New kayak ready for our first session
On a delightful April Sunday morning after having collected the kayak the day before we arrived at Niffany Bridge near Skipton for our first paddling session. Unsure of how Andrew would find his first sit in a kayak for many years I let him get in first (no point in both of getting wet if he capsized!)
The good news, he didn't take an early bath so we both climbed aboard and set off heading toward Gargrave with the hope of covering the 5 miles there and back.
The bad news, we encountered half a dozen swans after about a mile and decided that it might be prudent to turn and run without attracting their attention (I had annoyed swan during my inflatable canoe solo paddle and discovered a kami kaze swan that flew into my back at full speed).
More bad news, the boat lets in a bit of water and we need to watch this if we are not to become the first submarine to complete the journey.
The worst news is that steering the kayak in a straight line is close to impossible and it is evident that our 160 mile journey is likely to be nearer bloody 200 unless we can put and end to veering from one side the canal to the other - passersby must have wondered whether there was some reason for us being next to the towpath one minute then careering over to the non-towpath side next minute.
Andrew W in the kayak just before we discovered we can't steer it
Looks great fun ! Probably the same swan that once came for me during a bike ride by the canal near Skipton ! Good luck
ReplyDeleteOh, Hell, there's one near Skipton as well?! The one that flew at me was just west of Silsden, having swum alongside for 200 yards it then dropped back and I stupidly thought it had got something better to do. A few seconds later the sound of flapping wings was followed by it crashing into my back. I am told they won't be as aggressive in July. Hmmm..
ReplyDelete