If you've got a couple of radio sets, just give yourself a radio check.

Could be the explosives act, used to have a copy but not anymore so I can't check.

I've done it, there's a write up here http://www.ukseakayakguidebook.co.uk/sk ... sttime.htm where exactly are you going from/to?

When you send a message or call someone on DCS the set sends your T number automatically, it will come up on the called sets screen. If the called station has you in its address book it will show your or your boats name. When you send a voice message you can use whatever callsign you want, just stic...

I used a Reed chillcheater deck on my old Anas. With the smaller cockpit you don't get the problems with doing T-rescues that you can with keyhole cockpits.

Do cockpit covers reduce fuel consumption?

Yes, you'll probably save a thimble full of petrol per 100 miles.

1. No.

2. They wouldn't be wild if they were listed.

3. That's the whole point.

Going quite a lot off topic here, I take it this will be a solo trip? Have you read "Essentials of sea survival" by Frank Golden and Michael Tipton.? How good is your roll? How good are your re-entry skills? I"be done a few moderately long crossings (20-25miles) but none solo. I would have to say sw...

Yes you could double it up no problem, it might be very warm thought. It's a summer /warm water substitute for a wetsuit for divers. As a surface wetsuit it's quite good on its own. I often use a simple cag over it to keep the wind off, no neck or wrist seals. As it's made for divers there's no prob...

Forth element thermocline top, very expensive but so much more comfortable than any wetsuit. I have their shorts as well. They also make salopettes but I don't like them as there's no fly hole or zip.

I've a Limo one very robust and bright.

The SPOT and inReach trackers already do two way texting but need a contract which cost. Whether you think it worth it is up to the individual.

There's no need to drag anything across your deck, the bow roll method is much quicker and gets rid of most of the water in the cockpit. A cockpit half full of water sloping around all over the place is not helpful when you're struggling to stay upright.

Thanks for sharing this. I wonder if the "old fashioned" VHF call to the CG would have been useful prior to launch? I saw that you'd discounted this owing to doubt about reaching them. This is in no way intended as criticism btw. Mike I doubt it, I've had similar incident even after we'd called the...

Learn to get back in without one, at the same time as you learn to roll. Then ditch it.

It's a couple of years since I've been, but no there's very little there. A free campsite, a cafe, a glamping tent and a b&b. It's great my favourite island. Keep your eyes peeled for sharks and whales, sea eagles and peregrine.

there's also Carsaig bay, turn right in Tayvallich village. Although if the Sound of Gigha is too rough, Carsaig bay will be as well. The food and beer at the tayvallich arms is good as is the pub on Gigha.

I have the same boat with the bar along the bottom of the cockpit and the same issue with leaks. I think a lot comes in through the screw holes in the hull. I've tried sikaflex but it only works for a while. These days i just double bag everything and don't worry too much about it.

I've circumnavigated Coll, so came at it from the sea. I don't remember there being anywhere on the west side to escape. Coming from the sea we were met by bay after bay with fantastic long beaches and not a sole on them. The surf was huge. There are a few places on the east coast.

Shouldn't that person be in the kayak?

I use a Lomo fleece undersuit with just a thin thermal t-shirt. Anymore would by too bulky and hot while paddling. It's a fine balance between having enough insulation if you do take a dip, and not over heating and sweating like mad when you're working hard. Once off the water I prefer get the sweat...

Whether you have or don't have a licence for your radio is nothing to do with the coastguard, that the responsibility of ofcom. Once-apon-a-time they had people who did go around checking such things, I don't know if they still exist. It's still worth doing the course as others have said, it's knowi...

A good question. A glib answer might be that there doesn't have to be a reason, Actually yes there does, you can't just sue someone willy-nilly there has to be a reason. The volunteer leader is some where between, I think; very unlikely to be sued if there's a serious incident, but can't rule it ou...

I'm not worried about being sued by the people I paddle with, though I'd be upset if they drowned. But my wife and children might worry about my being sued by the grieving widow and destitute family of the deceased. My family could lose their home, without even being aware that they were at risk. B...

I think nearly all of this anguish comes down to the ridged formal leader and followers approach pushed as the only way to proceed by the BCU. You don't get groups of walkers, cyclists or climbers getting their knickers is a twist about liability yet their doing activities with a similar or even gre...

Argonauts of the western isles by Robin Lloyd-jones.
Commitment and open crossings by Bill Taylor.

Regarding peer paddles: Here you are talking about the situation where one group member does something stupid, for which he is deemed responsible. But what about the situation where the group does something which is stupid, and the authorities afterwards tries to find out who was responsible for th...

Regarding peer paddles: As I understand the rules in UK (I am from Denmark, so I have no first hand experience with those rules), if an accident happens during a peer paddle, the group member with the highest formal qualifications will take all the heat from the authorities, no matter if he actuall...

I'm not sure about Glenfinnan, it get very busy with holiday makes and coach tours. There is a large car park connect to the hotel, they might charge but no harm in asking. There's also the railway station. Another option is to drop off your kayaks etc. Then take the car up to Mallaig and park in in...

No point telling the cops, they won't do anything about it they just don't have the time. Witch Loch are you thinking of?