Why sea kayaking: This trip was my very first time in a sea kayak. So why? This spring my boyfriend came up with the idea of doing a sea kayaking trip to the Ionian Sea in Greece so I simply thought: Lets give it a try!
Logistics: We took the car to Venice. Due to the fact that taking the car to Greece would have been quite expensive we decided to leave the car in Venice and went on the ferry to Igoumenitsa as Pedestrians. We were allowed to take the kayaks as bikes for free. In Igoumenitsa we started paddling. Every three days we went shopping in one of those picturesque coastal hamlets to fill up our water and food reserves. We slept wherever we found a nice place along the coast. Thirteen days and 470 km later we reached the town Patras from where we took the ferry back to Venice.
Itinerary: We started paddling in Igoumenitsa were we went southwards along the west coast. Once we reached the island Lefkas we continued paddling southwards along the west coast and from the southern tip we jumped to the next island Kefalonia. Again we paddled down south along the west coast and again from the southern tip we jumped to the Ionian island Zakinthos. From the northern tip of Zakinthos we paddled almost all around the island starting down the west coast and from the southern tip northwards along the east cost almost back to the town Zakinthos. From there we jumped to Peloponnese and continued along the coast to Patras.
Conclusion: During the trip we have seen endless empty beaches, deserted bays and crystal clear water with all colours of blue, flying fishes, a giant turtle and few of the most beautiful sunsets. But we did not only get to know the beauty of sea kayaking. We also had a few days with strong wind. On that one day we paddled southwards the west coast of Zakinthos there were quite big waves – I think, the biggest waves I have ever paddled, which was very impressive. Luckily we had the waves coming from the back and so we got pushed forward about 50 km almost without any effort – except for my nerves.
Now, after the trip, I am very happy that I tried it and I am sure I will do it again – maybe once a year – ?
Thanks to Palm Equipment for getting us the Dagger Exodus boats and Kober Paddles for the touring blades!
The youth freestyle series finale took place this weekend at the white water course in nottingham,
Nearly 100 junior paddlers turn’t up to take part, The weather even cooperated with us at this event and a combination of sun, friends and great freestyle spots made for an awesome day for the junior boaters.
During Paddle Expo, their were two clear favourites from Palm. The brand new FX PFD and the updated Fuse cag.
I used the Fuse as my cag of choice all last year. It looks stunning and for me I need a cag that’ll keep me dry, but also be lightweight, comfy and give me the best possible freedom of movement. That is the Fuse exactly.
This year Palm have updated the colours to the Aqua/ Lime and Aqua/Sherbet.
What I missed though was a PFD that would match the looks and performance of the Cag. Even the whole industry has lacked any really good looking progressive play/ freeride PFD’s for a long while.
Now that’s finally fixed with the updated FX. Available in Lime, Aqua and Red.
Covered with the same outer layer as the cags it just jumps out at you. You can choose the colours now to make it blend in as if your not wearing anything or stand out like a neon billboard (more my style
Function-wise it’s cut beautifully for freedom of movement, and a close fit for aggressive WW paddling. It has nice comfy soft foam to mould to your shape, quick easy adjustment straps and enough flotation to feel comfortable if you do end up in the water.
I literally can’t wait to get my hands on the Aqua/ Pink FX pfd…
Above Video: Cheesy gives us the details of the Beauties!
Palm's Designer Barney Caulfield shows his creation
Available in 3 colours: Aqua, Lime and for those who prefer the classics Red
Fuse available in Aqua/Sherbet and Aqua/Lime
For next season I picked the Aqua/ Lime for myself
The FX in Aqua/Pink is pretty much my dream PFD. Actually it's the best looking kit I've ever seen.
People were crowding around and taking photos of the FX all the time, it really was the winner of the show.
This last year Dagger have been developing their new Playboat the Jitsu.
The project’s aim was to put Dagger back on top at the forefront of freestyle with a high performance, incredibly precise, super loose and fast playboat that would go big, feel great and stay true to Dagger’s roots.
Snowy Dagger’s designer exceeded all my expectations…A kayak I’m proud to have been involved in creating.
This time last year I got to try the first prototype just before Kanumesse at Plattling, it looked really promising but had a lot of work still needed.
Myself along with Rush Sturges, Ben Marr, Andrew Holcombe and Chris Gragtsmans were all involved in giving Snowy our ideas. Then we tested the prototypes ruthlessly and gave our feedback from our experiences on waves and holes all over the world.
I ended up using it in the World Cup series just gone and even with a broken collar bone I still came 7th…so I’m really looking forward to fighting to retain my title at next years Worlds when I’m fit again, trained up and in a boat I feel I can really excel in.
So what do I like about it? Its slicy and precise, so you have loads of control over what the boat does, and you can predict how it will react. It initiates very easily and with much greater control than most of the current playboats. It’s fast and loose, actually one of the fastest boatsI’ve ever paddled, which means you can get it higher in the air and surf much greener waves than you could in other boats. The release off a wave is awesome, and with the volume pocket in the centre it pops really big in a hole too. Pretty much it’s turned out to be a dream playboat for me, it feels incredible to paddle and I’m really enthused by how it’s turned out.
Here’s the video from paddle expo with me and Snowy going over the boat and it’s features along with some actual footage of it in action:
What makes it so great?
A super fast hull, with a great release edge and flared side walls to shoot down the wave and launch.
Sharp precise edges for release, perfect control, precision and predictability.
Contrary to the belief of round dull edges meaning forgiveness a sharp edge on the boat means you can predict exactly how and when the boat will react to certain movements and situations, you just need to spend a few hours paddling it to learn the hull and then your off.
Centralised volume with slicy ends for big pop, smooth initiation and balanced cartwheel based moves in a hole. Being relatively narrow also means it’s much easier to get over the edge to drive it where you want.
It weighs just 14kg. Less weight means more air and less stress on your body. It also has the hull stiffener welded in which means no slippage from the outfitting and an super stiff hull. This means whatever energy you put into a move comes out = more air and faster rotations.
New Contour Ergo outfitting makes it a 2minute job to get the boat setup perfectly with no glue or tools necessary.
Raise the seat with the included foam that just slides under the liner.
Quickly unclip the hip pads insert the required amount of foam shims and clip back in.
Get in ratchet the back band up and you’re ready to go!
You can move the seat one handed whilst still sat in it!
Raise your legs up to hold yourself into the boat with the new innovation from Dagger the ratchet leg lifter. Simple and incredibly effective.
Want to see more: Here is Rush’s Clip of the prototypes in action:
The 5.9, the mid size will be available shortly with the small and large size coming out a little later. So go have a try when they come in, I think you guys are going to love them.
Paddle Expo is not all about showing new products and all the business stuff.
It’s also a place to meet, catch up with old friends, make some new ones, socialise and make plans for the new season.
Palm paddler Dave Carroll gives you a taste of the spirit of the show on a high 5 marathon run around the stands…
Tonight the show organisers threw a big beautiful dinner and party for everyone with an unstoppable flow of German beer, wine and juices for every taste. Live music and kayak movies accompanied the party.
As it usually happens free food and drinks attracts kayakers from all over and somehow we met some familiar faces who definitely weren’t around in show time and came especially for the dinner
Get a glimpse of the fancy food and some famous faces below:-
Day 2, another busy day on the Palm/ Dagger stand here at Paddle Expo.
All day has been a flow of people, new kit, shiny boats and delicious sandwiches – Perfect!
On the topic of new gear Barney Shows the new Suits and Dry Pants below:
Barney Caulfield – Palm Designer shows us the NEW Palm Immersion Suits the Stikine & Torrent suit along with some of the new Dry Pant range…Ion for Men, Maya for Women and Neon lightweight play pants.
Now we’re looking forwards to the organisers’ party – Drinks, band and a fancy dinner.
Paddle Expo 2012 finally opened it’s doors today to many visitors from all around the world.
It was very busy the whole day on the Palm & Dagger stand, people couldn’t wait to see our new products, colours and boats and we couldn’t wait to present it and tell everyone all about their features and qualities.
Later in the evening we had our stand party with free food, wine and beer and good crowds to enjoy together.
On the big screen the other side of the show Kayak Session put on a film showing of the new Congo movie by Steve Fisher, the best kayak movie I’ve ever seen. Starring athlete Benny Marr flew in specially for this occasion to present the film! Congo Movie Info
Check out the videos so far:
Fresh for 2013 Palm has a whole NEW Layering system. Seppi Strohmeier, Palms Product Coordinator shows us what they’ve been working on…
Palm/ Dagger paddler Dave Carroll gives us a look at the brand NEW Core 4 Thermal one piece suits – Tsangpo Mens suit and Trisuli Womens suit…
Here Seppi talks us through the new Blaze Neoprene Pants, lots of features that set them apart. Similar ideas and features used in all the new Neoflex & Neoprene line so lots of great ways to keep warm this Winter.
Have a look at the photos of the day below: Featuring some of our new products. Our dear customers,visitors and friends. Our beloved staff. The stand party and a glimpse of what went on today…
This morning PaddleExpo 2012 opens here in the beautiful german city of Nuremberg.
This year we have 50 items of new or updated kit to show to the world over the next 3 days!
Today was our last day of set up, so below you can catch a glimpse of some of the gear and boats we have lined up…
Throughout the exhibition we’ll be uploading videos, photos and blogs so everyone can see and find out more about what will be coming to stores near you soon.
I personally have seen quite a few new things I’ve set my eyes on
Paddeln im urbanen Umfeld finde ich persönlich ziemlich cool. Bei mir zuhause habe ich mit dem Rhein durch Basel auch eine wirkliche tolle Location. Man kommt sich dabei immer ein bisschen vor als würde man durch die Fußgängerzone paddeln
Beim letzten Hamburg-Aufenthalt war es daher das erklärte Ziel, einmal auf der Alster zu Paddeln und – Plan 2 – möglichst stressfrei und umweltschonend in die Innenstadt zu kommen.
Ich schulterte also morgens mein aufblasbares Stand Up Board und wanderte zur Bushaltestelle.
Das hat soweit auch ganz gut funktioniert. Lediglich das lange Paddel hat mich dezent behindert. Ich hatte irgendwie immer Angst eine Lampe zu treffen oder aus Versehen einen Mitreisenden umzuhauen.
Mit der S-Bahn ging es direkt zur Haltestelle Jungfernstieg an die Binnen-Alster. Den Abstecher in den Applestore habe ich mir angesichts der edlere Geräte und meines dicken Rucksacks erspart
Direkt am Ufer fand ich direkt ein nettes Plätzchen zum Ablegen. Flugs war das Board aufgepumpt, Schwimmweste und Paddelklamotten angezogen und das Gepäck auf dem Board verstaut.
Bei besten Wetter startete ich in Richtung Norden, vorbei an den schönen Seerestaurants, Ruderclubs und Parks. Ein echter Genuss! Das schöne in der Alster sind die schier unbegrenzten Möglichkeiten der Routenwahl. Unzählige Kanäle, einer schöner als der andere, machen diese Binnenrevier ideal für den kleinen Ausflug zwischendurch oder auch größere Touren.
Kurz vor Schluss kam ich an einem Café mit einer wunderschönen Terrasse vorbei, auf der die Hamburger bequem und chillig auf Liegestühlen fläzten. Stehend auf dem Brett kam ich genau auf Liegehöhe vorbei und hatte ein paar echt lustige Momente
Den Ausstieg am Jungfernstieg, direkt an der Schleuse, habe ich ganz besonders genossen. Fröhliche Menschen in der Sonne sitzend, leise Musik aus dem Hintergrund und entspannte Gesichter am und auf dem Wasser – schöner kann urban-paddling nicht sein!
Finally as the sun was setting and after more than nine and a half hours of paddling, poling, portaging, grunting and groaning, and enduring everything from bright sunshine to wind and rain I was treated to my first glimpse of my planned destination. That location was Sionascaig, a beautifully wild and remote loch in the far north of the Scottish highlands surrounded by some spectacular mountains.
Looking down towards Sionascaig
I had been wanting to explore this area for a while after having spent some time researching it and pouring over maps thinking how interesting the area looked. When planning I’m always looking at how I can link up watersheds or how I can extend previous trips. Being that I’m not a particularly sociable beast and that I enjoy my own company, plus I really like the challenges presented by solo expedition paddling, I felt that this trip would lend its self well to this style of expedition. Careful consideration should be given to any solo ventures remembering the associated hazards, especially should something go wrong. I always leave details of my intended route with a friend together with details of what to do if they don’t hear from me at certain times. As a safety system I carry a GPS tracking device which allows people to track me but also has a built in message service allowing me to check in and let the world know I’m ok, plus alert the emergency services should I really need them. As best I can I make sure Im self sufficient and that Im not going to be putting anyone else at risk.
Sionascaig is a part of a series of lochs in the Inverpolly National Nature Reserve which lies to the North of Ullapool in the Scottish highlands. It is part of a system which includes Cam Loch, Loch Veyatie, Fionn Loch and Loch Sionascaig. The skyline to the north is dominated by the peaks of Suilven and Canisp whilst to the south are Cul Mor, Cul Beag and the classic ridge of Stac Polly.
You can view the area and my route in Google Maps HERE
Blue sky and sunshine but the clouds were building!
As I left Dingwall the sun was shining with blue skies, however as I headed north the cloud thickened and the inevitable wind and rain started! I passed the track leading down to the fish farm on Loch Veyatie and found a small pull in off the road with good access to a tributary flowing into Cam Loch, loaded my boat and launched. I had chosen my Mad River Explorer 15 as my boat. I love this as my expeditioning boat. With its shallow “V” hull it tracks well and is equally at home on moving and open water.
It wasn’t long before the rain arrived, closely followed by the wind!
I spent a couple of hours exploring Cam Loch before heading to the South West corner in search of a waterfall leading to Loch Veyatie and the first of many portages on this trip.I was quite taken a back when I turned a corner in the narrowing loch, as the the water a short distance in front of me disappeared out of view! For some unknown reason I had been expecting the waterfall to be flowing towards me rather than away and into Veyatie.
The waterfall itself is quite spectacular and the short portage around it rather interesting as it drops 12m in a very short distance. Portage complete and with my boat loaded Loch Veyatie was now stretching away northwards for 7km to my front.
The view from the top of the falls with Loch Veyatie stretching off into the distance
Looking back at the falls
Wasn't expecting to see some of these!
The way ahead
After some 5 km of paddling a large bay opens up on the western shore. This marks the point at which there is a portage between the Lochs Veyatie and Sionascaig and as this was the portage I intended to use on my return I thought I would check it out, and also take the opportunity for a break and some lunch.
The bay leading to the portage between Veyatie and Sionascaig
This was the view of my forthcoming portage between the Lochs as seen from the Loch Veyatie side with Sionascaig just visible in the distance. Challenging me thinks !!
My View of Suilven dominating the skyline as I head out of the bay and back to Loch Veyatie
By this time the rain and wind had subsided and was replaced with sunshine which was an invite for the legendary Scottish midges to make an appearance. They don’t normally bug me but on this occasion as there was no other option available, they feasted on me! I carry a head net in my PFD for just such an occasion which I normally put on just before landing and for short periods. I also carry a full midge jacket which I then put on for longer periods once settled.
The famous Scottish Midges!
Would you trust this man? Not a good look but essential !
A few km’s later the Loch becomes a river and I was now being overshadowed by the classic peaks of Suilven. This gave me the opportunity to engage in a spot of downstream poling, which was a great way to stretch my legs. Not that this would be a problem soon with another portage looming. Some distance later after picking my way through the twists and turns, the flow slows and you find yourself in the calmer waters of Fionn Loch.
Time for a spot of downstream poling
Calmer waters of Fionn Loch together with much improved weather
I was now looking for a bay on the west side where the water leaves the loch and heads downhill heading for the Falls of Kirkaig. At this point I needed to leave the Loch and try and find a portage route across to Sionascaig.
Leaving Fionn Loch behind me heading over to Sionascaig
OK which way now?
On route to Scionascaig
This wasn’t to be an easy portage, with over 2 km of rough ground to cover and no chance of a trolley being used. I like to keep the legs short whilst portaging, sticking to 100m at a time, and always carrying my kit first and then returning for my boat. This then allows me to vary my route and select the best option for when Im carrying my boat. Several times I managed to loose either my boat or kit and on one occasion both whilst walking back and forth. Eventually I found myself looking down the final 500m of the remaining portage that would take me into Sionascaig, accompanied by some spectacular sunsets over the surrounding mountains.
After nine and a half hours of paddling, poling and portaging Sionascaig was now in clear view and it was all downhill
However the route down wasn't easy and took some selection
Stunning sun set over Cul Mor
Stac Polly at sunset, peering through the cloud
It felt good to have water under my boat again as I paddled a couple of km around to Boat Bay. After searching around a bit for a good bivy site, I eventually set my tarp up for the night in a sheltered spot opposite Boat Bay, sorted some food and went to bed tired but happy. Luckily I had taken a hooped bivy bag with me, which saved me from a night of misery courtesy of the midges.
Next day after a late start I spent the day exploring Sionascaig further before finding a new bivy spot very close to the start of the portage trail back over to Loch Veyatie. As I settled down for the night the weather was turning with the wind building and light but steady rain.
I was in for a wet and windy night with an early morning call!
I could hear the weather worsening as it whipped and lashed at my tarp making sleeping a challenge. This continued throughout the night until at around 0430 a huge squall flattened my tarp! Luckily because of the way my tarp was set with my boat along the back edge it didn’t take off and disappear. I crawled out into the pouring rain and wind and surveyed the situation. As it was nearly light I decided to quickly pack and retreat to Loch Veyatie via the previously mentioned portage route.
Kit packed I set off with my familiar routine of kit first and then boat, again with the legs kept to around 100 m. It was hard going as there was no real path just a wet, tussock strewn 2 km of slog, all slightly up hill and then there was few hundred metres descent down to the water in a sheltered bay. I was quite tired and hungry at this point so stopped for breakfast before continuing.
Looking back from where I had come from. Started the portage at around 0515 in the morning
Where I was headed never seemed to get any closer
Careful route selection was essential. This was the ground for most if not all the 2km, and its all slightly uphill !
Challenging times.. a picture paints a thousand words!
Portage nearly over, looking down into the bay where I had breakfast and that leads to Loch Veyatie
As luck would have it the rain had eased and the wind was blowing down the Loch in the direction I was heading. I quickly rigged my solo sail, sat back and enjoyed the swift journey down the Loch to the fish farm I had passed previously.
Luck was on my side so I grabbed the opportunity and sailed back to the fish farm
Glad to have my Aleutian cag with me. Great expedition jacket
The fish farm and the end of my journey, or was it?
Unfortunately there was no vehicle access down from the road to the farm, so I set off on foot back to my car, moved it to the gate at the top of the track and returned to my boat with a portage trolley. With my boat strapped on I set off on the last part of my journey back to my car before heading back to Dinngwall.
Using a trolley for the portage up from the fish farm and back to the car
I thoroughly enjoyed the trip, despite the bad weather that woke me and cut my trip short. There is lots of scope to extend this trip and include a few more lochs. I could easily have spent more time exploring Sionascaig, in fact I would very much like to head back there soon and maybe even take in one of the surrounding peaks or ridges. A beautiful place with stunning views and well worth a trip. Go and see for your self.
Meanwhile here is a little collection of memories from my trip. Hope you enjoy it
Music by Dan-O at DanoSongs.com
Happy paddling and see you on the water…..
Jules
Bespoke Canoe Coaching, Guiding, Safety & Rescue training and BCU awards
