So I really fancied a day off, just to do a few jobs around the house...but no, I wasn't allowed, Cadet Lewis insisted we set up a shuttle and use this lovely warm southerly wind to our advantage...an A to B journey with the 48mph gusts on our backs 😳 It wasn't all plain sailing, we had to push against a little wind but we also had a few moments that we felt just 5 metres behind a Boeing 787 powering up... Rudi was very impressed when I jumped onto her board and used mine as a sail, I think we touched 5 knots at one point... we did good, simple adventures close to home..... Lewis I'm taking the day off tomorrow ok?!?

An Autumnal Paddle with Natalie

A chance early finish from work and a quick phone call saw Natalie and myself out for a spontaneous couple of hours paddling on the canal. A lovely little improving weather window, we did a little bit of coached work and Nat is making amazing progress but it was more about spending time with a dear friend...

SUP Commute Home

Its that time of year again that I'm in the envious position of being able to commute via the river to and from work - the water levels are higher and the bankside reeds are dying back which makes the egress in Dunswell so much easier. Its only 8km but a really pleasant journey non the less and of course the tides and wind speed/direction need to be considered. I've seen quite a bit of wildlife on these journeys including otters, kingfishers and barn owls. I had the pleasure of Cadet Lewis's company this evening. I thought I was going to struggle to keep up at one point.... Apologies, only iphone pics today.

Filey Brigg and Bay

An absolutely awesome morning in some really dynamic waters on and around the back of the Brigg, assisted with some of the biggest tides of the year. Brilliant company and some real skills being shown. Then back into the bay for some simple surf fun. Finally to the big house for coffee and cake, Sundays don't get better than this... A total fail with photos today, I managed only a few, thankfully Dave, Fiona and Glenn saved the day

Fast Boats on the River

A couple of hours in the fast boats with Cadet Lewis this afternoon diagnosing forward paddling techniques. The girl soon tamed the Valley Nordcapp- a classic and challenging boat at best, she could probably put a few boys to shame...

A Quick Evening Paddle on the River

A really pleasant couple of hours on the river this evening. Nice to catch up with Lisa, Alistair, Jacqui and Rudi. Fiona caught us up on the pocket rocket Surfjet... Very dark as we got off. Only iPhone pics I’m afraid..

The Tidal River in the Sea Boats

The coast is looking a little messy right now and the strong north westerly winds would have made it even more of a slog. Wanting to stretch our legs we launched the sea boats on the river. Really nice to get the boy back in a boat don't you think Anthony? I'm enjoying the Rockpool Eto, though I've not spent much time in a boat with hard chines, slowly getting more confident with really getting this boat on its edge..

Summer 2020 - Coaching, Guiding and Generally Having Fun

A summer I don't think any of us will ever forget and not for the right reasons but its not all been bad.  I've been blessed with guiding, coaching and generally having fun on the water with so many amazing and talented people - from the moment lockdown was lifted. I'll not pretend its not been hard work but it has been so rewarding and humbling. I hope we can paddle together again soon and make even more memories. I've tried to include as many of you as possible on this slideshow, if I've left you out then it simply means we had so much fun the camera never came out..

Summer 2020 Paddling from Ken Oliver on Vimeo.

Whitby and the River Esk

A few hours with Rudi Lewis today. We haven't paddled in the sea boats together for a while. Nice to catch up... This girl is pretty cool in a sea boat...