Vlieland training week

Last week I was on Vlieland isle for a sea kayak training camp with www.zeekajak.nl. As planned I took the Shadow with both Greenland paddles.

Shadow with both Greenland paddles on deck

The Shadow convinced me this week that it is a good sea kayak. It was comfortable in all kind of waves, and very controllable, also in a surf. The day hatch kept dry but the cockpit rim did leak a drop or so. Another member owned a Silhouette (the smallest version in the Silhouette - Legend - Shadow range). She told me she had completely removed the cockpit rim because it was only fixed on three spots with polyester, the remaining rim was filled with kit... Could be the same as with my Shadow. May be I should do such a drastic repair too.

Rest at high water on the Wadden Sea

I received many comments on my pair of Greenland paddles, mostly positive. For me they did a good job during the week, never missed a Euro paddle. They proved to be large enough for making strong low and high braces in the surf, a situation I couldn't test on my home waters. The only remark is that it is more difficult to paddle in very shallow water as you have to paddle at a very low angle to prevent the blades touching the bottom.

In front of the coast of Terschelling isle

It was a nice week with varying activities. We made a few longer trips, played in tidal races and surfs and did a lot of exercises like rescueing, reentry and roll and all kind of techniques.

Wide views