O/T FAO sawmiller

[frogmiller]

I have just read that you kayak and or canoe..I used to do it and loved it up to 17. I have just bought a place by a river which will allow me to take it up again.

Here's my question. My right foot is surgically fixed at 90 degrees so I can't get into a normal 1 man kayak now in case I capsized and got wedged in it. The inflatable ones that are open seem to look ok do you know if they're worth getting one or is there a better option?

[sawmiller]

Hi frog - sorry to hear about your foot.

I've never used an inflatable kayak - carry mine around on the roof of a car/camper. I have seen inflatable kayaks that are 'open', i.e. your legs not enclosed, so if you capsize you can get out quickly if need be. When I go out into the sea, I work hard not to capsize because it's a hassle I can do without - cetainly wouldn't want to use mine if I had less flexibility in my feet so I'd stick with the open inflatable personally. Best to try one out in calmer water i.e. a lake/pond to see how you get on.

go well with it - Orkney is a fave spot and off the the coast of Ireland - a real test with the currents in those waters.

[frogmiller]

The river that we're near is rated for novice kayaking so I should be fine. However it's not deep although 40m wide.

There are plenty of weirs on it with kayak shoots built in.

Getting stuck is a real fear so the open ones are an option but apart from the inflatable ones there are the plastic ones that are supposidly good for all waters including the sea. I find it difficult to believe that they'd be any good on any really choppy waters though unless you're in a wetsuit.

Really looking forward to starting again.

[crashbang]

Feel a you've been framed moment coming on .

[sota]

Sorry to intrude, but I'm an avid kayaker and would recommend a sit on top all day long. Mine is an Ocean Kayak Scupper Pro and its long and sleek and fast like a sit-in but is much more comfortable and easier to get in and out of (or on and off of). I'm not sure if my model is still available but there are tons of others around like it. I'm sure you know to get a narrow one, otherwise its like trying to paddle a barn door, but the sit-on tops are easy to jump off in a situation anyway and much easier than an Eskimo roll lol. Good luck.

http://www.topkayaker.net/KayakData/...cupperPro.html

[sawmiller]

some here also:

https://www.independent.co.uk/extras...-a8450611.html

I've found ones that aren't ultra narrow/pointed OK - decent stability in the testing waters around Orkney - if you can rent first, then do so - best way to find out what suits you/personal preference to a degree

good luck - great past time once you get into it

[frogmiller]

I've paddled those type, they take a bit of a scraping underneath as well when the water levels are down. Especially good for a chubby bloke.
Eskimo rolls are not my thing and will always avoid at all costs.

We can get on the river and get to the sea whilst seeing some beautiful countryside at the same time.

Put a little rod on to catch our tea, yes, she's coming with me and unlike the road network there is very little chance of her getting us lost.

Thanks guys.

[John2]

Some stand up paddleboards (SUP) have mounts for a seat to use like a kayak and then you have the option of standing up too if you want a bit of variety. I got one earlier in year, fantastic bit of kit, a fun day out on lake Annecy.

[frogmiller]

Some stand up paddleboards (SUP) have mounts for a seat to use like a kayak and then you have the option of standing up too if you want a bit of variety. I got one earlier in year, fantastic bit of kit, a fun day out on lake Annecy.

I dare not use one John in case I fall off into shallow water. Literally instead of twisting my ankle in a normal fashion it would cause more long term damage.
They do look like a great way to see a coastal area on a calm day.