Borthwen to Porth-y-Garan - 19th June 2010

First day of the NWSK summer meet based at Outdoor Alternative on Anglesey.

Leaving Borthwen

Paddled out from Borthwen and rock hopped our way around to Porth-y-Garan for lunch. Returned via the islands/reefs of Rhoscolyn Beacon back to the beach. Some tidal action around the Beacon on the flooding tide. Sunny with N F3 wind giving slight seas and a bit more concentrated around the headlands. Paddled the Epic.

Lunch at Porth-y-Garan

Once back on the beach I tried out a couple of demo boats that were kindly arranged for us through Danny at Desperate Measures. The Rockpool GT seemed a nice tourer, still fairly manoeuvrable with leaning. Not so sure about the seat/thigh grip arrangement, but most likely would need to spend more time setting up seat/footrest position (both movable).

Next I had a go in the Rockpool Taran prototype. Very interested in this boat because it is the closest to my Epic. Definitely turns easier - 3 reasons why - more positive rudder, flat mid-section on the hull and more rocker. Didn't feel quite as fast as the Epic in flat conditions. Seat and thigh grips definitely more positive and would give a lot more confidence when conditions get rougher. Seat and cockpit do not lend themselves to K1 style paddling so well either. So all in all, pretty much what would be expected. Would have liked to try it out on Sunday (see next post). The smarttrack rudder and footrest pedals are far more responsive than the arrangement in the Epic. I talked to Pete from Valley about retro-fitting one to the Epic and it seems feasible - I believe this is what Freya did on her Australia circumnavigation Epic.

Finally had a go in the North Shore Atlantic LV (formerly the Shoreline). Nice little boat - positive and comfortable seat/thigh arrangement. Would definitely consider as a day boat if I needed one.

Skerries