This channel shows videos of me kayaking on the River Hull and surrounding lakes, with the occasional tip you may find interesting...
Hello, the name's George and I'm returning to Kayaking after a very very long time. I'm no expert by any stretch of the imagination, just an enthusiastic recreational paddler. Or an old man coming back to the water. Hope you enjoy the videos.
On a side note if you're interested in RC Models please check out my other channel George Cooper / Lone Wolf ru-vid.com_LoneWolf
Where you will find RC Planes / Drones / Quadcopters and more. I have had many years in the RC Hobby and I'm always happy to help new pilots with any problems they may have, just check the playlist on the channel.
great content! been watching you for a while now mate. I have a wee sea eagle kayak x300 and have used a lot of your videos to learn some bits and bobs over the last year or so regarding kayaking. So far i've done loch lomond, loch doon, loch finlas, loch derlach, and a few other little lochs and bodies of water in Scotland and fairly enjoying getting out on the water. Thought to leave a little comment and let you know that your vids are smashing, informative and probably apply to demographics you might not even think of. P.S the idea of using a bath matt inside the boat is pretty genius. I now myself do the same to stop the drop stitch floor getting covered in mud when getting in and out lol. Good to see you out on the sea on this one! Im hoping I'll have built up the courage to get out on some sea waters myself by next summer (isle of arran perhaps). Just need to learn a bit more about how to read the tides ect and also investigate if a inflatable kayak on the sea is a good idea haha Stay posting and making great informative vids!! Finally subscribed after around a year of watching you!
Cheers matey glad you like this video and I'm glad to hear you have found my other video useful. As for your Sea Eagle x300, that's a great boat and will be fine on the Sea because it has floor drains so you don't have to worry if a wave hits over the top. ALSO GLAD YOU LIKED THE BATH MAT IDEA lol
Awesome video George! I feel your pain with the logistics, but what a reward! I was thinking just the cliffsides and the sea water were epic enough, but man, the Smuggler's Cave! Awesome spot you explored there. Sounded like quite a windy day. Extra safety points for the VHF radio and helmet - looked very professional. Laughed at your paddle boarder comment as the video was coming to and end. Great share 😎
Didn't think anyone would spot that comment at the end (well done you're the only one) As it happens there are a lot of caves to explore there, so I will be going back again However, not to that launch spot Hehe. But I've been told about a second spot about 1 miles south that is still tricky but a lot easier to handle, so plan on checking that out. As for safety you know me, it always comes first. As it happens one of the crew from one of the Boat's came over to me and said it's so bloody nice to see someone with a VHF just encase, then asked but do you have a licence (YES) can't blame him for asking because some don't and they just mess about with them NOT GOOD. Glad you enjoyed it Patrik.
Hi George, I know you worked for it, but good video enjoyed it. What body of water would that be? The Pakayak looks like it has good glide. Thanks George and take care.
Thanks glad you liked it. It's the North Sea, along the East Coast about 40 Miles North from the mouth of the Humber. Fantastic spot but that hill was a nightmare.
I’m beginning to wonder if Bobby really is your friend 😂 you looked like you really enjoyed this paddle in the sea.. lots of smiles! The caves look really pretty.. something I would love to try one day but maybe skipping the slopes 😂
lol me too, Yes I did enjoy it but because it had been years I didn't want to push it and thought I would have a look around the other side next time as I know there are some great caves. However, I don't think there will be a next time. BUT one never knows !!! but I have just picked up a new kayak trolley to help with the sand 18 inch wheels and a huge frame.
@@Fishaholicboy yes it's my favourite place to paddle, I was suprised George went like he said ive asked him 5 billion times to come and the answer was always NO! 🤔
Ive never been on my own George, you did well there! I always go with my lad, he's 17 he's like a mountain goat 😂 he can drag it from beach to the top in 1 hit. There's some steps you missed near the beach takes the hammer out of your legs! Felt your pain . Definitely a 2 man job.
Bloody Hell I was stating to think you where dead Bobby. As for the steps I did see them however, Richard suggested going alongside the fence so to have something to hold on to, and I think that idea worked best for me.
@@THE-RIVER-RAT it is steep just before the beach, my kayak slingshot me onto the beach just skidded the last 8ft. 🤣 I just think over 45s need 2 men imo. Lungs not what they were! I did a video going up that same slope I never pushed though George I pulled from the front you can lean back it's a bit better, I couldnt speak when I got to the top. Very knackering 🤣🤣
South Landing isn't as steep, but it's a rougher launch...you can pay with coins at the car park there too unlike North Landing (I couldn't pay the parking machine there as I couldn't get a signal, so I'm expecting a fine 😕)
If you go again, just pay for parking before you leave home, that's what I did £5.60 until midnight so all day. Just set it foe 6 hours and you can stay as long as you want. Thanks for the TIP about South landing I will have to check it out 👍
Cheers for that mate, I didn't think of paying for parking before I left for some reason 😂 there's also Thornwick Bay and Selwick Bay in that area, not sure what they're like to launch from though.
@@danmorrison667 The parking idea goes back to when I was an HGV driver (always book your rest spot before you get there lol) I will take a look at them spots cheers 🍻
@@THE-RIVER-RAT No worries, another tip for South Landing is that you can drive down to the launch and drop your kayak and gear off next to RNLI and then go park the car back up the road (if you wanna risk leaving it all for a few mins, should be fine though)
@@danmorrison667 "FANTASTIC" Now that's a top tip, with that information I will be back their as soon as the weather allows. Thanks Mate very much appreciate this information. Don't tell Bobby lol
Sorry can't remember However here is the link to the site where you will find all the info you need. Hope this helps. www.thrustme.uk/products/thrustme-cruiser-kayak-canoe-paddleboard-electric-motor
Really enjoy and look forward to your channel George, the sea kayaking is a definite + you must do more it adds another most enjoyable dimension to your paddlers channel, from the guy who guessed your purchase sea eagle 👍
lol well done on guessing the Sea eagle. Had no choice now but to return to the sea however I enjoyed myself just felt strange as its been over 20 years. Will be posting the full video later hope you enjoy it and thanks for your kind words.
Someone in the "PAKAYAK Owners Page" FB group was asking how to adjust the footpegs on the fly. I sent them your video and told them to check the 2:20 mark. Pretty ingenious. 👍🛶
The Pakayak will be superb on the sea. I went to Isle of Arran this May, good camping at Lochranza and beautiful protected water to paddle. Just saying....
As it happens I'm out for a paddle tomorrow. I'm going to flamborough along the East Coast. I have checked the weather forecast and it's nice cam seas so after 20 years I'm returning to the Sea, should be fun as there's a lot of caves around there to explore.
lol you know I meant Inch. Also did you notice a couple of times I said PDF instead of PFD Haha. Did you see what the ghost did ? (a few months ago the table now the chair) I wonder what's next 👻👻👻
I do not get these people. Before doing anything like this prepare/test etc. He is a good example of a potential Darwin award: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-fp_URirlt84.htmlsi=JIQg0Nv_aiB-L4Of This is the way rescue potentionally have to kick in due to some ........
Hi, Could you give the make of the red finned paddle you are using with the join in the middle? It looks nice and sturdy. I have a Palm Driftlite which I like but a 2 piece would be handy too in the car.
I'm sorry but you can't buy this paddle because it's one I designed for myself and had made for me. However, here are a few links to some very good paddles. I don't know if these will be any good for you as I don't know what you want to spend. But if you tell me the price range you're looking to spend I will let you know what's good. www.northeastkayaks.co.uk/product/werner-shuna-bent-carbon-glass/ www.northeastkayaks.co.uk/product/werner-tybee-cf/ www.decathlon.co.uk/p/kayak-carbon-plastic-separable-adjustable-2-section-paddle-210-220cm-x500/_/R-p-170906 Hope this helps.
They don't stock them in the UK. You have to purchase them from PakAyaK in the USA like I did however I believe there are one maybe two stores in Europe that stock them but you're better off purchasing from PakAyaK themselves.
Great to see the heavy metal freak Bak in Yak. That boat has a generous cockpit, you might be able to get in by straddling the boat, sitting down and bringing both legs in together.
To be honest David I have never had a problem getting in the pack before, I think my brain just got used to the EZLite10 which you just flop into lol However I have used that technique when there's been a few waves. I'm hoping to get back to the Sea once again next week because those blocks have stopped me from getting in now and this secondary spot is impossible after some rain or even at low tide. And I will be using that straddle technique then. ROCK ON MATEY 🤟
Yes, that is why we train this so often at our club. And before going solo in a new to me boat, I will capsize with it in a safe situation. My goal for this season is to be able to get back in unassisted on the lake.
Yes and because of the bloody blocks that now block the river I will be giving her a taste of salt water soon. Yep after 20 years I'm returning to the Sea, just like a long lost mermaid. Hehehe 🌊
The only downside is there's not a great deal to explore unless I drive four or five hours up the road I suppose that's one of the main reasons why I spent most of the time on the River always something to see.
Just going to stick near the coast around here for a bit until I get the feel for the Sea again However I have found a great weather forecast site, it gives you everything you need from wind speed to wave height and tide information so that will be useful.
Yes to both. However because I ordered it during the Black Friday sales I got a really good price anyway. If you're after one you should register at PakAyaK and they will email you with any special offers that are coming up.
@@THE-RIVER-RAT Cheers mate. Do you mind saying how much the delivery and customs fees were? Just trying to work out how much everything will come to with the Pakayak, as I notice there's expensive accessories to buy for it too! It does look really good though.
I thought that looked like a shower/bath mat! Brilliant idea to catch paddle/shoe drips! Thanks so much for making this video; I thought the EZLite10 was the right kayak for me and I'm only partially through your video, but I think I'm convinced. ☺
@@THE-RIVER-RAT Thanks! (And I just subscribed so I can enjoy more of your here's-how-it-really-is paddling experiences! Please keep those awesome tips (e.g., bath/shower mat) coming so newbies like me can learn from you!)
Great that you made a safety video on this theme George! This is extremely important and as you point out, too many overlook it. I just spent the weekend sea kayaking in the archipelago as part of an extensive kayak leader course, and we practiced rescues with kayaks loaded for kayak camping (=heavy). Mostly this is practiced with empty or lightly loaded kayaks, which is much easier. I and my fellow paddler were successful rather immediately with peer rescue efforts. However, self rescue / re-entry was definitely a lot harder than normal and it required several attempts before I was successful. Let's say this was in cold water, in a bit of waves and I didn't have a wetsuit on as I did - I might not have had the energy after a while. And the cold shock as you describe can be extremely dangerous at first. Worst case, a paddler might not even be wearing a PFD, where the risk goes even higher in that scenario. You'd be mostly welcome to share your video in the "Paddling safety" group on Facebook if you'd like!
Glad you found this one interesting and important because as we say so many people overlook this skill. Personally I have never had to reenter a fully loaded kayak, however I can imagine it would be much harder and if you're alone a paddle float would be very handy. I was thinking about making a video showing different techniques on how to get back into a boat, but to film it I would need the perfect weather conditions because I would be floating out of the camera view constantly. But I will see what I can figure out.
I have cheap ones from Amazon (Labelled as water proof). Tested them in a bowl of water at home and yes they were water proof. However in practise when your feet are moving they are not waterproof. Waterproof only if I don't move my feet!
I have heard stories like this before, there are so many cheap products on Amazon that are just no good which is a shame however I know these are reasonably expensive but their dual work very well.
Very wise words. After watching a clip of Nouria Newman in the Himalayas when she did a solo trip, seeing her in difficulty and overcoming her fear, an adult student who has paddled once on a flat lake said: she's so small, she can't be very strong. I wouldn't have been frightened... and I thought, no, you wouldn't have survived. Knowing danger, having fear and respecting it, keeps us sharp and hopefully alive. Your friend had a 'moment,' but with a bit of practise in company or a few lessons, things should soon be enjoyable again.
Great lesson, capsizing is frightening but with practice its easily managed, thats why I practice rolls and re-entry after most trips. A mobile phone in a waterproof case is probably more useful than VHF. For severe emergencies I carry a PLB, no training or licence required, just activate it and wait for rescue.
Yes a mobile and PLB is important. As it happens I have been thinking about returning to the Sea and I have been looking at some PLB units, can't believe how expensive they are, something to save for lol Agree reentering a kayak or roll is not difficult if people take the time to learn and practice.
100% agree However if you must then make sure you have the right gear including a VHF RADIO and perhaps a personal location beacon, and always make sure you have told somebody of your route and time due back.
Great lesson, capsizing in cold water is frightening. With training and the right equipment getting back in the boat isn't hard. I have rescued paddlebaorders and kayakers who weren't prepared. I practice recovery after most trips to retain those skills. Although I carry a VHF a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch is probably more useful. For the worst case scenario, I have a PLB, no licence or training required, just activate and wait for the big orange boat to show up.
Lol you captured that wind sensation really well... Where it looks like you're traveling fast as hell when you look at the water, then you look at the bank and realise you're moving less than a foot with each stroke 😅
Fantastic video and what looks like a perfect day to paddle! I never thought to use my paddle to turn my gopro around. Absolutely genius. I've been taking my EZ out with a 11cm skeg and I just got back from a paddle where I went skegless because of the reeds. Seemed to track pretty well even without one.
Cheers matey glad you liked it. I haven't thought about not using a skeg, however after what you said I will have to give it a go. As for the paddle / cam spin, as a camera mount, I have one of them that clips on and turns check the link www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01BSE454S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
