Description:

The conquest is a hooded, sea/expedition Cag which uses a three layer, ripstop fabric throughout.
The Cag has fully taped seams, a deep zipped neck with inner velcro fastening neck seal , latex wrist seals protected by adjustable PU outer cuffs and twin waist seals.

Twin Waste Seal

The inner breathable fabric skirt has a rubberised elasticated hem and the adjustable Neoprene outer waistband has wide velcro fastening tabs to ensure an tight seal over trousers and deck.

The hood is a fully adjustable peaked hood that can be completely stowed away inside the outer storm collar when not in use. It has a volume adjuster on the rear along with reflective patches for low light/night use.

The Conquest also features 3-way pre-bent arms and seamless underarm panels which aim to allow full arm rotation, without dragging up the waistband.

Front Pockets

Additional features include high visibility reflective print on shoulders and hood, and laser cut reflective backings on all zips. A large twin zipped hand warmer pocket with fleece lining and two separate arm and chest pockets for extra storage.

The zips are water resistant and feature zip garages that hide the zip sliders out of the way and ensure the zips are properly closed.

Findings:

I have found the Conquest to feel lighter to wear and the fabric seems thinner/softer and more flexible than other 3 layer cags.

Articulated Arm

Initially I was worried this would mean a less sturdy top, however this does not seem to be the case at all. The Conquest has stood up to some rough use and handled everything impeccably. In some ways, I actually prefer the ‘lighter’ feel of Conquest as it does not seem so ‘restrictive’ and stiff to wear as some cags and is therefore more comfortable in day to day use. This is enhanced but the little features that are often overlooked such as comfortable fabric on the ends of the cuffs to avoid chaffing.

I find the neck on conquest quite high which on one hand provides good protection paddling in adverse conditions, however for me it is a little restrictive when done up fully whilst the hood is rolled away. When the hood is not stowed in the collar, the fit is great.

Rollaway Hood, Volume Adjustable

The hood is good - I like the reflective patches and it is large enough for a hat/helmet underneath. It does not rotate with the head, but the design allows for good side to side vision. I can deploy the hood without removing the jacket although this takes a little initial manouvering.

The overall fit is excellent and the design of the arms/shoulders allows full range of movement with feeling restricted. There is enough length in the arms to allow you to fully extend for strokes without the Cag pulling up or restricting your stroke.

I really like the waterproof zips and the pockets are well placed. I use the fleece lined front pockets on the shore before/after paddles and they are great for warming up cold hands. The arm pockets have not been used but on along trip/expedition I can see them becoming useful for small emergency items.

Twin seal - dry cuffs

The cuffs are less robust looking than the some other Cags but I think are really well designed. They are extremely comfortable and I have just got hold of the excellent Lomo paddling gloves which fit over the cuffs perfectly due to the ’slim’ design of the cuff seals on the Conquest. The dry seals under the cuffs do their job very well. Once again, the cuffs have stood up to some hard graft with no signs of damage.

I am paddling in the dark more this year as I have to fit paddles in around a young baby & a 3 year old. The large number of refelective strips/patches around the jacket are very welcome in these situations.

Reflective Strips

I have found the Yak Conquest to have very good breathability - significantly better than the Palm Aleutian I reviewed a few months ago. During the winter, the thermals worn underneath remained almost completely dry.

In the recent, more humid weather the Conquest’s breathability has really come into it’s own when I have had to ‘dress for the swim’ rather than the paddle and there has been minimal condensation left after a paddle.

Verdict

I am very impressed by the Yak Conquest Cag. Softer, quieter and extremely comfortable - it is proof that hard wearing, expedition standard kit does not have to be as stiff and ‘rough’ to wear as some that I have tried. With a very reasonable price for this standard of cag it also represents very good value for money. It has proved to be extremely durable and breathable in a wide range of conditions and I now find myself reaching for the Conquest over other cags when heading out for a paddle. Highly recommended.

Yak Conquest Cag

On The Water

By The Shore

From Yak
Conquest

• Medium weight, waterproof ripstop fabric, fully taped and breathable
• 3 way pre-bent arms and seamless underarm technology
• Fully adjustable stow away hood with PU collar and storm flap
• Inner Latex cuff seals with adjustable PU outer
• Fully adjustable Neoprene waist band
• Inner breathable fabric skirt with rubberised elasticated hem
• Large twin zipped fleece lined hand warmer pocket
• Water resistant reflective zip technology and moulded zip pull
• Reflective shoulder and hood print
• New tri-laminate repair patch kit

Available in Black or Orange.
RRP: £179.99

The camera mount was superb - the 3 suckers allowed it to be placed on the curve of the deck with no problem and despite some quite lumpy conditions at time and a few waves breaking over the camera and mount stuck fast.

However, my main issue is that 99% of my paddling is done solo as I have to snatch paddles, often at unsociable hours, to fit in with my young family so do not have the benefit of another paddler to share photo/video taking duties.

I’ve spent a bit of time thinking about a deck mounted solution of some description having tired of my current ‘hold the camera at arms length’ method or leaving the camera running on the shore.

I did look into a DIY effort, then after searching on the web came across a company based in the UK called Fast Films who specialise in vehicle mounting cameras. They had some relatively inexpensive, smaller mounts available which look as if they have potential to develop into a more robust system.

I have played a little with this and hope to trial it tonight so will feedback with some pictures or video footage.

My first thought is to look at a way of extending the arm on which the camera mounts as well as adding a form of safety connection if the suction cups fail. I was amazed at how tight they held on a laminated desk surface - but I’m sure as soon as you add saltwater to the mix things may change!

Boxed Kit

Main Parts

Built Mount

Feedback from folks who have any experience of this type of set-up very welcome!

David has been kayaking for twenty years, paddling competitively in marathon and slalom as well as recreationally on most continents.

He has freelanced for a number of well established centres, county councils and organisations; Hampshire, Suffolk, Plas y Brenin, Ministry of Defence and American Express and run expeditions all over the world as obvious from some of the images on the website!

David is a new British Canoe Union training director who can provide UKCC BCU Coach Courses, White-water Safety and Rescue Courses and Star Awards. He currently sits on the BCU Safety and Rescue Technical Committee and is a trainer for aspirant 4 star providers.

I noticed a 4 star Sea training course is available for the 11-12th July which may be of interest to folks.

From the website:

We provide courses for BCU coaching awards for the UKCC and star awards. All levels are catered for and we can run them throughout the country at clubs or centres. Contact us and let us help meet your needs!

Looking for an expedition ~ sea kayak ~ open canoe ~ white water then we are here to guide you. Experts in expeditioning wherever in the world you are interested in. If you have a trip in mind then we offer a full guiding service.

We are experts in safety & rescue courses. Flat or moving water we can run the BCU modules or design one for your specific needs. We can help clubs / centres / councils and the rescue services with training and advice on best practice.

Contact details are as follows:
David White Coaching
10 Elmtree Gardens
Romsey
Hampshire
Hampshire

Tel: 07737 078579

Email: david@dw-coaching.com

Website: dw-coaching.com

Highlights for this edition are:

1. Into the wilds of Patagonia
2. Island exile for two – return to civilization
3. Circumnavigation of the Falkland Islands
4. Return to Madagascar
5. Nigel Foster’s ‘Encounters’
6. Paddling Alaska
7. Island escape
8. The Tahe Marine Reval
9. Brian Wilson’s ‘Stern Words’

There is now extra content for the magazine posted onto the ‘OP’ magazine website. This edition sees extra info on the Falklands and Swedish Island Escape articles added to the site.

Subscriptions currently get you a free ‘OP’ dry bag and there is a good competition to win a Sea Kayak. Must be worth a look!

The Cetus has a different skeg system to a lot of other sea kayaks. It has a slider control mounted on a bar. This is attached by cord to the actual skeg.

The skeg has elasticated cord atached to it which by default lowers the skeg. The controller is used to pull the skeg up rather than push it down as in most wired skeg systems.

To operate the slider control, you push the unit slightly to release the tension, then slide the pinch grip control to raise/lower the skeg.

You can see Doug Cooper demonstrate this system on this video.

I had watched this video a few times before I had used the boat so was aware of the correct method for use.

The issue I had was that the slider became stuck. I washed out the unit and tried to ensure there was no grit etc stuck. I then tried to move the unit and in the process the plastic section of the control that catches against the ratchets snapped at the bottom. This means the slider control now slides feely and does not catch/hold in position.

I have attempted a temporary repair however gluing plastics is notoriously difficult. This repair is also compounded by the fact the controller is obviously fitted to the slider bar by sliding it onto the bar. To replace the control I wold need to remove the bar and slide a new control grip onto it. At this point I am not sure how possible this is without having to mess about with fibreglass.

I am in contact with P&H and the supplier of the boat to find out more and will post up details. I am sure there is an easy fix for replacing it, but do not want to ‘play’ and cause any damage to the system without pro advice!

I have attached a couple of pics of the offending piece and my failed attempt to effect a temporary repair.

Ultimately, I know the boat is under warranty but if there is a simple ‘field possible’ solution, even if it requires carrying spare parts I would be happier learning how to replace and maintain the unit. I will add to this post as I work through the issue.

With the exception of this issue, I have nothing but for the Cetus - full review coming soon!

UPDATE: The skeg control is indeed attached to the bar before the recessed control unit is fibreglassed into place. I have had an admirably quick and helpful response from P&H and it looks like the boat is going back for a refit. I was also impressed by the interest P&H had in researching the cause of the issue.

It is inevitable that things we purchase can sometimes break or be faulty. To my mind that is a fact of life. What is important in these situations however, is the response of the manufacturer and so far P&H have been exemplary.

I am now interested to see if I notice a difference in the new skeg slider when the boat returns. Looking back, it always felt a bit stiffer than I would have expected so hopefully I can report back with good news on the replacement. Until then, it’s back to my old P&H Iona for a few paddles!

The crossing is trying to raise money for The Wessex Rehabilitation Centre. Why? Well, as their website explains:

It was the superb team here who put Mike through 3 months of intensive physiotherapy after, in another (completely uncharacteristic) moment of madness, he had climbed a ladder in Washington DC, during hurricane season.

The resulting accident left Mike with bits of his elbows normally found on the inside, on the outside… After a 5 hour operation he was flown back to the UK, and referred to Salisbury District Hospital. When the cast was eventually removed he had no movement in his arm at all. This was terrible news. It was his drinking arm.

Five years on from the accident and Mike still raves about the team at the Wessex Rehabilitation Centre and the fantastic work they do there, so in order to show them just how much he appreciates their work, he will be performing another death defying stunt. But this time it’s on purpose.

If you can spare some cash for a good cause, why not drop by their donation page at www.justgiving.com/greatsolentpedal.

To keep up to date with their preparation take a look at their website or follow them on twitter.

Best of luck lads!

One side shows the Isle of Wight along with South Coast, the other is a close up of the main shipping channel and entrance to Southampton water. However, there is more to this than a simple 2 sided chart!

Slide Chart

Both sides have small circular holes cut out a key points in the chart. The inner sheet contains symbols depicting the direction & rate of tidal flow.

You slide the sheet until the correct time before/after high water is showing at the bottom of the chart and each of the holes now displays the rate/direction of tidal flow at that given point in time.

The actual chart is very basic - lacking the detail you would find on a normal sailing chart. Land, land exposed at low tide and the sea along with gridlines for longitude and latitude and some simple contour lines. It also shows the main buoys found in the Solent area.

Slide Chart Insert

The whole chart slide is made of tough plastic, therefore completely waterproof and would accept chinograph pencil marks or a permanent pen (which could be cleaned off with meths or similar).

The rigidity of the plastic means this is not particularly flexible so it may bend to more rounded decks but not the more v shaped decks.

As a tool for planning a paddle in the Solent or Isle of Wight area I think its a good purchase at £15 due to a) the information it provides and b) the tough construction. Not sure if they are available for other areas but worth looking out for!

Slide Chart

Slide to Correct Time

Solent Channel Side

The ‘Expedition’ is the largest deck bag Northwater produce. It has a large zippered opening giving access to the main compartment which holds the bulk of your kit, but is further expandable via side clips, top bungees and optional ‘expansion’ compartments available from Northwater. The shaped is kept true via a removable polyethylene liner. (I have posted a video showing the main features).

Fastening the Northwater Expedition Deck Bag

The Expedition Deck Bag secures to the deck using a different system to the Peaked Deck bag. The bottom of the deck back has a vinyl base & flap covered in velcro. Sliding the flap under the deck lines allows you to then drop the bag down on the velcro securing it in place. This is a lot less fiddly than systems relying purely on straps/buckles and makes removing the deck bag a synch.

In rougher conditions, I did notice some more movement with this deck bag - I imagine this is due to the larger ‘weight’ carried along with the increased surface area. However, the six side clips can be used to secure the bag even more securely and this did cut down the movement.

Expedition Deck Bag In Use

My intial impression of the bag was that it was too large for normal day paddle use as it seemed huge when held however, once in place it is not overbearing and the increased storage has been very welcome. Although designed for expeditions where more equipment is carried, I have been very happy using the Expedition Deck bag for short, day trips.

The Northwater Expedition is not a dry or waterproof bag, so equipment stowed in it needs to be in waterproof containers/roll bags however in calm weather, even with the occasional wave washing over the deck the combination of the vinyl base and position high up on the deck means very little water seeps into the bag.

Large Storage Potential

I tend to stow a flask or water bottle, VHF, gloves and hat and snacks along with a camera in a roll bag which means there is plenty of spare space and it is easy to access equipment. The two sided zip and domed shape of the opening aids easy access and the mesh pocket on the front flap is ideal for a granola bar or similar.

On a longer paddle, I have successfully used a smaller dry bag within the Deck Bag and it is easy to unclip, unroll and access equipment.

The side clips allow you to attach kit to the outside of the Deck bag and I have taken to attaching my Northwater Bilgemaster pump here for easy access. The addition of bungees on the top of the Deck bag allows a laminated chart or other, slimmer items to be attached. I often use this to tuck a hat or gloves or even my paddle float whilst on the move.

Northwater Expedition Deck Bag

Overall I really rate this bit of kit. It is a step up from the smaller deck bags such as the Peaked Deck bag, ad the extra storage is very welcome without dwarfing the deck of my Sea kayak. The build quality is very good and it feels like a robustly made bag. I would have no qualms about throwing this around over a sustained period of time and despite my ‘heavy handed’ testing I have not damaged the bag in any way.

Whilst some people may prefer a true ‘dry bag’ style deck bag, for me the lower cost of the Northwater Expedition Deck Bag makes it a more affordable and sensible option, particularly if, like me, you seem to have accumulated a number of small dry bags over time!

Cost is around £75-£80 which is not cheap but if you have the need for a deck bag worth every penny.

The Northwater Expedition Deck Bag can be ordered from Bournemouth Canoes or check your local paddle store.

From the Northwater Website:

Our largest deck bag. Easily installs using existing deck lines. Webbing and buckles let you attach gear to the sides. Large zippered opening and small mesh pocket in front. It is easy to remove, has loads of cargo space and is contoured to follow the profile of your boat. The unique ‘Non-Slip’ attachment system uses a 14oz vinyl base sewn at the rear of the bag and held with hook and loop. A polyethylene liner shapes it for easy access through the front zippered entry.

Simon is updating his website and plans are afoot to include a forum to compliment the book allowing paddlers to add extra information such as updates on the route, local services and points of interest and so forth.

You can sign up for more information on the book and its publication on the Pesda Press website.

From the publisher:

Scotland’s west coast is an undisputed world-class sea kayaking destination. This book challenges the reader to kayak a 500km route, from the Isle of Gigha off the Kintyre peninsular, to the Summer Isles near Ullapool. It can be undertaken in four holiday-sized sections or as one long, glorious journey.

The emphasis is on practical advice; how to tackle tricky tidal passages; places to visit; where to source essential information; food re-supply; where to safely leave kayaks overnight; how and when to shuttle vehicles; and the accessibility of public transport. Although camping is an essential element of this journey the book does not identify wild camp sites or even picnic places. It gives sea kayakers enough information to seek out their own adventures and so spread the environmental impact.

The history of this country is inextricably linked to the west coast, from the Scoti to the Norsemen, the Lords of the Isles to the Clearances. An historical thread, woven through the text, tells ‘Scotland’s Story’.

There are useful photographs and notes to help identify wildlife without disturbance, plus practical recommendations on wild camping, from minimum impact techniques to Scottish access law.

For those who travel the trail in the comfort of their armchairs, there’s also the story of the author’s own journey. Together you will travel under big skies on imposing seas in the company of seals, dolphins, eagles and gulls. The Scottish Sea Kayak Trail is waiting for you.