An exciting new kayak to launch and what better way than with a bottle of champagne?

I had reckoned that Expedition Kayak’s demo Tahe Greenland T in all black was a real sexy looker. My shiny, new model in white and black is just plain beautiful. The kind of kayak that gets compliments from passers-by even as she sits on the grass outside the EK warehouse in Marrickville.

With Peter providing the champagne, Karen on duty as photographer and Tony hanging around to enjoy the spectacle, the bubbly was well-shook, some words were offered to Neptune, and with much drama and fanfare The Orca met salt seas for the first time. 

Paddling out of the Heads and round to Shelly Beach, we encountered some sloppy conditions as a low easterly swell rebounded off the cliffline.  I paddled and leaned and edged and started the work on learning how to paddle without my comfortable Mirage rudder.

I paddled again the next day, enjoying some more bounce and tailwinds.  The reaction of fellow kayakers to The Orca is great – she receives many compliments and those who have “had a go” enjoy the easy turns, rolls and play this style kayak allows.

As I plan to use my new kayak for club outings (keeping the Mirage 530 for camping trips and sailing fun), there’s some work to be done to get her to our club standards…..change of decklines, attaching a compass, working out how to fit a pump, placement for tow points and with different size hatch covers, some adjustments in my day gear.

With summer coming on and warmer waters, I expect to be having quite some fun over the next few months.

THANKS TO KAREN FOR RISKING LIFE AND LIMB TO TAKE THESE PHOTOS AND FOR ALLOWING ME TO USE THEM HERE