Hi glad to be here. Help and guidance if possible

[OnWaterRib34]

Hi Tony Glass here my wife Margaret and I are Motorhomers.
In the past we carried on board inflatable kayaks, Croatia was great for that.
We have now purchased a EXCEL Volante 200 2M rib, Bison electric trolling motor and 100ah 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Battery. Generally for pottering around on preferably stillwater two 75kg adults.

So I would be grateful for guidance and possibly training (hopefully locally to CO16 postcode (St Osyth). And good locations reasonably close to us for practice. What would be the minimum kit we would need to ensure a safe experience. We already have two buoyancy aids but I'm sure there is more we would need.

I did complete my RYA powerboat training but that was 10 yrs ago and maybe overkill for a kayak. I also produce youtube roadtrip (& other) videos mainly focusing on the off grid lifestyle.

Thanks very much in advance Tony & Margaret

[Fenlander]

Hello Tony and welcome to the forum.

I am very familiar with the sea and estuary areas near you but less so with inland waters. The outfit you have bought is really not suitable for the sea but at the correct state of the tide you could drop it in at St Osyth and troll down to the slip/pontoon area at Brightlingsea. I would not go further than that though.

However ideally I'd be searching quiet rivers in your area. Maybe the Stour? You will need to register and buy a licence for your boat to use it on many rivers.

Regarding training I'm not sure what you seek as it is all biased to getting out to sea not river use. If you wished to receive this training with a boat upgrade in mind then you are in the right area as this is available at several Brightlingsea outfits such as the Park & Ride or Colne Yacht club. Also they are very helpful in the Harbour office.

Similarly on inland rivers your current outfit is suited to there really is no specific kit needed.