Islander Paddler

STEVE WEST
steve@kanuculture.com
UK 07 859 294 188
Contact Me
Overseas + 44 7859 294 188
FACEBOOK

MANDY WEST
mandy@kanuculture.com
UK 07 859 296 741
Overseas + 44 7859 296 741
Contact Me
FACEBOOK

NEWSFLASH!

Islander Paddler

Outrigger Canoe and

Paddleboard Club

Tuesday 6th July. Hayling Island to Establish an Outrigger Canoe and Paddleboard Club. Following a meeting at the Olive Leaf pub, Hayling Island on Tuesday the 6th of July, involving Steve and Mandy West, John and Anne Bellany it was agreed that a Six Person Outrigger Canoe is to be sourced and purchased as part of the process of establishing Hayling Island's first Outrigger Canoe Club which will also support and nurture the growth of Stand Up Paddleboarding in recognising the close lineage shared between the two sports. OC1 and OC2 paddling disciplines shall also be encouraged. The process of establishment is underway, including the creation of the clubs mission and vision statements and we invite all interested parties to contact us directly in regards to issues of becoming actively or casually involved in the exciting and significant establishment of the clubs evolution. Other founding members also include Steve Carter of Scott UK and Starboard UK SUP Race Team. 
Steve and Mandy West
(What is Outrigger Canoeing?)

'At Steve West's site, there is a list of some of the issues that all SUP paddlers should be aware of. Steve is one of the most experienced paddlers around and has published many books on paddling. His website is a comprehensive knowledge base for SUP paddling and well worth browsing to gain more information on many SUP relevant subjects.'  

Brian Johncey - Blue Chip London

'One thing I get asked all the time by retailers and providers of SUP tuition, is the desire to gain and get the best technical knowledge possible. The two main benefits being it allows you to speak with confidence and authority about the sport and how to do it while satisfying the needs of your customers, in that you know what you are talking about and that have under gone some level of training. To this end internationally renowned Paddle Coach, Steve West, is now offering a fully fledged SUP consultancy service. I would strongly recommend you get Steve along to your shop / school / centre to give you and your staff a days training. Once Steve has finished with you, you will have a new understanding of the sport and the true potential that lies ahead of us!'

John Hibbard - Starboard UK

For updates regarding our events, clinics and activities relating to Stand Up Paddleboarding and Outrigger Canoeing, please sign up to our mailing list so as we can keep you informed. Once signed up we will only send you high quality mail outs. You can very easily 'unsubscribe' at any time.

Zaveral (ZRE) SUP Paddles, the lightest, fastest, top quality paddles on the market, anywhere! Purchase On-Line

First Shipment Has Now Arrived!

Bournemouth - The SUPstore Nick and Matt for Demo and Sales nick@thesupstore.co.uk
Hayling Island - Islander Paddler Steve and Mandy West for Demo and Sales steve@kanuculture.com
North Devon - Steve Carter for Demo steve.carter@scott-sports.com
London - Adam Stiling for Demo and Sales adam@stylosports.com

'Just spent 2 days testing my new ZRE paddle, it is simply AWESOME. It's by far the lightest paddle I have used, so clean on entry and exit that it definately increases board speed - I am guessing its because its so good through the water with little or no energy wasted in the stroke. In my day job I am super lucky enough to get the chance to test some of the newest innovations on the best bikes and skis in the market, always looking for improvements through subtle design and construction changes. I never thought I would test a paddle that is such a massive improvement over what are some great paddles out there. Its so light and gets right under the hull of the board due to its blade shape. I'm not on any comission (although I could happily sell these all day long) - I'm just a raving fan wanting to let fellow SUPers know about such a great product, it's really that good!' Steve Carter - Scott Sports UK General Manager

View books written by Steve West at Kanuculture, a leading figure and author in the Pacific wide sport of Outrigger Canoeing and a 2 time World Masters Champion.

'For anyone interested in the Pacific-wide sport of outrigger canoeing,
this is the definitive look at the sport.'
Canoe & Kayak Magazine USA

Hayling Links

Hayling.Co.UK
Chichester Bar Weather
Langstone Harbour Weather
Big Salty Wind Forecasts
Chichester Harbour Conservancy
Hayling Island RNLI
Hayling Island Sailing Club
Round Hayling Windsurfing Event

Outrigger Canoeing on Hayling

SUP Coaching Testimonials

'The way you explain things is really clear, precise and at the same time fun. I felt an immediate positive effect on my paddling and i can't wait to put some more time in on the water. It is far more encouraging knowing that all the work i put into my paddling from now on is done with good technique. Cheers again mate. Matt.'

'Thanks A LOT, fantastic stuff. I'm training for the Devizes-Westminster Canoe Race at the moment - and so much of what you say completely ties in with the technique work that we've been doing in the K2 - which is pleasing as I guess that there will be a good cross-over when my focus shifts to SUP post April 2nd. All the best. Mike'

'I can picture most of what you say, but transferring that into the real world & actually doing it will be hard. Like most technique stuff probably best to pick a couple of parts of the process & focus on those first, i.e. stance & paddle entry, get them nailed then focus on the power part of stroke etc. Looking forward to saturday!'

'Thanks for the great coaching yesterday. A lot of new paddle movement throughout the body. I am feeling it more in the glute medius & my QL or lower lats most, not in the hip flexors so not sure if i had the right technnique. I definitely felt way more efficient through the water, all cool stuff. Thanks Again, Steve'

'It was great to meet you, Mandy and the rest of the team on saturday. I was really pleased to meet a group of people who share my enthusiasm for stand up paddle boarding! As well as enjoying SUP, i am also doing a PhD in Exercise Physiology at Swansea University and have a background in performance analysis and biomechanical assessment. The first thing i did when i decided to start taking the racing seriously was to do a literature search for article on technique, physiological assesment, training strategies and so on for stand up paddle boarding. As I'm sure you already know, I found nothing until i realised the parrallels between SUP and OC racing/paddleing. After reading some good articles on pacing, paddler body composition, and paddle technique, I realised that the "S. West, The paddler's guide to outrigger canoeing, Batini Books & KC Publishing, Australia (2006)" reference which keeps popping up, is your book! I would very much like to get a copy and have a read so i can get a handle of the in's and out's of the sport. I think that there maybe considerable scope for publication of SUP based research articles in scientific journals.
Best Regards, Rich Morton'

'I followed you back down river Saturday and you paddle stroke is a work of art! I'm very new to SUP and would really value any advice on technique as i know that so much of the speed and ability to cover long distance will come down to technique. Do you know of any good resources to read the theory & ideally see some video footage of paddle technique online? I'd appreciate your input & look forward to chatting at the next event. Cheers Pete'

'I just wanted to say thank you so much for the great paddle advice yesterday. I was quite blown away with how effective these principals are. The advice you put on the forum is fantastic but I tend to learn better visually and yesterday just made your forum advise click into place. John was telling Matt and I about your past and what you have done for paddling and it's incredible. The team are privileged to have someone like yourself dedicating their time to us. I hope everyone in the team appreciates what your doing and takes all your great info 'on board' - literally! I'm sure they will and are, as everyone was super stoked about what they had learnt yesterday. Thanks again Steve and see you at the next gathering. Nick'

'Many thanks for yesterday, as always a good mixture of theory and practice, and as ever I drove home absolutely buzzing but totally knackered, I love it! Nick'

'Yep, great stuff as usual Steve. Things are starting to feel good now, what a difference these sessions have made. Onwards and upwards...Frenchy'

'Adding to the others thanks I have to say, I learnt so much. The interval training was great ( especially when I didn't fall in ) and will will be a big part of my training now. A big thanks also to Mandy for helping my wife with some great tips and coaching. Colin'

'Just wanted to add my bit, it was great to paddle with you all, and put a few faces to names. Its much easier to paddle with others and nice to know we are all questioning similar issues. Thanks a lot to Steve, listening to you has made me re evaluate my paddling position, I felt that my paddle stroke was stronger as a result, its just time to invest in a better paddle now! I have also changed the fin on my Pin it has made the board much easier to keep on a straight line, so it was a valuable days training. Looking forward to the next one. Carl'