I consider myself a urban explorer and an explorer of interesting places. I firmly believe in the explorers’ maxim; “Take only memories; leave only footprints “. Chief Seattle.
I document abandoned places, general places of interest and other locations that are not easily accessible - for all to see. I will where possible add historical facts and background information from trusted sources.
Most of my exploring will be done in my Itiwit Kayak, Eupraxia - meaning 'well-being'.
Just ordered mine. Can’t wait until I can pick her up. I’ve been through much grief in life the last 5 years and cannot wait to get out on the water and start appreciating life again.
Toll euer strand sieht aus wie in Holland wow , the beach look in a way like Netherland have -Danke würde mit diesem kajak nicht ohne spritzdecke auf'e Noordsee -Thank's i will not with a kajak like here paddling without a cover onto the northsea
These videos I think have convinced me to get one of these boats! I have never kayaked before, but have lots of experience with skiing and cycling so my balance is not bad. Do you think it'd take long to get the hang of this kayak, I have read that it's easily tipped over? I assume a lot of that is down to user error
Nice info and video. I also have an inflatable kayak, it's the Intex Explorer K2 and made 10-12 km rides with my wife on lakes so far. To add to the things to take in the kayak are some sun glasses in the summer.
It is a little unstable, but after time I got used to it. Also you become aware of crossing waves at the right point to limit the risk of capsizing. I think it really depends on where you are thinking to use it, plus you have to weigh up it’s easily stored and transported.
Quick question. What if squirrels ate your kayak throughout one charming day? Well, I know how to fix folding frame kayak using welding iron or urethane glue but inflated ones are a different issue.
Hi David, love the video thank you for sharing. Would you recommend this for an absolute beginner, I am looking for my first Kayak, love the outdoors but a recent injury/operation has pretty much killed my passion for hiking so am turning to this as a new way to get out there. It is the kayak I keep coming back to, and to be fair if it was in stock anywhere it would probably already be bought but I keep seeing reviews saying its not particularly stable .
Hi Paul, I really like it a lot, it’s performance in the water is really good for an inflatable, and I would almost compare the performance to a rigid GRP / plastic kayak. Yes it is a bit unstable but once I got used to it it ok. I’ve done a lot of kayaking hours and not over turned since I first got it. So I guess it depends where you were thinking to use it, but I find it good on sheltered sea estuaries and rivers. 👌🏻
Did you buy the Itiwit X500 in the end Paul? I occasionally kayak and I am looking to but an inflatable. I am a little concerned by comments about this not being stable. I'd be interested to know what you think.
@@MyChannelcloud HI, I did yes. I was in a slightly different position to you in that I came to it, literally with 0 experience, I had never sat in a kayak on dry land never mind the water and I have to say it did have a learning curve, there were a few occasions when i was glad the canal where I paddle has low sides so I could climb out again. It was probably a month or so of going out 3 or 3 times a week before I felt confident in it (which I do now). DO I think I made the right choice ? Absolutely, I have paddled a couple of other non drop stitch inflatables and it really is a different league once ya get used to it. Go for it, you won't regret it.
It’s ok for me, but I can imagine it would be an issue on a longer journey. I find my legs go to sleep. I try to keep moving, so maybe if you can keep trying to move the lower back area it may help?
Thanks - it is a bit tippy, but just take it easy and the first time you use it make sure it’s on a calm water. Now I’m used to it, it’s fine. I do watch for waves and go straight into them, not side ways and then it’s ok. Hope it goes well. 😀
Thanks Ralph - I quite like it as it’s easy for cleaning. The only slight issue I have is that small stones (like shingle) have got into the kayak between the layers, between the floor and wall seam. I need to try and wash it out, so hopefully it should be fine.
Every time I capsized with that boat, it was when entering it. Getting inside from an high pier can be quite difficult. Otherwise, I didn’t get problem when paddling. Under inflating a bit and adding a few extra weights (luggage’s) helps. In a RU-vid comment from the official decathlon account, I saw the 2021 model is a bit different, making it more stable (probably to the cost of speed).
I always find that too, once you get moving it’s ok, I also find that if I stop paddling then there is a risk I will capsize. I will try adding a more weight next time and see if that helps. I think actually a bit more stable for me would be better at the cost of speed. What would be your preference?
@@trekkingwithdavid1833 On the few hundreds kms I did with that kayak so far, I have not capsized once while paddling, either with high/low pressure, luggage or not, wind or not, etc. I'm not a very tall person neither, maybe thats also helps. Only when I got in, a few times I got wet. So for me, I rather the speed. But I totally understand Decathlon is targeting a more beginner to intermediate market, so the 2021 model makes more sense.
David I wanted to ask you, which is your routine after you are done paddling? Do you dry and clean the Itiwit on the spot or rather deflate it and then dry it at home?
So during the summer when I use it on the sea I always give it a good wash out with soapy water and a soft brush after each use. I do try and dry it but being in the U.K. that’s not always easy. At the end of the summer I do make sure it’s clean and dry. I always take care not to dry in direct sun as I think that could damage it (underside mainly).
Lucky it had the spray skirt on - I had my first capsize in my X500 a few days ago with an open cockpit and it was a LOT of work righting it with that much water inside. Glad I brought a bilge pump but I think I need to get a spray skirt for it soon. Even if you exit the cockpit when inverted at least it would limit the weight of water taken on while tipping. Fantastic kayak though - a world of difference from the Intex Challenger I started kayaking on but so much more fun too.
Das Boot ist nicht schlecht, aber die Spritzdecke bekommt keiner drauf. Warum schaffen es die Luftboothersteller nicht, einen vernünftigen Süllrand zu bauen. Echt schade.
Hi mate I'm looking at getting one of these kayaks but never had an inflatable before. Previously I used a fibreglass sea kayak. It was pretty unstable, but after falling out a few times my balance point was found. Are these comparable in balance to a thin fiberglass kayak? The one I was using before was a Mirage sea kayak
As inflatables go it’s pretty good, goes really well in the water, just like a plastic or fibreglass kayak, it’s cuts through the water really well. The only downside is the instability, but I’ve had mine a year and I’m used to it. I avoid broadsiding waves and that seems to be the key, to not tipping over. I was a bit concerned when I first got it, but not really anymore. As you say when you find the balance point it gets better👍🏻
Nice video, those places are fantastic! As other one said you are holding paddle in wrong way. You must "rotate" it. The angle of the blade on the water need to be so __/. You must carry the blade which is now on the left to the right. It's not a problem of style... Using the paddle in the right way you will have an really effective paddling!
Man, I wish these weren't so tippy... I really like the style and the quality looks great! Inflatable kayaks just haven't found their 'sweet' spot yet. Good info tho!
@@trekkingwithdavid1833 Nice video! I heard they made a change to the design and it's now less tippy and as fast. Anyway it's a good kayak for training and gives good paddling habits.
was going to add any inflatable that has pontoons will be super stable, i can stand up and jump in my sea eagle explorer 420X while in choppy water (though i have good balance). aquaglide is good too, but mine is rated for 855lbs to haul all my camping gear, dog etc... Love my sea eagle, not only that but it's a more proven brand as far as durability and longevity goes. i own an aquaglide as well and the biggest drawback for me are the seats, sea eagles runs the full length of your back while my aquaglide does not. Not to mention aquaglide makes you buy everything individually ( pump, paddle, etc..) while sea eagle includes everything for the same price.
Das Boote ist bisher schon etwas besonderes im Luftbootmarkt. Gern würde ich es auch mal testen. Vielleicht ergibt sich da mal was. Schöne Grüße ronactive
Ron Active Ich mag das Kajak sehr, es hat eine gute Steifigkeit, die es leicht macht, mit Leichtigkeit durch das Wasser zu gleiten. Ich würde empfehlen, es auf jeden Fall zu versuchen. Freundliche Grüße.
Hey David, good video! I'm a backpacker/rock climber who wants to get back into kayaking, mainly to get more places for climbing/camping on reservoirs & such. I'm looking at inflatables and I like what I see. I don't suppose you can roll your Itiwit? I may not need to, and wouldn't want to try with gear loaded into it, but I would like an enclosed deck. Thanks for showing how yours works.
Lorax Tribe Thank you :-) I have not tried to roll, I think it would be easy to take it over but I’m not sure about doing a full roll. I think I have seen someone do it on RU-vid (Maybe Decathlon video). As for all the camping gear I think that would fit in no problem. The spray deck is quite good, tight fitting and I never have issues with water getting in - sometimes I find it too hot with the spray deck on.
I have the Itiwit X500 kayak. My daughter did a sucessful roll on first attempt (she is 13 and into canoe slalom for five years now). It is possible as long as the kayak is not loaded.
@@hugonager566 Hey thanks, Hugo. I bought the Air Fusion (1040-y, the old one, used) and I think I will try it next year when the water is warmer. I can probably do it with no gear. The kayaking is as fun as I remembered!
