The Paddler Magazine issue 72 Summer 2023 | Page 20

PADDLER 20
PADDLER 20
First look at the lake
tandem kayak packs down into a large backpack weighing 25kg , perfect for our highly experienced porters to transport to high elevation .
After numerous dry runs , inflating and deflating the kayak in my living room ( much to my dog ’ s confusion ), we knew we needed to seek expert guidance in learning how to kayak in tandem and to deal with the highly changeable , extreme conditions at Dona Lake . In March , we headed to Anglesey to join Geth Roberts , owner of Sea Kayaking Wales , for a full day of
The daily commute
Duncan
coaching on the Menai Strait . On a drizzly but warm day , we launched our kayaks on a slack tidal moment , exploring the Swellies area between the Menai Straits ’ bridges . After a lunch stop , we paddled out towards Bangor Pier , crossing back towards Anglesey , recording the depth and bathymetry of the strait with a Deeper + CHIRP sonar , an excellent test run ahead of our expedition .
During this time , Geth guided us through boat handling skills to manoeuvre both single-seat and