10 May 2024

First Folbot Paddle of 2024

Winnipeg River (photo by V.A. McMillan, 2024)


First Paddle of 2024

May 2024


After much too long, I finally got the Folbot out on the water again. This folding kayak is a circa 1967 Folbot Super Sport (16’6”) two-seater, with a wood and aluminum frame and a Hypalon hull.

Folbot Super Sport (photo by V.A. McMillan, 2024)


Yesterday I had to do some overdue maintenance and a coat of glue was needed on a couple of the plywood parts to get them ready for the water. A few of the brass parts need some attention, too. Today’s mission was to get the Folbot setup and back on the water, where it belongs. Assembly took more than half an hour, but it went together on the first assembly. Water conditions looked good from shore, but the wind was the variable I was not as sure about. With only one paddler in a two-seater can be tricky in windy conditions. One other thing I should mention is this Folbot does not have a skeg nor a rudder, so steerage is achieved by paddling or leaning. More about that later. The trip I wanted to achieve was to circle Hind Island in the Winnipeg River.

Map from Google Maps (2024)


The route around Hind Island is about 7.5 km, unfortunately the wind was so strong on the far side of the island that I only made it 3.63 km, before I was forced to return the way I came. I also learned that Sharkey’s Channel has a rock weir like structure that prevents large vessels from traversing the channel. Thankfully, the kayak has a shallow draft and 6” of water over the rocks was more than enough to float over. Here is a picture on the outbound trip:

Sharkey's Channel Looking East (photo by V.A. McMillan, 2024)


While these pictures captured the moment, they certainly do not share how windy it was. Of course, in the windiest places I was too busy paddling to stop to take pictures. Another point to share, was the photos were taken with a cellphone camera, not my good camera. First voyages and risk assessments don’t take the good camera without a dry bag or floating camera bag…until you know the vessel is still serviceable.

Parking on Sharkey's Channel (photo by V.A. McMillan, 2024)

Looking West to the Main Channel (photo by V.A. McMillan 2024)


I did take a few breaks to walk on terra-firma trying to wait out the wind. Here (above) is a nice parking spot for the Folbot. The next image is looking from Sharkey’s Channel west towards the main channel. My route takes a right turn onto the main channel, but the wind was harsh. With no weight or a second paddler, when traveling bow into the wind, the kayak gets pushed all over the place. So, to get back I spent a lot of time back paddling, leading with the stern. This caused a couple of moments of concern when a wave or two broke over the stern and some water got inside. Not enough to bail out, but I was paying attention.

There was plenty of wildlife to watch…geese, ducks, hawks, even a Bald Eagle. The interesting critters included a pair of King Fishers, a beaver, and a few turtles. Some of the lakes I paddled as a kid had turtles, but they were pretty elusive. So, it was great to see some turtles today in the natural element.

Turtles on a Log (photo by V.A. McMillan, 2024)


Until next time…whether you are paddling your favourite 50-year old kayak or a shiny new craft…

Get out there and have a great time!

 

Mountainman.



NB. Click on the pictures to see a larger version.









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