ThePADDLER 36

Interview : Peter Tranter Photos : Pete Astles , Paul Ramsdale and Peak UK

Pete Astles has been paddling since 1979 and , during those early stages , had a promising career competing at the national junior level . However , fate intervened in 1990 , when glandular fever stopped all training for six months . During that time in Nottingham , when I was first introduced to him in the ‘ No Limits ’ shop by the then editor of Canoe Focus , Kevin Danforth , Pete spotted a gap in the paddlesport clothing market for paddlers . Kit that not only did the job at the top level of the sport technically but something that also looked fashionable to wear . With borrowed money from his dad and a sewing machine , Pete started Peak UK . Over a quarter of a century later , we are with Peak UK supplying not only Team GB with their Olympic kit but the majority of the other international canoeing teams too . Over to Pete …