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Paddling tips, tricks, news and gear reviews from an Unsponsored point of view

Month: May 2012 (Page 3 of 4)

GoPro Accessory Roll

16 May 2012 / / 5 Comments

I added a new bit of kit to my GoPro set up last weekend. I needed a system that could carry my extra GoPro kit safely in the boat but probably more importantly keeps my kit nicely organised. I don’t want to be rummaging in the bottom of a dry bag if I don’t have to. The accessory roll holds all of the bits and bobs that I need when out with my GoPro.

Accessory Roll

Two different prototypes have been made, with the main difference being the size/number of compartments. The roll shown below has been made with a ripstop Cordura so it’s really tough. It has separate compartments for –

A Phillips screwdriver
An aLOKSAK pouch containing my spare battery and SD cards. The pouch is completely waterproof.
A Gorilla-pod tripod
Assorted mounts including a new multifunctional mount that I am trying out for a new UK based firm.

The whole unit rolls up nice and tight and is fastened with a military spec fastek buckle.

Leatherman Wave

15 May 2012 / / 0 Comments

Leatherman Wave is solid piece of kit. As a river knife this bit of kit isn’t upto the job, but as a tool to carry in the boat, car or PFD for getting out of a fix then this is the daddy.

This made in the USA tool is 100% stainless steel (also available in titanium) and comes with a loads of features including: needlenose pliers; five screwdrivers, including Phillips head; two knives, one serrated; a wire cutter/splicer; a saw; file; can/bottle opener; and scissors. The newer version also has an attachment that will accept changeable driver bits.

The Leatherman is extremely sharp and is happy dealing with paper, wire, metal, or wood. The Leatherman Wave is a great tool that is guaranteed for 25 years – no questions asked, if it breaks, bends, weakens it will be repaired or replaced. It is also very compact.

The Leatherman Wave isn’t just a handy, versatile tool – it’s a practical investment. They aren’t cheap, £80 in sales but I think it is a solid investment.

Adventures in Loonerland

15 May 2012 / / 0 Comments

Most of the readers have probably seen this action packed film already, but for those that haven’t its certainly one to watch! Loonerland is the 1st film from Irish/Devonshire freestyler and creeker Simon Westgarth, and it does not disappoint.

The Video basically showcases some of the UK’s finest boating talents, including Cheesy, Debs Pinneger, Andy Phillips, Mark Birkbeck, Ed Cornfield, Simon Westgarth and one German (I think), Katrine Prase thrown in for good measure. Each paddler gets a 4/5 minute slot including entertaining interviews, good old Brit humour, and of course some full on freestyle and creek action!

The Boating includes everything from good old Shepperton weir on a cranking ten gates, to the mighty Zambezi, with playspots and rivers from all over Europe in-between.

The best bits: Its Hard to pin point a best bit, however Birky’s section is entertaining, and deb’s bit is some what inspiring!

The worst bit: For some reason they decide to feature Andy Phillips at Nottingham of all places!

Final verdict: A wamdangler of a vid that makes you want to pack your bags and buy a van! Well worth having in your collection.

Ian White (the Airbitchproject team)

Pyranha Backrest Repair

13 May 2012 / / 0 Comments

One of the biggest issues with the backrest in some Pyranha kayaks is the webbing sometimes twists, becomes quite stiff and can as I have found then dig right into your side. With the aid of some new tubular tape, some new climbing accessory cord and a sewing machine the issue was solved.

Time: 30 minutes max.
Cost for materials: £2

Petzl Tikka Plus 2

13 May 2012 / / 0 Comments

Petzl are pretty well known for there head torches along with the high quality climbing kit they produce. Over the last few weeks opportunities to grab good water levels have always seemed to be mid week. This has resulted in dash after work to get to the water and late get off from the river. Despite it almost being summer it is still very easy to get stuck out in the middle of nowhere without a light source.

I have been using Petzl head torches since the purchase of a Micro and Zoom almost 20 years ago. I have since stuck with the brand and now have a collection of Tikkas.

The Tikka Plus 2 headlamp integrates two light sources for versatility: one white, high-output LED and one red LED. The white LED delivers 70 lumens in maximum mode and lights up to 40 meters. In economic mode, it can reach a burn-time of 185 hours. The red LED provides lighting to preserve night vision or to become a strobe light for increased safety, for example in an urban environment, etc. TIKKA PLUS2 can be used with lithium batteries to decrease weight or improve performance in cold weather.

New Pyranha Jed (Eye) – Large

12 May 2012 / / 0 Comments

I picked up my new boat today. Many thought that is would be a Jackson Rockstar and in-fact it would have been up until earlier this week. The boat was ordered from North Shore Watersports at the Tees Barrage and promptly arrived a couple of days later.

I have spent the last couple of hours dressed in my paddling kit to get the outfitting correct. Here are a few images from this afternoon. They do not do the “Wham” colour scheme justice.

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11 May 2012 / / 0 Comments

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Patagonia Merino Hoodie

11 May 2012 / / 0 Comments

One of these merino hoods from Patagonia landed on the door mat today. What a great bit of kit. Super light, super warm and you can wear it for day after day without getting smelly!

The hoodie was purchased from Sport Pursuit and was my first order via the private sports sale site. I’m now looking forward to my Icebreaker order from Sport Pursuit .

Liquid Logic Stomper Repair

11 May 2012 / / 0 Comments

Thanks to a rocky ditch in Scotland and a very trusting Nathan Butler I spent a few hours this evening welding a Liquid Logic Stomper back together.

The split in the hull was fairly substantial being around 25cm long and stretched from just in front of and then under the seat. The first job was to remove the seat. This was really easy and took a couple of minutes. The parts were put safely to one side. The repair tape was removed and the split cleaned out and trimmed to expose fresh plastic.

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R3 Rescue for River Runners: Episode 1 – Getting Started

10 May 2012 / / 0 Comments

Current GoPro Kit

9 May 2012 / / 2 Comments

GoPro” target=”_blank”>GoPro HD2 (bought as part of the Outdoor pack), but the Motorsport bundle offers a little more – GoPro Motorsports Hero 2. I have added a 2mm dyneema cord leash and a nice little mini S-biner.

GoPro Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery. Having this extra battery (plus additional SD cards) will really allow me to cover a full days worth of boating.

GoPro Suction Cup Mount. This arrived at the weekend and I plan to give this a bit of a test on the car and kayak over the next few weeks.

GoPro Floating Back Door. This has turned out to be a very useful accessory.

Joby Gorillapod. Great for attaching to fence posts, trees etc. You do need an adaptor to attach it to the GoPro.

GoPro Anti-Fog Inserts. Not 100% convinced about these but will be trying them out over the next few weeks.

Also in the photograph is my MYOG custom grip. Not in the photograph are my SD cards and a couple of custom made mounts from a new UK based firm (more info soon).

GoPro Floating Back Door

9 May 2012 / / 0 Comments

I bought a GoPro Floating Back Door a couple of weeks ago and this weekend it did its job.

It keeps the camera on the surface and is easy to spot. Job done!

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