Kayaks

[Eddy Gordo]

Yeah, way too far to go for a sunday thrill 

[CogitoErgoSum]

Rowing or paddling?

Thanks, didn't realize there is a difference. Best way to explain - Hank Mcgregor on open flat water (LOL). I am a complete novice - it has been double-digit years since I was last near a canoe/kayak. I stay now in an estate in Harties right by the water. And it is calling

[River Rat]

Thanks, didn't realize there is a difference. Best way to explain - Hank Mcgregor on open flat water (LOL). I am a complete novice - it has been double-digit years since I was last near a canoe/kayak. I stay now in an estate in Harties right by the water. And it is calling

You are looking for anyone of these K1s, a Javelin or Yeti. You need a fair amount of balance for a Jacana. Balance is going to be your first challenge and you need to invest time to get it. Here's my formula for a novice once you have your boat you need to dedicate about 8 hours over a two week period in sessions not exceeding 45min. When you get to the water take the seat out to lower the centre of gravity start off in shallow water where the boat just floats with you in it. Give it a try but don't pull too hard on the paddle (oars are for rowing boats and houses of ill repute) a hard stroke will shift your balance and you will fall in. Don't despair all of us fall in and you will not be an exception. When you do fall in leave about 75-100mm in the boat to lower your centre of gravity even further and go for it again. Keeping your head straight is the key to balance, look straight ahead at all times and allow your torso to move when paddling. Good luck.

[Spokey]

I need to get another Kayak.Miss mine

I have my cousins Paddleyak stored at my pad too, lovely kayak it is!

[Kranswurm]

For Kenhardt you need a land yacht.

Lol.....not far from the Orange

[DJR]

Lol.....not far from the Orange

D and I once had quite a bad sandstorm on the way to the Lower orange 

[dirtypot]

There used to be an outfit that rented those in Muizenberg, but it was more of a kiddie party thing around the parking lot - not what you want to do! 

 

I went there in a strong south easterly and it was loads of fun!  I'm a sailor though and know how to work the wind.  For me, wide open salt pans hold no entertainment value, but a tight twisty "track" where you're going along like the clappers with one wheel trying to lift up while contemplating a sheeted in gybe - that's fun! 

[DJR]

Paddling the Lower Orange, now the Gariep, without a crowd, is a magical experience in a surreal landscape where a thin green ribbon slices the mountain desert. But keep in mind that it is very harsh and remote and coming short on safety will leave you days from help. This one with Team DJR.

[DJR]

D and I on our lonesome in the Richtersveld national Park. We were particularly careful because we know those doubles are not very good in the rapids because they are not very maneuverable. We also knew that with just one boat, breaking it would dump us in very deep poo. We paddled from one great fishing spot to the next.

[DJR]

Richtersveld sunset, loaded to the gunnels with fishing gear, racing against the wind to get back to basecamp before dark and struggling to keep up with the two young Ds.  

[DJR]

We don't just do wild stuff, we do tame stuff too! Stilbaai GouKou river. Paddling the double with the boss D. Strangely enough, it is something we enjoy doing together despite never gelling on a tandem bike! Perhaps because she sits in front and don't have to look at my back all the time?

[DJR]

In our backyard: Heavyside dolphins playing with us off Green point. They seem to be easier to find when it is cold and overcast with a biggish swell. This was on a day when it was big enough that I would have stayed at home if it wasn't for the fact that we had a guide along who knew the area extremely well and knew how to avoid the worst of it. Yes, i know it looks flat in the picture.......but that was us hiding in Granger Bay!

[DJR]

OK, one more tame one. On the way from Fish Hoek to Boulders in Simonstown. Always great to see how agile the penguins are in the open water, compared to their awkward clumsiness on land.

Edited July 15, 2019 by DJR

[Spokey]

Paddling the Lower Orange, now the Gariep, without a crowd, is a magical experience in a surreal landscape where a thin green ribbon slices the mountain desert. But keep in mind that it is very harsh and remote and coming short on safety will leave you days from help. This one with Team DJR.

Just Wow, I would love to take my kayaks here and paddle with the Missus. But now at this late stage in life we have opened a restaurant............kind of puts the leisure time on the back burner!!

[CogitoErgoSum]

DJR you are living the life. Very nice photos.

[CogitoErgoSum]

You are looking for anyone of these K1s, a Javelin or Yeti. You need a fair amount of balance for a Jacana. Balance is going to be your first challenge and you need to invest time to get it. Here's my formula for a novice once you have your boat you need to dedicate about 8 hours over a two week period in sessions not exceeding 45min. When you get to the water take the seat out to lower the centre of gravity start off in shallow water where the boat just floats with you in it. Give it a try but don't pull too hard on the paddle (oars are for rowing boats and houses of ill repute) a hard stroke will shift your balance and you will fall in. Don't despair all of us fall in and you will not be an exception. When you do fall in leave about 75-100mm in the boat to lower your centre of gravity even further and go for it again. Keeping your head straight is the key to balance, look straight ahead at all times and allow your torso to move when paddling. Good luck.

Thanks for the great advice. I will keep it in mind