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Well we have - Sevylor inflatable sit-on tops.
Fantastic things, blow up but got a protective layer to help prevent being popped and they are really easy to use.
We have them for the sea so if a wave crashes on them, the water just runs straight off.
I recommed them!
We have two solo ones and a two-man one.....and yes....get a paddle with two paddle bits on the end.
We have wet-suits as well.
http://www.qualityadventure.com/imag...t6656large.jpg
Thats similar to our two-man'er.
Thanks Al. Just been looking at the Sevylor Colorado and it looks the business - is there any reason why I couldn't use short paddles with this one as I have never done any kayaking but done a little bit in a canadian canoe - and I think they must be a bit more child/wife friendly?
Cheers
Well my sister is 10 and she copes ok with a two-paddles paddle. Just takes abit of practice i guessQuote:
Originally Posted by Grouse
But you could get away with just a single one, but i think that would become abit of a pain in the arse after a while having to switch sides....plus you can get a fair bit of speed up and switching sides will do yer ed' in!
Ordered a Colorado. Yippee! Need some buoyancy aids maybe wetsuit type thingies too but know nowt about them. Any tips?
You'll have a whale of a time!Quote:
Originally Posted by Grouse
Only MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Right. Paddles flotation devices and wetsuits. Are they much of a muchness and is it best to go for cheapest? (Makes me realise what a great sport running is shoes shorts vest errr... go.)
As far as paddles go I am looking at a combination paddle which can be used as a twin blade or two singles, thought it would give more options and good to give the kids experience of both BUT they are expensive (£50) and work out dearer than two (cheap) double blades. OR do I really only need one paddle (I will always be in the boat as wife is not too struck on the idea)
Also thinking of getting PFD's off net - is this a good idea - how important is sizing: I have two kids 1 12 years (almost adult size) and 1 9years, so presumably they would not be able to use the same one?
Any thoughts appreciated. Ta.
Hmm not sure on the paddle front but unless they connect well they won't last but will leave this more to the paddlers.Quote:
Originally Posted by Grouse
BA (bouyancy aids) I can talk about.
Make sure they fit snugly. a loose fitting one can pop over your head when you fall in. I Like over the heads rather than jackets for kids as they can't undo them when you are not looking.
Infants/ young juniors sometimes come with a 'nappy style' strap to stop them doing this. they sometimes come with attached whistles.
They mush be fastened properly at all times as you might as well not wear one.
Take the kids along or get them to try them on before using them in case you have to exchange them.
Canoeing BA's tend to be cut differently than standard BA (Higher so they don't catch on the kayak) but most will suffice. look on the label in side and they will give you a max weight for a that BA.
A BA is NOT a life jacket. just thought I'd mention this and are only designed to keep the wearer afloat whereas a LJ will keep you floating face up if unconsious.
Please remind your kids once you have bought them that BA's are not body armour so don't go around punching each other. this drastically reduces the life time of the BA as it crushes the air out of the foam.
If I think of anything else I'll post it but got to go out now.
Ian:D
We got our sevylor paddles for 19.99 - the double-ended type.
Grand. I'm getting even more excited!
Got it. Went for a paddle in the living room, well I would have done if I'd had a paddle.
Feel all naughtical. :D
Me hearties!!!
Aaaarrrggghhhh!!!
Plenty of these I would have thought, and possibly medicine ball trunk rotations. You could also do 1 min sets of punches with a pair of dumbells, feet planted shoulder width. As you start you'll notice that because your feet are planted you'll be driving the punches by twisting your torso and shoulders.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mud
If your near a gym, some 'pec decs' (the things you sit with arms out to the side and squeeze together so they end in front of you) allow you to adjust the starting position of the handles. If they do you can adjust so the starting position of both handles is in front of you. You can then grip and twist to each side with some resistance, keeping the handles together.
If you're doing all this work, don't forget your lower back, dorsal raises (possibly with a weight plate for added resistance), supermen, etc. This will help with the sitting position I would have thought. Will give you a bit more support.
Would also be interested in that race nearer the time and would need a partner. Is someone gonna start a thread?
Sorry Grouse, been on my hols so not been able to add any advice. Looks like you have got things pretty much sewn up. I saw you at the start of the pilgrims cross race and was gonna have a chat afterwards but the midges where eating me alive so I shot off.
Mud,
What is the race you talk about, I would not mind having a go.
Jamie
Cheers Jamie must have been my doppelganger was n't at the Pilgrim's Cross but was at Whittle Pike, sorry I didn't speak but I met some family who I haven't seen for a while. Dead chuffed with the boat, can't wait to get it wet.
I have gaot another query: how imprtant are wet suits, I'm thinking of for the kids rather than me - would they be OK with normal outdoor gear -i.e hellies, ron hills fleeces and waterproofs, it's getting a bit dear. I was htfnking of getting some of those rubber boat shoes for them from Decathlon though, seems a good idea, I've got some neoprene socks which I thought would do for me.
Grouse, sorry was whittle we just ran past a cross, so I got confused.
I only tend to wear a wetsuit from November through to March, but I only paddle on Shallow'ish water. When I say shallow I mean rivers and canals on the weaver were I train I would be well over my head but its not as deep as say a resevoir might be in the middle. Due to it being shallow and quite close to the banks it does tend to stay quite warm until the winter months. I did fall in early november without a wetsuit but I kept moving once back in the boat and was fine. I only felt the cold on the wet clothes (helly and trackster) once I was putting the boat away.
I do tend to fall in on a regular basis all year round but I'm fine in the wetsuit on december nights. I was reallly shocked the club trained through winter and very scared at first but its not that bad its a little like running the fells at night.
I cant speak for reservoirs they could be a whole new ball game. They could be freezing in the middle. Its sometimes a question of how quickly you can get back on the boat and paddling/moving again.
I have special gloves for the winter months called pogies they are like oven gloves and allow you to twist the paddle whereas gloves would not allow this.
http://www.canoesandkayaks.co.uk/pro...nt_Pogies_Palm
It really depends on how tippy the boat is and whether they plan to carry on paddling through winter.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grouse
Jamies has hit the nail tec ecxept to say that on movingwater you have to paddle all the time esp if it's swift moving. on an open water you can stop and rest. kids also get colder quicker esp if they don't have to paddle(tandem canoe or open boat) A bit like running if you are working hard you will stay warm but if you stop you will get cold. Quite a few of the paddlers where I work have this really thin dry suit top(you can get pants to match. it's pretty much made to measure but means you can add the odd layer for extra warmth or wear it by it's self. I'll try and find out what it's called.Quote:
Originally Posted by NotOnUrHelly
unbelieveable, just started reading another thread and there it is,Quote:
Originally Posted by IanDarkpeak
Reeds
Thanks. Think I just need to go for it and just use some common sense!
Got kitted up at Decathlon today. I like the wet suit. I must confess I've always had a thing about rubber.;).
Just going to try it on again, in case it's the wrong size.
Well, I have only tried it on 15 times today.:D
Mmmmm...
Looked up paddles on t'internet and APPARENTLY the ones that you use for propulsion in boats are not the only kind!!!
This canoeing thing is opening up whole new horizons for me...:eek:
Bit of a way for you to go Jamie, but you're always welcome down these parts...Quote:
Originally Posted by NotOnUrHelly
Run-bike-run-bike-sleep-mountainbike-kayak-run http://www.endurancelife.com/event.a...15&location=42
I think the Windermere one sounds fun for next year.
Seems a bit far me mud, not Devon the race distance.
How much was the wetsuit Grouse, I used a rubbish Shorty that I boughtin cornwall for 20 quid. Its a bit thick, I think I'm going to buy a triathlon type suit.
Im off to finalnd next week on a week long paddle/camping holiday. Cannot wait very excited. 120km and not a town or village in site.
Jamie
Don't forget the midge cream Jamie...Quote:
Originally Posted by NotOnUrHelly
£12 junior, £16 for mine.
Just going to try it one more time...:rolleyes:
OK just once more...
I don't believe you've actually taken it off at all.
Didn't think of that!
Hey Grouse
If you or the kids get the bug why not come down to Runcorn and do some training, although Macc canoe club is prob closer for you.
Jamie
Jamie cheers I would be well up for that. BTW do you know where my nearest stretch of water is that I could paddle on? I looked at Carsington water but they don't allow any inflatables, and I'm checking out Torside res which is home to a sailing club but you don't often see cnaoes onthere.
It's getting a bit clammy in here.:o
My wetsuit always feel nice when I've had a wee in it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Grouse
Would you like me to wee in yours?
You can't, it's full (of me):D.
Grouse
Uhm Reservoirs can be funny,
I train on the river weaver Runcorn with the club, but canals are a good option for you. You need a British Water Ways Pass mine is the post.:rolleyes: (gonna get shot for that one). Nobody bothers to question really, I alway find canals better for paddling on, the river can get lonely unless training on a club night. Canals are great you can race barges and people make you brews.
If oyu fancy coming along to the Canoe club with the kids, beginners session are saturday mornings. I would'nt take the inflatable along, I would aim to use a club boat. (Not being a snob there) I enquired about taking an inflatable and they just go a bit slower and are not as tippy, I would have got left behind and been pointless.
The type of Canoeing we do at runcorn is a bit like road running if you will (more intresting cos of the waves and the potential to fall in though). The boats are very tippy (well at first) and training usually comprises of efforts of various distances.
www.runcorncanoeclub.org.uk
Macclesfield may be closer for you though. I think they do a similar type of canoeing to us. (seen them at races). But they also do sea kayaking, and a variety of other types etc which we dont really offer. Macc lad will probably let you know a lot more about Macc.
I started when injured from running and its a great second sport, I race quute regular and I'm aiming for duathlons come winter.
If you ever fancy a paddle in one of our club boats I can take you out, but probably not kids as Im not an experienced coach and all that.
Cheers
Jamie
That's great Jamie, I will take you up on that. Am I right to think that memberbership of the BCU covers you for use of waterways - would it be a good idea to join?
Hi Grouse,
I think it does cover you.
Let me get back from Finland, and Ill get in touch with you and we can arrange a paddle. Probably after the bank holiday.
Im no instructor though, so probably could not give any great tips.Just the basics, it will give you a feel for the type of boat we use etc.
Sunday is probably best for me.
Cheers
Jamie
Ok, assorted clever wet people.
I'm doing a slightly different event from the one I planned before, and they are hiring me a kayak.
I've only used a sit-in one before (apart from when I was a kid), and they say:
"Kayaks are going fast. I have a couple of old K1's, a tourer and then just plain general purpose kayaks."
What should I go for, do you think? I reckon stability will be preferable to speed, given how much time falling out and in will lose me.
It's 10k on a canal, near the sea so may be a bit windy.
Ta...