Please do, I love seeing old kayaks brought back to life.

Are you able to post pictures? As you mentioned Valley gelcoat is quite thick. You may be able to get away with a proper gelcoat repair in the damaged areas and then do a light sand, buff and polish to the rest of the kayak. I have never been a fan of flow coating an entire kayak or hull.

These are the closest I have found. A bit big but may be able to modify or use larger cord or bungee.

https://sealectdesigns.com/groups/3486- ... k-w-sleeve

Are you talking about the little black plastic hook which is attached to the deck lines via a short tether/line?

You could try these three things. Adjust squelch, this will create more static noise but may bring out distant broadcasts. It does require careful listening through the static. Check and clean antenna connection. Try listening later at night. When I used to work aboard ship, long range communication...

It would have been nice if the video presenter showed more detail of the kayak; features like the skeg/slider, cockpit and seat arrangements.

Gorgeous!!

I finally saw a new Tiderace built by Nelo, an Xceed XS in carbon/epoxy construction. I know there is more to a kayak than appearance but this example was pretty remarkable in the qualities of fit and finish. The Nelo build quality seems a big step up from my Cobra built Xtra.

This thread needs pictures.

I have not owned a surfski for roughly five years, so I will not comment on the latest and greatest but will mention that if your local river has underwater hazards not easily seen then a surfski with an over the stern rudder option may be worth considering. Regarding your option 3, you mentioned yo...

Being cursed with long legs my shins and knees certainly do not miss the ocean cockpit.

I forgot to mention, the Aqua-Bound Bilgemaster is 17 3/4” long.

My seat is all the way back so I can't fit anything behind my back band. Also, my pump is too long to fit cross-wise in the kayak. I've tried several friends pumps to see if a slightly shorter pump will fit any better but so far nothing. What brand and length are your pumps that you're able to fit ...

I am not 100 percent sure but believe 5mm.

I too store the pump behind the backrest in a pre-Forti Nordkapp with no problem.

I have the same outlook as pugwash, I too have both wood and carbon and cannot decide which is preferred. I was lucky to buy both from a local shop that had them on closeout.

That is unfortunate, and possibly a bit odd, they do not have any demo Rockpools available

Someone above mentioned the Rockpool GT. Rockpool makes excellent kayaks and I see they have a dealer in Belgium. If the Cetus does not work Rockpool may be worth a look.

Down toward the bottom of the first page there is a thread about sea kayak for big guys. If you have not seen it, you may find a few ideas there. It may be helpful if you post which brands of kayaks are available in your area. I have an older Valley Nordkapp from 2010 that has extra room for my size...

It may be helpful to provide more information.

What is the right boat?

What is suitable?

Found it and here is the video link.

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=we ... ORM=VRDGAR

You can use pad eyes with well nuts. I am unable to attach the link from my phone but there is a YouTube video covering this exact method. Perception has used these for decades in whitewater boats to attach seats and pedestals.

For BAs Astral has a couple low profile, minimal pocket models. The Surf ski genre also may be a place to look, Mocke comes to mind. Some Surf ski vests are not national certified if that matters to you.

With deck bags there are a few things to consider. First, which type? Mesh, some form of nylon but not waterproof, or a waterproof version. Second is size and is based on carry requirements. There are smallish ones that only hold a pair of glasses or small snack all the way up to ones that are the s...

I have had excellent long time service from the Pro-Tec Full Cut Water. I bought my first one in 1985 and have kept it for sentimental reasons. Of all the helmets I have tried this is the only one that doesn't give me a headache after a short time. Another bonus is replacement liner pad kits are ava...

The suggestion of buying used for your first kayak is a good one. It may be worth giving David at Sea Kayak Connecticut a call. Last time I spoke with him he had a couple of Alaw Bachs (not the new Eto version) for sale. David is very helpful. For the price of a new Rockpool or SKUK you could probab...

If you have access or don’t mind ordering Kokatat has a nice selection of woman’s specific paddling clothing.

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?