13/02/12

Pop up at the Dart Fest

We are having another POP UP SHOP at the Pyranha Dart fest this weekend 17-19th Feb.

Along with all the normal bits you would expect to find at A.S Watersports we will also have some great deals on Pyranha kayaks, some special end of line deals, and some rumage sale style boxes of boat bits and out fitting. Lost a bolt? Need just one hip pad? Footrest broken? Come and see what we have. It might be that bit you've been looking for that will sort the unused club boat out.

The Pyranha Dart fest will have all the Pyranha boats on demo, coaching clinics, a Saturday night talk and no doubt some socialising.

All the info can be found here: Pyranha Fest 2012

09/02/12

Courses, Tasters and Trips!

It's about that time of year to start planning the spring and Summer adventures. If your looking to start kayaking this year then the adventure starts now!

We have new dates and new courses for you! Made super easy with our new "Buy Online" Option.

Remember All equipment included!

Taster Sessions: This is how it all begins! If your thinking of starting kayaking then book on to one of our FREE 2 Hour Taster sessions (click for dates) Two hours on the water with a qualified instructor. A quick chat about boats then we sample a whole range of different kayaks, cnaoes, sit on tops and inflatables on the sheltered canal.

One day Introduction to Kayaking: The One Day Introduction to Kayaking course works well as a follow on from our free taster sessions, if you have just bought a boat or just a fun day. The course allows you to develop further the basics of paddle sport and be safe on the water.

Exe Trips: A guided trip down the river Exe, on to the Exe Estuary and back to the historic Quay via the Old Ship Canal. A great circuit, lovely views and an abundance of wildlife. All under the care of a fully qualified instructor. Keep an eye out for Early morning and Evening trips.

See the coaching page here.

For Enquiries and One to One tuition email Liam tuition@aswatersports.co.uk

09/02/12

Ecuador Photos.

Liam has just returned from his kayaking trip in Ecuador.

He joined a two weeks trip with Small World Adventures. They had a Huge selection of kayaks, beautiful purpose built riverside accomodation and they wrote the book on kayaking in Ecuador (literally, they have been guiding here for 15 plus years and wrote the Ecuador White water Guide book).

A great mixture of Sunny Low Volume Creeiking and Misty Big Volume river running. Absolutely bliss. My top five rivers has been well and truly re organised.

Click for Gallery

Click for Video

03/02/12

Big Dog Kayaks 50% off prize at Pots Rodeo, Sat 4th Feb

This Saturday at the Exeter Uni canoe club Pots Rodeo and Boater Exe, Big Dog Kayaks are giving away a voucher for a whopping 50% off any Big Dog Kayak to the winning Uni team.

The winning team can get a boat of their choice and only pay for half of it!

The Pots Rodeo starts at 2pm on Saturday 4th Feb (thats tomorrow!).

For all the info on the event hit up the website.

www.potsrodeo.co.uk

The Big Dog Story

Launched in 2009 Big Dog Kayaks are entirely dedicated to the production of innovative White-Water kayaks. 

Although the company is new, the key names in the Big Dog story need little introduction within either trade or paddling circles. Peter Orton, Jason Buxton and Andy "Snakey" Whiting have all held down influential development and managerial roles within the paddlesport industry. As paddlers they have represented the country on countless occasions. Many of the kayaks already accepted as benchmarks within white-water, sea, surf and squirt paddling were designed or developed by one or more of this team. Despite Big Dog being a new venture there really are few other companies, anywhere in the world, with this level of experience on their books.

Big Dog believes that it's focus is it's strength. Many companies are diversifying into other areas of paddlesports, leading to inevitable compromises within their organisational and development teams. Big Dog has only one focus, making the very best whitewater kayaks available!

Another of Big Dog's main assets is that their whole management team actively paddle. So next time you see one of the trio out on the water, paddle over, have a chat and let them know your thoughts!

26/01/12

Paddle Points

Paddle Points is a new website dedicated to places to paddle.

There are other online maps and guide books but this is like the Wiki of paddling locations.  Its content is all user generated.

Its great and very easy to use. Register (takes 2 mins, if that) and you are ready to start plotting your favourite routes. Follow the link to see the the River Exe. Access points, egress points, portages, Parking, pubs etc. All the icons can carry a small bit of info as well as just the basic info.

This site could well be the next big online paddling guide. Its up to you.

Paddlepoints

26/01/12

The Rivers Source White Water Symposium.

This weekend 27/29th Jan 2012

The River’s Source, a coaching event for White Water Paddlers. This Symposium is for Paddlers and Clubs/Business with contributions from the Paddlesports Industry and is of course hosted in Devon, at the prime location of the River Dart Country Park. We’ve invited all the leading providers, industry contributors and experts from far ranging fields. Workshops on white water kayak design, or a Q&A session about the risk assessments for coaches or club leaders, repairing your kayak and packing your boat for a multi-day trip, the list will be extensive and inviting. A lot of sessions are FREE and others, mainly the on the water clinics are at a discounted rate.

The Symposium is for day visitors and weekenders a like.

Get all the news on the event and info on courses, booking etc here: Gene17 Rivers Source news page

A.S Watersports are hosting a FREE repair workshop. An informal drop in clinic (no pre booking required)

Saturday 28th @ River Dart Country Park.

How to repair you kayak.

Focusing on how to do a plastic weld properly as most broken boats consist of a crack or split.

Workshop 1, 17.30-18.30 will be an introduction to repairs, bankside and workshop style. Watch a demo of how to do the repair.

Workshop 2, 18.30 -19.30 is a FIX YOUR OWN BOAT workshop. We will provide tools, materials and guidence whilst you have a go at fixing your kayak. We will have plenty of pre split plastic for you to practise on if you dont trust your self or don't have a broken boat.

We will also have a Pop up shop on site for the weekend so if you loose or break something other than a boat we can keep you on the water.

See you there.

04/01/12

Follow us on Facebook.

Our Facebook page is an active up to date snapshot into AS Watersports. Our facebook page is not just a shop page but a hand picked collabaration of kayaking goodness. Stuffed full of recent staff trips, water level updates, great deals, competitions, events, 'Product of the day' and tuition offers.

A great place for us to share all those great videos we stumble across on the internet!

We want too see people enjoying the sport, so share your photos and adventures with us!

Follow us now!

04/01/12

Happy New Year

Wishing you all the best for 2012. Sea, lakes, canals, rivers, fishing, white water, surf, sit on tops, canoes, kayaks, what ever you choose to paddle we hope you have a great time. We are looking forward to all the Great Britain teams having success in the Olympics, any one get tickets to watch any paddling?

Right, lets do it!

28/12/11

Pots Rodeo! Its back. Feb 4th 2012

Big Lights, Big Sounds, Big fun.  Boater cross events are some of the most exciting and fun competative kayaing you can do. Get invloved!

Boom Boom Boom. The Pots Rodeo is back with a bang!

After a little break last year due to uni exams and stuff the rodeo returns to Mill on the Exe yet again!

This year the main event will take place in the form of a boater cross and then a Rodeo if there is enough water.

If your not sure what boater cross is then its a four boat race down river. We like to incorperate a few technical obsticals and moves to make to spice things up and theres not always too many rules. A gentlemans sportsman agrement is in place against foul play, but not much!

The Pots Rodeo is open to all over 18. There will be differnt classes and seeding runs to make things a little fairer and we would love to see as many new faces as possible. Its a good fun event with a massive party afterward.

The whole event takes place under flood lights and has a nice big sound system to hep keepd the beats pumping and energy flowing!

This year all profits raised wil  go to the Devon Air Ambulance. A very worthy cause and one as paddlers we may well need one day.

For more details then visit the website:

www.potsrodeo.co.uk

You can also keep upto date with event happenings via Facebook.

Join the event page here: Pots Rodeo

22/12/11

Rocks Hurt, a subscribers only offer.

Shred Ready Standard "Chrome" halfcut.

Shred Ready Shaggy "Chrome"

We have a geat offer for news letter subscribers.

The Shred Ready Standard is one of the best value helmets we stock here in our waterside shop in Exeter, Devon.

Now you have the chance to own one of the composite versions at a very good price.

The Standard " Chrome" and Shaggy "Chrome" are made frome fibreglass and Shredlar Armid fibres making the helmet lighter and stiffer. It is also a cool anodized silver finished colour.

Normal RRP £139.95  

Only £79.95 to newsletter subscribers.

Sign up at the top of the page to receive your discount code.

The offer starts on the 28th of December so you have plenty of time to sign up.

17/12/2011

Christmas delivery dates

Last delivery dates for Christmas orders placed on our website or over the phone.

 First class delivery - available on most items - Last day for orders placed before 3pm Tuesday 20th December

 Special delivery - at extra cost, available on most items - on orders placed before 3pm Thursday 22nd December

13/12/11

Excellent news! One thing we are constantly asked is "Where is there to Store Kayaks?". Trouts Boat Yard of Topsham have announced their plans to make canoe storage available on their waterside premises.

"To Explore the River Exe, Exe Estuary, River Clyst & Exeter Ship Canal. Canoe down to the Turf Hotel, Lympstone, Starcross, Dawlish Warren and Exmouth."

They Offer:

* Storage on racks on our Pontoons.

* Easy access from our pontoons.

* Toilet and Shower Available.

£180.00 inc. Vat - for the year or part year - from the 1st April 2012 subject to sufficent interest in the service.

If your interested in this service then please get in touch with Trouts Boatyard.

01392 873044 or info@troutsboatyard.co.uk

www.troutsboatyard.co.uk

07/12/11

Buy Someone an Experience for Christmas!

We run a number of courses and day trips through the year. These are availble as a gift voucher option!

Simply click the course or day trip you would like and buy the ticket.

Guided Exe Day Trip! - £50

One Days Introduction. -£50

One Day Introduction For Women -£50

Sit on Top Skills and Safety. -£35

All courses run from our shop in Exeter and prices include all equipment.

For insurance reasons these courses are for Over 18's Only.

02/12/2011

Christmas Stocking Fillers and Gift Ideas!

The AS Watersports Elves have made Christmas shopping easy for you!!!

We have have put together a list of all of our faveourite products that would make fantastic gifts for all those kayaking friends!

All these have been hand picked by The Gear Freak Elf Liam. He's translated all the kayak jargon into easy to read tidbits, to help you find the perfect gift.

All broken down to price brackets to make it easy and remember these items (apart from books) are all free postage!

Christmas Stocking Fillers - click here!

Need help getting the perfect gift!?

Remember all of us here at AS Watersports are active paddlers!

If your searching for a gift idea but not sure what's right then just email, call or pop in!

02/12/2011

Christmas and New Year opening hours

23/11/11

Adventure Paddlers weekend 2-4th December 2011

Next weekend (2-4th December) is the time for the aunnual Adventure Paddlers weekend at the River dart Country Park, Ashburton Devon. (come on, you all know where this is, dont you?)

Hosted by Gene 17 kayaking this is THE whitewater paddlers event in the South West. A chance to meet hundreds of like mineded paddlers who are set for adventure. Meet, plan and organise your next mission, wiehter its a multiday trip in a far off land, a quick overnighter on your local run or a exploartoy mission for first descents, its all Adventure Paddling.

Of course this event is also about the social aspect with some film shows, a peer to peer race and of course a party. the party will feature the Dj Talents of Palm Equipment internationl's Cheesy and A.S watersports very own Wokka (aka Ewart.)

Find all the details here: http://gene17.com/kayaking/kayaking-events/adventure-paddlers-weekend/

Facebook event page for latest updates: https://www.facebook.com/groups/39090913783/?view=events#!/event.php?eid=112802292127641

22/11/11

Pyranha Shiva Demo now available.

The latest creek boat from UK white water innovators Pyranha is quite a boat! the design moves away from the very successful Burn and is semi planning hull to a more displacement hull. More reminiscent of the Microbat (and Dagger Nomad to a degree) the Shiva is an out and out steep and deep loving kayak. This displacement hulled creeker is going to excell on the steeper rivers with plenty of rocker for manouverbility, lots of volume for fast and balenced resurfacing.

However, dispite intially being for use on the sdteep stuff staff member and A.S in house instructor Liam found it to be perfectly ok on our more local runs such as the Upper Dart.  Whilst being a big boat he sayed it didnt feel like one and was much more responsive than his old Nomad.

The Shiva has been used in extreme races, expeditions and general ww paddling the world over. Test ride one today.

Give us a call to book your demo now: 01392 219600

Or order online here: Pyranha Shiva

22/11/11

Into the wind DVD now available.

Into the wind is the DVD from Romany Productions. Follow world renowned sea kayaker explorer Jeff Allen and Harry Whealan as the curcumnavigate 1000 miles around the wild and rugged coast of Ireland. This film tells the storey of the journey and the attempt to break a 21 year old record for the fastest time to curcumnavigate. Did they make it? Buy the DVD to find out!

Treat the sea kayaker in your life to a nice Christams present.

Order online now for only £19.95.

Inc free delivery.  Into the wind

04/11/11

New boats galore

We have had a whole host on new boats and kit into the shop lately.

This is great as it has actually coincided with some rain as well!

Kicking of proceeding is the new 2012 version of the Dagger Mamba.

Check out out new blog for a detailed look at this great new river runner and then get on the phone book a demo or place an order.

Dagger Mamba 8.1 review

Buy Now

The other boats of greatness to grace our presence is the Liquid Logic Stomper.

On the surface it looks like the Jefe but with a much flatter hull this creeker should really suit a lot of paddlers.

More here: Liquid Logic Stomper. reveiw

Buy Now

Sealect Anchor trolley kits

Sealect keep coming up with great soloutions for kayak outfitting.

We love their new Anchor trolley kit. Available mid December.

Take a look at the installation video and pre order them in the webshop.

Sealect anchor trolley kits. Pre order here

Dart Loop maps

We are now stocking some lovely illustrated maps for the Dart Loop.

Not a river guide but a nice image of a very popular river.

Makes a great christmas present.

Dart Loop Maps Buy now

26/08/2011

Exe Big paddle 2011

23/08/11

New Dates for "Sit On Top Course" and "One Day Introduction" and our "Free 2 Hour Taster Session"

I haven't been fully dry since February and absolutely loving it!

A very busy Summer running trips, courses and One to Ones as well as managing to squeeze alot of paddling in for myself to keep me fresh and passionate!

I am happy to announce New dates so we can get most get the most of the mild weather in the South West.

ONE DAY INTRODUCTION TO KAYAKING - BCU 1 STAR.

This is proving to be our most popular course with scores of people of all ages kick starting there new sport with us. Only £50 for a full days tuition including all equipment. Sunday 11th September

INTRODUCTION TO SIT ON TOP KAYAKING.

This is a hugely popular area of kayaking. Skills and Safety there is alot more to it than meets the eye. Here is what a local sit on top angler said recently "It was an action packed, entertaining and very informative session. Thank you. As I said on the day, it's hard to think of a better way of spending £35. I learnt and experienced new things and made progress. Perfect for Sit On Top Anglers or anyone else who wants to Sit On Top Kayak.  Only £35 for a 3 hours tuition including all equipment. SUnday 9th October

Every week I take many One to One sessions and private small group bookings. If you want to choose one of these courses for a closed group or tailor make a course for you and your friends then have a look at our PRICING STRUCTURE and give us an email.

Any questions please get in touch tuition@aswatersports.co.uk

14/08/11

Canoe and Kayak Retailer of the year 2011

Canoe and Kayak UK Magazine has just published its awards for 2011 and We have been voted Canoe and kayak retailer of the year!

The awards were decided by votes from online users and readers of Canoe and Kayak magazine, as well as debate and discussion from the editorial staff at Canoe and Kayak magazine.

Thank you to anyone who voted for us!

You can check it all out in issue 126 (september) of canoe and kayak magazine - or check it out on their website.

Canoe and Kayak UK magazine website

04/08/11

Book a private course for you and your friends today!

Group Bookings

We are pleased to offer all our courses as private closed bookings. Suitable for couples, groups of friends, families, clubs or societies.

What We Offer:

* BCU 1* and BCU 2* Awards. This is a nationally recognised award and is a pre requisite for many kayak and canoe clubs.

* Skills and Safety days for groups that's want to start kayaking but would feel more confident with a days tuition. With all equipment provided it's as easy as a phone call.

* Guided trips to Topsham.

With a range of boats including Sit On Tops,General Purpose Kayaks, Touring Kayaks, Sea Kayaks and Open Canoes we can offer courses to suit your aims.

If your not sure or want more information please get in touch.

tuition@aswatersports.co.uk

Pricing Structure for Private Bookings.

Groups of 2 - 3 People.

(minimum two hour booking)

£17.50 per hour per person

Groups of 4 - 6 People.

(minimum booking is a full day 10am - 4pm)

05/07/11

New Course Dates!

WOW! The Summer is well in swing. I haven't been fully dry since March as I've been on the water most days teaching or enjoying my days off on the water.

I have lined up a whole load of NEW TASTER DATES so take a look. This is a great FREE way to see if kayaking is for you. A two hour taster with the guidance of a qualified instructor

Two Dates for our GUIDED EXE DAY TRIP are coming up. Including a new one specifically for OVER 50's.

More dates for our ONE DAY INTRODUCTION TO KAYAKING - BCU 1 STAR. This is proving to be our most popular course with scores of people of all ages kick starting there new sport with us.

INTRODUCTION TO SIT ON TOP KAYAKING. This is a hugely popular area of kayaking .Skills and Safety there is alot more to it than meets the eye. Here is what a local sit on top angler said recently "It was an action packed, entertaining and very informative session. Thank you. As I said on the day, it's hard to think of a better way of spending £35. I learnt and experienced new things and made progress. Perfect for Sit On Top Anglers or anyone else who wants to Sit On Top Kayak.

WOMENS ONE DAY INTRODUCTION TO KAYAKING. Women only groups are becoming more and more popular nationwide and we are pleased to offer this course as a female only option.

This is perfect for ladies who want to sample kayaking for the first time in a comfortable environment.

Every week I take many One to One sessions and private small group bookings. If you want to choose one of these courses for a closed group or tailor make a course for you and your friends then have a look at our PRICING STRUCTURE and give us an email.

tuition@aswatersports.co.uk

21/06/11

Course Updates.

Upcoming Courses

Sunday 31st July - A morning of Skills and Safety for Sit on Tops. Only £35 per person, 10am - 1pm. A great intro course for those going to into kayak fishing. Click Here....

Sunday 7th July - One Day introduction to Kayaking for Women. Click here ...

For All other courses, One to Ones and Private Bookings see our homepage.

Need any more information please email

tuition@aswatersports.co.uk

15/06/11

Hook, line and sinker.

Well we don't stock any of these but we are now stocking Ram Mounts from the USA and Sealect designs.

Our instore "Spinner" has over 99 different out fitting and upgrade parts. Just aboput any thing you can break or lose on a kayak is replaceable from the Spinner. Pad eyes, strap eys, clips, buckles, bungs, foot rests, hatches, rudders wires and lots more. There are lotsa more available instore, this is just some very useful bits.

Get fixing and upgrading here: Sealect Spinner

Fishfinder mounts and rod holders are two items every kayak angler needs.

US brand Ram mounts make just thises items.

Use of this brand is getting wider (now that we have them in stock!)

Ram mounts here: RAM

10/06/11

One to One Rolling Clinics -

Learning to roll your kayak opens up a new level of confidence and enjoyment in your boat!

It's a tricky (but immensely satisfying) little skill and thats why we only offer this class on a One to One ratio.

Our inhouse qualified instructor Liam has plenty of experience teaching people to roll.

We supply everything, we use top end equipment modern comfortable boats to maximise learning.

Take a look at a video from our latest session!

All Enquiries Please contact Liam now

tuition@aswatersports.co.uk

08/06/11

Course Updates.

Hello!

A quick update to let you know about our courses and what's coming up! Alongside our waterside shop we offer proffesional tuition for Adults.

One Day introduction to kayaking, 26th June 10am - 4pm.

A One Day Introduction to Kayaking. This can include your British Canoe Union One Star Certificate.

When: Sunday 26th June.
Price: £50 (all equipment provided)

More info...

Guided Exe Day trip - 19th June, 10am - 4pm.

We head off the beaten track and take the scenic tidal section of the Exe to Topsham and back.

A fantastic day out for all abilities on the
River Exe and Exeter Ship canal. £50 inc all Equipment.

For all our courses click here!

More Info...

Private Bookings have become more and more popular. Recently we have tailored sessions for a couple wanting to learn Sea Kayak skills to kick start there new sport, A group of friends wanting a day out and ain house guided trip to Topsham.

We are open and flexible so if there's something you want to do then get in touch.

For more infomation and prices Click here...

Enquire Now....

01392 219 600

tuition@aswatersports.co.uk

08/06/11

News update.

We have been very busy at the shop since easter and the double bank holiday. Time to catch up on some stuff!

Expect pleanty of news and new goodies on the web asap.

Many thanks to every one who has been into the shop and dealt with our hecticness!

Liam and Ewart have been swaning off around Europe chasing the snow melt. Not really finding any but pleanty of rain to keep them occupied. A full report on the blog soon.

Jemma is off to the Scilly isleswith local Sea kayak coach and guide Mike Bradford later in the month. A world classic sea kayak trip which she is looking forward to. (free time away from the shop and the boys!)

Sam is back with us for the summer. he returns with his ever calm and easy going temprement. Ideal to help us all chill out.

Stay tuned for more news. If you would like it direct to your inbox (no spam) then sign up for the new s letter above. We often have subscriber only offers and information!

AS Watersports news archive

click on the link to view all our old archived news stories