G'day! Al Leonard here (Ireland)

I must feed the rat because if the rat goes unfed it will begin to eat my insides until I've got my fix! I live the life of a kayaker because I have a constant uncontrollable desire to jump on the water and go as big as I can!

Everyday I'm not on the water I see as a missed opportunity and this is a craving that must be satisfied. Kayaking is my life and it is this lifestyle that completes me... The Rat must be Fed!

Hawai Sur Rhonea 3

I am 22 year old Irish kayaker that does a lot of river running but I mostly concentrate on freestyle paddling. Last Summer I was kayaking on the Ottawa River in Canada and came across Anthony Yap and, although, I have always been very passionate about kayaking, he introduced me to Feed The Rat and a whole new level of commitment and enthusiasm for the sport.

 

 

Hawai Sur Rhonea 4

Since then I have been pushing myself harder than ever, always trying to throw a bigger move than the one before. The thrill I get when my adrenalin starts to pump is indescribable and it is with this thought in mind that got in touch.

This sport has led me to some amazing places all over the Ireland and further a field. I have paddled in Canada, USA, England, Wales and at the start of the year I travelled to The Hawaii Sur Rhone wave in Lyon, France.

Loop

Two days ago I got a call saying that the wave is working at a super high level so I just dropped everything and I’m going to France tomorrow to surf one of the best waves on the planet!

I also have another trip planned back to Lyon on June 14 and then I am off to Uganda on June 23 for 3 months - The home of big volume river running and huge wave playboating. These trips will bring me in contact with a lot of ther paddlers from around the globe. Just like Anthony Yap did for me in Canada, I'd like to help spread the "FTR" philosophy

Quick Update from Al

Hi All,

Just back form my 2 month stint on the Nile and man it was crazy, savage parties and just huge rapids!!  It was without a doubt some of the most amazing paddling I have ever done. 

The river itself is unique in so many ways, so many channels with such varied rapids.... ranging from "really big" to "oops I just shat myself!" The play features too were 2nd to none and ya could nail just about any move there!  It was an experience that words can’t describe!