A few of items worth addressing as we get into winter.
Maintenance
How many people have taken the time to get some basic maintenance done on their craft and gear? Before big events I know people how take there bike into a cycle shop to get them serviced...........but when it comes to kayaks and skis............ I've heard of seat mounts breaking, rudder cables snapping and footplates breaking. When you paddle in salt water you get corrosion occurring between mismatched metal and other materials.
If you don't have the skills to check your own gear pop into your local kayak shop they may be able to help. This week I'm dismantling my Think surf ski footplate and cleaning and dry lubing all the moving parts, checking the steering cables and checking the edges of my blades and using wet and dry sandpaper and dressing any chipped or splintered edges.
Clothing
Boy some of those days are getting fairly chilly and I must say if you have good gear that keeps you nice and toasty warm you'll notice the cool snaps on the water a lot less. I have been using Adrenalin long pants and long top over the 2 to 3 months of winter for the last season. The tops are around $75 and the pants $50 from Fergs Kayaks. The tootsies are starting to feel the cold so I wear a light set of palm booties from Fergs also. A PFD adds some extra warmth and it carries my tubed water bottle as well.............last but not least an icebreaker beanie to keep the nog warm or a cap when it's not so cold.
Paddling in darkness and courses
Don't forget if you're paddling in the dark you are required to wear a front facing white light and a red rear light..........just use the lights similar to those you'd use on your cycle............and rinse them with freshwater after use...........everything needs care and maintenance around saltwater.
I like to be well prepared when paddling I always wear a PFD and always take a leg leash if I get in the crap..........or if some wayward boatie runs into me with their yacht or
motorboat..............yes it does happen it's easy to get knocked out cold. If I have some medical issue occurring, any rescuers will have a better chance of finding / reviving me. Remember sometimes shit happens!
Don't forget the Olympian/Americas Cup sailor who died a month or so ago in a yachting accident............safety equipment gives you an increased chance of survival.
It's winter and it's bloody cold some days so I always use the
comfort of the shoreline when paddling during the winter months it just seems logical to me especially when I do a lot of paddling by myself.
Click on any photo to enlarge
Maintenance
How many people have taken the time to get some basic maintenance done on their craft and gear? Before big events I know people how take there bike into a cycle shop to get them serviced...........but when it comes to kayaks and skis............ I've heard of seat mounts breaking, rudder cables snapping and footplates breaking. When you paddle in salt water you get corrosion occurring between mismatched metal and other materials.
If you don't have the skills to check your own gear pop into your local kayak shop they may be able to help. This week I'm dismantling my Think surf ski footplate and cleaning and dry lubing all the moving parts, checking the steering cables and checking the edges of my blades and using wet and dry sandpaper and dressing any chipped or splintered edges.
Boy some of those days are getting fairly chilly and I must say if you have good gear that keeps you nice and toasty warm you'll notice the cool snaps on the water a lot less. I have been using Adrenalin long pants and long top over the 2 to 3 months of winter for the last season. The tops are around $75 and the pants $50 from Fergs Kayaks. The tootsies are starting to feel the cold so I wear a light set of palm booties from Fergs also. A PFD adds some extra warmth and it carries my tubed water bottle as well.............last but not least an icebreaker beanie to keep the nog warm or a cap when it's not so cold.
Paddling in darkness and courses
Don't forget if you're paddling in the dark you are required to wear a front facing white light and a red rear light..........just use the lights similar to those you'd use on your cycle............and rinse them with freshwater after use...........everything needs care and maintenance around saltwater.
I like to be well prepared when paddling I always wear a PFD and always take a leg leash if I get in the crap..........or if some wayward boatie runs into me with their yacht or
Don't forget the Olympian/Americas Cup sailor who died a month or so ago in a yachting accident............safety equipment gives you an increased chance of survival.
It's winter and it's bloody cold some days so I always use the
Click on any photo to enlarge
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