Learning from the Web: Six Great Online Kayaking Tutorials
Okay, so there's really no substitute to learning how to paddle from an experienced instructor or honing one's skills on the water. That said, for those wanting a refresher, or to learn the general principles, there's a wealth of great info out there on the internet. Gone are the days when you were stuck with a book to give give you away-from-class advice. What follows is a list of just some of the material online which has something to offer paddlers of all styles. Continues>>
Capturing Those Great Moments: A brief guide to Photography From A Kayak
The beauty of water is one of kayaking's primary pleasures. But when it comes to capturing that beauty in a photograph - that glorious coastline, those glistening rocks on a white water course or that wonderful riverbank wildlife - one thing is clear: us paddlers don't have it easy.First the practical problems: restricted movement, hands preoccupied with paddles, sea spray damage to lenses and/or filters and the ever-present risk of capsize.Continues>>
Eight Great Touring Paddles for £100 and Under
Can you really get a great paddle for less than £100? Thanks to major advances in technology (carbon fibre, glass etc) the answer is a resounding yes. Okay, so you wont get the latest material advances, crank shaft and clever locking system - they're still the preserve of the upper end of the market - but you can get a terrific paddle that only a few years ago would have been classed as top-end. Here are some of the best we've tried out on the water...Continues>>
Sailing or Kayaking...Now You Can Do Both!
Could sailing your kayak become the big thing in 2009? Johnson Outdoors UK certainly hopes so, as it brings the Pacific Action Kayak Sail Systemsto the country. The Kiwi-designed sailing systems are made to be versatile, lightweight and made for sea kayaks, sit-on-top kayaks and canoes. Johnson Outdoors says they are "simple to fit, very user friendly and are great for touring, fishing and recreational paddling. They have also proved themselves....Continues>>
When -10 degrees C does not seem such a great idea!
I've become a wimp. During a planned dawn paddle at West Mersea in Essex I watched the temperature gauge in my car tumble from -4, down to -6, then -7. By the time I pulled up, the guauge said -10 degrees Celsius. I reasoned myself out of my morning paddle (It's so cold my hands might fall off, what if I cramp in my boat? what if my Stearns Cordova hits an iceberg Titanic-style and sinks...). Luckily I did have my camera packed in the boot and here are the results. Continues>>Choosing the ideal PFD: Kayak picks Eight
They're not the most exciting piece of kayaking kit but, rather like a car's seatbelt, they are the most important. I still occasionally see boaters out there foregoing a personal flotation device (PFD). They say they're "cumbersome", "uncomfortable" or "restrictive". Fools. A decent, well-fitted, PFD could be the difference between your favourite near-miss anecdote and your funeral. Continues>>
Amazing Kayak Wallpapers to inspire us all
As the cold months of winter draw in the happy summer months of kayaking may seem a long way away. From the ice of the Antarctic to the thrill of whitewater, hopefully these nine amazing wallpapers below will lift the heart and keep us all in touch with our kayaking side while we're tapping at the computer in deepest midwinter (if we're not out braving the elements, that is)... Continues>>
Nine of the Best Ways to Blow £800 on a Touring Kayak
The plastic touring kayak market has blossomed in recent years with fierce competition forcing manufacturers to bring the latest product innovation to the lower ot mid market. Comfort, performance and excellent outrigging can be demanded as standard. As our brief guide to nine of the finest kayaks you can get for £800 (some with change a plenty), the range and options has never been better...Continues>>
If Money Were No Object: Touring Kayak Paddles
What's the world's best touring paddle? Okay, it is a stupid question because the best of anything is ultimately a matter of taste, preference and usage. But paddles are an essential piece of kit - it is the medium through which you engage with the water and the one which, if you choose poorly, will have your entire body hating you for days after a proper paddle. That said, I'm going to have a go at drawing together seven wonders of the touring paddle world which, if it wouldn't jeopardise my kayaking life, I'd gladly give my right arm for. Continues>>
The Weird and the Wonderful of the Paddling World - Seven of the Best
Bored of bog standard kayaks? Need something that offers a degree of individuality? Well if variety is the spice of life, then these kayaks must surely be the Red Savina habañero of the boating world. We've found kayaks that can sail, fly and fit into a backpack. Not to mention the ones you can see through or stand up in. And the best thing of all? These are all seriously decent kayaks to boot! Continues>>
Once upon a time kayak buyers were faced with a simple question - which type of wood? Look around a kayak store today and it is a whole different story. Plastics, composites, fabrics and yes, even now, wood. And it doesn't end with materials, there's the designs as well. You want something fast? No problem. Stable? No worries. You want something you can surf in? We've got it covered. It's a brave new world for paddlers. But what about tomorrow? Kayak looked into the Teflon-coated crystal ball to try and conjure some answers. Continues>>
