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| I installed this Guzzler 450s foot pump in my Qajariaq over the last few days. I have the same pump in my Nordkapp also, but with a little different setup. The wood is 5/4 pressure treated that is encased in fiberglass and is cut to fit snug in hull. It is attached to kayak hull and deck with fiberglass also. The pump mounts to the wood block and the hoses attach as shown. All of these supplies, minus the wood and fiberglass material were purchased from Rintoul's Hand Pumps @ 519-596-2612. He is in Canada, but ships quickly and will call you back if you have any questions. Total cost less than $100.00. |
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| Through-hull fitting for discharge |
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| Strum box for water intake |
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MANHATTAN, N.Y. CIRCUMNAVIGATION
September 14, 2003
These three pictures are from a trip I did with the Manhattan Kayak Company. We all met at Pier 63 (Chelsea Piers) on Manhattan's west side along the mighty Hudson River at 07:30 AM for a fun-filled day and major physical work out.
The tour heads south along the Hudson River towards and past the Battery, swings north past South Street Seaport using the awesome currents of the East River (they make the Hudson look weak) to Mill Rock, where the first of two fleetingly short breaks permits some recuperation.
Then launch again and push towards the Harlem River for the long haul. Once the pain begins we stop for lunch at the Columbia boat launch. Refueled and ready, the tour swings back into the Hudson for the home stretch, a seven-mile finish.
There were eleven paddlers and we went 29.32 gps recorded miles in a total time of 7hr 45 min, including the 45 min lunch break we took. This was a really strong work out and is not for the faint hearted..... Not only is it a very long paddle, but it is also full of many waves and wind driven currents. One must contend with boat traffic that either does not see you or just plain doesn't care that you are in the way (Especially commercial ferry traffic - they consider kayakers speed bumps)! Finally, it involves passing through 'Hell's Gate', an infamous whirlpool current area where the Long Island Sound, Harlem River and East River all combine to make one hell of a hole. It's strength is definatley dependent upon tides and it needs to be treated with full respect.
If anyone is inclined to try it, I highly reccommend a local outfitter that knows the area and when to start to utilize the currents in favor of the trip. Try www.manhattankayak.com.
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| Heading south Along the Hudson River beside the Manhattan skyline. A few years back and you would have likely caught glimpses of the Trade Towers right here. |
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| Heading north up the East river - This was the fun part, we had a 4-5 knot current with us and basically drifted up the river occaisionally using a stern rudder for directional changes. You can just see the Empire State Building in this picture as it goes into the fog. |
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| This is of the Brooklyn Bridge as we aproach it heading North up the East River - We have just made it past the Battery where the many ferrys come and go and don't give a hoot about a kayaker being in the way - I think they get lots of points for picking us off, as they were trying mighty hard to get us. Oh, their air horns - they are very loud when they are bearing down on you! |
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STATUE OF LIBERTY TOUR
MANHATTAN, HARBOR
August 2003
This trip began at pier 63 also and we went as a group south down the Hudson River. We made a fast crossing (to avoid everything from an enormous cruise ship to ferrys) on the river to the west banks where we were now technically in New Jersey. From here, we paddled down to and around Ellis Island seeing many wonderful sights including the awesome Statue Of Liberty up close and personal. Prior to 9/11, you were able to paddle up to the shore, and even land there. Nowadays, the entire island is marked with huge white markers and roped off clearly stating that one will be arrested if these lines are crossed.
This is an exciting trip as you can play in NY Harbor where there are awesome boat generated waves and currents. On the return trip, you will be treated with the most specatacular panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline that one can ever imagine. This was a fun and exciting trip - totalling around 10 miles. I think it should be in everyone's lifetime 'things I gotta do list'!!!
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| Heading south on the Hudson River's west bank towards the Ellis Island |
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| At edge of Liberty park as close as we can legally get - While waiting for everyone to group together, a Coast Guard boat approached us with guns and were very explicit not to cross beyond the markers or we would get arrested!! |
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| Group getting ready to head back north to the Hudson River for the return trip. Awesome views of skyline were present on this day - too bad I didn't have my better camera for clearer images. |
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| There she is - the epicenter of this trip - The Statue Of Liberty. |
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UPPER WILLIMANTIC RIVER RACE, WILLIMANTIC, CT.
April 14, 2001
I entered this race to have some fun - little did I know that people take this stuff so serious. I finished third in my class at 1:22:44. The boat is a Prijon Yukon Expedition which is a cross type kayak capable of both white water and open ocean paddling. It was nice in the rapids, but too slow for the many open stretches in this race.
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| At the start line - Getting ready to go. |
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| Look at that form! Actually, my boat needs some additional trimming. The stern looks hi and bow looks a little low. |
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