Undoubtable the first thing that comes to mind when the word ‘Paddlefest’ get mentioned is DUCKY DERBY, aka, releasing as many inflatable duckies packed full of stoked kayakers on a mass start race. It is exactly what you’re thinking it would be … carnage! The laughs and giggles can be heard from as far away as Palm HQ in Clevedon across the Bristol Channel.
Aside from the carnage and mayhem of Ducky Derby, Paddlefest brings the whole community together with the current generation of rippers as well as old paddling buddies, university friends and former CIWW staff reuniting.
When creating the day plan, CIWW always caters for everyone. Having the ability to change the levels of water means everyone can get involved. There are two ducky derby events, one for younger paddlers and less experienced paddlers (6 cumecs) and one for experienced kayakers (8 cumecs) as well as two freestyle events running similarly. We love supporting these events as the scoring systems for these freestyle events are done on how much you challenge yourself through creativity, thought and skill. Even the most up and coming paddlers can win against the pros. Although we were all rooting for team paddler (and CIWW local) Oli Cooper to win, it was clearly stated, for him to win a prize he would have to create a completely new move the world had never seen before, unfortunately, he didn’t quite manage that this year!
Over the past few months, local kayaker and CIWW staff member John Russell has been restarting the community group ‘CIWW Freestyle Hub’ to help build the freestyle community in the area, offering chilled meet-ups and helpful tips. Over the past two months, it’s been great to see the vibe bringing everyone together, we look forward to seeing what the community gets up to in the future.
Chips (me) and Pod help bring everyone together for this event and the only thing (of sense) we say to each other is, “bring the joy”, I’m sure many of you tuned in to the Olympics last year to see the Kayak Cross, we rang each other after and agreed it was super cool, but it doesn’t bring the joy. We agreed, BOATERCROSS IS BACK BABY! Get pysched!
What is the difference between Kayak Cross and Boatercross we hear you ask? A lot! For the older paddler who remember some of the ridiculous courses team paddler Eddy Mead created at the CIWW Boatercross series it was a miracal just to make it to the end! There’s no need to make a roll zone, these things happen naturally. No need for poles above the river, we have gaps and touch banners.
And the main difference, anything goes! No biting, kicking, scratching or deck popping – but a healthy amount of sabotage, missing drain plugs, trash talk and the occasional paddle steal all help to take the win!
Today I sit writing this with a coffee to my left and aloe vera to my right, give me a day and I’ll have recovered from another great year at CIWW Paddlefest and I can’t wait to see you all on the water soon!
