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Lattitude Meridian kayak

I had the loan of the Meridian 15 and 16 thermoformed kayaks from Lattitude Kayaks for the last month or so. These are a recreational range of touring kayaks designed for rivers, lakes and calm coastal waters. A number of paddlers in our group have tried them in a range of conditions and had a great time.

Luckily they did’nt get scratched, even going down the Penrith White Water course !!!

A well made thermoformed plastic kayak that fits nicely into the recreational area. I have been paddling the 15 model a number of times on coastal paddles, and would be happy to take on any river or lake expedition. Seem very good value for money as they are similarly price to the heavier plastic rotomoulded models.

Might have to think about one of these for a 2 week paddling trip I’m planning on the River Murray. Not sure if he will lend me a kayak again after they see the video.

Check out our video to see what we got up to.

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My Paddling heros

You hear lots of things about fantastic journeys by bike and kayak and I’d like to tell  you about 2 people in kayaking that few people know about, let alone understand the enormity of their undertakings.

Dave Williamson and Ben Woodcock are a bit of an oddity, being a 20 year age difference, but their extreme love of outdoors brings them together in some of the great kayaking adventures, and they are both involved in number of other outdoor activities. Some friends came across a lone cyclist traversing the desert on his way to Darwin from Adelaide. Yep, it was Ben.

Everyone knows about “Paddling the Ditch” (Aust to NZ) but few people have heard of New Caledonia to Aust. (1700 km of open sea) in a plastic double kayak, or Aust. to East Timor (700km) in a Mirage double kayak.

Fantastic paddles, or should I say Voyages.

Read Ben’s profile at  http://readytogo.holeproofexplorer.com.au/news/pair-paddles-into-the-record-books.html

I’ve been lucky, I paddled a Bass Strait Expedition and  Southern Ocean Islands with Dave a number of years ago and I worked with Ben for a while. I hope some of their enthusiasm rubbed off on me – hope to keep paddling for many years to come.

PS. The double Mirage 730 was the one that Robyn and I paddled to Tasmania  a couple of years ago. A very well travelled craft.

Ian Pope

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Amazing what you find at the back of the shed

Have been clearing out the shed lately. Selling off unused kayaking equipment etc and giving the place a bit of a cleanup.  I found a pile of interesting gear including a newsletter that I helped publish in 1983, 28 years ago.

This is the front page of the magazine which was published by the Recreational Canoeing Association in South Australia (long before Australian Canoeing or Canoe SA) and an article I wrote on Canoe Polo. I think I was the committee treasurer at the time. Its interesting to see old names, some that are still around, such as Ken Sullivan, who is still involved in Canoe Polo, but now playing against his own kids. I have a few more boxes to get to so I think I might find magazines from over 30 years ago.
Ian Pope

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Sweet Cheeks kayak seat

Yes after a few months of testing I definitely have found the best kayak seat for any kayak. The Jackson Sweet Cheeks is just a fantastic system for any kayak, especially anyone looking to get a tight fit in the cockpit but with the comfort to paddle long distances. I’m so impressed I’ve done a short video on how they work.
Ian Pope

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What’s wrong with kids today ?

Went to a 21st birthday party yesterday. All half mast jeans, T-shirts and baseball caps, backwards of course. Gave him a card with 2 words of wisdom MOVE OUT !!!!. Yes still cramping his parents style.
If you really want a laugh at your kids expense – check out Dons Blog
http://crabbyoldfart.wordpress.com/

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Camera bracket

Have been working on my camera bracket for the Njak kayak. I would love to have the money to run lots of fancy camera and stabilisers so I could get better video, but they say it’s more about the creativity than the tools. I’m stuffed both ways.
With the help of Mal B, I am mounting the Railblaza camera arm to the front deck. Attaches via a StarPort fitting, all very neat. See www.railblaza.com/products/view/boom_mounts/177/59/
Hope it works? I’ll know after a couple of trips.