Thanks, they look worthy of further research. Smock seems to be a good word to search for. Now just to find one with a decent neck seal/baffle...

Thanks for the suggestion. I've used Buffalo kit quite a bit before - it's not what I'm looking for this time.

... Thanks, but that's just about where I am in terms of kit. And to be fair I haven't said I want this for warmth, that aspect is fine and easily controlled. I want improvements so I'm willing to look outside the box. Can you honestly say you're 100% happy with your kit. Sweat though? How often do...

I'm looking for a kayaking cag to use for winter climbing. I'm fed up of "waterproof and breathable" mountaineering jackets that leak at the wrists, neck, and just about anywhere else so I'm looking into touring cags. I've only used WW cags before so I'm a bit lost - advice would be very welcome. It...

Well done Robin, looks like an ace paddle.

What do you do to chill out after a run like that on your own? Do you carry on with life as normal, or have a period of 'reflection' in one form or another?

DIY. It's an easy job, takes an hour in front of the telly for neck or wrist seal. Never needed to do a foot seal before, but imagine it's similar. Costs about £10-15 to DIY (less if you already have the glue).

I've been in a (very) few high stress situations, a few of them rescues. One thing that I often think about when looking back at them is "where did that idea come from?". You don't have 5 minutes to ponder a solution, you have to react almost instantly and decisively. I absolutely think that discuss...

Done. One of the better surveys. Would be keen to see results published when it's complete.

When I read your post I immediately thought of AAC as well. I use them for climbing trips, but don't actually know if they cover other sports. I suspect they would, but worth checking. Annual membership with the AAC, and then £5-10 per trip of normal travel/baggage insurance works out well for me.

Is there not an ombudsman or similar that can take a look at how the EA handled this?

Just received this by email. Is it old news, or is this an update on the already rejected application? Dear Sir/Madam You provided comments relating to the above application for an abstraction and impoundment licence. Having looked at the application and considered the comments we received, we have ...

Nice line! Looks quite Swale-esque.

Emails sent to both people earlier today. I got a response from Elizabeth Wagstaff on behalf of Justin Albert this evening. Did anyone else get one? I used the template letters with a few minor additions. The response was a two page letter, with one particular bit of note: Our specific involvement s...

Done. Thanks for bringing this to our attention.

Worrying. Can we email as opposed to posting letters?

Thanks, nice blog. I noticed one of your posts was talking about planning for hydroelectric dams on the Mastallone. I haven't heard about this before. Is there anything we can do here to help prevent it? A petition to sign etc?

Does the AAA cover paddling? I was going to get it for alpine climbing (in combination with standard travel insurance for flights/luggage etc). If it does paddling as well then I'll be very happy! Any restrictions on grades?

http://southernafrican.news/2016/04/21/batoka-gorge-power-project-finally-starts/ Does anyone know if there are any drawings/plans for specifically where the dam will be and what will be flooded? Is it 'just' the minus rapids? Will Victoria Falls be affected too, as they'll effectively be falling in...

Make your paddling look beautiful, smooth, and effortless. And then it usually will be.

Another petition...?

Has anyone ever seen much feedback from previous petitions? I'm a bit bored signing them to be honest, but I've signed this one anyway.

I'd be interested to hear from whoever set it up, why they worded it as they did. Not to give them an ear full! Literally just genuine curiosity, or possibly mildly sceptical that it came from a paddler at all.

Is there any chance we weaken our argument by seeking legislation to legitimise our access, when our stance for some time has been that we have said right in law already. I'd welcome some level headed guidance and opinions please. This was the reason I haven't signed it. Like you, I'd welcome some ...

Brilliant news. :-)

Self amalgmating plumbers tape. Doesn't use any adhesive, and sticks to wet things. I use it on ice axe grips, but it's normally used to fix leaky pipes.

Heyden Brook is a cracking short spate run with a beautiful 4/5m waterfall* to finish off. Recommended. * The landing was deep enough for a boof in 2012+2013, but don't pencil. Worth wading around in low water. Don't go down the tunnels under the road bridge at the end - there's a fence at the bottom!

Thanks. Now signed.

I signed a petition about 3/4 months ago. Is this a new one?

I'd be looking to add some extra protection to stop the van itself getting stolen. I'm a big fan of a hidden switch somewhere on the ignition live feed. Something as simple as a light switch, assuming you know what you're doing.

Steering lock?

Ditch!? That's a full on river! ;-) Looks good though.

Whenever someone mentions ditch I just think of the Nant Mor. Fantastic fun!

With forward paddling like that, he was probably exhausted before he even got to the drop!