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| 5 / 9 / 2006: Sea kayak training program |
7th-10th of October 2006
Sea Kayak training program in Kefalonia
The above mentioned days, in collaboration with the Sea Kayak Club of Greece we organize a sea kayak training program. The program will essentially cover the 3 Star Test Syllabus of the British Canoe Union (BCU).
Responsible for the training will be Pavlos Georgilas, BCU Level 2 Instructor.
More analytically:
1st day Avithos area (in our base)
morning session
- Lifting, carrying and launching the kayak
- Forward paddling
- Stopping
- Rotate 360 degrees on the spot
- Reverse paddling
- Return to bank and disembark
afternoon session
- Capsize, swim ashore and empty
- Moving sideways
- Ruddering
- Preventing a capsize
- Turning
- Securing
2nd day Argostoli lighthouse to Minies trip
A beautiful trip along a coastline full of caves, arches and rock gardens!
During this trip we are going to practice on the above mentioned techniques and in addition:
- Deep water rescue
- Sculling draw
- Sculling support
- Eskimo rescue
- Edging
3rd and 4th days Agia Kiriaki to Atheras (west coast of the island). Overnight with camping and bbq
Paddling in remote areas of superb beauty! High, white limestone cliffs, caves and white sandy beaches will be our kayaking terrain!
These days we will practice all the techniques introduced the first days and in addition:
- Towing and use of tow line
- Eskimo roll
Please call at +30 6932 904 360 (Pavlos Georgilas) for booking a place or at +30 6947 702 668 or +30 210 9969655 (Stavros Georgarakis) for becoming a member of the Sea Kayak Club of Greece.
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| 19 / 12 / 2006: Information for kayakers |
STABILITY :
Stability, because few paddlers want to end up capsized, is very important when choosing a kayak. But stability is a complex issue—not only does it keep you upright, it's connected to virtually every performance element. Stability is really an issue of volume, which creates buoyancy, and where that buoyancy lies in the hull.
Not every kayak that feels stable is stable. And not every kayak that feels tippy will leave you overturned. Stability is divided into two types: initial and secondary. Initial stability is what you feel when you first sit in a kayak on flat water. A kayak with a good initial platform feels solid. But you can't always rest easy in a kayak with high initial stability—that very same kayak, when introduced to surf or chop, can become a different craft. When that boat leans over, you'll find the stability is not where you need it, thus limiting you to calm water conditions.
Kayaks gain stability through hull shape—primarily through beam (width) and flare. Flare describes the angle of the hull outward from the bottom of the kayak to the deck. Pronounced flare increases secondary stability. This secondary stability is vital when you're faced with rough water or when you lean in to a turn. Lean turns are an efficient way to maneuver your kayak. If your kayak is long, it will likely track well, but it will lose maneuverability. By lean turning a kayak, you reduce the waterline length presented to the water and turn quicker. This is why secondary stability is so important—it helps you stay upright while you orient in a way that makes the kayak move the way you need it.
BALANCE / CHIMES :
Chine is another element of hull shape that assists with turning. Chine is best pictured by a kayak's cross-section—it describes any transition from one surface to another from hull to deck. Chine can be hard or soft, single or multi. Some are soft-chined kayak—it rounds gently from the hull to the deck. A double hard chine, has two angles in the hull itself. Some kayaks an example of the diamond hull which features three chines—two further up on each side, and one along an inverted u-shaped channel that runs along the length of the initial platform. Also kayaks features a full hard chine which appears rounded but is designed around stability.
Many kayak companies offers many different hull shapes to fit your needs—how do you know which is best for you? Know your water and where you want to go. Know your paddling skills and where you want to take them. And finally, test paddle. Preferably in the kind of water you'll really face, with the gear you'll really take.
MANEUVERING / ROCKER :
Next to staying in the kayak and out of the water, paddlers like to go places. Rocker is part of what makes a kayak go where you want. If viewed from the side the kayak lies flat, it has little rocker. If the kayak is shaped more like a "u," it has a lot. If you plan to paddle in tight coastal areas or rivers, or you simply prefer to turn and carve quickly, more rocker makes it easier. Generally speaking, if covering distance is important to you, choose a kayak with less rocker; it will paddle more efficiently in a straight line. This rule applies in flat or moderate conditions—in rough or confused seas, extra rocker will aid your ability to paddle straight because it keeps you on top of waves (which makes it easier to stay on course). Extra rocker allows you to respond to, rather than fight, tough conditions. Like stability, rocker is not an either/or choice—it's a matter of balance that works with other aspects of a kayak's hull shape. We at Necky pride ourselves on achieving this balance across our line.
BUOYANCY / BOW :
One thing many touring kayaks have in common is the "Dolphin" bow, which features smoothly flowing rake, generous flare, and buoyancy. Translated: as the bow passes through waves, forward motion creates upward thrust that keeps your deck above water. This keeps you dry, on course, and up to speed. Because of this unique bow, (combined with appropriate rocker) Kayaks are a pleasure to paddle in rough conditions or the surf zone. Kayaks stern is also unique—buoyancy is also important behind you. Clearly, you need enough so your stern stays afloat. But too much buoyancy aft will shove your bow underwater and create a wet, rough ride.
"How fast will this kayak go?" It's a common question, especially among paddlers who want to travel as efficiently as possible. Speed isn't as simple as you might think—in theory, long kayaks track better in a straight line and should propel you most efficiently. In reality, efficiency comes down to wetted surface and how much a paddler can handle. A long kayak has more wetted surface than a short one, which means a long hull has to tackle more water than a short one. A long kayak in motion tends to stay in motion, but first one has to get it there. If a paddler is strong enough to handle the wetted surface of a long kayak, he or she will reap the efficiency benefits once the boat is up to speed. Weaker paddlers may find a kayak with less wetted surface is quicker for them.
SPEED / LENGTH:
"How fast will this kayak go?" It's a common question, especially among paddlers who want to travel as efficiently as possible. Speed isn't as simple as you might think—in theory, long kayaks track better in a straight line and should propel you most efficiently. In reality, efficiency comes down to wetted surface and how much a paddler can handle. A long kayak has more wetted surface than a short one, which means a long hull has to tackle more water than a short one. A long kayak in motion tends to stay in motion, but first one has to get it there. If a paddler is strong enough to handle the wetted surface of a long kayak, he or she will reap the efficiency benefits once the boat is up to speed. Weaker paddlers may find a kayak with less wetted surface is quicker for them.
MATTERIALS :
Polyetlylene.
Superlinear polyethylene is an excellent material to build kayaks with for one fundamental reason: bomb-proof durability. Polymer sea kayaks are second to none in design, performance and strength.
This starts with material choices. As a pioneer in the art of rotomolding sea kayaks, more brands have vast experience in drawing on the inherent qualities of polyethylene. Careful application of technology creates drier, stronger boats that perform year after year under the most grueling conditions. And we don't rest until we create the best performance platform for each model's intended use, resulting in beautifully efficient kayaks of startling durability at a highly affordable price.
Advenced Composite.
In Advanced Composite (ac) fiberglass and (ac) carbon kayaks, materials are layered with a core added between layers in specific areas to increase the overall stiffness. The result is a lighter yet stronger kayak that can endure more impact.
Working with experts in both the aerospace and yacht industries using aircraft-grade materials, all brands have produced laminates that yield kayaks significantly stronger, stiffer and lighter than anything else on the market, far exceeding what's typical in the kayak industry.
We have chosen a plain weave E glass cloth for our glass kayaks and a combination of high modulus graphite for our carbon kayaks. The graphite and glass laminates are stronger and lighter than typical aramid models and hold up much better without getting that spongy feel.
In addition, the seam of our kayaks is tongue and groove — both structural layers of the hull and deck overlap. It is then bonded, creating the strongest seam you'll find on the market.
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| 23 / 01 / 2007: Prijon kayak use |
MULTI DAY TOURING
Gear Storage is your first concern. Hatches that have large openings and good seals are key. Most important are the handling characteristics of a touring kayak when loaded down with gear.
recommended
Barracuda
Kodiak
Seayak
Touryak
Yukon Expedition
Catalina
Excursion
DAY TOURING
Lots of possibilities exist. Before or after work quick cruises, a long day on the lake with a picnic lunch or a paddle out of the bay and into the ocean swells. Look for kayaks that are easy to car top or of a length that is easy for you to manage. Gear storage is not critical but is always useful if you choose to multi-day paddle.
recommended
Touryak
Calabria
Capri Tour
Capri II
Yukon Expedition
LAKE TOURING
Touring kayaks capable of open water handling, good tracking and gear storage are great for this type of paddling. For bird watchers and kayak fisherman, a stable platform is a nice touch.
recommended
Touryak
Kodiak
Seayak
Catalina
Calabria
Capri Tour
Capri II
SEA TOURING
Open water handling and a combination of good tracking while maintaining efficient cruising speeds are prerequisites. Efficiency is achieved by longer length, a more narrow beam and a generally sleek design.
recommended
Kodiak
Seayak
Barracuda
Catalina
Touryak
Excursion
RIVER TOURING
Versatility is the key. The Yukon Expedition is a do-it-all kayak that is very well suited for river touring where quick maneuvers are a possibility. If your river touring is on wide lazy rivers clear of obstacles
recommended
Yukon Expedition
Touryak
Capri Tour
Calabria
Kodiak
Seayak
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| 25 - 09 - 2007: Sea kayak courses |
Comitted to the spreading of the magnificent and environment friendly sport of sea kayaking, we organize training courses based on the British Canoe Union (BCU) content and syllabus.
The courses will be organized both in Kefalonia and Athens.
Training Courses Dates and Details
Dates Level Location Price (Euros)
25-27 October 2007 Beginner (3 Star content) Kefalonia 160 *
28 October - 1 November 2007 Up to 3 Star Assessment ** Kefalonia
to be defined Beginner Athens
* The price includes 3 nights accommodation in twin share appartments, 2 sessions per day (morning and afternoon) and a light lunch every day
** From 27th of October to 2nd of November 2007, in collaboration with the Sea Kayak Club of Greece, we will host Kevin Mansell a highly experienced BCU instructor and owner of the kayaking site www.seapaddler.co.uk. During this period, nice paddling trips as well as assessments for up to the BCU 3 Star Test will be organized. |
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| 15 / 10 / 07: Hobie Island Presentation |
" 29 Athens Boat Show "
Please check the following video from Youttube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnDPTszl5E8 |
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