Finally after much searching I think I found the perfect touring kayak for my Dad.
When I had been looking for my self, I had come up with some possiblities that for one reason or another were not viable, this one though was due to cost, the 'Wilderness systems, Tsunami 120' is very expensive new, and I never saw a 2nd hand example anywhere in the UK.
Imagine my surprise then when I looked at Brookbank Canoe's web pages and found one there! http://www.canoesandkayaks.co.uk/
A nearly new Orange example, looking like it was in very good condition, a plan was hatched to travel the hour or so over to Stockport to veiw it, and try it out on the flat water of Sale Water park.
WOW! When I arrived in Brookbanks new facility I was stunned by the size of the place. I was like a child in a sweet shop! Wall to wall eye candy, every sort of bouyancy aid, spray deck, clothing, safety gear, paddles and Canoes/Kayaks. Once We got over this, we paid a deposit on the Tsunami, and set too trying it for size in the warmth of the shop. Well, what a comfortable and easy system for sitting, adjusting the footrests and generally getting a good fit! How annoying, I'm now thinking my Venture is a bit 'loose'.
So having adjusted things to suit dad we got it strapped onto the Punto, ever more annoyed now, the boat did not over hang the front or the rear of the car! (my 15' Venture Easky is riddiculous in comparison).
We drove the 10mins around the M60 to Sale. What a freindly and hassle free reception - thanks guys!
Its windy here though, Dad got some waterproofs on and a hat and dropped into the boat, off he went, straight upto speed, tracking dead straight in to the wind, and turned pretty much on a dime and returned with the following wind.
We had also borrowed a more suitable 'touring' paddle to try, so he swapped for this and went off again, there's only so much you can do to test a boat on flat water, but I could see the delight in Dads expression when he returned to the bankside. Jubilation, It looked like we'd be taking it home then!
I had a quick go now, but having not took a change of clothing, I had to be carefull how much 'testing' I did, I didn't plan on a swimming test!
Even more annoyed, I now felt that this Tsunami tracked aswell if not better then the Easky 15' and its forwards speed was just as good.
Turning appears to be very good, and needs very little 'edging' to get a quick responsive 'about' turn. I got tremeandous speed into the wind, and with the following wind I was flying along.
The boat has surprising 'initial' stability, very good and not at all tippy considering the fairly pronounced keel. Stability there after seemed spot on also, but that will require more experimentation in more suitable attire!
We got the boat strapped on the Punto again and set off back to Brookbank.
I had a few things I wanted to try on, a couple of Touring cags, They feel great when you get them on and all togged up hood and all, but I felt that for now, (as I want to practice rescues and rolling etc) the money would be better spent on some dry trousers. I got some Nookie Extreme, they feel great and make you feel more comfortable getting in the cold winter water voluntarily.
I got a paddle float, a waterproof phone case, and a towline. So I'm slowly adding to my inventery of kit ultimately needed for sea paddling.
Here's to some future adventures!
No comments:
Post a Comment