I too used to be a Kayak instructor (in a past life). I'm a lefty, but had to learn to paddle right handed for instruction and because there are not always left handed paddles available unless you bring your own (holidays abroad etc..). Anyone want to learn to hand roll?
In my Garage I have a 'Sit On Top' double. It weighs a ton, but is VERY stable and was bought a couple of years ago to use with my son, and this is far easier to get in and out of on the water (he loves using this as a mobile swim platform). It's easy to paddle and with the back rests is dead cumfy.
In storage (courtesy of UBS Windsurf club which I must dig out ASAP) I have 2 Pirahna (sp?) Playboats, and a Squirt (plus some windsurfing kit I should sell).
There's an adventure shop in uster that hires inflatable kayaks supposed to be really fast. Can't remember the name but am sure Eire has come across the shop.
I enjoy a bit of sea kayaking (did it in Northern Ireland, so a bit chillier than Lake Zurich, I think) and I've also done a few turns in the inflatable kayaks... I found them to be quite hard to manoeuvre though and often difficult to control if there's any decent wind.
I don't have any stuff with me (and certainly no where to store a boat if I brought one here), but I'd be interested in doing a bit on the lake now and again as I'd like to keep my skills up (not that they're great skills, but I could maybe even improve a little while I'm here).
I would be interested in a kayak outing on the lake as well. I have some experience, but more whitewater (nothing spectacular) than sea kyaking. It seems like it would be great out on the water though.
I currently row on lake zurich but would interested in kayaking too. Seeing a few comments on rowing, as a complete beginner I found my local rowing club v. friendly and not at all superior. Maybe I was just lucky.
If anyone wants to try a "lesson" I would recommend giving these folk a try for rowing. They are both current or ex swiss & german Gold medal winning rowers and run simply super courses. As a beginner myself, after their course I felt very comfortable in a boat. Another tip is they also run many courses for most of the rowing clubs around zurich so could then point you in the right direction to a club best suited to you (plus if the clubs know you have taken one of their courses they don't question your ability).
Finally , no I don't work or have anything to do with them, but have since enjoyed many really lovely rows on the lake and if this helps others take up a new or renew an old past-time hope it helps.
Hi folks! Sorry for a bit of a delay in getting something organized for an intro-day on the water. I'm targeting Saturday, June 13th and will post an event on the calendar with all the details. Plan is to have a laid-back morning of paddling and learning-to-paddle (I think we have a nice mix of veterans, semi-vets, and newbies), some early afternoon cycling for those interested, and a cookout on the lake.
Location is most likely Schmerikon -- I just need to check with the shop to make sure that they have enough rental kayaks available on that date. As for equipment, we may have a fun logistical challenge based on how many people want to show-up, but we'll crack it and worst-case, if the turnout is higher than the boat supply, we can do some sharing. I'll post details on renting gear once I've confirmed that the shop has availability for this date.
By the way, I've been out on Lake Zurich a few times in the past couple of weeks and once out on Lac de Neuchatel. Great fun and the water is perfect. Here are a few fun pics from my 'commute to work by kayak day' last Friday:
The June 13th event is on the calendar now! Please check out the details and share your feedback with me on the coaching option and your interest in attending so that I can lock down the arrangements with the Sea Kayak company.