The Paddler Autumn/Fall issue 2017

T H E J U M P F R O M
KAYAKING
T O
WW SUP
Photos and story: Joe Thwaites
Kayaker: Sam Ellis
As a brand owner and experienced paddle surfer, I’d been looking at white water SUP for some
time but ‘the scene’ (well the one that piqued my interest anyway) seemed to be largely happening
across the pond. So when I got the opportunity to hook up with a seasoned kayaker who was
interested in giving SUP a go in his native environment, I jumped at the chance to get involved!
Originally I thought I’d actually be getting in the water too with a knowledgeable river rat on hand,
who’d save me from drowning if things went south.
After the usual stoke-rich Facebook messages and pre-mission phone call as is often the way in this
game, I was as excited as a small child on Christmas Eve. Cameras charged, drone tested and
packed, assortment of kit at the ready, I set off on a two-hour trip down to North Yorkshire, not
really sure what to expect.
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