Brookbank Lancaster

Boat Sale at Brookbank

2011-09-08T03:04:00.000-07:00

Boat Sale at Brookbank

See below for just some of the amazing deals on a wide range of canoes and kayaks from Brookbank. Includes Ex display, ex demo, end of line models at discounts ranging from 15% to 50% off. First come first served.

Please call nearest store for info / to order. All boats for collection only.

Brookbank Huge Sale!

Brookbank Climbing Is Launched

2011-05-04T06:48:00.000-07:00

The New Brookbank Climbing Department at our Lancaster branch has finally be launched and the department is now fully stocked and ready for your custom. Come and visit us instore and have a look round all our new shiny gear.

Halton Demo Day CANCELLED

2011-02-05T03:12:00.001-08:00

Brookbank Lancaster Halton Demo Day CANCELLED

Due to the current weather Halton rapids is now well into spate conditions, meaning it would not be sensible or safe to continue with running the day. We will do our best to spread this information at such short notice but if you know of people who were going to be attending the demo please could you pass this information out to save them the wasted trip.

Please look out for information on this site regarding the rearranged date for the demo day.

Many thanks

Brookbank Lancaster Team

Halton Demo Day Sunday Feb 6th 2011

2011-01-08T08:31:00.000-08:00

FAO All Local Canoe Clubs and Paddlers

Brookbank Lancaster are hosting a demo day in February at Halton Rapids on the River Lune. We will be bringing a wide variety of white water Demo kayaks to these events for all those attending to try out. We are hoping to get a good turn out from all the local canoe clubs and local paddlers. This Demo day will be completely free of charge to paddlers to try out any and all of the boats we bring along.

The event is planned for Sunday the 6th February 2011 and the event will run from 10am until 4pm or until everyone gets to cold and goes home. The event will be run from a car park at the top of Mill Lane next to Halton Rapids on river right of the Lune. It is just off junction 34 of the M6 at Lancaster and I have attached a map to assist paddlers with the location of where the event will be run from and where vehicles can be parked during the event.

Obviously we will bring as many boats as possible and any special requests can be forwarded to myself at this email address and we will attempt to accommodate them, but also paddlers are encouraged to bring there own boats and generally just have a good day out on the water. Please note that paddlers will have to bring all there own kit and paddles as this will not be supplied.

If clubs and paddlers could send an email with any interest and some suggested numbers for attendance in order to give us some idea before the event it would be greatly appreciated. Also on receiving this email if there is anyone you can think of that would benefit from this email please forward it on.

Final Note, paddlers will be paddling at there own risk and should be competent to paddle to the conditions of the water on the day and safety or instruction will not be supplied by Brookbank.

Looking forward to seeing you all on the water.

Craig (Brookbank Lancaster Manager)

Email: craigjones@brookbank.co.uk

Road Map of Halton Rapids Location

Craig gets out in the OC1 again

2010-11-21T10:27:00.000-08:00

Well after this weeks success running the Lune I thought it would be a good idea to hit the Kent and the Leven and see what this Mowhawk boat can do. It was great I had a run down the Kent with no swims and good lines on all the rapids and then fun down the Leven but with a couple of swims but still great fun.....

Check ou my little VIDEO of how the day went.

Me (Craig) running the weir above fishermans Island on the Leven

Craig tries his hand at OC1

2010-11-18T04:54:00.000-08:00

Well as you may have guessed I (Craig) can be usually found out on the rivers in my trusty nomad however yesterday I decided it was time for a change and time to do some real product testing. So me and Mark Burch (Brookbank Director) headed out to the upper lune for me to have a go in the new range of White Water Open Canoes from Mohawk. I have never done white water OC1 so this could only end in laughter but I thought it was worth it. So with Mark in his kayak to pick up the pieces when I swam we set off with me in the Mohawk Viper 12. The day didn't start well with a swim in the first 10 yards but I persisted and very quickly got used to the tippy boat with no swims on any of the major rapids just 5 more whilst ferry gluiding and eddie hopping as to be expected in a boat like this. But the day was a great one full of new found nerves and excitment deffinatley a new side of boating I will start pursuing.

Me (Craig) on the strid

Mark running the Strid

Long time no post!

2010-11-18T04:49:00.000-08:00

Well its been a while since my last post, this isn't because we've not been up to anything only that we've been up to to much and been to busy, we've had another trip to Scotland surfing in Pembrokeshire days out climbing and much more boating. Also the Lancaster shop has had a face lift inside and now looks great. With a trip also to Germany to see lots of new products at Kannumesse. But anyway that was just a quick note to catch up and let everyone know were back on track for more regular posts.

Green Boat wins the battle

2010-08-30T12:40:00.000-07:00

This Sunday the three strong staff team Me (Craig), Guy and little Tom headed for the Tryweryn we took with us the mighty Green Boat for some extra entertainment. Although I have had the pleasure of using the green boat before on the Tryweryn it still never ceases to amaze me how great it is. We all had our turn with everyone pushing it as hard as they could to get the best move or the most air. However on the final run the day was made when I (Craig) whilst paddling the green boat was met by two paddlers in the famous Topo Duo and challenge was set King of the wave was called at Cafe wave with a good audience and lots of other boaters I am pleased to say the Green Boat won, but the challengers were worthy opponents.

Me (Craig) fighting for king of the wave in the Green Boat against the Topo Duo

Me (Craig) surfing the Nomad

Me (Craig) powering through in the Green Boat

Little Tom getting the POP out in his chico

Guy boofing the Green Boat

Guy getting the Claw

Little Tom in the very Big Green Boat!

The Brookbank boys head to Scotland!

2010-08-26T07:32:00.000-07:00

Well been a while since the last post however we have been out and got some good rivers done but not much to write home about. But that's all changed as Me (Craig) and as many of the others as we could manage to get in one place at the same time headed off to Scotland. With a strong team of 13 we headed for Glen Etive for some good wild camping and luckily some even better water levels. On day one the group was split with 5 heading off towards Fort William and 8 staying down in the Glen, the day started with a sporting run of the Etive at good levels and then a supreme run of the Allt a' Chaoruinn which was an amazing experience with only good things to say.
That night we headed to the Morriston for some more wild camping and some early runs of the upper and lower Morriston the next day, ending with a drive back towards the Etive for a lower run down that and some playtime on Right Angle. It was a brilliant two days spent with a great bunch of boaters there were plenty of pics and vids taken and below is a link to video we made of a few of us running one of the Etive Tribs.

Allt a' Chaoruinn VIDEO

Trip to the Washburn

2010-08-01T11:12:00.000-07:00

Today Me (Craig) and Little Tom decided due to the very low levels in the rivers, we would head over to the Washburn for the Sunday release. This also seemed like a good opportunity to try out my new Dagger Kingpin play boat, which did not fail to impress me.

Me (Craig) playing in the weir and getting some ends!

River Leven bridge works!

2010-07-28T14:41:00.001-07:00

Today after work Me (Craig), Little Tom and John headed to the Leven for an after work paddle, with an interest of exploring the current works and scaffolding that had been put up on Back Barrow bridge. The river was at a reasonable summertime level and was worth a paddle. The works at Back Barrow now mean that the rapid under the bridge is not runnable, which is a real shame as this was a very pleasant main event on the river. Also two new differences is the work done on Back Barrow wier which has really changed the wier and for some reason it is holding back a substantial amount of water and channeling it down the flood gates. As well as this there is also a tree in the weir above the rapids under the road bridge, which used to be a great play spot...

Back Barrow Bridge from above

Back Barrow Bridge from below

Back Barrow Weir

Back Barrow Weir from below

Little Tom running the fish steps

More rain more boating :)

2010-07-20T14:28:00.001-07:00

Another day of rain meant another after work run which means this week just keeps getting better. This time the guys headed up for a look at the lower clough just to check the levels and it was deffinatley going at a real good level. Not quite a spate run but a proper good high. So Me, Dave, Mike, Tom and Little Tom headed for the get on. Another awesome run down a reliably good river with some good lines to be had, meaty stoppers and even some classic beat downs (but not for me ha ha). Also a mighty play wave formed just on the Rawthey near the get out with fun had by all.

Mike on the Big Wier on the Lower Clough

Little Tom on the Big Wier on the Lower Clough

Me (Craig) playing on the play wave on the Rawthey

Dave firing off the top of the play wave on the Rawthey

Artle Beck goes down a treat!

2010-07-19T13:24:00.000-07:00

After work paddles are becoming a regular occurance at the moment and the rain keeps on coming, me and the guys had hopes to get the local and well kept secret run of Artle Beck done with all this rain. So Me, Ant, Jonny and Dave headed for the get out and it was on. However many times I do this run I can never get bored of it, even if it's full of trees and requires four tricky portages! Check out the VIDEO and see for yourself.

Rain is back GOOD TIMES!

2010-07-17T00:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had, had rain all day and expectations were high so we headed straight to the rivers after work with a good run down the Lower Clough achieved. The good news is the rain is still coming so there is more after work boating to be had...watch this space.

The boys Fire up the Alps!

2010-07-16T04:46:00.000-07:00

Well this year has been OK for boating so far but nothing special, so some months ago it was discussed that all the local lakes boaters would try and get together for some summer alpine boating and try and fire up some of the classics. So on Tuesday 6th July 3 of us started our journey in the good old reliable VW van loaded with kit we headed for the Alps. Me, Guy and Dave were met in France by Atty, Pilky, Jonny and Ewart all of whom had made there own way there. We were ready to go and fire it up. We worked our way through the classics like the Durance, Guill, Briancon Gorge, Gizane, Guyronde, Onde, Ubay, Chatuex Queras, Gardian Angel and many more. For me as an Alpine first timer it was an amazing experience and a great opportunity to develop my boating skills. We didn't get many pictures due to the unstoppable nature of the kayaking out there but what we did get will be put up on the blog asap.......

Me (Craig) on the big drop on Le Fournel

Me (Craig) on the Gizane

Long Time no post!

2010-07-16T04:44:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a while since the last post this is due mainly to the lack of rain and lack of boating with only the standard trips to the Tryweryn to keep us happy. However after a long wait The Alps trip was due to take place and our story follows in the next Brookbank Lancaster post.

No water so headed to the lakes for an Open Boat Adventure

2010-06-13T10:20:00.001-07:00

Lack of rain and no desire to drive all the way to north wales again I (Craig) and becky headed out in the open boats for a day exploring lake Windermere and just to have a generally relaxing day on the water.

Me (Craig) having a rare mellow day out in the open boat......a very chilled day out!

Green Boat goes to the Tryweryn!

2010-06-12T12:25:00.000-07:00

Today me (Craig) and the chaps (Ant, Dave and Bob) headed to the Tryweryn due to more dry summer days, but this time with a twist. For a long time I have wanted to paddle in the famous Dagger Green Boat, a kayak designed specifically for the Green River Race in America. I know the Tryweryn doesn't exactly fulfill the needs of this specialist Dagger boat but it was a real great laugh. It's super fast when hitting eddie lines, running straight through big holes and surfs like a super huge surf board. A great day in the sun on the water, also whilst at Cafe wave local legend Andy Turton displayed an interest in the boat and jumped straight in for some playtime, Check out Andy's website www.andyturton.com for some great boating courses.
In conclusion the Dagger Green Boat is amazing and if I had the spare cash it would definitely be in my arsenal of boats.

Me (Craig) in the Dagger Green Boat running Chapel Falls on the Tryweryn

Me (Craig) surfing the Dagger Green Boat in Cafe Wave on the Tryweryn

Legend Andy Turton having a cheeky surf in the Dagger Green Boat on Cafe Wave on the Tryweryn

Two Great Days on the Moriston

2010-06-02T14:47:00.001-07:00

Well the sun has been shining, the rivers are dry and times are getting desperate. So plans were made and a team was found to head to Scotland for some glorious summer time Dam release rivers. After a long drive up on the evening of Bank Holiday Monday and some midge infested wild camping we headed up to the River Moriston a dam release river just south of Inverness. The team consisted of Me (Craig), Ant, Ewart, Rob and the hardcore little Tom who had days before turned 14. We also met up with two other boaters at the get on called Bob and Grandad who decided to join our group and make a good 7 strong team. We had several runs of the upper section a solid grade 4 in the glorious summer sun, and then 5 of us headed to the lower section to fire it up at a respectable grade 4+ we hit it hard and nailed all the lines without any real dramas. After a long day and time to get off we headed to a local campsite for BBQ and Beers and discuss the successes of the day. The next day we headed back to the Moriston to fire it up one more time before they switched off the dam, a good run of the top section and an even better run of the lower put an end to a great two days on the Moriston. We then headed to the River Gary another Dam release river on the way home towards Fort William. The Gary is a Grade 3 fun run and has some good play features but nothing to match that of the Moriston but still a great way to spend a hot summers afternoon. I have put on some pics of the two days in Scotland and also check out our VIDEO of the Moriston.

Me (Craig) rocking the top drop on the Moriston and nailing the line

Me (Craig) on the lower section of the Moriston

Bob nailing the line in his Big Dog OC1 (Proper Hardcore)

Little Tom Aged 14 rocking into the top drop....impressive!

Rob dropping in and about to go deep

Ewart nailing the line in the Blisstick playboat

All the boys having a pic at the bottom of the upper section
Left Rob, Center Me (Craig), Right Ewart, and Little Tom up front...

4 Star Assessment PASSED!

2010-05-23T11:46:00.001-07:00

This weekend me (Craig) and Ant returned to North Wales for our 4 star kayak assessment, this took place with one day at the Tryweryn on the lower section and the other above JJ's on the Dee. The weather was great nice and not with cool water, which made the swimming bits even more fun. After lots of exercises, river running, leading and scenarios we both finished the course with a pass. The weekend was not only great fun but very informative and I would suggest anyone wanting similar kayak or canoe courses, checks out the course provider Andy Nobletts WEBSITE!

Me (Craig) running Bala Mill Falls Lower Tryweryn

Ant running Bala Mill Falls Lower Tryweryn

Me (Craig) body surfing on the bottom wave at JJ's

4 Star kayak training goes well!

2010-05-15T11:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday me (Craig) and Ant (mate and boating partner) headed down to North Wales for our 4 star kayak training on the lower Tryweryn. We headed down last night and slept in the van for an early start. As we were meeting at 9am we got up for an early Tryweryn run at 8:30 then headed to the cafe for breakfast. After the usual briefings on these courses we jumped on the water with the aim of running the Lower Tryweryn and carrying out the course. Neither me nor Ant had ever run the lower section as it never seemed worth it. But after today I realised it's not all that bad but a bit of a slog in places. As for Bala Mill Falls, over the years people have told me it's a solid rapid, however it hardly seemed worth it. But in all a great day on the water and lots of new skills learned and a fantastic pair of coaches. Andy Noblett who was taking the course is a great instructor with lots of experience and his website is well worth checking out if your interested in any kayak or canoe courses....now we wait for next week when we're off to be assessed.

Me (Craig) Playing in Chapel Falls on the Upper Tryweryn

A day on the Tryweryn....

2010-05-09T11:32:00.000-07:00

Today it was time to get out boating, but no water up north, so all the boys head to the best and most reliable, dry day, river the Tryweryn a white water course in Bala, North Wales. I (Craig) have been to the Tryweryn many times before but never on a busy, hot Sunday which I have always tried to avoid in the past. As expected it was busy very busy, however undeterred me, Jonny, Little Tom, Big Tom, Dave, Richard and Sam all got on the water and worked some eddies, some hero moves and had great fun. A long day on the water and in the sun with a fair few runs and some new moves worked, I would say quite a successful day on the whole. This week we look forward to the possibility of rain, however we wont get our hopes up, And if not maybe more visits to the Tryweryn will be necessary over the next few weeks....

Me (Craig) Nailing the hero flair at the bottom of the grave yard section

Jonny on the lead in to Ski Jump

Little Tom powering through

Big Tom trying the rock boof

San Clegg on the Lip of the Ski Jump about to nail the boof

Me (Craig) Landing the Ski Jump

Stand Up Paddle Boards come to Lancaster!

2010-05-04T13:48:00.000-07:00

Its been on the cards for a while now but finally the newest paddlesport craze has reached Brookbank and more importantly Lancaster store. The long awaited stand up paddle boards have arrived and Lancaster have got there share of the demo boards. So obviously as a ambassador for paddle sport I (Craig) took on the job of taking the SUP boards out for a spin. I was joined by both Little Tom and Sam Clegg and we fully demoed the boards giving them a good test run on the local play spot at Halton weir. The boards as expected were not easy to get to grips with at first however with a little perseverance and a lot of fun we managed to conquer the boards, well when I say conquer I actually mean fall off less. It is definitely a new hobby I will be keen to pursue along my already busy free time, but I can say this for sure its proper good fun and may even be the future of paddling.

Little Tom river surfing the stand up board

Me (Craig) getting to grips on my knees first

Sam going for the ferry glide

Me and one of the many falls

Little Tom about to hit the wet stuff

Sam pulls out the old school moves

Me (Craig) running the weir on the SUP

Sam demonstrating the dismount

Me and Tom try to make SUP boarding a tandem sport

Bank Holiday Opening Times

2010-05-02T12:15:00.000-07:00

Bank Holiday Monday 3rd May 2010 - We are OPEN for business from 10am until 4pm and look forward to seeing you!

A day on the Washburn....

2010-05-02T12:04:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since my last post due to a recent trip to Iceland, however after returning to the UK yesterday I (Craig) was keen to get straight out boating. So after hearing that the Washburn was releasing and due to the lack of other paddling options we headed over to Yorkshire. Me and Sam Clegg headed over in the van, meeting Little and Big Tom over there for a good day on the water. The guys were all in play boats but as always my loyalty lies with the trusty Dagger Nomad, which is always far more fun. Anyone who says you can't play it up in a creeker is wrong, they probably mean they can't do it! It's way more fun anyway. This week we pray for rain in the hope that some after work runs open up.

Me (Craig) Sporting the Dagger Nomad on the Washburn

Me (Craig) Playing on the Washburn

Little Tom Surfing on the Washburn

Sam Clegg in the Orbit Fish carving it up on the Washburn

Big Tom on the Washburn

The Gang out for a play!

2010-04-20T14:11:00.000-07:00

Tonight me (Craig) and the whole gang (Atty, Clegg, Ant, Little Tom, Big Tom, Jonny, Steph, Clair and Mike) were out in force tonight for some flat water play boating and a well deserved pint afterwards. The venue as usual in the summer evenings Halton weir, and me and the chaps even managed to get Little Tom some Air Time in his Shooting Star.....see the pics below!

Hand Surfing @ Halton

2010-04-15T14:27:00.000-07:00

Tonight was another good evening for some playboating on Halton Rapids, and today I decided to do some work on my hand surfing skills.....and all went well, another great eveving on the water!

Me (Craig) hand surfing on the bottom wave at Halton

Flat water Playboating!

2010-04-14T12:47:00.000-07:00

Today me (Craig) and Little Tom headed to local spot Halton (5 Mins away) for a bit of a flat water playboating. Good for working on those basic playboating skills and just working on your fitness. It was a real nice evening, however its not quite hot enough yet to spend half your time upside down without serious brain freeze.....still an ACE evening on the water.

Me (Craig) playing with the Bow Stall!

Little Tom rocking the Cartwheel.....nice!

A farewell paddle for Pilky!

2010-04-11T09:37:00.000-07:00

Today me (Craig) and the guys Atty, Pilky, Dave, Jonny, Little Tom and Will headed out for a sunday morning paddle, again on the Leven as it is the only thing still running. The main reason to get out today is that Pilky is heading down to the south of France to work for the summer. We wanted to give him a good send off with a paddle, a pint and Sunday lunch at a local pub all good times. We made good use of the remaining water with Little Tom getting his first run of Backbarrow Weir so all good. Were all Hoping for rain this week so we can maybe hit the local becks.

Me (Craig) running Backbarrow Bridge

Little Tom running Backbarrow Weir

A good week of after work paddles!

2010-04-08T14:24:00.000-07:00

Well as you've probably realised the Kent and the Leven feature a lot on this BLOG. This is because they are our local and reliable runs, when the rain comes we try to hit the the local steep becks but in between were happy with our regular runs down the Kent. This week has been a real good one for after work boating as you would be able to tell from the few previous posts, tonight was no exception me (Craig) and the chaps (Ant, Little Tom, Dave and Jon) headed up to the Kent but this time with a twist. Firstly Dave was out boating for the first time in months after heavy work commitments since before Christmas, and as for Jon this was his first run ever of the Kent so exciting times for him. It was a nice leisurely paddle and we even ended up getting off in the dark which was fun!

Jon just about to run Force Falls on the Kent

White Water Safety and Rescue course Day 2

2010-04-06T11:03:00.000-07:00

Well Today was Day 2 of the WWSR course, and we were based on the River Leven. The day started with some swimmer rescues from weirs which was ace fun. Then we moved onto river leadership and moving water rescues. All the time useful skill were being taught and new techniques were being picked up. After these two days I would recommend that anyone who paddles on moving water attends one of these courses as they are great for you boating skills and knowledge. Our instructor was a chap called Ashley St.John-Claire and is an excellent instructor and coach. His buisness is called Outdoor Resources Ltd you can check out his website www.outdoor-resources.co.uk, If you are interested in these courses or any coaching courses for paddling its worth seeing what hes got running.

Well back home now and chilling after a tough two days, but hoping with the rain that's just started might manage another after work paddle tomorrow!

White Water Safety and Rescue course Day 1

2010-04-05T13:42:00.000-07:00

Well today I (Craig) attended my first day of a WWSR course, this is for a few reasons because I want to progress my coaching qualifications, improve my kayaking skills and knowledge and mainly due to, feeling that I owe it to those around me, who boat with me on hard rivers on a daily basis in order to have the knowledge and skills to rescue them should they need it.
Today the course was based at Skelwith Force on the River Brathay in the Lake District. We had a lot of rain fall over night and all day and the river was at bursting point, this just made it all the better. We were using throw lines and learning new techniques, swimming down rapids and even tried a body surf in the wave. It was a great day on the water or should I say in the water, It was the most fun I've had on a river without being in my kayak.

The day was made all the better when at the end of day one of the course I met up with Ant and Pilky to get a run of the Troutbeck which had held its level all day, see the Troutbeck video. And then a run of the Kent at Super Huge levels which was amazing, big wave trains and super big holes. Have a look at the Kent video that ant made. Then got off the river in the dark to get home very tired but aware that another day tomorrow on the WWSR course, on the water but this time in a boat...even better!

A bad start ends well!

2010-04-04T09:26:00.000-07:00

Today we started our day by heading over towards the Swale after having reliable information that the water levels were good and we could get a good run down it. However half way there we got the expected phone call no water! so me (Craig) and the guys (Atty, Ant, Pilky, Little Tom, Jonny and Rob) headed for the most reliable Lakeland run on a dry day...the Leven. This was running at a good level considering the lack of rain and we even managed a run of the infamous Backbarrow Weir that is said to be unrunable, which is not always the case. Although I have ran the weir before usually saving it for only the much lower levels, today we ran it with a good amount of water and I nailed the line so all good (take a look). We then headed for a cheeky run of the Kent that had held its levels well and we had some fun playing and generally being reckless on the way down...all good times! Have a look at the videos from the day on Ants new posh HD head cam....Leven Video and Kent Video

Now I must prepare for my white water safety and rescue course over the next two days, looking forward to it but gutted if it rains and I'm doing that instead of boating.

Pilky rocking Force Falls on the Kent

Me (Craig) on the lip of Force Falls

The local run get's another after work run...

2010-04-02T13:23:00.000-07:00

As I said when I set up this new BLOG everytime I got out boating I would do a post to keep you guys in the know. Well today again with the good levels of water we've had recently I managed to get out boating after work on the local run the River Kent it was good to be out and I was joined by Ant and Little Tom. We had a nice run playing along the way and I even managed the right hand line on force falls with an ace booth. Lets hope for rain when we get out sunday...

Me (Craig) dropping into Gunpowder Rapid on the Kent

Easter Opening Hours

2010-04-02T02:33:00.000-07:00

Easter Opening Hours

Friday.......10am - 4pm

Saturday...9:30am - 5:30pm

Sunday......Closed

Monday.....10am - 4pm

We will resume nomal opening hours from Tuesday......

Discount Evening not a success!

2010-04-01T14:03:00.000-07:00

I had organised and arranged a discount evening at the Brookbank Lancaster shop, this was in an effort to get the local paddling community involved and back to the local paddling shop. Although we had a lot of interest the turn out did not represent this and unfortunatley we had hardly if anyone attend. This is very disapointing, but hey must go on and more important things to think about like when will it rain next and where to go boating!

River Clough after work run!

2010-03-31T13:17:00.000-07:00

Well talk about good times, the rain came again today and filled up the local rivers so me and the guys (Atty, Pilky and Little Tom) headed up to the River Clough. A run that I have done many times before at all different levels, but today it was good to get on it again at a medium low level. We had a good after work run and even managed to get off before it got dark. Unfortunately no boating after work tomorrow as I have organised a discount and film screening evening at the shop for anyone to attend (details in the previous posts) but hey maybe get some more boating done at the weekend.

Little Tom on the big weir on the lower Clough

Pilky at the bottom of the weir River Clough

Me (Craig) on the final drop of the Clough

Exploring the North Lakes

2010-03-30T09:06:00.000-07:00

Well today we went exploring a new river up in the North of the Lake District, the day started well, my first day off in ages where i have woken up to heavy rain and the very real chance that I might get a new river done. Me and Atty headed up to look at a river not paddled very often called Troutbeck North, not to be mistaken with the very popular Troutbeck that runs into windermere. Well we found out very quickly why it isn't run very often, one because its hard to judge the water levels and the numerous fence and tree portages not to mention the sharp boulders that took great pleasure in eating the plastic off the bottom of my boat...however the main event was a nice two meter drop which even came out quite well in the picture. This will not be a river I would recommend neither will I be returning here in the future. On a plus we managed to get a run down Tebay Gorge on the very upper lune on the way home that was at a stonking level, so not all bad.

Me (Craig) running the drop on Troutbeck North...

Sunday Paddle on the River Leven

2010-03-28T09:25:00.000-07:00

Well its been quite a good week for boating, with a couple of after work runs, a day off with water in the rivers and even managed to fit in a before work run of the Kent on Saturday. So at the moment a very happy paddler. As for today the Leven was at a real good level and me and the guys got out for a good run down and even got Tom along our youngest member of staff, our dedicated Saturday boy. With the rain returning were hoping that over the next week the becks will start coming back up and we can hit the steep stuff. :)

Check out the VIDEO of Little Tom running Backbarrow Bridge on the Leven, impressive considering hes only 13!

Me (Craig) on Fisherman's Island Rapid, River Leven

A quicky after work paddle!

2010-03-22T13:47:00.000-07:00

Well the daylight is lasting longer and the days are getting wetter, life is getting better every day. The rain has returned and the rivers are filling up and I even managed to get out on the water after work today with friend and local boater Anthony Shaw. It was a lowish medium level on the Kent but felt great to be on the water again. And were due even more rain before my next day off so bring on the boating.

Have a little look at our video of boating on the Kent from today....

Kent Video

Discount and Film screening evening at Lancaster Shop!

2010-03-17T07:37:00.000-07:00

Information for all North West Boater's

My name is Craig Jones and I have recently taken over as manager (from laurence who has moved on within the group to a new managerial roll) of the kayaking shop at Lancaster, for those who don't know it, it is called Brookbank Lancaster. As a local boater I am keen to get other local white water boaters involved in events at the shop. I have decided to hold an discount evening at the shop on

THURSDAY 1st APRIL 2010

this is to introduce myself to those of you that don't know me and also make up some good links with you guys the local boaters.

However the main reason for the evening is, as many of you may know recently there was a new KAYAK PORN DVD release called DREAM RESULT and I will be screening (ON BIG SCREEN) this at the Lancaster shop on the discount evening for all those who attend to view. The screening will be FREE OF CHARGE and will run from 7:30pm until 8:30pm with a chance for discount products to be purchased before the screening from 6:30 pm until 7:30pm.

When people attend they are advised to bring there own refreshments such as drinks (BEER!) and chocolate biscuits for me, also if everyone could bring a small chair of some kind to save sitting on the floor or standing.

I am keen to get a good turn out of as many of the North West and Lake District boaters as possible. In the hope that if this event is successful, and in the future we can start getting some more planned and make a stronger local paddling scene.

If you are interested in attending the evening all I ask is that you can email to advise me of your attendance, so I can make preparations for numbers etc...

please email: craigjones@brookbank.co.uk

Discounts will be on selective items and vary from 10% to 20% on the evening.....

A day off in the hills.......and not on the water!

2010-03-11T07:09:00.000-08:00

Today another day off with out water, so me (Craig) and another boater Jonny decided to sack off trying to go boating and headed up into the hills for a walk. Nothing special just an amble up Wansfell Baystones and Wansfell Pike, lovely views and clear skies a real nice day out also a great view of a very empty Troutbeck a sad sight......maybe some day soon the rain will return but untill then the hills may become my new past time (who knows).

Craig on Wansfell Baystones Summit

Craig On the Summit of Wansfell Pike (Windermere in background)

One word.............. Desperate!

2010-03-10T10:53:00.000-08:00

Ok I am not going to go on about the lack of water on another day off as the last few post have detailed how bad things have got. However I will say that times are desperate and a play Halton is the best a north west boater can hope for at the moment.

Here's a little video of me (Craig) playing at Halton today, not very exciting I know, but this is all that's going!

Oh my God, when will the rain return?

2010-03-03T10:06:00.000-08:00

Today I had another day off from work with no rain in the lakes, depressed by lack of kayaking and desperate to get out. Me (Craig), Jonny and Pilky all decided to go and run again the Upper Lune as it was the only thing that had any water in it, however only just. Today was the lowest levels I have ever done that or any river (bad times!).

Today, I also checked on my Facebook when was the last time I ran a river at a good level in the Lakes. I was horrified to discover that it was 18th January which means we're not far off two months without good boating levels. Sometimes I wonder if there is a better way to spend your days off, rather than praying for rain. But then I realise that there is not and boating is awesome even if you do have to be patient.

Although a low day on the water, it's always good to be out with friends having a laugh and getting up to mischief.

Jonny on the Strid (Very, Very, Very LOW!)

Craig practicing his best boating moves

Pilky tucking up for the drops.....Ha Ha

Halton demo day is a sucess!

2010-02-28T11:22:00.000-08:00

Today was the first of two demo days that we at Brookbank have organised for local clubs to attend at Halton rapids and try out any boat that takes their fancy for free. The day was very successful with many local clubs and local boaters attending. We demo'd out many boats and even got some chance to get on the water and try some of the boats out ourselves. With myself (Craig) even getting a run down the rapids teamed up with good friend and boater Sam Clegg in the Demo Topo Duo, which was amazing fun and even managed to roll it. We would like to thank all those who attended the event, and any that didn't make it this time round, we will be holding another demo day on Sunday 14th March at the same location. For information about this event please see previous BLOG post for details.

Below are some pics from the day!

Laurence (left) sporting his best boating kit!

Sam Clegg Flat spinning the Orbit Fish!

Tom trying the Loop!

Pilky Carving it up!

Sam Clegg (Front) and Me Craig (rear) in the Topo Duo

Me (Craig) Swimming, YES Swimming at Halton - Dont ask why or how.....

Me (Craig) surfing the my Nomad!

All the pictures are credited to local boater and friend Alistair Gray (Atti)

A trip to the Upper Dart

2010-02-18T23:52:00.000-08:00

Finally the rain has returned, earlier this week me (Craig) and two local boaters Atty and Ant went in the hunt of water. So on Wednesday, due to the Met Office reports , we ended up heading to Dartmoor for two days, where we had arranged to meet up with legend boater and ex employee Guy Genge. Guy now being a local to the Dart had made it his training ground however the three of us were new to the Dart experience. We paddled the Upper Dart atlow levels on the Wednesday which was disappointing as there had been so much rain. But as we camped up for the night we received lots of heavy rain over night which brought the river up to a good level and it was flowing well. So we took it on again this time enjoying the good levels and even some hero moves and boof's. It was a great trip and really good to get on a new river in a new area with some good water levels and some great mates.

Above; Craig Running Euthanasia Falls

Above; Craig Running Euthanasia Falls

Above; Guy Running Suprise suprise or Pandora's Box

Above; Atty Running Suprise suprise or Pandora's Box

Above; Craig Running Suprise suprise or Pandora's Box

The Boys are all back home now and back at work, but hopefully with a bit of luck and some wet stuff from the sky, we will be out and about again at the weekend.

A nother day without rain!

2010-02-10T10:24:00.000-08:00

So another day off from work with no rain and no water. Me (Craig) and local boater and good friend Alistair Gray A.K.A Atty, decided to go and make the most of the day and went to scout a local river that neither of us have boated called the Swale. Although several attempts have been made to boat the river by ourselves over 2009 the water levels were always to low, so we decided to have a look at the infamous Lower Kidson Force to see what all the fuss was about. And yes this is justified it looks proper dirty, but with more water the line on the right will clean up, however a definite grade 5.

It was a good way to spend the day when theirs no water and were both keen now to get the river done, bring on the rain!

Atty Scouting The Kidson Drops

Me (Craig) getting a closer look of Lower Kidson Force

On and on the way home I even found some time to stop at local play spot Halton Rapids on the River Lune, a nice way to end the day.

Craig Surfing at Halton...

Halton Rapid Demo Days

2010-02-08T11:23:00.000-08:00

F.A.O All Local Canoe Clubs and Local Boaters

Brookbank Lancaster are hosting two informal demo days over the next couple of months at Halton Rapids on the River Lune. We will be bringing a wide variety of white water Demo kayaks to these events for all those attending to try out. We are hoping to get a good turn out from all the local canoe clubs and local paddlers. These Demo days will be completely free of charge to paddlers to try out any and all of the boats we bring along.

The events are both planned for Sundays, dated the 28th February 2010 and 14th March 2010 and the events will run from 10am until 4pm each day or until everyone gets to cold and goes home. The event will be run from a car park at the top of Mill Lane next to Halton Rapids on river right of the Lune.

Obviously we will bring as many boats as possible and any special requests can be forwarded to myself at the Lancaster email address on the contact us link, and we will attempt to accommodate them, but also paddlers are encouraged to bring their own boats and generally just have a good day out on the water. Please note that paddlers will have to bring all their own kit and paddles as this will not be supplied.

If clubs could forward an email with any interest and some suggested numbers for attendance in order to give us some idea before the event it would be greatly appreciated.

Final Note, paddlers will be paddling at there own risk and should be competent to paddle to the conditions of the water on the day and safety or instruction will not be supplied by Brookbank.

Looking forward to seeing you all on the water.

Craig @ Brookbank Lancaster

No water any where!

2010-02-07T09:09:00.000-08:00

Being a paddler over the past few weeks has been quite hard work, no rain, meaning no water, leading to a very unhappy paddler. However today me (Craig) and Jon got fed up of not boating so on our day off from the shop we decided to get out a do a run of the very popular Upper Lune. This is a run I have done many times before but usually with a lot more water. It was a good run but was very cold and I think half the plastic off my boat is now attached to the river bed - but it was good to be out.

Jon in the Gorge

Craig Losing some of that plastic on the shallow river bed..

Hopefully over the next couple of weeks we will get some of our rain back and I can get out on some Lake Land classics.

Until then paddle safe!

The new Brookbank Lancaster Blog

2010-02-06T07:05:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the new Brookbank Lancaster Blog, we will be updating this blog with all our current deals at the shop any upcoming events and general kayaking news. Also we will give any regular updates about when our staff team have been getting out and about.

Our store is based in Lancaster not to far from the lake District, this means that the usual place to get out in a boat for our staff team is the Lakes. The home of steep becks, spate river runs and rocky drops.

One of our members of staff, Assistant Manager Craig Jones spent a lot of time last year getting out with a regular crew of local boaters with the aim to paddle and video some of the Lake District highlights. The links below is a list of some of what the team got up to over 2009.

The videos are various collections from different days out.

Please Watch and Enjoy.....

Leck Beck (Lake District Classic)

Ingleton Waterfalls (Craig, Loz and Guy all apear in this one a proper Brookbank day out)

Birk Beck (A Lake District unknown with a big drop)

Upper Clough (Lemmings Falls...sweet drop)

Lower Clough (Body Cam)

BackBarrow Bridge (Lake Disrict Classic Rapid)

Skelwith Force (with my comedy swim)

River Clough Swim (very Funny)

Upper Lune Head Cam

During 2009 the boys also went on a couple of trips away from the Lakes and this is a video of one of there visits to Scotland and a run of the very popular River Etive

River Etive Video

Hope you enjoyed some of the videos, like I said this was just something to put on the Blog to get it started. We will be updating it with what we've been up to throughout 2010.