Look out there's a kayaker about

[Pollychops]

We will be on Symi again from the 2nd July, as we normally walk everywhere I will be restricted due to my foot op so I will be for my sins taking my inflatable kayak, the intention as already posted is to paddle to Nimborio, St Nicks and maybe Agia Marina although AM may be too rough for my liking but will see how it is on the day. If anyone is there at the same time and you see me, give me a wave as I may need it I should really take the option of using the water taxis but I like the exercise as as walking is off the agenda kayaking will replace it.

[Allan]

Polly, you might be interested in the blog written by this guy who turned up in Symi today:

He is making his way across the Mediterranean in his kayak

[Pollychops]

Hi Allan, interesting reading, out of my league I'm afraid and my little inflatable wouldn't survive the stress!!!!!

[D and E]

Hi Pollychops - we met the guy Allan refers to and he was "parking up" (apologies if this is not the nautical term) his kayak each day at the Customs House beside the Corner Bar opposite the slipway.

[Pollychops]

D and E thanks, I may be able to do that also, 'parking up' normally I fall out of it.

[Kojak]

I've fallen down a few cliffs, into a storm drain, through a pier and out of a few bars but never out of a kayak.

[Pollychops]

You should try it, it's very refreshing!

[Pollychops]

Yesterday I tested the new inflatable kayak off the North Norfolk coastline, weather was good and there was a slight swell. As it is an inflatable it is not a maneuverable as a rigid fiberglass kayak however, even in a slight swell it was safe and will be fab for Symi. I even managed to deflate it and get it back in the bag so it's coming with me and will be paddling around to Nimborio and St Nicks. Only 10 more sleeps.

[Kojak]

If I need refreshing I'll stick to the tried and tested large Mythos.

[Andy W]

Just keep a good look out for incompetent yachtspersons while kayaking. Judging by the mess many make of mooring in Yialos, not everyone is sufficiently trained!
Then there are the quite large taxiboats and ferries that hug the headlands between Ag. Marina and Petalo - at least these are professionals so should keep well clear of you, but the wash is another matter.

[Pollychops]

Hi Kojak, a large Mythos will be waiting for me when I arrive as my wife will be doing the walking and will be at the destination before me no doubt.

[Pollychops]

Hi Andy,thanks for the heads up, I will only be paddling to Nimborio and St Nicks due to the wash that's created from the taxi boats, just have to wait till they pass by and bob up and down on the wash. It will be good fun but as they say nothing ventured and all that.

[Val]

Hope you are going to post some photos of your trips in the kayak. After reading of your plans over the last few weeks I'm sure I'm not the only one to want to follow this adventure through to the final stages. Good luck with the wash and go for it. I'm not a paddler myself but as the mother of one can only wish you well and enjoy every moment.

[Pollychops]

Handling a camera and a paddle may be too difficult for me but I am sure my wife will be clicking away.

[Pollychops]

After last weeks dummy run on the stability and safety, this afternoon was how do I get it there with easyjet in hand baggage. easyjet are very generous with the maximum size being 56 x 45 x 25 cm's and no limit on weight as long as you can get it in the overhead box. I have bought a backpack from Cabinmax.com and the model was the Hamburg. It's the correct size, lightweight and big enough to take the kayak and for �25 very good value for money, the collapsable paddle and light weight pump goes in the suitcase. So here goes, 3 more sleeps then Thursday morning I will be on my maiden voyage from the clock tower to Nimborio.

[Allan]

Enjoy your paddle Polly and make sure your wife is there with the camera for your maiden voyage, we're all looking forward to seeing the pictures. I just hope the voyage doesn't turn out to be from the clock tower to Harani!

[Pollychops]

Oh come on Allan, I think I could achieve that one.

[Allan]

I'd be lucky to make it from the clock tower to the Nireus!

[Pollychops]

I can just about do that if walking but stop at the little cafe/bar at the end for a drink or two