Yes, I won’t forget those 5 days in a hurry. They have left an indelible mark.

It is also encouraging to think on how far you have come since then. They were evidently an excellent foundation.

Take care.

I am happy to learn that you are as elated by your training week in Skye as I was when I first travelled there on Dr. Wilcox’s suggestion. I think you did very fine: On my first day, I managed to roll only with an extended paddle, swimming twice as I practiced eddy turns in Kyke Rhea. Still, I never learnt as much as in those five first days.

Best whishes,

Wenley

It’s a funny thing with choosing kayaks, the things we’re looking for now are a little different from what we were looking for last year. Now we are thinking on day kayaks (and second mortgages at this rate) in addition to our newly designated “camping” kayaks. Our concept of fit has changed as well, esp since we’ve experienced kayaks that we’d previously associated with smaller people than ourselves. Also, rolling has taken on more significance (now that we actually can!) and we appreciate just how handy/essential a skill it is. I did have the opportunity to roll a Romany S (RM) at Gordon’s and indeed – consistent with your Pilgrim experience – found it easier, so perhaps it’s a “Romany” trait?. The Valley kayaks don’t let me get away with any sloppiness (this is true even after fitting out my Nordkapp LV to have much improved thigh contact). I haven’t entirely figured out the reasons for this, but it leads me to the question of which is best – a kayak that forces you to engage a textbook roll every time, or one that you know will work even if you are tired, struggling, sloppy etc? Or does the former ultimately negate the latter? Argh!

The Pilgrim has certainly got my attention and I am eagerly anticipating Karitek’s next open day (sadly some weeks off while they move premises). My only hesitation in relation to kayaks that are very specifically designed for “the little people” relates to perhaps finding myself at the top end of their spec in relation to stature if not weight. I’m not sure if that’s what made me feel so tossed about in the Avocet LV, for example. In other words, how little is little? Or could it be a case of smaller/lighter kayak + light paddler + skill inadequacies = so much flotsam? Ideally, I’d love (sitting here in my armchair and reflecting now) to have tried out a few other kayaks on the rough stuff. Not sure my nerves would have handled it though! It’s difficult to make sense of it all sometimes, so I do appreciate your insight.

I’m very fond of the quality, appearance and general traits of Valley kayaks, but haven’t ruled out a supplementary switch of allegiance. Meanwhile, Alan and I will fight over the Avocet

I do hope that your knee is improving and that you’re not going too stir crazy. At least it may be some consolation that the weather is ensuring that we are all kept indoors at the moment.

There are two particularly good places near you for rough wind against tide. Both Garroch Head on Bute and Farland head on Great Cumbrae have races off them on a spring ebb. With a southerly wind they produce water that will be rough enough for anyone.

I agree about the Avocet I would have bought one as a day boat instead of the Norkapp LV but it was just too much of a squeeze for my 203lbs. Just looking at your weight, which is about half mine, I think you would find the Nordkapp LV a real a handfull when its windy and unladen.

Another one you should have a look at is the Romany Pilgrim. That is the easiest boat I have ever rolled.

The Avocet is nippy and very maneouverable compared to the Nordkapp or the Capella, and I felt quite “in control” in it in rougher conditions. The Nordkapp LV is a bigger kayak obviously, but is more maneuoverable than the Capella, imho. The Capella was a good boat for starting out. I always felt safe in it as a novice, even in rough conditions. And, of course, it is good for practising steering skills and rockhopping!

To give you an idea – I am 112 lbs and 5′ 5″. My husband, Alan, tried the Avocet too and loved it – he’s 165 lbs and 5′11″.