tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305537072024-03-16T01:09:51.780+00:00Sea kayaking with seakayakphoto.comImagine you are at the edge of the sea on a day when it is difficult to say where the land ends and the sea begins and where the sea ends and the sky begins. Sea kayaking lets you explore these and your own boundaries and broadens your horizons. Sea kayaking is the new mountaineering.Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.comBlogger2289125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-86646592423937894182023-06-11T11:23:00.002+01:002023-06-11T19:11:36.086+01:00A medical emergency while sea kayaking round Knoydart.My recent posts on FB of an idyllic trip round Knoydart have brought to mind a very different past trip to the area. One that was very painful to experience and even think about until now. The following was an article I wrote after the event, which I would have submitted to Ocean Paddler magazine for publication. Unfortunately the passage of time has meant that Ocean Paddler is no longer Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-52050026851877840932022-09-27T13:44:00.011+01:002023-06-08T11:30:31.091+01:00P&H Volan 160 long term test and comparative review. Introduction.P&H Volan 160 in its element. Photo by Ian Johnston.This really is a long term test. I first paddled the Volan MV back in October 2020 but a combination of injury, resulting in a fractured coccyx, chronic health problems and covid lockdown has limited my time to the extent that P&H have since renamed it the Volan 160! So with apologies to P&H, I have at last spent Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-80969647518339078572022-04-04T15:51:00.003+01:002022-04-04T16:04:19.358+01:00KCS Compact Day Trolley... test to destruction!!KCS have produced and refined a lot of new designs over the period of the Covid pandemic. This is the KCS compact day trolley. It is ideal for day trips when you might need to carry your unloaded kayak for some distance over a hard surface from the car to the launch site. I found it especially useful when it is windy or if there are a lot of people about... think Charlie Chaplin's ladder!!!It is Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-42984162889355374462022-04-03T17:03:00.004+01:002022-12-03T19:13:22.092+00:00P&H Virgo MV long term test and reviewP&H Virgo MV CLXIntroduction.The beginning of August 2019 was rather sad. I had to return the P&H Valkyrie kayak and in its place I was loaned a P&H Virgo. Both boats were new models in 2019. I found the Valkyrie to be a unique and sublime blend of fun and performance in a hull that owes more to surfski design than other FSTs (fast touring kayaks). I reviewed the Valkyrie in Ocean Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-79991484131847187452022-03-29T16:56:00.003+01:002022-03-29T16:56:54.438+01:00KCS kayak V cradles for side loading roof racks test and review.KCS are producing many new products these days and this V cradle for side loading roof racks really caught my eye. At £210 for a pair they are not cheap but exude quality and thoughtful design. Side loading roofracks such as the Kari-tec Easy Load Roofrack have transformed the transportation of kayaks especially for those slightly older kayakers who load and unload alone. The risk of Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-23462560341174957722022-03-18T13:09:00.008+00:002022-03-18T16:00:58.850+00:00The Beaches of Scotland by Dr Stacey McGowan Holloway: Book ReviewThis beautiful book is an illustrated guide to over 150 beaches scattered round the 19,000 km coast line of the Scottish mainland, the Hebrides and the Northern Isles. I particularly liked the introduction in which the author discusses beach safety, how to visit (responsible access), types of beach, seascape and geology (contributed by the author’s husband who is an oceanographer), howDouglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-46555253956015983022021-07-02T08:15:00.001+01:002021-07-02T08:15:37.477+01:0029th April 2021 #7 Locked in but not locked down by a wild night in Loch Hourn.Ian and I set to work building a fire on the shore of Loch Hourn. We chose a site below the highest tide level but, as it was just before predicted HW, we expected the tide not reach the fire.A stiff NE breeze soon had it burning fiercely.Unfortunately the tide kept rising and we had to rescue the wood and leave the fire to the mercy of the water. We built a new fire further up the shore.Of Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-43316487674792022282021-07-01T07:24:00.000+01:002021-07-01T07:24:48.695+01:0029th April 2021 #6 another change of weather in Loch Hourn.No sooner had we turned our backs to the wind and rain at the head of Loch Hourn than the wind dropped. Then the skies began to clear revealing the high rocky ridges of Ladhar Beinn to the west.A light tail wind let me try the new prototype sail from Scottish firm KCS.Seconds ago we had been battling into a winter storm, now we were paddling past a forest of birch and alder that was bursting intoDouglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-74803606040258507212021-06-24T19:57:00.002+01:002021-06-24T19:57:23.526+01:0029th April 2021 #5 Some hellish weather in Loch Hourn with some paradoxical dryness at Caolas an Loch Beag.Donald had followed the north shore of Loch Hourn in his small F-Rib boat with 6HP motor. He had arrived at our intended camp site and pitched his tent before we arrived. He had just left to explore Inner Loch Hourn as we arrived. He didn't get far. As we approached the tidal narrows at Caolas Mor, we were hit by a violent squall from the east. Fortunately we were in the lee of the spit thatDouglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-36634878141077061122021-06-17T19:41:00.000+01:002021-06-17T19:41:06.399+01:0029th April 2021 #4 Let's do lunch at the lonesome pine of Loch Hourn.When the squall passed the skies began to clear. This proved to be an ideal time to stop at a tidal island with a lonesome pine to sit under and......enjoy first luncheon in the sun. Unfortunately the squall appeared to have taken up permanent residence in inner Loch Hourn, our destination.Refreshed by our break we continued east up the narrowing loch in a brief weather window. This of course Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-35099591167787367042021-06-10T19:02:00.000+01:002021-06-10T19:02:11.592+01:0029th April 2021 #3 Skyfall and rainfall in Loch Hourn. As we paddled east along the south shore of Loch Hourn the mountains closed round us.Loch Hourn is a flooded U shaped glaciated valley and in some places the mountains fall straight into the sea as here at Creag an t-Sagairt (roughly translates as pulpit rock).On the north side of the loch, Arnisdale House was dwarfed by the foothills of Beinn Sgritheall. This was the inspiration for James Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-16785258899970806142021-05-24T21:13:00.000+01:002021-05-24T21:13:35.784+01:0029th april 2021 #2 Crossing the deep at the mouth of Loch Hourn.From Camusfearna we followed the pine covered rocky coast of the Glenelg peninsula south until we came to the entrance of Loch Hourn.This sea loch stretches deep into the mountains for 22km from its mouth on the Sound of Sleat. We set off across its entrance for the south shore while my brother in his little RIB "The Guppy" motored slowly up the north shore so as not to disturb us.The NE Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-30757600744587267622021-05-23T19:52:00.001+01:002021-05-23T19:56:12.875+01:0029th April 2021 #1 A frosty start on the turquoise waters of the Sound of Sleat.There had been a succession of heavy rain squalls throughout the night. We were awoken by the Camasfearna cuckoo's calls, which travelled over the channel from the mainland. When we emerged from the tents the sun was rising above the hills. The day dawned cold and clear with frost on the tents and the boats.Ian and I shared breakfast together while the sun and an increasing NE wind dried theDouglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-39020016378567119112021-05-22T08:37:00.004+01:002021-05-23T20:05:15.858+01:0028th April 2021 #2 Sunshine and sleet on the Sound of Sleat.It has been a cold start to the year and the NE wind brought a series of Arctic squalls to the Sound of Sleat. These brought a bonus of dramatic lighting conditions though trying to erect our tents on the exposed reef took a bit of care in the accompanying wind.Fortunately the worst of the squalls seemed to pass and we got our camp in order.As the tide was still low......we wasted no time in Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-59398950324039540782021-05-19T16:03:00.010+01:002023-02-14T10:45:41.197+00:00KCS Pro Kayak Sail System test and review.Photo by Donald WilcoxSince lock down lifted I have been testing various prototypes of the KCS KY-PRO Sail System. The system is available in three versions:1. Sail only to fit other rigs such as Flat Earth Kayak Sails.2. Sail, carbon fibre mast and boom, universal joint and deck fittings which require the deck to be drilled.3. Sail, carbon fibre mast and boom, custom front hatch with mast foot Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-33618154349072436862021-05-07T21:03:00.004+01:002021-05-23T19:53:53.909+01:0028th April 2021 #1 Return to sea kayak camping, a trip to the Sound of Sleat and Loch Hourn.Due to various health problems I have not posted much here recently mainly because I have not gone anywhere. However, I managed to get myself north to Glenelg on 28/4/2021 to join Ian from Mountain and Sea Scotland and friends. It is the furthest I have driven, furthest I have paddled and the most nights I have camped out in over 4 years.I get easily tired these days and though previously I have Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-38712090617140675982021-05-05T13:59:00.004+01:002021-05-06T17:37:33.354+01:00Doug and Lara Cooper have just launched a new Scottish Sea Kayaking website. Already a huge amount of work has gone into it. It will inform visitors to new areas of many alternative places to go, other than the over visited, well known honey pots.A good number of people criticise guides like this. I admit I did not think the Bothy book was a good idea at all, especially when some of the Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-62688620183491582382021-04-10T20:34:00.000+01:002021-04-10T20:34:30.899+01:00P&H Valkyrie, a long term test and review.IntroductionAn edited version of this review appeared in Ocean Paddler Magazine issue #71. I have also published it several times on Facebook back in July/August 2019 but of course Facebook is useless for anything you ever want to find again. I keep getting requests for a copy of the Valkyrie test so here it is on good old fashioned Blogger where a Google search will find it!P&H do not have aDouglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-66410585661581417782021-03-17T14:14:00.005+00:002021-03-30T19:59:57.799+01:00KCS KY-Pro Explore trolley: test and review, a first look. I first bought a Mk 1 KCS Expedition trolley in 2003 and it is still in use at my caravan on the Solway. I have since upgraded my main expedition trolley through various versions and currently use the KCS Expedition trolley Mk 5. I do not just use it for getting the kayak from the car to the beach but use it on expeditions to get on and off ferries, for long road portages such as West Loch Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-40790035904621309022018-06-18T16:59:00.002+01:002021-05-21T14:36:26.786+01:00Flat Earth Kayak Sails Footloose '80 test and review.
Introduction.
I was in Glasgow getting a steroid injection into my right shoulder in clinic F then having a pint of blood drained from my left arm in clinic P when I heard the news that a parcel from Australia was waiting for me at my summer home on the Solway. Despite living 50m from the shore for 7 months of the year I have not been very active recently. I last managed a kayak camping Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-15222490466524839052018-03-29T21:18:00.002+01:002018-04-12T22:21:15.962+01:00Duncan Winning OBE
Today, I received a phone call from Gordon Brown to tell me that Duncan Winning OBE died yesterday. He had been ill for some time. I send my sincere condolences to Duncan's family.
Duncan was a father figure in Scottish sea kayaking and because he gave of his time generously, he started many people off on a lifetime of sea kayaking adeventures. So many people have Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-88025660064621073192018-03-14T14:23:00.000+00:002018-03-14T14:23:02.797+00:00A fourth luncheon on the machair at Silver Sands
We stopped on the southern side of the Silver Sands of Smirisary and...
...made our way up the shore to the...
...closely cropped machair which backs the beach. Here, below a rapidly sinking sun, we partook of our 4th luncheon which we washed down with a not ungenerous snifter of 12year old Caol Isla.
After our comestibles had been suitably dwindled, it was time for a...
..post Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-82857104352552327972018-03-13T15:50:00.002+00:002018-03-13T15:50:28.225+00:00The hidden isles and recesses of Loch Moidart
We left Castle Tiorum and continued...
...our exploration of the South Channel of Loch Moidart. The wooded sides of Riska island fall steeply into the blue waters of the loch.
Our tour of the inner Loch Moidart continued past Eilean an Fheidh (deer isle) and...
...tiny Eilean na Craoibhe (tree isle). Normally we are in a desperate hurry here as we have usually been Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-77010689657015073172018-03-10T15:05:00.001+00:002018-03-10T15:21:17.221+00:00Fair birlin' doon the loch to Castle Tioram.
We left Shoe Bay and set off up the South channel of Loch Moidart with both a fair wind and a flood tide behind us. We were soon birlin' doon the loch at a most respectable rate of knots.
As we paddled deep inland, the loch narrowed and the wind dropped. To the south the land was relatively low lying and is where the outflow of River Sheil carries the fresh water from Loch Sheil into Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553707.post-71746238085057320882018-03-09T19:11:00.000+00:002018-03-10T15:15:01.878+00:00Setting off hell for leather to Shoe Bay.
Donald quickly disappeared over the horizon towards the mouth of the South Channel of Loch Moidart. We had arranged to meet at Shoe Bay for our third luncheon. We fully expected he would be there long before us.
Unfortunately for Donald, the various entrances to this delightful spot are not at all easy to spot from the sea and when...
...we arrived at the inner recesses Douglas Wilcoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12113557051872905710noreply@blogger.com0