Tuilik trials

Off to the pool I go in my new TUILIK!!

With the smell of new neoprene wafting from the freshly unpacked Brooks tuilik, the pool staff looked mildly alarmed as I donned the black garment for the first time, not sure whether to avert their eyes as a special ritual was about unfold, and... it kind of was! A bit like launching a boat on its maiden voyage I set off for the shallow end after stretching the tuilik to the max around the enormous rockpool coaming.

A few ritual static braces to start with.

Then on to the rolling...

The video shows a few clunks into the side of the pool, which are par for the course for me, and an easy save when the norsaq roll fails, showing how handy it is to have the GP deployed on the front deck almost already in set up position. Compared to the usual procedure of emptying the boat periodically thoughout the session there was almost no water in the cockpit at the end of the half hour - result!

By the end I was hot and convinced that I could comfortably roll in the sea in winter with my tuilik on top of a drysuit, that is if I get it back from the folk who want to borrow it to go to the spoots!
If you fancy one of your own get in touch with Mike Holgate at Poole Bay Kayaks.

Flotsam and Jetsam

Recent hurricane winds created seas only a hairy yaker would surf a sea boat in.

Skaill Bay

The winds from the west brought this piece of flotsam from Canada.



'Made in Canada'

Further along the shore from Skara Brae the coastal erosion threatens the remains of a derelict old house. The stone has been removed, perhaps for another building.

The flag floor is overgrown. Whitewashed walls are visible and in the fireplace the old iron for hanging the pots from is still in place.

The people are long gone. Maybe to Canada?



On the shore side of the fence.

  Skara Brae's sea defence wall does its job well, so far.


The sea wall at Skara Brae.