Interview: Peter Tranter

Photos: Tom Thorpe

Thanks for reading. It’s amazing to be asked to do an interview for the paddler magazine and it’s amazing to know that I will be able to share my training and expeditions with you over the next two years. There are lots of things in the pipeline and my options are always broadening and evolving.

An interview with… Tom Thorpe
The need for speed

My name is Tom. I grew up in Dorset, I have two brothers, when we were kids we were always out in the countryside, playing games, exploring new woodlands, buildings and areas.

We grew up in a small village in the countryside, a place called Piddletrenthide. When I was 11, we moved to a town. I managed to escape the urban life for a couple of years until I was 13 and then I got caught up with it. From then on I spent all of my time on Skateboards, BMX and mountain bikes, riding street. My friends and I spent a lot of time causing problems for the residents of Dorchester and created a bit of a name for ourselves.

Later on, when I managed to get back involved with the rural life, building dirt jumps and spending time riding single track and downhill on my custom Mountain Bike things seemed to get back in order.

People kept telling me I needed to think about a career and further education. All I was interested in was art and being active. The Art world annoyed me because of how subjective and fickle it seemed to be. I chose the outdoor world and moved to Cornwall where I trained as an outdoor instructor.

I did my first outdoor season as a kayak guide in the Lake District when I was 17/18. From 2003 up to around 2008 I was completely obsessed with Trad-climbing, bouldering and I open canoed a lot. Whitewater kayaking was fun and I spent time in the Alps, Wales and Scotland running rivers.

What kayak and equipment are you using?
I’ve been through stages with my sea kayaking. I used to use anything I could get my hands on and just get out there. My issue is that I progress really fast and get fully involved with the things I do. I can see the benefits of equipment and as I get better I can measure the impact it has. I slowly began to spend all of my money on gaining better, composite boats. Lighter or stronger paddles and more waterproof gear.

Luckily, around three years ago VE paddles recognised the significance of what I was doing and began supporting me. I am dedicated to VE paddles. I have broken a lot of paddles and so have my friends. VE paddles don’t break or at least I don’t break them and Stu is a top chap, fully into product development and we work together to create better products.

The same goes for the other companies that support me. NRS create amazing outer wear, PFDs, drybags and other small items and they are very supportive. If I’m doing a trip or expedition they will make sure I have the right gear. NRS equipment fits me and it keeps the water out and I love the colours and attention to detail.

SKUK, the man himself; Nigel Dennis provides me with my kayaks. SKUK kayaks are fantastic!

How did you start out in what is a very successful career in sea kayaking?
I am a semi-professional sea kayaker as I work full time running an outdoor department at a school. It’s my dream to be professional kayaker and I’d love to be successful in getting paid to kayak and push the limits of the sport, testing equipment and hanging out in amazing places without relying on guiding.

My sea kayak journey began when I moved to the Isle of Skye to be a lead instructor at an outdoor centre. There was no one to climb with so as always, I trained for climbing and did some rope solo and free solo ascents. My favourite crag is still on the Isle Of Skye (Kilt Rock).
There were some sea kayaks in a shipping container and occasionally I would guide trips using them. I’d use the kayaks to find new routes on small Islands, loading the kayaks with stakes, a sledge hammer, ropes and a rack. That’s where and when I realized that sea kayaks were the best aspects of white water kayaks and open canoes in one.

A few years later companies began giving me gear to test and use in all conditions and it was amazing that companies were keen and open to accept honest feedback and modify equipment based on my findings.

FSK floats your boat – explain to us exactly what this is…
Fast Sea Kayaks (FSKs). These are kayaks which go fast. Some of the Traditional boats like the Greenlander Pro or the Nordkapp are fast but an FSK is a faster boat. A boat that can be maintained over distance from 4.5-5.3 knots (without tide or wind). The distance I’m talking about is over ten miles.

Often an FSK has a rudder to help the paddler maintain rhythm and flow. It’s an approach and a lifestyle thing and fitness is a major part. I’m not the fastest paddler but I love the progression, nutrition, speed, training and mental challenge.

What’s your eco message to fellow paddlers?
My Eco message goes out to everyone. It’s not about greenwashing our companies or our lives. Being environmentally aware and active in reducing our impact is more than litter picking and recycling. The truth is (backed up by top scientists) is that we are facing a crisis.
It is essential that reduce our plastic waste, offset our carbon footprint and think about our consumption of products and foods. I guess if I was being paddling specific I’d talk about buying quality products, which last and think about the kayaks which are best suited to your environment, the environment which you do not have to travel far to get to. I am a massive composite kayak endorser.

Composite kayaks last for years and when I repair them I am always trying to sand as little as possible to reduce the micro plastics entering the environment. This is one of the reasons why I am not into rock hopping so much these days.

What’s the most enjoyable encounter with wildlife that you’ve had at sea?
Sometimes, pods of dolphins escort me, swim under me and jump at my bow; that’s amazing!

How does sea kayaking give you satisfaction
I’ve done a lot of sports to an OK level and I’m still OK at some of them. Other than my longboard skateboard, paddling out in my sea kayak is the only sport where I enjoy it every time. As soon as I get on the water, it feels good and the world opens up, I leave the stress behind me. The sea settles my manic brain.

If you could capture just one ‘feel good’ moment on the ocean – which would it be and why?
For me, the times which stick out in my mind are the times when I’m under pressure and fully committed. I can remember and relive some moments when I achieve flow or overcome a physical boundary. That could be on a downwind paddle or on a committing open crossing.

One time which sticks out is when I paddled to Lundy Island. It was warm and I climbed to the top of a headland. I sat there for a while climbed back down, circumnavigated the island and then Paddled back. On that trip, I watch the sunrise. I saw Puffins, seals, dolphins, ships and just had a great time.

When preparing for a challenging expedition – what are the qualities you look for in a fellow team mate kayaker?
This is hard. Because I am into FSKs and paddling long distances reasonably quickly, finding partners is tricky. They need to have the same mentality and be resilient. We also need to get along and have the same expectations, be able to agree on a plan and be able to compromise. A sense of humour is important and making light of serious situations.
One thing I do know is that once we find a good partner or partners, paddling is more fun. Sharing is great.

What’s the one favourite piece of camping kit you couldn’t do without?
Compact cooking systems. Simplicity is important and a midge net, Scotland can be a hostile place without one.

Any favourite conditions for paddling or are you OK with whatever Mother Nature bowls your way?
When I am doing an open crossing or big trip I like paddling at night or in low visibility. I find it easier mentally. Looking ahead and wishing I was there is counter productive, it’s important to settle into a rhythm and be content with pace and timings.

In the shorter boats when I’m travelling with groups or looking for playful conditions I like it to be quite choppy and windy, it keeps me engaged and focused. I love downwind paddling in all kayaks.

When I’m in open water and the conditions change and a squall or storm hits, that can be stressful but it rates highly in factor two fun, reflecting at the end and being tired. If things are easy they are at risk of being boring.

Ever been scared out there and by what?
I think that surf zones are quite scary in sea kayaks. I surf sea kayaks a lot and I am comfortable in waves these days, however I also surf boards a lot, sometimes pretty big waves, I wouldn’t want to be out there in my boat.

I have been lost a few times, in the early days that was stressful. Now though, it rarely happens but I get myself mentally prepared for the fact that I could get blown or drift off-course before most big crossings. If we are calm about it and logical, it’s easy to work out how it happened and where we are. Logic and experience of course allows us paddlers to include these factors in the planning stage, lessening the chance that we will become misplaced. Whatever happens, happens.

Do you have an ultimate achievement?
My ultimate achievement is staying focused on what I want to do and committing to this lifestyle. I love what I do and I love the UK and the outdoor world.

What projects are you currently working on?
I am working on a project called ‘Expedition Unite’. The trip starts in Anglesey, crosses to the Isle of Man and the to Ireland, Scotland, England and then Back to Holyhead. It’s a massive open water expedition, which has never been done, I’m hoping to break some of the crossing times. It should happen this year but it’s very weather dependent. I work full-time running an outdoor education department at a school, so I need to work within my allocated holidays.

I’m training hard at the moment, and I’ve been focusing on my nutrition and endurance. Self-coaching is helping me to improve my skills and develop a better stroke and my focus. I have some amazing training and endurance paddles planned.

In 2020 I set myself to a challenge to paddle over 1,000 miles (Expedition Gaia) around the UK coastline, visiting all the major cities and meeting with youth groups to spread the eco-message and encourage them to look after and enjoy their local environments. Since planning Expedition Gaia I have become aware of all of the efforts across the world of similar projects and paddlers focusing their trips towards the environment, education and sustainability. So I’ll be watching throughout 2019 and if they do a cracking job, expedition Gaia will be extended and become something less engaging and more extreme.

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
Being a wise old kayaker and surfer talking about the old days, living on the beach or boat and teaching my kids how to put themselves in ridiculous situations and be safe. Also I fancy campaigning against digitalized marketing and games aimed at children. Fortnight (gaming) Dyspraxia is a thing, I’m sure of it. The outdoors is so important for everyone, especially developing minds and bodies.

What do you do when not kayaking?
Climbing, surfing and hanging out with cool people on the beach. I work with special needs children and we have great adventures.

I’m a paddler and going on vacation, where would you recommend?
Scotland, the area around Oban and the Orkney Isles.
Brittany. The Islands and beaches are amazing.

one location on your bucket list?
The Bay of Fundy looks amazing. British Columbia and I’d love to kayak the Aleutian Islands.

Are there any issues that stop you sleeping at night?
I get excited about kayaking trips and I struggle to sleep for sure, although if I have worn myself out I’ll sleep through anything.

Quickies…

If you could paddle with anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be?
Nigel Foster, he is an amazing old skool paddler. I’d like to be coached by Sean Morley, Sean is one of the original FSK paddlers.
I’d like to spend six months with the Inuit, 300 years ago.

Pick two celebrities to be your parents.
Laird Hamilton and Lynn Hill.

Which one sportsman or woman has inspired you?
I read a lot of climbing books and I’d have to say that some of the older climbers, which put up routes in the old days have inspired me a lot.

Are you a bathroom/shower singer and if so what do you sing?
I just make weird noises!

One film star you would love to get naughty with?
My girlfriend, if she was in the movies.

Cats or dogs?
I love all animals.

Facebook or Twitter?
Facebook, I like to keep my life simple.

An ideal night out for you is?
A beach fire with friends and a marquee with cool music and good beer.

What one luxury item would you take with you on a desert island?
A snorkel. You can find cool stuff.

What’s in your fridge right now?
Oat milk and lots of veg.

If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare for us?
Vegan curry with rice. For pudding we would have chocolate brownie and dairy free ice-cream.

Who are your kayaking buddies?
I have lots.

What’s the most boring question you’re asked?
Where do you get your protein from? Haha.

Finally, any final shout outs?
I am sponsored by some of the most amazing brands and the people that support me are like a family.
Sea Kayaking UK (Nigel Dennis Kayaks)
Northern River Supplies – NRS
VE Paddles
LifeStraw water bottles

Many thanks Tom for all of your help on this – we really appreciate it.