Joe52 wrote in post #15244991
Very nicely done Andrew, have you got outriggers fitted to the kayak?
Thanks Joe - no, I don't at this stage but if I do decide to start using the 500 F4 and 5DIII combo then, yes, I'll get outriggers fitted for sure.
Snydremark wrote in post #15246096What a fantastic bird, great framing and fantastic detail there! Thanks for sharing
Thanks a lot Eric, most appreciated. 
CDMOOSE wrote in post #15246087A great beginning, Andrew! And another suggestion is to use an 'idiot strap' on the paddle to tether it to the kayak.
Al
Thanks a lot, Al. Yes, moving forward hope to catch some good sights and perspectives though this chap was there so I was happy to try to practice drifting past to get him.
I do have a paddle leash, I had it fitted at the point of purchase as I am taking safety very seriously. As I have to stow the oar to use the camera I need to know if a wave catches me unawares I won't loose my oar (especially true when paddling at sea which I have already tried once, but cannot see me taking my photo gear out to sea for a long while yet).
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You can see the paddle leash in the image above (here its attached to a handle as I have already removed the paddle - image taken with my G12 which I also take). I also carry:
- A sponge to mop up splashes.
- A wide brimmed hat.
- Drinking water on deck.
- A microfiber cloth to dry my hands before retrieving the camera
- A large yellow dry bag to house my camera (which I pack in a towel with loads of air before sealing to ensure it floats and which I then leash between my legs)
- A lens cleaning microfiber cloth in a sealed Tupperware box.
- A waterproof case for my phone, stowed in center hatch, to check in regularly on my trips, for emergencies and for GPS and mapping.
- A waterproof, floating container for my wallet car keys which doubles as a scoop to get water out of the yak in extreme flooding, also stored in center hatch
- A multi tool in case things need fixing or I need to cut anything
- A PFD (seemingly I'm the only one wearing one around these parts, but it's put on and stays on when in the water)
- A deck back, stored at the back of the yak, with another towel, a tow line (if I need it, or someone else needs it), sun cream, insect repellant, pick me up stacks, a fleece (in case I get soaked and get cold, regardless of the outside air temp).
- A pool noodle, in the back, under the deck bag, either for me or to throw someone else if needs be as a temp measure.
Additionally, the yak cart, when in the water, turns upside down and fits into the back securely so if I need to land someplace I can move the yak again with ease.
Then, in the car, a change of clothes and more towels, a change of footwear, more snacks.
When I do a full day trip, which I am potentially going to do this Sunday, will also take A flask full of boiling water and a pot noodle or two.
Concerning the Yak, I opted for a bright colour for safety. I read someplace that wildlife isn't totally scared off by such colours and this I have seen for myself. Best to be seen, especially on busier stretches of river or when offshore (if I go major offshore will add a radio and flares, incidentally, as well as a bigger PDF, but so far only been very close to shore. I m also considering a shark shield if I do decide to do the ocean more than just fleetingly, as ere are some series sharks around these parts).
