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Wave Sport Hydra Sea kayakReview

12/13/2018

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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. "

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Ireland to Wales - At night!

9/9/2018

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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! 

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Surfski Beginner Guide - Surfski Anatomy

2/10/2018

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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.
Surfski anatomy by David Horkan kayaker. Surfski parts and components.
This Kayaks Surfski Anatomy
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 
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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

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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

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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.

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Training for Vannav2016 and beyond..

4/10/2016

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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. 

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South America pt 2

4/6/2016

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Chile to Bolivia

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​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

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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!

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Patagonia 2015 

12/19/2015

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David Horkan hiking Ushuaia argentina
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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Sea Kayak Cornwall Erasmus Plus 2015

10/22/2015

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I am just home from a fantastic two weeks  kayaking in the south of England with Sea Kayaking Cornwall. I was there as part of an Erasmus Plus work experience program with the aim of improving knowledge, skills and competencies in the delivery of coaching, leading and guiding in sea kayaking among Irish kayakers. The program was put together by Landon Carver, SKC and Irish industry professionals. A group consisting of 12 kayakers from Ireland with various backgrounds and levels of experience were selected for the program and I was privileged to be offered a place.

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Achill Island Circumnavigation

10/3/2015

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Achill Island fast..again!

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After circumnavigating Achill Island in 2014 with Tim Healy I was really keen to go back and have a go at a solo mission. I have been watching the weather all summer and it looked like it was't going to happen this year. Luckily we finally got  decent high pressure over Ireland for the last few days of September. I had one free day in the diary and I knew it was my absolute last chance to have a crack for 2015.

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How to -Dry Suit Reproofing

9/23/2015

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Give your suit a new lease of life...

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Here is my quick step by step guide to reproofing Goretex Dry suits or Cags. When you get a new Dry suit or any outer shell garment for that matter, it will have a DWR coating on the fabric. This coating helps to repel water by beading it on the surface. With use over time this coating will wear off and the fabric will start to "wet out". It will still be waterproof but its performance and breath-ability will be greatly reduced. So it is necessary to give you kit some maintenance now and again, to keep it at its best.
I like to wash and reproof my dry suit about once every season depending on how much use it is getting. Below are the steps I take to get it back to life. 

*Note: This is the method I use and find effective. But please check with manufactures guidelines and instructions before treating your expensive garment!

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Sea Kayaking -Irish Sea Crossing - North Channel

9/1/2015

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Northern Ireland to Scotland by Kayak

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I did  my first crossing of the North Channel in 2013 when I piggy-backed on a group trip over on a sunny day in June. I don't know how long it took - probably about 6 hours or more. Ever since I have been wanting to go back and have a proper attempt - solo and as fast as possible. 

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Sea Kayaking- Eagle Island, Co. Mayo, Ireland

8/19/2015

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David Horkan kayaking to Eagle Island Co.Mayo
A brief window in the weather and a clear day in my diary gave me the perfect opportunity to make for Eagle Island on the Westerly side of County Mayo. One of Ireland's most exposed and battered islands, this rocky out crop is situated only a mile from shore, but bears the brunt of the biggest Atlantic swell and ferocious storms. 

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Setting the standard on the "Shannon Sprint"

8/2/2015

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The Shannon Sprint Kayak Challenge 

Dave Horkan Kayaking the Shannon Sprint record
Kayaking the longest river in your country has to be high on every kayakers list of achievements and the River Shannon has been on mine for a couple of years now. Not only is it the longest river in Ireland it is also the longest in the British Isles. For most people kayaking this mighty river is a leisurely trip, enjoying the sights and sounds that could take weeks to complete but I wanted to take a different approach. My plan was to kayak as fast as possible from start to finish and set the standard for the "Shannon Sprint".

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