Have You Missed Us?

We are back…………

It is always good to come home, but it is hard to forget the great memories of those weeks on those three rivers in the Canadian wilderness. It is not something that you can forget easily and it's the great memories that drive me on to plan my next expedition. When I return from every expedition I feel refreshed and lively, like a new life is before me. Although, if I stop work I can put in for a seniors card, I feel as young as I did 30 years ago and with my body feeling no pain from the extreme paddling that I do, I can't wait to live life at its fullest over the next 20 years.

The Team: Leonie, Tony, Alaine & Terry above the Arctic Circle.

In the meantime it’s back to work, another past time that I enjoy. As a passionate canoeist owning my own canoe shop is such a rewarding job. It feels good to be able to help other paddlers to either get into the great sport or help those in the sport to enjoy it to its fullest extent.

The good thing about going away is that I forget all about work and I can just get on with enjoying my holiday. Of course in the past it hasn't been possible to leave the shop behind with-out Alaine's support and willingness to look after it whilst I was away. This year she was part of the expedition for 6 weeks, so the shop was left with Terry Brook (T2) to look after. Terry had been working here 18 months part time. With the help of Ken Redwood and our part time staff of Steve Pilton, Natalie DiBono, Erin Myers, Josh Kippin, Adrian Quick and Amelee Oliver, Terry and the team did a fantastic job in keeping the shop going, which I am very appreciative.

In the hope that business will continue to strengthen, Terry (T2) is now working with us full time. Welcome T2.

T2 in training.

A lot of our business has been created by the word-of-mouth, by paddlers such as you. Please continue to tell your friends and workmates about Canoeing Down Under. With all the multi-nationals setting up huge stores and eroding our market place, we do need your support to ensure that we stay in business and that there is a canoeing shop in Perth that will help newcomers choose the right craft, give people the correct information, sponsor events and be there to repair paddles, boats and have gear that supermarket shops will not carry.

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Our Three Rivers Expedition Blog

If you are interested in reading a little about our expedition in Canada and see a few photos, go to our blog site on my web site.

Alaine doing what she did a lot but won't admit it.

Pigs can fly ...... Alaine is actually paddling. The Ramparts.

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Basic Flatwater Skills Course

Sunday October 12th. 9.00am - 12.00

The course covers - safety, forward and reverse paddling, emergency stop, sweep (turning) and draw strokes, a basic support stroke and a capsize drill.

This is a fun day kayaking and an opportunity to meet other people.

$60.00 with own boat
$75.00 boat supplied

Private lessons available Saturday Morning.

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Are You Ready For Saturday Morning Fitness Training

With the warmer weather on the way and the fact that some paddlers keep asking when the fitness training is about to start, I was wondering how many paddlers would be interested in the fitness training on a Saturday morning.

The training is for everyone so you don't have to be an expert, just keen to go paddling.
We are thinking about starting it in 3 weeks time. If you are keen please let me know call on 9378 1333.

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We have had many 2008 Avon Descenter’s come into the store telling us their stories about this years Avon Descent and the high water. It appears to have been an exciting event. Of course I was on the Mackenzie River at the time having my own fun. It goes to show that the Avon River can still create some excitement.

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New Spirit Ski

The New Spirit Surf Ski is now ready to be tested. Although the Avon Descent version still has a few finishing touches to do, the surf version is ready for those paddlers wanting the fastest plastic ski on the market. I had the pleasure to test drive it last week and it was a pleasure; it was just magical to paddle. The narrow bow allowed me to get my paddle in close to the boat. The venturi in the foot-wells sucked out all the water so there was no extra water weight to push through the water, which was great.

You never know I might yet become a ski paddler.

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Finn Lightweight Boats

Finn are now making boats with a new plastic that allows them to build a boat several kilograms lighter than what they are at the moment. The lighter boats however will cost another $200.00 but in many cases, it's truly worth it.

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Epic Kayaks on Special

Save $300.00
Now $3695.00

The Epic 18X is designed for intermediate to advanced paddlers and for those searching for a distinct edge in a high performance kayak. With a long waterline and a sleek, efficient shape, the Epic 18X allows paddlers to cover longer distances and do so with exceptional ease and speed. This makes it a good fast touring kayak, sea kayak or multisport racing kayak.

It features our Epic Track Master steering system and a large storage capacity for transporting camping gear on longer paddling trips.

Performance construction: Composite hybrid of fiberglass, carbon fibre and Kevlar. Foam core. Vacuum infused, heat cured epoxy resin.

Length: 5.48 mBeam: 55.9 mWeight: 18.6 kg

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Second Hand Boats

Riot Sea Kayak fairly good condition $900
Finn Multisport. Used twice $1220.00 with wing paddle. Save $350.00
Ocean Kayak Scupper no rudder $600
Discovery 13. Near new condition. $1050 415 with some gear $600
High Deck Wizard K1. Kevlar. Great for Avon Descent. 12kgs. $1500.00

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Is It Out There!!!

Paddle lent and not returned: "I gave a breakdown paddle to a guy (Anthony, I think) at the bottom of Championships during the Avon this year. It wasn't a great paddle (white bladed paddle, home made cut down to fit in a ski) but was handy as a backup. I asked him to contact me through your email newsletter but I haven't seen anything from him on your newsletter since the race. I was wondering if you could put something in your next newsletter asking him to contact me on j.how@ecu.edu.au. (Race ID 833). Thanks a lot. Cheers, Jason."

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Had a crash in the Avon - we do plastic welding.