Lowri Davies

Mid-March every year is a time that those on the freestyle scene look forward to, in a strange kind of way.? The International Canoe Exhibition as part of the Outdoor Show at? the NEC? is the first event of the year (other than Student Rodeo); so our first real chance to catch up with one another? since the competition season ended in Autumn.

I was there competing in the Peak UK / Fat Face indoor freestyle kayaking competition, which is an invite only event put on to woo the public with the? awesome wonders? of our fast, colourful and dynamic? sport. It includes a flatwater freestyle, a slalom (starting on a ramp and including a ball to be hit with your boat and a roll before the final gate) and the always amusing “bungy boater-x” (where a bungy is tried to the rear of your kayak and you have to paddle as far as you can across the pool).

Between competing, I took the opportunity to? meet with Graham and Paul from? our Four Borders Expedition Team? and speak to some companies about sponsorship for our trip.? ? It went pretty well, including full Wilderness First Aid? sponsorship? – keep an eye on our website for details as? sponsors are confirmed.

During my wanderings, I noticed the www.wales1000things.com stand, who had their website on 6 big screens for people to play with.? My website is one of their “favourite? blogs” links, so I was also on their? big screens!

Another great weekend,? 3 days until the next…