Thumbs up!

Good luck with your new kayak. I’ve been curious to see reports on the Nelo built Tideraces. How is the construction, fit and finish?

I have some time in an Ascente. What are your expectations for an upgrade?

I used a roll top dry bag with a clear window for about 5 years with no issues, I believe it was made by SealLine. It did start to delaminate so it was time to replace. While it was not claimed to be waterproof I never did have any water inside. I was given a GoBagPro last Christmas and have had exc...

How did the flow coat turn out?

Seems like manufacturers are depending on word of mouth and other informal forms of notification more than any other means of marketing these days. Some may remember Valley and the release of the Gemini SP/ST, was it two years before they updated their website?

What are your requirements with the need for one clear side? Is it to operate or just to view?

Wurly, I have been very happy with the Kokatat Knappster. The Knappster is a short sleeve paddle jacket made of Gore Tex and light weight neoprene neck and bicep cuffs. This is the only jacket of its type I have owned that is not like wearing a plastic bag. I also, at times, wear a short sleeve shir...

Does the Bach Eto have the same Alaw Bach adjustable seat and footrest/plate?

I can’t really answer your fit question but do have a lead for two potential kayaks. Kayak Academy in the Seattle area has a couple of Valley Rapiers on sale for pretty attractive prices.

I have the same leg length (35 inch inseam) and forward day hatch interference as others have expressed.

I received the information third hand but was told the news may be found on Rockpool’s Facebook page.

Rockpool has discontinued the Alaw Bach and is now offering the Bach Eto. Anyone seen and or paddled one yet?

I have restored two older Valley kayaks over the past 5 years, the first was an ‘86 Nordkapp and the second was a ‘91 Anas Acuta. They both shared a common trait; very thick gel coat. With gel coat roughly 1/4” thick made painting or an entire gel coat spray job unnecessary. I ground out cracks and ...

Just out of curiosity, why just those two models? Is it dealer location? It seems like there are quite a few more options available in plastic these days.

Thanks Rockhopper, exactly what I need.

I currently own an Alaw Bach TCC and hoping to pick up a composite version later this year. I love the Alaw Bach but am a little intrigued by the Isel. My concern with the Isel is since it is lower volume I may have a fore deck/knee height problem. It would be greatly appreciated if someone could pr...

The scrape is not much to worry about. I would keep an eye on the cracks watching for spreading/lengthening. I assume you checked the inside laminate for cracks to confirm that it is only gelcoat damage. I would add that if you foresee selling the kayak in the future it may payoff to repair the dama...

I am roughly the same size as you and have owned an Anas Acuta and two older Nordkapps over the years. If you fit in the Anas Acuta you should fit in the older Nordkapp. However, for me there is one fundamental difference between the two. Assuming both kayaks are ocean cockpit equipped, the Nordkapp...

Grian wrote: ↑

Wed Oct 24, 2018 7:07 pm

SJD wrote: ↑

Wed Oct 24, 2018 7:05 pm

Alaw Bach

That’s succinct! :) It is a faster Romany?

They describe it as suiting medium to large paddlers though.

Perhaps the Isel

Alaw Bach

If available Weldwood Red works well.

I have made similar repairs with good luck using a stick with a bent chip brush taped to the end. Granted, it is kind of done in the blind. I typically use West System epoxy with appropriate fabric in two layers, but not chopped strand mat. Wet out the area with the brush mentioned above, with a sep...

There are several nice kayaks in the private sales section. The Valley Gemini ST is a lovely kayak as is the Nordkapp LV.

I would repair as Aled describes but would probably wait until other gelcoat repairs are needed. That is such a small area it is not worth the trouble by itself. In the interim I would apply a small piece of clear 3M or similar packing tape.

Pipit, My thoughts regarding adding minicell foam to the back of the bucket is meant to basically mimic the shape of that part of the bucket where your lower back rests. As an example and what I have seen done by others is to start with a large enough piece of foam that can be shaped and tapered to ...

Are you able to sit in the bucket with your knees at, or meaning over, the hump? In a surfski that is the sweet spot, at least for me. If I understand this situation correctly, you should then be able to pull the foot plate and pedals toward you about one inch and also pad the back upper part of the...

Some interesting points but in the end this idea of categorizing has a questionable purpose/end result. Where is it going? Will some national federation adopt it? Will all manufacturers adopt it? Funny thing is, I have been kayaking for 33 years and it all seems fine without the suggested categoriza...

The one with the best customer service, repair and replacement policy

Adventureagent, Please choose your quotes more carefully. even though you're thinking "relative to the boat weight". I never said or thought that! In my 33 years of paddling, 6 of which was training and racing C1 slalom 4-6 days a week, I never noticed any adverse impact, or burden of end weight, of...