Saturday 19 October 2013

K1

The weather observations read wind close to 20kn with gusts in the high 20s. However that was in the coast. My intention was to go for a paddle just inside the bay so the wind should be a lot weaker than that... except the wind was blowing from the land. Anyway, I have been in high winds before, ritht?.... but not in a K1!

I have known that Cahomin had a K1 and I have been asking him when I can go for a paddle, to see if I remember anything from last time I paddled those thin boats over 20 years ago. Finally a few weeks ago I had the opportunity and we went for a gentle paddle in the lake. He in his TK1 and me in his K1. It all went well and no rescues or swims were needed.

Since I have moved, I have been wondering if I would use a K1 during the week for training paddles in the bay near my new home... if I had one that is. The Saturday I met with Cahomin, after the test paddle and after reasuring him I would not sink his K1 nor take it near the rocks I took his boat home while he doesn't use it. The Tuesday after that, I was working from home and at 5pm I put the kayak on my shoulder and walked the 500 meters to the water. It is a small pebble beach in the bay but the wind was creating small waves. I sat in the kayak and started to paddle towards the protected side of the bay. I kept going pushing against the wind until I reached the end and then I turned to follow the coast with the wind from the side now. It wasnt easy and more times I can remember I did an emergency brace to stay on top of the kayak. When it was time to turn with the wind behind it was releif. I was going faster than the waves near the coast. As I was feeling ok with the kayak I went out of the protection of the coast and there the wind waves were a bit bigger and I started to ride them... and brace like crazy to stay up right. I landed ok in the end and very pleased that I had not have to swim.

On a calm hot day.
That was the first of many more I did. Since the day light saving kicked in I ride my push bike back home from work and by 6.30 I am on the water paddling, not everyday but once a week or so. It is not the most exciting paddle when it is not that windy but it keeps me wet and as some very wise paddler once told me: "a day in the water is better than a day out of the water"... or something along those lines.
With the light, in this photo it looks as if I had big dorsals muscles

A thing about the k1, it shows every defect in the tecniche.

6 comments:

  1. Technique will be way more comfortable with a shorter wing. That paddle is far too long for you in the skinny boat.

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    1. Cheers Joel for the tip. I don't paddle with a wing because the paddlig technique is very different from a euro blade. I would use a shorter euro paddle with smaller blades but the problem is the price... will you go one step further from the advice and buy one for me? :-)

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    2. Nope, I will play no part in this K1 with a Euro abomination ;)
      What I will do however is give you a free Lalaland Paddle, the newest fashion. It is a broomstick with pool noodle on the ends. Unequalled rolling ability, great lift, plus good to hit annoying friends in orange kayaks.

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    3. I take the offer, there are some good reviews about the Lalaland paddles. I will carry it with me so be careful next time you come close with your orange kayak. :-)

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  2. You have really expanded your kayaking repertoire since we 1st met long ago in your Mirage. What's next; maybe a ski, or will you turn your talents to marathon racing and we'll see you at next year's Hawkesbury Classic?
    Good upper body body rotation and recovery position in that 2nd photo - maybe need a bit more drive on your left leg to get more power/full body rotation. (I'm only jealous :()

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    1. Thanks Owen, there has been a lot of water under the hull since that day yes.
      I did racing when I was young. Now I am into this for the fun and the k1 is only for the days I cant get to the ocean.
      Do you want me to go backward jumping to a ski? :-)

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