Desperate Measures

12/05/2026

A Heartfelt Farewell After 39 Years ❤️
After nearly four decades of serving the paddling community, I have made the very difficult decision to close our doors. It’s been an incredible journey since Desperate Measures opened 39 years ago, but the time has finally come for me to move on

Our final day will be Sunday 17th May.
Please do pop in one last time to say goodbye—we would love to see you!

Happy Paddling
Mark

06/04/2026

Do you want insane progression this summer?

I have a few spaces left on my monthly summer programme.

Whether you’re just starting out, looking to refine some tricks, or you just want to level up your paddling this summer, I can help.

You can choose just one discipline, or split your time between multiple. You could even try a new one (someone told me sq**rt boating is real good fun 😉)

I’ve listed the important stuff below, if you want to know more, or sign up to join in the fun, drop me an email, call or message.

[email protected]
07703 607058

23/03/2026

Spaces available!

SUP Sheltered Water Coach Training

Delivered on a stunning lake, approx 10 mins drive from Newark, Nottinghamshire (LN6 9QG).

Cost: £220.00 pp
Date: 22nd & 23rd June 2026.
Age: 18yrs plus
Prerequisites apply

I provide a fun & supportive space. Encouraging you to experiment, be curious and enjoy exploring in a safe learning landscape. Plus, you will have lots to take away in preparation for your future assessment!

Interested & would like to know more? email,
[email protected]

22/03/2026

Trying this as an experimental “social media” post

We have a number of boats that we would like to move on ASAP to make room for new stock
So……. Here is the list

If you’re interested in something send us an email and make us an offer (try to be reasonable 🤦🏼‍♂️)
You’ll either get a YES or a NO

Dagger Katana 10.4 Action Spec Blue £999
Dagger Katana 10.4 Action Spec Red £999
Dagger Katana 9.7 Action Spec Blue £999
Dagger Stratos 12.5 L Touring Red £1249
Dagger Code MD Action Spec Red £1199
Dagger Indra SM/MD Action Green Smoke £1249
Dagger Eclipse RM Surf Dawn Patrol £1295
Dagger Eclipse RM Surf GROUNDSWELL £1295
Hou Phoenix Solo RED Canoe £1539
P&H Delphin 155 Corelite X Turquoise £1944
Pyranha Scorch SMALL Stout 2 Fire Ant £1539
Pyranha ReactR Large Elite ROSELLA RED £1699
Pyranha Helecton MD Elite COTINGA BLUE £1579
Venture Islay 14 with Sleg CONNECT £1095

17/03/2026

Sun is out and it’s a Leo collection day here at DesMes HQ
3 x MV and 3 x HV

16/03/2026

12/03/2026

Bargain 🤫

https://desmes.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/deluxe-blue.jpg

01/03/2026

Stop guessing your way down Grade 2/3.

If you're comfortable on Grade 2 but start to feel out of control when the water becomes more dynamic, you're not alone and it's not going to be fixed by paddling harder.

It’s about understanding what the water is actually doing.

Our Grade 2/3 Whitewater Kayak Progression Course is for paddlers who want to develop solid fundamentals, improve river reading, and start making more deliberate decisions on the river.

Small groups.
Technical coaching.
Real skill development.

This isn’t about quick fixes and cool moves or just following others downstream, it’s about building the competence and confidence to paddle more independently.

If you're unsure whether this is the right step for you, feel free to get in touch and we can talk it through.

Desperate Measures

26/02/2026

24/02/2026

Someone’s going to be happy their new Pyranha Wizard has just arrived at the shop

18/02/2026

18 month review - Chips has been lucky enough to paddle in the Fuse Action drysuit since October 2024 and here are his thoughts on the drysuit. Chips will an...