You'll not see me out voluntarily in a 45 mph wind but from a swim goggle perspective, smear a little shampoo or shower gel on the inside lenses and swill it off and you should have less fogging.

Hi Beinbhan

Thanks thats good news.

Talking to my course administrator (sailtrain). They are "rammed" with students taking advantage of lockdown so one presumes, centres when they open will be likewise busy.

Thanks Fozzy I am not sure if the OP has now got some hardware but my Standard Horizon HX300e is on it's way and I've stumped up for the course. It'll be good for my brain if nothing else, lifelong learning etc. Thanks for the info on the pros and cons of VHF at least it's a start. 999 from a phone ...

Thanks Chris
It would be nice to think I'll still be paddling at 99!

Ok thank you. I think having dsc adds about £100 to the cost of a basic non dsc radio so as a generally accompanied paddler I've gone for the basic. https://www.marinescene.co.uk/product/10380/standard-horizon-hx300e-vhf-transceiver-with-usb-recharging-port/?gclid=CjwKCAiAuoqABhAsEiwAdSkVVD01LqqRSBv...

Is dsc essential for general coastal kayaking

Hi Chris
Just a further question Re VHF radios do they operate close inshore and in the situation cited in my post would one work on a rocky or isolated beach given that hopefully there are other vessels with radios in the vicinity?
Chris

Thanks Chris. I did find that there was a subscription for a satellite messenger. So being careful with the cash probably VHF first which I can see I can get one for around £100 plus whatever the certificate course costs.

I have just watched saving lives at sea and a well equipped solo kayaker of 66 got flipped out by swell close to the coast he didn't appear to try a self rescue for what ever reason and swam to the rocky shore but thankfully had a plb. I keep umming and ahhing about shelling out a couple of hundred ...

Thanks for this thread. I haven't actually been packing any emergency repair kit. Plus whilst I have a couple of air bags in a WW boat I've been reticent to swap them over but do keep an old inflated swim float and an empty air trapped acrylic dry bag as a poor alternatives. I'd not thought of Denso...

Going through the strait might be a tad risky so perhaps not for your first trip out unaccompanied!

Hi Slopesoarer. I am nearing 64 so its a great time to start. I restarted Kayaking at 60 after doing some in Sea scouts well back. I think there is a canoe/kayak club in Beaumaris. That might be a starting point, they will have a variety of kayaks to try/hire. I belong to a couple of clubs in the No...

Thanks Cams I'll know where to get a skeg in future. I made one for my Mk 1 Capella as it came without one. I think the skeg got snapped by someone rolling it in shallow water. The skeg I have is essentially the same shape and hangs on what looks like a bolt with a nut on the other end that fits int...

Spikeedog that did cross my mind but that might be for another day as my main reason for asking Nick for a scaled plan was so I could get to grips with the construction. These two are made firstly with 1mm card held together with gaffer tape then the upper decks are made from art canvas and covered ...

Thanks Mac, I see hopefully I have a few more paddles to try. Spur'd by your last post I retrieved the Oak paddle and put all my (10st) weight on it centrally as if attempting to roll and it happily gave me the support required so that is helpful for confidence. Happy new year

Mac yes that's possibly so but these are what I've got at present with the prospect of making lighter ones whilst developing the skills as I practice. Noting that I generally spend 2-3 hrs on the water per session in generally reasonable conditions and don't suffer too much trouble with muscle aches...

Skip dipping is possibly a UK equivalent. Thank you Nick for those plans, I have made a couple of versions to help me visualise the process. I upload a photo but have now painted some bitumen roof adhesive on them to waterproof them. https://media.ukriversguidebook.co.uk/uploads/83110/1609699300154-...

Who was it said making Greenland paddle making was addictive? I still have two bits of WRC to work on. I did a weigh in my collection to see how the latest salvaged Oak floor plank measured up with the previous three bits of found pine planks. Interestingly My first paddle weighs 3lb 4o.z The chunki...

Mac of course you are correct on all counts, well mostly as it was a whole lot easier cutting the Gp with a jigsaw and would help further if I was going for a stepped West Greenland loom. I have lots of lengthy hand saws but I might just shell out for a new one if I embark on making a kayak. Yes whe...

I must look up the Vendee globe but there was that at once romantic and total idiot incident of the guy who knew nothing but fell for a maid in the Isle of man so he bought a jet ski and set off from Cumbria thinking the journey would take him 40 minutes when it actually took him 4 hrs he then walke...

Thanks for these comments .Alas slightly past the event. I am sort of thinking of building a kayak to go with my increasing number of paddles so started the day by going to B&Q and bought a jig saw in expectation of that.... such are the hidden costs of making stuff. Anyhow I partially knocked up th...

I speak for myself but I try not to immerse my self in water and stay as warm and dry as possible wearing as suitable clothing as I can for the occasion without spending loads of money. I may of course regret that philosophy but hopefully I will live!

So can one make a Greenland paddle from waterproof pva? I am leaving those expensive two pieces of WRC while I look to find if they can inexpensively split or planed, otherwise they will be subjected to my hard labour. In the meantime I am working on a piece of skip dipped 2.5cm thick Oak flooring? ...

I have a pre owned Typhoon dry suit complete with convenience zip suit which I got for £25 so I don't ask too much of it. I realise that in various circumstances they can basically be 'boil in a bag' suits that probably extends to quite a lot of various price options or am I wrong? I have seen folks...

Perhaps put it on sea kayaking gear for sale with the tag reasonable offers or ebay and see what comes up or give it to your local club.

Thanks Mac. I do have PVA and some Gorilla glue plus sticks like ... I think I will experiment with an old piece of decking to make a storm paddle. My preferred option may be to get a half inch sliced off and make a one piece paddle from the remainder.

Thanks Phil HK, Yes I did note in retrospect. That the review had come from the seller. Perhaps some direct questions to the seller might help answer some issues. Try before you buy does seem to be a very helpful way of seeing if a boat is what one requires. I am not sure if this group does this. So...

I have a Peak river wrap which I was recommended to buy over the Ocean wrap as it has the same storage but more bouyancy as I also do some WW kayaking. I find room for a phone, snacks, and a safety knife plus bits and bobs. It is comfortable, though I once found the side clips hard to release with v...

Hello
I have no idea and I only have a round hulled boat but here is a review. https://www.canoe-shops.co.uk/reviews/t ... a-idun.htm

Thanks Mark that's why the envelope needs careful handling. Mac50 may have supplied a partial answer in the guise of mens sheds. Something I'd not heard of. However Covid19 will probably have curtailed activity but there is one about 5 miles from me.