[Jingning Zhang]

Hi Ken, thanks for your reply. Where is Howe Sound? a place or a club? Could you message me via my phone or email so we can chat offline? Thanks!

[Ken Bigelow]

Nice videos Jenny!

A few of us are also located on the North Shore myself included. Happy to introduce you to the Howe Sound if you have not been already.

Always keen to work on my rolling skills.

[Jingning Zhang]

To be more specific, I am interested in finding someone to do calm water paddling near north vancouver or rolling practice during weekday evenings. I am particularly interested in improving my rolling skills, like practice hand roll, back deck roll or storm roll.

[Michele Filion]

I’m interested. Where are you located and do you have a picture of the condition?

[John Holmes]

Foldable Thule J-Style rack with locks. $100.

[Jingning Zhang]

Hi All,

I am Jenny and I just moved to Vancouver Area this month from SF Bay Area. I have been sea kayaking for 6 years. I like kayak surfing, playing in dynamic water and practicing rollings. I am new to this area so I am looking for paddling friends to go out together during weekday evenings or weekends. I live in North Vancouver, so Ambleside Beach seems the most convenient during the weekday, but Deep Cove can also be a good option. For weekends, I don’t mind travel farther for paddling, 1-3 hours drive is fine, over night trip is great too. Just message me if you’re looking for paddling buddy too.

Here is my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkxWRwCCC-LrEu-Q-Q5CcQ

So you know what types of kayaking I have done and my skills.

Cheers,

Jenny

Email: jingning42@gmail.com

Phone: 8585316294

[Richard Magill]

My 2cents?  The Delta 16 isn’t even in the same league as the NDK.  To begin with, they aren’t designed with the same design philosophy in mind.  NDK boats are Brit-boat based.  They are more concerned with performance than stability (though the NDK boats are very stable for Brit-boats).  Delta’s are more of a North American design.  Higher volume.  More stability.  The NDK will have much more rocker,  muck less volume,  and though both boats boast a soft chine, the NDK will be harder than the Delta, all of which means the NDK is much more maneuverable, and I’d argue much more fun.  The Delta’s only real advantage will be that it will hold more cargo than the NDK, and will perhaps feel slightly more stable while sitting still.

I also argue that composite boats are more durable than thermoforms, so if you’re planning on playing in very dynamic waters, either go with a traditional plastic or composite boat.  I’ve heard from credible eye-witnesses that thermoforms can literally break in half in serious enough waters.  I personally have seen thermoform decks crack during re-entry practice.

As for fit, one of the main reasons the NDK you tried out fit so well is because it has a much lower deck than the Delta.  You’ll have to seriously pad out the thigh braces in the Delta to get anywhere near the same feel.  And, if I’m not mistaken, The Pilgrim has a much narrower cockpit than the Delta 16 which means you’ll need some serious hip padding to come close to the Pilgrim fit as well.

Granted, I’m bias (I own an Explorer and a Romany C), but if I were you, I’d definitely choose the Pilgrim over the Delta.  Admittedly though, a lot of the P&H boats already mentioned are good suggestions to try out, as well.

[Kevin Amos]

I have a Delta 16, which I have had probably 4 years. I got it because I was renting and during the pandemic it was hard to do rentals. As was previously mentioned it sort of depends what type of paddling you plan to do. I do day & multi-day trips and it has large hatches to put lots of gear in. The cockpit is pretty big & for smaller paddlers you might want thigh padding for a better fit. The price is good & you will see a fair amount of club members with the 16. Delta is in Maple Ridge so if you ever need repairs this can be handy. If you can try one then that may help in your decision. Some of the rental places may have them or Western Canoe & Kayak may be a dealer. Good Luck

[Jingning Zhang]

Hi Jaspal, I am new to SKABC and Canada/BC area. This is my first post on SKABC. I am also a small paddler 5’4″, 115lb. I have experience with several sea kayaks so I can share some of my thoughts. Here is the list I have owned / paddled

– NDK Pilgrim

– NDK Sportive

– WS Tempest 165

– Valley Avocet RM

– Dagger Stratos 12.5S

It really depends on what you want to do with this kayak, then the suggestion will be different. If you mainly paddle long distance, camping, then Tempest 165 and Avocet are good choice. If you like surfing and rock gardening, then Stratos 12.5S is best choice. If you want something in between, then Sportive can be a good idea.

For the size: Avocet might be the biggest in these boat, and Sportive probably has the lowest volume. Avocet is too big for me, but might fit you well. I sold the Avocet.

For speed: Tempest 165 > Avocet > Pilgrim > Sportive > Stratos 12.5

Tempest 165 is faster but less responsive than others (harder to turn)

I like Stratos 12.5 S a lot, and I took it down the Grand Canyon self support. It is my best choice for surfing and handling whitewater.

Valley Avocet composite has LV (low volume) version, but the plastic one doesn’t have LV. I think the Avocet LV will fit me well, but I never have opportunity to try it.

Other boats I have paddled just once, but I think they are better for playing

– Aries 150

– Virgo LV

– Delphin 150

I would also try Aries 150 if there is one available for a good price, I heard it’s a good boat for surfing.

Virgo LV is good for surfing / rock gardening, but slower than Sportive. It is slightly too big for me, but might fit you well.

Delphin 150 is good for paddling and playing, but it’s too big for me. Might also be slightly big for you.

Good luck on getting a boat.

Jenny

[Jaspal Marwah]

Hi all, a couple years ago i did a multi day training course, and had the pleasure of using an NDK Pilgrim. I still think about how well this boat fit, how it felt in the water, how much i enjoyed paddling in it. I’m keeping an eye out for used boats, but can’t bring myself to buy a new one for $5k+ … yet 🙂 I saw a Delta 16 which had remarkably similar specs, size, etc to the Pilgrim – wondering if anyone has experience with this boat to share how it handles? Any other suggestions to check out that are good for intermediate paddler?

One more thing about the NDK is it is designed for smaller paddlers, and i’m 5’6/140 so it fit very well, and seeking a boat that is designed with this in mind.

Appreciate any insight!

cheers

edit: my intended use is mostly local recreational ocean paddles, sometimes in wind but not excessively so, and occasional multi day ocean trips. I’d also like to continue developing my paddling technique so a boat that’s enjoyable to manoeuvre as well. Thanks everyone for all the suggestions so far, lots to check out…

[Kevin Amos]

I have not done it but Ted had told me a few things. He was able to launch from Kits Coast Guard boat launch after the road closure since he had a kayak. He also used an anchor.

The Picnic on the 26th which is fireworks night.

Here is some safety tips I saw.

https://www.portvancouver.com/article/boating-during-fireworks-stay-safe-these-key-tips

 

[Quirine Schuyff]

I can’t go as I’m away.

Are you putting in at Jericho?
I’ve done this quite a few times. It can be frightening on return when it is dark and boats are going everywhere. My method was to skirt the perimeter towards the west and stay and the north side of the bay for quite a while, as the boats all make there way back to wherever. Then, once it is a bit less hectic, take the route to Jericho.  You will still need to be on high alert and have VERY GOOD lighting. But, once out of the mayhem, it is a lovely time paddling at night.

I personally LOVE being right at the perimeter line to watch! Most of the kayaks and paddle boards hang out right near the Innukshuk area.  It’s a lot of fun paddling between the boats beforehand too.
Have fun and stay safe!

 

 

[Rob McIntyre]

I have done it several times from Jericho.
Put in relatively early, leisurely paddle down… stay back from all the carnage and closer to the shore than the boats travel… lights front and back, headlamp and strong flashlight at the ready. Never had anything but a spectacular time, no close calls at all… felt super comfortable, and enjoyed unobstructed views an no crowds. The key is distance… who wants to look straight up at fireworks anyway? Like front row at the theatre.
I guess I’m saying very interested.

[Dawn Lessoway]

I did this once – many many years ago when companies would still rent kayaks that late.  We had an absolutely horrible experience. It was dark, people were drinking and we couldn’t see any dangers like tow cables etc.  We were right in False Creek and Kits beach area where there were tonnes of small motor boats.

It might have been a lovely experience from Jericho however. We did put bow and stern lights on our kayaks but we felt like sitting ducks or water speed bumps :D. I guess I’m saying I’m not interested :D. But it’s a neat idea right!

[Limor Friedman]

Anyone is planning to watch the fire works while on the water? Anyone is interested?

[Author]

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