View Full Version : Kayak
What are these (http://www.gwdoling.co.uk/searchwaterboat_d.asp?stockcod e=21420) like?!?
Never seen them before?
Any advice would be apreciated!
The Dorset island people did not have kayaks, they used inflated sealskins instead. (leaving their legs at the mercy of the water...they did not have waterproof seams either...)
there is a website devoted to these lilos...I think I have the link, but cannot find it at the moment.
Most people I know who have them yearn after a `real` kayak.
However if you are strapped for both cash and storage space....
Cash and storage are an issue, but nor do I want to waste the money on a rubbish kayak, It will never get any hard use just pootling about
The Dorset island people did not have kayaks, they used inflated sealskins instead. (leaving their legs at the mercy of the water...they did not have waterproof seams either...)
there is a website devoted to these lilos...I think I have the link, but cannot find it at the moment.
Most people I know who have them yearn after a `real` kayak.
However if you are strapped for both cash and storage space....
I did a google on this culture and it seems like they survived in an island in Hudson Bay until the beginning of 20th century. Facinating stuff. found little about the inflated sealskins though.
Torjus Gaaren
Cash and storage are an issue, but nor do I want to waste the money on a rubbish kayak, It will never get any hard use just pootling about
lol Pignut. I feel a new craze coming on!
Grooveski
10-04-2006, 12:03
I love mine(and yearn for a real canoe too). Posted a few impressions on Song of the Paddle. If you search for Sevylor they should pop up.
Must be living in the wrong country though, none of my photos look like that advert :rolleyes: .
lol Pignut. I feel a new craze coming on!
Kiss Kata goodbye as we sail down the ancholme
Kiss Kata goodbye as we sail down the ancholme
hmmm. Life jacket for your birthday then!
MagiKelly
10-04-2006, 15:11
I love mine(and yearn for a real canoe too). Posted a few impressions on Song of the Paddle. If you search for Sevylor they should pop up.
Must be living in the wrong country though, none of my photos look like that advert :rolleyes: .
Maybe it is your camera :lmao:
Grooveski
10-04-2006, 16:11
Yeah, maybe I left the lens cap on.....
http://hometown.aol.co.uk/JOSHGROOVESKI/FP_APR_02.JPG
Yeah, maybe I left the lens cap on.....
http://hometown.aol.co.uk/JOSHGROOVESKI/FP_APR_02.JPG
Just had a look at this over on songs of the paddle!
Wow!!!!!
I think I NEED one!
Grooveski
10-04-2006, 16:35
In case you're wondering, there's another rucksack(a 45l climbing style) crammed in the bow that can't be seen on the beach pic.
Load them up enough and they'll ride through allsorts. You'll be the envy of the asylum ;) .
Not the "toy" they are made out to be then
Just had a look at this over on songs of the paddle!
Wow!!!!!
I think I NEED one!
Go for it Mr C. Maybe you could sell your kites to fund it.... or even better use the kites instead of a paddle.... could be interesting :D :D
Go for it Mr C. Maybe you could sell your kites to fund it.... or even better use the kites instead of a paddle.... could be interesting :D :D
Stop encouraging him!
Go for it Mr C. Maybe you could sell your kites to fund it.... or even better use the kites instead of a paddle.... could be interesting :D :D
Good idea!!!!
Think I will get them on Evil-bay!
http://www.foldingkayaks.org/
section on inflatables here.
I think you misunderstood me Torjus, I was talking about inflatables and not the Dorset Island people....but that link would be nice.
I recall reading about a woman who solo paddled across the pacfic to Hawaii using an inflatable.
I am considering getting one myself.
For the summer. easier than carting about my sea kayaks.
Grooveski
11-04-2006, 11:04
Not the "toy" they are made out to be then
Don't know if I'd go that far :p.
Honestly, you'll have to make your own mind up about how seriously to take them.
We haven't come close to their limit but one trip last year we seen some real weather and they handled it better than their occupants. We've since got lifejackets and are ready to have another go but the weather's been mild on trips since then.
Can't be ignored that the general opinion is that they're toys. I presume the folk who are saying it have tried them and it's a dead cert that they know more about kayaks than I do.
I'm not going to stick up for them. They float, which just about covers our needs. We like ours and are way beyond caring about general opinion :) .
After much serching and review reading, I think the following applies!
1: Storage/Transportation, these inflatables can not be beaten!
2: Usage! If you are traveling in the sea or on long haul white water trips an inflatable may not be the way forward!!!! but gentle waters not a problem
3: Kit. A rigid will not be beaten on storage of kit though as seen from above there is a fair amount that can be carried in the inflatables
4: die-hards will always call these a toy :lmao:
(Edit: They also look like bloomin good Fun!)
Out of shear lack of knowledge, is there any licence required for using these on a river?
If you join the BCU you'll be allowed on the Ancholme and be insured too.
Are these the govening body.
Do I have to be a member to go on the river?
They're The British Canoe Union and joining gets you access to many waterways that are classed as a navigation. If the water is not a navigation you not allowed on. In Scotland you can paddle just about anywhere for free.
Just another case of the crap rights of access in England.
They're The British Canoe Union and joining gets you access to many waterways that are classed as a navigation. If the water is not a navigation you not allowed on. In Scotland you can paddle just about anywhere for free.
Just another case of the crap rights of access in England.
Thanks for that
One of my friends has just got an inflatable canoe. I think he's only tried it briefly once, and I haven't seen it yet (except in a bag) but the plan is for us to canoe from Woking to Guildford (or the other way round, depending on which way the water flows) sometime over the summer. Not sure whether we'll be allowed to - so thanks for the BCU link. Hopefully I'll be able to figure out the legalities of it! Bit of a silly nightmare really.
Is it this (http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/subjects/navigation/747419/499814/500118/?version=1&lang=_e) That is required
Mark,
The river wey between Guildfor and Woking is basically navigation, ie lock controlled so there is no real current. A nice trip. I live in Farnborough and have paddled up the Basingstoke canal to Woking onto the wey and onto Guildford, a nice trip.
Moduser
Mark,
The river wey between Guildfor and Woking is basically navigation, ie lock controlled so there is no real current. A nice trip. I live in Farnborough and have paddled up the Basingstoke canal to Woking onto the wey and onto Guildford, a nice trip.
Moduser
Wow, that's very good to know - thanks very much. We have currently put zero thought into it, so we had no idea as to whether it's actually possible or not. It's good to know that it is, and even better to know it's nice.
anthonyyy
11-04-2006, 18:34
For further infos about river access check out:
http://www.ukriversguidebook.co.uk/
Not everyone is happy about the way the BCU is handling the access issue.
Hey Pignut Just come in on this thread. I have a SOLAR 12' inflatable canoe. This is a one man job. My friend has the bigger version at 14' which is a similar but longer because it is a two man job. I look with interest on 'Song of The Paddle' but have never put any comments forward as I am NOT an accomplished canoeist.
I found my canoe after much looking. My specs were, well built, light, safe, well designed and portable.
This is made of the same fabric as the Avon inflatable dinghies. It has three air compartments. It folds down into a size which fits into it's own backpack and consequently portable. The pump is included, the paddles dismantle into three sections (they all float) there is a repair kit and a sponge for mopping it out (you get a wet b*m otherwise). I have often been two up and with 15 stone per person the only important thing is to make sure thas is is well blown up before doing this! We usually go back to back (and Bambodoggy passed comment!!!) This works if one person has the padles and it is decided who goes forward. On my own it is easy to handle and it has a skeg for directional stability which you can remove. I have looked at some at various boatshows and been very happy with my choice.
This is the smallest of the range. They also do a white water version, same length. I saw this one on TV recently where there was a white water competition, but can not remember the programme,sorry. This is slightly wider and has a different seat along with straps that you can hold onto with your knees. Then there is the two man version with two seats. This can be turned around and used as a long single seater if you have lots of kit.
I hope that this helps Pignut. I really have a lot of fun in mine.
I have no association with these apart from being a very satisfied customer.
Oh and my one cost £350 (but my memory is fuzzy and it may be £300)This was from the canoe shop just outside of Reading on the bank of the Thames.
Good luck from Swyn.
Please ask if you want any more info.
MagiKelly
12-04-2006, 12:05
I look with interest on 'Song of The Paddle' but have never put any comments forward as I am NOT an accomplished canoeist.
Just to clarify Song of the Paddle is most definitely not just for accomplished canoeists. I know Swyn was not suggesting this but just wanted to make sure people do not have a look thinking it is an elitist site.
Hey Pignut Just come in on this thread. I have a SOLAR 12' inflatable canoe. This is a one man job. My friend has the bigger version at 14' which is a similar but longer because it is a two man job. I look with interest on 'Song of The Paddle' but have never put any comments forward as I am NOT an accomplished canoeist.
I found my canoe after much looking. My specs were, well built, light, safe, well designed and portable.
This is made of the same fabric as the Avon inflatable dinghies. It has three air compartments. It folds down into a size which fits into it's own backpack and consequently portable. The pump is included, the paddles dismantle into three sections (they all float) there is a repair kit and a sponge for mopping it out (you get a wet b*m otherwise). I have often been two up and with 15 stone per person the only important thing is to make sure thas is is well blown up before doing this! We usually go back to back (and Bambodoggy passed comment!!!) This works if one person has the padles and it is decided who goes forward. On my own it is easy to handle and it has a skeg for directional stability which you can remove. I have looked at some at various boatshows and been very happy with my choice.
This is the smallest of the range. They also do a white water version, same length. I saw this one on TV recently where there was a white water competition, but can not remember the programme,sorry. This is slightly wider and has a different seat along with straps that you can hold onto with your knees. Then there is the two man version with two seats. This can be turned around and used as a long single seater if you have lots of kit.
I hope that this helps Pignut. I really have a lot of fun in mine.
I have no association with these apart from being a very satisfied customer.
Oh and my one cost £350 (but my memory is fuzzy and it may be £300)This was from the canoe shop just outside of Reading on the bank of the Thames.
Good luck from Swyn.
Please ask if you want any more info.
Thanks for your help!
I think I will be going for one!
Just need to get the licence sorted out and will be good to go
First apologies to MagiKelly for any misunderstanding. I enjoy your site and browse on a regular basis. Just have not had any thing of interest to other people to write about. I really do enjoy reading about other peoples adventures and comments on your site though :D
Pignut, have a look on the Solar website,try and get it in English! or try
Bournemouth canoe and paddle (I think) A Google will bring a positive result! There are certainly more of these around since I acquired mine three years ago. I saw one at The Outdoor Show too. I know by the top corner of your posts thas you are up towards the north so probably all the suppliers that are near to me are too far away for you. They were out in force at Southampton Boat Show, with all three models on display.
You can get day/weekly licences on the Thames at the locks... not sure about other places. I do know that the Environment Agency is trying to join up all the dots to make users lives easier but it has not happened yet.
Swyn.
First apologies to MagiKelly for any misunderstanding. I enjoy your site and browse on a regular basis. Just have not had any thing of interest to other people to write about. I really do enjoy reading about other peoples adventures and comments on your site though :D
Pignut, have a look on the Solar website,try and get it in English! or try
Bournemouth canoe and paddle (I think) A Google will bring a positive result! There are certainly more of these around since I acquired mine three years ago. I saw one at The Outdoor Show too. I know by the top corner of your posts thas you are up towards the north so probably all the suppliers that are near to me are too far away for you. They were out in force at Southampton Boat Show, with all three models on display.
You can get day/weekly licences on the Thames at the locks... not sure about other places. I do know that the Environment Agency is trying to join up all the dots to make users lives easier but it has not happened yet.
Swyn.
Thanks again will have a look!
If you're strapped for cash check-out ebay, there's several going for around the £200 mark, often with skirt, flotation & helmet thrown in.
Singeblister
25-05-2006, 01:50
Sorry for my lack of posting over here guys BB takes all my time up :)
Just wondering if anyone has attempted to make their own open top canoe ?
I have been thinking about this after seeing RM make the birch bark canoe it looked quite simple ,,,, looked being the operative work :D
MagiKelly
25-05-2006, 09:21
A few people on Song of the Paddle have done or are doing. In fact thee was a thread posted yesterday giving a brief overview of the process
http://www.songofthepaddle.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=854
Singeblister
25-05-2006, 14:26
Thanks John i will take a look :)