Mike Hamilton
Web Monkey

I joined the club back in late 2007 after doing a white water course with two members of the BVCC up in Scotland at Glenmore Lodge. A nice surprise to see them & paddle with them, too.

Number of Years Paddling?

I’ve been paddling since the sweet age of 16, but I only started to properly gain awards and started doing more that “recreational” paddling, at the beginning of 2007.

Where have you paddled in the world?

I’ve done most of the UK, with the exception of Ireland. I’ve paddled in Scotland & Norway in ‘08. Been to French Alps & Greenland in ‘09. St. Kilda & Scotland in ‘10.

In ‘11, a big Euro Road Trip with friends to the French Alps & Slovenia & Scotland, again. I’d like to go back to the alps at some stage, as well as Norway, again. Still more to explore. Italy is on the cards still. So is Austria & Germany.

Current Paddles?

Werner

Current Boats?

Jackson Playboats, Mad River Explorer, Wavesport Habitat

Current Kit?

Astral BA’s, Keen Shoes, Sandiline & Kokatat Gear, Sweet lids

What is your favourite bit of boating kit?

Got to be my Werner Paddles. I hate with a passion paddling with any thing else. If you are going to paddle a river all day, you need a paddle that can give it all to you & even my old Lendals wern’t up to the grade.

Nicknames?

Called 4* from Uni, back in the day & that’s kinda stuck with Uni mates, on & off the river. I’m also called “little one” by Si, which is a little ironic.

Current Kit Wish list?

Werner Cranked 4 Piece Splits, Werner Carbon Cranked Sea Paddles, Esquif Pocket Canyon & a North Shore Polar HV

Favourite Moment(s) in Paddling?

Ubaye in ‘11. First time on it & certainly won’t be my last, either.

Paddling the dart loop in high/ spate conditions… Triple three was triple one effectively and the last wave took both me &  Steiny out. Luckily not at the same time! It was a blast and we got down it in a little over 20 minutes! We all enjoyed it, even though for some, it took longer to get changed, than it did to paddle the actual river.

River Section of choice?

Upper Dart, Guisane, Walkham or the Ubaye.

Words of wisdom?

“Keep it Short, Sweet but Simple!”

What are you most looking forward to in terms of paddling?

Paddling more! Also pushing Si, Ian & Richard in. See you on the water soon! We’ll hopefully be the right way up!