Interview:
Peter Tranter
Photos:
Mal Grey
Bio
Mal runs the ‘Wilderness is a State of Mind’ website @ WWW.WILDERNESSISA
STATEOFMIND.CO.UK
A chat with… Mal Grey
Mal needs little introduction to canoeists and is a regular contributor to the Paddler magazine with his fascinating open canoe stories and great photography. Mal runs the ‘Wilderness is a state of mind’ website @ www.wildernessisastateofmind.co.uk
Tell us about the start of your paddling journey.
Knowing little of canoeing, I treated myself to an impulsive 40th birthday present of an inflatable canoe, as I had no storage space. I soon realised I needed to solve the storage issue, and a ‘real’ canoe was on order. The rest, as they say, is history, and it seems to have taken over my life in the 14 and a bit years since.
What motivated you to start canoeing?
Just wanting to explore the water quietly.
Where’s your local canoeing spot?
The beautiful River Wey, both the navigation and especially the natural backwaters.
What canoe and equipment are you using?
Bell Chestnut Prospector and far too much gear!
How does open canoeing, above all give you satisfaction?
There is an outdoor lifestyle immersed in nature that fits so well with open canoeing, whether expeditions in wild places, bouncing down a river, drifting on a mill pond or sleeping under a tarp in my local secret spot.
What’s the one favourite piece of camping kit you couldn’t do without?
My folding firebox has probably brought me the most pleasure.
You take some cracking photos. Do you use any specialised kit?
A fairly ordinary Canon 700D DSLR up until yesterday, when I upgraded to a Canon R7 with an 18-150mm lens, all kept in a PeliStorm Case on the water.
You love photographing nature, does the fact that in the UK, 41 per cent of UK species have declined since the 1970s alarm you and do you have any observations on how we may start to reverse this?
Yes, obviously, it is a concern, and I tend towards education as one of the key tools to help. My local paddlers and I get involved with our local waterways, doing litter picks and helping clear out invasive plant species like Floating Pennywort.
If you could capture just one ‘feel good’ moment whilst canoeing – which would it be and why?
I’m still determining which one, but probably a millpond evening paddle on a remote lake in the mountains or woods of Scotland or Scandinavia before returning to the fire and a glass of red.
Which stretch or body of water anywhere in the world would be on your bucket list, and why it flicks your switch?
One of the Canadian river-lake-type trips with a few portages thrown in.
Do you have any favourite conditions for canoeing, or are you happy with whatever Mother Nature bowls your way on the day?
The two that stand out are those silent, still moments in nature and the joyous warm whitewater rivers of the Massif Central, France.
What’s the longest paddle you’ve completed?
Probably Rogen, Sweden, to Røros, Norway. In days (12), if not distance, there were lots of tough portages and days during which we travelled less than 5km.
Do you have an eco-message for fellow paddlers?
Be more aware. Think about your impact, whether cleaning your canoe to avoid transferring invasive species or using a leave-no-trace ethic when wild camping.
What’s the most enjoyable encounter with wildlife you’ve had whilst paddling?
Probably meeting seals out on the estuaries, though I’ve had some great conversations with badgers too.
Have you ever been scared, and if not – what would it take?
Ironically the most scared I’ve been was on a Whitewater Safety and Rescue Course where my and my companion’s actions failed to recover me from the water before I was swept past and out of sight!
What’s your most embarrassing moment?
Possibly the above. Mostly, though, I’m too old to care, and it’s all learning.
Are there any issues that stop you from sleeping at night?
Too much red wine.
Any fellow paddler you would like to interview and why?
Anybody who has done some proper unsupported wilderness trips.
What do you do to relax?
Err, canoeing! Actually, any time spent quietly out in nature.
Tell us something people might be surprised to learn about you.
I can actually be serious at work!
I’m a canoeist looking for the perfect UK river; where would you recommend it and why?
That would be a secret! If you include the whitewater sections too, the Wye would be one that has something for everybody, and despite its popularity, if you choose your time well, you can still have the river to yourself.
Quickies
Who would it be if you could paddle with anyone, dead or alive?
Colin Stafford Johnson, the cameraman and filmmaker who paddles, has an outstanding balance of endless knowledge of nature and a love of travelling slowly through it.
Which famous person would you like to watch playing you in a film?
Shrek.
Pick two celebrities to be your parents.
Ray Mears and Miriam Margolyes for an extreme combination of quiet, competent knowledge and a bonkers sense of the ridiculous.
Do you have a mentor?
The whole Song of the Paddle community, who welcomed me when I first started and supported me along every paddle stroke of the journey.
An ideal night out for you is?
Under a tarp with a fire, good food and drink, and a little acoustic music.
What one luxury item would you take with you on a desert island?
I guess the canoe could be useful for a shorter stay.
What would you prepare for us if we came to your house for dinner?
Duck with honey and pears, and a chocolate chip bannock for pud. In the garden, if I had a garden.
What’s in your fridge right now?
Very little, as I’m heading off to the Lake District camping for New Year. Probably some Aquasure seam sealer!
Who are your canoeing mates?
I have a great core of local mates, a hard core of tripping mates, especially The Pirates & Crew, and the Butler and the Maid, and lots of other mates all met through Song of the Paddle almost all over the world.
Favourite music?
My mate Jim playing classical guitar around a campfire.
Favourite film?
Local Hero.
What three words would you use to describe yourself?
That daft bugger.
If you could be a wild animal – what would it be?
Otters seem to have a sense of fun.
Any final shout-outs to friends, supporters and sponsors?
I thank everyone I’ve met in the last 14 ½ years through paddling. Between you, you changed my life.
Many thanks, Mal, for all of your help on this and for taking time out of what I know is a busy schedule before Christmas – we appreciate it and wish you a successful and prosperous 2023.
