Kayaking

[Cycleops]

Have you considered a Canadian as they are good for family outings.

Don't know if he has but I know he's a big fan of Lawrence Olivier in 49th Parallel.

 

[Hugh Manatee]

I went to a 'have a go' session with a local club last year. Apart from not having a paddle long enough for my gibbon arms, it went rather well. OK, it wasn't the most scenic of locations, but it gives you an idea.

I hadn't sat in one for all of 25 years. I'll confess I used to be quite good! It must be a bit like riding a bike as I was soon steaming up and down the canal. I will say I was sitting a LOT closer to the water than I remember doing in the past!

I also managed to fall out whilst getting out. Now somewhat damp from the waist down, I had a go in one of those K1 racing jobs. Much fun was had. Give it a go.

 

[Mark Grant]

We have a tandem kayak, mainly paddle along various bits of the Thames. This is at Walton Bridge.

 

[classic33]

Anyone here go kayaking? Been thinking of getting one to pass the time when my shoulder is mended. Nothing gnarly or competitive, just an open kayak for gentle exploring, but know zero about it.

Why didn't you ask this question last week?
Two bathtubs/spuds thrown out by a landlord clearing his property.

 

[slowmotion]

We've been out a few times in sea kayaks off some of the Gulf Islands in British Columbia. It's absolutely magical, especially in the evening. The kayaks looked pretty much like this....

 

[classic33]

[QUOTE 4795412, member: 259"]Surely they all get taken by retired gentlemen in Yorkshire?[/QUOTE]
Into the skip. Along with everything else left behind.

 

[Dave 123]

@Drago

I'm a lapsed level 3 coach. A canoe (or open boat) is what you're after. You'll also need a beard, sandals, Tilley hat and Kelly kettle!

A nice solo boat would be an Old Town Pack
http://www.oldtowncanoe.com/canoes/recreational/pack/

One to chuck the dog and kids in would be a bit bigger
http://www.kayaksandpaddles.co.uk/c...pages/canoes/nova-craft-prospector-16-sp3.htm

Go and ask the nice folk at Northampton Canoe Club
http://www.nckc.org.uk/

And polish up your J stroke.....

 

[Piemaster]

The place I usually paddle had a British Canoe open weekend last weekend - dunno if there were other events or perhaps ones near you. Something to look out for anyway.

Canadian (open) canoes are dry to paddle but are more difficult to steer in high wind

They can be more fun in higher winds, providing it has a sail. I had one of these for a couple of years. It was built more for sailing than paddling though as it was a bit on the wide side to paddle.
I regard paddling anything sitting down as cheating now, an inflatable paddleboard (with optional windsurf rig) is the way to go. I've even tried some very small surf on it.

 

[MarkF]

I see people using them on the canal in summer, how do you get in and out of them at the locks?

 

[Milkfloat]

I have a Canadian canoe hanging in my garage. Bought new on a whim and used just a couple of times because the kids were too young to appreciate it. I aim to get it down and paddle the kids to the pub this summer.

 

[Drago]

Mentioned this at SAR training, and it turns out one of the fellers (believe it or not, PCSO 'Ginster' of my recent storytelling) is a member of the Northampton club. I might go along to watch this weekend.

 

[classic33]

I have a Canadian canoe hanging in my garage. Bought new on a whim and used just a couple of times because the kids were too young to appreciate it. I aim to get it down and paddle the kids to the pub this summer.

Will you be bring them back?

 

[Milkfloat]

Will you be bring them back?

Depends on how well they behave. Unfortunately they are like homing pigeons and difficult to get rid of.

 

[Drago]

Thanks for the tips, encouragement and responses fellers. I'm only interested in flat water quiet bimbling, all this white water stuff is a bit exciting for me.

 

[screenman]

Thanks for the tips, encouragement and responses fellers. I'm only interested in flat water quiet bimbling, all this white water stuff is a bit exciting for me.

Of course it would be, after all you are now retired so things need to slow down. I hope you end up enjoying being on the water as much as I do.