Many, many thanks to Neil today who took time out from his pursuit of the fishy fella’s to show myself and another aspiring ‘yakker’ around his rig, he went as far as to bring a spare kayak, paddle and dry suit clothing for me to have a go, Simon having bought his own kayak recently brought that along for his maiden voyage around Skateraw harbour area, most enjoyable and what an absolute bonus for anybody wanting to take up a sport to be able to pick the brains of somebody with the ‘hands on’ know how Neil and his brother obviously possess.

Having been furnished with first hand practical experience during which we had a good couple of hours paddling about and going over a few drills, we all swapped kayaks to see how the three differed in their handling etc, even this has helped me narrow down what type of equipment and kayak I would be better buying, invaluable first hand information that should go a long way in preventing me spending a not unsubstantial amount of money on something that might not be suited to me.

My thanks again to an absolute gentleman, Neil.

Mark.

Just to echo what Mark has already said. Neil you are a gent taking time to help beginners like myself feel confortable on and, for me at least, in the water. After a slow and wet start I felt like I made some progress towards the end and really enjoyed the morning. The falling in has given me confidence in my ability to get back in the boat if it happens at sea. The venue was spot on for a rookie and I feel I could safely stay in the sheltered area and pracice by myself. Nice meeting everyone and please keep in touch if you are going out again to an easy venue.

For anyone thinking of buying a Yak try and get someone local to give you a try. The difference between the Yaks and the paddles was amazing. I felt far more at home in a Scupper Pro with a Carlisle Paddle than my own Tarpon 140 with Landal paddle. It will help you make a far more informed choice when parting with your hard earned. The reviews can only tell you so much and 30 seconds of paddling tells you far more than a 5 minute read of a review.

Glad you enjoyed your dip..I mean trip lads.

Simon, at least you had a go at the self rescue drills unlike someone who made up a feeble excuse about having a hole in his wellies… .

Certainly testing conditions today and a bit of a baptism of fire. The wind can be a right pain when it’s as fresh as that off the land. At least it gave you an idea of what sort of influence it can have on your kayak and how fast you can drift offshore without realising.  A couple more trips in sheltered water and you’ll soon be out hauling Codlings over the gunnels.

Mark, you summed it up today. The interweb can be very confusing and misleading when trying to research various types of kayaks.  It a true saying though, “try before you buy”. It’s very easy to fall into the trap and follow bum advice. I just wonder how many of the reviews that you read are actually sponsored by the manufacturer.  I certainly know a few people that have been given kayaks by the makers and sent off to use them and right a review on their findings. It must be difficult for them to find fault, especially when they got the thing for nothing in the first place.

As a foot note the fishing was dire. When you left I went out to hook up with Alan. We went about a mile off, the wind had abated a little but there was still a stiff breeze. I stuck the drogue in and drifted a couple of marks I had saved from earlier trips.  The water was brown close to shore and only turned to a greener shade further off. Needless to say the fishing was pants. I had one Poor Cod for an hours effort before I gave up and headed back in.

Let’s hope the weather settles down a bit later in the month for part two when we might get a chance to hang a line over the side.

Neil.

Look forward to it Neil, I will know what to wear on ma feet next time so no worries about getting the inside of my new muck boot wellies wet, besides which I thought it sounded like a reasonable excuse at the time….....

I will be in touch in the very near future.

Mark.