Small, clean 2’ waves, at 9 seconds. I had it to myself as no one else seemed compelled by these minature waves. Very mellow, allowing a bit of play, a bit of practice and a lot of reflection on yhe year in these waning hours of 2024.
Glad my practice rolls on both sides were on (hope they stay that way in bigger conditions). More grateful for my physical recovery and good health since mitral valve replacement. And learning to appreciate and enjoy the gift of time that comes with retirement.
Looking forward to the joy and (I am sure) the challenges of 2025.
I look at that water in your pictures and smile, but I’ll just have to wait for my next time out. I’ll be coming here to the forum to look at pictures and read about the fun others are having on the water for a few months before I get to join in. The pros outnumber the cons of living here in my opinion, but I do have to admit, one of the cons is not having any open water for a few months each year.
As I am writing this, it’s 4 degrees outside. (above zero) For the 1st day of a year, that’s not bad, but it sure is too cold for kayaking.
We reached and passed the “solstice hump”. Days are getting longer. Ice out will come, hopefully, soon enough. In the meantime, it’s a great time to carve a new Greenland paddle that may be slightly different in length, width, loom shape, or whatever to go with the new boat. Or, maybe, carve a storm paddle which is great backup to the primary GP, but is also a good (and maybe more appropriate) tool for high wind conditions. Lots of folks have tried a full length GP but not a storm paddle.
PS. I need to carve myself another storm paddle now that I longboating again. I gave my first and only storm paddle away a long time ago when I had lost interest in and given up on sea kayaks.
Yes we do. I see a lot of them. My habit is to get on the water about 1 hour before it’s light and let the sun come up when I am out there. Mid spring, all summer and most of the fall. But I can’t do that when it’s iced over. My dog and 2 cats usually wake me about the time is 1/3 light so I see most of them even in winter, but in Winter I see them through my big windows. Not from the seat of a kayak.
Honestly, don’t know. But, based on the size of “Kayak Man”, I would guess that it is not the Naja and, likely, not the Ilga. Probably one of the other bigger models. (Shrug).
I re-examined the vid and I see the kayak does have the ocean cockpit. I see where the skeg controller is in relation to the cockpit combing. So it looks like a TOC . It has a round front hatch and an oval rear hatch as well as a rear day hatch but no front day hatch.
So I do think it’s a TOC, but I could be wrong.
A friend, Richard. The kayak is a Rebel TOC. He is an excellent kayaker with a passion and talent for Greenland rolling. A seriously big guy, as nice as he is big. Richard has competed in Scottish Highland games.
I have met a few men who competed in Scottish games and they were all VERY big boys. I was told the TOC was a larger size GL kayak, but still low and narrow as compared to most touring kayaks. I am surprised any man big enough to compete would get into a TOC. The deck in the front of the cockpit is only 9" high and the beam of the kayak is 21-1/4 wide. I am a short man but thick in the arms and legs and I tried a friend’s Skin on Frame GL kayak, but felt like I was trying to get into a kayak too small for me. I got in but it felt it was painted on my legs and hips . It was smaller then the TOC but I didn’t get the measurements. I wear a size 9 E boot and being in his kayak reminded me of putting on a size 8-1/2 boot.
I’d love to meet the man. It looks like he’s quite skilled. I bet he could teach me a few things. From the video I can tell he is NOT from around here.
I won’t have my own TOC for 3 more months or so. It’s bought and paid for, but delivery is in March or early April. I should get it about the time I have liquid water to use it in. Until at least late March the water here is solid on top.
