A slice of KAYAK

From Youthblog on Monday, January 19, 2009 @ 2:17 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.

Blogging about one's weekend feels like a very self indulgent 'show-n-tell' but in the hope that it may at least paint a humorous yarn, I'm going to do it anyway!

A few days ago I mentioned that I had found an ex-demo Kayak that was, according to the web page typo, Perfect for "cursing the Thames!" The boat on offer, A Robson Maui, was such a good piece of kit that I reckoned I'd be cursing if I missed the opportunity, but Cruising if i got it. On checking further it turned out that they had more than one so, in a Chris Terrant esque fashion, I phoned a friend. So Saturday morning's try out was now going to be two of us, looking at two boats. The only problem with this is my normal 'heath Robinson' Kayak carrier can only cope with one boat. If the trip was successful I would need to roof mount two! This had me scurrying into the Workshop on Friday night and fettling maddly to create the wherewithall to transport both kayaks.

The resulting adaption to the roof rack, which I named the "KAYrAK" was put together in forty five minutes and in theory was perfect for the task.

So Saturday morning saw us at the Whitewater Canoe and Kayak shop (fab place) and then taking to the water for a test drive! The boats were superb and we had a fine time out on the wet stuff enjoying the morning light and crisp air.

We BOTH purchased a boat and were ready to test out the (patent!!!!) KAYrAK. At this point the proprietor took us aside, individually and pointed out that they did sell "proper" carriers for Kayaks. Having blown all the lucre on the boats though, the KAYrAK was the way up, the way forward ..... but hopefully not, when driving, the rapid way down!

Pleased to say that it all worked beautifully and both Robsons remained in-situ all fifty miles home.

Oh and in case you were thinking, "It was too cold to be paddling first thing Saturday morning?" You are probably right, but the proverbial truth is ......

"You can't have your Kayak and heat it"