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Keeping warm on the kayak |
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Safety
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Saturday, 09 August 2008 |
SharkSkin and RoosterSailing Aqua Fleece
I hate winter.... I really detest it. Being that I'm a one-kidney, slim-hipped nancy-boy, I tend to feel the cold a lot more than most. Kayaking is all about having fun but there's not much that can ruin the endeavour of having fun more than being ridiculously cold. Wind and water can make for a horrible limb-numbing chill factor and for the past couple of years I've always been on the look out for ways to stop it from happening. I think I've finally figured out how to do it without having to wear uncomfortably thick neoprene wetsuits. The answer I've found is actually a combination of two brands and products. Both are somewhat similar in material concept, though the combination I'm using offers me the best of both worlds.
As a bottom thermal layer I'm using SharkSkin 'technical exposure protection' clothing, combining socks, paddling pants and what they call a chesty vest. It is tight fitting apparel and that's precisely how its meant to be worn. The fabric is a combination of 3 materials, the inner of which is a suitably warm fleece lining. The mid layer is a breathable wind-proof membrane and the outer is a soft, flexible and durable nylon fabric. It works better than any thermal underwear I've used (far superior to polypropylene and definitely warmer than Icebreaker merino wool). Not only do I find the SharkSkin layer ideal for kayaking, I reckon it'd also be perfectly suited to scuba diving or snorkelling. This is because it wouldn't create the buoyancy that Neoprene does and thus less or perhaps even no belt weights would be required for scuba diving. I think:-)
It works best if fitted firmly, however, and in certain circumstances I think some users might actually prefer a looser fitting garment for kayaking in cool (as opposed to freezing cold) conditions. And this is one scenario where I reckon the RoosterSailing Aqua fleece top that I sampled the other day comes in. Unlike the SharkSkin, the Aqua fleece top is more of a loose fit and offers better mobility that is highly suitable for paddling. Used in conjunction with the SharkSkin base layer, the Rooster Sailing Aqua fleece provides unsurpassed warmth. Like SharkSkin, it also has a very high quality fleece lining, though I find it a bit softer. Layering up with both just creates incredible body-heat retention and wind-chill resistance. The Aqua fleece outer fabric feels somewhat rubberised, although I think that's actually a breathable polyurethane fabric. Its also windproof and seems to be pretty much waterproof. And it also has a high neck collar that really helps to trap in body heat.
 It was rather cold when I went paddling the other night, with a fresh south easterly blowing up, yet I was toasty warm the entire time and this usually isn't the case. The experience has given me confidence in having the ability to head out in freezing conditions - the eskimos would love this stuff. Admittedly, if I was expecting rain, I'd still use a breathable waterproof dry top as well, but I'm not sure most people would need to go to those extremes. As I've already mentioned, I tend to feel the cold much more than most people. But equipped with all this new extreme weather watersports apparel I'm pretty much covered no matter what the weather does. I highly recommend serious kayak fishermen having a very close look at both SharkSkin base layer gear, as well as RoosterSailing Aqua fleece. I wouldn't say one is better than the other, but I would definitely suggest that used in tandem, the combination is pretty much unbeatable. There will be times when I only want or need to use one of the other for sure - either way, it's great to have options. Whilst I'm on the topic of watersports apparel, I should also mention the new waterproof breathable drytop that was on display at the Hobie stand at the Sydney boat show. It's lighter than the current model, would likely suit better for paddling, and also has those swish-looking waterproof zippers on the pockets. The sample on display is a prototype model I believe and production models are likely to be available pretty soon. I like the current Hobie drytop just fine, although it is thicker and heavier and anyone looking for something that is lighter and offers better mobility might want to check that out. All Hobie kayak and catamaran dealers will have these in stock fairly soon I expect. The SharkSkin apparel can be found at various watersports retailers (I picked up mine from Outdoors and Beyond in Huskisson) and the Rooster Sailing gear is retailed (and wholesaled) from NB Laser Hobie Sports in Gosford.
 New Hobie Drytop
(Edit) I've added some further thoughts on this topic in a quick follow up.  Be first to comment this article | E-mail | Read more...
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Saturday, 09 August 2008 |
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One of the common attractions of the rural scene caravan, camping, boating and 4WD shows are the two nutcases (I mean that as a term of endearment) that put on a fantastic freestyle stunt bike show. At the Port Macquarie show they've really pulled some great crowds, drawing out all sorts of 'oohs', 'ahs' and 'ouches' from the crowd, who are typically hypnotized by the antics of these two guys. It really is amazing what they are capable of doing on their motorbikes and pushbikes, and if you ever get a chance to visit one of these shows I highly recommend looking out for them. I took a bunch of photos of them today and can't decide which photos I like best, so I've uploaded a bunch of them to share. Click the 'read more' link to check them all out. There's also a pretty cool 'travelling fishing show' which I'll make an effort to snap some photos of tomorrow. That to is well worth watching. Be first to comment this article | E-mail | Read more... |
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Quick trip at Hastings River |
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Trip reports -
NSW
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Saturday, 09 August 2008 |
Port Macquarie - kayak fishing paradise
I'm working this weekend at the caravan, camping, 4WD and boat show at Wauchope showgrounds (near Port Macquarie) with Doug Jenkins from Maclean Outdoors . We were lucky enough to get out for a very quick paddle on Thursday evening after setting up the stand. We used a tandem Outfitter to get onto the Hastings river, which we pedalled out towards the mouth. We did flick a few plastics around of course but despite getting a few touches (that were almost certainly coming from curious flathead) were unable to hook up. With only an hour on the water, it was probably my quickest kayak fishing trip ever. One thing is certain though - it won't be my last at Port Macquarie. This place is water sports heaven.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this outing was that I got to test out a new (to me, anyway) product that I was very impressed with. I'll be writing about that in more detail tonight, so look out for that. Right now I'm on my way out the door to work at the Maclean Outdoors Hobie stand at the show. Looks like it's going to be perfect weather for it to, so it should be a great day.Be first to comment this article | E-mail | Read more... |
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Powerboats, cats, yachts, kayaks (that paddle, pedal or leccy powered) - its all good |
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Tuesday, 05 August 2008 |
 Lets hug it out!
This water is here for the use of us all (not least of which fish), so collectively we could all use a little tolerance and a good dose of empathy. Save your rage for the machine instead... which I think is something the great man of zion (and greek god of dreams in mythology), Morpheus would endorse. We all know tolerance is a virtue to live by, but it's one think to know the path, another thing to walk the path. Be first to comment this article | E-mail | Read more... |
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Got my new rack 'n roll kayak loading system |
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Tuesday, 05 August 2008 |
Racked up 'n ready to roll
I picked up my new Rack 'n Roll roofrack loading device yesterday and in doing so learned that the manufacturors were very appreciative that I discovered the invention and found a moment to write about it. I'm hitting the road tomorrow, and won't have my own vehicle handy to demonstrate it, but a full review with images is forthcoming (check back next week). Details are being ironed out so that members of Yakabout will get a special offer on any orders they take when yakabout is mentioned, so keep that in mind. This won't mean a commission for me (in case you were wondering) but they will be using to it so guage online marketing ventures. So if you're thinking about buying one (and those of you tired of breaking backs may well be) hold tight until I have more info on that offer. I'll email all yakabout members with full details when that occurs, so look out for it.
I was given a hands on demo on several types of racks and I was suitably impressed. When I replace my shoe-budget version with one my car will look like I actually care about it's appearence, and we all know chicks dig cars that don't look like they are fresh from the scrap heap. Good times ahead!
 Rack & Roll has been designed to work with with common styles of roof racks from major brands:
- Thule - Aero / Square
- Rola - Sports
- Rhino - Sportz
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Monday, 04 August 2008 |
There are currently two threads running at the AKFF just full of inspiration eye candy, and if statistics at this site are anything to go by, yak fishoes just love a good snaphot. The two threads in question are 'best photo of you' and 'best photo you've taken of an AKFF member'. There really is some magic shots there and you're well advised to go forth and feast the eyes. Keep in mind that you'll need to be a registered meber to see them all, for if not anything else, its worth signing up just for these. Below is probably my favourite (of AKFF mod 'Red'). Just magic!
 Great photo of the AKFF IT guru hard at play Be first to comment this article | E-mail | Read more... |
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Trip reports -
NSW
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Sunday, 03 August 2008 |
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I didn't want to get out of bed today and when that happens, there's usually a good reason for it. That reason, it turned out, was that there were no fish around... or at least, none that wanted to be caught. I have to admit, however, that I didn't put in much effort. Other things were on my mind and this sucked any sense of creativity I might normally employee with intend to catch fish. I did stick with my stealth prawn plastics, and probably should have tried a few more strategies, but I didn't. On the plus side, I did get to explore some waters I'd not yet visited and it was almost worth the effort just for the sake of scenery. For the record, this is the first time I've ever failed at catching a fish in the basin. And yes... tonights dinner is lacking as result. I don't think there's many (or any) prawns in the are right now, so in hind sight, it was a poor choice of lures. What I did find, however, were some fantastic waterside camping spots, which I'll be sure to share with my son if the ex ever gives me a chance. Who knows if thats ever likely to happen. Probably not, but it is nice to dream.  So... where are the fish? Be first to comment this article | E-mail | Read more... |
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Saturday, 02 August 2008 |
Whatever it is, it's weird, looks pissed off and... well, dead
Montauk is a name that continues to be associated with all sorts of phenomenon, natural and otherwise (researchers of the Philidephia experipment will know what I mean). The words 'Montauk' and 'weird' have found association again recently, although it has nothing to do with time travel or camoflage technology. This monstrosity (a word I'm abusing lately) washed up at Montauk beach, Long Island recently. And my big question is this: WTF is it?
Who knows if it's even real. Hollywood have pulled some eye-opening stunts before and perhaps this is the same. But I will be keeping an eye out for autopsy reports to try and figure out if it is in fact a biological organism. To me it looks like a werewolf crossed with a prehistoric turkey. I don't see any gills of any kind, and have never heard of anything like this ever surfacing for air. My best guess is that it's a clever attempt at viral marketing (attack of the killer pirannas, anyone?). Look for the oceans to come alive with these things, coming soon to a cinema near you. But oh man... I hope I'm wrong. I want to be the first to bring one of these up on light tackle... with a wire cable tracer, of course.Be first to comment this article | E-mail | Read more... |
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Thursday, 31 July 2008 |
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There's a reason I've written a few posts about James Castrission and Justin Jones over the past few months and the simplest way for me to state it is that they are my personal heroes. I'm in awe of these guys and what they managed to accomplish (paddling over 3000km across the Tasman sea from the east coast of Australia to the west coast of New Zealand). Today I got to meet them and I have to admit feeling a bit like a newby white belt martial artist meeting Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. James was busy fielding questions for the many other curious onlookers while I was hanging around but I did get to corner Justin, shake his hand (I think he was a little embarrissed when I told him that they were my heroes) and ask him a bunch of questions about their incredible voyage. He really was very friendly and was more than happy to answer anything I had to ask. I think I'll try to arrange to do a proper interview with them, because what Justin did have to say was really very interesting. Attending the Sydney boat show was worthwhile going just to get a chance to chat to them.
 James Castrission and Justin Jones: chicks dig em
Equally as interesting was getting a close up look at the kayak they built for the trip. I was surprised at how big the kayak is and astounded to learn that fully loaded with all their gear, it actually weighed 1 tonne. Yes, a whole tonne - that's not a misprint. They paddled this monstrosity (Justin seemed amused at my description of it) for about 3300km over the course of 62 days. Wow. Just, wow! The 1 tonne monstrosity  Cockpit. Too cosy for my tastes, but clearly it did the job Be first to comment this article | E-mail | Read more... |
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Thursday, 31 July 2008 |
This years Sydney boat show got off to a great start with good numbers of people checking out the many exhibits on show. There was a fair amount of eye candy on display and not all of it had something to do with fishing or boats. Admittedly, I was surprised how few kayak manufacturors were showing off their wares, although there was certainly enough there to make it a worthwhile visit. Overall there was a lot to take in and I'm a bit too tired to go into much depth on it all. A picture is worth a thousand words though, so here's a few thousand syllables for you to absorb.
 Sailing Scene's Hobie kayak and catamaran display
 Hobie's inflatable kayak range (note the new 9' model)
 Stylish carbon fibre kayak (sit-in style)
 Classy canoe... only a lazy $15k. Thanks for coming
 Seabob sea-sled. Now that's different
 Not just boats :-) Be first to comment this article | E-mail | Read more... |
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Thursday, 31 July 2008 |
As I drove to work today I simply could not drive past this sunrise without stopping to get a photo. It really was a smashing start to what turned out to be a great day, weather wise and more. As I gazed out across Jervis Bay the very last thing I felt like doing was going to work (no prizes for guessing what I really felt like doing). On the upside, I got to attend the Sydney boat show today (which desreves a post of it's own) and for a change, I didn't have to actually work there. All I had to do was walk around, check out the show and take the Hobie factory staff out for lunch. I think I wasn't the only Hobie employee that had a good day today.
 Pure unadulterated sicky material Be first to comment this article | E-mail | Read more... |
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Yakkity yak
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Tuesday, 29 July 2008 |
Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime
Not so long ago I was forced to file for bankruptcy, which is something that I'm neither upset, guilty or ashamed about. Indeed - bankruptcy was always the 'get out of jail free' card that I always knew I could fall back on should I fail to recover from the heavy expense of the kayak fishing journey I embarked on last year. I couldn't really afford to spend 7 or 8 months travelling the east coast kayak fishing every day, but I figured Visa could. I'm sure some people would frown on my attitude to that, but it was a much better alternative to what was otherwise facing me at the time. I did try hard to bounce back, but was simply unable to get on top of repayments. Thems the breaks.
So things have been pretty tight for me lately and the bills have just all come in at once, which has broken the budget somewhat. It's a scenario that doesn't usually place me in Old Mother Hubbard status because fortunately, I know how to catch fish, have a good kayak that can get me out to them, and live in an area where tasty fish are abundant. I haven't been able to get out for a few weeks though as I've been working the last couple of weekends and haven't had a day off in the meantime. Even if I had, the weather would have probably thwarted me anyway - it's been wet, windy and cold here lately. So I'm very hopeful for a sunny break this weekend so I can get out into the Basin and catch myself some flathead. I'm yet to come home empty-handed from a trip to the basin so far and hopefully that trend continues. All going well, the trusty Squidgy Stealth Prawns will get a workout this weekend. If I get no lizard action, I'll resort to reeling in some tailor, in which case I'll be trolling the Rapalla Slashbaits. Those little beauties work a treat on choppers and greenbacks.
 Ze trusty Stealth Prawn never fails Comments (2) | E-mail | Read more... |
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