Non Blog do da's
No blog dod da's contains all the other various bits and pieces that don’t fit into my main (b)log. I hope some of this information is useful.
click on the photos to open the page
Valley Deck Towline
For me, choosing between a waist mounted towline and a deck towline was an easy choice; having had a prolapsed disk in my lower back my past, there is no way I am letting my back take the strain when towing someone. It is much easier to let the boat do the work and...
PainsWessex Compact Distress Signals Multiflare Mk8
Whilst I was replacing my out of date (when did you last check yours?) standard flares (a red pinpoint and orange smoke), I came across the PainsWessex Compact Distress Signals Miniflare Mk8. The lightweight, Pains Wessex Compact Distress Signal pack contains 3 red aerial flare cartridges and a penjector firing mechanism, all enclosed in...
Downloads
To download or print a PDF document, select the image of the required PDF, the PDF document will be displayed on your web browser. Then simply use your web browser controls to Save as (ie to download) or Print a copy....
Howard Jeffs Sea Kayak Navigation Aid (SKANA)
Anyone still in need of Christmas ideas for their sea kayaking partner, I would definitely recommend Howard Jeffs Sea Kayak Navigation Aid or SKANA. At around £15 plus postage these are available direct from Howard Jeffs at http://www.howardjeffs.com. They are big enough to measure distances and yet being flexible they are able to be...
Valley Sirona 16.1 (sold)
I've owned it since buying it new in May 2019. It has a red top with white hull. I bought it to do my leadership training/awards in as I needed something a little more agile than my Valley Etain 17-7! I've replaced the deck lines with reflective deck lines, filled out the area behind...
Incident Management
I've put together some screens on Incident Management that I gained from Sea Kayaking Cornwall's Incident Management Training, October 2017. I hope you will find this useful and maybe you will learn something new. Click on the links to find out more....
Coaching
Fancy trying out sea kayaking, or want to progress your skills further, or maybe do some guided trips? Then take a look at these providers, all of whom can provide the best training, wisdom, guiding and lots of fun! These guys are the best and are all highly recommended....
Loading my Sea Kayak onto the roof of my Van
I am often asked how I get my sea kayak on the roof of my Fiat Ducato based campervan. Here is a video I've made on how it is done. First of all I had better mention the I am using the rectangular Thule roof bars (called square by Thule) with the following fitting...
Valley Gemini SP
I was recently very fortunate to be lent a Valley Gemini SP, by Valley in Nottingham. As you can see from the pictures below it is a lovely looking boat with a blue glitter top and a funky white stripe. The Gemini SP is at the opposite end of the length scale to my...
Post by Tag
Select the tag to filter the results: LeaderAssistant LeaderledTraineeSoloPeerRacing 0 (No Wave) Glassy 1 (0.00 – 0.10) Calm 2 (0.10 – 0.50) Smooth 3 (0.50 – 1.25) Light 4 (1.25 – 2.5) Moderate 5 (2.50 – 4.00) Rough 6 (4.00 – 6.00) Very Rough 5 Nm5 Nm to 10 Nm10 Nm to 15 Nm15...
Electronic Red Distress ODEO Flare MK3
Whilst I was at the Anglesey Sea Kayak Symposium, someone demonstrated one of these new electronic red distress ODEO flares MK3. ODEO stands for Omni Directional Electrical Optical signal. I was so impressed, I decided to buy one. They cost around £100, but I think are well worth the money; they last so long...
Valley Nordkapp Førti (sold)
Update 19/12/2015: I've just sold Lolo and waved her goodbye!! But it had to be done. All due to my replacement knee! Knee long story short : I caught Letospirosis/Weils disease in early 2014 from paddling on the WW course on the River Trent in Nottingham. This was not long after having had a...
Tidal Planning
In part 1 of my tidal planning guide, I will use a tidal stream atlas to plan a crossing from the Isle of Man to Scotland. In part 2, I will plan a crossing using tidal diamonds...
Why not have a Go at Sea Kayaking?
If you have ever fancied giving Sea Kayaking a go there are plenty of opportunities to give it a try, all around out coasts, even inland! You don't need any previous kayaking or canoeing experience. As for equipment most can provide you with all of the kit you need. Just get in touch with...