Brookbank Canoes Perth News

Gift Vouchers

perth@brookbankcanoes.co.uk (Brookbank Perth Team) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:55:00 +0000

Gift Vouchers are still available for Christmas. Don't know what to get for you Paddling Friend or Family Member. Give us a ring and we can put a gift voucher through for you at any value.

Winter Storage Tips for your Open Canoe

perth@brookbankcanoes.co.uk (Brookbank Perth Team) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:32:00 +0000

We do get asked occasionally how to store an open canoe, especially over the winter months when the boat is not getting used much. We got in touch with Mad River Canoes and they have some great information.

Winterizing the Gunwales.

Wood gunwales should be protected for storage by applying a coat of Gunwale Guard preservative. If the gunwales are dry or your climate is hot and humid, several coats may be necessary. In cold climates Gunwale Guard preservative is especially important to keep moisture out of the wood where it will freeze and expand. Be sure to protect under decks and other places where water may be trapped. Remove the deck plates on Royalex canoes to access the gunwales under them. On fiberglass or Kevlar canoes, this is a good time to tighten the screws along the gunwales.

Aluminum or vinyl gunwales, whether mounted on a Royalex, Royalex Lightweight, Fiberglass, or Kevlar hull are virtually maintenance free, and require no special attention prior to storage.

Seats and Thwarts
No special care is needed for these components before winter storage, except to tighten any loose bolts and touch up any chipped varnish.

Storage Position
The best canoe storage is upside-down in a cool, dry place. The canoe must be off the ground. A rack or sawhorses works well, but some protection can be obtained by using blocks. If you want to suspend the canoe from above, make sure the canoe's weight is resting evenly on the gunwales.

Do not store heavy objects on top of the canoe, and do not store a canoe on its side. Both will cause the hull to deform over time. If it will be exposed to wind, make sure your canoe is securely tied. Inside storage is preferred-it protects the hull from temperature extremes and exposure to rain or snow. Do not store our canoe a direct source of heat (e.g. a furnace): high temperatures are as detrimental as extreme cold.

If outside storage is necessary and a cover is desired, some precautions are needed. Make sure the cover will withstand snow loads or heavy rain. A plastic cover will protect the canoe from light precipitation and exposure, but do not allow the plastic to touch the hull. Leave the downwind end open for air circulation; moisture trapped between the cover and the canoe will discolor the hull. Some gray weathering of the gunwales will occur with outside storage.

Royalex Storage Information
If a Royalex canoe with wood gunwales will be stored in near or below freezing temperatures, the Royalex material, which has a high shrink coefficient, must be given ample room to contract. To do this, loosen all the inside gunwale screws several turns. Then remove the four screws on the outside gunwales on each side of the bow and stern.

Lift up the deck (the inside gunwales will still be attached), and from the ends of
the canoe sandwich a thin piece of wood between the gunwale/deck assembly and the top of the hull at both the bow and stern. Failure to perform this procedure can result in a cracked hull. In the spring, remove the pieces of wood, lower the gunwale/decks in place, replace the screws, and tighten all screws, including the inside gunwales.

Cold Cracks and Royalex canoes

What are "cold cracks"?

Royalex ® is a thermoformed composite material consisting of vinyl outer layers, interior ABS plastic layers and a foam core. It is an extremely durable material, capable of absorbing impacts and significant deflection without permanent damage.

However, it, as are most plastic materials, sensitive to temperature. Simply put, Royalex will contract when exposed to cold temperatures. This material property is what results in what are termed "cold cracks." Cold cracks are fractures of the material usually running perpendicular to the keel line of the canoe and terminating at the gunwale line. A canoe can experience a single cold crack or show a series of roughly parallel cracks over a portion of the hull. The majority of cold cracks occur towards the ends of the canoe.

Cold cracks result when the hull contracts in opposition to the gunwales remaining stable. As the hull contracts in opposition to the unchanging gunwales, stress eventually builds up that results in a sheer tear in the hull material, usually aligned with a fastener used to secure gunwale to hull.

How common are cold cracks?
Cold cracked hulls are actually quite rare (well less than 0.5% of Royalex hulls in existence) contrary to the amount of concern the problem receives amongst the paddling community. There are literally thousands of Royalex canoes that successfully winter over year after year in the northern United States and Canada without any problem. Some years the numbers are worse than others but a "bad" year, such as the winter of 2002-03 still only results in reports of 20-25 canoes suffering cold cracks. Most years we get reports of no more than 10.

At what temperature do cold cracks occur?
We know why the problem occurs, the bigger issue is there is no absolute way to predict when a hull will crack. There's no such thing as a predictable threshold of 100 or 150 that will result in a cold crack. Nor can we specify that X temperature for X number of days will create a cold crack.

We've had times when we've received reports of hulls cracking as far south as North Carolina while at the same time not hearing of any problems in Ontario or Maine. We've also heard of one person finding his boat cold-cracked while his neighbor, who stored his boat in a very similar manner did not have the problem. This is one of the most frustrating aspects of this issue, there's seemingly no rhyme or reason to it.

Over the years, we have gathered enough history to determine that a rapid temperature drop over a short period of time can result in cold cracks. If any conditions could be said to be cold crack conducive this would be it. However, there's no formula that specifies X degrees within an hour or a drop from X temperature to X temperature that will generate cold cracks.

Are certain types of gunwales more prone to cold cracking than others?
Yes, wood gunwaled canoes are most prone to cold cracking. This is due to any moisture contained in the wood rail will expand as it freezes, resulting in a gunwale that is actually expanding while the hull is contracting.

Synthetic gunwales are less prone than wood but it is certainly not unheard of for a canoe with aluminum gunwales to cold crack, particularly if a rapid drop in temperatures occurs. Cold cracks are least frequent in canoes with vinyl gunwales as the shrinkage coefficient of the gunwale is consistent with that of Royalex. However, most vinyl gunwales have an aluminum insert to provide the necessary stiffness for paddling and in most cases, the gunwale is affixed to the hull via screws or rivets driven through the aluminum insert. Thus, it's certainly not impossible to find a vinyl railed canoe with a cold crack.

How can I prevent cold cracks?
Honestly, it's almost impossible to entirely prevent them (short of storing your canoe in a heated area) primarily because the conditions at which they occur are so unpredictable. It is also possible that the older the canoe, the more prone to cold cracking it becomes as plastic becomes more brittle and less elastic over time.

Fortunately, there are ways you can minimize the likelihood of cold cracks. These range from storing your boat in a heated space to removing or loosening some of the fasteners in the gunwale. Here's what we recommend:

Canoes with Wooden Gunwales

1. Keep gunwales well oiled. A properly oiled gunwale will absorb minimal moisture and is more flexible and pliable and better able to work with changes in hull. The majority of cold cracks we see are on boats where the gunwales have not been properly maintained.

2. Remove screws from gunwales from each stem for 2'. Back screws out with Phillips head screwdriver. You can leave screws in outwale if preferred, so long as gunwale and hull move independently.

3. Lift up on inwales and deck and insert a ¼" thick wedge between gunwales and hull so that gunwales are lifted above sheer line of canoe. This will allow end of canoe to contract if temperatures dictate.

4. Loosen screws on next 2' of gunwales so that there is some play between hull and gunwales.

Avoid moving or hitting canoe when temperatures are below 20 degrees Farhen. Like most plastics, Royalex becomes more brittle when cold.

Canoes with riveted Aluminum Gunwales
Canoes with gunwales attached with rivets, there's not much to be done. If a strong cold front is predicted with significant and rapid temperature drop anticipated, you might be wise to
throw a couple of mover's style blanket pads over canoe to slow down rate of temperature
decrease.

Canoes with square drive fasteners (such as IQ Gunwale system)

1. Remove decks by releasing bolt in each side of deck.

2. Slide cover sleeve on outwale to reveal fasteners for 2' from each end of canoe.

3. Remove screws from end of canoe for 2' towards center.

4. Lift up on interior gunwales and slide ¼" thick wedge between gunwale and sheer line of hull to elevate gunwales above top of hull.

Are cold cracks covered under warranty?
No. Cold cracks are caused by subjecting the hull material to stress beyond its design limitations
and are thus excluded from warranty coverage.

Secind Hand WW Boats

perth@brookbankcanoes.co.uk (Brookbank Perth Team) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 14:18:00 +0000

We have taken in a couple of Boats over the last couple of days. Ideal if you plan to get on the water this winter.

Pyranha Stretch

Dagger GT 7.8

Dagger GT 7.8

Dagger GTS

London and Vans

perth@brookbankcanoes.co.uk (Brookbank Perth Team) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:26:00 +0000

So Brookbank London is getting set for their opening weekend. They open officially this Saturday. Check out their progress here. The store is 9000 sqft. If you are in London area why not pop along and see the new store.

Cam will be going down next week to check it out.

A bit late I know but we got a new van recently that has been kept really busy delivering to all our stores. If you see it on the road gives us a wave.

Water Water Everywhere.

perth@brookbankcanoes.co.uk (Brookbank Perth Team) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:26:00 +0000

So it is still raining. The guys have been out paddling quite a bit. Our part time boys Ross and Scott are doing their bit for charity. For Maggies Cancer Caring Centre they were planning to Paddle from Killin to Dundee. A total Distance of 136km within 24hrs.

Scott Puller.

They are doing the trip in a Tahe Marine Reval Duo They were hoping to do the trip last weekend but the weather was against them. They got a good bit of training done though. They managed to get from Killin to Birnam in 7HOURS!!. Scott has just been in to tell us about the river. There were surf waves like he had never seen before and Grandtully was all but washed out. They decided to pull the trip short for safety. They had told the police they were on the river and the Police advised them not to continue. They are going to complete the journey this week. You can donate to this very worth while charity by clicking here or by popping in store and putting some coins in the collection tins.

Ross Porter

Cam has not been out much on the rivers as he has been having a bit of trouble with his ears. He has been diagnosed with Surfer's Ear. A condition which has got worse for him over the last 2 years. He is off for a CT Scan this week so the doctors know what drill bit to use!. We'll keep you posted. In the mean time to protect yourself on the river or in the sea from surfer's ear you should make sure you have ear plugs or a skull cap.

Dog Display Team

perth@brookbankcanoes.co.uk (Brookbank Perth Team) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:56:00 +0000

We have Meg and Bramble but now we have Rex.

Brookbank Perth is also now socially networked. We have a group of Facebook now so if you are on the social network site come and join us.

Open Canoe Without a Paddle

perth@brookbankcanoes.co.uk (Brookbank Perth Team) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:31:00 +0000

The plan was simple. Get a load of Brookbank Staff head down to the Lake District and go Open Boating using more methods of propulsion than just a paddle. We all met up at the south end of Ullswater around 10am and headed down to the sailing school. These guys are one of Brookbank Carlisle's customers and let us use their carpark to leave the vans.

We headed out and most of us started off with poling. Paul was leading the group. Teaching us some goods techniques on the way. Trim of the boats and how to use the poles. We tried going up a little stream too. We practiced with the poles as it started to get quite windy. The rain was coming on and off as well. With a strong head wind it was time to practice some lining up the shores of the Loch, sorry Lake. I kept the camara in it's bag until lunch time with the heavy rain. We did practice some paddle strokes just before lunch where we were able to set up a tarp and talk knots and gear.

The afternoon it was time for some sailing. We were at a sailing centre after all. The wind had dropped a little but there was still more than enough to get the boats moving under wind power. Paul went through three main different types of sailing rigs the last one being the most intricate.

Two Open Canoes were lashed together using some handy two by four and a couple of roof rack straps.

An A frame rig using two poles were lashed together and tied down front and rear. A knot was tied at the top with a crab to hoist the sail. (the tapr we used at lunch.)

Once the sails were rigged and instructions given on how to drop the sail quickly in case of a gust it was onto the water and try them out.

Pete had rigged a solo sail set up.

Paul and Rikki had a two boat set up.

Adam, Mike and John had a the Tarp rig and were able to get some speed up.

It was a great day training and thanks to Paul for all his efforts. All the staff who attened will now be selling you a sailing rig, canoe poles and ropes to propel your new canoe, as well as paddles of course.

Opening Hours November, December

perth@brookbankcanoes.co.uk (Brookbank Perth Team) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:36:00 +0000

Hi everyone. I thought I would put a quick post up to let you know our opening hours over the next couple of Months. We want to make sure we are here for you to order and pick up your Christmas Presents. So here goes.

We will be open late till 8pm on the 6 Thursdays run up to Christmas.

Thursday 12th Nov
Thursday 19th Nov
Thursday 26th Nov
Thursday 3rd Dec
Thursday 10th Dec
Thursday 17th Dec

We will be Open as usual the rest of the week and Closed on Sundays. Usual Opening Hours are 9.30am till 5.30pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. We are normally around until 6pm on the usual days so if your running late but still want to catch us then give us a call.

Over Christmas our hours will be:-

Mon 21st Dec - Open as usual
Tues 22nd Dec - Open as usual
Weds 23rd Dec - Open as usual
Thurs 24th - CLOSED
Friday 25th - CLOSED
Saturday 26th - CLOSED
Sunday 27th - CLOSED
Monday 28th - Open 9.30am to 5pm
Tuesday 29th - Open 9.30am to 5pm
Wednesday 30th - Open 9.30am to 5pm
Thursday 31st - CLOSED
Friday 1st Jan - CLOSED
Saturday 2nd - Open as usual

So now you know when we will be in, so why not pop in and say hello. Remember we do gift vouchers, ideal christmas present for those paddlers you don't know what to get.

We are still busy with mail order. We are using Parcelforce 48 where possible and have been having no major problems during the Postal Strikes.

Cam got a chance to get out on the water on Wednesday this week and had a great paddle on Loch Tay. Awesome Autumn colours on Drummond Hill and even better the Loch was Mirror Flat. See you on the water.A couple of Pics from Loch Tay

STUDENT NIGHT

perth@brookbankcanoes.co.uk (Brookbank Perth Team) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:36:00 +0000

Wednesday October 14th 5pm - 8pm

We are having a STUDENT EVENING. So dust off your student cards and make sure your grants are in the bank and come and see us on the evening of the 14th of October. We will be staying open late till 8pm and will have some special offers on for all you students. So bring your student cards and friends along to the best deal night of the year.!!!!!!!!!!! If you bring along some beer and pizza you might even get a better deal........................ ;)
So steal the UNI mini bus pile in a bunch of cars and get along to the Shop for the best discount night.

Hope to see you there.

New Shop layout

perth@brookbankcanoes.co.uk (Brookbank Perth Team) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:30:00 +0000

We have been working hard this last month. The manager Cam has become a dad. On the 20th of August Elizabeth Skye was born.

The shop has been getting more work done by Alltec

We have had a small office built and a whole wall of Slatwall put up. Giving us loads of display area for all the new product we are getting in.

We will be open for the Saturday and the Sunday of Paddle 09 being held again in the Bells Sports Centre in Perth on the 24th 25th of October.

October and November will see some more special offers from us. We are offering 15% off Whitewater Kayaks. There are some conditions so please phone the shop for full details.

Before the SCA Show, where our very own Paul Chapman will be doing a presentation, we are having a STUDENT EVENING. So dust off your student cards and make sure your grants are in the bank and come and see us on the evening of the 14th of October. We will be staying open late till 8pm and will have some special offers on for all you students.

Hope to see you all soon.

Fluid Ex Demo Boats for Sale

perth@brookbankcanoes.co.uk (Brookbank Perth Team) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 08:20:00 +0000

We are selling off our Ex Demo Fluid Boats.

All models are available and some of the popular models we have 2 to sell. Click here on our website for details. Save yourself at least 25% on retail and get yourself on the river this Autumn. Phone us for details. We have L and M Spice, L Solo and L Nemesis in Perth but we can get any other models up for you to have a look at.

River Ness Marathon

perth@brookbankcanoes.co.uk (Brookbank Perth Team) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 09:09:00 +0000

Ness Kayak and Canoe Marathon – Sunday 2^nd August 2009

Nairn Man Peter Ralph of Nairn Kayak Club and Inverness Canoe Club placed fifth overall in the 2009 Ness kayak marathon and placed second in the long course Wavehopper K1 class with a time of 1:49 and 44 seconds. A hard fought race up the Caledonian Canal against a strong wind was only slightly made up on the way down the River Ness due to its very low levels on the day. The overall winner was Mark Bragg of Integrate Paddling Aberdeen , setting a new long course record of 1:21 and 27 seconds coming in ten minutes ahead of all other paddlers, bringing 2 minutes off the previous record. Long course Canadian C2 event was won by Royal CC paddlers from London James Irvine and Shao Tan with a time of 2:27 and 31 seconds.

Short course winners were Paul Cornet of Inverness CC with a time of 1:28 and 40 seconds, just 9 seconds ahead of his nearest rival in the male K1 event and Inverness CC paddler Suzy Beaumont won the female K1 class with a time of 1:28 and 45 seconds. The short course Canadian C2 winners were Andrew Brownlow and Hamet Auty with a time of 1:10 and 30 seconds.

The event was generously sponsored jointly by H20 Outdoors and Brookbank Canoes Perth, Our thanks go to Cam and the team at Brookbank canoes for the assistance in making this a successful event.

Steve Mackinnon

Ness Kayak and Canoe Marathon organiser

Ness Marathon 2009 Race results

Long Course

Long course K1 Male
Place	Name	Time	Club	Boat	Class
1	Mark Bragg	1:21:27	Integrate Paddling	Marathon K1	Vetran
2	Derek Marshall	1:31:10	Linlithgow KR	Marathon K1	Vetran
3	James Fairley	1:33:27	NESKY	Marathon K1	Vetran
4	Colin McMorrin	1:35:05	KCC	Wavehopper	Senior
5	Peter Ralph	1:49:44	Inverness CC	Wavehopper	Vetran
6	Laurence Phin	1:49:49	Inverness CC	Wavehopper	Vetran
7	Greg Manning	1:50:50	Integrate Paddling	Touring K1	Vetran
8	Gordon McKenna	3:03:23	Inverness CC	Touring K1	Vetran
9	Paul Clayton	3:03:23	Inverness CC	Touring K1	Vetran

Long course K2
Place	Name	Time	Club	Boat	Class
1	Simon Kay / John Kavenagh	1:50:20	Macclesfield	Racing K2	Vetran
2	Gordon Milne / Debra Storr	1:51:05	NESKY	Sea K2	Vetran

Long course Open Canadian C2
Place	Name	Time	Club	Boat	Class
1	James Irving / Shao Tan	2:27:31	Royal CC	Open Canadian	Senior
2	Dave Preece / Ann Marie Markle	2:28:25		Open Canadian	Senior

Upper Tummel & New Products

perth@brookbankcanoes.co.uk (Brookbank Perth Team) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 15:42:00 +0000

Last week Fozz told us he wanted to go run the Upper Tummel. We knew it was releasing on Thursday night so we told a few folks we would be heading that way after work. We ended up with 19 people on the river.

Fozz Running Maclaren Falls. These are visible from the road on the River Left Hand Bank .

Craigy Wilson running the Falls.

Thanks to AD for the Photos. It was evening so they are a little dark but you get the idea. I could list everyone that was there but that would take ages. You know who you are. Thanks it was alot of fun.

WAVE SPORT

We have had the new D65 and D75 in from Wavesport. These boats are the same shape as the old model with a whole new outfitting and made in the UK to Boot. The finish on them looks great and the outfitting wel thought out. At £599.00 the hold great value for money. Loyalty Card Package deal available on this boat too.

D65 Pride of Place in the Shop (The first D75 we have had in has already sold)

SWEET
We have the new Sweet Wanderer Helmet in stock now too. In Black, Red or Gloss White.

BIG DOG KAYAKS
Big Dog Kayaks. The new kids on the block have been slowly getting their new models to us. We have had the Kaos in and we have a demo available. A great playboat with to outfitting options.
The other models in the range are set to be with us late summer early autumn.

The North Esk

perth@brookbankcanoes.co.uk (Brookbank Perth Team) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 09:00:00 +0000

Gavin

We got a chance to get out on the North Esk yesterday with a good crowd. Gavin, Alec, AD, John, Scott, Fozz and Cam

Gavin

The River was fairly low but the sun was out so we all had fun. I paddled the Dagger Green with some interesting lines..... : )

Alec

All the Boys in the Sun

AD at the bottom of Triple Steps.

No really it is Scotland!!!

Fozz showing all the short boaters how it should be done in his Nomad.

John running Triple Step.

The Green at the bottom of Triple Step.

Up To Date

perth@brookbankcanoes.co.uk (Brookbank Perth Team) — Thu, 14 May 2009 14:12:00 +0000

Ok so what has been going on. It has been a while since our last post.

We have opening the larger size shop and it is looking great.
New Palm gear is slowly coming through. The new Big Dog White Water Kayaks should be here soon.

We have our Demo weekend this weekend at Loch Ore Meadows.
Click here for details.

We will be up at the Skye Sea Kayak Symposium next weekend.

And a new world Waterfall record has been set at over 180ft!!!!! Not by any of our staff of course.....

Bigger and Better

perth@brookbankcanoes.co.uk (Brookbank Perth Team) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:03:00 +0000

So with alot of hard work last week on the run up to Easter and some late nights we now have a bigger shop!!! The guys at Alltec did an excellent job on removing the walls, cleanly and quickly. They had little or no effect on our busy day to day running. Thankyou David, Graeme and the guys for a great job.

Here is a quick photo of how the place looks now. You can see it is alot more open. There is alot still to do with tidying and final layout, so bare with us for a couple of weeks but do come and see us.. We will have new stock arriving every week to fill up our new shop that we are all very proud of.

River Tay World Fly Fishing Championships.

perth@brookbankcanoes.co.uk (Brookbank Perth Team) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:26:00 +0000

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR ALL PADDLERS AND CANOEIST. THE WORLD FLY FISHING CHAMPIONSHIPS IS ON IN JUNE ON THE RIVER TAY.

The World Fly Fishing Championships are taking place at five venues in Scotland from Monday June 8^th until Wednesday, June 10^th. This is an international event, fishing for trout and grayling, not salmon.

Four are loch-based – Carron Valley, Loch Leven, Loch Awe and Lake of Menteith. The fifth is on the Lower Tay from Burnmouth (Stanley) down to Benchil, above Luncarty.

The Organisers have applied for, and been given, a Section 11 Exemption Order of the Scottish Land Reform Act for the River Tay on these dates by Perth and Kinross Council, the Access Authority. This means that other water-users cannot legally use that stretch of river on those dates, and between the times stated. This is a very rare occurrence, and does not mean that other Orders would be granted lightly.

This is a legally-enforceable restriction, and so paddlers must obey the Order.

It affects the river between the hours of;

Monday, June 8^th – 7.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 9^th – 7.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 10^th – 7.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.

Groups attempting to launch at Burnmouth will be stopped by stewards, and those coming downriver, not seeing the notices which will be placed at every access point on the Tay, will also be stopped by boat. A transfer service to beyond the fishing stretch will be provided by the organisers (but could take considerable time).

Paddlers can; access the river on Sunday June 7^th as normal, and use that stretch of the Tay in the evenings after the close of fishing. However, the car park at Burnmouth will be very crowded all of the three days, including for those wishing to go and play on Campsie Linn, so access is not advised.

Scottish Canoe Association

March 2009

Brookbank Swim Team

perth@brookbankcanoes.co.uk (Brookbank Perth Team) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 16:42:00 +0000

So we all went kayaking on the North Esk last weekend and Brookbank Perth launched it's new Swim Team. John is now the President and Foz is the Vice President. Cam remains the coach. Obviously the coach never goes in the water!!!

Fozz on the Fish Ladder

2009 Tide Tables

perth@brookbankcanoes.co.uk (Brookbank Perth Team) — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 14:15:00 +0000

We have the new Tide Tables for 2009 in store now. Both Aberdeen, Leith and Greenock Oban.
Click here to buy online or come in store and pick your copy up.

New Artistic Dry Suits now in Stock

perth@brookbankcanoes.co.uk (Brookbank Perth Team) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 14:35:00 +0000

We now have the new Artistic Dry Suits in stock in the Perth Store. We only have a small size range for now. At first glance the quality looks good. They are using a different type of T Zip to what most other manufacturers use but it looks flexible and strong. The adding padding in the knees would be great for open boaters.

2009 Catalogue

perth@brookbankcanoes.co.uk (Brookbank Perth Team) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:47:00 +0000

I've been down at our head office this week and I've had a sneak look at the new catalogue. It looks great with all the new kit in for 2009. It is away at the printers just now and we should see the finished copies next week. We'll have them in store in Perth ASAP. If you have ordered one online we will be sending yours out next week.

We are having a stand at the Birmingham NEC next weekend so you will be able to pick up a copy from there too.

Source Adventure Dates for 2009.

perth@brookbankcanoes.co.uk (Brookbank Perth Team) — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 09:49:00 +0000

We have just had the course dates in from Dave at Source Adventure. These are courses run by Dave so please contact him if you wish to book on any of the courses. Enjoy and See you on the water.

Slovenia 2009

Offering an Introduction to Kayaking White Water Week

followed by A Kayak Progression Week

From the 5^th to 19^th of July. Details below.

Course Calendar

Alongside our brimming Calendar For 2009 we are proud to be introducing:

Freestyle and Freeride courses with World no 6 Freestyle kayaker Ed Smith.

Learn to make a Wooden Canoe Paddle Weekends with Pete Scott

Loch Shiel and the Moidart Peninsula Canoe Expedition

River Spey - 2 day Whisky tasting Canoe descent

Introduction to Sea Kayaking courses

Sea Kayak Touring and Navigation weekends

Kayak Spring Melt Guided week

Advanced Kayaking Steep creek course

For our Full course Calendar please see the temporary Website @ www.sourcepaddlesport.com. If the details are not live please feel free to contact the office.

Slovenia - Introduction to Kayaking White Water Week

Aimed at the Novice to Beginner

July 5-12 2009

8 day long activity holiday of which 6 you will have professional kayak coaching and guiding.

The region we shall be paddling is in the Julian Alps, home of the countries largest mountain Triglav. Through these limestone mountains the Soca river is created with its crystal clear azure water carving through spectacular mountainous scenery. The river is ideal for novice through to advanced kayakers as it offers a plethora of flat and gently moving sections of water to entertain, enthral, Ideal for learning and gaining confidence. Up to fantastic boulder garden advanced sections of white water. Once you step out of your kayak there are many restaurants and delicacies to help finish off the day.

All equipment can be provided within the cost by Source or if you have taken the plunge and bought your own equipment we can transport this out to Slovenia for you.

You will be one of a maximum of six people to one highly qualified and enthusiastic coach. So you can be assured you will have the time and quality you deserve.

Itinerary

Prior to Your Flight - An opportunity to drop off any equipment Source will be driving out for you.

Day 1 - Meet at Ljubljana airport and drive to our base in Bovec and settle in. Allocate equipment and familiarise yourself with the local restaurants and bars.

Day 2 - Learning the key concepts to effective efficient kayaking focussing our attention on the application of our body and the relationship with the boat and the paddle and practicing forwards paddling, turning, steering strokes.

Day 3 - A shorter day to get you in the swing of things. Flat and gently moving water will help you learn the fundamentals of moving across the flow and moving in and out of flat and moving water.

Day 4 - A half day paddle followed by a chance to stretch your legs and walk up to Boka waterfall. Offering a fantastic view up the Soca river to the mountains of the Julian alps.

Day 5 - Now those newly acquired skills will be coming on thick and fast so we shall investigate a larger stretch of grade 2 white water enhancing your development in a fun manageable environment yet guiding you onto new levels of boating

Day 6 - A longer day taking in a few sections now today will be a day to really show off those new skills on grade 2+ rapids interspersed with gentle and flat water and many an opportunity to take in the view and have a picnic lunch on route.

Day 7 - This is a choices day to be discussed and decided upon by the whole group. The day will end with a celebratory meal out with you Instructor and rest of the group.

Day 8 - Transfer to Ljubljana airport and return home

Shuttle and driving services to and from the river

Transfers to and from the Airport

(flights not included*)

Accommodation in Sources section of a campsite in Bovec

Dining / cooking tents and relaxation area.

Evening celebratory meal at the end of the course.

(All other food is not provided but themed each night i.e. BBQ etc)

For more information check out the website under "Foreign Expeditions"

All this for €750

Kayak Progression

Grade 2 Kayaker moving on to grade 3 white water

July 12th - 19th 2009

Our latest course in the sunny climate of Slovenia paddling on the Soca river in the north west of this beautiful country. With an 8 day long activity holiday of which 6 have will be professional coached and guided through Source Paddlesport

All equipment can be provided within the cost by Source or if you have taken the plunge and bought your own equipment we can transport this out to Slovenia for you.

You will be one of a maximum of six people to one highly qualified and enthusiastic coach. So you can be assured you will have the time and quality you deserve.

Itinerary

Prior to Your Flight - An opportunity to drop off any equipment Source will be driving out for you.

Day 1- Meet at Ljubljana airport and drive to our base in Bovec and settle in. Allocate equipment and familiarise yourself with the local restaurants and bars.

Day 2 - A warm up day familiarising yourself with the Soca on grade 2 white water and the equipment. Alongside skills refreshment aided by your coach.

Day 3- A mid length day looking at river safety, positive group working, leadership and reading grade 3 rapids whilst paddling on grade 2+ / 3 sections.

Day 4 - The sections of river today will help you learn and understand the differences between big volume grade three and technical grade three and how to relate and interact with each.

Day 5 - A half day paddle followed by an opportunity to walk up to Boka waterfall. With a fantastic view looking up the Soca river to the mountains above.

Day 6 - Moving on to the upper sections of the river for some longer more sustained paddling showing off those polished confident grade three boating!

Day 7 - This is a choices day to be discussed and decided upon by the whole group. The day will end with a celebratory meal out with you Instructor and rest of the group.

Day 8 - Transfer to Ljubljana airport and return home.

Shuttle and driving services to and from the river

Accommodation in Sources section of a campsite in Bovec

Dining / cooking tents and relaxation area.

Transfers to and from the Airport

(flights not included*)

Evening celebratory meal at the end of the course.

(All other food is not provided but themed each night i.e. BBQ etc)

All this for €750

Canoe Expeditions

River Spey - 2 day Whisky tasting descent

April 25^th and 26^th. £375pp

May 3^rd and 4^th.

June 27^th and 28^th

August 15^th and 16^th

River Spey - 3 day descent - Aviemore - Craigellachie

April 27^th, 28^th and 29^th. £350pp

May 5^th, 6^th and 7^th.

August 4^th, 5^th and 6^th.

Loch Tay - 2 day tour of the Crannogs

March 21^st and 22^nd. £200pp

April 25^th and 26^th.

May 18^th and 19^th.

August 10^th and 11^th.

River Tay - 2 day descent - Kenmore to Dunkeld

March 24^th and 25^th. £225pp

April 1^st and 2^nd.

May 28^th and 29^th.

River Tay - 3 day descent - Kenmore to Stanley

April 27^th, 28^th and 29^th. £350pp

June 17^th, 18^th and 19^th.

August 17^th, 18^th and 19^th.

Loch Shiel and the Moidart Peninsula

May 11^th, 12^th and 13th. £350pp

June 8^th, 9^th and 10^th.

August 12^th, 13^th and 14^th.

Canoe and Mountain - Knoydart -Loch Hourn

May 29^th, 30^th and 31^st. £350pp

June 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th.

August 21^st, 22^nd and 23^rd.

Great Glen - 4 Day Traverse

June 23^rd, 24^th 25^th and 26^th. £400pp

Kayak and Canoe Courses

Introduction to Paddle sport (Canoe or Kayak)

2 days: £150pp

March 7^th and 8^th.

April 18^th and 19^th

May 16^th and 17^th

June 6^th and 7^th

July 27^th and 28^th.

September 12^th and 13^th.

3 days: £210pp

February 28^th, March 1^st and 2^nd

April 24^th, 25^th and 26th

May 29^th , 20^th and 31^st

June 12^th 13^th and 14^th.

August 15^th 16^th and 17^th.

5 days: £340pp

March 16^th to 20^th

April 18^th to 22^nd

June 29^th to July 3^rd.

August 24^th to 28^th.

September 7^th to 11^th.

Introduction to Moving Water (Canoe or Inland Kayak)

2 days: £150pp

March 14^th and 15^th.

April 18^th and 19^th.

May 30^th and 31^st

June 20^th and 21^st.

August 1^st and 2^nd.

September 5^th and 6^th.

5 days: £340pp

March 23^rd to 27^th

April 13^th to 17^th.

May 18^th to 22^nd

June 15^th to 19^th.

August 24^th to 28^th.

September 21^st to 25^th.

Introduction to Sea kayaking

Dates TBC

Introduction to Expedition Camping (Canoe)

March 28^th and 29th. £150pp

April 25^th and 26^th.

June 6^th and 7^th.

August 1^st and 2^nd.

September 19^th and 20^th.

White Water Improver (Canoe or Inland Kayak)

2 days: £150pp

March 21^st and 22^nd

April 3^rd and 4^th.

May 16^th and 17^th.

June 21^st and 22^nd.

August 1^st and 2^nd.

September 5^th and 6^th.

September 26^th and 27^th.

5 days: £340pp

March 9^th to 13th

April 6^th to 10^th

May 18^th to 22^nd

June 8^th to 12^th.

August 24^th to 28^th.

Sea Kayak Touring and Navigation

Dates TBC

Make a Canoe Paddle with Pete Scott

Dates TBC

Canoe Journey Skills

March 28^th and 29^th. £150pp

May 16^th and 17^th.

August 8^th and 9^th.

Freestyle Kayaking with Ed Smith

Dates TBC

Freeride Kayaking with Ed Smith

Dates TBC

Spring Melt Guided Week

March 9^th to 13^th. £340pp

White Water Advanced, Steep Creeking (Inland Kayak)

April 10^th to 13^th. £340pp

What's been happening? I hear you cry

perth@brookbankcanoes.co.uk (Brookbank Perth Team) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:04:00 +0000

It's been a while since I posted. Sorry. The last few months seem to have flown by. Christmas and New Year are now a blur and we are currently stuck in what feels like an ICE AGE. That hasn't stopped some of the team getting out and about. Mark has been up in Deeside on the GarbAllt.

It was obviously cold with snow still on the ground.

We have been keeping busy getting some new products in for your delight as well. Today saw the arrival at our Stockport Branch of the new Tahe Marine Sea Kayaks. Click the link to find out more. These boats are available to demo at any of our stores so get in touch and we'll get them here for you.

We are also eagerly awaiting some new dry suits from NRS, Artistic and new Models from Palm. These should all be with us in February. Some great looking products.

Our Warwick store is also on the move. They are busy sorting out their new unit that is 5000sqft. That's 1400sqft bigger than our store. Check out the latest from them here.

We will be at the National Boat and Caravan Show on the 17th to the 22nd of Feb. We will also be at the Outdoor Show on the 27th to the 29th of March. Both these events are being held at the NEC in Birmingham. For a full list of the events we will be attending or running click here.

One of the events I am most looking forward to this year is our first ever big scale demo event. This will be held at Loch Ore Meadows onthe 16th 17th of May. They plan to have a climbing wall and mountain bike event as well as our demos. We have managed to persuade some major kayak and canoe manufacturers to come along as well. It should be a great weekend. Look out for more news on that soon.

Today

perth@brookbankcanoes.co.uk (Brookbank Perth Team) — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 10:19:00 +0000

Well we've had a busy summer here at Brookbank Perth. We have been kept busy in the shop and we have heard a number of other shops haven't been doing as well. Even though we've been busy getting product in and supplying centres we've still had the chance to get out and about.

We ran an evening for the Tayside Sea Kayak Club where we took a number of demos down to Broughty Ferry. We had good weather which was a change after the terrible weather we've had this summer. If you want us to get some demo boats together for your club then get intouch and we can get it organised for you.

Fozz has been out with some other paddlers and had regular runs down the North Esk.

We got the New Dagger Green in as a demo to play around with. This is a new concept in WW boats. It was originally designed as a WW Race Boat for the USA based Green River but is a great boat expedition and even flat water touring.

After the British or more so the Scottish success in the Olympics I got myself a Slalom boat to do some training. It is for sale if you are interested.

Off the water Cam has been competing in his other toy. A Custom Built V8 Landrover. He competed in the Tay Forest Challenge at the end of August getting the unlucky no. 13 and has another event at the end of September.

But as always it is good to get away from it all on your own. Cam had a day on Loch Tay last weekend and covered 10km. The Loch was unusually flat and the weather was slightly overcast but is was a nice chilled day out on the water. Just the way it should be.

perth@brookbankcanoes.co.uk (Brookbank Perth Team) — Fri, 09 May 2008 13:21:00 +0000

Busy week this week. We have the Warwick Demo Day this weekend and we have had to have an additional delivery this week with the amount of orders we are waiting for.

This week summer has definitely arrived. We have had a week of shorts and flip flops. We have had a great week sales wise as well with people wanting to get out on the water now the sun has eventually shown itself.

Summer time so flips flops out.

Ciaran is happy today as his new boat Dagger G Force arrived. It arrived yesterday while he was off so last night Fozz and I decided to tie it up for him to come in in the morning.. haha. Funnily enough it didn't take him long to get it down and get in it. The guys at Dagger have done him a limited edition Kiwi G Force 6.3. This boat is not normally made in this colour and in fact the powder they used was the last stock they had so there won't be another. Look out for him on the water soon.

We have had some new demo boat stickers in recently. As we are going to head off on a road trip this weekend (around 750 miles) I figured we could do some useful advertising and so I have logo'd up my 206. I think it is nice a subtle.