Just starting off a series of instructional videos on how to roll your kayak and the major techniques for doing so.
Friday, February 13, 2015
The End of a Hard Week!
Sometimes the only thing to do at the end of a hard week is to head out onto the waters. To be free, to be one again with the wind and sky.
The gear is simple but it brings so much joy.
The gear is simple but it brings so much joy.
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| Pasir Panjang Container Terminal. Southern Coast, Singapore |
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Mandai Mangroves Feb 15
When someone told me about this paddle into the Mandai mangroves concentrated around Sungai Mandai Besar and Kechil, I knew I just had to try this paddle. The mangroves are an Important Bird Area and a stop over for bird species who find a warm refuge during the bitter winter months of the Northern hemisphere.
We started off early and headed north into the mangroves. The paddle was easy with some fun finding our way through the mangroves without entangled in them.
We spotted grey herons, green and red shanks and kingfishers. I only know these names as my fellow paddlers were avid birders with the Nature Society of Singapore.
I will paddle here again. The waters, the birds, getting away from it all. These reasons beckon me to return.
We started off early and headed north into the mangroves. The paddle was easy with some fun finding our way through the mangroves without entangled in them.
We spotted grey herons, green and red shanks and kingfishers. I only know these names as my fellow paddlers were avid birders with the Nature Society of Singapore.
I will paddle here again. The waters, the birds, getting away from it all. These reasons beckon me to return.
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| Early morning |
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| Paddling northwards towards the mangrove |
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| Mandai Mangrove |
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| The Straits of Johor. |
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| Birds |
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| Idyllic paddle |
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| Till the next paddle |
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Paddling around Labrador
Date: 14 Jan 2010
Location: Tanjong Berlayer
Tide: Low
Time: Evening
It was an impromptu decision to put in for an evening paddle today. Was told by Fullmoon that I could launch from the City Beach Resort and that's what I did. No harassment from authorities. I just attracted a crowd of foreign workers who insisted on squatting in a semi circle around me while I got Tashi ready.
It was a rather short paddle, taking a round route past Keppel Club and to the Marina at Keppel Bay. Of course, I was promptly met by security on a buggy and politely asked to leave due to "safety reasons". Had a close up view of the Doulos which was still moored here. Also had the opportunity to do a bit of surfing from the wake of boats moving in and out.
Then the rain came. I am not sure what came over me, but I suddenly felt really free and happy to be where I am at the moment. I watched the others on shore running for cover from the rain. I welcomed the cold wetness on the skin, the patter of rain on the water and the deck. It was a moment to just soak it in and enjoy what God has created for us all.
What a great start to paddling in 2010
Photos to follow
Location: Tanjong Berlayer
Tide: Low
Time: Evening
It was an impromptu decision to put in for an evening paddle today. Was told by Fullmoon that I could launch from the City Beach Resort and that's what I did. No harassment from authorities. I just attracted a crowd of foreign workers who insisted on squatting in a semi circle around me while I got Tashi ready.
It was a rather short paddle, taking a round route past Keppel Club and to the Marina at Keppel Bay. Of course, I was promptly met by security on a buggy and politely asked to leave due to "safety reasons". Had a close up view of the Doulos which was still moored here. Also had the opportunity to do a bit of surfing from the wake of boats moving in and out.
Then the rain came. I am not sure what came over me, but I suddenly felt really free and happy to be where I am at the moment. I watched the others on shore running for cover from the rain. I welcomed the cold wetness on the skin, the patter of rain on the water and the deck. It was a moment to just soak it in and enjoy what God has created for us all.
What a great start to paddling in 2010
Photos to follow
Monday, December 7, 2009
Paddling Sentosa
Date: 1 Nov 2009
Location: Sentosa Southern Coast
Tides: H to L, drift west
Time: Early sunrise
It had been a long time since I've unpacked the good old foldable kayak for a spin around the block. Things have been really busy on the personal front and now that those things have settled, it is high time to relive some old interests.
Since I've literally settled in the west, a good starting point was to try out Sentosa. After all, it is there, costs just an entry fee and should prove to be a good morning's paddle. Things began to seem familiar again, studying tide tables and launch points to determine the best route afforded by the tides and currents for the morning.
Starting off from a very secluded Tanjong beach at 0730 hours, it was a tranquil paddle westwards passing by Palawan and then Siloso beaches. It is amazing how many people have stayed on the island overnight fishing and camping. I think a solo paddler on a bright red foldable kayak is not an often sight as I attracted some curious stares. The most humorous part of the trip was when a couple, camping on the breakwater facing the open sea, decided to open their tent door when they were on a state of undress, both boy and girl. I think they were not expecting anyone to be looking into their door from this direction. They managed to zip up the tent door in double quick time but not before 'ahem' exposing themselves a little. Nonetheless, most of the others were friendly and most obliged with a wave in return.
I was particularly concerned about paddling in port waters however, I had 3-4 coast guard patrol boats pass me by without them stopping me.
The one thing I forgot was food. I thought Siloso beach would have something for me to buy but none of the shops were open at this early hour. On the way back, I decided to check out Sentosa cove and paddled towards the lock gate towards. The houses there are really huge. Was hoping to paddle into the canals but was denied entry by the security at the gates.
All in all, it was a good first paddle in Tashi in a long time. So nothing too strenuous. I will be keen for a circumnavigation of the island sometime soon and a hop over to the southern islands, with probably an overnight camp also. If anyone is keen, please feel free to contact me.
The journey begins from Tanjong Beach
The Superstar Virgo returns
Entrance to Sentosa Cove
The Southern islands beckon
Just to prove I was really on the boat
Location: Sentosa Southern Coast
Tides: H to L, drift west
Time: Early sunrise
It had been a long time since I've unpacked the good old foldable kayak for a spin around the block. Things have been really busy on the personal front and now that those things have settled, it is high time to relive some old interests.
Since I've literally settled in the west, a good starting point was to try out Sentosa. After all, it is there, costs just an entry fee and should prove to be a good morning's paddle. Things began to seem familiar again, studying tide tables and launch points to determine the best route afforded by the tides and currents for the morning.
Starting off from a very secluded Tanjong beach at 0730 hours, it was a tranquil paddle westwards passing by Palawan and then Siloso beaches. It is amazing how many people have stayed on the island overnight fishing and camping. I think a solo paddler on a bright red foldable kayak is not an often sight as I attracted some curious stares. The most humorous part of the trip was when a couple, camping on the breakwater facing the open sea, decided to open their tent door when they were on a state of undress, both boy and girl. I think they were not expecting anyone to be looking into their door from this direction. They managed to zip up the tent door in double quick time but not before 'ahem' exposing themselves a little. Nonetheless, most of the others were friendly and most obliged with a wave in return.
I was particularly concerned about paddling in port waters however, I had 3-4 coast guard patrol boats pass me by without them stopping me.
The one thing I forgot was food. I thought Siloso beach would have something for me to buy but none of the shops were open at this early hour. On the way back, I decided to check out Sentosa cove and paddled towards the lock gate towards. The houses there are really huge. Was hoping to paddle into the canals but was denied entry by the security at the gates.
All in all, it was a good first paddle in Tashi in a long time. So nothing too strenuous. I will be keen for a circumnavigation of the island sometime soon and a hop over to the southern islands, with probably an overnight camp also. If anyone is keen, please feel free to contact me.
The Superstar Virgo returns
Entrance to Sentosa Cove
The Southern islands beckon
Just to prove I was really on the boat
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Tashi
Just a little repost from my other blog, since I am concentrating all paddling related posts here. This is concerning the name of my boat.
After much deliberation, I have settled on the name for my boat.
Tashi
Firstly, it is Tibetan in origin and the name translates roughly as " a blessing or good luck" As part of a longer phrase, Tashi Delak, it is used as a greeting to fellow persons around.
It is a unique name. Suitably female for the naming of a sea going vessel, conforming to the traditions of old. And applicable to any seafaring activity in a kayak, "a blessing" would mean a good and safe journey to anyone who takes this boat to sea and from another angle, it is a blessing to be able to use the craft to take us to where we so desire.
And so we have it.... my feathercraft..... Tashi
After much deliberation, I have settled on the name for my boat.
Tashi
Firstly, it is Tibetan in origin and the name translates roughly as " a blessing or good luck" As part of a longer phrase, Tashi Delak, it is used as a greeting to fellow persons around.
It is a unique name. Suitably female for the naming of a sea going vessel, conforming to the traditions of old. And applicable to any seafaring activity in a kayak, "a blessing" would mean a good and safe journey to anyone who takes this boat to sea and from another angle, it is a blessing to be able to use the craft to take us to where we so desire.
And so we have it.... my feathercraft..... Tashi
Sunday, May 20, 2007
It Floats! The Kayak Test Run
Today is test kayak day! After its arrival last week, today we officially get the Wisper wet.
So Fran and I brought the boat to MacRitchie Reservoir after Mass. I figured that a controlled water environment and fresh water would be a better choice for the first run. We had some time from 1400 hours to dusk to do the boat tests. So here is how it went.
Setting up the boat in the afternoon heat is not a simple task. I was drenched in sweat by the time I got the boat ready for the water. It was a highly anticipated moment when I lowered the boat slowly and gently into the water. The silence was only broken by Fran's exclamation, " IT FLOATS!"
Me: ...
So after about 2 hours of paddling, I have one thing to say....SUPERB! The comments on the Feathercraft that I have read prior to the purchase were true. The boat felt comfortable even when sitting into it for the first time. The sponsoons offered great stability to the boat yet the boat was nimble enough for you to execute a mean edge. The boat sits quite high on the water but probably due to the fact it is unloaded at point in time. It was a fast boat, maintaining a reasonable speed with a minimal of effort. Tracking was good. This was a concern as the skins of the Feathercraft are hand-made and some variations occur between every piece of boat they ship out. I am fortunate that the boat tracks pretty well under mild conditions today.
The sea sock works well in preventing flooding of the boat during a capsize. Which I did, in the interest of testing every aspect of the boat's handling. The boat did take in some water, though minimal, but this was likely through a not so thorough securing of the bow hatch. A combination of the sea sock and the spray skirt did make paddling a little warm in our kind of weather.
The skin proved to be really watertight and water repellent. Water dripping off the paddle just beaded up on the deck and rolled off.
The other piece of equipment that was a real good buy was the paddle. The 4 piece carbon paddle from Aquabound was, in my opinion, a real performer. The Eagle Ray is designed for touring and for a low paddling angle. The feathering angle can be adjusted as desired. Entry of the blade into the water is effortless and silent. Turbulence is minimal and as you exert pressure on the blade in the water, the blade moves smoothly all the way until it exits the water. It does not have the little wobble that I so often feel in other paddles when you pull hard on the blade.
I brought the boat back strapped onto the roof rack. This was easily done with a couple of ratchet straps and another from the stern to the spare wheel. It would be a challenge to bring the boat around on my own, because I had the help of Fran today, and it took putting the boat onto the bonnet before I pulled it up onto the rack.
See the pictures at this Flickr set Kayak Test Paddle
Now.....I need a name for her.....
So Fran and I brought the boat to MacRitchie Reservoir after Mass. I figured that a controlled water environment and fresh water would be a better choice for the first run. We had some time from 1400 hours to dusk to do the boat tests. So here is how it went.
Setting up the boat in the afternoon heat is not a simple task. I was drenched in sweat by the time I got the boat ready for the water. It was a highly anticipated moment when I lowered the boat slowly and gently into the water. The silence was only broken by Fran's exclamation, " IT FLOATS!"
Me: ...
So after about 2 hours of paddling, I have one thing to say....SUPERB! The comments on the Feathercraft that I have read prior to the purchase were true. The boat felt comfortable even when sitting into it for the first time. The sponsoons offered great stability to the boat yet the boat was nimble enough for you to execute a mean edge. The boat sits quite high on the water but probably due to the fact it is unloaded at point in time. It was a fast boat, maintaining a reasonable speed with a minimal of effort. Tracking was good. This was a concern as the skins of the Feathercraft are hand-made and some variations occur between every piece of boat they ship out. I am fortunate that the boat tracks pretty well under mild conditions today.
The sea sock works well in preventing flooding of the boat during a capsize. Which I did, in the interest of testing every aspect of the boat's handling. The boat did take in some water, though minimal, but this was likely through a not so thorough securing of the bow hatch. A combination of the sea sock and the spray skirt did make paddling a little warm in our kind of weather.
The skin proved to be really watertight and water repellent. Water dripping off the paddle just beaded up on the deck and rolled off.
The other piece of equipment that was a real good buy was the paddle. The 4 piece carbon paddle from Aquabound was, in my opinion, a real performer. The Eagle Ray is designed for touring and for a low paddling angle. The feathering angle can be adjusted as desired. Entry of the blade into the water is effortless and silent. Turbulence is minimal and as you exert pressure on the blade in the water, the blade moves smoothly all the way until it exits the water. It does not have the little wobble that I so often feel in other paddles when you pull hard on the blade.
I brought the boat back strapped onto the roof rack. This was easily done with a couple of ratchet straps and another from the stern to the spare wheel. It would be a challenge to bring the boat around on my own, because I had the help of Fran today, and it took putting the boat onto the bonnet before I pulled it up onto the rack.
See the pictures at this Flickr set Kayak Test Paddle
Now.....I need a name for her.....
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