Kayak Camping

Finally have something postworthy to write about after a month! I just came back from a wonderful kayak camping trip with 11 other paddlers.

Labrador Park

We set off from Labrador Park most using kayaks provided by Kayak Asia. Cher Huey was at Labrador Park on Saturday morning, but I didnt recognise him at first! Its the first time I've seen him out of the water.

Feathercrafts on Sisters Island

We paddled to Sisters Island and stayed the night. Great paddling with lots of waves to surf and the emerald green water was just beautiful.. Simply awesome. The kayak handled well and I was confident enough not to put on the spray cover while paddle for both days. Some water did enter the kayak, but it was minimal and I didnt think it affected much.
This trip also tested my kayak in the surfing department. Im glad to say it passed! I was happily surfing along during both days, reaching some incredible speeds. Although the creaking sounds didnt really help to boost my confidence at first.
The safety aspect could have been better, but Im assuming it was the organiser's first time leading a trip in these waters.
I definitely need to organise my own private trips to Sisters Island with friends in the future.

Feel free to view the rest of the pictures in my Facebook album

Round Ubin in my Feathercraft

Led the NJC Outdoor Adventure Club on a day trip around Pulau Ubin on Saturday. We started off from Ubin Chalet where the Asian Detours boats are stored.
While Kian Seng co-ordinated the students to move out the kayaks from the shed, I rushed to assemble the Feathercraft, this time, I remembered to put in the foot pedals! Took about 20min to assemble.
RX told me he once assembled one in 10mins! But that was with the help of another person.

The aim was to let the OAC leaders lead the trip on their own. I was attached to the expedition leaders and paddled in front with them. All I did was to provide the local knowledge and give them tips on leading the group.

Nice blue skies

Say "cheese"!

All in all, it was a good trip. Nice weather and following seas most of the way even though we took 5 hours to complete the entire trip...

My kayak managed to track fairly well and had no problems going straight. However, the boat would flex as it went over a wave making it quite hard to surf. Maybe next time I should try tensioning it to the maximum.

Cognitive Dissonance.

Took up a module on marketing some time back. During which I learnt about the consumer buying process. One of the last stages is cognitive dissonance.
Basically its when you regret making that purchase when you realise there's 2 conflicting thoughts in your mind.

Eg. You bought a $1000 Gucci bag and later feel guilty because you also would like to have saved that money.

Likewise, I bought a Feathercraft Kahuna and now I regret the purchase. I've used it a grand total of 3 times since I bought it and in the process damaged the hatch rim.

Sigh.

Find it a hassle to dry before packing it up. I dont drive and bring that humongous thing around by bus. Washing up at home is also a chore.

Plan to use it a few more times after my diploma and then sell it off by September where I would hopefully be at the Kandersteg International Scout Center in Switzerland as a short term staff.

Feathercraft Kahuna

My Feathercraft Kahuna arrived yesterday and I spent the night trying to assemble and disassemble it.
Took it out for a spin today and it took me only about 25min to assemble compared to 48min last night! Cool...

Had some difficulty rolling and doing side sculling with the kayak at first, especially since the aft deck is high. But I got a hang of it after a few failed attempts. Even managed to do an angel roll and balance brace.

While I was waiting for Aaron to empty his kayak at the beach one of the coaches asked in a demanding tone "Is Cher Huey coming later?". (Cher Huey is the guy who runs kayakasia.org and imports Feathercrafts)
Come on man, is there a need to talk as if I owe you money?

Later I met a Canadian guy who has been on a trip with Cher Huey to Lower Seletar reservoir. He owns a Klepper Aerius II which has to be kept in 3 bags!!! OMG.. but he told me he has been to Malaysia and Riau Islands with his kayak.
He was admiring my kayak and said he will definately get one the next time he goes back to Canada. Haha..

Took some pics for the SIM 1 Star course and disturb the pple a little too.

So anyway, here are some pics.




Rest of them can be found here

Diagnosis and a huge investment

After reading up more information over the internet, I have a rough idea what cause the pain in my shoulder which eventually led it to pop.
I haven't really been using a proper torso rotation, "shouldering" my strokes instead. That is to say, I have been moving only my shoulders which gives the illusion of a torso rotation.
Now that the problem has been identified, I need to focus on correcting it.

I've also made a huge investment. I bought a Feathercraft Big Kahuna. Abit worried about the larger cockpit, but more space in the kayak would be welcome. I like a nice fitting kayak, but leg room is great. Which is why I dont like the Perception Dancer.
Will be getting it 2nd hand from a fellow paddler who is throwing in alot of accessories and even a paddle. He wanted to include his PFD too but he is a big guy and I definately won't fit into it.
Total damage? $3500. Reasonable especially since a brand new kayak without upgrades costs $4800.
His comes with the new upgraded coaming, front and rear hatches and bracing bars which would up the price to $5000+



Oh, and the best thing? Its red to match my PFD and dry bag. Hehe.

$4500 for freedom

Is $4500 worthwhile for paddling freedom? Thats more than what my father paid for his old yacht.
Anyway, let me introduce you to the Feathercraft Kahuna.

She's 4.5m long and 64cm at the beam.



Foldables have an advantage over hardshells because, well, they're portable! Will be kinda hard to transport a 4.5m long kayak, but a foldable can pack down into a 50litre backpack.