In Between Swims

11/06/2026

12km Time Trial to East Lock (6 portages) and back yesterday evening. This time in the HODY SPORT Marlin.
A time of 1:14:53
1 minute 53 seconds quicker than my previous 12km. A hold up at Town Lock portage definitely added to the time so, fingers crossed for a faster result when it comes round again

31/05/2026

After clocking 46:55 at the 7.7km Hastings 1066 Hasler in the Kirton Tercel, I knew it was time to level up. The Tercel had served its purpose, but I was ready to trade a little stability for serious speed.

My quest for a faster K1 took me through a few stepping stones:

The Kirton Escape: A solid step up to test my balance.

The Eclipse Sceptre: Fast and smooth, but it came with a catch. Our clubmate Lucy, who just bagged 3rd place, uses it as her race kayak. To avoid any pre-race boat drama or custody battles at the starting line, I decided to keep moving.

That brings me to my latest ride: the Marlin.

Honestly? It clicked almost immediately. After a few successful sessions, including one of my regular 12km paddles, I can safely say the Marlin feels dialled in, fast, and ready. This is officially my new regular setup, and I can't wait to see what it can do when the next race calendar drops.

18/05/2026

So, I did a thing yesterday... 👀

After 11 months of splashing around at Tonbridge Canoe Club and a few recent Time Trials, I entered my first actual race at the Hastings 1066 Hasler. The club put me in Division 8.

I somehow managed to take 1st place and got promoted to Division 7. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday! 🥇🛶

14/12/2025

Yesterday was another foggy morning on The Medway. Hadn't paddled for about 3 weeks so it was good to be out again.

15/11/2025

A foggy morning and still water. No better way to reset and switch off from everything.

26/10/2025

Yesterdays paddle was to Oak Weir and back. 3 of us set off with the aim to push past East Lock. A leisurely paddle there with a bit more haste on the way back. Aiming to set off earlier next time and see if we can hit Sluice Weir.

11/10/2025

Time to get the kids involved. We recently purchased a tandem kayak from
Had a nice couple of hours on the Medway with Harry this morning. He really enjoyed it. Will squeeze in a few paddles with Izzy too whilst the weather isn't too cold and if all goes well, another tandem early next year so we can get out as a family of 4.

11/09/2025

With a few days in Liverpool, we had to take the opportunity for a paddle. Obviously! The guys at Liverpool Watersport Centre (Merseysport) were very accommodating (thanks Jon). We went out on Islander Kayaks Calypso's. The weather wasn't the greatest, but it didn't stop us having a great time and seeing the city from a different perspective

07/09/2025

Some screenshots of our most recent paddle to Eldridge Lock and back. Not a long paddle this time as some members had to be back for their capsize and boat emptying - oh, we got that on video too 😉

04/09/2025

Ever wondered what the world looks like from a paddlers perspective?
We've been recording some of our journeys along the Medway recently. We often get glimpses of wildlife etc and are never quick enough to grab the camera and get a pic. This way, whatever we see and do gets captured 🙂

Come and join us on our river journeys!Our journey to Porters Lock came to an abrupt end due to a capsize. A very wet and slightly unamused paddler decided t...