2016 The French Adventure!

2016 The French Adventure!

Experience Canoe Kayak is a Non Profit association offering fun, safe and educational experiences.

The association is a cumulative effort between Myself Adrian Durrant and my partner Jenny Ridley each bringing a individual skill set to the association.

Over the past few years both myself and Jenny have traveled a lot, paddling and enjoying the outdoors. 

For 2016 we wanted to try something new, I had fairly serious shoulder surgery in December 2015 from a kayak injury. So knowing that I wouldn't be either fit or able to paddle for about 6 months. The thought of missing an alpine season in Europe stuck watching everyones adventures was going to be a tough ask. 

We decided together that we needed a new plan in life, instead of working to pay bills, we wanted some freedom and fun back in our lives. No matter how much we both love Ireland, and have learnt to call it home. We have a huge amount of friends in Ireland, but wanted to experience something else. 

A new adventure, and Europe seems like the obvious plan, where everything is just a drive away no need for flights, and ferries. The opportunity to just hop in the van with everything you need and travel.

We set up the Association Experience Canoe Kayak in a small village of Noyers sur Cher, We had visited the region before and had found that there is little opportunity or facility to canoe locally with the vast river Cher on the doorstep we put our heads together to put a plan in place. 

One of our goals was to promote Paddlesport within the local community, by showing people what is close to home showing them places they have never seen yet on their own doorstep. We had a huge push on promoting activities for people with disabilities. 

Proving that Paddlesport can be accessible. This we have achieved with Jenny Ridley, as one of the top facilitators of adaptive outdoor learning, there really is no one better to promote accessibility. understanding injuries and needs as a Rehabilitation Specialist and offering coaching and support as a Double Paralympian, high performance athlete and Coach to some of the top athletes. Jenny has a host of experience but a love for water and paddlesports.

We have spent time building links with other local associations, we decided we wanted to use all of our own experiences to help others and teach them what we love about the sport.

The Core activity of our association is open canoe hire trips on the picturesque River Cher, as well as sit on top hire from our canal side base. 

We offer daytime trips where families and groups can bring a picnic and explore the river as it winds it's way through the Loire Valley as well as evening sunset paddles under the famous château Chenonceau, 

We have a number of other more specialist options available with a number of river waves when the levels rise on the river Cher makes it the perfect location for freestyle camps and only a drive to any other River in Europe makes central France an ideal base of activities.

We managed to secure a base of activities with the local Marie. Utilising an old community camping ground, which had lay empty for a number of years. 

In reality, it is a building with toilets and small office, as well as an area of land. Situated on the corner of a canal basin on the Canal de Berry. Offering easy access to the Canal and River Cher. 

This provides the perfect location for a safe introduction. Perfect for groups and individuals, to have a go at canoeing, within the safe confines of the basin and canal.

The grass area also gives us the option for camping activities for groups wishing to stay at our base. or just for community activities, open days and BBQs its a super area for games and activities.

We have started to put in place multi day trips on the river Cher, canoeing and camping. With a variety of routes available, following the River Cher along its course. 

The river experience is something we love offering and the Cher is such a beautiful river with low traffic.

Our big push is with our community programmes, offering children and other associations the chance to try something, which will help benefit their state of health and wellbeing. 

We are one of the only providers to offer a full access guide for each of our trips online. Outlining the suitability and accessibility of each of our trips, and offering a bespoke trips suitable for individual needs, this is something Jenny has worked very hard to create and we are proud to offer.

''We aim to make as many activities as accessible as possible and can discuss any issues in depth whether a trip on the Canal or one of our alpine paddling trips we want to prove people are capable of participating by eliminating barriers.''

Since moving to France we have been working hard to learn the language. With enough French to make a conversation, we are picking it up quickly. With many clients also keen to practice their English it can get confusing. But the worry of a language barrier is something we have accepted and working on. 

We have already made a number of friends here, who are all very supportive of us and the adventure which makes things much easier as they are always happy to assist. Everyday challenges like ordering in shops or big tasks like building the website we have overcome with patience practice and at times little google translate.

We have found it best to give it a try whether ordering lunch or buying stationary, most of the time people will help you. Everyone we have met has been polite and helpful and clients love that we want to learn. The Language has been the single biggest barrier, but its been a challenge, and the sense of achievement after a successful phone conversation or booking is always a great feeling.

As well as the local paddling Experience Canoe Kayak are offering alpine adventures with the focus on taking people to some of our favourite places with Oetz one of our favoured destinations.

We ran a successful trip in October 2016 and looking to build on this with two trips scheduled so far for 2017.

We are really running these trips as experiences. We want to really show you what we love about a region with a mix of time on the river and visiting some of our favourite spots, the sight and smells or just the views. Many paddlers visit a region without ever exploring outside the river bed and campsite. 

I have been guilty of this on occasion, but having taken the time to explore and find so much more, it's always about the trip not just the river. So by handpicking the destinations that we love hopefully will allow you to fall in love with our favourite locations also.

A huge draw to living in France for ourselves is the opportunity to drive anywhere, load up the van and the dogs and head. To Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, Italy, anywhere we want. Having both myself and Jenny competed internationally in numerous sports we have many friends all over Europe. The opportunity to visit them and see them has been a major motivation. With every trip comes a new adventure.

We currently have over 50 boats between 3-4 seat Canoes, Sit on tops, Junior, Adult and Family, River kayaks, and other Specialist boats we can cater for upwards of 80 persons on the water at any one time. 

As well as our land based offerings through Pilates, Yoga and functional movement sessions the base can be a hive of activity.

We have a couple of vehicles our trusty white van, Blue 9 seat Bus and Trailer so we can move people and boats easily wherever they need to be.

In 2016 We have had over 850 People out in Canoe and Sit on top, this is great achievement in our first season. With 29% of visitors local from Noyers sur Cher We were proud to welcome other visitors to the region from all across Europe.

Our first season was hampered with a bad start, floods across central France left us looking at the Cher running in excess of 800 Cumecs (our typical summer level is closer to 10 Cumecs) Luckily the Canal held, and gave us an outlet to get boats on the water. As the levels dropped the sun started to show and gave us a busy August.

Where we are based we have both the Loire and the Cher within easy reach. With much of our emphasis on the underutilised River Cher, still known to many as the wild Cher.  

The main section we use is between Chabris and St Aignan. This Stretch is fantastic for its sights and sounds. The fauna and flora have been virtually undisturbed, unlike other busier sections of the river. We are also lucky that the stretch we use contains no weirs, (ecluses) making it safe and friendly for all the family.

With many opting to bring a picnic and spend the day exploring what the river has to offer. We also have the Canal De Berry outside our base and the Province Trois Lacs perfect for a short trip or a activity.

In the evenings we offer a sunset paddle at the beautiful Chateau de Chenonceau, one of the Loire Valley and Frances most famous Castles, built spanning the River Cher. Our trip lets you explore Chenonceau by water weaving between its grand arches with the sun setting and the hot air balloons over head. It is one of our favourite times to be on the water.

During the summer season we aim to get both tourists and locals out to experience the beautiful river, using this income generated to then fund our community programmes. working with schools and associations to introduce them to the outdoors through educative lectures and experiences.

We are proud to also offer a donate a place system, where people can purchase online a child's session for half price, these are then donated to local associations to bring out children for a canoe experience.
Take a look at our Donate a Place page - HERE

Over the coming year we have a number of other projects we want to complete both personal and to increase business but keeping the focus very much on the community we really want to get as many people on the water as possible whilst allowing us to enjoy the French climate and paddling opportunities.

Moving to France has been a huge step from the get go it was never our greatest plan but we have turned it into what is a continuing adventure.

We have made France our home and we welcome you to join us to Experience what we are lucky to see every day.

If anyone is interested in coming over for a canoe experience please check out our web page and get in touch we want to be a French base for Irish paddlers to drop in on their way to other places or to spend time with us exploring the region.

A huge thank you has to go out to the brands and companies who have supported us with this adventure so far and looking forward to a successful 2017

Yak Paddling Adventure Equipment // I-Canoe.com // Keen // Pyranha Kayaks //

To all the friends we have made along the way and people who have joined us this season Thank You and we hope to see you all again in 2017!

Experience with us.

Adrian, Jenny, Marlon and Penny

Take a look at our website www.experiencecanoekayak.com
Follow us on Facebook - Experience Canoe Kayak

Yak Vanguard Dry Suit

So this year I was given the opportunity to get back into Yak Adventure Paddling Equipment.

Over the years the Yak range has always come across as very intermediary and recreational based. in 2014 Yak had a new relaunch with things moving within the Survitec group a lot more focus was given to really developing and upgrading the Yak range to bring it in line with the rest of the industry.

I first saw the new range last year and was very impressed, the team have worked hard to change their brand image to a company who can provide top end equipment for paddlesports. I can safely say they have really done the job bringing new light to an established brand and pushing it on in terms of features and functionality.

The latest line up of Yak Equipment is bright, colourful, functional, comfortable and very usable.

Just before I headed to Europe in September I was delighted to receive a box of goodies from Yak, a company I first met 13 years ago when they first offered me a selection of samples as a local lad living next to the factory in Gosport.

The first Item out of the box was the Yak Vanguard Dry Suit.

This suit comes nicely packaged enclosed with a fleece undersuit and lycra over-socks to protect your latex socks.

What Yak say….

What I Say…..

So I put this suit through its paces on a recent trip to Europe, travelling through France, Switzerland, Austria and Italy stopping at Sickline over an action packed 3 weeks.

The Fit,

As always I picked up a large size at 6”3 I know I'm usually at the top end height wise for most large suits but I'm not wide enough to warrant the XL size. The Vanguard suit is a slightly smaller fit to Peak or Palm especially with the metal zip, the hips of the vanguard is also a little narrow but once on provides a lovely fit but for sure its worth trying on first.

I am personally using the Large size which to start felt a little short but now I don’t notice.

The cut allows great movement and flexibility without fabric bulking or getting in the way. this is helped by the internal braces supporting the lower half of the suit when walking, Other brands with neo waist do tend to slip and bunch when walking.

The Latex seals on the wrist and neck are both a good size not too tight and still comfy enough no cutting needed, the socks are probably suitable on the Large suit for upto about UK12 max at a UK11 they are a good fit and very easy in and out of a boot

Features

Latex wrists and neck – comfy and dry

Neo over cone to protect latex neck and provide extra dry barrier – no velcro for easy donning and removing.

Latex socks – something I’d had mixed feelings about over the years but now having used them I find them super, no bunching and really easy in and out of boots unlike some fabric socks.

twin waist – comfy twin waist with grip to stop it riding up

Brass Zip – super dry and industry standard for immersion suits. personally I like the flexibility of a plastic zip but this zip has caused me no problems and remained dry so I cant complain.

Relief Zip – personally I wouldn't own a suit without a relief zip its probably as important as a PFD on long days on the water!

Style,

So I’ve been know to be a bit of a fashion icon and for sure this suit is no different matching my eyes and…… anyway!

This is where I love the suit, as many of you know I love colour and the Vanguard is available in a lovely aqua blue which just so happens to match the rest of my kit. The lime green styling on cuffs really set the suit off and give it a great shape and look.

For 2016 I have seen a sample of Red top grey pants for those more reserved paddlers.

Dryness,

Having taken the technology from sister company Crewsaver I genuinely feel I could hop in the Atlantic, float to America and still get out warm and dry.

The TX20K 3 layer fabric is the bomb its heavy duty and very dry. the suit incorporates a windstopper within the membrane this makes the suit very warm even in the worst conditions I'm really looking forward to wearing this on the coldest days of the year knowing I'm going to be toasty warm.

In warmer conditions I feel this suit could almost be too warm for sure it doesn't have the breathability of GoreTex but it also doesn't have that pricetag anyways that's not usually anything we need to worry about with cold water this suit is a fantastic addition to the range.

Overall,

I’m really happy with this suit its comfy and dry, the cut is good and the colour is perfect. I will certainly be taking this suit on every adventure in the future!

If you looking for a fantastic suit, durable and warm definitely try the Vanguard on for size, its a fantastic price for a full package which is going to keep you dry!

For Sale Here @ I-Canoe.com

- Almost forgot

The free undersuit is cosy and warm whether worn inside the drysuit or in the van when driving its a neat piece of kit and amazing that its included with the drysuit.

The Lycra socks are designed to help protect the latex socks, personally I haven't used these as I love how easy I can put my boots on now with no bulk.

International Liffey Descent

The Liffey Descent no in its 56th year is one of the true spectacles of marathon racing both within Ireland and worldwide, being mentioned in the same sentence as both the Dusi and the Fish, it certainly holds highly amongst athletes.
The Liffey descent is a blue ribbon event for Canoeing Ireland and amongst Irish paddlers, with many training and challenging purely for this event each year the standard is high
The International Liffey Descent is one of the International Canoe Federations World Series Events with points available towards the world series of races.
As well as the true racing classes the Liffey descent is made up by a large number of recreational paddler whom are still entered in the race but for many the challenge is to merely complete the 28km course before sundown.
Before the event the pretension is high with athletes arriving from across Europe and others from further afield the days leading up to the event are spent scouting the weirs and prepping boats and nutrition for the event the K2 event is one of the most fiercely contended and leads out the event.
At the evening registration its all smiles as bibs are collected and t-shirts chosen but with one eye on the start lists to see who else is in the field there's certainly an air of caution, with the competitive paddlers filing out quickly to finish preparation and get an early night the job is still to do.
As a general purpose paddler the registration is an excellent opportunity to sit down relax and grab a drink with friends you haven't seen in the last year whether is travelling or other commitments the descent brings everyone together.
As the sun rises on Saturday Liffey Descent morning the calm misty waters of Dublin's River Liffey are peaceful and still, the glasslike texture awaiting the thundering waters to be released from above and engulf the morning air with electricity and excitement.

As the Sun lifts from its night time slumber the paddlers start arriving the sleepy heads are filled with excitement the Liffey descent morning provides a feeling like no other to simply stand at the start with people setting up and last minute airbags and bailers the atmosphere is alive with activity. As the crews start their slow paddle upstream to the start line the thoughts of the days racing ahead, a last peak over the mighty Straffan weir to pick the line will it be the tight fish shoot or the far right plunge a swim at this early stage would leave you behind the field with ground to make up, do you play it safe or go fast? With all these thoughts passing through the heads this and the other 9 Weirs, 1 portage and other river obstacles the thought process is utmost. how far ahead are you thinking is it luck or skill? a mistake by another crew can make or break your race. as you look at the start lists the favourites are picked but the difference with the Liffey Descent to many other events is the what ifs, its never a clear race and the winner can never be picked, and to many that's what really makes the race, the strongest are never necessarily the best, you need to have both clean lines and pulling power to get out the way of the pack but with the dam open and 40 tonnes of cool white water pouring through the gates every second its not as simple as it sounds.

As the starters hold the racing lines up above the bridge and banks are loaded with spectators all waiting for a glimpse of the pack. The racers pushing the line until finally “BANG” and away are the first wave the K2 crews are tearing up the flat water as they approach Straffan the first weir on the journey to Liffey descent glory. Approaching the top as the crown peer on, the crews drop into file giving way to hope for a safe pass, as they feel the concrete flex on the hulls of there carbon and Kevlar racing boats the crunch and scrape as the rudder catches and lifts on the hard rock below and the scrape of the brace as they reach out with their winged paddles for purchase to keep their tippy racing machines upright. The crashing wave as they hit the bottom and the last reach for purchase in the airiated water below as the K2 pushes out into the clearwater and aims for the bridge arch and onwards to the next challenge rumble in the jungle the twisty turns and overhanging trees gives little space for attacking and overtaking so crews must pick their way unable to tap a constant rate the power is pushed to just as quickly be lost. By now crews will have in their minds who and where they are and this is where experience will pay knowing where and when to attack and push on with the crew in front measuring their efforts to avoid being caught its a careful balance that requires a huge amount of mental strength to stay on your game plan as well as the physical strength to hold on.
As the K2s steam into the jungle other waves will have started with a whole host of other boats from racing K1’s, WWR, then the General purpose class.

from the super competitive Gola sprints and deceptors looking for the win, these boats specifically built by Irish manufacturers in days gone by to fit into this general purpose category and really bring it into a racing class. behind them then roll on the plastic boats, dancers, Europa's long and slick but nowhere near as fast as the carbon racers then the creekers the club paddler out to complete the task and enjoy every minute of it. last up come the Canadians, no not the country, the boats two or three person boats provide one of the most fun and exciting rides down the turbulent Liffey, being open top provides the danger of swamping and falling in with little ability to roll and being able to share the event with friends makes it a truly exciting way to spend a day out
.
As the last of the paddlers drop over Straffan and the crowd still cheering the mass exodus begins, with worried parents and determined partners heading downstream cameras and water supplies in hand planning the next location to catch a shot or hand over the valuable drink.
The portage takes place following a 2km flat paddle across the Lake this is where the K2s can really open up the distance on the field hitting a rhythm and able to mentally push out the thoughts of the race gone and focus now on the race ahead, pulling into the beach at the far end its a 700m run with boats in hand around the Leixlip Dam. Along the service road and down the sloping path to end up riverside once more as you set back into your boat paddling out to avoid the threat of the Bridge arch and onwards towards the lower Liffey weirs, Sluice, Lucan, Shackletons, Wrens Nest, Palmerstown and Chapelizod weirs all ahead.
With plenty of potential for error and mistakes the race follows on the Sluice providing options of safe lines down the weir or running the main Sluice gate more commonly known for its freestyle hole and slalom course provides plenty of grounds for an unfortunate dip the fast paddle through to Lucan this is the second most famous weir on the river as it provides huge spectator areas and its famous High Drop on River Left or the sloping weir face river right both proving its own dangers as the spectators again line the bank eagerly awaiting the competitiors, waiting to see whos leading this far and whos made it or retired its all eyes on the lip as the first K2s hit the weir.
As the race follows onwards the highdrop becomes ever used providing some of the best photos from the day with smiles and wet times for many.with the rescue teams on hand to assist swimmers and safely reunite them with their boats and paddles and allow them to hopefully continue the race.
Meanwhile at the finish line the anxious feeling is rife, organisers, caterers and sponsors set up in a festival finish all awaiting the moment the first boat rounds the corner in the distance, all ever hopfull its an Irish crew out front. will it be a race for the line a sprint finish or a pulled out lead. the wait is on.
As the crew rounds the corner the anxious wait is short lived sub two hours from start to finish, the binoculars identify the leaders its an Irish driver and this time out on their own, all they need to do is ride to the finish line but they are still pushing driving, you can feel the intensity and grit in every stroke. The moment they cross the finish line and the relief followed by jubilation of hard work having paid off.
Whether its their first win or 10th it makes no difference the feeling of achievement and accomplishment having picked their way through the minefield and come out unscathed and out front is a feeling which is hard to match. the magic of the Liffey Descent lives on in all its winners, competitors and spectators its the one day a year where everyone comes out together forgetting any politics and stand together to feel the intensity and emotion the Liffey descent beholds.

As the field filters its way into the finish the stories of clean lines, tumbles and spills develop the day involved will sit deeply within its competitors all taking away positives from the day and having an aim and challenge for the future. For many spectators the Liffey Descent is the reason they want to get into kayaking for world class athletes its about aiming for the records and for the avid paddlers its about the fun and enjoyment on the way down.

The Prize giving is applauded by all and achievements congratulated, before the evening party starts in typical Irish fashion the Guinness tap on overdrive pouring as many Pints as water flowing out of the dam today as the steady stream of drinks bring the stories and tales late into the night as the paddlers and athletes depart back to their homes around the country or out to the airport to catch a flight further afield everyone of them takes home a part of the Liffey descent magic and the drive to come back to this peaceful river flowing through the Irish countryside once more to the Magical Irish Liffey Descent.
See you next year

Here's the start of the 2015 Liffey Descent from Straffan Weir.







For More information on the International Liffey Descent keep an eye on the Canoeing Ireland page HERE

The Sit on Top, beach toy or whitewater accessory?

When plastic boats burst onto the scene manufacturers were suddenly left looking for the boat to
suit everyone, a boat which could be manufactured stockpiled and sold to the masses not a
whitewater machine with a relatively small end user group but a general purpose safe for all the
family style boat.
Mirages, Dancers, Europa's came and went being replaced by shorter more playful designs, gone
were the days of one boat did everything.
Eventually sit on tops were born.

With UK based company's building boats Perception, feel free and islander other companies have joined
on to the expanding market. Now in Ireland we have a huge choice of sit on tops for every need.
Sit on tops are a fantastic choice for all the family from taking your first paddle strokes through to
experienced fun.
In the past a sit on top was widely seen as a 'beach toy' with designs like the Perception Scooter and
the Islander Kayaks Calypso Sport two very similar boats both UK built and sold hugely in Ireland.
These created a family friendly platform for getting adults and kids out on the water. These general
purpose sit on tops range from between 8-10ft in length with cheaper options like the Winner Purity
II and the Islander Hula perfect for smaller guys and gals up to the increasingly comfortable
Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 this range of boats were designed to do everything, whether its
pottering around your local coastline or playing in the waves they will feel at home on canals and
inland waterways manoeuvrable yet super stable. The shorter a boat is, generally the wider it gets these
boats all provide a fantastic platform for getting out on the water with the worst case scenario involving falling in, getting wet before simply climbing back on, a sit on top takes the hassle out of paddlesport.
So why are they not more often used??
Well now that is the question over the past few years companies have expanded their ranges of sit
on tops looking at specific uses for many boats to draw people in to the non covered way of life.
Tandems

There's not a lot of things better than a sunny day on the water in a boat except for sharing that
experience with friends and family, a tandem offers that experience with space now for 2-3 people
for both adults and kids the capacity of the boats is huge which provides a stable platform for kids
playtime and adult enjoyment boats like the Islander Kayaks Paradise 2 comes with really soft seat
backrests to keep you comfy and stable whilst out for a paddle other boats like the Tarpon E from
wilderness systems provides solid flip up backrests for extra support. both designs offer the centre “third” seat, a moulded space to bring a little one along for the ride.
Surfing

With wave skis being used the world over it was natural for a company to attempt to build a surf
specific boat the Perception 5-O at the time the only high performance sit on top-esque wave ski of
its class, hard rails and fins with a flat belly and lifted nose provided the platform for a popular
introductory surf boat but soon many would be upgraded to a lightweight ski.
Touring boats

With sit on top designs the big factor has to be the length and the width, as a boat gets longer it gets
narrower. As with sit in kayaks the 14foot designs like the Tarpon 140 and the Venture Kayaks Islay
14 SOT offer a fantastic option to take your beach toy and suddenly give it some speed and you can
start exploring coastlines, islands and caves. By extending the length will allow the boat to track better and
provide the extra speed to head off and explore with boats like the Tarpon 160 a 16ft monster taking Sit
on Tops right up into the performance sea kayaking end of things. Being able to load up these huge
capacity
crafts with the built in hatches and head off on your adventure. Add a rudder for better steering in
bigger water and you have a boat you can paddle all day. What you gain in length and straight line
speed you will lose in manoeuvrability, the longer the boat the less easy it is to turn around so before you
pick yourself up a speed demon just decide if your canal is wide enough to turn in!
Fishing

Probably the most practical use for sit on tops had to be there stable nature and load capacity. This has
meant thousands of fishermen worldwide are now availing of these easy going craft.
With Sit on tops easy to launch and recover as well as being able to get into places a boat may find
difficult the cost of a Sit on Top in comparison to a motored boat has led to a new culture with top
fisherman now pulling in huge fish onto their sit on tops. With many favouring the likes of the
Tarpon 14 and the Ocean Kayak Prowler series it's easy to look at the Jackson Kayak a whitewater
brand now makes more fishing kayaks than whitewater boats. With boats turning into full on fishing
platforms now makes it much more accessible.
At the budget end of things the strike angler from Islander Kayaks provides a simple set up with flush
mounted rod holders which can be used for trailing lines and accessories.
Many of the fishing boats have comfort in mind with better seating positions to give you comfort and
support whilst out for the day, with many now offering higher seats and ability to stand as well really
proves the stability of many sit on tops.
Seating
As previously mentioned throughout the article the seating, probably the biggest area of change in
Sit on tops, from simple plastic moulded seat locations providing an area in which to sit, next the
fabric backrests and seats, a simple clip on clip off design which can be adjusted to offer support and
comfort this is the standard as found on many a sit on tops.
Next comes the solid backrests with simple flip up designs to go with padded seat areas provide solid
support and very user friendly,
At the top end the boats look like arm chairs wilderness systems have a unique three way
adjustment system to provide height adjustment in the backrest as well as angle of the back rest and
a leg lifter to take pressure off of your legs.
If you look at Jackson kayaks with their rock and roll seat
which provides height adjustment and then lift out of the way to provide standing room you might
as well be in heaven, Sit on tops provide some of the comfiest seat positions going because of their
nature the seat doesn’t need to be able to fit into a round cockpit to be fitted this allows more space and
more comfort for the end user.
Many of the boats have simple moulded in footrest positions this allows the user to choice a spot
and put their feet on the right mark, this makes boats really user friendly, for slightly more comfort
an adjustable footrest is then used whereby the user is able to slide the pedal into position for
optimum comfort.
To combine usability with performance knee straps can be used a simple foam and fabric pad which
is clipped along each side of the boat allows knees to slip under and grip this provides the user with
extra control in rough water and waves it also helps to be able to roll some of the boats. In the event
of a spill simply straighten your legs and you will easily fall of ready to hop back on.
Storage
All of the kayaks mentioned have their own storage compartments many are done by the way of a
watertight hatch cover which allows access to the inside of the hull. Many of these are highly water
proof but because of the nature of the boats not totally water tight so dry bags should definitely be
used as well.
The bigger the boat the more storage with larger hatches and hinged covers making loading easier
and specific areas on the top deck designated for bait boxes and rod holders on fishing specific
boats.
Maintenance
As with all kayaks a Sit on Top is virtually maintenance free with the exception of the odd hose down
after being in the sea many a folk leave the boats outside, as with all plastics the biggest thing to
degrade a boat is the UV damage from the sun so a good idea to keep them covered if possible but
as far as being waterproof the rain provides no threat. A quick hose down after being in salt water will help keep fixtures and fittings in good working order.
Accessories

Sit on top accessories are a huge thing with seat upgrades through to camera mounts and rod
holders all available my personal suggestion would be a paddle leash. First thing when buying your
boat, PFD, paddle and paddle leash so when you fall in or put the paddle down its attached to your boat and
won’t be off floating without you, your paddle is your engine and without it makes things fairly hard
going.
Whitewater

So the article had to lead back to whitewater, as many may have seen over the years people have
tried to create whitewater sit on tops whether it’s a good idea or not has led to much debate, with
boats like the Liquid Logic Coupe and the Fluid Doitnow not really taking off in Ireland its now turn of
the Pyranha Fusion Sit on Top.
The Fusion has been an excellent crossover boat for a few years now paddling whitewater and
flat-water with ease so Pyranha have taken the ever stable hull, made it more stable and changed the
top deck to a sit on instead of a sit in.
At first glance I had never thought much about the idea of whitewater and sit ons thinking about
how much it might hurt falling off, but then again how much does it hurt when you fall out of a
kayak? So having taken a demo Fusion sit on top for a spin I found it easy to paddle, very
manoeuvrable and not a whole heap different from my standard river kayak, almost disappointing
how good it was. So over the past while I've been pushing it further and further paddling class 1-3+/4
on it with relative ease, I've had it sea surfing and bouncing down weirs whilst still surfing holes and
spinning on waves. Firstly the control means the boat rolls with the thigh braces and if rolling isn’t
for you hop off and hop back on within seconds your away again no more emptying boats or lifting
swamped boats.

Personally I feel previous whitewater sit on tops have never really taken off because they haven’t
been paddled, my best advice for any one whether experienced whitewater paddler or intermediate
just give it a go. Get it out and see what you think it's some of the best fun I've had. Mentally the fact
you're not enclosed brings about a sense of comfort for many who feel kayaking claustrophobic and
entrapping. Being able to jump off when things get scary will give people a lot of confidence and
then the ease of hopping back on quickly gets more time in a boat and less time underwater.
Sit on tops have many positive factors and very few negatives, they will never completely replace a
closed in kayak but for sure will make paddlesport more accessible for many users whether an
introduction, an afternoon hire or a trip down a class 2 rapid it's about the fun the excitement and
the exhilaration it brings to the end user.
 
.Sit On Tops are available in a whole heap of shapes and sizes for the best advice on what your require always visit your local kayak store before ordering to make sure you pick up the right boat for your needs
As always thanks to the photographers for use of images Palm Equipment, Conflueance watersports and Irish Photographer @Oisin McHugh - http://www.oisinmchughphoto.com/