Paddling tips, tricks, news and gear reviews from an Unsponsored point of view
The Smiley Nose clip as far as I am concerned is one of the best bits of kayaking kit available. It works so well and keeps on working year after year that you actually take it for granted.
I have one attached to each of my helmets (always on the right) and one on a neck lanyard for pool use.
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.
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 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.
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 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
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.
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 .
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.
GoPro
GoPro Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery
GoPro Suction Cup Mount
GoPro Floating Back Door
Joby Gorillapod
GoPro Anti-Fog Inserts
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).
I bought a GoPro Floating Back Door
It keeps the camera on the surface and is easy to spot. Job done!
Their chat: “This jacket is a necessity for the serious whitewater enthusiast. It is ergonomically designed and form fitted to perfection, and has a cut that maximizes mobility and reduces the amount of seams in construction. The Bomb incorporates both the Volcanic Gasket Protector System ™ and Vault Water Lock Waist Band™ to maximize comfort and minimize bulk. This year the front pocket includes an improved Dry Pocket™ that is removable and works much like a zip-lock sandwich bag. The base front pocket has been increased in size and provides a secure area for one’s belongings.”
The first thing that struck me when I first tried it on was how different it felt to other cags. Usually to give first-rate protection from the elements, the material used weighs about the same as a suit of armour, and is just as flexible. This thing was super light. The cut was well fitting and ergonomic, and didn’t ride up much at all when I swung around my arms like some tops do. To be honest, I didn’t know if the material was heavy enough, but my doubts were soon put aside when I tried it out. It handled admirably. Continue reading
The Techno comes with Riot’s new outfitting. Which is comfortable, and highly adjustable. The adjustability of the backrest and thigh braces comes form a ratchet system that seems highly effective and is becoming a standard feature of most new boats. I was sceptical at first but the thigh braces worked really well for me, I always like Riot’s earlier minimalist design, and this felt similar, but far more secure and highly adjustable. The boat still remained easy to get out of which is always a plus!
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