• 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

  • Essential Rope Knots,  Marine,  Marine

    The Water Bowline: Reliable Knot for Wet / Slippery Conditions 

    The Water Bowline is a type of knot that is a variation of the classic Bowline, known for its strength and security. It’s particularly used in maritime activities because it holds well under load and can be easily untied even after being subjected to a heavy strain. Key Features of the Water Bowline: To tie a Water Bowline: This version of the Bowline is favored for its additional security and ability to withstand slippage better than the standard Bowline, especially when wet, making it suitable for sailing and other water-related activities. **I want to tell you more about my extraordinary journey. #livealifetodiefor #marlowropes  #MoreThanMyPast #itsrogerx

  • Adventures,  Hiking / Trekking,  Marine,  Mountaineering,  My Blog

    Indoor Rowing is the Ultimate Full-Body Workout

    By incorporating Indoor Rowing into your training regimen, you can prepare your body for a wide range of Adventurous Activities. Indoor rowing is rapidly gaining popularity as one of the most effective full-body workouts. This exercise engages multiple muscle groups, improves cardiovascular health, and offers numerous other benefits that make it a go-to option for fitness enthusiasts of all levels. Welcome to my fitness journey, where I explore the transformative power of indoor rowing. Join me as I dive into the numerous benefits that indoor rowing has to offer, providing valuable insights and practical advice to enhance your workouts and overall fitness. A Remarkable Achievement : Confidence Booster Reflection: On…

  • 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,  Expeditions,  Marine,  My Blog

    Conquer the North Atlantic: a Monumental Rowing Adventure

    Rowing the North Atlantic is a monumental feat that requires incredible physical and mental endurance. The North Atlantic is known for its challenging weather patterns, strong currents, and unpredictable conditions, making it one of the most demanding bodies of water to cross. On 28th Jan 2016, approaching midnight – I was sitting in my rowing position on the “Toby Wallace”, a light-weight ocean rowing boat; ‘primed and ready for an attempt’ on a world record. Our challenge was to Row across the North Atlantic, setting off from Marina Puerto De Mogan Gran Canaria, 4815Km. / 2992 miles to Port St Charles Barbados faster than anyone before. I was musing !!!!    Rowing the Atlantic…

  • 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…

  • Camping / Equipment & Accessories,  Marine,  Marine,  My Blog,  Overlooked Survival Items

    Changing Robe : Indispensable for Outdoors and Water Sports Enthusiasts.

    Experience the great outdoors without compromising on comfort and privacy – a changing robe is your ultimate companion. Weather-proof on the outside, roomy on the inside, and typically featuring a warm, fleecy lining. From camping to wild swimming, this versatile garment ensures that you can embrace your outdoor adventures, regardless of what Mother Nature has in store for you. Picture is of me during Storm Ciarán 1st November 2023 Imagine being able to change your clothes in public places without any exposure or embarrassment. This innovative changing robe provides you with a discreet, insulated, and water-resistant personal shelter, granting you the freedom to adapt to the elements while maintaining your…

  • Camping / Equipment & Accessories,  Climbing / Caving,  Critical items you ‘Need’ to Survive an Adventure,  Marine,  Mountaineering,  My Blog

    Strong and Versatile Cordage: Essential Ropes for Every Adventure

    Cordage has endless potential uses… It is  a must-have for every adventure, from a day’s hiking or the rigours of long expeditions into the wilderness with all the necessary quality requirements – “Strength, Flexibility, Durability and Lightweight”. There are so many versatile rope applications that will come in handy during family camping holiday, on a day’s hiking, sailing or out in the remote wilderness; on occasions it is the survivalist best pal…. Examples of Top Uses for Versatile Cordage Shelter Construction: Cordage is essential for building and securing shelters, whether it’s tying down a tarp, lashing together branches for a lean-to, or creating a ridge line for a tent. Camping and Hiking:…

  • 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…