Jason Smith's The Ed

Yarrrr! You're a Cover Star

Along with Jim at Alpkit.com I spent most of the recent NSR even loitering around with a camera capturing the unwary (and often the upside down) so we could immortalise them on their very own CKUK cover... Sweet!

Head to http://www.alpkit.com/pfaks/covershots/

To see if you made it as a cover star!

Posted by Jason Smith

Canine kayaker?

Looks like Ruby the Jack Russel far more interested in all the test boats that pass through CK Towers than her boring old rubber bone. Here she is checking out my new playboat. After a thorough sniffing, a bit of growling and an explore of the inside it was deemed a 'sweet ride' by our furry little friend.

Posted by Jason Smith

Shiver me Timbers NSR 2008

Just got back from the 2008 National Student Rodeo at the whitewater course at Nottingham... And what an event! With just under a whopping 800 entrants it is now probably the biggest rodeo in the world. Organised by Nick and Tim and their team from Leeds University the event ran to time throughout, which was pretty impressive considering how many classes were going on all at the time. The novice class was a popular one with the large crowds of spectators and they crammed around the railings of the inlet gate to shout and cheers as the competitors gave it there best shot to stay upright. The intermediates and experts, both men and ladies took place on the Looping Pool and Muncher and again mucho carnage was witnessed amongst some stand out rides. The squirt class had over 50 entrants alone, which was a grand sight as they glittered in the occasional sunshine.
The party on Saturday night was a lively affair, but excellent fun and the pirate theme of the whole weekend was represented with some fantastic costumes. The whole event was all about exactly what a paddlesports event should be, having a shed load of fun on the water, cheering your mate4s on and getting stuck in and having a go. Great stuff!
We'll be posting downloadable PDFs of mock covers featuring various entrants ASAP and you can find a full list of results and info at www.nationalstudentrodeo.org.uk

Dont miss issue 87 of CKUK for a full report

Posted by Jay