Back in the water, at last

It feels like ages since I've been in the water, but I managed to get in a boat today, and enjoy some great waves at Saunton. The weather, if you haven't noticed recently, has been Baltic, with temperature well below freezing alot of the time. As we drove over the estuary on the way to the beach we were amazed to see ice in the water, and on the mud and sand banks. What an earth was I thinking of, going surfing??!!





The water felt really cold, but with hardly a breath of wind out of the water it wasn't too bad. I chose to try out one of the new Valley Surf Kayaks demo boats that we have, seeing as I didn't fancy being immersed in the water on a board or ski. I took out the Valley Rip, a great all round surf kayak, thats a bit more easy going than some of the more aggressive boats, like the Rush.






The Rip is a bit longer, has softer rails and features a pin tail. The extra length helps it paddle out and catch waves, the softer rails make it more forgiving when your top turn goes a bit wonky, and the pin tail creates great speed when on a wave.







The Rip is designed to be a softer and more easy going boat, and it certainly is. In the classic 2-3ft clean conditions is was a great cruiser, working its way down the line with smooth top and bottom turns. The longer tail was great for extra speed down the line, but it did mean that it wasn't the loosest surf boat if and when you wanted to put in a slash.

But if super high performance, airs, and radical cut backs isn't your thing, and you just want to be able to catch some waves, and lay down some surfing style then the Rip is definitely the boat for you.

All in all it was a great way to get back into a boat. While the weather was cold, the waves were great, and the crowds were low. I hope I can get back into the surf again soon, and try out one of the other Valley surf Kayaks.

Check out the Rip here: http://www.valleyseakayaks.com/rip.htm