Fat Paddler ready to get wet

An early but gorgeous paddle on Middle Harbour with paddling mate JF Englert kicked off just after 6am as the sun was coming up.  At the end of it, we decided to have a little rolling practice session so I could try to reinforce what I’d learnt the previous week with Rob Mercer.

For the first dozen or so attempts, I just couldn’t it right, with JF pointing out some issues I had with my action. Then JF had a go and after trying to remember his long-forgotten rolling skills, instead learnt some wet-exit and re-entry skills! Eventually though his persistence paid off and he started to string a few rolls together.

After seeing his success I got back in the boat and started to slowly try some new rolls… hitting it and getting one right. Then the next attempt worked too. And the next. Then finally we started to video my attempts, the montage of which is here for your viewing pleasure.

Needless to say very happy with this next step, although a quick look at the video shows I have a lot to brush up on. But hey, at least I know I can haul my fat self out if I need to – haha! Enjoy – FP

A little bit of video of my recent test paddle of the Valley Aquanaut  We started out heading off to the heads until I promptly fell in after edging too far in the chop  (oops!). We finished off with some work on my forward stroke and some beginners rolling work. And all on the beautiful Sydney Harbour – bloody lovely! – FP

Oh yeah, my first ever paddling video blog. Join the Fat Paddler on his early morning kayak search for the fabled Coffee Boat on Sydney Harbour.  Edited without sound so I have no idea what I’ve said! Enjoy…. FP