"Bill Oldroyd" wrote in message
...
elyob wrote:
I've got a little idea brewing where I take a canoe/kayak up the Thames
and camp out etc etc.

For a start I would try canoeing down the Thames it's a lot easier.


I'm going to join a local club and then meet people who can give advice and
find people who don't mind me tagging along. I don't have a car at the
moment, so will be looking at same start/finish points for practice.
Hopefully will find others who can help out for bigger trips.

That's as far as I've got. I investigated a school recently and may start
training on their equipment soon. However, am unsure whether to go for
canoe or kayak. I won't be carrying tons of stuff, but will still have a
weeks worth or so. Maybe as much as a tent, sleeping bag and clothes etc
..

I would go for a kayak, it's also easier.

Okay! Sounds good! It also has a place to stash the beer?


Also, I see some fibre glass canoes going pretty cheaply, but haven't got
anywhere to store one at the moment. So, should I consider renting one,
or finding a neighbour with a garden I can hide it in when not in use?

Hide it ina neighbour's garden.

I think that's probably the best advice. How much do Kayaks cost, and where
can I read more about new and secondhand ones?


What sort of kayak/canoe should I look at for this type of beginners
tour? I've used one previously that was in a friends garden, but it got
really uncomfortable on my back from leaning back on the entrance edge.
Is this because it may have been too small for me? I'm 6ft, 16st.

No, it's probably because you have the wrong paddling technique and lack
of stamina so you are lying back in your seat when paddling. Sit up when
paddling. It will probably be difficult to start with, but by the time you
have paddled down the Thames, you will not think twice about it.

Buy a long, thin canoe that initially feels a bit unstable.

What sort of distance would you expect to cover per day?

How many pubs do you intend to call at :-). Depends on how much sight
seeing you want to do. 20 miles a day might be a reasonable target - This
probably equates to about 5 or 6 hours a day paddling. In order to pass
through the locks quickly I recommend going to the front of the queue of
boats and fitting into the odd space left by the cruisers etc.. Hold on to
a chain. Oh yes, nearly forgot, you need a license.


I did pop through a locks at Shepperton when I borrowed one for an hour or
two last year. I held on to the chains as you say.

Thanks for any advice

Have fun.

Bill

I will. I think I'll be out this weekend