tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76182949552057762812024-03-18T20:36:36.569-07:00Nadgee Kayaks AustraliaA sea kayak manufacturers perspectiveLawrence "Gages" Geogheganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09586604843306859257noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618294955205776281.post-7547548004427697002012-03-29T16:47:00.000-07:002012-03-29T16:47:35.181-07:00Coastal RoamingI was with some friends discussing what we do when some one asked what is your favourite past time.I thought long and hard and came up with a pretty good slogan for my: down time, relaxation, adventure pumping fitness related activities that I like to participate in and came up with<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> "I like to COASTAL ROAM "</div>as a concept I love it as you can often find myself and my family just hanging out anywhere along the coast near the ocean somewhere just Coastal Roaming<br />
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Often it will involve getting some tucker(food) for lunch or dinner and foraging is becoming a great past time of ours. I have just introduced my son into free diving and at age 9 he's hooked.This so fits in with his love of water sports.He loves being in a kayak ( not so much the paddling side of it yet ) and exploring the coast,surfing,Nippers (Surf Life Saving Australia) Fishing and just playing on the beach...Oh and starting the fire on the beach to cook the fish<br />
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He managed to get his first Abalone not long ago and last weekend whilst we were coastal roaming to some of our favourite dive spots he had a go at spearfishing.<br />
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He did OK and scored a pan size Trevally on about his 100th shot : )<br />
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We ended up getting a good lunch meal between us and for the couple of hours we spent in the ocean,it was worth it.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I cant wait to go Coastal Roaming again </div>Lawrence "Gages" Geogheganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09586604843306859257noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618294955205776281.post-15539291402304499942012-03-12T23:17:00.000-07:002012-03-12T23:17:55.487-07:00Vacuum infusionWow....Wow ....Wow<br />
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We have made our first Vacuum infused hull yesterday after a long day getting everything setup.<br />
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Its an amazing system and a hoot to watch everything happen at once when the resin hits the material.<br />
Its still early days using new resins and new materials but we made the right decision to take our time and getting these new processes right before we make it a standard option on all our kayaks.<br />
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Strangely it takes a little longer to make a hull but the bonus is that there are no fumes and no contact with wet resin which makes for a safer system for us the manufacturers and a cleaner environment for us all .<br />
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Whoo whoo !!!Lawrence "Gages" Geogheganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09586604843306859257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618294955205776281.post-31183587360812610432012-03-04T20:25:00.000-08:002012-03-04T20:25:36.082-08:00New prices for 2012With the high value Aussie dollar a lot of the products we use have come down in price.This has been mainly driven by suppliers being able to deliver lower prices .<br />
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Strangely some prices have gone up but that is more to world demand in those products i.e Carbon and Kevlar has gone up by a staggering 30% in the last 6 months <br />
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So rather than hang onto that extra money our selves we have decided to pass these savings onto customers resulting in considerably lower prices for the next few months or the Aussie dollar drops in value .<br />
More on the web site <br />
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Nadgee Bombora LV standard with skeg ..$ 2550<br />
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Nadgee Expedition no rudder or skeg ... $ 2950.00.. Skeg an extra $350.00 ..rudder an extra $450.00<br />
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Nadgee Solo standard is now ..$3900 inc rudder<br />
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Ice Breaker layup in Kevlar is now $850.00<br />
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Light right and mean Carbon $950<br />
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Light and easy unchanged at $650.00<br />
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That makes a lot of the kayaks seem pretty expensive especially the over seas brands and you have to ask your selves why are there so expensive compared to these......same question I always ask my self !!<br />
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Beat that all.Lawrence "Gages" Geogheganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09586604843306859257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618294955205776281.post-9011764919717699942012-02-28T14:11:00.000-08:002012-02-28T14:11:28.444-08:00PHOTO: Caught out in big seasHere's a photo that <a href="http://www.andrewmcauley.com/JRteam.html">Andrew McAuley</a> took just after we had paddled the 20 odd Kilometers from the southern extremities of Tasmania to Maatsuyker Island,half way around on our <a href="http://nadgeekayaks.com.au/articles/strahan-to-hobart.html">West Coast of Tasmania,Strahan to Hobart Trip.</a><br />
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We were paddling in huge swells and as we closed in on Maatsuyker the seas and currents made the ocean pretty messy. We ended up having to make some quick decisions and Paul Loker (in photo) noticed a gap through some off shore biggish rocks . I ended up having to do some huge high bracing as waves sent me through the gap. <br />
We were hollering so much after getting through,the adrenalin was fair pumping.<br />
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And this was the sheltered side of the Island !!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQr7dj0SQ9nOnxDxCt4ALMmDkeXRuCq_Om911LlHrDFoWrJTBYcVXZhzwpBHcKm3Riayk4swrMh02rXWAfDXhGhORgfIPpqZHEaBtxLHIyxH_P2-HqLIBVTooc0cL5WwJfJxxfmqvOl7nS/s1600/Maatsuyker6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQr7dj0SQ9nOnxDxCt4ALMmDkeXRuCq_Om911LlHrDFoWrJTBYcVXZhzwpBHcKm3Riayk4swrMh02rXWAfDXhGhORgfIPpqZHEaBtxLHIyxH_P2-HqLIBVTooc0cL5WwJfJxxfmqvOl7nS/s400/Maatsuyker6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Lawrence "Gages" Geogheganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09586604843306859257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618294955205776281.post-18951239252579302772012-02-22T13:43:00.000-08:002012-02-22T13:43:30.939-08:00Our first baggingWell we finally managed to Vacuum bag our first kayak,well the hull anyway.<br />
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We are selling this kayak on <a href="http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Nadgee-Solo-Sea-Kayak-/300668161893?pt=AU_Sport_Boating_Water_Sports_Watercraft&hash=item4601380f65">ebay </a>at the moment if your interested<br />
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Its a great looking kayak with a custom gel coat paint job..a real one off <br />
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It was quite a learning curve to get it right,we ended up getting the first attempt wrong and had to bin the bits we stuffed up but I was warned that the failure rate can be high when you first start this kind of process.<br />
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There are lots of new materials and products out there for composite manufacturing these days and I'm making the most of trialing these new processes/materials in out "skillup" with the new moulds.<br />
I even have 4 kg of bamboo resin coming from the US to trial, I don't think I will be making any boats out of it but it will be great to play around with a product like that. <br />
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Well a few more of these out of each new mould will see NKA staff ramping up the technology and heading for our Vacuum infusion process .<br />
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The main reason for all of this is to produce the highest standard kayak we can but also to get ourselves out of the fumes that are produced with a hand layup.Lawrence "Gages" Geogheganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09586604843306859257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618294955205776281.post-87815387325959742232012-02-15T14:04:00.000-08:002012-02-15T14:04:30.305-08:00vacuum bagging then Vacuum infusion and lifeWow its been awhile since I have updated the blog as Ive been busy with work and life commitments <br />
Our family had the worst luck over the Summer period with broken wrists (skateboarding) broken eye ( rock thrown in eye...don't ask!!) and a real life threatening scare with sun cancer ,please slip slop slap if your going in the sun .<br />
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But were all over that now ....all over it !!!<br />
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There has been lots of new happenings since I last posted.<br />
The big one's has been the manufacturing of three new moulds and the release of our new Double sea kayak the Nadgee 2 but more on that soon .<br />
Getting Australian Canoeing Instructor qualifications last October was a big accomplishment and we are now offering Instruction and training through my sister buisness Wilderness Coast Sea Kayaking which is also the parent buisness for a guided sea kayak tourism based buisness on the Beautifull <a href="http://www.australia.com/campaigns/nationallandscapes/AustraliasCoastalWilderness.htm">Wilderness Coast </a><br />
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so there has been lots going on ......lots <br />
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We have had the moulds made to enable us to use some new manufacturing processes and new resins/consumables .Its been very exciting and frustrating to get a handle on new techniques.<br />
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Firstly we are starting with Vacuum bagging then slowly progressing through to the Vacuum infusion process.Its all new stuff and I have had fun practicing making flat panels to start off with.<br />
The not so fun part was making our first vacuum bagged hull on a Nadgee Solo only having to junk it and start again...very frustrating considering the time,material used to get it going but the experts tell me its to be expected in the first 1 to 10 kayaks and then once its mastered.. its mastered !!<br />
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Our Nadgee 2 Double sea kayak was manufactured last year off the concept off the old Tasman Twin sea kayak.<br />
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We changed the bits and pieces we didn't like and have come up with an outstanding double sea kayak.<br />
After manufacturing the first 6 now we are pretty sure we have got it right for a good purpose double sea kayak.Check the website for details <br />
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So heaps has been going on in Life and in work and its all been a challenge but as they say if it doesn't kill you it only makes you strongerLawrence "Gages" Geogheganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09586604843306859257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618294955205776281.post-51384029621933674972011-07-08T04:28:00.000-07:002011-07-08T04:35:00.565-07:00When Fibrglass isnt fibreglassDoing some research on the internet and I came across this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=offUglbbfXw&feature=related">youtube</a> clip.<br />
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They might be talking about fishing boats and I might not agree with the outboard motor use !!<br />
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But I happen to use the same material and products from the same <a href="http://www.fgi.com.au/">suppliers</a> for this company and have visited both them and the Nuplex testing site.<br />
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It shows the strength and versatility of good quality materials and workmanship <br />
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If you need to know what your Nadgee Sea Kayak is made from check this out.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/offUglbbfXw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Lawrence "Gages" Geogheganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09586604843306859257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618294955205776281.post-18703464034948630742011-06-10T14:59:00.000-07:002011-06-11T02:50:01.250-07:00Whats been doingWell I have just come out of the shed for what seems an eternity...its been go go go since about November last year.<br />
So what has NKA been doing, well,we are 90% through finishing off a new design single sea kayak.<br />
Loosely based on the hull of a Nadgee Expedition but we have totally redesigned the deck to include<br />
<ol><li> The most comfortable cockpit and thigh support</li>
<li>New hatch configuration with Kajak sport 10' hatches front and back with a 3/4 day hatch utilizing the 8' hatch and lid </li>
<li>The now obligatory forward day hatch ( which I'm now a fan of as its so easy to get too,no more twisting and searching in the day hatch for those needed little bits and pieces)</li>
<li>Options of skeg or rudder and still retain the ability to paddle in most conditions without either until required that is </li>
</ol>The next project that has come along recently has been a double sea kayak.<br />
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Like the single I'm about 90% along the way to completing this project.<br />
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Based on the Tassie twin double which is a fast stable and enjoyable sea kayak , I have moved the seating position so paddlers dont paddle clash whilst paddling.<br />
Added a center hatch and added all those features that make Nadgee Kayaks a leader in kayak design and manufacture.<br />
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This is one double kayak that will stand out as a true double sea kayak.<br />
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There is lots of work getting a plug ready for molding.My fingers tips are so raw from sanding that I have to tape them up each morning to save them.<br />
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Its such hard work but very rewarding when the final product is ready for the market<br />
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Watch out world ..<br />
Nadgee 2 double sea kayak on the market soon and the new Nadgee ........ ( I haven't decided on a name for the single yet )<br />
They will be on an ocean near you soon !!Lawrence "Gages" Geogheganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09586604843306859257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618294955205776281.post-34321484289676633292011-01-09T00:29:00.000-08:002011-01-09T00:29:01.404-08:00I hate Kevlar"I hate Kevlar" is an often made comment when I'm making a Kevlar Kayak,its so bloody hard to work with and one of the reasons many manufacturers wont go any were near it OR if they do its only in the hull as a deck of a kayak is much harder to prepare for laying up.<br />
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Now as I keep on saying you need to know the weight of the cloth and maybe the weave as well to get a full understanding of what your kayak is made of as there is more than just plain old Fibreglass in there (I hope!!) <br />
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When I build a Kevlar boat it is a 300gm per sq mtr cloth in a satin weave...bloody hard to cut with scissors let me tell you...what was that" I HATE KEVLAR"!!<br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevlar">Kevlar</a> has been around for some time and has proven it self in many applications.<br />
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If I was to have just one choice and one kayak it would be a Kevlar hulled kayak as its super strong when used in a good weight/weave and for kayaking its general all round purposefulness makes it top of the choices.<br />
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Its puncture resistant,its abrasive resistant,its flexible and we need all of those attributes in sea kayaks especially if you are rough on your gear<br />
Drag your boat up the beach...get Kevlar...<br />
Like playing around rocks......get Kevlar..... stronger than plastic<br />
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Did I mention as a manufacturer I hate Kevlar !!<br />
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Now dont get me wrong all of the cloths have their down side ....Kevlar's is that it breaks down with UV something we have plenty of here in Australia but with a good Gel Coat and proper care keeping the sun off the internal bits of Kevlar makes this a fairly low risk of happening.<br />
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It also makes a great external keel strip being so abrasive resistant<br />
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Now why don't we see its usage so much in our kayaks.<br />
1. Its so hard to work with it takes me 3 times longer to cut patterns for a Kevlar boat than any of the other fabrics<br />
2. Its easy to get air bubbles when doing a handlayup with Kevlar resulting in extra time and resources to ensure this doesnt happen.<br />
3. Won't sit down over bumps and ridges easily with out extra care ..hence decks are a night mare with Kevlar <br />
4. Its so god damm hard to work with !!<br />
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As a manufacturer I hate Kevlar for the above reasons but as a paddler knowing the material used in our kayaks I LOVE KEVLAR for all of the good reasons I have mentioned.<br />
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It will result in a longer lasting tougher kayak <br />
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Did I mention I hate Kevlar!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Lawrence "Gages" Geogheganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09586604843306859257noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618294955205776281.post-77747440432200363782010-10-29T04:00:00.000-07:002010-10-29T04:15:16.431-07:00What is your boat made of part 1 Carbon/Kevlar In part one I'll try and demystify some of the fabrics used in composite kayak manufacture <br />
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When you go to buy that brand new sea kayak first impressions are everything and what are you really looking at?<br />
Are you just looking at that shiny new gel coat or are you looking at the materials that go into making your kayak?<br />
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As the materials that make your kayak make a big difference to the life of your new purchase and the strength as well.<br />
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It's easy to be sucked into the whirlpool when your looking at a new sea kayak and the marketing strategies are just amazing with name dropping all over the place.<br />
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Kevlar,Carbon,Carbon/Kevlar are just some of the names used to describe some of the materials used.<br />
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Now what do they all mean ?<br />
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Carbon/Kevlar(CK) is one of those materials that is used by manufacturers to upmarket their product and in some ways it does this but only in the weight saving as other than that its probably no stronger than a average Fibreglass layup ,if you think I'm the only manufacturer who thinks this have a look <a href="http://www.roscocanoes.com.au/FAQ%60s/Materials%20%20Manufactoring/Composite%20Kayaks-300.aspx">here </a><br />
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But the sea kayaking market has been totally sucked in by this material,WHY?<br />
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Every one wants light weight and you sacrifice strength for the low weight <br />
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It looks so damm sexy!!<br />
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Most manufacturers who vacuum infuse or vacuum bag love to use this product as it lends itself to this form of manufacturer as CK is a light weigh fabric easily bagged and infused.<br />
This creates a stiff light weight boat BUT that is were the advantages finish for us sea kayakers.<br />
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Their is also a general rule in composite manufacturer and that is the strength of your material is equal to the thickness IE a thin laminate will be weak compared to a thick laminate ...its a general rule remember!! <br />
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Being a woven fabric of two different materials causes a whole different scenario as you get the strength of both ( but remembering its only a light weight cloth approx 180/190 grams per square meter ) but also the weaknesses of both and in such a light weight fabric your asking for trouble.<br />
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I regularly make test panels out of the different layups in my kayaks and CK is by far the weakest even compared to a Fiberglass layup .<br />
Surprisingly when cracked with impact the cracking is irregular and tends to crack along the Kevlar in the weave set and unlike all straight fabric options the cracking is usually a long line where the others tend to spread out in a circled crack.<br />
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Now after all that it does have its place in Sea kayaking but not in the hull of our boats.Its best used for what it was originally designed for and that is weight saving.Its great in decks for this reason as it just wont cop the punishment that the hull of your boat gets.<br />
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If your careful with your kayak and don't plan on playing around rock gardens etc then this might be the fabric of choice for you but be warned it wont stand the punishment other fabrics can stand up too <br />
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Now if I was to use CK in the hull of my sea kayaks it would be a layer of straight Kevlar and then another layer of Carbon on top of the Kevlar....a true Carbon/Kevlar layup and doubly strong without the weaknesses of weaving them both together.<br />
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Oh by the way I can make you a carbon/kevlar sea kayak if you think your going to be <b>light and easy </b>with it as it can save you lots of weight and with good care will provide you with a suitable kayak <br />
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from a manufacturers perspective..... that isLawrence "Gages" Geogheganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09586604843306859257noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618294955205776281.post-39814573822471259782010-10-16T13:21:00.000-07:002010-10-16T13:21:20.196-07:00Tsunami Rangers "Confessions of a Wave Warrior"A couple of months ago now I attended <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://nadgee.blogspot.com/2010/03/paddling-in-nz.html">National Kayaking week</a> over in NZ and whilst I was there I meet two of the major players of the Tsunami Rangers Jim Kakuk and Eric Soares and we chatted and paddled together over the next few days ..They are good paddlers and gave a great talk about paddling in the rough stuff...any way..to cut a long story short, NKA will be manufacturing their kayaks in the not too distant future and cant wait to start.<br />
I ended up traveling over to the USA to finalize the deal and while I was over there I also attended Eric 's book launch of his much anticipated book "Confessions of a Wave Warrior " .<br />
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These guys are like Demi Gods in the USA and rightly so as they do stuff in their kayaks which most of us would cringe at and if you dont believe me have a look <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fftJUKvcBA">here</a><br />
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The book is an excellent read and you also get to build a great picture of who Eric is and the team he and Jim built around them<br />
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It was excellent fun camping and hanging and paddling with the Rangers for a week and was one of the highlights of my year<br />
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NKA have the book for sale for $30.00 plus postage ..get it while you can<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1yL4aljdySs_piB5LfE3Fs1oEOYpjvOYYWF08SYpwFtg4iLw_EJEFSxDLUWk58kNoQWOGlq-ZQViZPERiM98ggTMGcx_oxhBt0xAmac3NHTnLmGxuxGe4JYcG88_Gw8lmdxv8UHAxn6f_/s1600/eric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1yL4aljdySs_piB5LfE3Fs1oEOYpjvOYYWF08SYpwFtg4iLw_EJEFSxDLUWk58kNoQWOGlq-ZQViZPERiM98ggTMGcx_oxhBt0xAmac3NHTnLmGxuxGe4JYcG88_Gw8lmdxv8UHAxn6f_/s640/eric.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Lawrence "Gages" Geogheganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09586604843306859257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618294955205776281.post-14576997788357637682010-10-15T14:39:00.000-07:002010-10-15T14:46:17.701-07:00CHAOS rules supremeEvery October long weekend here in NSW a bunch of mates get together for a paddling trip with a difference.<br />
This group of guys meet annually to celebrate life as we know it and its a fun 5 days of paddling and catching up with mates from a diverse background from kayak builders/designers,medical GP's/ house builders and retired paddlers.<br />
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We have a funny way of doing things on this paddle ........no rules and a theme each year to bring a little bit of humour.... but we always have a few standard(no) rules<br />
No maps..<br />
No forecast's...<br />
No watches....<br />
which makes for a different type of paddling something you might find on an Expedition trips in a remote location<br />
Most of all we meet to remember <a href="http://www.andrewmcauley.com/">Andrew McAuley </a> who was a team member before tragically being lost on an extreme trip..It was this annual trip that Andrew tested his kayak out for his Tasman crossing.<br />
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This year we paddled from Mystery Bay to Pambula on the NSW South Coast and I had the job of finding new camp spots to land at.<br />
One new spot that I wont tell any one about is called the sacred thong site with an amazing Coastal Mahogany tree that is supporting itself along the ground for approx 15mtrs was a standout camping spot this year.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQ3xFCXfpa72PSvuwTmyQXxB3D2WQkRU0dpb1fqpivWbu5cFZkRMKvl-SmGNvEM80ERiUtmpkhYkZR7iAEiGMDfmRtsUVR-YHzzJ7uMOXwX2-3bY-Dv84Qjbedtx6K7fzc8uqUz0ulOeG/s1600/sacred+thong+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQ3xFCXfpa72PSvuwTmyQXxB3D2WQkRU0dpb1fqpivWbu5cFZkRMKvl-SmGNvEM80ERiUtmpkhYkZR7iAEiGMDfmRtsUVR-YHzzJ7uMOXwX2-3bY-Dv84Qjbedtx6K7fzc8uqUz0ulOeG/s400/sacred+thong+tree.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The down side of camping here was that we had to land on rocks!! The paddler below is just seconds away from hitting a rock in his wooden kayak <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2Pe211R8TQnkIt9PZI5Yamuugee1M9i8QIJxtBFtVm_0hCv9xBPzhexf3De48YGK3W1VV1BcZadci4IWgaw0XowIOCLZMZrfNcu07DP6ykBDnVIN9d6rNOHcRclzodfasdjg0aEytO70/s1600/mark+about+to+hit+rocks+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="481" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2Pe211R8TQnkIt9PZI5Yamuugee1M9i8QIJxtBFtVm_0hCv9xBPzhexf3De48YGK3W1VV1BcZadci4IWgaw0XowIOCLZMZrfNcu07DP6ykBDnVIN9d6rNOHcRclzodfasdjg0aEytO70/s640/mark+about+to+hit+rocks+.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Now this is OK but you have to have nerve to do it,lots of people say you need a plastic boat to play with rocks...what a load of goop..I have done hundreds of landings in composite boats without a problem it just takes commitment ....sadly we had a couple of accidents and cracks and splits in boats but that is just a part of sea kayaking.<br />
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It was a great trip with lots of good paddling moments and the stand out was when Andy in his Mirage 580 attempted to enter a rock pool that needed good timing through big surges in the swell pushed to go in but missed the timing only to find himself stuck at about a 60 degree angle on rocks ,then the next surge came through obviously with lots of power because as soon as the surge hit his high and dry boat it catapulted him and his kayak through the air ..and I mean through the air like a shot from a cannon ....we were very amused<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWISisG8VNOY8yF8qwnHG9XyZWpx2vrYrXUsiDKyv9M5oxKyrAz4Qvu4j_aEwEqv19rwEspqgCUoWmeB2Bdj0woj5yrFeeAEuBLZ1pmx6G8Etvvco42wePf05eCMLUnaWzuGqj2OwqU5Rl/s1600/andy+in+the+slop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWISisG8VNOY8yF8qwnHG9XyZWpx2vrYrXUsiDKyv9M5oxKyrAz4Qvu4j_aEwEqv19rwEspqgCUoWmeB2Bdj0woj5yrFeeAEuBLZ1pmx6G8Etvvco42wePf05eCMLUnaWzuGqj2OwqU5Rl/s640/andy+in+the+slop.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>All up it was a great trip with some great momentsLawrence "Gages" Geogheganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09586604843306859257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618294955205776281.post-63563744340975100012010-08-25T04:02:00.000-07:002010-08-25T04:04:35.884-07:00Just for the weight weeniesDave Winkworth (original designer of the Nadgee Expedition) is a serious paddler and a man who likes to paddle a light strong kayak.<br />
Now for most of us that means cutting down on a bit of kit,maybe a lighter tent or leaving out some extra food that we dont really need.<br />
Dave works real hard at getting the weigh down.Over the last few weeks he has come up with 2 brilliant ideas that I will definitely be looking at as options for customers and using myself<br />
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The first one is a foot pump.The standard foot pump in a Nadgee is just under 500gms which isnt too bad, as I have seen a brand form the US at nearly a whole 1kg for the unit, strong but way too heavy for us paddlers<br />
When you get to a certain level of skill, after a days paddle there really isnt any need for a footpump except to get that slosh out that gets through your skirt.In fact I dont think I have used my footpump in anger in years ,so its a lot of dead weight having a foot pump<br />
Dave is the same but still wanted to get those slops out every now and then and had a plan for a light weight foot pump.<br />
Here is Dave idea and pros and cons of using it<br />
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<div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">Hey guys,</span></div><div></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">'Finally got the bulb footpump in the boat.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My verdict:</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pros:</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">(1) Empties the cockpit down to the last drop (when the boat is angled down the wave).</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">(2) Pretty light at 120 gms vs 500gms for the bilge pump type.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">(3) Cheap at about $8 complete. You can buy them at any marine shop.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">(4) Robust - these bulbs survive for years sitting in the sun on oyster farmer's punts.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">(5) Easy replacement - only held in by the deck connection and a shockcord loop.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">(6) Pumps enough volume to easily keep the cockpit dry on "big water" days or playing in the surf.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cons:</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">(1) Low volume - probably not suitable for paddlers who fall out of their boat a lot.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span>and here is a picture of Daves setup<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTHyqs7deiA74kEfVnB4LqpmDrnxMIwsbzAYUEj1Rd-oL4kFugIg4_X-NS3bVscbdDNAO81gNPwQ773zP9FcrM85BpYOIIB3uH5ZkxnYkFz49ZDij2b5uBGfKs2Qi-7xilkPVYaHyS9eQ/s1600/Bulb+Footpump+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTHyqs7deiA74kEfVnB4LqpmDrnxMIwsbzAYUEj1Rd-oL4kFugIg4_X-NS3bVscbdDNAO81gNPwQ773zP9FcrM85BpYOIIB3uH5ZkxnYkFz49ZDij2b5uBGfKs2Qi-7xilkPVYaHyS9eQ/s400/Bulb+Footpump+011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I'll show you the next weigh saver in my next blog<br />
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From a kayak manufacturers perspective.......that's awesomeLawrence "Gages" Geogheganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09586604843306859257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618294955205776281.post-57393725272850954112010-08-23T03:26:00.000-07:002010-08-23T03:29:32.884-07:00A excellent write up of stand on kayaksOne of the blogs that I like to read is probably the most read sea kayak blog on the WEB that most of us have read at one time or another<br />
<a href="http://www.kayakquixotica.com/">Derrick</a> recently found out about Nadgee Kayaks and wrote up an excellent article about my business and I though I would share the write up with you<br />
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and if your wanting to import these boats into your own country just ask :)<br />
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you can read it <a href="http://www.kayakquixotica.com/2010/08/09/nadee-a-stand-up-sea-kayak/">HERE </a>Lawrence "Gages" Geogheganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09586604843306859257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618294955205776281.post-54562455970536835852010-08-11T02:48:00.000-07:002010-08-11T02:48:30.717-07:00Trips,Training and ToursI have recently been given an opportunity to expand my business and provide Training and Tours on Wallaga Lake on the Far South Coast of New South Wales hopefully in conjunction with the local Aboriginal community at <a href="http://www.sapphirecoast.com.au/attractions/national_parks_forests_wallaga_lake.php">Wallaga Lake </a><br />
This will provide excellent sheltered paddling in an area now encompassed by Gulaga National Park. <br />
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This will extend to overnight camping on trips from Mystery Bay South to Merrica River with possible stops at beautiful Mystery Bay. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-NZQqr2W-lAzVju2hlTuJBkHs7vSmNjjFgkaCGEOdRU3n7tLWAps7CjdpWlInhkVG89F8agy_IgZ0et0L6MPqPwPVR4xAKj4vszx5Bw8pr5nfgnbMMS79rpc3Usu0XYSmw4A3l2UgCjA/s1600/mysterybayjpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-NZQqr2W-lAzVju2hlTuJBkHs7vSmNjjFgkaCGEOdRU3n7tLWAps7CjdpWlInhkVG89F8agy_IgZ0et0L6MPqPwPVR4xAKj4vszx5Bw8pr5nfgnbMMS79rpc3Usu0XYSmw4A3l2UgCjA/s320/mysterybayjpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Hidden Valley ( yes it is Hidden) <br />
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and a few other secret and hidden camp spots that I know <br />
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The paddling on the ocean will be thrilling,exciting and breathtaking to say the least with singles and doubles available.<br />
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Paddling on Wallaga Lake will be a mixture of hire and self guided paddles and interpretive trips guided by local indigenous folk providing an insightful look at the areaLawrence "Gages" Geogheganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09586604843306859257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618294955205776281.post-51482352671300485742010-08-02T23:13:00.000-07:002010-08-02T23:13:26.040-07:00new kayaks Display<object height="344" style="background-image: url("http://i4.ytimg.com/vi/kSZyEXQws_Q/hqdefault.jpg");" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kSZyEXQws_Q&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kSZyEXQws_Q&hl=en_US&fs=1" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Lawrence "Gages" Geogheganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09586604843306859257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618294955205776281.post-31671195768616778422010-07-23T21:15:00.000-07:002010-07-23T21:15:07.433-07:00leakey hatchesIn the last few weeks I have seen a few sea kayaks which were in for minor modification's and the customer's all complained of water getting into each of the compartments of their kayaks<br />
.Now I know what its like to go through this scenario, build a beautiful kayak, paying careful attention to every detail, sell the kayak and have the customer phone you after their first outing complaining of water in the kayak!!!aaahhh<br />
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Frustration for both me as the builder and for the customer!!!<br />
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I had to come up with a strategy that would ensure that every kayak that leaves <a href="http://nadgeekayaks.com.au/">NKA</a> is 100% dry .<br />
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I often hear that we should accept that a small amount of water will get in our kayaks compartments as we paddle through the day.........crap...they should be completely dry all the time as a safety requirement and to protect your gear <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">How can you ensure that they are dry?<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Simple ...I used one of my day hatch lids and one oval lid (VCP type but other hatches should still work).Went to my local tyre shop and asked for two car valves,(the same type that you put air through to blow your car tyre up)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRzVweLHbbhXwMe81r8OSKGmJ59y_ZKw4Z1Nijeukyp5xaIWNkdX9d_zTwPONX3UZ39e-d-UHGmCF-x4PTytW_3u476BW50zmt25Yk9vSGOsQ8Y-Tmu7SQVv73JY6dpGbqhozSbXN0fAa/s1600/IMGP1198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRzVweLHbbhXwMe81r8OSKGmJ59y_ZKw4Z1Nijeukyp5xaIWNkdX9d_zTwPONX3UZ39e-d-UHGmCF-x4PTytW_3u476BW50zmt25Yk9vSGOsQ8Y-Tmu7SQVv73JY6dpGbqhozSbXN0fAa/s400/IMGP1198.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pump the compartment with air from a bicycle tire and to make sure its 100% I leave it on my hatch lids for minimum 12 hours to ensure there are no slow leaks<br />
I pump the lids till I have a good rise of pressure and a slight bulge in the lids<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Now when I complete and sell a new kayak I can say honestly 100% that your new beautiful kayak is safe and dry to paddle <br />
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As a manufacturer its the only way.... </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Lawrence "Gages" Geogheganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09586604843306859257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618294955205776281.post-29144945350845123722010-07-20T01:46:00.000-07:002010-07-20T01:50:56.226-07:00Introducing the Nadgee BomboraOK..Its been a mad 8 weeks since my last post but here it is<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Nadgee Bombora.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDgflzpKgBPEqPRMf9qjw2tx0y84wPnaiugFTnlr952fsDtKUR1waDewZhHjMWbqELlYQsVUwCH4j4glsnb3J4S0exSMAHVX3P97q-fsusSrM_46bumxGU8pS1HpH1k6qdbMsK2f59dif/s1600/bombora+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDgflzpKgBPEqPRMf9qjw2tx0y84wPnaiugFTnlr952fsDtKUR1waDewZhHjMWbqELlYQsVUwCH4j4glsnb3J4S0exSMAHVX3P97q-fsusSrM_46bumxGU8pS1HpH1k6qdbMsK2f59dif/s320/bombora+.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">5.2 mtrs long</div><div style="text-align: center;">56cm at its widest </div><div style="text-align: center;">Cockpit length 86cm</div><div style="text-align: left;"> The cockpit size and shape help keep the paddler's legs together for good paddling technique and still allow good bracing.As with all things NKA the thigh braces have been manufactured to allow the paddler to shape down to their own size/shape</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZqQJYg-M0-bzFEJrJS6BYqKjOnaBPiFpNeN9w_B22JLgRIB_LRQAvM5J0toidlvRS3qcBrhD_ebosfCOIRlqRWcrWGQMkaMcOhPeGEBeU4FoAmoPNjSw7OAgf6t84Cuse1cSFjRVOHlM/s1600/bombora+thigh+braces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZqQJYg-M0-bzFEJrJS6BYqKjOnaBPiFpNeN9w_B22JLgRIB_LRQAvM5J0toidlvRS3qcBrhD_ebosfCOIRlqRWcrWGQMkaMcOhPeGEBeU4FoAmoPNjSw7OAgf6t84Cuse1cSFjRVOHlM/s320/bombora+thigh+braces.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">By utilizing the excellent tracking from a Nadgee Expedition we shortened the kayak by 10 cm in the centre of the hull increasing rocker and removed some of the keel line running aft of the cockpit to allow an easier turn when edging or turning </div><div style="text-align: left;">Lastly we moved the cockpit 10 cm forward of the standard seating position to allow a more central position again aiding edging/turning and providing more central balance</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-B7QYDNBvFeNK0RTlpmYa4tldbHTOLyuzr-Wi0-ZcpiG5ge5KQJ0s-ptOSgQHd3NhUHtlq-XthJNBF9eA7jMawI6ehwvYkbnO4ERPYW1JT45xB8EdqGEheHziWtBDU40ltwlh3Tyw1S2b/s1600/bombora+liones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-B7QYDNBvFeNK0RTlpmYa4tldbHTOLyuzr-Wi0-ZcpiG5ge5KQJ0s-ptOSgQHd3NhUHtlq-XthJNBF9eA7jMawI6ehwvYkbnO4ERPYW1JT45xB8EdqGEheHziWtBDU40ltwlh3Tyw1S2b/s320/bombora+liones.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Designed to be balanced with a skeg the Bombora can still be fitted with a standard NKA rudder if required . </div><div style="text-align: left;">We have tested this kayak in all conditions by novice and experts alike.One testing area had to be down in Nadgee Wilderness were novice Adam Mcabe paddled the Bombora over 3 days loaded and unloaded in offshore winds through medium size surf and as a first time paddler he loved the kayak comfortable and easy to use </div><div style="text-align: left;">Check this photo out of Adam engulfed by a rainbow ,check the surfboard on the back deck...dedicated surfer this lad</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6yxPa0tso8627rLyJ00XifjSVX93uOCjYLio1711-2kYs3sSKsfeJJQKFObVsr640vUa7mIQCRcoxsLIwCGDp9km1oiLp8aPDP7oi9y-vkznUitt81aQgncPtlHq3fURD2-HEjKjUH5Y/s1600/beam+me+up+scotty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6yxPa0tso8627rLyJ00XifjSVX93uOCjYLio1711-2kYs3sSKsfeJJQKFObVsr640vUa7mIQCRcoxsLIwCGDp9km1oiLp8aPDP7oi9y-vkznUitt81aQgncPtlHq3fURD2-HEjKjUH5Y/s320/beam+me+up+scotty.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">One point of interest that wasn't in the design brief and I cant prove except for what we have seen in testing is that it seems to be faster than both the Expedition and Solo which aren't slow boats .One point I'll be checking out further !!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This quality seakayak built by <a href="http://nadgeekayaks.com.au/">NKA</a> will be hitting the shelves at a kayak store near you soon check it out when it does,it will surprise<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">From a manufacturers perspective ............ I'm stoked </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Lawrence "Gages" Geogheganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09586604843306859257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618294955205776281.post-40901759078374482952010-06-02T02:22:00.000-07:002010-06-02T02:27:00.254-07:00a damm good paddler for a first attemptJust over 18 months ago I hired a worker, Haakon to help me out with building sea kayaks.<br />
Haakon was just the man for the job he was immaculate with his work and attentive to the detail and he only expected the best from his work,just what I needed in a worker.<br />
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He is pretty quirky guy .<br />
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Hailing from Montana in the USA right smack in the middle at the top with no ocean within 8+ hours either way and no experience with seakayaks or the ocean.<br />
He is an amazing juggler and the quirkest part was that Haakon only hitchhikes and I mean everywhere.Not one day was he late for work and even managed to cross the river to work in major floods swimming ( and still not late)<br />
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I took Haakon for his first paddle up along the coast line .<br />
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I was in my new Nadgee Solo and Haakon in a rudderless/skegless Nadgee Expedition, heading North early in the morning on a glassy flat ocean stopping for lunch at Middle head.<br />
After a quick break we headed back with the Nor'easterly getting stronger by the minute.<br />
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On the way back the wind was an easy 15/20 knots and building as we paddled .<br />
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Haakon casually fell in only to quickly roll up!!!<br />
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Hows that for a lucky first roll attempt in rough water ,well it happened once more before getting back.<br />
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Haakon was in fine form for a new paddler.When we got back to the beach ,he wanted to try some surfing and off he went.<br />
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You can see he hasn't got the fine detail as yet but look at his roll after being knocked over surfing<br />
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Sorry for the bad editing and filming ....... my bad<br />
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Sadly last week I had to wave goodbye to a very good worker who became a very good friend as he is heading home to see family and friends for a few years before coming back to OZ to work for NKA again......Right Haakon ?<br />
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<object height="233" width="400"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=12228449&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=1&color=00ADEF&fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=12228449&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=1&color=00ADEF&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="233"></embed></object><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/12228449">clip-2009-12-05 21;52;50</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3898916">Nadgee Kayaks Australia</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Lawrence "Gages" Geogheganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09586604843306859257noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618294955205776281.post-62756076945199386592010-05-29T04:52:00.001-07:002010-05-30T00:52:48.158-07:00New model LaunchI was planning to head down to the beach and finally have a "wet" launch of the new model but the ocean (and rivers for that matter) just werent going to let me.<br />
I woke up excited ready to head down to my local beach but I thought I would get the latest obs from http://www.bom.gov.au/ and they were reading at Montague Is gusts upto 70 knots and a steady 55-60 knots --.......So I went back to bed<br />
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Later I went to the beach to check the ocean out,it was amazing ,the sheer size of the swell and strength of the wind just blew me away.....literally :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZoG7KwD8zrjmI_x1ko9FucEsu7PyIpivlAuFLQPBHPfowgb4MrB4mI4BuvZv3MsfZbS1Lpnxr0SJ9peM8Q137Xo1IkSwXa3Xf06fbwdBRspuMLwVPxEYAmjlrrUnt3ZEmL_jZktp4QFs/s1600/big+seas+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZoG7KwD8zrjmI_x1ko9FucEsu7PyIpivlAuFLQPBHPfowgb4MrB4mI4BuvZv3MsfZbS1Lpnxr0SJ9peM8Q137Xo1IkSwXa3Xf06fbwdBRspuMLwVPxEYAmjlrrUnt3ZEmL_jZktp4QFs/s400/big+seas+.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Here is a pic of the big seas we are having here at the moment Lawrence "Gages" Geogheganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09586604843306859257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618294955205776281.post-13462471252510049632010-05-25T18:17:00.000-07:002010-05-25T18:22:36.107-07:00Places .friends and kayaks<object width="400" height="300"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=12036862&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=12036862&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="300"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/12036862">places,friends and kayaks</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3898916">Nadgee Kayaks Australia</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>Lawrence "Gages" Geogheganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09586604843306859257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618294955205776281.post-21120039955558612002010-05-14T14:34:00.000-07:002010-05-14T14:39:25.703-07:00a new model is bornIt finally made it out of the mould after heaps of preparation<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRiNA3nGWCHDzbG4gc6Gl_8Gq-TVb9dcCSF-CvNEM7pNyZ2PJOT5fgXlRqnGuNHJMtME0Wk2C2L_kwa9q5HSyKBcyWaAc7csygL5ulS_jx-5yxF_7bShhzYQxi0ND5JPPzeCPrLmYYXMp/s1600/mould+prep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRiNA3nGWCHDzbG4gc6Gl_8Gq-TVb9dcCSF-CvNEM7pNyZ2PJOT5fgXlRqnGuNHJMtME0Wk2C2L_kwa9q5HSyKBcyWaAc7csygL5ulS_jx-5yxF_7bShhzYQxi0ND5JPPzeCPrLmYYXMp/s320/mould+prep.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>I get a kick every time I build a boat and pop it out of a mould,spraying gel coat laying in all the fabric ,joining it together and starting the fire to cure the boat in the mould to wake up the next day,undo the bolts and pop out a seakayak,its a complicated process but when that shiny and brand new kayak come out ---whoo hoo !!<br />
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So imagine what its like to design and build a plug ,cut and paste new bits in sand and fair all those new joins so you cant see or feel them , buff and polish so its unbelievably shiny ,apply 8 coats of wax with an hour or so between coats and then finally get the plug ready for moulding<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfOkEemmcL-Iu3k4YRpIWPGz7jxk1N8B6_o3ClucvCVLIhDLNWO59rMlLRkbUI3aa54G_xtSMrSJ6P2jR4eidQhNZOSb25KKi93EbXi8lKbu8V8adJySV4XYCZvQQI-BSK5qfZY2sOqaR/s1600/moulding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfOkEemmcL-Iu3k4YRpIWPGz7jxk1N8B6_o3ClucvCVLIhDLNWO59rMlLRkbUI3aa54G_xtSMrSJ6P2jR4eidQhNZOSb25KKi93EbXi8lKbu8V8adJySV4XYCZvQQI-BSK5qfZY2sOqaR/s320/moulding.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
So thats the mould made ..then you have to AGAIN sand down any imperfections and getting the mould 100% then finally after another 8 coats of wax on the mould before you can spay and lay fabric in the mould.<br />
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Last Tuesday I manufactured my first sea kayak out of this new mould and the new Nadgee ???? is simply stunning<br />
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Strangely in fibreglassing you can do all the hard yards to ensure your product is perfect BUT you really dont know till you pull the first one off that mould and I got it right on.The boat is smooth and glossy right out of the mould.<br />
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Fantastic result for any manufacturer <br />
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Here are a few pics of the new Nadgee ?????<br />
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I'll be finished the whole boat in about a week with some more complete photos then<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfPtLG37NV87JCbN0VmRPuU66BaRR36Nxo95uLnvVCctGRmwDfHBmmp3QU3anQys92uCE4MJrkPIHQNO7jcMJv7YtltW4ehuPpWIYJ-sX41gzM3nCTp9HCk5ij5anf23BwZiYIM7M96QP/s1600/new+boat+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfPtLG37NV87JCbN0VmRPuU66BaRR36Nxo95uLnvVCctGRmwDfHBmmp3QU3anQys92uCE4MJrkPIHQNO7jcMJv7YtltW4ehuPpWIYJ-sX41gzM3nCTp9HCk5ij5anf23BwZiYIM7M96QP/s200/new+boat+1.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqmvyNuOHpdPFR-CVfmLIeGQnxpV9mRPlnk1HaYG9t6Rq-HdrxLpmmykIAEtNMhrVKP8wMYS-KJyQGkrzCSC9hrNkK97Xsy2KQ_78ZMFiTRELKzGEkltCzWvpA5AnKy9Yw622ogED20l0/s1600/new+boat+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqmvyNuOHpdPFR-CVfmLIeGQnxpV9mRPlnk1HaYG9t6Rq-HdrxLpmmykIAEtNMhrVKP8wMYS-KJyQGkrzCSC9hrNkK97Xsy2KQ_78ZMFiTRELKzGEkltCzWvpA5AnKy9Yw622ogED20l0/s200/new+boat+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4pXgOp9BZW5a4VsTj5oksWCzIEhyphenhyphenoWoKlCabyI5iHLYiAz25zGXchVYrBmY56LFMEKeeEvYi1KjC6Rh1R2aQsSX8DxMaDS-XGrEM3p0sOttkKHAONeswn7H9Q3E9bP284EmzIaJFDwSa/s1600/new+boat+3+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4pXgOp9BZW5a4VsTj5oksWCzIEhyphenhyphenoWoKlCabyI5iHLYiAz25zGXchVYrBmY56LFMEKeeEvYi1KjC6Rh1R2aQsSX8DxMaDS-XGrEM3p0sOttkKHAONeswn7H9Q3E9bP284EmzIaJFDwSa/s200/new+boat+3+.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Lawrence "Gages" Geogheganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09586604843306859257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618294955205776281.post-62010580937724584502010-05-10T03:51:00.000-07:002010-05-10T03:51:30.172-07:00I did itWell its been over a month of hard work and lots of spare time spent sanding and fairing bumps and scratches out BUT I can finally say its done, as the proof is actually cosy and warm in its cocoon and tomorrow I shall release that proof and a new model Nadgee will be born<br />
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The paint job should look snazy with Storm Grey hull and Deck and 2 stripes a nice shade of orange running down the deck centre line from Stern to Bow<br />
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Cant wait to see the evidence and some photos here tomorrow <br />
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I'm like a little kid all excited waiting to open the presents tomorrowLawrence "Gages" Geogheganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09586604843306859257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618294955205776281.post-78756106390943223892010-05-07T02:44:00.000-07:002010-05-07T02:44:59.968-07:00a break in the proceddingsHaving been busy getting the new boat ready for production (I dont want to bore you with the "how much sanding I have done) I haven't had much opportunity to get out paddling,so ith the ANZAC day long weekend I took the time to pack up and go paddling and camping for the three days and two nights.<br />
The added bonus was I was going to catch up with some good friends that I hadn't seen in a while.<br />
The destination was Hidden Valley on the far south coast ......Dont ask me where as its Hidden!!!<br />
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Its one of my two favourite camp spots but it can be a bugger to get on and off as its very open to NE/SE swells.My family and friends camped their over Christmas..kids everywhere even all over my boat<br />
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The kids were playing some game where the grass was the ocean and my boat well...was a boat <br />
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My kayak weighed a ton with water,food,refreshments(a few beers) spearfishing gear,weight belt etc and for a three day trip was bloody heavy so I was thankful for a little push from the wind.<br />
After a 2 1/2 hr paddle I arrived late afternoon to meet my mates,Fishkiller,Arunas,Guy and Snoady for a relaxing weekend<br />
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I managed to score a bounty for dinner Abalone and some nice fish cooked on the open fire<br />
They were delicious<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgu12g4t6VJhWGphFbo9nMIspyt4jQkWU0zVilnswgsXg_8o0b_nWH-Xho-29X84M2rTZo2bHpCUZzvz0B04DnEVClZM1IJj8MvZShyV8g3uMHelSrPIGy6CnfuvluOHpap-OEdiolbaRm/s1600/abs+and+fish+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgu12g4t6VJhWGphFbo9nMIspyt4jQkWU0zVilnswgsXg_8o0b_nWH-Xho-29X84M2rTZo2bHpCUZzvz0B04DnEVClZM1IJj8MvZShyV8g3uMHelSrPIGy6CnfuvluOHpap-OEdiolbaRm/s320/abs+and+fish+.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Guy and I spent the afternoon climbing the nearest peak to get a view of the coast north and the view.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVauMK2wkQQlXIxfZwA0uSLOtPTry-ITT-ac7M0LA5RVwvptzcZelUSbzLqDJZ42NmjLiJQqGDhDAqTvwoQPmESaBeInqCh_sck2QBNH_mdzh8kiabZ5R4JYpgZw9QkkvXExqnOnX6y30/s1600/hidden+valley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVauMK2wkQQlXIxfZwA0uSLOtPTry-ITT-ac7M0LA5RVwvptzcZelUSbzLqDJZ42NmjLiJQqGDhDAqTvwoQPmESaBeInqCh_sck2QBNH_mdzh8kiabZ5R4JYpgZw9QkkvXExqnOnX6y30/s320/hidden+valley.jpg" /></a><br />
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was breathtaking,so much, we sat and just looked for quite some time.You can see Montague Is in the far distance and our camp spot on the cleared grass<br />
<br />
At hidden Valley there is a hut to utilize with basic shelter and a central cookspot .....I love it, its a cool spot to watch whales when they are about in Oct/Nov down this way or just hang around watching the flames of the fire.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYoTZvICTVgoIzG7H5nYUu0V9aecxpVjBAJd6mypAo7lSj0jPXbyIo6RHkCUBl5CKsS3P9dFbjj4jhI1-RAemadIyLC08PaPjxW7gd1qapeonQLadOaZRM_phLVk-_azXnrZocdj8ksEf/s1600/around+the+fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYoTZvICTVgoIzG7H5nYUu0V9aecxpVjBAJd6mypAo7lSj0jPXbyIo6RHkCUBl5CKsS3P9dFbjj4jhI1-RAemadIyLC08PaPjxW7gd1qapeonQLadOaZRM_phLVk-_azXnrZocdj8ksEf/s320/around+the+fire.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
All up it was a good break from all the hard work and you cant beat seakayaking to help wash away the dramas of life.just you and your kayak.<br />
I live for those little (and big ones) breaks away from normal life.It provides me with a chance to recuperate<br />
I 'll escape again soon<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnMHkwL0eX8gj1hbdanlh9u2UGRgU9B2PlHUV5BsBsr6nf00A1yTqX2FD6T15UOILcq_gXLPtcP6JQoJN0ul0IuwE3KNRjILgA_MLd02uoFK0AGaKRlzOU4Jmne0AyHxSTBpvlmElR7e3/s1600/shack+at+hidden+valley+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnMHkwL0eX8gj1hbdanlh9u2UGRgU9B2PlHUV5BsBsr6nf00A1yTqX2FD6T15UOILcq_gXLPtcP6JQoJN0ul0IuwE3KNRjILgA_MLd02uoFK0AGaKRlzOU4Jmne0AyHxSTBpvlmElR7e3/s400/shack+at+hidden+valley+.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Oh by the way I have finished the mould and will be making the first Nadgee........??? soon<br />
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next post will be photos of the layed up kayak .it looks great <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Lawrence "Gages" Geogheganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09586604843306859257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618294955205776281.post-3806873317480473842010-04-21T04:13:00.000-07:002010-04-21T04:17:52.583-07:00Its happening nowJust like my last two post's I spent alot of my free time lately SANDING!!!<br />
<br />
It killed me in the end but I got there.... super cleaned the plug boat by finely sanding and then cutting and polishing, followed by another finer polish to really bring out the luster in the gel coat and then finally 8 coats of release wax (all over the boat and then a min of an hour in between coats ) <br />
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Today in perfect conditions for gel coat spraying, I applied moulding gel coat to the plug and after a short wait followed up with one coat of some light weight chopped strand fibreglass and tomorrow I'll have the deck all done and then we move onto the hull<br />
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Have a funky glimpse of the mould in construction <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDGvpI5iGz5xUC68sjd2VlLwgDXEZ4qj08eXhSmCYx_A6bjj8NJDBGJhCTsg79DsBxJblEkhj0vxnTNdHKyisKx8xftRcDbsm3gGXdLU750g6RvOMNvzhuoVBcO-brhyZ4Oe9KU-vHJWb/s1600/new+mould.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDGvpI5iGz5xUC68sjd2VlLwgDXEZ4qj08eXhSmCYx_A6bjj8NJDBGJhCTsg79DsBxJblEkhj0vxnTNdHKyisKx8xftRcDbsm3gGXdLU750g6RvOMNvzhuoVBcO-brhyZ4Oe9KU-vHJWb/s320/new+mould.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
You can see a good outline of the boat and where the flanges start in the photo.<br />
They are being made extra wide to accommodate Vacuum infusion techniques<br />
<br />
Cool Hey?<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Lawrence "Gages" Geogheganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09586604843306859257noreply@blogger.com0