[Nick Heath]

Canadian adventurers Colin and Julie Angus travelled many (thousands?) miles towing their rowboats behind mountain bikes in Britain, Europe and as far as Syria. Their boats were similar to enlarged kayaks. Their expedition was self contained, so when they were rowing, their bikes and trailers were usually aboard! It is an interesting book to read. Colin sells his plans both for various boats and a bike trailer, too, I believe.  Bigger wheels/pneumatic tires were a feature. However, the entire trailer was designed to collapse inside a (large) boat hatch, too! – Impressive!

[Vincent Law]

Hi Jimmy,

Nice job! Human powered from home to destination! And no more worries of whether there is parking, for how long, parking costs, having someone keep an eye on your gear while you drive off to park, save the time it takes to walk to the car and back… Plus save on the cost of owning a car!

To improve the cart I would:

– triangulate the 2 supports and add a cross brace between the two supports.

– get larger wheels (hard to find). If the wheels are big enough and spaced far enough apart the axle can be right against the boat and you can eliminate the 2 supports.

– for better bike stability / safety tow from one side of the bike’s rear axle, similar to most kids trailers. The tow bar should ideally run from along the center of the kayak and connect directly to the cart. And the front of the kayak is secured to this bar.

– add skid guard to the tail of the boat, and a flag for better visibility.

If I were to tow a kayak I would buy a used (or new) kids trailer w/ wheels spaced wide enough for the kayak to sit between the wheels. Then remove the kids seat and upper frame, have the kayak sit on foam cradles directly on the frame. Extend the tow arm with a metal bar, add a platform w/ foam for the front of the kayak.

Old folks like me would also add and electric motor to the bike…

Here are two trailers in good condition. You can get cheaper ones w/ the fabric in poor condition as that will all be removed.

https://vancouver.craigslist.org/bnc/spo/d/burnaby-mec-bike-trailer/7728524310.html

This one has aluminum frame (less rust from salt water) adjustable suspension which is a major plus, especially if the kayak is loaded w/ camping gear: https://vancouver.craigslist.org/nvn/bab/d/north-vancouver-thule-chariot-cougar/7732175473.html

Good luck!

 

[JD]

Put together a PVC cart and tow bar with parts from Home Depot and Rona to cycle my yak to Rocky Point instead of having to use the car. Only ideal for shorter, flatter trips but I would love to be able to take some hills and go a little further (10-15km ea. way).

Cost less than $150 for all bits with parts to spare.

Any advice or thoughts on how to improve?

Video in action.

Drilled a hole through the axel and used a hitch pin to fix the wheels

Purchased a hitch from Amazon for $30CAD that fits a metal post from Home Deopot, which serves as the tow bar (dumb stick).

Final product:

[Stewart Whitfield]

Hi,

Thanks for the interest everyone but I have now sold the kayak. Unfortunately struggling to edit the post to say it is sold.

Regards,

Stew

 

[Brad Keats]

Hi Stew. If no one has bought it yet, I would like to. Cheers Brad

bkeats@shaw.ca

[Stewart Whitfield]

Hi Becky,

Thanks for the interest. It should be fine for 210lbs. According to the specs I found on line it should be good for 275 -325lbs.  If you would like to chat more about it or to arrange to see it the email me directly on swhi@telus.net   I have some more pictures I can send you to.

Cheers,

Stew

 

 

[Becky Palmer]

Hi. Would be interested.  do you think it would hold between 5’3” to 5’10” and up to 210 lbs?

[Stewart Whitfield]

Great kayak for day touring. Nice and stable but with good maneuverability. Large cockpit will fit most people. Comes with paddle (230cm), pump (Level 6), throw rope (North Water) and paddle float (NRS). Excellent condition, always kept in the garage. Selling to make room for our other kayaks.

[Maureen Benzon]

Hi Annika,

Please phone or email me directly

Thanks,

Maureen

[Annika Wilczewski]

Hi Maureen,

Will there be an option to attend just one session or are they combined?  Thanks.

[Maureen Benzon]

A Trip Planning and Decision Making workshop is scheduled for April 24 and May 1 (2 evenings 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm in North Vancouver)

This will be an interactive workshop with lots of time for open discussion.

Registration opens on April 2nd

[Cynthia Kennedy]

In case you missed the post the first time,  the BC Marine Trails has a unique volunteer opportunity.

Gerald Island Volunteer Registration Open
April 11 @ 8:00 am – April 14 @ 5:00 pm

On the BC Marine Trails WEBSITE Gerald Island Volunteer Registration form is now open for April 11 – 14, 2024.

Gerald Island Invasive species removal has been ongoing for five years and once again the BC Marine Trails completed two invasive species removal cleanups in 2023.

Join us in the fight against invasive species! BC Marine Trails looks for passionate volunteers to help us remove English ivy on Gerald Island . Together, we can protect the island’s biodiversity and ensure a healthy environment for generations to come.

This is an ongoing project that we are excited to be working on in partnership with BC Parks. By volunteering with us on this project, you will be contributing to a larger effort to control and prevent the spread of invasive species in our parks and natural areas. This is an important initiative that will have a positive impact on the health and diversity of our ecosystem, and we are grateful for the support of our volunteers in this effort. Let’s work together to make a lasting difference on Gerald Island and beyond!

Gerald Island Park, an island located near Nanoose Bay, was established as the result of a private land acquisition.

The park is a good example of the rocky coastal bluff ecosystem rarely found undisturbed in the Coastal Douglas-fir biogeoclimatic zone in the southern Strait of Georgia. Northern and California sea-lions, bald eagles and various bird and marine species are found in the park.

No camping is usually allowed on Gerald Island.  I believe this BCMT conservation has an exception and you can stay on the island.

[Nick Heath]

A big thanks to all 7 brave participants – the ivy/blackberry assassins! All went well, although soggy. BC Parks will likely call us to let us know when we can next apply for a grant (to sort of do their work for them!)

[Kevin Amos]

Kayak Practice|

https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/vancouver/activity/search/detail/503726?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true

ST3 Reg NO. POS Drop-in YES. Pass Scan NO.
PB Online Calendar Public Sessions|#506648

Apr 5, 2024 – Jun 28, 2024

Lord Byng Pool

All ages, Mixed

AquaticsAll AgesPB No Instructor – Category 2
Description
Date and Time
Fri. 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Session

 

 

Come in and practice your kayak skills. Must Bring your own Kayak. No Instructor. No lanes available. Drop-In Only.

 

*Monthly Flexipass, 10-Visit passes, and Leisure Access passes are accepted for this program.

 

For detailed admission fee and discount information please visit: http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/fees-charges.aspx

[Limor Friedman]

This is a new paddle float (never used) .

pick up in Burnaby or North van

$40

[Author]

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