Video – Pantomime Seals
Here we go for a paddle to Puffin Island, Anglesey to see the seals. They seem to take an interest in the Taran’s rudder. YouTube: Facebook:
Video – All-Round Bore (360)
A short snippet of a ride on the Ribble Bore – this is a 360 video – drag the image to change the point-of-view YouTube: Facebook:
Video – Cardinal Changes
In the Menia Straits once again, to surf the Swelly Rock Wave. This time I’m paddling the Rockpool Taran 16. The 9.9m spring tide ensures a rapid level rise and constantly changing conditions. YouTube: Facebook:
Spraydeck Repair
by John Willacy A look at a simple but effective spraydeck hole repair. Now allow the adhesive/sealant to cure and then apply to the reverse side too. Job done – a dry deck! Sealant: I used Sikaflex here, but I also use silicon sealant. A free-flowing one works well, but standard bathroom-grade does …
Lightweight Constructions
by John Willacy Standard Construction for most sea kayaks is Polyester Resin with Chopped Strand Mat (CSM – or ‘fibreglass’) – a ‘glass’ kayak. Polyester/CSM combination is easy to work with from a manufacturers point of view and relatively cheap. It provides a tough, stiff and solid kayak, though to do this it requires enough …
Taran 16 versus Taran 18
by John Willacy The debate whether to choose the Rockpool Taran 16 or the Taran 18 rages at the moment. A decade ago I designed the Taran 18 and then the Taran 16, and of course I’ve been paddling Tarans ever since. This piece is not aimed to be a ‘which-Taran-should-I-buy’ guide. That decision is …
Video – Scruffy Bore
Another run of the River Ribble Bore in the UK. Not the best one this though, higher river levels and strong winds meant it was never going to be a ‘clean one’. Missing the front wave didn’t help either… All said, it was still worth getting out of bed for. YouTube: Facebook:
Video – Speedy Straits
A time-lapse video of a steady downwind run of the Menai Straits, from the Sea Zoo to Menai Bridge. YouTube: Facebook:
Video – Downwind Taran 16 Teaser
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Video – Rockpool GT2 Test
A little more testing of the new GT2 prototype. Here’s a brief look at how it went. On this paddle it was time to try the rudder fit on a downwind paddle, along with the new plate footrest system. Menai Straits from the Sea Zoo – wind 33 mph SW @ Valley. Wind with tide …