Category: Trip Reports Page 6 of 78

P&H Consistency, Flat Earth Sails and Much Deserved Respect

On April 29, 2014

In News, Reviews, Technical, Trip Reports

About two weeks ago I came to another difficult point in my life where I had to sell another one of my precious P&H kayaks. I’ve done this about 3 times now over the past 5 years and it never gets any easier with the only bright side being the thought it was not only going to a good home but also knowing that 6-12 months from now I will own yet another fine watercraft from P&H with new colors, a new seat and whatever other awesome thing they have come out with. I started kayaking in a Venture Skye 17, an older version of the current Easky 17 from P&H’s little brother Venture Kayaks. I did things with that kayak at the time that, looking back, I wonder how I made it but it started my future of sea kayaking. I have since owned 3 Cetus LV’s a Capella 163 and what looks to be a 4th in the works as selling the last was only to fund the next.

So in my sad Cetusless world I find myself taking out the Capella 163, which I coincidentally enough just thew one of the new P&H distributed Flat Earth Sails and it has created a whole new level of fun to the kayak. Rigging took more time looking at the deck making the commitment to drill a hole than to do the rest. The sail and all hardware looked really high quality and I was sailing that day. It has really been a blast and has added to the speed of the Capella. I was worried about a sail on a skeg boat but it works fantastically. After doing a full day sea kayak lesson in the Capella (2011) today I was just blown away at how versatile it had become but more so how incredibly sound all of my P&H family boats have been over the years and the craftsmanship of every single one of them. I have taken these kayaks all over the place and put them to the test and never have a I felt the “this boat can’t handle this” syndrome.

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So for now I get to go through the process of dreaming up options for the next Cetus LV and wonder if a sail with meet that as well……

London Kayakathon

By P&H Custom Sea Kayaks

On April 16, 2014

In Trip Reports

London Kayakathon

London Kayakathon was sponsored by Venture Canoes and Kayaks.

This Marathon length paddle on London Marathon Day, took the entrants up through the amazing cites of London’s Royal River. A lovely sunny day, tremendously well organised by Simon Osbourne and Matt Loots from Paddlesports C.I.C

Based from the hospitable Shadwell Basin Outdoor Activity Centre, who also used their safety boats, and staff. Many thanks to them and all the on water marshalls.

Paddlers needed to be 3 star and above, and came from not just the UK, but one chap had come from Frankfurt and a couple had come from Galway, that I bumped in to.

Pete Scutt from Whitewater The Canoe Centre and I (Graham Mackereth) were testing pre-production Jura MV’s. Tim Lambert paddled a P&H Cetus LV and there was a great showing of P&H, and Venture designs throughout the fleet it was particularly good to see some of the older kayaks such as an Orca.

We launched on to the flooding tide about 11.15, and paddled up river under Tower Bridge and through the city with crowds cheering for the London Marathon, and those that saw us, for us; shades of HM’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant. I could have done with a Klaxon!

London Kayakathon

Due to safety we had to keep paddling, and were not allowed to take photos in the city. With Clippers and Trippers, crossing, turning and generally putting up large washes, it is a very busy stretch of water. This is then compounded by a fast running tide at about 3-4 knots, sweeping you to obstructions and dangers of bridge arches, moored barges and boats. Easy to keep clear of, but you need to stay watchful that you are staying away from a potential danger.

London Kayakathon

The sights of the city are awesome, unique. Paddling along it is hard not to let your concentration wander to the Tower of London, London Eye, St Pauls Cathedral, the Shard, the Globe, Lambeth Palace, and historic boats a plenty. Thames Barges, the vast HMS Belfast, the Golden Hind, and numerous historic paddle steamers and exploration ships, now used as bars and restaurants.

This large group of slow moving sea kayaks had to be tightly marshalled.

Once through to Westminster we had a short break, and got cameras out, after that it was a steady cruise up to Chiswick Bridge, and always sights to see, Battersea Power Station, classic bridges and new housing developments a plenty. Then a lunch stop at the Ship at Mortlake, mooring over the flooded road. A very civilized way to do a Marathon.

Simon timed it perfectly, so as soon as lunch was finished the tide had turned and was running well, talking us back towards the city.

Under London Bridge we encountered large standing waves, probably about 1 metre high, then we had some large washes to contend with to liven the paddle up. The return leg seemed even faster, and a finish about 5.00pm

A Fantastic day, and a brilliant job of organisation. A kayakathon event is very recommendable, and I have no doubt will be a tremendous way for paddlers to help charities in the future.

Thanks to everyone we shared it with, we’re looking forward to the next one.

From Cold to Gold (en) Gate that is….

By chrislockyer

On February 5, 2014

In Trip Reports

Golden Gate Sea Kayak Symposium www.ggsks.com

When I left my home in Hilden it was -5 and we had just gotten a bunch of freezing rain. The heat on high I drive to the airport hoping the weather is warmer in San Francisco. I am also filled with excitement (which provides at least a bit more warmth) as I am heading to California to take part in the Golden Gate Sea Kayak Symposium January 31 – February 2.

The schedule was action packed; three full days of sea kayak skills session including a standard day paddle around the San Francisco Bay, a paddling trip to Alcatraz, and 2 rock garden sessions. Event Organizers Sean Morley and Matthew Palmariello have really done a great job to plan what will assuredly be a great event. This would be the third Golden Gate event I had been to and I was sure there was going to be plenty of excitement.

I was joined by several P&H Paddlers at the event. This event is the official kick off to the season followed by several events that we P&H paddlers travel to all over North America. We are truly privileged to be ambassadors for one of the leading sea kayak manufacturers.

Several of the team paddlers got out for a little Play the day before the event.

: David Launching

: Paul Kuthe working the surf in the Hammer

: Matt Nelson waiting for the right waves

: Jarrod punching the surf

Day 1 – Bay Journey

Sunshine and calm seas. What a great day on the water. We got to paddle over to Alcatraz with the flood which proved to be a very gentle paddle. Once around the island we worked out way over to Angel Island where we would have lunch. Student got to work on tidal paddling and work out the angle we would have to take in order for us to cross the tail end of the flood tide. Everyone did well and were happy to get out for a bite and some route planning. The day took us all around Angel island and through Raccoon strait where the Ebb tide had started which provided us with a little current and a eddy line to cross as well as some nice waves to play on. All and all a wonderful day on he water. A big thanks to Sean Morley and Ginny for your leadership and great chats along the way.

Day 2 – Rock Garden safety and rescue

Another California sunny day was in store. I was paired with Paul Kuthe, my friend from Eastern Horizons to run a rock garden safety and rescue session along with Jarrod Gunn McQuillan. We had a very enthusiastic group that enjoyed there day in and out of their boats. We agreed to two themes for the day:

Quick rescues instead of dry rescues
Big picture zooming into little picture to deal with situations.

We feel the students got a great deal out of the day. We worked around the Gate for most of the morning then went outside to enjoy some of the coastline and the swell that was rolling in. All and all it was a great day on the water.

Day 3 – Rock Gardening Advanced Play

We had every intention of launching from the beach at Rodeo beach but when we arrived the conditions had deteriorated from the time we had check in the morning till the time we were ready to paddle. The forecast was for he surf to build which might mean a very dangerous landing situation so we decided to launch from Horseshoe Cove and Paddle out through the Gate and play outside the gate. The flood was in full flow when we attempted to get around the corner and under the gate. With a stiff 20 knot wind from the South East it provided a good warm up for the group. Once outside the gate we had some fun on several areas to make the most of the day.

: Playing along the shore

: Patrick nailing his timing!

: working with the Swell

: Paul Kuthe making it look Easy

Weather/swell conditions aside, the Golden Gate Sea Kayak Symposium had a little bit of something for every kayaker and every ability; Tidal streams, waves and rocky coastline, Top notch coaches and wonderful scenery at every glance, The San Francisco’s famous Anchor Steam Beer did not disappoint either!!! I look forward to going back to this event next year and feel truly fortunate to have been a participant this year.

For more information on this year’s event and to stay current for next year’s event visit http://www.ggsks.com/ or follow them on Facebook. Search golden Gate Sea Kayak Symposium

A huge Thanks you for goes out to P&H sea kayak for bringing boats down to the event and for your continued support for team paddlers.

The Onset of Winter

By Jim Krawiecki

On November 26, 2013

In Trip Reports

Nothing compares to the calmness of a coastal wintry scene. Shafts of angled sunlight cast a soft golden glow across the beaches and rocks. Once the Autumn gales fade the sea becomes oily smooth, but without the intensity of high summer, these shores are quiet and utterly peaceful.

Photo: Sean Jesson

Leaving Rhoscolyn and heading for South Stack was almost spooky with gentle swell surging amongst the rocks. Penrhyn Mawr broke the silence and North Stack presented its usual set of challenges.

Photo: Sean Jesson

We completed our circumnavigation of Holy Island by taking the ebb out of the Cymyran Strait and cruising past Silver Bay back to Rhoscolyn. It seemed that the oily smooth waters were just as we had left them.

The next day, Sean and I headed off to Church Bay aiming for the Skerries. This is where the contrast between summer and winter would be greatest. During the summer months the skerries is a madhouse. Thousands of sea-birds nest here; mostly terns and puffins.

As we arrived, The Skerries were all but silent. The neap tide meant that even the rushing sound of the sea was muted. We avoided the seals because there were young pups among them. One of two of the bravest came to check on us. The only sea-birds were a handful of cormorants and the occasional rock pipit. The remains of the summer vegetation now dead and broken littered the ground. In winter this is a bleak and desolate place.

Sailing to Cumberland

By Brian Day

On November 18, 2013

In Trip Reports

My wife, Cristi and I just returned from a 4 day trip out to Cumberland Island on the Georgia coast. Cumberland is a partially developed barrier island administered by the National Park Service. Access is by ferry or kayak from St. Mary’s, GA.

Cumberland is home to miles of beach and salt marsh as well as a dense maritime forest of live oak and saw palmetto. The campground at Sea Camp offers full amenities for hike-in campers, and backcountry camping is available by permit.

We launched our kayaks at Crooked River State Park near St. Mary’s and had a chance to give the new P&H Flat Earth sails a good shakedown. This unique kayak sail system allows for simultaneous sailing and paddling and definitely gives you a boost–even in light air.

P&H will have sails available in the US and Europe starting in 2014.

Sailing down the Crooked River on the way to Cumberland Island National Seashore.

Bay of Fundy Sea Kayak Symposium 2013

By chrislockyer

On October 11, 2013

In Trip Reports

Photo Credit: Sue Hutchins

On September 20-23 paddlers converged upon the first annual Bay of Fundy Sea Kayak Symposium hosted at the Ye Olde Argyler Lodge in Argyle, Nova Scotia. The event jumped in with both feet and welcomed over 120 paddlers to the picturesque Bay of Fundy coast.

The diverse locations found in Nova Scotia’s Yarmouth and Argyle counties were utilized to introduce paddlers from as far as Europe and the United States and from all across Canada to dynamic paddling environments created by the largest tides in the world.

Photo Credit: Nate Hanson

The event brought guest coaches offering a variety of skill development sessions including rock hopping, surfing, coastal journeys and introductions to paddling in lumpy waters, however, the highlight was certainly focused on the paddling environment provided by the tides in the area. Multiple sessions focused on paddling tide races and overfalls as well as finding fun and operating in the tidal currents that flow between the Tusket Islands and the archipelago within Lobster Bay. Team Paddles Paul Kuthe, Matt Nelson and Christopher Lockyer were at the event waving the Flag for P&H. Lots of people got a chnace to try the Hammer.

Photo Credit: Sue Hutchins

One of the highlights for attendees was the Saturday evening guest presentation from Justine Curgenven. She provided a riveting and engaging recount of her adventure around Tierra del Fuego. She finished her presentation with a brief video from only a few days earlier while she paddled amongst humpback whales in the Bay of Fundy with Christopher Lockyer, the Executive Director for the Bay of Fundy Sea Kayak Symposium.

Photo Credit: Sue Hutchins

The event started early for some with sessions on the tidal races and overfalls within the Shubenacadie Tidal Bore. Guest coaches worked with keen and excited students on one of the most exhilarating 3 hours of paddling in the world, working on paddling in moving waters as well as surfing on big brown glassy waves and crossing strong eddy lines.

Photo Credit Clif Pratt

Coaches at Play

The coaches all had a go at the Walton Whopper as well Off 2 the Races Vol 1

The event was such a success and has received so much positive feedback that they have already set the dates for the 2014 event for September 12-15.

East Coast Kayaking

By chrislockyer

On June 12, 2013

In News, Trip Reports

The East coast is alive with paddlers. Christopher Lockyer www.committed2thecore.com

Well it has been a busy spring for all the P&H team members. I have been fortunate to paddle in the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean and the Bay of Fundy in the month of May.

South Island Sea Kayak Association http://www.siska.ca/

I had the pleasure to work with SISKA on a number of paddling sessions while I was in Victoria. It was great to have 30 plus enthusiastic paddlers out on the water during the sessions. I got to see some great paddling area, Baynes Channel, Trial Island and Race Rock area. Team Member Matt Nelson and I went out to Trial Island for a fun paddle.

Matt Nelson and I hit up Trial Island for a nice little paddle in Victoria area

Great bald eagle.

Trial Island Lighthouse

Pacific Paddle Symposium http://www.pacificpaddlingsymposium.ca/

Right after working with SISKA I was off to the Pacific Paddle Symposium. This is a new paddle symposium on Vancouver Island. It is the newest symposium for Paddle Canada. Janette and her crew sold this event out in a little over 12 days. The event took place at Pearson Collage. The area had so many options for an event like this. Race Rock one of the most exposed tide races on the Vancouver Island was going to be used by plenty of the session during the event. We had plenty of fun during the event. Friday was a coach update fun day, Saturday and Sunday were a mix of sessions on and off the water.

End of the day review

Matt Nelson taking it all in

Fun and games in boats

Instructor development day.

A talented coach and an up and comer for sure. I will be back on Vancouver Island in October and I can’t wait to see the pacific in Fall mode with a little more energy.

MEC Paddlefest Toronto and Halifax

MEC has been running Paddlefest for many years. It started in Toronto and has spread across the country. I was invited by Erik to take part in the Instructor development program that would run at Harbor Front on Friday. We had a great turnout of 20 or so Paddle Canada instructors. The aim was to share some new idea about SUP, Kayaking and Canoeing.

I was only able to attend day of of Paddlefest but it turned out to be a great day. Plenty of eager students and people walking around looking at gear and boats. The P&H crew was there Kelly Blades, David Johnson and Erik Ogaard. The event was very well organized. MEC Paddlefest will be in Halifax on June 16^th.

SUP portion of that instructor development day

CN Tower with David Johnson

Coastal Adventure Kayakers Meeting

After jumping on the plane at 8:00 pm in Toronto I got home repacked and headed down to Tangier Nova Scotia to take part in day two of the Coastal Adventures Kayakers meeting. After hearing the stories from Day one I was kind of glad to have missed the driving rains and winds they experienced. We spent the morning working on skills development and then heading out for a little rock hopping session in the afternoon. The swell was kicking up which provided a great deal of energy for us to play.

Watching the swell – photo by Ryan Brake

photo by Ryan Brake

Sea you out there

Christopher Lockyer – Committed 2 the core Sea Kayak coaching We need the sea because it teaches us.

Sea Kayak Expedition Gathering

By Jim Krawiecki

On June 11, 2013

In Trip Reports

Friday evening traffic was kind enough to allow me a jam free journey to the north Yorkshire coast for the Sea Kayak Expedition Gathering. On my arrival I was greeted with a hot meal and a beer (Always a good start). As night fell on Friday evening there were tall tales and ghost stories round the fire just to make sure we all slept soundly in our beds.

In the morning everyone split into different groups for workshops on trip planning, fishing and foraging for wild foods.

At lunchtime the organisers laid on a fantastic spread of food cooked freshly on the beach. Fried fish, malt loaf fritters and stewed fruit re-replenished our energy reserves for the afternoon incident management sessions. The local RNLI lifeboat crew from Staithes joined us to try different techniques for rescuing kayakers.

After dinner I showed pictures and footage from last years expedition to east Greenland finishing off with the film Gino’s Greenland. After that there were workshops on emergency boat repairs by Howard Jeffs and navigation & trip planning by Kim Bull.

Sunday was more about journeying with everyone splitting into smaller groups focusing on boat handling and navigation on the move. As we entered Staithes harbour we were once again treated to freshly prepared food before completing the final leg to finish in Runswick Bay.

Many thanks to Ang, Steve, Sophie and the rest of the crew at East Barnby Outdoor Education Centre for a terrific weekend. I’m already looking forward to the next one.

Coquet Island Race 2013

By Kate Duffus

On June 9, 2013

In Trip Reports

The sun shone as paddlers descended on the Braid country park in the Northumberland town of Amble. The race is a five mile route down the river, out through the harbour and round Coquet Island.

Here paddlers are assembling before the start. I’m the one in the dark boat in the far background. Conditions are about perfect and the seals and terns are ready and waiting to ambush us in the vicinity of the island.

This is where we went.

I couldn’t take pictures during the event, but this is the prizegiving afterwards. I won the women’s prize paddling my lovely lightweight carbon kevlar Cetus LV but I think I’m going to have to do a bit more training before next time as there wasn’t much gap between first and second.

Scottish Sea Kayak Symposium

By Kate Duffus

On June 1, 2013

In Trip Reports

Last weekend saw around 250 paddlers descend on the Sleat peninsula of Skye for the Scottish Sea Kayak Symposium. The weather was kind to us and it was good to see so many folks enjoying the sunshine, the coaching, guided trips and just general banter.

The first session I attended was on forward paddling technique.

Next was a session all about balance. Gordon Brown led us in a range of crazy stunts that had us soaking wet, but by the end of the session, very much more balanced in our boats. Here I am proving how stable a Cetus LV is.

And here’s Kevin trying out a Cetus HV.

And here’s me again, paddling SOT style.

Greenland rolling was a popular session with many people wanting to explore traditional skills.

This was a session on self rescues.

More rolling practice.

After the main event, there were four days of guided journeys. Rowland and I led this group on an otter spotting journey from Kyleakin towards Plockton and back. Sadly we didn’t see any otters but had fantastic views across to the distant Cuillin.

Found an adder lurking in the grass of an abandonned village.

Always a magic moment when an otter sits still long enough to take a photo.

On Thursday, Rob and I led a group on a journey from Elgol into Coruisk and then round the island of Soay before returning to Elgol. The scenary was stunning and the weather couldn’t have been better.

This was a great chance to put my new Cetus LV through its paces and I’m pleased to say it paddles just as well as it looks.