supporters and sponsors for the help, guidance and equipment offered

Thank you to I-Canoe.com for the continued support.

Happy Paddling

Hooked Live 27-28th Feb 2010

Over the weekend of 27th-28th of Feb Team I-Canoe put their days fishing experience in at the deep end, talking the talk and swimming like fish we did it!

The Event was the first Hooked event to be run at Citywest, Dublin. A new venue for a event of his nature with a large exhibition hall as well as beautiful golf course with lakes the organisers did a great job getting the best fisherman around to do demonstrations and presentations of their experiences and their skill.

Then their was us a bunch of more than able whitewater kayakers showing how great sit on top fishing could be!

And ..........

It was suprisingly successful!

Over the weekend we had a lot of interest of all the boats with demos out on the lake as well as stand we had pretty much a full line up including a fully kitted out Wilderness systems Commander

and probably a first for both Ireland and I-Canoe a Gigbob From NRS

The boats were looked at, sat in, commented on. by just about every person through the door. They provide a safe secure platform to reach secluded areas and are a fraction of the cost some were paying for lake boats.

with more and more people taking advantage of water activities it makes sense to buy something for every purpose weather its a toy for the beach with the kids that you simply add a rod holder to head out fishing or a out and out fishing boat you head out in using a kayak to fish from is environmentally a much better solution.

As well as showing off boats many of our suppliers have added a range of angling specific accessories to their 2010 line ups including

Rod holders and accessories for all boats

Including GigBob, Boundary Boots, Boundary Socks,

Including Nomad boots, and the SuperNova Angler Drysuit

For your chance to win this fantastic angling suit come and see us at CANI Paddlefest on the 12th-14th March

With all these products available fishing from a kayak goes from a wicked idea to reality in only a few minutes.

For more information on any products please contact us shop@i-canoe.com

As part of the event we sponsored a prize of our Demo Ride 135 used in the last blog post this competition was run in the Irish Star one of Ireland's most popular newspapers.

the prizes was collected at the show well done!!

Thanks to

Kokatat, for the Supernova Prize

Bennett at NRS for getting us the Gigbob sorted

Ant and team at System X for all our accessories and Manta Ray help

Shane at progressive distribution for demo wilderness equipment and accessories help

Mark at rough Stuff for his beautiful Stand

The rest of Team I-Canoe for help with build, set up and manning the stand and demo lake on a very bitter weekend!