Lake Tanganyika Sea Kayak Expedition progress rep - 27 July 2008
Brent Wibberly, Morne Smit and Louis Peters are currently well into their month-long sea kayak expedition on Lake Tanganyika, the world's longest lake and one of the most historical, on the banks of which Stanley found Livingstone. The team on a PaddleYak Swift Hybrid double and a PaddleYak Explorer is heading for Burundi where they will cross into the war-torn country by special permission from the government there. May kayaks spread some peace. All sympathies to relatives of victims of the heinous bomb blasts in Pakistan's hospitals and the maimed and murdered in Hout Bay and the rest of South Africa this past week.
SA Paddlers for the Olympics - 27 July 2008
Kayak Sprinting is a well-establsihed sport at the Olympics and South Africa has had representatives at every Olympics since re-admission despite the enforced focus on marathons during the banned years [sadly some of South Africa's best kayakers missed out on ever participating there; including such legends as Sunley Uys, Chris Greeff, Robbie Herreveld and a host of others]. Special mention needs to be made of Nicki Mocke and Michelle Bray who put their minds to making the Games in 2008 and succesfully made the transition from marathon paddling and surfski-racing to Olympic Class Kayak sprinting. Congratulations to all selected team members and best of luck in Beijing!
Sectional, fold-up, stowaway, nested, sea kayak - 25 July 2008
Sectional, fold-up, stowaway, nested, rigid, sea kayak available soon.
PaddleYak is producing a rare, sectional, nested, deep sea kayak. The kayak is an expedition level craft and will be portable by backpack and will be allowed onto planes, trains, busses, taxis yachts and rickshaws. It comes in one useful bag, unlike most other sectional craft available in the world. Place your order now for the craft due out towards the end of the 2008. Another great innovation from PaddleYak! Email info@seakayak.co.za or phone 27327905611 for more details.
Paddle the flowers - 25 July 2008
A flower display like no other before it is expected this spring of 2008 along the South African west coast. The finest way to experience this spectacular display of nature is on a kayak in the vicinity of Langebaan, Churchaven, Paternoster and St Helena Bay. Contact Real Cape Adventures to customise a trip for you. Ph 0217905611 or email info@seakayak.co.za .
Hout Bay Holiday House to rent or swop - 25 July 2008
Vineyard House in Hout Bay, Cape Town’s most exquisite seaside suburb offering a rural setting within minutes of the city and Waterfornt, is available for rent for short holiday periods as well as for longer extended rentals. The house offers three self-catering Guest Units sleeping 2 persons each, as well as a Main Unit sleeping 2-6 persons. Book now for the December holidays, or for extended stays in 2008. Some exchanges for houses in other places in the world will be considered. Email johan@mweb.co.za or ph27217905611 for details.
Market looking bullish. Start ordering now! - 24 July 2008
After the question regarding the calculations of the inflation rate was raised by Investec, there was a turn for the better today in South Africa’s economic outlook as shown by a bullish day on the stock exchange. To add to the sudden upswing, the Zim talks are forging ahead, showing there may well be an alternative African way of doing things. In addition, the Hon. Thabo Mbeki was today meeting with representatives of the European Union, South Africa being the only country in Africa afforded this special status. Finally the World Soccer Cup 2010 in South Africa is drawing nearer every day, spelling a massive financial spurt for this country. Better place your order for one of PaddleYak’s award-winning kayaks today and beat the spring rush which is now just around the corner! Look at www.paddleyak.net or email info@seakayak.co.za or phone 0217905611 or 0825562520.
Gear up now! Do not leave it too late again. - 20 July 2008
Plan your summer now! There's not a second to lose. The best kayaks are laminated by hand and need time to be manufactured, fitted and tested. Discuss the options with your local kayak manufacturer, or see www.paddleyak.net or www.seakayak.co.za for award-winning kayaks. Do not leave your purchases for summer if you want a special craft; start gearing up now!
Stowable Kayak? - 20 July 2008
Do you own a stowable kayak? One which can be folded up, split, deflated, dismantled, taken-apart? What do you use it for? If you did have one what would you do with it? Where would you take it? What are the potential uses? What would you like to recommend? Let us know. Email info@seakayak.co.za .
Spring Flowers! - 20 July 2008
Recent storms along the west coast spells one thing: The best spring flowers yet! Boasting one of the world's eight flower kingdoms the west coast, normally an arid landscape, turns into a paradaisical fairyland blooming with carpets of tiny, colorul fowers as far as the eye can see. It's truly one of the world's wonderworks and visitors travel from afar to experience this glorious display of nature. Expected to start early this year at the end of July and linger till September. If you need a natural lift, make a plan and visit the west coast. Whether by bus, car, bicylce, or foot, just go. Kayakers too can have a special experience paddling along coastlines festooned with gay flowers as far as the eye can see. Try the Langebaan and Churchaven - Kraalbaai areas as well as Paternoster, Tietiesbaai [ah!]and St Helena Bay, or even further at Elandsbaai, Lambersbaai,Srandfontein, Hondeklipbaai and Port Nolloth. Email info@seakayak.co.za if you need further information.
King of the Castle - 20 July 2008
Australians can spot a good thing when they see it. Beat the Boks and you instantly ascend to the throne, which will give you an enormous psychological advantage facing your next foe, in this case their arch-competitors, the All Blacks. The Boks had this advantage for the first twenty minutes going into Saturday’s game in Perth; World Champions and lately, vanquishers of the All Blacks in their own backyard, which dispelled any doubt about their status. Then it all went belly-up for them and as the game slipped away the Wallabies grew in stature minute by minute for this is the nature of the game. Status can change every game and being at the top of the pile is a fragile thing and coaches know this, or should know it. You don’t tamper with a wining team against Australia; Romania perhaps, even the scratch US team, but Australia? Lesson hard learned and it may cost the Boks the Tri- Nations. Stick with experience; it may not be as stylish as flare, but it underscored White’s winning formula and Dean’s on Saturday with the old stalwarts Mortlock, Baxter, Smith, Waugh and even Giteau hanging on in the national side year after year. Sorely lacking against the Aussies was Montgomery, Van Niekerk and Smit, but most off all Fourie du Preez who can control the flow of a game like no other. Most distressing was the Aussie forwards getting 90% possession in the mauls! The skyscrapers in the Bok team could simply not contend with this low level attack on the loose ball. Oh! for a Boland Coetzee! Is it Watson or Britz, or some other unknown playing club rugby on some dusty field in the Karoo? Spies is not battle-ready yet and it was not a good game to expose this in. The other concern was the bunching of the Bok backline, artfully directed by Dean’s reading of the game. The Aussie tries both came from expansive passing which created that overlap, something the talented Bok backline never achieved. It was truly a great game from an Aussie perspective and the Boks must learn from it and quickly; the challengers are knocking on the gate; the champions may be vulnerable! The Bok’s game lacked structure and direction. You cannot leave this to the players on the field entirely, individual brilliance, or not.
World Champions rule - 19 July 2008
The Sprinboks beat New Zealand in a magnificent game of rugby on Saturday 12 July 2008. The World Cup holders underscored their now undisputed status as the best rugby team in the world when finally beating the All Blacks in their own backyard. They take on Australia next before three home games in the Tri-Nations. The challenge is on for this great team to retain their status as champions of the world till the next World Cup in New Zealand in 2011. The game was marked by solid forward play and glorious individuality, a new feature in Springbok Rugby and one befitting Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday this week.
PaddleYak Kayak Expeditions 2008 - 16 July 2008
PaddleYak Sea Kayaks from Sea Kayak Productions CC in Cape Town as well as Real Cape Advetures CC, Southern Africa's original, pioneering sea kayak tour company, is contributing to and sponsoring a number of adventurous sea kayak explorations midyear 2008: 1.Kayak adventure in Madagascar
Riaan Manser, the famous Round–Africa-on-my-bike-Extraordinaire has arrived in Madagascar with his "super craft" [the first PaddleYak hybrid version which was an adaptation of the traditional PY Explorer] for his Madagascar Circumnavigation 2008/9. Riaan chose this craft after trying out all other avaiiabale sea kayaks. It will be at least a year long stint covering approx 5500 kms, twice the length of the South African coastline, in demanding conditions.
2. Paddling the past in Tanzania. A brand new PY Swift Double Hybrid went off on Friday and should be on the water in Johannesburg already getting its "sea trials". The craft is solidly built and will take a fair load. This model has more than proved itself in the Mozambique and Lake Malawi Kayak Expeditions as well as in numerous adventure races round the country. Morne Smit, Peters and Brent Wibberly [on a traditional PaddleYak Explorer] of the previous Clark expedition, will tackle this thrilling kayak adventure.
3. Quirimbas Expedition. Two PaddleYak Swift doubles outfitted for expedtion paddling has gone by Overlander to Ibo Island in the Quirimbas Archipelago for the Quirimbas Kayak Exploration kicking off in September 2008. Members of the group will be:
Charles Standing (Teacher, Rigger, Springbok diver, Mountaineer, Climber, Gymnast)
Sea kayaking: Cape Town / Patagonia
Surfski: 15 years + has done the EL to PE challenge twice
White water kayaking: Grade 5+ rivers
Life Saver
Yachting: racing 6 years
Dr Mark van der Velde (Doctor, Climber, Gymnast, Skydiver)
Sea kayaking: local trips
Surf ski: 15 years
Life Saver
Yachting: 15 years, skipper, ocean crossings and racing
Navigation:
Dive master
Nic Good: (Film Director / cameraman, BASE Jumper, Mountaineer, Climber, Paraglider)
Sea kayaking: Cape Town / Patagonia
Surfski: 12 years
White water kayaking: grade 5 rivers
Yatching: 5 years
Kite Surfer: 3 years
Dive Master
Peter van Kets (Paddler / adventurer / skydiver / Climber etc)
Sea Kayaking - Madagascar (1 month), many local S.A. venues - 14 years
Surfski: 14 Years - 2 PE to E.L Challenges, Cape Point Challenges etc
Level 2 Swift Water Guide
Yachtmaster Offshore and Yachmaster Ocean with 5 Ocean Crossings (on yachts)
- Winner of Transatlantic Rowing Challenge, 2007 -
4. Exploring the Alpine Lakes
Charles Denison is getting his boat [the latest state-of-the-art PY Fusion] in Lucerne Switzerland in about a week for his kayak exploration of the Swiss Alpine Lakes. Check with Luzius at the Kanu Shop in Bern for some imported PaddleYak Models incluidng a PY Pro-X Surfski, probabaly the first-ever surfski to arrive in Switzerland! This follows the arrival of the PaddleYak Pro-X Surfski in Stockholm, Sweden at Point 65 previoulsy, also one of the first surfskis to ever arrive in Scandinavia, the home of the art of boat-making.
5. Vancouver and San Juan Kayak Adventure
A latest state-of-the-art, hybrid sea kayak, the new PaddleYak Fusion has been shipped to Rob Lyon in Seattle for use in his group kayak adventures round the San Juan Islands and Vancouver. Watch the local press.
Madagascar Kayak Circumnavigation - 22 June 2008
PaddleYak, South Africa's sought-after sea kayak brand for tough-as-nail expeditions, has produced an extraordinary craft for adventurer extraordinaire Riaan Manser to circumnavigate Madagascar, the island continent on the east coat of Africa and one of the world's least explored places. The PY Fusion Hybrid Classic is one of four hybrid models PaddleYak developed to achieve its award-winning PY Swift Hybrid design. Madagascar will require special qualities in both craft design as well as in paddler ability and the choice of craft fell on the PaddleYak Fusion Classic for its particular qualities: manoevrability in extreme conditions and large wave capacity as well as the prime quality it shares with all the other PaddleYak Hybrid craft; remountability and comfort in extreme conditions. The specially-prepared boat will be shipped to Madagascar late in June 2008. Watch this space and the media for more information and progress reports of the trip over the next few months. Paddlers wishing to see PaddleYak's latest PY Fusion Expedition Hybrid can email info@seakayak.co.za . Why look elsewhere if you can get this leading craft right here, right now? Also look out for kayak explorers' reports from Lake Tanganyikaa and the Swiss Alpine Lakes. All from PaddleYak Sea Kayaks. Built tough for tough kayakers.
Beat Inflation. Buy Now! - 15 June 2008
All products derived from petroleum are set to rise substantially, includng plastics and all polyester cloths and resins. This will result in substantial increases in the price of kayaks. Beat inflation and order your kayak now. Ph PaddleYak Kayaks at 0217905611 or email info@seakayak.co.za . Buyers in countries outside South Africa with Pound Sterling, US Dollar and Euro currencies should also avail themselves of the deteriorating value of the ZAR in South Africa. Award-winning kayaks like the PaddleYak Swift Hybrid which are hand-laminated in Cape Town, can be purchased at very competitive prices right now. Look at www.paddleyak.net for more.
Safety regulations for sea kayaks. - 15 June 2008
The minimum legal requirements for sea kayaking in South African waters are the wearing of a pfd and having flares. In addition, craft need to carry enough buoyancy to float if flooded. Independent sea kayakers are welcome to submit their views and proposals to TASKS, The African Sea Kayak Society. TASKS is a web-based forum for sea kayakers in Africa and is well-positioned to disseminate information and numbers to paddlers. TASKS/RECSKASA made a substantial contribution to safety requirements for sea kayaking as set by SAMSA in
Marine Notice No. 13 of 2006. Views would be appreciated at info@seakayak.co.za . Difficulties currently with registering craft, joining clubs, obtaining numbers etc may all be mentioned so that the current situation can be evaluated.
China All Right Jack! - 15 June 2008
The newly-appointed Economics head at the World Bank is Professor Lu from China. During an interview on the SABC RSG programme on Monday 9 June 2008, he was asked how long China’s boom will last. His refreshingly honest reply? “ I hope, a long time.” No wonder manufacturers are “heading east”, so to speak.
Brave Welsh - 7 June 2008
The brave Welsh is the first to take on the mighty Springbok World Champions in their first game after their World Cup victory in 2007 [not counting the friendly, but poorly-timed, invitational game afterwards]. Most of the stars are not there, or are sitting on the bench as back-ups in case the moment gets too big for the rookies. Two of the greatest Bok stars who weren't actually at the World Cup, Spies and De Villiers [half a game], will be back in full flight and will make up for what some of the new Boks may lack in finesse - theirs are careers to watch as the team prepares for the 2011 defense of their title. New legends in the making, together with Habana and Steyn, will be the talented and tallest-ever Bok, Bekker [son of legendary Hennie] and the multi-talented Jantjies who may have to take over from Montgomery, the most capped Bok of all time, eventually. Fresh from their Six Nations victory the Welsh will be firing as they get a real chance to crack the Bok nut which weaknesses will be their inexperienced team and coach, but without their star blonde singer leading the charge from the pavilion with her angelic voice, they might just be fodder for the team preparing for the Tri-Nations. The new coach, already dubbed Piet "Snor" [for a tendency to mumble sweet nothings under his moustache - just like Abraham's great little coach in "Chariots of Fire"], has promised an improvement of the Bok's performances to date. With his flair and the latent potential of many thousands of young South African players looking at the Bok blazer now, he might just be right. Beware world; you have yet to see the Bok team, from the continent which has given the world its very best athletes, in full flight. Postscript: The Boks won the series, but for a wee moment in the second half of the second test when Wales bravely took the lead at 21-20. Welsh hearts must have been thumping with pride just then as few teams ever get this close to wrestling a victory out of the Boks.
Order now for June and Christmas! - 24 May 2008
PaddleYak Kayaks are built by hand to exacting standards and cannot be rushed, unlike plastic craft which are popped out of ovens every few minutes. If you wish to invest in a real kayak and want to be paddling it by Chritmas, don't delay any longer. Order now so the craft can be booked in for production in good time. You can also beat price increases, due to the Rand's fluctuations and the rising cost of materials, by ordering now. Whether you need a craft by Christmas, or now for the June-July holiday and adventure season, contact PaddleYak soonest at: Email: info@seakayak.co.za or phone +27 0217905611.
PY Kingfisher Fishingkayaks in French Guiana - 24 May 2008
Remember "Papillon" the French scoundrel who managed to escape from Devil's Island and went on the write a record-breaking book which enthralled the world and was later made into a movie with Dustin Hoffman and Steve McQueen? Now PaddleYak Kingfishers can be seen paddling the tropical waters of French Guiana. Used for fishing as well as professional dive charters the craft are proving their versatily by reaching and satisfying paddlers in far corners of the world. If you are in French Guiana and need more information email: info@seakayak.co.za
Join TASKS - The Africa Sea Kayak Society. It's Fr - 22 May 2008
To become part of the growing body of sea kayakers paddling African coastline register with TASKS. It costs nothing and takes a minute to do. Your rgeistration boosts TASKS's membership and will aid with negotiating sea kayak routes round the African continenet in the future. Joint now at www.tasks.co.za
Beat the Blues - 22 May 2008
Wherever you are, whatever your concerns, now is the time to plan the rest of your life and invest in a kayak. Called the “Silent Revolution”, kayaks and those who power them are slowly conquering the world, bringing peace and harmony with their harmless, pollution-free activity. With these humble craft you can slip out into the yonder and transcend all boundaries, literally and figuratively. Why not take a look today? Start by contacting info@seakayak.co.za and sharing your thoughts and concerns. Get a life. Get a kayak.
Trade in your plastic for a kayak - 22 May 2008
PaddleYak SA will trade in any plastic craft at thirty percent of the original purchase price as part-payment for their award-winning sea kayak, the PaddleYak Swift Hybrid Sea Kayak, or any of their other hand-laminated fibre-reinforced models. This includes their leading PY Kingfisher fishingkayak, as well as their latest PY Fusion Hybrid, the expedition version of the PY Swift, for those who wish to pack their bags and head for faraway places this season. Plastic craft will be delivered to recycle depots at no charge. Plastics are great for resorts and bumping around in, but if you want a real sea kayak, buy a hand-laminated, fibre-reinforced, fibreglass, vacuumed, or carbon craft. They are lighter and higher performing with state-of-the-art designs and are more durable in the long run [plastics being robust in the short term, hence their suitability for malls, play-parks and resorts]. Hand-laminated craft like the ones produced in South Africa by PaddleYak Sea Kayak Productions cost three to four times more to buy in other countries so avail yourself of the opportunity here. Buy real, hand-laminated kayaks built in South Africa. Thousands of PaddleYak owners as well as a growing band of kayak explorers who choose the PaddleYak Hybrid designs because of their inherent safety, can testify to their performance. Contact info@seakayak.co.za or phone +27217905611.
Tahitian wins Molokai again. - 20 May 2008
Lewis Laughlin of Tahiti repeated his surprise win in 2007 by pipping South Agrica Hank Mc Gregor to the post in the grueling 56km surfski race across the Molokai Channel in Hawaii. There were six South Africans in the top ten with only a few minutes between them. Fourth overall and second best South African was world champion Dawid Mocke with the great brothers Oscar and Herman Chalupsky sixth and seventh. Australians Tim Jacobs and legend Dean Gardiner filled in the positions between the South Africans. Conditions were moderate and calmer than last year with the 37-yr old Lewis proving his versatility in a strong field of 133 of the world's best surfski paddlers.
Buy now, pay later. - 19 May 2008
South Africans can now order new, award-winning PaddleYak Sea Kayaks and pay over a few months, with no interest added. Whilst the weakening Rand is driving export sales up for South African companies which produce quality and sought-after goods, such as PaddleYak Sea Kayak Productions cc, local salary-earners are feeling the pinch as inflation and credit controls bite. PaddleYak recognizes these difficulties, but being aware of the importance of obtaining the goods one needs to live a fullfilling life, especially when it involves a healthy sport like sea kayaking, it now offers 3, 6 and 9 month terms on craft purchased by local South African buyers. Don’t hesitate when it comes to buying an award-winning, export-quality, hand-laminated, sea kayak produced in South Africa. Order now, pay a deposit and pay the balance over a few months. Contact PaddleYak at info@seakayak.co.za or phone 0217905611. This limited offer is available till the end of September, 2008, after which the economy is expected to take an upswing in anticipation of the World Soccer Cup 2010. Order now and have your craft ready and paid off by spring. Your old craft may be traded in, or sold on your behalf.
Film of Transatlantic Row Race 2007/8 - 19 May 2008
Early in 2008 Peter van Kets and Bill Godfrey from East London, South Africa, won the grueling Trans-Atlantic Rowing Race from the Canaries to Antigua, a distanc eof 5350 kilomtres straight over the northern Atlantic Ocean. Pioneered by Chay Blyth in the 60's [see his book: "A fighting chance" ] this race has become one of the big challenges for the world's extreme adventurers. An award-winnng film was made of the race and is now available directly from Peter van Kets. Order it from:
Peter van Kets
+27 84 767 5207
http://goachieve.blogspot.com
Go Oscar 2 ! - 17 May 2008
Oscar Pistorius, the blade-running double amputee from South Africa, has successfully challenged the IAAF for the right to compete in the forthcoming Olympics 2008 in China. Considered too fast before, the committee has finally granted, after rigorous scientific scrutiny, that Oscar’s performance is wholly due to his physical ability. The committee should be praised for this historical and humane decision as it reaffirms that the purpose of all sporting competition is primarily the literal and symbolic overcoming of obstacles. This dualism can not be demonstrated by a finer example than Oscar Pistorius. Together with the irrepressible Mandy du Toit [already earmarked for Olympic glory before a devastating accident cut short her swimmig career], the first-ever amputee to make the Olympic qualifying mark in swimming, the two has set the stage for the China Olympics, sorely in need of some good news. South African sport administrators should take a bow for their roles in what could not have been an easy process. Mandy will be seen in the Open Water swimming event and Oscar in the 400m relay running race, but he may still even qualify for the 400m individual sprint event. If Oscar’s plucky performance so far is anything to go by, he will be lining up. May your blades become wings Oscar and may we, the whole world, soar with you.
Go Oscar 1 - 17 May 2008
With Oscar Chalupsky and brother Herman facing the starting gun at the great Molokai Surfski race again this weekend, anything could happen. Oscar has made this race his own, only having been beaten by a few other extraordinary individuals, including brother Herman. With his past achievements Oscar has already written himself into South Africa’s and the World’s hall of sporting fame. Aloha to all surfski racers in Hawaii today. Kayaking competition is having one of its finest moments.
PaddleYak sponsors 2008 Kayak Expedition - 17 May 2008
PaddleYak sponsors 2008 Kayak Expeditions
‘Tis the season of explorations again and PaddleYak Sea Kayak Productions CC and Real Cape Adventures CC are continuing their support of adventurous sea kayakers. Previously these companies have sponsored craft for the circumnavigation of St Helena Island, the exploration of Lake Tanganyika, the world’s longest lake, the Mozambique 3000 Expedition and the Lake Malawi Extreme Kayak Marathon, all under the auspices of TASKS, The African Sea Kayak Society. This year will see three more pathfinding sea kayak adventures take place, two in Africa and one in Europe. With two national design awards under its belt, PaddleYak Sea Kayak Productions is well-positioned to offer kayakers, taking on the world’s challenges, the best possible options. Ultimately consumers benefit from this support as craft designs and manufacturing methods are constantly tested by independent users in real, expedition-level, kayaking conditions.
Order Now - Pay Later - 17 May 2008
South Africans can now order new, award-winning PaddleYak Sea Kayaks and settle over a few months, with no interest added. Whilst the weakening Rand is driving export sales to new heights for South African companies which produce quality and sought-after goods, such as PaddleYak Sea Kayak Productions cc, local salary-earners are feeling the pinch as inflation and credit controls bite. PaddleYak recognizes these difficulties, but being aware of the importance of obtaining the goods one needs to live a fullfilled life, especially when it involves a healthy sport like sea kayaking, it now offers 3, 6 and 9 month terms on craft purchased by local South African buyers. Don’t hesitate when it comes to buying an award-winning, export-quality, hand-laminated, sea kayak produced in South Africa. Order now, pay a deposit and pay the balance off over a few months. Contact PaddleYak at info@seakayak.co.za or phone 0217905611. This limited offer is available till the end of September, 2008, after which the economy is expected to take an upswing in anticipation of the World Soccer Cup 2010. Order now and have your craft ready and paid off by spring. Your old craft may be traded in, or sold on your behalf.
Condolences to China and Burma - 14 May 2008
Quakes and storms fave ravaged these countries recently and thousands have perished tragically. PaddleYak and Real Cape Adventures, their owners, families, friends and fellow paddlers wish to extend their condolences to the people there who have suffered. Should kayaks be needed for operations, agents are welcome to contact these companies at info@seakayak.co.za . Both countries offer huge potential for sea kayak adventures and we wish the lands and their people well in these times.
PaddleYak Kayaks available Worldwide - 14 May 2008
PaddleYak Sea Kayaks,the manufacturers and suppliers of the award-winning PaddleYak range of sea kayaks is one of the oldest, Online internet-based stores in the world. Wherever you are in the world you can order a craft from PaddleYak and it will be delivered to your nearest depot, main harbour or airport. If you choose air freight the craft may arrive within a few days. If you order by ship, or land, it may take a bit longer, but PaddleYak has an impeccable reord of reliability and client satisfaction. The whole business depends on good service. Due to the weak ZAR Rand currency it is a good proposition to buy directly even if you pay for transport. Compare prices on the internet site at www.paddleayak.net . Do your sums and you will be pleasantly surprised. You will require some patience when ordering on the internet, but the best things in life transcend the time it takes to obtain. Order your PaddleYak Sea Kayak now from wherever you are!
PaddleYak Kayaks in Cape Town - 14 May 2008
PaddleYak Kayaks is South Africa's multi-award-winning sea kayak manufacturer and supplier and is one of the oldest and most established and reliable kayak outlets in Cape Town. The craft are available from the PaddleYak Sea Kayak Store at Kayak House, Greenacres Close, Hout Bay. The home-based store with its relaxed, plantation-style beach house style is situated just behind the Oakhurst Farmstall Spar which you find in Main Road on your left coming down into Hout Bay from Constantia Nek. If you come from Hout Bay or Camp's Bay drive towards Constnantia for one kilometre after passing the church just beyond Imizama Yethu. If you get to the Oakhurst Spar you have missed the turn to Greenacres Close on your right. At the store you can meet Johan and Teresa Loots personally and discuss your kayak needs in a homely atmosphere imbued with adventure. As the family is often on kayak tours you can check their availability at 0217905611 or email info@seakayak.co.za . If it more convenient for you and you pre-arrange it you can also visit the PaddleYak Factory in Lansdowne, just three minutes beyond Kenilworth Centre and Access Park, or ten minutes beyond Cavendish Square
PaddleYak Kayaks in Hout Bay - 14 May 2008
PaddleYak Kayaks are available from the PaddleYak Sea Kayak Store at Kayak House, Greenacres Close, Hout Bay. The home -based store with its relaxed, plantation-style beach house style is situated just behind the Oakhurst Farmstall Spar which you find in Main Road on your left coming down into Hout Bay from Constantia Nek. If you come from the Hout Bay or Camp's Bay side, drive towards Constantia for one kilometre after passing the church just beyond Imizama Yethu. If you get to the Oakhurst Spar you have missed the turn to Greenacres Close on your right. At the store you can meet Johan and Teresa Loots personally and discuss your kayak needs in a homely atmosphere imbued with adventure. As the family is often on kayak tours you can check their availability at 0217905611 or email info@seakayak.co.za .
Water Trail in Cape Town - 13 May 2008
New York City has just launched a 28-ramp canoe and kayak trail which takes you to all the landmarks in the city and reconnects visitors to its waterfront. Cape Town is surrounded by two major oceans and visitors wishing to experience the city by a combination of kayak and regular touring may do so now with Real Cape Adventures, South Africa's pioneering sea kayak company. For personalised tours contact info@seakayak.co.za or phone +27217905611 .
PaddleYak in Sydney - 13 May 2008
Should you wish to obtain an award-winning sea kayak from PaddleYak you can order directly from them on the Internet, or you can approach your local kayak supplier and arrange an order through them if you prefer to do it through a local dealer. PaddleYak craft have been supplied to discerning customers in Sydney, Australia by estabslihed kayak suppliers there. Contact them and discuss the latest PaddleYak Swift and Fusion Hybrid Sea Kayaks, the PY Pro-X Surfski and the PY Kingfisher Fishingkayak, or contact PaddleYak directly at info@seakayak.co.za or phone +27217905611
PaddleYak at Thesens Island and Plett - 13 May 2008
PaddleYak Sea Kayaks which manufactures and supplies South Africa's multi-award-winning sea kayak, the PY Swift Hybrid, now supplies craft to new owners at Thesens Island Knysna directly. Order from anywhere in, or outside, the country and we will deliver to your apartment on Thesens Island, or to your establishment in Plett, so your craft is ready and waiting for you when you get there. Don't delay till summer. Avail yourself of the current good offers from PaddleYak now. Email info@seakayak.co.za or phone 0217905611. PaddleYak has serviced thousands of individual kayak buyers directly. Have peace of mind and deal with the professionals. Old style service. Award-winning designs.
PaddleYak in Bavaria - 13 May 2008
Interested paddlers can arrange to meet Johan Loots of PaddleYak Sea Kayak Productions and Real Cape Adventures in Laufen in September 2008. See the new PaddleYak Fusion Expedition Hybrid Kayak which wil be used for the Swiss Lakes Adventure and for touring the lakes of Bavaria. Contact info@seakayak.co.za or phone +27217905611.
PaddleYak in New York and San Francisco - 13 May 2008
A representative will be visiting New York and San Francisco end of June 2008 following PaddleYak's succesful showing at the Miami Boat Show in February. Arrange to meet its representative personally should you wish to obtain, or stock PaddleYak's award-winning craft. Contact PaddleYak at info@seakayak.co.za or phone +27217905611 .
PaddleYak in Switzerland - 13 May 2008
PaddleYak, South Africa's award-winning sea kayak manufacturer and Real Cape Adventures, its pioneering sea kayak adventure company and suppliers such as the Kanu Shop in Bern, are now providing PaddleYak Sea Kayaks to kayakers in Switzerland. If you wish to try some of PaddleYak's models of sit-in, sit-on and hybrid sit-in/sit-on sea kayaks as well as its exciting PY Pro-X Surfski, the first of its kind in Switserland, contact PaddleYak at info@seakayak.co.za or phone +27217905611. Look out for the exciting Swiss Lake Kayaking Adventure later this year. PaddleYak is a sponsor of this exploration of the lakes by kayak which is also a fund-raiser for orphans in KwaZuluNatal in South Africa.
PaddleYak in the Seychelles - 13 May 2008
A number of lucky PaddleYak owners are already enjoying their craft in this upmarket tropical destination. PaddleYak craft are delivered here as well as to other out of the way places regularly. As berths are limited and transport may take a number of weeks it is important to plan and place your orders early. Contact PaddleYak at www.paddleyak.net or +21277905611 so you do not miss the boat!
Own an Award-winning Sea Kayak - 12 May 2008
PaddleYak Sea Kayak Productions cc in Cape Town, South Africa won two national design awards for its PaddleYak Swift Hybrid Sea Kayak, a prestigious SABS Design Award as well as an ITown Award for Innovation, in 2007. PaddleYak is currently the holder of these titles and paddlers and kayakers can now avail themselves of the opportunity of owning one of PaddleYak's trend-setting and world-leading craft. Design and Innovation titles are rare achievements in any sphere and discerning South Africans are privileged indeed to be able to obtain one of these signature craft from a local company. Place your order now for a PaddleYak Swift Hybrid Sea Kayak or the expedition version, the PaddleYak Fusion Hybrid Single Adventure Kayak. The PaddleYak Swift Double is already South Africa's most succesful adventure racing kayak and is an excellent acquisition for kayakers who value design and performance. Two national design awards tell their own story. Don't be persuaded otherwise. Right now the best sea kayak is being built in Cape Town, South Africa. PaddleYak. Period. See www.paddleyak.net .
Flares too dear? - 7 May 2008
Pencil Flares are being imported into SA now and are proving too expensive for most. Whilst one cannot put a price on safety, alternative flares are worth considering currently, like small handheld flares. Paddlers can obtain one, or two, handheld flares, rather than the costly set of pencil flares currently on offer. One flare can be used in an emergency to call for assistance and one to guide in would-be rescuers. In some respects handheld flares are superior to pencil flares which are prone to wind and give a very limited display at the best of times. Smoke flares and dye markers are also worth considering, depending on circumstances. Remember that flares cannot be shippped, or posted, or taken on planes and that they must be kept under lock and key, as they are classified and owners are liable for any misuse. When purchased ID Documents will be required. When gone past the "Used BY" date they must be handed in to a police station which will dispose of them. Flares may never be used other than in a genuine emergency at sea. They may not be fired during any festivities.
Molokai Surfski Classic in May - 7 May 2008
Whilst most sea kayak paddlers are out there quietly discovering their world by kayak, top surfski paddlers are preparing for the annual meet of racers in Hawaii to challenge for the coveted Molokai Open Ocean Surfski title. South Africans have made the race their own with Oscar Chalupsky taking the most titles and other of his countrymen and women stepping in to challenge. From www.molokai.co.za : HONOLULU - May 5, 2008 - The 32nd annual crossing of the 32-mile Epic Kayaks Molokai World Championships is set to take place on Sunday, May 18, 2008, starting at Kaluakoi, Molokai, and finishing on Oahu at Hawaii Kai. More than 50 of the world's top surf ski racers have already officially entered with the total number of starters expected to double. The defending champions are Tahitian legend Lewis Laughlin and Hawaii's Megan Quayle. The course record of 3 hours, 21 minutes and 26 seconds was set in 1997 by nine-time winner Dean Gardiner (Australia) who returns to try and capture his elusive 10th title. The real question is whether the new challengers like Cole, Mocke, McGregor and Pocock will do it, or whether it will be a classic dual again between the great Oscar, brother Hermann and Gardiner. Aloha to all participants.
Ten Reasons to buy a PaddleYak Sea Kayak - 6 May 2008
PaddleYak is based in Cape Town, the world’s most beautiful seaside city. It is flanked by the Indian as well as the Atlantic Oceans. This geographical position has spawned a thriving boat-building industry with which PaddleYak Sea Kayak Productions CC [founded 1997] is proud to be associated. It has supplied craft worldwide to discerning customers for over ten years. PaddleYak is the developer of the hybrid sit-in/sit-on sea kayak. Before it there were only sit-in sea kayaks and sit-on-top kayaks. Here are 10 reasons to buy a PaddleYak Sea Kayak:
1. PaddleYak craft are unique and sought-after worldwide.
2. PaddleYak craft are designed with safety, comfort and performance in mind.
3. PaddleYak craft are hand-laminated in fibreglass and carbon composites.
4. PaddleYak has 10 original designs to choose from; from sit-on-tops, to sit-ins to sit-on/sit-in hybrids.
5. PaddleYak can be ordered directly on the internet, wherever you are in the world.
6. PaddleYak won a SABS Disa Award for its PaddleYak Swift Hybrid Design.
7. PaddleYak won an Itown Innovation Award for its hybrid kayak design.
8. PaddleYak owners are winners too!
9. PaddleYak sponsors eco-friendly kayak expeditions and is a patron of TASKS, The African Sea Kayak Society, dedicated to a friendlier world.
10. PaddleYak gives good, old-fashioned, client-centred service. If you need any advice, or just want a chat, give us a call. It may change your life. All at a very competitive price, considering that the World Monetary Fund is using the South African Rand [ZAR] to buoy up its currencies.
Wherever you are in the world, phone us at +27217905611, or email us at info@seakayak.co.za and discuss your needs.
Johan & Teresa Loots
PaddleYak
Cape Town
+27217905611
0825562520
www.paddleyak.net
www.seakayak.co.za
www.tasks.co.za
Upgrade from your plastic kayak. - 6 May 2008
You have tested whether paddling sports is for you. Being cautious to invest too much in a sport you were uncertain about, you bought a budget plastic craft. It was great; it served its purpose; it got you hooked, but every now and then you spot the real thing; streamlined craft which seem to belong in a class of their own. You’ve seen them being paddled past you, like graceful pharaohs of the sea with paddlers bent on new horizons. You dream of sharing their adventures, the thrill of having a thoroughbred, hand-laminated craft to paddle on the oceans of the world. Finally, you decide that having a budget plastic on your beautiful SUV spoils the image and you take the plunge and decide to get the real thing, the professional’s choice: a hand-laminated, composite, fibre-reinforced craft. Made of fibreglass, or carbon, polyester, vinylester or epoxy resins, all protected by a hard-as-rock exterior gel, these craft give a smooth-as-silk touch and are as light and strong as the world’s latest material technologies can make them. Like the award-winning, state-of-the-art PaddleYak Swift Sit-in/Sit-on hybrid sea kayak. A leader in its class. It’s the obvious choice when you have outgrown your plastic and are ready to upgrade and experience the finer art of kayaking. Test ride the PaddleYak Swift Hybrid today; today for tomorrow. Why wait when the world is not waiting for you? Email info@seakayak.co.za for more information. Wherever you are in the world, PaddleYak will do it for you. Humans originated in Africa. So did the modern brand of hand-laminated, hybrid sea kayaks, built by the ancient hands of Africa.
In what can only be described as a revolutionary new development in international tourism, New York has set a challenge to cities of the world by establishing an eco-friendly canoe and kayak route right inside its metropolitan area. The route comprises no less than 28 launching ramps for recreational paddlers set throughout the city’s waterways. Now it is possible to experience the delights of the city from a kayak. You can launch at any of the dedicated ramps, paddle to your chosen destination, be it Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, or Wall Steet, land at the demarcated area nearest to the site, visit it, enjoy a coffee and bagel and return to your kayak to continue your paddling journey though the city. You can even enjoy the famous skyline and other pleasures of the city from the comfort of a kayak. No more crowds, traffic, taxis, tubes, or parking problems. Simply arrive in New York, launch your kayak and take off to explore this most famous of cities. No doubt city managers, chambers of commerce and tourism bureaus worldwide are meeting to discuss the repercussions for their tourism strategies of this world first in tourism. The message is clear; travellers and tourists the world over want to experience the real thing hands on and are no longer satisfied with merely sitting in carbon-producing vehicles when they visit foreign places. The eco-tourism industry has obtained its first and most important precedent in this landmark move by the City of New York. The city fathers and daughters, as well as the kayaking enthusiast who no doubt worked hard to impress the decision-makers, deserve all the accolades they can get for this remarkable development. Cities which should follow suit could include Cape Town [after cleaning up the Salt and Liesbeeck Rivers which flow through the city], Sydney, Moscow, St Petersburg, London, Venice, Auckland, Cairo, Beijing, Budapest, Paris and many, many others. Public access to waterways in cities is likely to raise awareness of problems such as pollution and effluent and lead to major transformation. The focus on kayaking comes as no surprise to dedicated paddlers who in growing numbers are quietly rediscovering the world on kayaks. Suppliers worldwide are sure to experience major repercussions. For more information visit: www.nycgovparks.org/sub-things-to-do/facilities/kayak . Also see the new NY Water Trail Map Project at http://canoekayak.com/kayak/newyorkcitywatertrail/. For sea kayaking excursions in Cape Town and Southern Africa see Real Cape Adventures at www.seakayak.co.za . Comments about city kayak routes are welcome at www.tasks.co.za . In 2007 Cape Town became the first major city to establish a genuine wilderness walking trail right through its metropolitan area which is spread around Table Mountain. The trail offers overnight huts, luggage transfers and some of the most beautiful vistas, including views of both the Indian and Atlantic Ocean, the world has to offer, all within minutes of regular city life. Now it is possible to do the walking trail as well as kayak the many bays scattered around the Cape Peninsula. Contact Real Cape Adventures CC at www.seakayak.co.za or phone +27217905611.
Great Kayaks at the Best Prices now! - 11 March 2008
With the ZAR declining rapidly against the British Pound, Euro and US Dollar, South African craft will be in greater demand than ever before. South Africans should avail themselves of the opportuntiy presently to purchase local craft before the exchange rate influences the cost of materials. Foreigners should study the prices of South African craft right now. Do the exchange rate conversion and your jaw will drop open. All the folk in Miami who saw the South African craft on display should avail themselves of the current state of the exchange rate to acquire these sought-after craft, like the multi-award winning PaddleYak Swift Hybrid In-On Sea Kayak and the trendsetting PaddleYak Kingfisher Fishingkayak as well as many others. For local purchases, deliveries countrywide, as well as exports and worldwide deliveries, enquire now at info@seakayak.co.za .
Easter Kayaking 2008 - 11 March 2008
Paddlers are looking forward to Easter in two weeks’ time as it heralds in the autumn weather, the best time for sea kayaking along the southern African coastline. The trade wind backs off and the oceans calm down, permitting paddling in areas usually ravaged by high winds and pounding seas. Now is the chance to brush off those boats and head for your favourite destinations. Take care of the sudden mists which roll in along the west coast and large swells which follow the flat spells. Invest in that new craft too, before the onset of winter, to make sure you are ready for next summer! Remember to check your boat, report your departure and keep a wary eye out on the weather. It can change in seconds. Sit-in paddlers must ensure they can empty their craft and remount their craft after a capsize. It’s generally better to restrict your paddling to protected waters such as open rivers and lakes with such craft. The new generation of touring and expedition sit-on and hybrid in-on craft are better choices for active coastlines. Ask those who know. It’s better to be informed now than sorry later. Also join The African Sea Kayak Society. It costs nothing, but your joining helps to give paddlers clout. Just visit www.tasks.co.za .
World's Greatest Cycle Race - 11 March 2008
The Cape Argus Cycle Race, approaching its 30th running, produced over 31000 winners last weekend when each one successfully completed the 110km race round the Cape Peninsula, unquestionably the world’s most spectacular cycle racing course, including breathtaking views of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans as well as of Table Mountain. The event raised its stature last year when its winner, Robbie Hunter, ended up as a front runner in the Tour de France and winning a stage, proving for once and for all the calibre of the Cape Argus event. The race serves to bond the people of Cape Town in a spirit of community, an ever-increasing need in this cosmopolitan city. Best of all is that all funds raised go to charity. Cheers to all concerned! Make a plan to be there in 2009!
PaddleYak in London for two days - 20 February 2008
To arrange a meeting with a PaddleYak agent in London this week, please email edwinstephen@mweb.co.za. It may be the best thing you do this year. Get a piece of the action. Invest in your health and pleasure. Invest in a genuine PaddleYak Sea Kayak. Winner of two national awards in 2007.
PaddleYak in Ireland this week only. - 20 February 2008
Following a succesful Miami Boat Show a PaddleYak agent will be in Ireland this week to promote PaddleYak's leading craft. This visit coincides with the dispaly of the award-winning PaddleYak Swift Hybrid at the International Conference Centre in Cape Town, South Africa. To arrange a meeting in Ireland please contact Edwin at edwinstephen@mweb.co.za and make an appointment to meet him on Irish soil to discuss the PaddleYak range of sea kayaks and products. A model of the leading PY Kingfisher Fishingkayak will be on hand to tempt you to discard those motorised boats and do your thing for the environment by starting to fish from a world-leading fishingkayak.
PaddleYak at Design Indaba, Cape Town 2008. - 13 February 2008
PaddleYak will be exhibitng at the Design Indaba at the Cape Town International Conference Centre next weekend the 21 Feb 2008 as a winner of the SABS Disa Design Award. To make an appointment email johan@mweb.co.za or ph 0825562520 or go to at www.paddleyak.net to order your award-winning craft online. We ship worldwide and our hybrid in-on is now availabale in most countries round the world. South African are fortunate to have this craft brand on their doorstep at reasonable prices. Support innovation. Support local. Support a sport which does not leave a carbon footprint. Choose a PaddleYak and begin the rest of your life today!
PaddleYak at Miami Boat Show 2008 - 13 February 2008
PaddleYak SA is exhibting at the Miami Boat Only Show in the US this week. Meet Edwin our representative on the South African Pavillion and place your orders now. PaddleYak has won two national design awards and its hybrid sit-in/sit-on "INon" [TM] innovation employed on its PY Swift and Fusion range has taken the kayaking world by surprise, the craft already being paddled in over 30 different countries wordlwide. Agents, distributors, importers as well as the public are welcome to meet us in Miami and talk paddling. PaddleYak that is! PaddleYak will also be exhibiting at the Cape Town International Conference Centre at the Design Indaba as a winner of a SABS Disa Design Award in 2007 at the end of Febrary. To make an appointment, please email info@seakayak.co.za. See www.paddleyak.net for more details of our craft.
Visit Claudio Corallo's Chocolate Estate in Sao To - 2 February 2008
You can now visit Sao Tome and Principe with Real Cape Adventures CC. One of the world's prime sea kayaking destinations, the islands offer undisturbed coastlines and some of the world's most unspoilt rain forests. After paddling this remote island country right on the Equator you can visit the Corallo familiy's chocolate estates and see where the real thing comes from! Discover this and much more before the world catches up with this tropical hideaway. Email info@seakayak.co.za for more information, or phone 0217905611.
Paddle Plett Now! - 2 February 2008
Plettenberg Bay on the Cape Garden Route has experienced a metamorphosis with the opening of its lagoon after a storm in late Nov 2007. The place is now more beautiful than ever. Come and enjoy a full day kayak tour on the lagoon, or a half day tour on the sea. February to April are the best months in this place, regarded by many as the world's most beatiful; it was not called Baja Formosa by the old Portuguese sailors for nothing! Ph 0825562520 to arrange your getaway trip right now!
Claudio Corallo Chocolate now in South Africa! - 2 February 2008
On their recent vist to Sao Tome Johan ad Teresa Loots were fortunate enought to meet with the Corallo family, who counts some kayakers of note in their fold, and obtain a sole distributor contract for the Southern Africa region. SKP cc will supply this prestigious chocolate, harvested and produced exclusively in Sao Tome and Principe, to select South African chocolatiers. Nest time you paddle in a special place, toast it with the real thing; the best chocolate in the world: Claudio Corallo's Chocolate, born and bred in Africa! For agent enquires, ph 0217905611 or email johan@mweb.co.za . Also see Time Magazine, 8 January 2008 or look at www.claudiocorallo.com
Summer Sea Kayaking Warning - 17 December 2007
With the silly season upon us, it's easy to throw caution to the wind, grab your kayak and head out to sea without a thought about safety. Remember: Stay near shore in offshore winds and ensure you are wearing a reputable PFD which will work when your life depends on it. If at sea in a sit-inside for some reason, or a narrow racing surfski, take special care to ensure you can remount your craft in deep, rough water. Stay clear of all motorised craft; chances are they are not looking at you. Ensure you have a flare handy, as well as a waterproofed mobile phone. Double check your craft, tighten your hatches and check the craft for cracked seams and other hidden leaks. When a craft springs a leak out there and starts sinking it can be an anxious time. Avoid becoming a summer statistic. Use your head. Take extra care with sea kayaks. Parents and novices to follow all pre-cautions to the letter; monitor launching and landing times. Vigilance is all important. Kayaking is supposed to be life-promoting, not life-threatening.
Kayak Adventures to Sao Tome & Principe - 17 December 2007
Discover the unique destination of Sao Tome & Principe by kayak! This is Africa’s smallest country and consists of two exotic islands, making it ideal as a kayak destination. A third of the country’s coast has been declared a nature reserve and the rest is sparsely populated, ringed with palm and equatorial rain forests. Now you can fly to Libreville in Gabon and transfer to the islands of Sao Tome and Principe for a very special kayak experience. You can extend your tour to include the wildlife reserves of Gabon where elephants, hippo’s and lowland gorillas roam the beaches and estuaries! Make use of this special opportunity to see one of the world’s last unspoilt tropical destinations, right on the Equator. Email Johan, or Teresa at Real Cape Adventures at info@seakayak.co.za or phone +27217905611 for taylormade sea kayaking tours to the world's most pristine kayaking areas
Paddle round Madagascar? - 17 December 2007
One of the world's last great challenges is a paddle round the full length of Madagascar, a distance of around 5000 kms. It has been attempted, but a combination of cyclones, an inhospitable and rough coastline, a poor infastructure, a diverse culture, malaria and other tropical diseases have ensured it remains unconquered. Perhaps this is just as well, as some adventures should remain out there for none but the most experienced and best prepared. Anything less than the best will not do on such an extreme challenge. PaddleYak's new Expedition PY Fusion Hybrid Sea Kayak has been specially designed for adventures of this nature. For more information about the award-winning hybrid design from PaddleYak, email info@seakayak.co.za or phone +27217905611 today. Designed and built in Africa for the world.
Best Chocolate in the World! - 20 November 2007
The best chocolate in the world coems from Central Africa, where vintage cacoa beans are cultivated in the rain forests, roasted and carefully turned into the world's best. Real chocolate is not to be confused with milk chocolate and other variations which may rather be referred to as "confectionary". Should you be a merchant and wish to retail the world's best chocoalate [70% to 100% proof], phone 0217905611 or email johan@mweb.co.za for more details.
Sit-in or Sit-on? - 14 November 2007
New buyers of kayaks are frequently confronted with this question and it is of some concern to see newcomers putting out to sea for the first time in sit-ins. Here are some basic guidelines: Buy a sit-in if you are only going to be paddling on rivers, or small dams and lakes. If you fall out you can swim ashore easily. Buy sit-ons if you are going to paddle at sea. The trouble with paddling a sit-in on the sea is that you are likely to capsize when you least expect it and that you will then not able to get back into your craft, meaning you will have to swim back to shore. Sit-ins are popular in the northern hemisphere where paddlers spend years and years in heated pools perfecting the art of rolling and re-entering a capsized craft and even so there are regular fatalities with these inherently dangerous craft. Sit-ons and the latest hybrid sit-in/sit-on craft are simple to slither back on top off after a capsize. Sit-ins often look more comfortable on shop floors and novices often select them for that reason, not thinking of the difficulties of launching, landing. re-entering and recovering sit-in craft. To put it simply: Buy a sit-on or hybrid sea kayak if you wish to be paddle at sea with it. Do not wait to capsize and fail to recover before thinking about your purchase. Think about it carefully, whatever the shopkeeper says.
Plastic or Fibreglass Kayaks? - 14 November 2007
A lot of poor information confronts kayak buyers, especially those wishing to purchase a craft for the first time, so buyers need to inform themselves about the merits, or otherwise, of different materials used for the construction of kayaks. Regarding plastic kayaks: It is a good, robust material for mass-produced, play-craft, white-water craft and for craft for children and resorts. It is also cheap because it is the cheapest material available for molding of products. On the other hand, plastic is plastic [not "Tupperware", which is a brand name for domestic products]. Plastic products are roto-molded in ovens with plastic powder; such products do not have any intrinsic reinforcement, nor exterior protection so scratches and furs with use. Plastic is heavy, which becomes particularly apparent with larger craft. It reacts to the UV rays of the sun and buckles and bends in warm temperatures. Fibreglass on the other hand, is a versatile material developed for high-performing craft such as top-of-the-range Sea Kayaks, Surfskis and K1 Olympic Class Racing Kayaks. Fibreglass craft offer the latest designs, exterior gel coat protection, reinforced intrinsic structure, repairability and longevity. Using more exotic materials such as epoxy resins and vacuumed carbon and aramid materials such craft can also be built substantially lighter than equivalent plastic craft, without losing strength. A state-of-the-art sea kayak built in composite materials is the most sought-after type of craft worldwide, coming at a price. However, South Africans are fortunate to be able to buy hand-laminated, fibreglass kayaks at affordable prices; elsewhere in the world such craft would carry price tags three times higher. Plastic craft are available cheaply here and overseas due to the cheap nature of the material and the simple constuction processes used. Some imported plastic kayaks are sold in South Africa at exorbitant prices, creating the false impression that plastic is dearer than hand-laminated fibreglass craft, which is simply fallacious. Some of the costs of plastics have to do with transport costs, import duty and mark-ups and nothing to do with quality. Next time you have the choice, think twice.
Holiday House to let in Hout Bay - 14 November 2007
A large colonial-styled Beach House in the Hout Bay Valley, Cape Town's most beautiful village, is available to rent December 2007 to April 2008, or parts thereof, or to swop for equivalent properties elsewhere in the world. The house sleep 2 to 10 persons and has ample off-road parking, security and is withing walking distance to a Spar Farmstall. Contact info@seakayak.co.za or phone 0217905611 for more details.
Paddle round Africa anyone? - 12 November 2007
Simon Blackburn plans to paddle 32 000km from Cape Town to London and back on a surfski, assisted by a boat [Weekend Argus, 20 Oct 2007].To put it into perspective, only a handful of paddlers have ever managed to paddle the entire South African coast, never mind the full length of Africa. In 1975 Springbok surf live-saving legends Paul Chalupsky and Tony Scott paddled from Cape Town to Durban on a double surfski, covering the distance of 1600 kms in 29 days, being assisted by a shore-based team. This performance was eclipsed by Brian van Zyl and Andrew Aubin when they paddled from Oranjemund to Kosi Bay, a distance of 3652 kms, in 67 days. They paddled a double surfski and were land-assisted.
In the annals of sea kayaking, being self-sufficient on a sea kayaking expedition brings different demands to the challenge. Sea kayakers have to use expedition level kayaks which can carry all their gear and provisions, including water, which alone can triple the weight of the craft. The Blue Ribbon Challenge in Sweden requires that participants be entirely independent of outside support to qualify for the coveted Ribbon at the end of a successful paddle of the 2200 km route. Having to launch and land a few times a day on unknown shores brings an entirely different challenge to the paddler. In Africa, such a paddle would be well nigh impossible, considering its active and rugged coastline, its tempestuous weather and its inhospitable shores, but Blackburn’s particular challenge will impose its own rigours.
With the right support and preparation a challenge of this nature may just be pulled off, making it probably the greatest physical endurance exploit of all time, even eclipsing the mind-dulling epic of a religious zealot who rolled across the full length of India!
Used sea kayaks available - 12 November 2007
PaddleYak SA has a number of used and demo craft available for sale currently. Ranging in condition from virtually brand new to seriously used and in need of tlc, you now have an opportunity to acquire a second, used sea kayak without seriously denting your savings for a new one! Contact PaddleYak at 0217905611 or at info@seakayak.co.za .
Klepper fold-up wanted - 12 November 2007
Any old Klepper fold-up lying in grandpa's attic? A customer at PaddleYak SA is looking for a double, in any condition. Please contact PaddleYak at 0217905611 or info@seakayak.co.za if you have an unwanted, fold-up boat to sell. Look out too for PaddleYak's new expedition-level, sectional, fold-up boat planned for 2008. As more and more travellers and paddling enthusiasts discover the delight of paddling foreign shores, the need for suitable kayaks in faraway places are increasing. PaddleYak is hoping to address this demand with their latest innovation. Watch this space. Soon paddlers will be able to truly say: " Have boat, will travel".
Kayak Centre for Fish Hoek - 9 November 2007
Dawid Mocke of surfski fame has opened a dedicated kayak store on Main Road, Fish Hoek. The store opened just before the Christmas rush and is well-positioned to service passing trade. Son of Godfrey, surf-livesaving legend, Dawid has estabslished himself as one of the world's top exponents of surfski racing and many would-be participants will benefit from visiting him at his new store, a welcome addition to the burgeoning surfski and sea kayak scene in Cape Town.
