There is no way denying it, the best way to see Shetland if from a Kayak! With 900 miles of beautiful and spectacular coastline you really need a kayak to see it all. With years of experience kayaking round canals and rivers in Holland I thought I had enough experience to continue kayaking in Shetland. My first outing 6 years ago was with a two seater open Klepper Canoe. Made of Ash and Canvas it is the worlds best known foldable canoe. Have a look at Kleppers Website.
But sea and flat water are two very different environnements. Not to speak of the wind. It took my by surprise the first time and I was glad when I eventually got back onto the beach.
So this year I joint the Shetland Canoe Club. Starting of with 4 Clickemin Pool training sessions followed by a few sessions at Bridge End I now have just past my BCU 1 Star qualification! That means I know can join the club on small trips and outings . Really looking forward to do that! With a better understanding of safety and experience in rescuing myself and others kayaking feels good again. And I named my old fiberglass seakayak “IJsvogel III”. Photos are taken with a very old neaerly discarded digital camera in a rather fuzzy waterproof pouch.