Ainsworth 4 part split in action

Jamie Simpson at ‘Kayak the Nile’ organises guided kayaking trips on the Nile in Uganda. In their free time, Jamie and his team throw themselves down some of the biggest rapids and play on the biggest surf waves in the world. If anywhere was going to test Ainsworth paddles to the MAX, it was going to be the Nile and Jamie’s crew.

Jamie and his crew put Ainsworth four-part split paddles through their paces on the Nile. “On the first day paddling with the splits I was immediately impressed. They are lightweight and durable, and the blades feel really solid. The joints are solid and even after three months of daily use there is no sign of slipping. The design is basic but functional, and all of our clients were comfortable learning with them.”

More than an emergency spare

“As instructors, carrying splits gives us great peace of mind. A broken paddle can ruin a client's experience. Not so when using the Ainsworth four-part split as an emergency spare – it's really easy to adapt to and doesn't limit your paddling in the slightest. Some clients have actually been happier paddling with the split paddle.”

Tested on the Nile

“Our staff's spare time is spent throwing themselves down the Nile. We have paddled the Ainsworth splits into some of the biggest holes on the river to test them and at no stage do you feel like you are paddling with a set of splits. As well as being a great emergency paddle, most of our team is also happy paddling with them on a day to day basis.”

Fly with peace of mind

“As a split they fit nicely into the smallest of playboats and the bag makes travelling a joy. One of my biggest worries when flying to a boating destination is my paddles arriving in pieces. The beauty about splits is they are in pieces before you fly! On my next trip I'll take two sets, as the price tag still makes this cheaper than one set of any other solid splits on the market. I'll use one as a reserve and one as my main paddle.”

Kayak the Nile test equipment for many companies so this review is completely impartial. The paddles were tested by five guides and 122 clients over three months. Like the sound of kayaking on the Nile with warm weather and warm water all year round? Visit Jamie's website www.kayakthenile.com