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Recently picked up a second hand Nortik Trekraft then a paddle and float from Decathlon.
Had my first go on it in the Pentlands reservoirs last night - works really well for something that can fit in a (quite big) backpack.
Surprisingly easy to inflate with the bag., and I was able to keep up a pretty fast walking pace across flat water. Though does get a bit tiring on the shoulders.
Here's a pic of my girlfriend giving it a go:
Got a few ideas for taking it down some rivers (thinking maybe Peniucik to Musselburgh and Pitlochry to Dunkeld). Seems ideal you can get public transport to/from the start/finish, though currently it just lives in the back of the car.
Am off to meet my mum and dad for a bike ride round Loch Leven today so will try paddling out to one of the islands.
After that I'll need to look at putting it on the bike, then the bike on it.
Then maybe crossing some of the lochs/inlets up on the west coast.
Anyone else got one? Any tips for a beginner (never done any canoeing before). I guess going for some lessons before I go down rivers or in the sea might be a good idea!
Yes done loads, have packrafted in adventure races for nigh on 10 years and used it lots to bridge gaps in adventures on bike. Was involved in the genesis of this
Live in Colinton as well so up for some adventures. Saying that I need a new raft as mine has been killed by one too many exciting drops !
Edit: before you go anywhere near moving water can I suggest getting some kayak training so you know the dangers. I’m a WW paddler and I’ve seen too many people killed in strainers and obstacles. Usual rules are you need to be confident that you know where obstructions are and can portage round or be roped through. Rafts are good as you can carry them easily !
I can recommend Beyond Adventure in Aberfeldy for paid training. Well worth doing, you can book private instruction if wanted or join a course.
I’m currently hovering over the buy button on a Packraft. Although in looking at something to paddle flat water, longer distances, load carrying, with only very easy grade moving water. I’m just over in Fife, so assuming I hit this button would also be interested in a paddle. Although I’m quite time constrained.
Had a wee go in Linlithgow Loch yesterday.
Trying to see how far I can go in it.
Did a mile ok, could go longer. Arms do get tired though!
Saw some ducklings and cormorants.
Good shout about Aberfeldy. A few pals are wanting to get into kayaking so will maybe organise a wee trip.
Also found out a friend is a certified canoe instructor, so they're going to teach me a few things
Join Edinburgh Kayak club, they meet every Wednesday at Musselburgh lagoons in the summer or Gracemount pool over the winter. Great folk and there are a few packrafters among them
Re the Esk. Although not a particularly difficult river it definitely has more than its fair share of hazards for its grade. Lots of broken weirs that are pretty nasty and fallen trees are always a problem. That said Roslyn gorge is one of the nicest places to paddle through in Scotland! The SCA has a couple of guidebooks for touring and WW that are well worth a read or look at https://www.ukriversguidebook.co.uk/
I've had an Alpacka Explorer 42 for a while now. It got its first outing of the year yesterday with a quick paddle on the Tyne before taking it to the Lakes for some bikerafting at Jennride in a couple of weeks.
I've not used it as much as I would like, but done an overnighter with the bike, a winter trip up two munros with a paddle in between, and various short trips - I'm still testing the water (and how to stay out of it) but it's been fun to try something completely different.
Would come in handy if I needed to go anywhere in Edinburgh today!
Saw cars in water almost up to their roofs