Blog

‘There's no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing’ A statement that has been quoted many times in relation to hill walking, yet remains equally applicable to paddle sports. The correct attire can transform your enjoyment on the water and even extend your season by many months. Some of our favourite days on the water have been cold, crisp winter ones. Fewer people on the water gives a feeling of serenity, as well as potentially encouraging more wildlife to venture out. However, while we’re here to advise on the best clothing combination for cold weather it’s equally important to consider hot summer days and the potential effect of falling into chilly water. In this blog we address these questions in relation to closed cockpit touring kayaks such as the P&H Virgo, Venture Islay and Dagger Stratos, making recommendations that strike the right balance of performance and price. One thing to bear in mind with closed cockpit models is that your lower half is protected, especially when using a spraydeck, and this could tempt you to wear thinner layers. However, it should not lead to complacency as ultimately the water will still be cold should you fall in. In theory, it is possible to break the discussion down into first layer, technical layering and accessories.

‘There's no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing’ A statement that has been quoted many times in relation to hill walking, yet remains equally applicable to paddle sports. The correct attire can transform your enjoyment on the water and even extend your season by many months. Some of our favourite days on the water have been cold, crisp winter ones. Fewer people on the water gives a feeling of serenity, as well as potentially encouraging more wildlife to venture out. However, while we’re here to advise on the best clothing combination for cold weather it’s equally important to consider hot summer days and the potential effect of falling into chilly water. In this blog we address these questions in relation to closed cockpit crossover kayaks such as the Pyranha Fusion and Dagger Katana, making recommendations that strike the right balance of performance and price. One thing to bear in mind with closed cockpit models is that your lower half is protected, especially when using a spraydeck, and this could tempt you to wear thinner layers. However, it should not lead to complacency as ultimately the water will still be cold should you fall in. In theory, it is possible to break the discussion down into first layer, technical layering and accessories.

‘There's no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing’ A statement that has been quoted many times in relation to hill walking, yet remains equally applicable to paddle sports. The correct attire can transform your enjoyment on the water and even extend your season by many months. Some of our favourite days on the water have been cold, crisp winter ones. Fewer people on the water gives a feeling of serenity, as well as potentially encouraging more wildlife to venture out. However, while we’re here to advise on the best clothing combination for cold weather it’s equally important to consider hot summer days and the potential effect of falling into chilly water. In this blog we address these questions in relation to sit on top kayaks, making recommendations that strike the right balance of performance and price. It is worth bearing in mind that in the case of sit on top kayaks you will likely be more exposed than in closed cockpit versions and thus the conversation around clothing is perhaps more important. In theory, it is possible to break the discussion down into first layer, technical layering and accessories.

‘There's no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing’ A statement that has been quoted many times in relation to hill walking, yet remains equally applicable to paddle sports. The correct attire can transform your enjoyment on the water and even extend your season by many months. Some of our favourite days on the water have been cold, crisp winter ones. Fewer people on the water gives a feeling of serenity, as well as potentially encouraging more wildlife to venture out. However, while we’re here to advise on the best clothing combination for cold weather it’s equally important to consider hot summer days and the potential effect of falling into chilly water. In this blog we address these questions in relation to Inflatable kayaks, making recommendations that strike the right balance of performance and price. It is worth bearing in mind that in the case of inflatable kayaks you will likely be more exposed than in closed cockpit versions and thus the conversation around clothing is perhaps more important. In theory, it is possible to break the discussion down into first layer, technical layering and accessories.

To say we’re fans of Aquaglide inflatable kayaks is something of an understatement. For several years they have been the mainstay of our range, with names such as Chinook and Chelan facilitating hundreds of enjoyable hours on the water. Aquaglide’s history is closely associated with the production of large scale inflatable water based playgrounds. Knowledge gained in this area, specifically the heavy wear and tear of commercial use, has certainly aided the evolution of their kayaks and resulted in excellent durability. With what was already an extensive range of boats our staff questioned what could come next. Not ones to rest on their laurels, we soon hard about the Deschutes. The crucial question….. is it any good?

With so many inflatable kayaks on the market, making a selection can be intimidating. We’re always here to help with a recommendation based around your circumstances, but also realise a little research prior to getting in touch can be useful. There’s a great deal of positive feedback about the Z Pro kayak range and having been a main stockist for nearly ten years our staff are in the perfect position to explain why. We are in no way incentivised towards any particular brand and unlike many stores the staff who advise you are also the ones who select our range.

With almost everyone spending more time around home this has been a fantastic opportunity to explore our local areas, whether land or water. Less opportunity to travel internationally has been a positive in allowing us to appreciate the UK and what a fantastic place it is.  During periods when customers have been allowed in store we have noticed many enquiries about starting new sports, especially those you can enjoy locally.  Perhaps the best example has been stand up paddle boarding.  With so many brands, models, shapes and sizes on the market we thought it useful to create a short, concise guide to purchasing an inflatable paddle board.

Read on for our thoughts on the ever popular C-Tug Trolley, which is ideal for use with kayaks, canoe and SUP boards. The lack of pneumatic tyres means no maintenance requirement, while the ability to break it down into seven pieces ensures effortless storage.

With many now experiencing winter temperatures the sessions are becoming shorter, with cold hands and feet more difficult to tolerate. On a positive, at this time of year we often see some of the best wind and wave conditions in the UK. The last thing our staff want to see is customers missing fantastic sessions due to concern over temperature. Read on for our tips on extending your season as a whole, along with the length of individual sessions. This is a meaty one so grab a brew and let’s get stuck in!

The staff here at Robin Hood Watersports appreciate how hard it can be to pick a wakeboard or waterski related Christmas gift if you don’t actively participate. As active enthusiasts ourselves we can help you select the perfect gift for your friends and family. This blog lists twelve options of varying price. We’ve included a short overview of each and hope this help you understand its use and purpose. As always, if you’re not quite sure and want to discuss further please don’t hesitate to get in touch so we can assist you further on your present hunting mission!