Amazing how quickly the year is going by. I have been working flat out in Nottingham and really enjoying a challenging medical career. Still keeping reasonably fit with running and cycling. I have taken delivery of a stunning new Nelo surfski in my Olympic boat colours. It is incredible to paddle compared to other skis I have used. Feels like a racing K1 and built to the usual high Nelo standards.

I have also been busy with my sponsors, travelling around the country visiting state of the art fitness facilities kitted out by Matrix Fitness. The equipment they are producing is so high tech and functional, it makes me wish I had always had access to Matrix equipped training facilities.

I have been learning more and more about the science behind Gatorade too and was involved in their roadshow event. Gatorade took expert lecturers in the World of sports hydration and refuelling to various universities to speak to sports science students. There is so much strong evidence behind their product, it is good to see more and more athletes realising this.

I was lucky enough to go to Twickenham last week to watch England play New Zealand. A great game and as usual a fantastic atmosphere with a capacity crowd. A few weeks prior to that I went to Wembley stadium for the first time and watched an American Football match between the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A very technical game with some amazingly skilful and agile players.

Last weekend I took part in the first ever British Indoor Kayaking Championships at Brunel Universtity in Uxbridge. It was an exceptionally well organised event using Kayak Pro ergometers which I believe are by far the best availble in terms of value for money, quality and realisitc feel. It was a unique opportunity for paddlers of all disciplines and abilities to compete together and I look forward to seeing this event grow and grow. 

Today I finish a set of night shifts and head out to Dubai for the Shamaal surf ski race. Can't wait to get out in the warm sun, paddling on a Nelo surfski in the waves. I haven't had much time to prepare for the race and so the result is not important, it's the experience of taking part in this ever more popular sport and being out in some fresh air that I am most looking forward to.