islwyn

Hi Brian. Thanks for the info. had a good paddle at Caswell today. Tried a bit of fishing with frozen sandeels. Not a bite, but the yak was drifting a lot. I don't know if that was the problem. It shouldn't deter most species. Perhaps I need an anchor. Didn't practice re-entry today, managed to stay on top ok and besides I don't have a wet suit yet and the water was cold. I'm ok paddling in deep water but am still afraid to practice capsising in cold water and on my own. I was more confident today though and covered a few miles. Islwyn

Hi Brian Checked out a few videos very helpful. iv'e tried a few methods and so far the paddle float method is the only one I can manage. The rear re-entry is out really because I have a crate in the stern well, which holds my trolley. The method I find easiest is to traverse the boat with the paddle + float about 3' from the bow and grab the handle and swinging a leg over the paddle pull myself on board turning into the seat at the same time. Not easy but it works. I intend to try any method I can untill I find the best for me. Hopefully then I can dispense with the paddle float till then I wanna be safe. Hope to be in Caswell again tommorow it was great this morning. Regards Islwyn

Hi Martin I went to Caswell todaythere by 7.30 am it was terific a bit of a swell but not too much. practiced re-entry a few times with a paddle float and managed to get back in ok but I need to practice lots more till I'm confident. Paddled half way to Pwll Du then came back. Off work till Monday so i'll be back there tommorow morning, weather forcast looks good. I did check out the sheltered bay by the breakwaters yesterday it was still dodgy. Hope to see you there. iv'e got a blue 10' Tarpon.

Hi just come back from Aberavon beach. It's blowing a hooligan so I didn't get the boat wet. I was in Caswell Bay earlier today, which looked fine but, guess what, I left my life jacket at home. What a bummer!! The wind looks better tommorow so i'm off to Caswell again; with jacket. I'm not fishing yet as I have to learn re-entry procedures first. Last time out I found it very hard to get back on top. Safety first then kippers. As you have probably gathered I'm a complete beginner at kayaking but full of enthusiasm. So anyone feeling foolhardy enough to join me tomorrow will be guaranteed a laugh at least. I'm 56, live in Swansea. Mostly I need some advice about weather conditions and re-entry tips. I dare-not go into deep water before I'm safe. I'm doing a 3 hour course with Celtic Events at Caswell on the 26th of this month hopefully that will help, but all help will be gratefully recieved.

Hi Guys Hope to make some friends interested in fishing with a sit on top Kayak I'm a beginner so I need all the help I can get. Smell ya later

Well I hope to spend more time in the boat tomorrow. Going to Caswell Bay, Gower. Can't wait to catch some kippers; although stability is giving me some concern! I don't mind falling in the drink but find getting back in scrapes my shins to the bone. Never mind Captin Ahab is my role model and nothing put him off. Smell ya later dudes