SWKA Paddle Training Day

It's easy to forget how important paddling skills actually are when you're concentrating on the angling side of things so much.

This weekend members of the SWKA (South Wales Kayak Anglers) came down to Margam Park to brush up their skills in a kayak which will keep them safer on the water.

Still dry suit weather, but all the guys from SWKA were kitted out properly and were even brave enough to get their heads wet.

Great day on the water and a lot learned!

The Palm Kaikoura PFD and Aleutian Drysuit.
A great match!

Llangorse Kayak Fishing Competition '13

Last weekend Escape-Watersports sponsored the SWKA Llangorse Lake kayak fishing competition, held in a stunning part of the Brecon Beacons.

The cold winter weather still hadn't left us, but brave kayak anglers from far and wide came to Llangorse Lake and even cracked the ice in order to launch their boats and get the hunt started.

The hunt is on!

It pays to be prepared for cold conditions.

The winners. Well done lads!

A really fantastic weekend, and a big thank you to Palm Equipment, System X, and RAM for supplying the prizes.

Now we can look forward to the Oxwich competition later in the year!

Student Night

To start this week off we were visited by the guys and girls of Swansea University Canoe Club, for an evening of last minute spending, cakes, and beers.

Trying out the Red Paddle Co
 board bag.

The students will soon be departing on their annual paddling pilgrimage to the Scottish highlands, taking on well known rivers like the Etive, Tummel, and Garry by day, and partying hard in the evenings in true university student style.

In preparation for the big trip to the cold north, wetsuit wearers made the jump and bought dry cags and trousers and old helmets, buoyancy aids and shoes were upgraded thanks to some of Escape's special offers. 

Check them out on our special offers page here - http://www.escape-watersports.co.uk/special-offers

A Calmer Run of the Tawe

Sometimes it's quite easy to forget to enjoy a leisurely paddle on calm waters, especially with fantastic white water river locations on our doorstep in South Wales.

Taking a touring style kayak or open boat on a nice open stretch of water is something we don't often get to enjoy in the UK, usually seen in places like America or Canada on the big lakes and rivers.

But there's something to be said for packing some food, drinks, and supplies to last the day; cruising out on a calm day, and basking in the suns rays.

What better place than the river Tawe on a beautiful Spring afternoon?

Just another reason why South Wales is fantastic for boating. The get in for this trip is near the famous Liberty Stadium which can be seen up close from the river on your journey. Paddling down stream takes you all the way to the Marina where you are stopped by the barrage. There are plenty of places for stopping and taking a break, although the journey itself doesn't take too long if you are hard on time.

Surf At Sunrise

Only four weeks till the clocks go forward!
Exciting news for those of us who jump at the chance of a quick morning surf session before the working day begins, even if the surf conditions this week weren't amazing.
So team Escape & Co. headed to Porthcawl and managed to find a few good waves to carve up and play about with. Bring on the summer!