Feel free to drop by and take a look. If you have any comments or suggestions please drop us a line.

Website: www.brockworks.freeserve.co.uk/

The Portsmouth and District Canoe Club (PDCC) was formally set up in the winter of 1979/80 because of an increasing interest in canoeing in the area, largely due to the efforts of John Drew.

The late John Drew had been running night-school classes from 1975 at Springfield School, Drayton, and a small group of regular paddlers formed from those who attended these classes. As word of the group’s activities spread, it became apparent that many people in and around the area wanted to learn more about the sport and to practice with experienced canoeists. It was to meet this need that the club was formed.

The current membership, approximately 100, of the club may be split into three groups; local active paddlers, occasional paddlers and non-paddlers. The club enjoys a high reputation among experienced canoeists. The main strengths of the club is in encouraging paddlers to progress at sea canoeing when they have mastered the basic skills.

The club, which is affiliated to the British Canoe Union (BCU), is run by an annually elected committee. A programme of trips and other activities is organised to run throughout the year. This programme is biased towards sea touring but includes some river trips and surfing. The programme caters for both novice and competent canoeists. The majority of the events take place on Sundays. This programme varies each year depending on membership demand and requests.

In addition to these Sunday trips there are practice nights during the summer months, which are held on Mondays, when possible, and usually Thursdays. The aim of these practises is to increase fitness and to learn and improve strokes and techniques from basic forward paddling to all-in rescues. All members are encouraged to train for BCU awards and to obtain instructor qualifications. The current membership now includes over 20 BCU qualified instructors of varying grades. Monday practices, when held, are at Hilsea Lido, Thursday practises are held on the sea, mainly off Southsea front, Eastney and Hayling Island.

A newsletter is sent to all members (preferably by e-mail) every two months, which contains articles of general interest, trip and expedition reports and details of forthcoming events.

All members are expected to provide their own equipment, as it is not feasible for the club to own and store equipment.

I would love to hear from anyone with any experience of newer plastic sea kayaks as to their experiences.

Following Justine’s previous DVD’s (This Is The Sea 1-3) and Bryan Smith’s Pacific Horizons, the standard for Sea Kayaking DVD’s has been set very high. Can This Is The Sea 4 deliver?

Well, in my humble opinion, yes it can. TITS 4 is one of the best value Sea Kayaking DVD’s on offer with 2.5 hours of material spread across 2 DVD’s.

The first DVD is similar in format to the previous DVD’s with a variety of material on destinations, trips and personalities. The second DVD contains 2 expedition films - the circumnavigation of Haida Gwai and the circumnavigation of New Zealands South Island.

Disc 1 begins with some excellent Rock Hopping footage in Baja, Mexico where a fleet of plastic Sea Kayaks (thank goodness given the seal launches!) are put through their paces among the rock gardens and sea caves of the coastline. A fantastic start to the DVD, this segment really wets your appetite and sets up the action to follow.

‘Dubside’ (those of you who have seen ‘Pacific Horizons will be familiar with this name) is the subject of the second segment. ‘Dubside’ is an american paddler who specialises in ‘commando kayaking’ and the art of greenland rolling. Armed with a greenland paddle, packable sea kayak (which can be set up in 12 minutes) a length of rope and enough change for the bus, ‘Dubside’ practises a different approach to sea kayaking and his rolling skills have to be seen. (Learn More about Dubside here)

Kayak fishing using sit on top kayaks is growing in popularity and I have seen a few craft out and about along the Solent Coast so in some respects it is no suprise to see it appear in a Sea Paddling DVD. However, this is one segment I am happy to skip past - you may feel differently.

Disc 1 continues with some superb footage of paddling in the Dead Sea, Lake Superior and the Ottawa River. The camera work and characters involved continue to delight and provide inspirational viewing on a cold winters night. In particular the stunning scenery of Norways Fjordland had me searching google for maps and ferry details.

However, despite it’s range of material, Disc 1 would not be my main reason for purchasing this DVD. Disc 2 would be. It contains 2 expedition films which I feel are up there with the best. Circumnavigating Haida Gwai (Queen Charlotte Islands) and Circumnavigating New Zealand’s South Island. As recently muted by Simon Willis, the South Island film is surely award winning material and provides a true insight into the highs and lows of a trip like this. Justine and Barry Shaw manage to keep the camera rolling at times where most of us would forget to press play and this provides a fantastic ‘fly on the wall’ look at the physical and mental demands of undertaking a major expedition.

To be honest, I would have been pretty happy parting with my hard earned cash just for Disc 2 however, as a package, This Is The Sea 4 delights, inspires and more than surpases the bar set by its forerunners. This DVD should be on all Sea Paddlers Christmas lists.

If the answer to this was judged by demand and lack of availability you would certainly think so. During the summer I contacted a number of retailers to try and source a Kaikoura Tour to no avail. Forum posts abound on well known sea kayaking blogs bemoaning the lack of availability. However, the good news is that they are coming back into stock and are well worth a look.

The Kaikoura Tour is a shorter cut buoyancy aid, with quite a bulbous look at the front due to reasonably large foam buoyancy and an excess of pockets. However, do not be fooled by appearances - once on the buoyancy aid does not feel large and bulbous. The cut of the Kaikoura gives excellent freedom around the shoulders/arms allowing you to move freely.

Adjustment comes in the form of a waist and midrift straps as well as shoulder adjustment. This is easy to access and adjust wearing the buoyancy aid. A front zip design allows the Kaikoura to me removed on the water, to remove a layer of clothing for example. There have been many discussions on Sea Kayaking forums regarding the Kaikoura’s zip and corrosion, however it is important to note that the design has been updated with a plastic zip and this problem addressed.

Storage on the Kaikoura is superb and one of features that has led to the praise within the sea kayaking community. The front of the Kaikoura has four pockets along with fleece lined hand warmers and a whistle pocket. The two main pockets contain pouches and key clips. The smaller front bellows pockets also contain key clips and allow storage of smaller items.

The right main pocket has an aerial slot to allow a vhf to be stored. To my mind it provides a secure place to store the radio and listen in to radio traffic but I would be concerned about accidental button presses switching channels (I tend to monitor channels 16 & 67 on dual watch). I currently have my iCom radio under the deck lines in a waterproof bag but would like to keep the deck clearer and keep the radio on my person. time will tell if this is front pocket is the perfect solution.

The left pocket is a more straight forward double pocket - one larger top/side entry and one smaller front entry. The larger is a great size for snacks, penknife on a lanyard and other items you wish to keep on your person. Both left and right pockets had a reflective patch on them, useful for dawn/dusk and night paddlers.

The back of the Kaikoura has a larger pocket - obviously designed for a water bladder. The shoulder straps contain loops to keep the drinking tube organised. However, the pocket is also a perfect size for flares or other larger items. This pocket has an over the shoulder opening strip.

To round off the pockets, the right shoulder has a ’strobe’ pocket with d-ring and whistle already attached. This is ideal for those who carry the smaller torch/strobe devices for night time or emergency situations.

Final, the Kaikoura has an flat, inside back pocket which I currently do not have a plan for - however there are suggestions floating about on the UKSRG forums.

The Kaikoura fits very comfotably and when packed is seems as if it will be functional and provide easy access to key items. I look forward to more detailed testing and will report back after a period of sustained use. if you are a Kaikoura user, let me know how you have found it!

Palm Kaikoura Tour from Palm - available from Bournemouth canoes, Woodmill and other stockists.
Features include:

• Palm Flex formed foam cut-wraps around torso
• Vent mesh lining and neoprene under arm patches
• Palm 3D ‘anti ride-up’ waist system
• YKK front zip entry with closure cover
• Easy Glide™ strap adjustment throughout
• 3M® reflective panels on shoulders, front and rear panels
• Large rear cargo pocket with over shoulder opening tab
• Double front cargo pockets with internal compartments, attachment points and VHF aerial slot
• Shoulder ‘strobe’ pocket with whistle and D ring
• Hydration bladder storage guides and park
• Front and rear lash tabs

Fabrics: Cordura® 550D Ripstop
Colour: Blue / Grey, Red / Grey
Code: BA325
Size options: XS-S (60N) / M-L (70N) / XL-XXL (70N)

The main floor of the unit houses a very good range of kayaks and canoes. Everything from playboats and open canoes to GP and sit on top kayaks were on display. However, I was most interested in their range of Sea Kayaks.

There was an impressive fleet on display both plastic and composite from a range of manufacturers including P&H and Point 65. I managed to avoid getting too close to most of them for financial safety reasons (”must keep credit card in wallet, must keep credit card in wallet…”) but was impressed to see the much praised P&H Cetus (and it’s plastic sibling the Scorpio) in stock. Seeing the boats stored vertically gave a quick and easy reference to the various lengths available and the Cetus certainly looks long!

There is also a mezzanine floor within the unit housing paddles and clothing. A very good range of buoyancy aids, cags, sallopettes and thermals was on offer including the very rare ‘Kaikoura Tour’ sea kayaking PFD (More of that in a future post).

Downstairs, around the till area, is a wide range of accessories, books and DVD’s (including This Is The Sea 4!!).

Good stock is one thing, but for me this needs to be backed up with friendly and knowledgeable staff, willing to give you the time and advice to get your head around all thats on offer. Bournemouth Canoes did not disappoint.

The guy that served me (really sorry I did not catch you name - let me know!!) was hugely enthusiastic and friendly, gave excellent advice and was an obvious Sea Kayaking enthusiast. It was really good the chat over local routes, kit and experiences.

All in all a great experience and if you are anywhere in the area I recommend a visit. If you are happy to order over the phone/via the internet they have a great website and you can rest assured this is a paddling shop run by paddlers!

Bournemouth Canoes Ltd
Stepnell Reach
541 Blandford Road
Hamworthy
Poole
Dorset
BH16 5BW

Telephone
01202 625256

Website
www.bournemouthcanoes.co.uk

It has individual chapters about places, people or tidal races but the DVD is based entirely in the Pacific North West region of America & Canada.

Prior to watching this DVD, I had seen Ocean Paddlers review which recommends viewing with the directors commentary to get the best experience due to the lack of narrative within the DVD. However, I found this lack of commentary refreshing and the DVD as a whole is immensely enjoyable.

It has a good mix of ‘tiderace’ play, expeditions and big sea paddling as well as some more unusual sections such as a look at ‘Dubside’ the ‘commando’ greenland-style kayaker who accompanied by his collapsible sea kayak will only use public transport to reach his paddling destinations.

Some stunning locations, good paddling and a smattering of mouth watering equipment make this an inspirational watch. The soundtrack is enjoyable and adds to the atmosphere - possibly better than some of the ‘This Is The Sea’ series.

Here’s the official blurb…

Showcasing some of the world’s most sought after sea kayaking destinations, Pacific Horizons captures the essence of the Ocean and inspires everyone to get out on the water and go kayaking! Blending wildlife, people, places and action-packed kayaking,

Bryan Smith takes us on an unforgettable journey documenting impressive tidal race surfing, the Orca whales of the San Juan Islands, the Bunsby islands off the remote coast of Vancouver island, “commando kayaking” with Greenland rolling and ropes gymnastics champion Dubside, the wind and waves of the Oregon coast, and to top it all off, a special appearance of Justine Curgenven’s work depicting her journey around the Queen Charlotte Islands with Shawna Franklin and Leon Somme. Pacific Horizons is an entertaining, breath-taking and inspirational adventure film.

Priced at £19.99, the DVD is on the expensive side, although comparable to other Sea Kayak (and Ski-ing/extreme sport) DVD’s. I enjoy this type of movie, having grown up on the Warren Miller Ski-ing DVD’s and more recently some of the “This Is The Sea’ series so Pacific Horizon’s was worth every penny and will keep me motivated in my ‘off the water’ periods!

Dorset paddler Mark Rainsley completed his attempt to paddle the entire West & North coast whilst Simon and Liz Willis completed their fact finding mission prior to writing the Scottish Sea Kayak Trail Guidebook.

Mark’s solo trip was hampered by poor wind conditions but despite a few shore-bound days and a flying visit back to Dorset for 1 day of work, he managed to complete more miles than hoped.

Mark made frequent posts on the UKRGB forum allowing people to track his progress and has a short write up on his blog.

My eventual progess was 557 miles over 25 days of paddling, with day paddles ranging from 8 to 35 miles. I’ve covered all of Scotland’s west and north coasts, which without a doubt offers some of the finest sea paddling to be had anywhere.

Meanwhile, Simon and Liz Willis finished their fact finding mission for the forthcoming Scottish Sea Kayak Trail Guidebook. They paddled a linear route along Scotland’s west coast, from the Isle of Gigha off the Kintyre peninsular, to the Summer Isles near Ullapool.

Simon made regular posts on his blog and is now busy working on the guidebook due to be published by Pesda Press in May 2009.

Congratulations to all involved and thanks for the inspirational, if envy-inducing, updates over the summer period.

Hello Solent Sea Kayakers…

Strange and last minute request for you:

I am swimming across the Solent tomorrow (Saturday 13th) and need a canoe to support me. I will be at Stokes Bay by Gilkicker Point at 1300 hours and heading for Ryde Beach.

There are two of us. We have two motorboats and one kayak at present. We have completed a full risk assessment and have the approval of the Queen’s Harbour Master.

If you have anyone that could provide the second kayak it would be great to hear from you.

If you think you can help out, drop me an email via the contact page on this website and I’ll pass on Tim’s contact information!

Evan Jack Smith arrived at 3:02pm on the 6th September with hands in a classic ‘hand rolling’ position which did not impress his mother or the midwives.

Mother and baby doing very well. Father an emotional wreck!

Now time to find a double sea kayak