Alright folks!

I was knocking around this idea with Paul yesterday. I’ve been asked by a few people about sea kayaks. Which make and model? Should I go for plastic or fibreglass (or wood in Pats case)?

We have a good selection of sea kayaks between members and club boats, so I’ve been thinking about a “Bring & Try/Demo Day”. I’ve mentioned something about this to Simon (P&H Capella) and Kevin (Valley Aquanaut). I know a few more sea kayakers outside the club who might be interested in coming along as well.
We could also approach the local shops to see if they have any demo boats available.

Basically anyone with their own sea kayak and anyone wanting to try out some sea kayaks come along. Newcomers will get a chance to try out a variety of sea kayaks and if people with plastic kayaks want to try out fibreglass or vice-versa it would be a good opportunity.

What do ye think?

I think this is a great idea and would definitely bring along the Aquanaut for people to try.

I'd also be interested in trying the other types of sea kayaks that are brought along.

It's a fairly substantial outlay when you're buying a boat so getting an opportunity to see what type of boat suits you best is invaluable.

Yes, sounds good.
Any date or venue?
Should there be a short sea paddle afterwards?
Seamus.

Yeah was thinking we could have a little paddle afterward. If I get enough interest in this we could maybe go for:

Date: 18th October (Weekend between club river trips)
Location: Oysterhaven or Sandy Cove or ???

We would need to see a good bit of interest for it to be a runner. No use doing this if its only going to be the usual suspects. We'll just organize a sea paddle if that's the case.

18th October? Hmmmmm

There might just be a few sore heads that day!!

Count me in

Might be a long day, if 10 people want to try ten different boats for 10 minutes each......plus adjustment time, swimming time, etc

Paul Heff

Ya good idea. Very rare to get the chance to paddle different sea kayaks so a must for anybody thinking of investing.

Hey Guys I am away that weekend and would love to try sea kayaks, are ye thinking of any other date????

Dam, I'm away for this. To echo what (other)Sean says though, get out and support this, even just to try something new. You might even like it more than river running or playboating. This paddling lark isn't just about scaring ourselves silly on rivers..... though that part is fun

Sounds like a good idea - would be happy to bring along my Capella.

Are they still making Capella's .Gee I thought they went in the 90s .

Now now Noel don't be like that; your boat was heavily discounted for a reason!

Since my Nordkapp hasn't been made since 1980 no need for mine. Will bring it along if I am free that day so I won't feel left out.

Just a thought ?? .With all these OLD-ish, Sea kayaks around
Mine is 2008 .
Would one need Vintage insurance.
Cant be too careful.

Noel if we got rid of everything that was old where would that leave you?

Sorry on a more serious note. I spoke to Mark in Munster Dive and as always he said he'd be happy to supply some Wilderness System boats for the demo day. Thanks again Mark.

However as I stated before, this is not worth running unless we have some serious interest folks!

Maighread and Sean date isn't set in stone yet. Mark will need some notice to get the boats and the numbers are still a bit low to make this a runner.

If date suits I would be willing to bring a surf ski. The ski is longer and narrower than the inuk but more stable! This thing brings a whole new dimension to sea paddling. Check these things out at http://www.surfski.info/
Don O Brien