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.

The jobs list for my Kayak has been growing steadily over recent weeks. Lots of little bits needed tweaking or fixing. Nothing major but a couple with the potential to grow into more significant issues. I managed to grab a couple of hours this week to give the boat some much needed TLC.

Seat Unit Removed

One job I’d been meaning to do for a while was remove the seat and check it over as well as clean thoroughly underneath. Grit and small pebbles have a habit of hiding away under the seat and then begin a process of attrition which can wear through the hull over an extended period of time, popping a small but troublesome hole in the boat.

Flushing the boat out after every paddle goes a long way to preventing this however it is possible for pebbles to embed themselves into the foam padding found under some seats and prevent them from being washed out. This proved to be the case on my seat and I found several small stones stuck into the underside of the seat.

Dents Left By Embedded Stones

To remove the seat from my own boat (P&H Cetus) there are two bolts – one on each side of the boat which run through the deck, seat and then into two largish plates with a bolt attached. These act as ‘oversized’ washers under the seat spreading the load from the tightened bolt across a larger area of the seat. Removal is as simple as unscrewing the bolt and then having the patience to carefully twist and turn the seat unit until it can be lifted out of the cockpit – a little pressure to bend the sidewalls is needed as it is a snug fit.

With the seat out it is possible to remove the stones and check the inside of the hull carefully for any signs or wear or damage. Luckily there was no major damage so far. I also checked the various bolts and washers on the seat and backrest unit as well as the attachment loops that are built into the back of the seat.

Empty Cockpit

It is also an ideal time to make use of the increased access to the cockpit to check over the footrests, bulkheads and skeg components as well as give the boat a really good clean, and boy did mine need one!

Replacing the seat is a little bit fiddly, particularly ensuring the small washer is seated neatly when the main bolts are replaced to stop water ingress as well as ensuring the spreaders at the back of the seat are not positioned in a way that will let them rub against the hull.

Bolt And Spreader

A worth while 30 minutes which could pay dividends down the road.

This video has been around for a while and I came it across it thanks to the UK Rivers Guidebook Forum.

The video features Sean Morley taking the viewer through a very detailed look at ‘power paddling’ – a highly efficient forward paddling stroke to maximise forward speed. There are some nice dry land as well as boat based exercises and demonstrations.

Originally from a series of ‘virtual coach’ films produced for Canoe & Kayak Magazine, the associated article on their website also includes a written and photographic guide to forward paddling.

Useful Links

Canoe & Kayak Magazine – Canoe & Kayak Magazine Article on Forward Paddling

Introduction

The VAK theory refers to 3 learning styles; visual, auditory and Kinaesthetic.

Visual learners: Visual learners will learn by watching therefore will rely on coaches providing good demonstrations of skills. Ideally the coach will be deliver the multiple demonstrations at normal pace and silently (ie no verbal explanation during the demo) to allow them to observe the skill clearly.

Audio Learners: Learn by hearing how to do things and therefore need to hear good quality explanations

Kinaesthetic Learners: These learners need to feel how the movements work and will need lots of time to practice.

VAK Combinations

It is important to understand that according to the VAK model, learners are not exclusively one type of learner, but exhibit a preference or leaning towards one or more of the styles. If you see the 3 styles within the VAK model as the 3 points of a triangle, different learners could be plotted at different positions within the triangle based on their learning style preference. For example, consider the 3 students plotted on the diagram below.

VAK Learning Styles Model

Student 1: Shows no strong preference for any of the three learning styles.
Student 2: Shows an equal preference for the audio and kinaesthetic learning styles.
Student 3: Shows a preference for a visual learning style.

Applying VAK To Paddlesports Coaching

In a ideal world, a coach will plan for the range of learners/learning styles and try to cater for them within their day to day practice. Paddlesport coaches are used to the concept of IDEAS (Introduce, demonstrate, explain, activity, summary) when introducing a new skill. This framework can be used to cater for the different learning styles at a basic level.

Introduce: Verbal – Audio
Demonstrate: Silent – Visual
Explain: Verbal and Demonstration – Audio & Visual
Activity: Student work on tasks set – kinaesthetic, coach 1:1 – audio, visual, kinaesthetic
Summary: Verbal – Audio

Determining Learning Styles

At a basic level a lot can be picked up by listening to the types of questions your students ask or observing their behaviour. For example:

Audio: ‘Can you explain that again?’
Visual: ‘Can you show me that again?’
Kinaesthtic: ‘Can I try that again?’

Conclusion

Whilst there are endless tests and questionnaires online designed to determine someones preferred learning style, the quality and usefulness of these is often very dubious. A coaches time is arguably better spent simply ensuring they cover all learning 3 of the VAK styles within their sessions and equally important ensure their delivery is not biased towards one particular learning style.

Useful Links

Understanding VAK Language – a nice article by Level 5 coach Kim Bull.

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

Peak UK 15m Towline

The Peak UK Towline is a 15m towline system with the ability to be waist or deck mounted. It features a webbing waist belt with quick release buckle. The bag element is a large shaped pouch akin to a walking/mountain biking bum bag with a zip open top lid. This is made from sturdy fabric with hi-vis reflective tape on the outside. The ‘floor’ of the pouch is made from pastic grid material to allow drainage of any water from the pouch. There is a vertical synch strap running from the top lid down to base of the pouch which allows the volume to be reduced when stowed.

Looking at the actual towline, the red line has a larger non-snag snap gate at the towing end with a float in the line immeadiately behind it. There is then a section of line of a metre or so before the line is daisy chain coiled. The end of the daisy chain then features a smaller non-snag snap gate which keeps the coils in place allowing the towline to be used at around a 5m length. Unclipping this smaller snap gate allows the coils to pull free and the towline extends to it’s full 15m length. The towline is attached via a bungee shock absorbing loop (with rope back-up) to a stainless D ring which is fitted through both the waist belt and bag itself.

Adapting The Towline

Out of the packaging the Peak UK towline has a couple of aspects I wanted to adapt to enhance it’s use. I have made 3 key changes:

1. Moved the float just over 1/2 a sea kayak boats length down the line.
2. Changed the way the snap gate is attached to the line from a knot to whipped line
3. Diasy Chain coiled all the line from the float to the end of the line

This has ensured I have a clean line at the towing end, particularly when feeding the towline under deck lines to clip a second boat in a rafted tow situation. The original position of the float prevented this. The extra daisy chain coiling further shortens the line but retains enough length for short tows.

In use

I really like the size of the bag on this towline, plus the fact it comes with two really nice snap gates. Worn as a waist system it is unobtrusive when the bag is synched down. I wear it with the bag at the front, the towing snap gate clipped to my PFD ready fr quick deployment. Towing shorter or longer is comfortable. The bungee does a reasonable job at absorbing the bulk of the shock. Repacking the towline is nice and easy thanks to the large opening at the top of the bag. The quick release does it job – the large ball on the buckle makes it easy to locate. I’ve practised capsizing whilst towing and released the system with no hassle.

I don’t currently have a deck mount set-up rigged on my own boat and am jumping between so many different boats I prefer a system i can take with me however, the large velcro pads sewn on the back of this system look comparable to other deck mounted tow bags. It’s nice that this towline provides both options.

Summary

Full disclosure, I’m lucky to now be part of the Peak Professional Partner System which means I can buy Peak UK kit at a reduced price. However I chose and bought this towline at full cost before I became involved with Peak UK and after using a number of other towlines.

The main problem I encountered on the two other towlines I tried was the small opening to the towline bag which became too much hassle to deal with on the water. The wide opening on the Peak UK Towline is, for me, its major selling point. Add to that the nice stainless hardware and decent build quality and for me this is a cracking towline.

However, I would recommend folks consider the adaptions I made, particularly moving the position of the float to create a clean line at the clipping on end of the system. Alternatively, take a look at Level 5 Sea Coach, Kim Bull’s article on how he adapted his Peak UK Towline.

Images

Useful Links

Peak UK Towline – Peak UK Online Shop
Adapting Your Towline – Article by Kim Bull, Level 5 Sea Coach on adapting a Peak UK Towline.

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!