As the youngster in our little team, Jim casually slung his kayak on his shoulder and made his way stylishly down the
Maidens beach...
...David (who has seen a few more pints of Guinness than Jim) uses a trolley but he would have made more rapid progress, if he had sheeted his sail in.
Phil says you really can't beat a trolley at Spring low water.
As for me, I am no longer in that invincible state of the first flush of youth so trollies are a necessity, my knees just ache watching Jim!
PS James from Australia has sent me photos of a very interesting alternative to strap on trolleys. See his comment below.
Thanks James. :o)
I find it hard to put the take apart cart inside some of my boats. I'm looking for one with smaller wheels that still works in soft sand.
ReplyDeletePaddlingandsailing.blogspot.com
Hello Canoe Sailor, I have found the ones with smaller wheels sink in the sand. Andrew who paddles with us has a recent Palm trolley with small balloon tyres that are very effective but it is not on their website.
DeleteHi Douglas,
ReplyDeleteI just saw your blog entry regarding kayak rolleys. I thought you may be interested in a system I have recently fitted to my kayak. It was invented by David Winkworth, who was the owner/designer of Nadgee kayaks on the S coast of NSW. He has since sold the business. The wheels are light weight golf cart type, attached temporarily to stainless steel struts. The struts are located in the side of the kayak where a composite tube has been fabricated into position. You then secure the wheels front and rear with cord teathers. You can install it in the water, and then walk the loaded kayak up the beach; assuming no surf. Works on all but the deepest soft sand. Some people have modified the system to use the balloon wheelez tyres. When finished using, the struts are removed and wound together with the teathers and put in a hatch. Depending on your kayak set up, you can put it all in the hatch or secure it on the deck for extended trips. Works more efficiently than trolleys.
I would have added this as a comment on the blog but wasn't sure how to attach a photo,
Hi James that looks a really neat solution. One of the top Scottish coaches, who did many solo crossings to outlying Scottish islands (rocks acually), had a similar tube but bigger diameter. He fitted it as a self rescue tool for extreme situations. He could put his spare split paddle through it and put a paddle float on one end for when his roll had failed and he was too tired to attempt another re-entry roll.
DeleteHi Douglas,
ReplyDeleteThe trolley I have can be found here http://www.joelwatersports.co.uk/shop/product.php?id_product=61945 This is not where I purchased it from but it looks to be the same model. Regards, Andrew.
Thanks Andrew that's it. I was impressed by how it crossed a variety of surfaces.
Delete