We all are. Keep it going Expedition kayaks!!

Stackpole quay round to barafundle is an excellent short trip to do with the kids. Beware of going past barafundle though, the tides on Stackpole head can be strong, and experience of tideraces would be needed round there. High tide either side of Stackpole quay gives plenty of opportunity to explore.

Another vote for Forthelement thermocline, I use the leggings, and for my top half tend to use a merino top under a touring cag, or short sleeve cag in hot weather. In winter I just put some dry trousers on over the thermocline leggings. For me I find this the most versatile combination for year rou...

I've seen a few people round here using a system that is designed for carrying ladders on hitop vans, looks like a good alternative to the karitek system, not sure of prices, only seen it used for single kayak. It's rear loading and avoids the need to get on the roof to strap down. Not sure of the n...

Hi Anne, I'm interested in your xcite, sent you pm.

Thanks again for all your thoughts, yes I had heard the karma might be a bit big for my size, I'm hoping when the baby stratos 12.5 is out that it will be the perfect rock hopping play boat. Having paddled the delphin 150 for just a day I know it is a boat with potential that deserves another look.

Thank you all for your replies. I can see there are a few more boats to add to my list.

I should probably add, I currently paddle a tiderace xplore s, and love it for long trips and expeditions. I'm essentially after a boat to compliment the xplore, just short trips, rock hopping and tiderace play round the beautiful Pembrokeshire coast

You are right Peter, the anas should never be over looked. I will add to my list and make sure I borrow one for a test drive.

As I'm only 5'6" and seventy kg I'm looking for a boat with small cockpit, lowish volume. Most boats seem to be designed with bigger people in mind.

Thanks Sam, I will look at them too.

I'm currently saving all my spare pennies for a rough water, play boat. Lots of options out there to choose from. Current list includes: Delphin150 Tiderace Xtra Aries150 Dagger Stratos14.5s I'm eagerly awaiting the Dagger 12.5s Hammer Jacson karma rg Have I missed any options? Have you got any opin...

I've not paddled the flex 11, but am also looking for a shorter play boat for rock gardens and surf, I'm looking forward to April when dagger release there new shorter stratos, a 12.5. I think it should give the p&h hammer and Jackson karma a bit of competition

Look no further than Dam X, excellent dry suits made to measure at affordable prices. Built to last, not breathable, but are any?

Thanks for you thoughts Myssak, as always Douglas, your advice and ideas are very much appreciated, yes I agree you cant beat a bit of time spent trying out boats. Having spent the past few years paddling an xplore s, I know I really like the tiderace cockpit, the xplore s is an excellent boat for m...

Thinking of a new boat, have you got any experience of these two. My shortlist is currently a choice between p&h Aries 150 and tiderace Xtra. I'd be using the boat for day trips, surf and rough water play. At 70 kg and 5'5" I might be on the small side for both these boats so the xcite s is also on ...

If budget is not too tight I'd go for PHD down quilt, hard to beat and excellent quality

Hi Graham,
I'm interested in your xplore s if it is still for sale, where abouts are you? Could you please email me some photos. guywilson523@hotmail.co.uk