Esquif & Kokatat sponsor "This is Canoeing" Monday, January 11, 2010

I'm delighted to announce that Esquif Canoes are headline sponsoring 'This is Canoeing", my upcoming DVD celebrating the single blade.

Esquif make excellent canoes that can be seen in "This is Canoeing" in 3 of the 12 films. Mark Scriver, Paul Mason & Andrew Westwood paddle the Taureau whitewater canoe that they helped design on the amazing Moose river in New York State. These talented paddlers are incredible to watch as they make grade 5 rapids look easy with 1 blade and no spray deck!

The Esquif Spark was the most popular choice for the competitors in the 2009 Open Canoe slalom National Championships. I filmed this exciting event and am editing the film of the competition at the moment. It's amazing to see paddlers spin the Spark on a sixpence as they negotiate the slalom gates.

15 year old US team member in womens canoe slalom, Hailey Thompson, is also seen paddling a Spark in the OC Nationals. There is a film about Hailey in "This is Canoeing" which looks at her remarkable success and how family trips in Wisconsin as a child inspired her to get out in her canoe as often as possible.

Photo credit: Michael Thompson

Kokatat watersport wear are the main supporting sponsor. I have been sponsored by Kokatat for about 5 years and have found their paddling gear to be excellent over this time period. I still wear the same dry suit I received from them 5 years ago and it's seen a lot of wear! I wore it every day on the 2 week trip down the Mountain River & it kept me warm and dry. I'm delighted that Kokatat have chosen to support this DVD and help bring these canoeing films to you all.

Another great sponsor is Rapid Media. Their editor and publisher, Scott MacGregor is featured in one of the films taking his 4-year old son Dougie down the Petawawa river in October. And their magazines, Canoeroots and Rapid Magazine are sponsoring the DVD. Beth is in the process of designing the cover for "This is Canoeing". I've just seen the first draft and it looks great!

Not long now!