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@@josmith3360 Hi Jo, I'm sure you're not too weedy..., just need to be aware of your limitations, always being careful of water conditions, especially on the sea. Any thoughts about posting some videos of your kayaking trips!!! Take care, David

@davidward6796 if I go on the sea I'll video it! But I usually go with a friend and end up chatting most of the way there and back...I'm sure no one wants to listen to any of that...😆🤣

@@josmith3360 great to have someone to paddle with, just enjoy the water 😁😁

Hi Jo, thanks for your comments, it's great being back on the water, weather hasn't been too great this year. Finally managed to get a friend to join me in the spirit on the Wey and Arun canal. Really good to be on the water but really mucky, full of weeds and slime, I'll never get the boat clean. Are you videoing your trips would love to see them. David

@@davidward6796 there does seem to be a lot of this green algae around now, we definitely get it on our local canal in the warmer months. No, I haven't videoed any of our trips, maybe I should. I need to get a tripod. Lets hope we get some decent weather and can enjoy being out on the water.

Hi, I've had the steam for about 3 years and so far I've had no problems with punters. I've used the kayak on rivers with quite a few fallen trees and obstacles with no issues. But it is an inflatable so you have to be aware of the possibility of holing and watch out for sharp objects. Take care, David

Thank you for responding. I'm from Brazil and your videos crossed the seven seas and arrived here! I've watched them all!

Hi Andre, the wonders of modern technology, thanks for your comments, glad you liked my videos, I only really put them on line so my brother in Australia could see what I was doing, it amazes me that so many people have watched them. Do you kayak or canoe in Brazil? Take care, David

Que bacana sua relação com seu irmão ! Eu ainda nao tenho um caiaque , tentei comprar um Aqua Marina logo após sua resposta mas o banco nao autorizou a transação, talvez eu tenha que ir pessoalmente na loja para fazer a compra . Quando conseguir comprar o meu caiaque farei videos para que voce possa conhecer um pouco da nossa natureza brasileira! How cool is your relationship with your brother! I don't have a kayak yet, I tried to buy an Aqua Marina right after your reply but the bank did not authorize the transaction, I may have to go to the store in person to make the purchase. When I can buy my kayak I will make videos so you can get to know a little about our Brazilian nature!

Fantastic, let me know when you post your first video, such a different environment, can't wait to see it. David

Hi Ella, certainly was peaceful, you do need to think about the tides though. To answer your question there are no fees to launch by the road Bridge, there's also a free car park. Take care David

@@davidward6796 Thank you 🙂

Hi Ian, thanks for the comments, so much choice out there, how to choose. I've had the 312 for a couple of years and found it to be a good all rounder. Reasonably light but not the lightest out there. Good carry bag, and well put together. The only thing I've added is some buggies to the front of the boat. It's rated for white water level 3, not sure I am though. The skegs are a little tight and may need to be sanded a bit but apart from that I've found it be a great leisure craft. Let me know how you get on. All the best David

Hi alien 787, I must admit that I have only used it with day packs, but it's a pretty standard sized boat and I can't see a problem with an 80L backpack. I have put extra bungees on the front deck just in case I want to carry more gear. I have found it to be a great little kayak. Whatever you get enjoy the extra freedom it gives you. Take care, David

@@davidward6796 Thank you :) I buy 412 version today

Great, if you are doing touring the longer boat is probably best. David

Hi Ella, yes you are right, I've always had a slight issue with fixing the fins, so much so that I carry a small hammer to knock them home and detach them. I suppose it would be easier to shave a little off them. I have bought some deeper ones from amazon to use in lakes which I hope will help a little with the tracking. These fit much better. Apart from this I find the kayak good fun to use. Take care, David

@@davidward6796 I've seen somewhere that some people use sand paper. I need to try it, maybe that will help. I think it's a great kayak :-)

@@Ella0575 Hi Ella, tried sanding with limited success, will probably plane a little off if it becomes a problem. Good luck, enjoy kayaking in 2024, let's hope the weather improves. Take care David

Hi Lee, can't comment on the itiwit as have never used one, but having had the spirit for a year I'd have no hesitation in recommending it. I have only ever used it as a solo kayak and find that it tracks really well and isn't too heavy for me to carry. I think it would be a good upgrade on the k2. Take care and let's hope for some better weather sometime soon. David

@@davidward6796 its a shame you cant test drive them like cars, i think i will keep an eye out for an aqua spirit used maybe, thanks

@@leejohnson197733 hi Lee, your right, it's quite a lot of money to spend without really knowing if it's what you really want. Although the spirit does seem to be great value. Good hunting, David

@@davidward6796 Cheers ill keep looking and get as much info as possible

Hi John, haven't had much experience comparing boats and materials, but I'd say it's as good as the aqua marina steam but not as good as the Kxone slider which much more expensive. Hope that's ok, David

@davidward6796 thanks so much for that.

Hi Mark, you are right, the foot rests are fixed for tandem paddling, So far I haven't bothered to fix anything up as my paddles are quite short. This is a minor fault as the boat is really good value and well constructed. Hope all goes well with your travels. David

​@@davidward6796 Thanks for your reply David. It's good to hear your opinion of quality, that's ultimately more important than smaller details. Enjoy your paddling too.

Hi, I bought the double as I live in hope that I can persuade someone to paddle with me, also it's my intention to paddle the Thames in the near future and I think the extra space might come in handy. The paddles are a good quality basic, quite stiff and well made, the pump is good also, better than the aqua marina. Take care and enjoy the summer on the water, David

@@davidward6796 I’m sure you will get a paddling companion to go with you soon! I see you also have the Steam 312 and the Kxone Slider. I have a few inflatable kayaks too but want to get a solo and also a tandem with tube sides and drop stitch floor to add to the collection (I paddle both solo and as part of a group). May pick up the Aqua Spirit solo and the Itiwit X100 2/3 man version.

@@TheKayakCrew Hi, sad to say that I sold the slider as it was too heavy and bulky for me to carry any distance. The aqua spirit single looks a great price at the moment from packed direct and Amazon, not sure how long they can keep that price.. The Itiwit X100 seems to be a very popular boat. If I get another I will probably be looking at the Aqua marina cascade or similar. All the best David

Hi Jo, first of many, I have an Akaso, which I have on a chest strap, I also use a phone and tablet that I have using tripods, one with flexible legs which fix over the side. Look forward to seeing your videos. Take care, David

Hi, it's one that came with the aqua spirit, not a bad plade quite ridged and comfortable to use. Only been kayaking for a year and haven't used any other paddles so can't compare. All the best David

Hi Andy, tough question, I think both are good kayaks, I haven't had the spirit very long and have only been out in it a few times. I think the steam might be rated for higher water conditions, the spirit for lakes, rivers and calm seas. So depends on where you are likely to use it. The spirit is a stiffer boat meaning it has a higher psi. Might come down to price, packed direct are doing the spirit for around 339 for the whole package. With the steam you have to buy paddles. To answer your question I think I'd buy the spirit, but they are both good boats. Hope this helps. David

Hi Jo, fantastic, which one did you get? Although I still love my steam the spirit is a great addition. Yes I will be taking Busta on more outings just a little nervous putting him in the kayak from a bank as opposed to a beach setting. Where do you paddle from? You are right, it is so relaxing a great way to stay calm in these troubled times. Enjoy and maybe post some pictures or videos of your experience. Take care David

@@davidward6796 Hi, sorry I got the same one as yours, is it a 410? I usually paddle on the Leeds to Liverpool canal, lots of different places to explore. There's some beautiful countryside around Lancashire and Yorkshire. I'd like to do a sea kayak but a bit nervous re tides. Would you recommend the 410 for use on the sea? The dream is the Outer Hebrides, a sea kayak and camp out on a beach..one day! happy kayaking ;-)

@@josmith3360 hi Jo, I haven't used mine on the sea yet, like you I'm not that confident with the tides, currents and wind factors, even though I've been out a few times on the Solent in the steam I didn't leave the bay. If you're thinking of going out for longer paddles on the sea try to find someone to paddle with. Your lucky with your location as there are some lovely places to kayak. Keep the dream about paddling and camping. Enjoy. David

Hi Tony, I still have high hopes that I will persuade someone to join me for a paddle so I wanted a double kayak. I already have a kxone slider but this being a full drop stitch kayak it was proving to be too heavy for me to carry. The steam is still my go to kayak as it has proved to be flexible and durable. The spirit is a more rigid craft and with the skegs in handles really well. Without the skegs makes for an interesting paddle. I have been trying to sell the slider but am being inundated with scammers, what a world we live in!! Hope this answers your question. All the best, David

Thanks David, I really appreciate the info. Would you say that the Aqua Glide is of comparable construction or value for money as the Steam. How much are you selling the Slider for? Enjoy your paddling.

Hi Tony, it's not an aqua glide, but an aqua spirit, I think they are better known for their paddle boards. The construction seems solid enough and the psi pressure is double that of the steam, 2.5 for the side tubes and 8 psi for the base. The steam is 1.5 and 4. The steam is rated for more water conditions. One reason I bought the spirit was the price, on sale at Amazon for 500 pounds, but on offer at packed direct for 339, the single is only 289. Really good value. I was hoping to get 600 for the slider, but would accept anything over 500 if you know anyone that might be interested. All the best David

Hi I'm 5ft 10inch tall and the 312 is fine for me, at your height the foot rests might be a little close, if I had the choice again I think I would buy the 412, gives more options. David

@@davidward6796 Thanks!!! 👍👍👍

Hi Brian, there were a few locations but mainly it was the River Ouse at Barcombe and Isfield. I'm glad you enjoyed the video, my one venture in 2023, so far, wasn't captured on video, just as well as I slipped getting into the kayak and fell in. Hopefully I'll have better luck soon as the weather gets better. David

Glad you liked my video, greetings to you from Hassocks, David

Hi, couldn't understand your comment, but I hope you enjoyed my video. David

Glad you enjoyed the video, if you manage to get one I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. David

Hi Falies, thank you for your comments, I'm glad you liked my video. I hope you have as much fun with your kayak as I have with mine. David

Hi guys, thanks for your comments, it's just good to get out on the water. You certainly come from a wonderful part of the world, I'll check out your channel, we don't get up to your neck of the woods very often but if we do would love to have a paddle with you. Take care and have a great 2023 on the water. David

Hi David, thanks for your comments, I've had this kayak since July last year and am really pleased with it. It tracks pretty well although, depending on my paddling, it does move from side to side a bit. As I haven't been kayaking for long I'm not sure if it is my technique or the boat.

@@davidward6796 David it's a combination of both with a inflatable the kayak sits on top of the water and not in it .A hardshell kayak sits in the water and the bow of the kayak cuts through the surface of the water .With a inflatable it skims across the surface of the water if you put some weight right at the front of the kayak it will help to force the bow down on to the water surface also make shorter strokes with the paddle and only put the blade of the paddle in the surface ie don't make the mistake of making deep strokes with the paddle, you will never stop the fishtail but you can lesson it

@@davidtalbot491 Thanks David, two great tips, the first is easy, putting some weight in the front, the second may take a little bit more effort from me and a lot of practice. David

Thanks Darren, glad you liked it