David Horkan Kayaking / blog

ISOBAA Merino

9/18/2023

Why do I choose ISOBAA Merino to keep me warm in the worlds coldest climates and everyday living?
Natural materials with high thermal and anti odor properties makes the perfect garments for the job.

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COROS VERTIX 2 Review

8/25/2022

A class leading watch with the most insane battery life available.

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Roman Kayaks Dynamic Evo K1 - review

1/10/2022

I have been paddling my Roman kayaks Dynamic Evo for just over 12 months now and feel in good position to review it. Its the kayak I paddled to win the 2022 Devizes to Westminster kayak 3 day 170km marathon.

The first thing that you notice about this K1 is its striking looks. The hull shape is completley different to all the other major brands and popular K1's. The only other K1 that has this shape it the Kayak Centre Spectra.

Snap shot:
Pro's -

Stability is excellent for a fast K1
Build quality is excellent
Fittings are excellent
Looks amazing
Turns very tight
Good direction and control on the wash

Con's -

Weight- I would prefer if it was a little lighter for a marathon K1(I havent weighed it but it feels heavier than 8kg) * Have have since change the footrest to a full plate pedal system and the kayak now weighs 8kg race ready.
No watch holder. I think it would be great if boats came with these fitted as standard.

2 Comments

MessyWeekend Sunglasses 2020 review

3/22/2020

MessyWeekend are a Copenhagen based sunglass company with a cool social responsiblity program called Clean Oceans and a really cool selection of eyewear products from sunglasses to ski googles. I have been testing out a couple of the sunglasses over the last few weeks.

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Kari-Tek Easy Load Roof Rack Review

7/28/2019

One of the best kayaking related products money can buy. Once you have one you will wonder how you ever lived without it.

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Aqua Bound Whiskey Paddle Review

5/19/2019

Review Aqua Bound Whiskey Carbon Paddle by David Horkan

Brand: Aqua Bound
Model: Whiskey
Material: Full Carbon
Length: 205cm

A very good quality paddle that is super light weight, robust and delivers power well without being too stiff. 

1 Comment

Wave Sport Hydra Sea kayakReview

12/13/2018

The all new Hydra sea kayakfrom Wave Sport: review by David Horkan.
"A fun kayak that is super forgiving and confidence inspiring. "

1 Comment

Ireland to Wales - At night!

9/9/2018

David Horkan, Shane Young, Ali Donald kayak across the Irish sea,

The Team - David Horkan, Shane Young & Ali Donald

What happens when three seasoned adventurers from the West of Ireland get together a for paddle? A night crossing of the Irish sea no less!

9 Comments

Surfski Beginner Guide - Surfski Anatomy

2/10/2018

Surfski Anatomy

As the exciting discipline of Surfski continues to grow around the world I would like to help as many new paddlers get in to the sport as possible. If you are new to the sport, the craft specific jargon and massive variety of surfkis on the market can be off putting and daunting to get your head around. Below is a quick and simple guide to the main parts of all surfski craft from beginner to elite. This is a guide to help grow your knowledge and get started paddling and ultimately on the water having fun. *Of course reading blogs and watching videos is no substitute for professional coaching and instruction, please seek out professional training before hitting the water.

From Left to Right.

Stern- The tail end of the ski. Same terminology as used with boats

Rudder Hatch- This is the housing for your rudder wheel and allows access for changing rudders.

Back Deck- The whole area behind your seat facing the sky.

Widest Point*- As it suggests, the widest part of the ski. This will be in direct relationship to the stability of the ski. i.e The wider the measurement, the more stable the ski.

Bucket/Cockpit- This is where you sit. It should be comfortable!

Bailer- The bailer drains water from the bucket and footwell as you paddle.

Footwell- Where your feet contact the foot plate, pull strap and pedals. Also a good place to keep a water pack.

Front Deck- The area forward of the footwell facing the sky.

Bow- The front end of the ski.

*As a rule of thumb when researching potential Surfskis the following width range is a good guide to its stability range.
52cm or more- Beginner
48cm -52cm- Improver
45cm-48cm - Intermediate
44cm or less- Advance/Elite

Surfski footplate

The above picture show the footplate from the paddlers view.
You can clearly see
- Pedals with cables for steering the rudder
-Pull straps for added connection with your feet
-Footplate for pushing against as you paddle

*The footplate in all modern surfskis should be easily adjusted to suit a variety of paddler leg lengths.
If you cannot comfortably reach the footplate you will not be able to realise the full potential of the ski and should look for a better fit.

Find this post helpful?
If you have any questions or suggestions for more posts please comment below and share your thoughts. I would be happy to help.

David

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Australia 2016

10/9/2016

How ya goin'? -Australia so far.

David Horkan Kayaking Sydney Harbour Australia

I am just coming up on my fourth week here in Australia and the trip so far has been action packed. I arrived on September 15th and its been non stop. I have competed in four races, two K1 and two Ocean ski races. I have been to the Snowy mountains camping and fishing, and completed a whole load of training.

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Kayak around Vancouer Island

7/29/2016

Vannav 2016

Joe Leach and David Horkan kayak Vancouver Island

On June 11th 2016 I completed a 1100km expedition around Vancouver Island with team mate Joe Leach. We made an attempt to break the current speed record of 12 days 23 hrs and 45 min, But after starting very well and averaging over 80kms a day, the weather did not offer the assistance needed to take the record.

2 Comments

Training for Vannav2016 and beyond..

4/10/2016

David Horkan sea kayaking Downpatrick Head, Ireland

I have been a bit quiet on this blog since the New Year, so here is an update on whats been going on for the last few months.
I am currently on a rest week after the biggest 3 week training block of my life in preparation for my next big adventure - Vannav2016.
I have teamed up with UK expedition kayaker, Joe Leach to take on a kayak expedition around Vancouver Island, Canada in late May this year. It is a 700 mile circumnavigation of what looks and sounds like one of the most incredible places in the world to kayak and adventure in the wild.

This is a project we started to work on way back in October 2015 when I was in Patagonia and our departure date is fast approaching. So for the last 6 months we have both been busy putting everything in place and preparing for the trip.
A major part of this preparation has been physical training. With us both having a desire to cover big miles each day and an incredible record of under 13 days already achieved, the physical demands of this trip will be something I have never experienced before.

4 Comments

South America pt 2

4/6/2016

Chile to Bolivia

After finishing up in Patagonia I caught a 4000km flight north from Punta Arenas to Calama on the 20th of December. I flew with Sky Airlines and luckily I had no problems with the strikes that were going on with airport workers in Chile.
Arriving in Calama the sun was baking the ground and the change in landscape was dramatic. I had a transfer organised to take me straight to San Pedro De Atacama where I hoped to get on a tour to Bolivia via the Uyuni Salt flats. Before I got to San Pedro I didn’t really have a plan as I had mixed information about getting tours on the Salt flats during Christmas. The internet was full of horror stories of drunken guides and businesses closing for Christmas.

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From Devizes to the Desert -a 2015 Review

12/29/2015

2015 has been an amazing year for me. It is only when I start to think back over everything that I realise how much I packed in. From ultra marathon races to steep creeking and working and travelling in South America, 2015 is certainly a year I won't forget. Below is a quick review back through some of the highlights with links to individual blogs. Plans for 2016 are already well under way and it is shaping up to an equally big year. Much appreciation and thanks to my sponsors, friends and family for their incredible support as always.

As this is the time of year we take stock and think of the future I would like to share some thoughts with you. Over the last three years I have learned a few things. I have completely transformed my life from one of nights out, to many take-aways and mediocrity to one filled with great adventures, tests of physical endurance and amazing experiences. I haven't found all the answers or want to preach, but if I could offer some advice this would be it.

If you have something you want to do, make 2016 the year it happens. Don't wait for the right time, it will never come.
Be brave, make some decisions and take a few chances. Cancel your Netflix subscription! Don't use "time" as an excuse for not doing the things you want to do. If you want it, you will find a way.

Imagine yourself this time next year. Will you be looking back at what could have been and another missed opportunity or remembering an amazing year filled with achievements and great experiences?
The choice is YOURS!

2 Comments

Patagonia 2015

12/19/2015

I have just returned after leading a kayak trip along the Magellan Strait over the last three days with a final dash by Zodiac to Cape Froward - the end (or start) of the South American mainland. This trip also marks the end of my time in Southern Patagonia.

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<<Previous

ISOBAA Merino

COROS VERTIX 2 Review

Roman Kayaks Dynamic Evo K1 - review

MessyWeekend Sunglasses 2020 review

Kari-Tek Easy Load Roof Rack Review

Aqua Bound Whiskey Paddle Review

Wave Sport Hydra Sea kayakReview

The all new Hydra sea kayakfrom Wave Sport: review by David Horkan.
"A fun kayak that is super forgiving and confidence inspiring. "

Ireland to Wales - At night!

Surfski Beginner Guide - Surfski Anatomy

Surfski Anatomy

Australia 2016

How ya goin'? -Australia so far.

Kayak around Vancouer Island

Vannav 2016

Training for Vannav2016 and beyond..

South America pt 2

Chile to Bolivia

From Devizes to the Desert -a 2015 Review

Patagonia 2015

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The all new Hydra sea kayakfrom Wave Sport: review by David Horkan."A fun kayak that is super forgiving and confidence inspiring. "

Surfski Anatomy

How ya goin'? -Australia so far.

Vannav 2016

Chile to Bolivia

Author

Categories

Archives

The all new Hydra sea kayakfrom Wave Sport: review by David Horkan.
"A fun kayak that is super forgiving and confidence inspiring. "