PARTNER INTERVIEW: TALL BLOKE ADVENTURES

Making a great addition to our range of Kayaking and Canoeing trips, Experience Days would like to welcome Tall Bloke Adventures! Based in Cumbria, Leigh and Patrizia offer what they like to call 'civilised kayaking' trips in the UK and throughout Italy. Their Half Day Kayaking Trip for Two sees participants discover the beauty of the Lake District's second largest lake, Ullswater. The peaceful trips are three hours long, and take place throughout the year on both weekdays and weekends. Read on to get to know our new provider more, and discover just how their unique name came about! 

Tell us, how did Tall Bloke Adventures begin? And could you let us in on the meaning behind your name, however literal?

I've been guiding Sea Kayaking (and yachting) for 30 years now. I've been very lucky to have worked in some beautiful places around the world. In 2011, I met up with Patrizia and we decided to form a team that would focus on both our home regions. Hence 'Tall Bloke Adventures' & 'Italy Uncovered' (Patrizia's company) were created. So now we spend our time between various parts of Italy and the Lake District, UK. The name's origin? I'm 6' 7". The name was Patrizia's idea.

What can one expect from kayaking in the Lake District, and where do the tours begin and end?

We describe the trips as 'Civilised kayaking'. The emphasis is very much on enjoying the scenery, having a bit of a chat and, especially in Italy, enjoying some very good food at the end of the day.

What is it that makes your kayaking trips unique?

We love going on the trips as much as the guests do. My own particular favourite part is the conversations I have with people out on the water. I enjoy learning from guests just as much as they enjoy learning about Sea Kayaking from myself.

Is previous kayaking experience necessary, or are novices welcome join your trips?

No experience is necessary, just a moderate level of fitness. Remember our trips are 'Civilised Kayaking'. Another description guests use is "A touch of adventure with a little bit of luxury". I'll agree with that.

Where in the world has been your favourite kayaking spot?

There hasn't been a place that I've paddled that I haven't enjoyed. I like finding out about the people, the history, the cuisine, the geography etc of everywhere I go. I loved (and still do) Scotland just as much as The Maldives.

What was it that made you choose the Lake District, and more specifically Ullswater as the location for your tours?

Ha ha ha. That's an easy one. It's beautiful. Come and see for yourself!

If you’re interested taking a Half Day trip with Tall Bloke Adventures, you can explore the unique experience in full here. Alternatively, you can click here to discover our full range of Kayaking and Canoeing trips, or here to explore all Water experiences.

Thank you to Tall Bloke Adventures for answering our questions – we’ll have to plan a trip up to the Lake District and visit you soon!