A nice little video featuring Paul Kuthe paddling in some impressive tidal races. Shot and narrated by Bryan Smith and Fitz Cahall. Worth a watch.

A recent forum post on the Sea and Surf section of the UKRGB is asking for folks involved in paddlesports to answer a short questionnaire to help the originator of the post with her research for her degree.

The questionnaire is very short, it took me just a couple of minutes to complete, and is focused on gender and paddlesports participation. Thought I would share the link to the questionnaire incase any readers would be able to support Jemma in her research.

It was with a feeling of sadness that I read recently that Simon Willis has decided to draw to a close his series of podcasts over on Sea Kayak Podcasts.

I know that a great many people have enjoyed Simon’s series of interviews with some fascinating Sea Kayakers and covering a wide range of topics. For me personally they have had a huge impact on my life.

It was listening to one of Simon’s early podcasts that sparked a conversation with my Wife about the fact I had almost dropped out of paddling completely due to work commitments and geographical location. That conversation continued for a day or so on and off and led to us deciding to relocate to the coast. Three weeks later we had moved our, at that time, new family into a new house and I’d started the Solent Sea Kayaking website.

I dropped Simon an email to thank him for the podcasts and shared this story which prompted a swift reply of thanks and proved to be the start of a ongoing friendship.

Thankfully, Simon intends to keep the library of podcasts archived online for folks to discover and continue to enjoy.

I’d like to take the opportunity to thank Simon for all his hard work putting the podcasts together and knowing Simon, am sure there will be another project in the pipeline soon!

If anyone is in need of a first aid course, Owen Burson (Isle of Wight Sea Kayaking) and I have a few spaces left on a course in February.

Details

Dates: 18th-19th February
Location: Freshwater Bay, Isle Of Wight.
Course: REC Level 2 Emergency First Aid (16hr)
Cost: £150

Whilst the course is suitable for all forms of outdoor activities, it will have a paddlesport focus making it perfect for Sea Kayakers.

We are using Sandpipers Hotel and Isle Of Wight Sea Kayaking in Freshwater as the base for the weekend which provides a great location for land and particularly sea based scenarios throughout the course.

For folks that might need accomodation, there is camping available nearby and rooms can be booked at The Sandpipers Hotel.

Booking A Place

You can find more information and the online booking by clicking the link below:

I’m really excited to announce that the dates for the 2012 Isle of Wight Sea Kayak Symposium are now set in stone. After an extremely successful event in 2011, this years symposium will run from the 25th – 27th of August 2012.

This year the symposium is being jointly organised/publicised by Owen and Mitch Burson from Isle of Wight Sea Kayaking yours truly on behalf of Solent Sea Kayaking.

Having had an awesome time last year, predominantly as a participant (advanced First Aid and BCU 4* Sea Assessment), I’m looking forward to being involved in supporting Owen and Mitch in the organisation and running of the event.

As with last year, the Symposium is being run on a non-profit with all proceeds going to the Freshwater Independent Lifeboat, a hugely worthy cause.

Registration will be open from February via a new IOW Sea Kayak Symposium web site which is currently in production as well as being advertised on the Isle Of Wight Sea Kayaking, Liquid Logistics and Solent Sea Kayaking websites.

All sessions and courses will be led by Level 5 and Level 5 aspirant coaches or specialists in their field who have expert knowledge of the subject they are coaching.

Confirmed guest coaches so far:

• Kate Duffus
• Howard Jeffs
• Phil Hadley
• Gordon Brown
• Sid Seinfield
• Nige Robinson
• Jeff Allen
• Owen Burson
• Kim Bull
• Rich Pearsall
• Mattias Altin
• Nicole Hendriksen

Happy New Years

After a hugely eventful and busy 2011, I’m already looking forward to and making plans for 2012. I’d like to wish all of you a happy, prosperous and enjoyable 2012 whatever your paddling and non-paddling plans are.

All the very best, Duncan.

Rough Water Handling Book

Entitled ‘Rough Water Handling’ it is designed to be a guide for intermediate to advanced paddlers in handling a sea kayak in rougher conditions.

If Doug manages to produce another book of the standard of Sea Kayak Handling, then this book should be an superb read.

I’ll keep folks updated on it’s progress and 2012 release. One to watch for!

The latest issue of Ocean Paddler Magazine is hitting door mats around the UK at the moment, with the links emailed out for the various online versions plus a ‘play the sea’ buyers guide. It contains the usual diverse range of sea kayaking related articles and reviews. Some nice destinations are featured this issue including St Kilda which after seeing the footage in the second ‘Sea Kayak With Gordon Brown‘ DVD is rapidly becoming a must visit destination for me.

Other highlights are a cracking article on ‘Rough Water Handling’ by Nick Cunliffe and one entitled ‘Sea Survival Revisited’ from Jeff Allen. Greenland Paddle enthusiasts will enjoy the cover image this issue which depicts them in use in some nice rough conditions.

My own little contribution this issue is in the form of a review and an article on the BCU 4* Assessment which is featured in the digital version. For those folks who subscribe to the paper copy it is always worth checking the digital edition as well as it contains extra content.

Useful Links

Ocean Paddler – Ocean Paddler Website.

It seems like ages since I went out Sea Kayaking. In reality it’s only 3 or so weeks but having got used to such frequent paddling over the late Summer and Autumn, a 3 week lay off seems an eternity. A busy period at work and the seemingly constant windy conditions have conspired to keep my paddling gear packed away in my kit bags.

Boats Moored For Winter

After a very short paddle last Sunday I was hungry for more and yesterday delivered firstly with a two session blast up and down the Beaulieu River. The tide was flowing pretty strongly but the shelter from any wind left lovely flat calm conditions for stroke work followed by a nice fast paced paddle. At the end of the session I spent some time just bobbing about watching the wildlife and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

Duck Taking Off

Back at the launch point I indulged in 15 minutes of messing about with the camera set up on a jetty on a timer to try and grab a new profile picture for social media sites and for the ‘about’ section of this website. Whilst it may seem vain, I struggle with the usual issue of always being the person behind the lens so rarely get access to pictures with me on the water hence an impromptu ‘modelling’ session.

New Profile Picture

It was then time to head back to ‘family duties’ – out to collect then decorate the Christmas tree with the kids and the whole bedtime routine. However, I had half an eye on the Bramble Bank Weather station which proved fortuitous as the wind died down below expected levels. As 8pm rolled around I was back out to Calshot and pulled off a stunning night paddle along the coast, past Lepe and part way towards Lymington before turning around to head back all under a bright full moon. It was about as calm as it gets and such a departure from recent windy nights and despite the cold, provided a fantastically relaxed way to end the day.

Stunning Night Paddle

So the 1st of December is just around the corner and it is time for what has become an annual blogpost on Christmas gift ideas. For those new to the blog, it’s worth taking a look at the 2009 and 2010 Christmas gift blogposts to see other suggestions.

This year the Christmas gift list has grown again with a few more goodies included. Be warned, I’ve also decided to break my ‘affordable’ budget rule for the list with a couple of much more pricey items, however the core of the lists remains in the ‘more affordable’ price range.

1. Sea Kayak With Gordon Brown DVD: Volume 2

The second DVD from duo Gordon Brown and Simon Willis and firmly focused on Rescues but packed with other content – 2 hours worth to be precise. A superb DVD and worth it’s weight in cold for BCU 4* & 5* candidates or those leading groups. £19.95

Available here

2. Sea Kayak Essentials DVD

From Nick Cunliffe and Matt Giblin comes the second ‘Essentials’ DVD focused on Sea Kayaking technique for intermeadiate to advanced paddlers. A nice range of techniques are covered from the Fundamentals to more advanced and featuring some excellent filming and production quality. £19.95

Available here

3. First Aid Kit Dry Bags

Mentioned earlier in the year in this blogpost, these handy little dry bags are in the internationally recognised green colour with white first aid cross symbol on them. This helps distinguish them from other kit in an emergency. Perfect sizes for main first aid kit and for a PFD pocket ‘ouch pouch’. £7.99

Available here

4. Petzl e+LITE Headtorch

A superb, small headtorch with a variety of LED light settings, including white and red. Tiny and compact in it’s own small carry case. A shelf life of 10 years in storage makes it perfect for storing in an emergency kit bag or first aid kit ‘just in case’. £25

Available Here

5. Kari-Tek Coverall

This top is quite simply a potential lifesaver. It’s a simple nylon, over the head cagoule designed to fit over the top of all your paddling kit – including buoyancy aid/helmet etc. The bottom hem is large enough to fit around the cockpit rim, over the top of the spray deck. Really small when packed it stows nicely and makes a dramatic difference to warmth when you put it on. Superb bit of safety kit. £76.50

Available here (Scroll down to mid way through page)

6. Pogies

A couple of years ago I listed neoprene gloves as a gift idea. I’m now adding pogies due to the benefit in combatting wind chill. So small and lightweight, it’s a no-brainer to carry them on Winter paddles. I have a couple of pairs – one set for me and one in my spare clothing kit dry bag. £27

Available here

7. Fat Paddler Book

I’m ashamed to say I’m still only 4/5 of the way through this book (too much night paddling!) and determined to complete it by Christmas. What I have read so far is superb. This is not so much a ‘sea kayaking book’ rather a book about an amazing individual who sea kayaks. I have yet to read anything other than a glowing review. $29 (AUD)

Available here

8. A Course

Ok, this might seem a bit of a wooly idea but after a hectic 12 months preparing for or attending various skills, training or assessment courses in both Sea Kayaking and First Aid I’ve been reflecting on how much my techniques and knowledge have improved. I had money towards these as Birthday presents this year and will be doing the same over Christmas and it makes for a very practical gift idea – ‘teach a man to fish’ and all that! £ various

9. Airbags

I always used to see airbags as something for my WW boat or open canoeing. However carrying them in a sea kayak makes total sense. Inflated in empty compartments in case a hatch cover pops and as part of your emergency kit in case a member of your group holes a boat or loses a hatch. The larger the better! From £15

Available here

10. 5.10 Canyoneer 2 Boots

If these will fit in your cockpit of the Sea Kayak they are simply superb. Very comfortable and awesome for any sort of terrain once you land. Particularly useful in more technical landings which involve clambering around on rocky shorelines. Pricey, but extremely hard wearing. £85

Available here (Third down the page)

11. A Laminator

A superb tool to have access to. I use mine for laminating all sorts of crib cards for coaching or leading, navigation aids, maps, kit lists, group lists and so forth. If possible get a decent make and always go for good quality, thicker laminate sheets. From £25

Available here

12. North Water Turtle Deck Bag

I’m lucky that my own kayak has a deck hatch, however, when paddling boats without one I rely on a lovely North Water Turtle Deck bag. Small and compact but big enough for the essentials you need to hand. £40

Available here (2/3 of way down page)

13. Sea Kayak Navigation Book

Sea Kayak Navigation by Franco Ferrero (published by Pesda Press) is a superb manual for navigation for Sea Kayakers. Small and compact is is easy to carry around and features superb diagrams and graphics. A must have book and very affordable. £9.99

Available here

14. Peak Semi Shortie Cag

I had one too many paddles this year where a thermal T-shirt was too cool but a long sleeve cag was too hot to wear so have invested in a short sleeved cag. (NB: Full disclosure – as a Peak Professional Partner, I am able to purchase Peak UK kit at a reduced rate). £75

Available here

15. Silva Expedition 4 Compass

I’ve had one of these since the early 1990′s. My original one packed in after 21 years of loyal service having seen me through my Mountain Leaders Award and Orienteering Instructors Award. I replaced it with the same model. A superb piece of kit and worth every penny for deck and land based navigation. £22.50

Available here

16. Valley Etain 17.5 Sea Kayak

I’m very lucky through my work with Ocean Paddler Magazine to get to paddle a large range of boats. The new Valley Etain, in particular the Valley Etain 17.5, was without a doubt one of the nicest boats I have paddled. If I was buying a boat tomorrow this would be the one. Large enough for extended trips but remaining highly agile on the water I simply fell in love with it! For larger paddlers/big expeditions the 17.7 is worth a look and the 17.7 Plastic version is also superb.£2245

Available here

Conclusion

Hopefully this years list will provide some inspiration for folks shopping for christmas gifts for the Sea kayaker in their lives. As ever, if there is something you feel should be on the list please add a comment to this post and share your thoughts. Alternatively, simply print out the article, highlght the item/s you want and leave copies strategically position around the house as a not-so-subtle hint!