Want to know what to consider before buying an ILCA (formerly known as a Laser)? This ILCA Buying Guide is for you.
Time to jump on the weighing scales! If you are new to the class, you need to have a look at the weight ranges for each rig size.
What do your other club members use? If the fleet at your local club is full of ILCA 6s, we would recommend buying the same. The ILCA is a one design class, so if you are close to the weight range for the majority of the club ILCAs then go with the masses. It will make for more exciting racing although you might have to work a little harder to keep up with them!
If you are transitioning from the Junior classes (like the Topper and Optimist), you have to decide where to start in the ILCA class. You can be based purely on sailor weight, but the jump up from Junior to Youth class can be a challenge both in terms of coach expectations, physical effort and mental effort as the sailor gets to grips with the different class. Moving between the different rig options is very easy. It is as simple as changing your sail and lower mast section. Many people use two rigs and gradually transition over a number of months.
Joining the ILCA class is very easy. One aspect to consider is your budget, what are you prepared to spend?
There are somewhere in the region of 218000 boats world-wide out there, so you will definitely find boats for all budgets. Once you have decided on your budget, stick to it!
Please do bear in mind that, while a second-hand boat may appear to be good value, you may end up replacing ropes, spars or the sails almost straightaway. This is where second-hand may prove to be a false economy and you would be better buying new.
Consider part exchanging your current boat. Here are Sailingfast we would consider taking your current boat as part-payment towards your new boat. If you would be interested in part-exchanging, please contact the office to discuss further.
There are various benefits of spending more money on a newer boat:
The ILCA Package includes:
Drop us a line via email [email protected] or phone 01324 861756 and let us know the various upgrades/personalisations you require. We can talk you through the options in more detail, and send you a bespoke quote.
At the moment we have ILCAs in stock, ready to deliver to your door. However, at busy times of year, there may be a lead time to consider. Best thing to do is contact the office on 01324 861 756 and chat to Duncan, our ILCA specialist.
Sailingfast have vehicles delivering boats throughout the UK on a weekly basis. We are happy to offer free delivery to the ILCA events we are due to support. Other delivery options possible – just contact the office to discuss.
Sailingfast owners, Duncan & Emma Hepplewhite, are a trustworthy pair. Familiar faces on the circuit too as the Sailingfast mobile shop can usually be found at all the major events run by the UKLA (UK Laser Class Association).
The Sailingfast team have a long working relationship within the Laser/ILCA class. Duncan and Emma have worked with LaserPerformance since 2003, and with Ovington Boats since 2010, but more specifically when they were recognised as an official ILCA builder in August 2020.
At one stage, Duncan was coaching the Scottish Laser Squad. He likes to claim he had a hand in encouraging fellow Scot Lorenzo Chiavarini onto his path to being a contender for the British Sailing Team selection for the Olympics in 2020.
We hope you found this ILCA Buying Guide useful. Drop us a line on 01324 861 756 to chat to one of the team, or head to: www.sailingfast.co.uk/ilca/
There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing! Alfred Wainwright
Whether you live in sunny climes, or the upper reaches of northern Europe, there is an increased appetite to enjoy the traditional summer sports like sailing or paddleboarding all the way through into the winter. Based as we are in Scotland, we have put together this guide of our favourite things to wear to enjoy sailing and other watersports, throughout the winter months.
Not for use every day perhaps, but on the really cold days, you could add an extra layer underneath your wetsuit. Our personal favourite is the Zhik Hydrophobic Fleece top which can also be warn on its own, or with just a wind-proof layer over the top. We wear ours running, skiing, paddleboarding, etc, etc!
Worn as a long john with a separate top, the Superwarm X from Zhik has lines of fleece on the inside which help trap the air (or water) next to your skin and keep you warm. Add the top for the complete set but you might like to size up as they are small made.
The best-selling Aqu afleece from Rooster should be one of the staples of the water sports enthusiast’s wardrobe. Designed to keep you warm even when wet, this fleece-lined, wind-proof top comes in 2 designs: Pro Lite – with cuffs at the wrist and waist, or Classic – without cuffs. Also comes in a women’s cut and children’s sizes. We would recommend sizing up again here as they are quite neat otherwise.
Our favourite hat for the dinghy park is, of course, our Sailingfast branded bobble hat, made by hand in the Scottish Borders. Those of you who prefer a hat minus the bobble need look no further than the Zhik Beanie.
As for your hands, it sometimes takes a bit of trial and error to find what suits you best. Our Director Emma suffers from Reynauds, so likes to layer up even her hands with 2 pairs of gloves. The Rooster PolyPros make a fab 1st layer, with a grippier outer layer like the Showa Thermo gloves.
Layering up your feet can also be a good idea – Rooster polypros or a pair of Supertherm Socks from Zhik work well with a pair of dinghy boots on top. You may wish to try a larger size in the boots, to accommodate the extra layer.
If you need advice on sizing, or which combination of products might work well for you, call us on 01324 861 756.
Like this post? If you would like us to cover other useful topics, please drop us a line in the office with your suggestions [email protected]
The Great Glen Challenge is a paddle board endurance event woven into the very fabric of the sport. Taking place in Scotland, the event sees paddlers test themselves mentally and physically across 92km from Fort William to Inverness whilst taking in such locations as the fabled Loch Ness, and the scenic splendour of Fort Augustus along the way.
It is an endurance event that since 2014 has been a fixed date in the calendar for many paddlers keen to test their mettle on the gruelling route. However, recently the Great Glen was suddenly in uncertain waters of its own.
When it was announced that paddle boarding legend, Jo Hamilton-Vale was ready to step aside as organiser of the challenge, there were fears it might signal the demise of the event.
However, some challenges are too important to simply fall by the wayside and become lost to the dusty corridors of paddle boarding history. The Great Glen baton simply needed a willing hand to lift it.
Step forward, Emma Hepplewhite of ASI Accredited school, Paddlefast. Who, baton firmly in hand, has a whole new race to run.
ASI (Academy of Surfing Instructors) caught up with Emma to see how she is getting along as the new event organiser for The Great Glen Challenge.
ASI: Hi Emma, thank you for making some time for us. I guess the first question would have to be, was making the decision to take on the organising of the Great Glen Challenge an easy one for you?
Emma: We heard that the 2021 race organiser, Jo Hamilton-Vale, was keen to hand the organisation of the challenge on to someone new. While I had paddled the route back in 2020 (the race had been cancelled thanks to Covid), I hadn’t experienced it as a race, so didn’t want to make any rash decisions!
Having done the challenge in 2021, this time under race conditions and with all the fabulous volunteers who really make the weekend, my husband and I started to chat about how sad it would be if the event came to an end, or went to an outsider. We started asking questions and before you know it, we are chatting to Jo via Zoom and agreeing to take it on!
ASI: Sounds like it was destined to be! What do you envisage as being the most difficult aspect in taking on the running of the Great Glen Challenge?
Emma: The Great Glen Challenge has a few challenges to contend with certainly – the weather being the most obvious and the one that is almost entirely out of our control. The decision to run the direction of the event is taken on the Friday evening, the aim being to have a downwind event. Usually, it’s run from Fort William to Inverness, but there is the option to turn it round.
Secondly the logistics are a challenge – checkpoints across a 92km distance as the paddler paddles, but I think it’s a little further by road. I am looking forward to seeing the entrants to work out how quickly the leaders are going to be going past the checkpoints and making sure we have the supplies and volunteers in place before the paddlers get there.
The other challenge is the manpower on the ground. I know Jo has run the event with only six volunteers in the past, so it can be done. However, the 2021 event had maybe 20 or so volunteers plus various supporters cheering on their paddlers. They all chipped in to the atmosphere with fancy dress at the finish line and cheering paddlers from random beaches up the shores of Loch Ness! You knew that they were waiting to cheer on their paddler(s) but it meant a lot that they cheered you on too. I really hope we can bring together the same atmosphere of fun and family in 2022 and beyond.
ASI: On a personal level what does the Great Glen Challenge mean to you?
Emma: I booked to do the Great Glen in 2020 as it was my 40th birthday and I had something to prove to myself. I was so disappointed when Scottish Canals cancelled the event with five days to go. However, everything was booked – time off work, accommodation, family coming up to support – so we decided to do it anyway.
Day 1 and the first 10k on the canal were a breeze, it wasn’t until I reached Loch Lochy that the enormity of what lay ahead really hit me.
I rounded the corner into a hefty headwind, big waves coming at me and I remember giving myself a stern talking to – I just had to get to the lee shore, and then I could hug the shoreline up the loch. Well, the next four hours were tough, really tough. I remember making it to the lee shore eventually and phoning my husband to scope out conditions further up the loch. At that stage, I was all for turning round and heading back to Garelochy and calling it quits. Needless to say, Duncan encouraged me to keep going, conditions were going to get flatter and it was going to get easier. I’d never tell him to his face, but he was right! I made it to the end of Loch Lochy and took a well-earned rest before carrying on.
At the end of Loch Oich, the next short loch up the route, my sister jumped on a board to join me for the last 10km or so of day one. By this stage I had been paddling for around eight hours so having a little company, some tunes on the speaker, the sun came out and my playlist selected ‘Perfect’ by Fairground Attraction for the last, flat canal section of the day. I finished day one 44km and 10 hours after I started and I was knackered!
Day 2 started in thick fog and I was very nervous about getting on the water on my own. Fortunately, a couple of paddlers drove up and unloaded and we got chatting. They had paddled the route before and yes, I could tag along. Phew! I made arrangements to meet Duncan and the kids at Foyers for lunch and off we set – Into the Unknown (Frozen 2!)
My Dad had driven all the way up with a RIB which he launched at the top end of Loch Ness on the Sunday. However, it took him so long to get it launched for various reasons, that I had done 30km of the 35km Loch before he and the family caught up with me!
I cannot begin to describe the feeling of euphoria and the sense of achievement as I crossed the finish line in Inverness. So much of the last two days had been an internal battle with my inner demons, the ‘I’m not good enough’ being quashed by the ‘yes you can!’. My father made a comment along the lines of, ‘You were the unsporty daughter and look at you now?! I am so proud of you.’ And that was really lovely to hear. My overall time wasn’t great, but I had done the route from bottom to top in challenging conditions without quitting.
I seem to recall my first words after finishing were, ‘Never again, I think I’ll volunteer next year’, but the blisters and achy muscles faded from memory and I had a time to beat after all! Needless to say, I did the race proper in 2021 and finished 3rd female hardboard, shaving over 4 hours off my 2020 time.
ASI: It sounds like an unforgettable experience! Why is it important to ensure these events survive and thrive?
Emma: I can’t speak for all paddling events, but the endurance events like the Norfolk Broads and the Great Glen are a great opportunity to meet other like-minded paddlers (or crazy paddlers as my kids call us!). You are instantly welcomed into the fold and leave with phone numbers, new Facebook friends and promises of meeting up again at the next event to compare blisters and war wounds.
These events give people something to aspire to. It shows people that there is a progression within the sport (if they want it, it’s not compulsory!). In order to get off my lazy butt, I like to have a date in the diary to work towards and events like these definitely give you that.
These events often get good publicity which opens up the sport to people who might not have otherwise thought about giving SUP or other paddle sports a go. This might sound big-headed but I like to believe people look at me and think, not bad for a 40-something year old mother of two, if she can do it, maybe I can? Hell, in September, I almost had a six pack under the baby bulge!
ASI: As a veteran of endurance event paddling, any advice for first timers?
Emma: As it happens, I have only actually competed in 2 endurance events, the Norfolk Broads and the Great Glen so I wouldn’t call myself a veteran….yet! My advice would be this – give it a go, you never know what you are capable of until you try.
Don’t get me wrong, it hasn’t all been plain sailing, I picked up a shoulder injury in 2020 and decided I should get help to train properly for 2021. I enlisted the help of Samantha Rutt of Barefoot Fitness who set out a training plan which included strength training, something I had completely overlooked in 2020. She has been instrumental in encouraging me to listen to my body and that it’s ok to take a break if you need it.
However, the best advice I was given, was at the race briefing for the Norfolk Broads by Joanne Hamilton-Vale. She said, ‘Endurance paddling is an eating game, if you keep eating, you will keep paddling.’ Given that’s the main motivation for me doing any exercise at all, this is definitely something I can get on board with!
Emma and Paddlefast‘s inaugural running of The Great Glen Challenge 2022 is provisionally pencilled in for September 24/25. For further information and to register yout interest visit this Paddlefast page.
In the meantime, a huge thank you to Emma for taking the time to chat with us, and our best wishes for a successful future!
Red Paddle Co have continued to adapt, refine and re-design every element of their award-winning inflatable paddle board packages, in their mission to
NEVER COMPROMISE.
The team at Paddlefast are excited to see the new boards from the 2022 range arriving in ahead of the launch next week.
5 year warranty, unrivalled customer service, innovative design – there is more than one reason that Red Paddle Co is the best in the market.
Paddlefast have been working closely with Red Paddle Co since we started back in 2015. Our biggest issue in 2020 was a shortage of stock, so we have gone to town for 2022 and have more stock than ever before arriving between now and Christmas.
To make sure you get your hands on the paddleboard package of your dreams, you can browse online, or for the latest stock position, contact the office on 01324 861 756.
If you want to see the new range in the flesh before committing, just pop by the shop, anytime after the launch date of 28th October. We are open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm with late opening on Thursday evenings til 7pm.
Come the Spring, we will be doing a number of demo days across the Central Belt, to give you the chance to try a number of different boards, to see which one is right for you. If you want to hear about the demo days, just email the office [email protected] and we will let you know dates when confirmed.
Great Glen Challenge Batton handed on to Paddlefast.
After much speculation, Paddlefast is delighted to announce that the Great Glen Challenge will continue in 2022 and beyond.
Taken on in 2014 by the renowned paddler and record-breaker, Joanne Hamilton-Vale, the Great Glen has been one of the bucket list events for paddlers across the world. Showcasing Scotland in all her glory, paddlers cover the 92km length of the Great Glen with an option to cover the distance in one day, or two.
Paddlefast, run by husband-and-wife team Emma and Duncan Hepplewhite, has been retailing in Central Scotland for the last 7 years or so. During that time, Emma set up Paddlefast’s SUP Club, arranging meets for paddlers of all levels across the Central Belt.
Emma Hepplewhite says: “For fear of sounding like a fan girl, I have been following Jo’s exploits since I started paddling myself. Having done a couple of the UK Endurance Series Events, I loved the camaraderie between the paddlers, the encouragement from the volunteers as you arrived at a checkpoint and the satisfaction of completing the race in one piece! When Jo announced she was stepping back from organising the event, it planted a seed.”
Jo Hamilton-Vale explains, “The idea behind the Great Glen was to bring paddlers together, giving them structure to push their limits and see what they could achieve. Emma and Duncan have experienced this both on and off the water, and, will be a great fit to take the event forwards.”
Provisional date: 24/25th September 2022.
Interested in participating or being a race marshall in 2022? Please complete the pre-registration form on https://paddlefast.co.uk/greatglenchallenge/ or email [email protected] . Emma and the team can’t wait to hear from you!
*ENDS*
For further information, please contact:
Emma Hepplewhite
01324 861756
About Paddlefast:
Paddlefast is part of the Scottish Sailing Group which was established in 2002. Paddlefast was developed in 2015 initially as an online shop and SUP Club. Paddlefast are the dealers for Starboard, Black Project SUP, Naish, Red Paddle Co, Fanatic and Jobe as well as trying all things foiling-related.
2. QUALITY ALWAYS COME AS STANDARD
At Red Paddle Co we’re obsessive about quality. We are the only inflatable SUP brand to make our boards in our own, private facility using the most innovative materials, and pioneering manufacturing techniques. We test our kit rigorously (we even ran over one of our boards with a tractor – it was fine) to make sure it performs when you need it to most. And we back this up with friendly, personal customer service.
3. GO ANYWHERE, ANY TIME
The liberating thing about an inflatable standup paddleboard is how easy it is to take with you everywhere you go. You don’t need a van or a roof rack to take it on a road trip, and once you’re at the airport, just check in your Red Paddle Co backpack with the rest of your gear. When you get to the water, the board takes just a few minutes to inflate, and then you’re free to explore.
4. DESIGNED TO PERFORM
Being able to take your board with you wherever you go is what inflatables are all about, but that wouldn’t mean much if they didn’t perform. We use industry leading MSL Fusion technology, exclusive to Red Paddle Co, to put our boards on a level with hard boards. And we’re not just adding inflatable boards to a range of hard boards – we only make inflatable boards, and we’re fanatical about them.
5. INNOVATION IN EVERY BOARD
We’ve taken the standard inflatable technology and redesigned almost every aspect of it to deliver a superior board. Our patented RSS stiffening system delivers unrivalled stiffness – and it’s unique to us.
6. TITAN – THE WORLD’S BEST SUP PUMP
Pumping used to put people off inflatables. We recognised that and engineered the game-changing Titan Pump. It takes half the time and effort out of inflating, so you spend less time pumping and more time paddling.
7. BAGS OF IDEAS
The authenticity of the Red Paddle Co experience doesn’t stop with paddling and pumping. With every board you get a super-tough travel and storage case with wheels and a hidden backpack system we designed to make exploring your world a doddle.
8. 5 YEAR WARRANTY
All Red Paddle Co products come with a 12 month warranty as standard against any manufacturing defects. By registering your board you get a free upgrade to a 5 year warranty on any 2021 board. Just click on the Register link on the bottom of any page on the Red Paddle Co website.
9. EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE
We like paddling more than anything – but coming in a close second,, we like hearing from you. We aim to reply to all online messages and enquiries within 24 hours. Wherever you are in the world, drop us a line to ask us any SUP-related questions and we will be happy to help.
If, like us, you leave your Christmas shopping to the very last minute, you will need to know how last-minute, last-minute is. The Paddlefast team will be in the office until Christmas Eve. The shop will be closed between Christmas and New Year however, we will be standing by the phone if you need us.
The Paddlefast team will be in the office until Christmas Eve. The shop will be closed between Christmas and New Year however, we will be standing by the phone if you need us. 01324 861756 or [email protected]
In the run up to Christmas, there is an overwhelm of amazing things that you could get the paddler in your life as a present. Paddlefast have rounded up a top 10 gift list of useful paddleboarding gifts with a price tag for every budget.
Be kind to your local waters by using eco-friendly cleaning products for your SUP gear. We have a number of gift bundles, or you might just need a wee refill.
From waterproof pouches to waterproof cool bags and everything in between, we have a range of Red Original dry bags to keep your kit dry whether you are going for a wee pootle, or an epic adventure.
Designed for a range of watersports, the ALTO is a lightweight, compact, inflatable flotation device worn around the waist. Manually operated, the inflatable tube is released from the waist pack and then supports the user under the arms and around the chest.
Make your paddleboarding trips easy with this SUP specific electric pump. Set it to the correct PSI and leave it to do all the hard work while you get changed. Winner!
From phone cases to 20L dry bags, we have a number of handy dry bag options from Overboard. Whether you are pootling round the bay and need to keep your phone to hand (if it’s not on Strava, it didn’t happen, right?!) to bags for longer adventures, these handy bags keep everything dry and within reach (NB. we use ours for mostly for biscuits #thisbiscuitclubhasapaddleproblem!!)
Work on your balance whatever the weather with these gorgeous Italian designed Balance Boards. Choose from the Standard board with the smaller roller or head straight for the Pro board. Have you tried the jumper challenge? While staying balanced, take off and then put your jumper back on.
The right paddle can make a huge difference to your overall paddling experience, especially if you are adventure-prone! We are delighted to import Black Project SUPs range of lightweight, powerful paddles that are optimised to protect your body from injury.
Not sure about the sizing? Please drop us a line in the office and we can assist, or better yet, pop by the shop to try them in person.
One of our best sellers, we have waist leashes from Palm, Red Paddle Co and Esea Strap.
Designed to convert your existing leash into a Quick Release waist leash which you can easily release if you manage to get yourself pinned.
Looking for a big ticket item? We have an extensive range of paddleboards in stock from various leading manufacturers:
Red Paddle Co, Naish, Starboard, Fanatic, Jobe, STX
Still not sure what to get the paddler in your life? How about a gift voucher so they can put it towards something they would really like?
We would be very happy to talk you through some options based on the type of paddleboarding they do and your budget. Just drop us a line via email [email protected] or by phone on 01324 861 756.
Some time ago, you put your name down for the world’s biggest SUP race down the Seine River, Paris in the middle of December. Then in October, you get the email back – you got a place!
I was lucky enough to get a spot quite late on in 2018 so with only a couple of weeks to go, frantically started some early morning training to replicate the conditions of hitting the water in the dark around 7am. Let’s face it, Scotland is going to be colder at that time of the morning than Paris so good training, I thought.
Two very lucky members of SUP Central Scotland, Jayne Valentine and myself, had both been selected to take part. Jayne was on the Leisure course and I was on the Pro course. The Leisure course involves a 10km SUP downriver with another 650 or so paddlers. The Pro course takes in an extra loop round the Isle de la Cité so you do a section upriver finishing at 13km of distance.
So, what do you need to know? Jayne and I compiled some notes at our last meet up (which had relocated to the pub as the weather was so awful) and came up with the following Paris SUP Nautic Top Tips.
Most people are ‘fair weather’ paddlers, but this is December, early morning and on flowing water. Given how many paddlers will be on the Seine, the water will be choppy so there is an increased risk of falling in. To be safe, I would wear a good wetsuit, with something windproof over the top. My personal choice was the O’Neill Ladies Psychofreak wetsuit, teamed with the Rooster Aquafleece. Don’t forget of course one of our fabulous Wonky Woollies Bobble hats to keep your noggin toasty warm.
They Paris officials shut the river down to boat traffic in order for you to do this race and they re-open the river at 9.30 so you HAVE to get past the cut off bridge in time. If they start late as they did last year you will have your work cut out! Keep an eye on the time at the start and then you will know what you have to do to get past the bridge.
I’m delighted to report Jayne completed the race after only falling in 3 times. At the time she had only been paddleboarding for 6 months – epic achievement. Since then, she has paddled in Spain, Hawaii, across Scotland and possibly a few other destinations I don’t know about!
As for me, I was scooped up by the Loser/Party boat (depended on your perspective) having just completed the upriver section round Notre Dame! This has only motivated me to do better and since then I completed the Norfolk Broads Endurance Ultra in May 2019 and I am signed up to do the Great Glen Paddle in 2020.
The Paris SUP Nautic is a great experience and it will, hopefully, give you an opportunity to meet other paddlers from around the world (keep their phone numbers, you never know when they could come in handy!). We have a number of the SUP Central Scotland members going this year and I would like to wish you all the very best of luck, especially if this is your first race. Please come back and tell us how it went.
A 12’6 Red Paddle Co Voyager paddleboard on display attracted a lot of visitors to the Sailingfast stand at the 33rd Annual Scotland Boat show at the weekend.
Thousands of people spent the weekend at the country’s premier boat show at Kip Marina in Inverclyde at the weekend.
Sailingfast and sister company Paddlefast were among the exhibitors in the Royal Yacht Association (RYA) Scotland Marine Pavilion at the three-day show. They caught the attention of visitors with the display of two Red Paddle Co paddleboards. The 12’6 Voyager board and 10’8 Ride board from the 2020 range were available for sale.
Duncan Hepplewhite, director of Sailingfast based in Central Scotland explains:
“Despite the typical Scottish weather, we’ve had another successful year at the show. This was our third year taking part and with the growing interest in paddleboarding, it was the perfect platform to showcase some of the 2020 paddleboards. Given their size, they were quite the attention grabber.
“Most people who visited us on the stand were asking about the paddleboards. They were interested in what they were and how they might give paddleboarding a try if they hadn’t already.
“It was really encouraging to hear that some people had seen our social media activity and knew about the special offers available and the fact we have the new 2020 paddleboards in stock already.”
Visitors could benefit from a special container offer when signing up for a WASZP to be delivered in early spring, saving massively on the shipping costs. The deal is still running for orders placed by the end of October.
Additionally, as the retailer for Topper and Laser Performance in Scotland, Sailingfast is well positioned to provide advice on dinghies to sail.
Duncan comments: “We have an excellent understanding and experience of the various dinghies available in both ranges. So, we were able to provide advice to those interested in a dinghy to sail in terms of what will or won’t suit someone’s local sailing area and their crew set up – be it with kids or single handed for example.”
In total, about 50 visitors to the stand entered the prize draw and the winner received a Zhik z-cru jacket and other sailing goodies.
While on the standDuncan’s wife and business partner, Emma Hepplewhite spoke to people about the buzz she got when she tried foiling recently and her plans to do it again soon:
Emma says: “Some say foiling is the future of sailing – it’s fast, exciting to sail and makes for edge of your seat viewing. There’s a reason the America’s Cup teams are doing it, and the Sail GP guys are using the WASZPs for training in the various ports on the tour. The WASZP is a one design foiling dinghy which means it hasn’t been retro fitted for foiling, as is the case with a couple of other classes. And the latest carbon foils are also affordable.
“Scotland’s Boat Show is a key event for both of our businesses each year, raising the profile of sailing and paddleboarding and making it more accessible to everyone in Scotland. With 2020 being Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters, we are looking forward to an even more exciting and memorable event next year.”
ENDS
About Sailingfast and Paddlefast
Sailingfast was established in 2002 and the business expanded and launched Paddlefast. The business is owned and run by husband and wife team, Emma and Duncan Hepplewhite.
Visit the website for more information and to see the range of products and services.
For interviews and further information please contact:
Stephanie Melrose, Smell the Roses PR
Mobile: 07944 865925
Emma Hepplewhite, owner of Paddlefast based in Central Scotland, completed her first endurance stand uppaddleboard (SUP) race raising a total of £4,200 for two special causes. The Wave Project Scotland will receive £2,600 and the Forth Valley Chorus will receive £1,600.
The 38-year-old mother of two was one of 33 paddlers (one of 11 females) competing in the two-day race and completed the 70 km course in a total of 12 hours 46 minutes 22 seconds.
The Norfolk Broads Ultra, part of the UK Paddle Endurance Series, is a flat-water paddle challenge that takes competitors a total distance of 70 km on the canals and rivers of the Norfolk Broads. Completed over two days, day one is 40km and day 2 is 30km. There is also the option to complete the full distance in one day. The race can be done solo, as a team or as a relay and race categories include SUP, canoe, kayak, surfski, OC1 and prone.
It typically takes competitors between 8 and 15 hours to complete the race over two days with checkpoints every 10km.
“It was definitely tough, one of the toughest things I’ve done, but the thought of the funds I had raised and the people it would help, kept me going, along with my aunt’s flapjacks and the vision of a hot bath at the end of the day,” said Emma Hepplewhite, competitor and owner of Paddlefast.
“I only decided to take part in the race in January, so I didn’t get the longest time to train. Given this and the fact it was my first endurance race I’m pleased to have finished. The event was really well organised and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone else looking for a new challenge.”
Emma trained along the Union canal between the Falkirk Wheel and Fountainbridge in Edinburgh. Her longest training paddle was 24km and she completed it four times, each time taking about 4hrs. Her main goal was to sustain a speed of 6km per hour to meet the race requirements for the check points and cut off times.
Having never attempted a race like this before, Emma discovered a few challenges during training that she hadn’t expected.
“Similar to marathon runners and cyclists, endurance paddleboarders have to be prepared for a fair bit of chafing. I discovered that my hips were the area most prone to chafing due to the rucksack sitting on top of my waistband and rubbing as I paddled,” she explained.
“During one of my training sessions I encountered some rather aggressive swans. They were particularly defensive due to the time of year. I also became the subject of a few rescue attempts by an over–enthusiastic retriever. She launched herself at me trying to save me which came as a bit of a surprise as I had my headphones in. Besides that, my only other training challenge was juggling childcare.”
During the race, staying hydrated, keeping energy levels up and spirits high were the main challenges.
“You’d be surprised how difficult it is to breath and drink at the same time as paddling. Drinking from a hydration rucksack while continuing to paddle, required a bit of engineering to get the tube in the right place. Then there was the issue of drinking without losing tempo paddling while avoiding choking. It definitely requires some practice,” Emma explained.
“My amazing playlist got me through some really low points. I had asked people for song suggestions and was able to see the funny side when songs like ‘I’m Still Standing’ (Elton John) and ‘Sit Down’ (James) came on during the race.”
The race hasn’t put Emma off paddleboarding or racing, in fact she was back on the water within 48 hours of the race and even started to consider her next challenge, which is a far cry from paddleboarding.
“My next challenge will be a musical one. While the Great Glen challenge is on my doorstep and I’m tempted, I’m hoping to be in New Orleans that weekend competing in the finals with Forth Valley Chorus. So maybe in 2020!”
Alison Young from The Wave Project Scotland said: “We were delighted to learn that Emma was undertaking this mammoth paddle to raise funds for our charity. The Wave Project relies heavily on funding and we are so grateful to Emma for this donation which will allow us to continue to provide surf therapy in Scotland. This month we have welcomed 24 new surfers ‘on board’ and their time in the water with a surf mentor is literally life changing, boosting self-esteem and happiness and building resilience. Thank you Emma.”
The Forth Valley Chorus management team commented:“We are in awe of Emma’s wonderful paddle boarding feat and delighted that she chose to help raise funds for both the Wave Project and the Forth Valley Chorus international fund. Emma has been a valued singer in the tenor section for 10 years and she knows the hard work it takes for the chorus of our size (over 100) to organise and fund the International trips which put Forth Valley on the map in a cappella singing circles. This September, Forth Valley Chorus will be representing the UK and the Netherlands in New Orleans, Louisiana and are pinning hopes on breaking into the hallowed Top 10 among over 600 Sweet Adeline’s International choruses around the globe. Emma’s fundraising helps add to the target which will make registration and hotel costs a little easier to bear for the singers. Thank you Emma and congratulations!”
ENDS
For more information, interviews or experiences please contact:
Stephanie Melrose, Smell the Roses PR
Mobile: 07944 865925
About Paddlefast
Paddlefast is based in Central Scotland and sells stand up paddleboards, paddles, spares, clothing, nutrition bars and dry bags online. Paddlefast also run demo days and events for paddle boarders in Scotland.
About The Wave Project Scotland
The Wave Project Scotland is the most Northern project of this award-winning surf therapy programme and is based at Belhaven Bay near Dunbar. It has been running since a successful pilot in 2014 and delivers surf therapy programmes to over 100 young people a year. Through surfing the charity helps young people improve their wellbeing and supports them to change their lives, enabling those who are struggling to believe in themselves.
About Forth Valley Chorus
Forth Valley Chorus is an all-female barbershop choir with around 110 members based all around Scotland. They are currently raising funds to ensure that all members get the chance to go to New Orleans to compete in the International Competition finals.
Paddling up and down stretches of the Union Canal near to Paddlefast HQ, it saddens me how much rubbish can be found floating around. As a result, I decided to do something about it and organised a litter pick paddle.
Who came alongA few hardy souls braved a cold evening at the SUP Central Scotland 2nd session at Tesco Redding Road. In addition to the 6 paddlers, we had a shore crew of kids and a group of Tesco employees who very kindly came to help armed with gloves and litter pickers. Some of the under 18s may have been bribed to attend with fish suppers from Benny Ts…!
An odd assortment of trugs and even a baby bath were used to collect the rubbish collected from the water. The majority of the rubbish collected were plastic bottles, crisp packets and cans. However, some of the more unusual items included jelly bean memorabilia, a tv, a fishing lure and a sodden and disgusting piece of foam.
Educating and sortingThe enthusiastic shore crew could be heard shouting ‘litter’ for miles around! It was a great opportunity to teach the kids about plastic pollution and how long it takes for rubbish to biodegrade, or not as the case may be.
We sorted the rubbish into glass bottles, plastic, cans and general waste. In the end we filled two trolleys with sorted rubbish. The lovely Tesco team took this to be disposed of with the store’s recycling.
I cannot begin to tell you how satisfying it is to have paddled past that stretch of canal since, to know that our SUP Central Scotland team are responsible for how good it looks. Needless to say, we all enjoyed our biscuits (after a thorough hand wash!) as we packed up!
If you would like to join us next time, you can like the page Paddlefast on Facebook, follow our events page or drop us a line in the office 01324 861756.
The season is fast approaching and first on the calendar is the RYA Dinghy Show. Both Sailingfast & Paddlefast will attend this great event in the historic Alexandra Palace in London. Lots of special offers will be in place so it’s the perfect time to spruce up your board or boat or even treat yourself to a new one!
January has passed us by in the blink of an eye and I can barely believe we hit February this coming week! It must be time, therefore, to announce the dates for the Spring demo days with Paddlefast in 2019.
We will be visiting a couple of different venues on the canal, taking advantage of our central location to hopefully encourage people across Scotland to try our range of demo boards, paddles and other gear.
Many posts have come before this one about how to fly with an inflatable paddleboard. How do I pack my SUP kit? Is my bag too heavy for flying? Do I need to book my SUP gear on as sports gear? However, until I had actually packed a board and taken it abroad, I felt I couldn’t comment!
So I should preface this by saying these tips are from my experience flying Edinburgh to Paris with Air France. Other airlines may have different policies when it comes to outsize baggage and weight allowances.
Despite a less than promising forecast, an intrepid group of stand up paddleboarders met earlier today for a Santa SUP. The aim was to bring 2 paddleboard groups together (SUP Glasgow and Paddlefast’s Paddleclub Group – Central Scotland) for a social stand up paddle (SUP) in fancy dress in honour of the season.
This coming Friday sees the world go mad for so-called bargains online and in shops across the UK. With names like Black Friday and Cyber Monday emphasising the apocalyptic nature of these flash sales, Paddlefast are jumping on the Red Paddle Co bandwagon and suggesting we #optoutside instead.
On the last day of our half-term holiday I promised the kids a pumpkin adventure. Not content with your average ‘drive to a pumpkin patch’ scenario, I decided to use this as an opportunity to get the paddleboard out in mid-October.
Now admittedly my 6 year old was very enthusiastic of a paddleboarding trip and even better if there was a pumpkin and carving at the end of it! However, my nearly 1 year old is still on the young side for paddleboarding adventuress of more than half an hour. She did not look overly impressed at being bundled into layers and lifejacket but was unfazed on the water which I take as a good sign!
On a recent paddle, I asked Alexander (aged 6) for a review of the Red Paddle Co kiddy paddle which he has used for the last couple of years. Now 6 years old, it finally is the right size for him.
Alexander has been paddleboarding since we started the business 4 years ago now. Initially just a passenger, he has gradually become more involved in our paddle adventures at Loch Lomond and beyond. We got him his own paddle when he was 4 but it wasn’t really until this summer that he used it properly.
This week has been a busy time heading all the way down to the south coast to do a little product testing. We spent a very productive couple of hours with Alex from Naish SUP trying out some of their hard boards.
Conditions were perfect at Weymouth with light breeze and sunshine. We launched in the harbour for a quick shot of the following boards:
Naish details for 2019Paddlefast are delighted to announce the 2019 SUP ranges from Naish SUP are now available. We have the Naish One 12’6 in the new 2019 colours (see photos). The black and yellow has been updated to more black and white and there is an Alana version too.
Phew, what a year!! With the nights drawing in, and our last Tuesday paddleclub Central Scotland session coming up on 25th September, it seems appropriate to reflect on what has been an epic 4th year for Paddlefast’s Paddleclub.
Some of our more frequent customers and Paddleclub attendees will know that we have had a quieter than usual 6 months at Paddlefast as we welcome the arrival of baby Ellie. Awwwww.
However, the call of the water is strong and I am desperate to get back to fighting fitness – what better way than getting Paddleclub back up and running for 2018!
Paddlefast are fortunate enough to be located just by the Union Canal. With various launch points within easy reach, we opted to launch from the pretty Muiravonside Parish Church and head Eastwards towards Linlithgow and the Avon Aqueduct.
Paddlefast have snaffled a 2018 Starboard Tikhine Wave 11’2 inflatable paddleboard for us to try out ahead of the 2018 boards becoming available next month. (and we’re feeling smug!)
New to the Starboard line up in 2018, this board allowed Sonni Honscheid (artist) to combine her two favourite passions of art and SUP to create the design of this amazing inflatable paddleboard.
Now that Spring has officially sprung, the clocks have gone forward and (most) of the snow has melted, it’s time for us to break out the new 2017 demo boards and get Paddlefast‘s Paddleclub back on the water.
Paddleclub is an excuse for folk to get together with like-minded paddlers (mostly Stand Up Paddleboards, but we’re an inclusive bunch J), take advantage of the lighter evenings we have in the summer and go exploring the various waterways around our country. It’s also an opportunity to try out equipment and maybe try your hand at something new. (more…)
As we make our final preparations to head south to Alexandra Palace, London for the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show, we are delighted to reveal the Dinghy Show deals from the various brands we represent. You will find us on the Sailingfast Stand at B54 in the main hall.
To take advantage of these special offers from the comfort of your own home, please contact the office on 01324 861 756 (the line will forward to our event mobile while we’re at the Dinghy Show) or via email [email protected] and we’d be happy to put together a quote for you. Deals are available until the close of business on Monday 6th March.
Paddlefast will be exhibiting at two watersport-focused events on 25th and 26th February. The RYA Scotland-hosted events will be based at the Loch Leven Community Campus.
The Paddlefast team are very excited by the opportunity. This allows us to promote Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) to marine industry professionals. These guys are on the front line, teaching the paddleboarders, surfers, windsurfers and sailors of the future. (more…)
If you have never been paddleboarding before, don’t worry, help is at hand. Getting started is easier than you might first think and doesn’t always involve getting wet, honest! (NB. That does depend slightly on your personal sense of balance…)
Footwear vs no footwear? Personal choice and temperature rule here. I personally prefer to go barefoot but in the middle of Dec…Assuming you have a leash, PFD and a paddle in hand, you’re good to go.
Find the balance point on the board. This is usually either side of the handle in the middle.
Use your knees to wobble the board – go on, see how far you can push it (it’s also a very good work out for your thighs!)Put your paddle in towards the front of the board and sweep outwards at a 90 degree angle. Your board will turn away from the paddle. To turn quickly, you can then ‘back paddle’ on the opposite side to continue the momentum.
Put your paddle in the water just behind you and push down against the forward motion. This will slow you down, and turn your board so experiment before coming back alongside and wiping out in front of everyone!
Packing upWhen you come off the water, please remember the Adrenalin will wear off pretty quickly so don’t get cold. Get an extra layer on while you pack away your paddle gear, have a hot drink and some munchies in the car. I hope you took some pictures, or your friends did, because they’re all going to want proof that you went paddleboarding and did/didn’t get wet!!
As a wee addendum to this blog post, please ensure that any time you go paddleboarding, you wear a leash at all times and a PFD (personal flotation device) or buoyancy aid of some description. It is a requirement on some bodies of water, such as Loch Lomond, to wear a PFD so don’t get caught out, but more importantly – SAFETY FIRST. These safety features should be included at any watersport centre or if you’re doing a demo with a retailer, if not then find another organisation to have a go with.
You can find details of our upcoming demo days on our Facebook Page Events section or drop us a line on 01324 861 756.
Paddlefast, are exhibiting at Scotland’s Boat Show 14th-16th October. We will have on display some of the range of inflatable paddleboards we stock. For details of the exciting show offers and the Paddle Club meet ups, please pop by the stand.
Paddlefast owner, Emma Hepplewhite, says, “We’ve had a fantastic summer exploring new places by Stand Up Paddleboard and look forward to sharing the joy of the sport with you. Please join myself and the team at Scotland’s Boat Show.”
We can offer new and used paddleboards from a variety of manufacturers along with every spare part. Coupled with our attention to detail and personal touch, we can offer exceptional customer service. We will also be selling our 2016 demo boards at an excellent price to make way for the new 2017 ranges.
In addition, find out more about our regular Paddleclub meet ups. Paddleclub meet in the summer on every second Tuesday at a variety of venues across Central Scotland. The format during the winter changes slightly with dates on weekends to take advantage of the limited light. For further details, subscribe to our Facebook Events’ page. The only pre-requisite is that you share a love of biscuits and a set of spare clothes, just in case.
Sister company, Sailingfast will also be taking advantage of the display area to some of the LaserPerformance Range as well as the classic Topper and details of the corporate discounts available to organisations and companies that teach sailing. Tickets to the show are free, with £5 for car parking paid on the day.
Paddlefast report their Tuesday night Paddleclub has become a firm fixture in the summer calendar. Paddleclub is an informal get together in a variety of locations, everyone from first timers to experienced paddlers are welcome to come along and get involved.
Paddlefast founder and owner, Emma Hepplewhite, says, “Paddleclub started out with just 2 intrepid paddlers back in the snows of April. Numbers have hit double figures a couple of times over the summer. I’m delighted to say word is spreading and we now have a few regulars at each location.”
Paddle locations have included sea venues, canals and lochs including Largs, Dalgety Bay, Loch Ard, Loch Lomond and various canal launch points such as the Boathouse, Kilsyth, the Park Bistro, Linlithgow, Meggetland, Edinburgh and the Bridge Inn, Ratho.
With experienced paddlers teaming up to go exploring longer distances, the beginners are shown the basics and usually off chasing the more experienced paddlers within half an hour! Paddlefast had been offering their demo boards for people to try at Paddleclub free of charge.
Emma continues, “The long-term aim is for the regulars to run Paddleclub but for now, we’re always happy to see new faces. The only essential piece of kit is to bring some biscuits along with you for afterwards – oh, and perhaps a spare change of clothes!”
As the nights are drawing in, Paddlefast will post up details of a few weekend paddles over the weekend. We may even explore further afield! Keep an eye on the Facebook page for event updates.
Paddlefast are an online SUP specialist – delivering faster paddlers. Brands available include Red Paddle, Starboard, Naish and O’Neill Wetsuits. Whether you are new to paddling or a seasoned pro, we are on the web and at the end of the phone to help with your SUP needs.
We packed up the inflatable SUPs (iSUPs) on Friday and hoped and prayed that the weather would be kind to us on Sunday in time for our 11am SUP launch. I’m delighted to say that the weather was fine: warm and sunny with barely a breath of wind in the morning. This then prompted a panic hunt for sun cream! However, the water temperature was still a bit nippy so most opted to wear their O’Neill Wetsuits!
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After a couple of years representing Ovington Boats, Duncan Hepplewhite is returning to the company he started nearly 15 years ago – Sailingfast.
Duncan came up trumps at the recent RYA Scotland Awards Dinner, winning the ‘Coach of the Year 2015’ Award. On the back of this success, Duncan has received several requests to coach classes from GP14s to Musto Skiffs and everything in between. Combined with a desire to spend some more time at home with the family, Duncan has decided to take up the various coaching opportunities as they arise.
Originally called Scottish Sailing, Duncan founded the business in 2002 when he was just starting out as a coach. Initially set up to provide spares and clothing to dinghy sailors at the various events around Scotland, the business quickly grew to include boats (including Laser and Topper) and other brands (North Sails One Design, UV Covers, Black Diamond, Queensport Hikers).
21st Century working!
More recently, as wife Emma came on board in the last couple of years, the business rebranded to the more inclusive Sailingfast and haven’t looked back. Only last year they launched new business venture Paddlefast to capitalise on the popularity of stand-up-paddleboarding (SUP). At sailing events up and down the country, you will find Duncan coaching on the water and Emma out on a paddleboard watching the racing (or taking Alexander from rib to rib looking for banter, giggles and treats!).
Sailingfast and Paddlefast are delighted to have Duncan back at the helm, bringing with him his many years of experience in the marine industry both on and off the water. If you would like to take advantage of his award-winning coaching skills or in depth marine knowledge please contact us.
The 2016 brochures have arrived, and we’re furiously beavering away in the background to get these uploaded on to the website for your viewing pleasure.
Brands include Naish, Red Paddle Co, Starboard and BiC.
In the meantime, please contact the office on 01324 861 756 or via email [email protected] if you wish further information, prices or a demo.
Sunday 22nd November dawned clear and gorgeous, if a little chilly – perfect conditions for beginners to have a go on the various demo boards on the canal.
Boards inflated and ready for action by 10am, the mercury venturing slowly upwards from the 2 degrees mark. Fortunately, true to their word, the Park Bistro opened at 10:30am in time for bacon rolls and coffee.
From dog walkers to cyclists, heads turned to see what on earth was happening and a couple of intrepid joggers borrowed life jackets to have a quick shot before continuing on their 5km run.
Towards the end of the day we were visited by Gavin from the Falkirk Herald, to do a follow up piece on this ‘new’ sport. The sun was still shining away so hopefully the photographer got a couple of good shots.
The murky canal water combined with freezing November temperatures provided enough of an incentive not to fall in fortunately for all concerned. That said, the Red 10’6 proved to be the most popular board, but only because the majority of the people who attended had never SUPed before.
Finally spotting a dry patch between the clouds, I took to the Union Canal this morning in our demo Starboard 11’2 x 32 Astro Blend Zen. This is the first time I have actually been on the board myself and I must say, I was impressed.
Unpacking the bag, the Astro Blend comes with 2 fixed blades on the underside, protected by grey armbands in the bag. In addition there is a US fin box and a removable fin, which has to be screwed into position (NB – no screwdriver is required although there is an ‘x’ in the top in case you wish to use one). The board itself features a very comfortable handle in the middle plus a handle at the stern for strapping your paddle in position should you wish to indulge in a spot of Yoga or similar. The Eva deckpad is comfortable under the toes or should I say dinghy boots as it is only 6 degrees outside! (more…)
Well it was a chilly weekend, but thank you to those who came to try out the paddles and boards at Loch Venacher Sailing Club last Saturday.
My thanks in particular go to Ben and the team at local firm Altitude Media Events who took this drone footage and put together a short montage for us. If you would like a quote for your own event, please drop them a line [email protected]
As the new boards arrive for 2016 with us and Christmas creeps ever closer, we’re putting on a couple of demo days so you can have a shot before committing to a particular board.
Dates:
Saturday 14th November – Loch Venacher Sailing Club
Sunday 22nd November – Canal at the Park Bistro, Linlithgow
Saturday 28th November – Bardowie Sailing Club (off Craigmaddie Road)
Trying to get the sport of SUP off the ground in Scotland is going to take a fair amount of enthusiastic volunteers in the early stages. With this in mind, one of the SUP in Scotland Group regulars is organising a flat-water SUP Instructor course in Edinburgh on 24th and 25th November. (more…)
A fantastic, if slightly damp, weekend weather-wise, Paddlefast’s inaugural exhibition at Scotland’s Boat Show was a sell out success! From the Naish demo boards to the brand new Starboard and Red boards, all were snapped up thanks to the show deals. (more…)
Over at Paddlefast HQ, it didn’t take us long to mull this one over! If you’ve never tried paddleboarding before, the whole buying experience can feel a little overwhelming.
There will be plenty of new kit on display at Scotland’s Boat show next weekend, including the latest innovation in paddleboards from exhibitors Paddlefast.
Very exciting day at Paddlefast today as our initial order of demo iSUPs have arrived from both Red Paddle Co and Naish! (more…)
View Map
| XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chest (Centimeters) | 82cm -87cm | 89cm-95cm | 97cm-102cm | 107cm-112cm | 117cm-122cm | 127cm-132cm |
| Waist (Centimeters) | 66cm – 70cm | 71cm – 76cm | 77cm – 85cm | 86cm – 95cm | 96cm – 105cm | 106cm – 114cm |
| XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bust (Centimeters) | 78cm -84cm | 85cm-90cm | 91cm-97cm | 98cm-103cm | 104cm-109cm | 110cm-116cm |
| Waist (Centimeters) | 58cm – 69cm | 64cm – 70cm | 71cm – 76cm | 77cm – 83cm | 84cm – 90cm | 91cm – 97cm |
| Hips (Centimeters) | 82cm – 90cm | 90cm – 96cm | 97cm – 102cm | 103cm – 108cm | 109cm – 115cm | 116cm – 122cm |
| US Mens | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK Mens | 4.5 | 5.5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| EUR | 36.5 | 38.5 | 40 | 41 | 42.5 | 44 | 45 | 46 | 47.5 |
| Foot Length (cms) | 23.5 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 28.5 | 29 | 30 |
| Foot Length (inches) | 9.2″ | 9.4 | 9.8 | 10.2 | 10.6 | 11 | 11.2 | 11.4 | 11.8 |
