• Adventures,  Boating / Kayaking,  Marine,  Marine,  My Blog

    Double Sheet Bend: For Joining Two Ropes of Different Diameters

    The Double Sheet Bend, also known as the Double Becket Bend, is a more secure variation of the Sheet Bend knot. It’s specifically designed to join two ropes of different diameters together. Here are some common uses for the Double Sheet Bend knot: Why Choose the Double Sheet Bend? Overall, the Double Sheet Bend is a robust knot suitable for joining ropes securely in situations where reliability and strength are essential, especially when dealing with ropes of different sizes or materials. #livealifetodiefor  #MoreThanMyPast #itsrogerx #official_psychi

  • Boating / Kayaking,  How To's,  Marine,  Marine,  My Blog

    Master the Waves: The Ultimate Guide to Sea Kayaking

    Sea Kayaking is a challenging and potentially dangerous endeavour, requiring careful preparation and the right equipment. Among my experiences of sea/touring kayaking include paddling from Dungeness, UK to Boulogne, France both ways and the Great Glen Canoe Trail. Here is my basic kit list for such an adventure: Kayak and Paddles Sea Kayak: A high-quality sea kayak designed for open water, preferably one with a length of 14-18 feet, 22 to 24 inches wide, designed for stability and speed. Day Touring Kayak: An average size is of 12 to 14 feet long and 24 to 28 inches wide. Ideal qualities needed are “easy entry and all-day comfort”. Paddle: A strong…

  • Adventures,  Boating / Kayaking,  Expeditions,  Marine,  My Blog

    Epic London 2 Paris Rowing Challenge : A Journey to Remember

    The London 2 Paris Rowing Challenge in 2010 required extreme physical endurance and considerable mental strength.  It’s the perfect example of open water rowing’s most demanding aspects; a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. I looked forward to an interesting and equally punishing journey from Big Ben, down along the River Thames, across the English Channel to La Havre and up the Seine to the finish at the Eiffel tower, a distance of 440 nautical miles. We rowed an old-fashioned traditional Thames Waterman Cutter; 34ft long, with a beam of 4ft 6”, in timber (clinker-built). We started from Big Ben, London, rowing our Thames Cutter towards the sea. Rotating six rowers…

  • Adventures,  Boating / Kayaking,  Camping / Equipment & Accessories,  Critical items you ‘Need’ to Survive an Adventure,  Electronics / Navigation,  Hiking / Trekking,  How To's,  Marine

    Ultimate Survival Guide: Finding Your Way in Any Situation!

    Adventure start here: Why you should Always carry a Compass and Map as backup It is essential to know how to use a compass, it is a skill that everyone who enjoys the outdoors; trekkers, orienteers, kayakers and sailors will find indispensable. A map and a compass are still my basics for navigating and locating my position with confidence and ultimately surviving the wilderness; it gives you the choice to deviate from the trail and explore! I want to tell you more about my extraordinary journey. Steps to Use a Compass 1. Holding the Compass Practical Tips By understanding and practicing these steps, you can effectively use a compass for navigation in outdoor settings. My favourite is the navigation…

  • Boating / Kayaking,  Expeditions,  How To's,  Marine

    Practical Tips to ‘Prepare’ for Coastal Rowing : What You Need to Know

    Coastal rowing is a form of rowing that takes place on the Sea; also on lakes, or large rivers, as opposed to traditional rowing which typically occurs on calm, inland waters like rivers and lakes. Coastal rowing boats are designed to handle rougher conditions and waves, with features such as wider hulls, higher freeboards, and self-draining cockpits to ensure stability and safety in challenging environments. Coastal rowing often involves longer distances and endurance-based racing, with races typically held along coastal routes or around islands. It offers rowers a unique and dynamic experience, requiring adaptability to changing conditions and a strong sense of navigation and seamanship. Coastal rowing can be enjoyed…

  • Adventures,  Boating / Kayaking,  Cancer,  My Blog

    Kayak the English Channel : Dungeness to Boulogne

    BBC . South East Today – Evening News 25.6.2021 – I’m on the Telly!!! On the 3rd February 2021, I completed my chemotherapy treatment for Cancer and rang the Bell. Six months later 3rd August 2021 to celebrate this milestone I paddled a red kayak from Dungeness to Boulogne on the Frech Coast, sporting my “Chemo Curls.” Being featured on the BBC in the South East is a great way to share an inspiring journey with a wider audience. I do my story can provide hope and inspiration to others going through similar challenges. Approaching Boulonge Harbour. Caught by Gendarmerie. After paddling 22.6 miles from Dungeness, a high-speed motorboat with its blue…

  • Adventures,  Boating / Kayaking,  Marine,  Speaking

    Ocean Rowing: The Ultimate Maritime Challenge

    The Harrowing Realities of Ocean Rowing: A Journey of Endurance and Survival   The Toby Wallace Atlantic Row – January/February 2016 Tragedy struck in the night of February 14th. Location close to 18 29′ N  039 06′ W. over a thousand miles from land. https://my.yb.tl/oceanusrowing Simon gave a loud warning shout, “big wave”. I looked up to see a monster swell coming at us fast out of the dark; it was the size of a two storey building. This rogue wave was arriving from unexpected direction intent on broadsiding our row boat. Not to break over but pummelled through us like a water tornado. The immense power of unstoppable maelstrom of…

  • Boating / Kayaking,  Expeditions,  Marine

    Me Helmsman ??

    The first leg on an incredible Atlantic Adventure. I’m on the helm of the Southern Child, a 40ft yacht. The picture was take whilst crossing the infamous Bay of Biscay on a 2000miles passage to Las Palmas; to become acquaint to the sea.  My second ‘big’ mistake. Sea sickness is bad enough but I fell awkwardly during a heavy squall and gave my knee a really walloping; causing a swollen lump rise up to the size of an orange, on the inner side of my metal knee. I personally attempted to feed most of the fish between the English Channel and all the way across the Bay of Bisque. #livealifetodiefor #MoreThanMyPast…