I am now almost 73: when I was in my early 20s I sailed across a large inland water body in a ten foot open 2-seat kayak using only an umbrella. This was done to win a bet and although I only ran before the wind it worked very well indeed. It would be a good asset to have stowed away if you were tired and wanted to get home without paddling - if the wind was with you. Later I modified the umbrella by taking off some of the umbrella's panels, leaving only half the umbrella and it still worked well.
Tip about not using it to get where you're going to is priceless safety information (you'll be unable to paddle back against the same wind!) Well done!
Tried this and was cool, trying now to decide between getting a better umbrella or something more complicated. I haven't come close to capsizing but have all but destroyed this cheap midsize umbrella. I don't have a rudder but do have a homemade fin, without which I don't think it would work. I can steer by moving the umbrella around, including gybeing and go up almost to a beam reach by holding it over the lee side. The caution about direction is good, but this lake's winds are so flukey that can end up just having to paddle both directions! Best thing is take winds when they appear but don't go too far, or just try to go back and forth instead of get anywhere.
when i was yakkin' i was 6'7" 350lbs and wide as an ox... so getting my yak to sail was easy... stopping it on the other hand... well thats a different story lol.
30 lb trolling motor vs a 2lb umbrella? No comparison. A 60lb kayak becomes a 100 lb kayak when you add the 10lb battery. Have fun lifting your kayak from your truck, roof, or trailer, then attaching your huge beach cart with wheels, then dragging your kayak through the sand for 200 ft. Then doing it all over at the end of the day when your tired.
Useless? That's your ignorance talking boy. I used a huge umbrella with the pivot joint near the top of the shaft and mounted it on the middle bench in a gheenoe. I had a 15 merc with a 35# trolling motor in the back. I would pivot it forward and run 2 thin stretch cords from 2 points at the front of the umbrella to the front of the hull. Great shade and using the motor as a rudder and even setting the trolling motor at various speeds and directions I could set up perfect drifts and when storms came up and the wind started whipping you could move fast. On a kayak it's a bit more of a challenge
I am now almost 73: when I was in my early 20s I sailed across a large inland water body in a ten foot open 2-seat kayak using only an umbrella. This was done to win a bet and although I only ran before the wind it worked very well indeed. It would be a good asset to have stowed away if you were tired and wanted to get home without paddling - if the wind was with you. Later I modified the umbrella by taking off some of the umbrella's panels, leaving only half the umbrella and it still worked well.
This is so innovative.
Thanks!
This works great for paddling upwind and having a fast easy right back to the launch. Great video sharing this tip!
Tony, I think this a great safety feature that could be marketed for all types of craft!
Tip about not using it to get where you're going to is priceless safety information (you'll be unable to paddle back against the same wind!) Well done!
Great idea. How come I never thought of this!?! I will try it out this weekend.
Living in Florida it also makes a great bimini when you need to get out of the sun for a bit.
Funny it didn't even occur to me how handy it would be for the rain or sun. Packing one for my next trip out.
👍👍
This is awesome! Great tip and video!
Tried this and was cool, trying now to decide between getting a better umbrella or something more complicated. I haven't come close to capsizing but have all but destroyed this cheap midsize umbrella. I don't have a rudder but do have a homemade fin, without which I don't think it would work. I can steer by moving the umbrella around, including gybeing and go up almost to a beam reach by holding it over the lee side.
The caution about direction is good, but this lake's winds are so flukey that can end up just having to paddle both directions! Best thing is take winds when they appear but don't go too far, or just try to go back and forth instead of get anywhere.
Nice. This is how Mary Poppins traveled. If it worked for her I know it will work for kayakers
Thousands of years of sailing culture completely shamed by a porch umbrella and some duct tape.
when i was yakkin' i was 6'7" 350lbs and wide as an ox... so getting my yak to sail was easy... stopping it on the other hand... well thats a different story lol.
Awsome 😁
Awesome ! Is it dangerous ?
Nice tip.
You should get a clear umbrella so you can see what’s in front of you.
Maybe outrigger will precent flip over?
Hi Tony, Really like your vids!
Would this be hard to control if you did not have a rudder?
Thanks,
Wray
Just solidify it with a bungee cord to prevent it from turniing over in strong wind
How the hell can u see? So much can go wrong with this setup.
You could always get a clear umbrella
Can you go on a beam rich with it or go close hauled??
Really? Its meant to just move yourself through the water to reduce having to paddle forever..not for a transatlantic passage...
Hahaha you master
Forgot to ask ,can you tack with it ?.
Prob not
Use a trailer pin instead of a bolt.
can u be a pirate with that ?
Somalian pirate sail lmao
No
Yet another person trying to make up for the deficiencies of a kayak!
Is this a joke?
michael pearson I just attach a 30lbs trolling motor...if wind is kicking and I know the paddle will be tough...
30 lb trolling motor vs a 2lb umbrella? No comparison. A 60lb kayak becomes a 100 lb kayak when you add the 10lb battery. Have fun lifting your kayak from your truck, roof, or trailer, then attaching your huge beach cart with wheels, then dragging your kayak through the sand for 200 ft. Then doing it all over at the end of the day when your tired.
Useless? That's your ignorance talking boy. I used a huge umbrella with the pivot joint near the top of the shaft and mounted it on the middle bench in a gheenoe. I had a 15 merc with a 35# trolling motor in the back. I would pivot it forward and run 2 thin stretch cords from 2 points at the front of the umbrella to the front of the hull. Great shade and using the motor as a rudder and even setting the trolling motor at various speeds and directions I could set up perfect drifts and when storms came up and the wind started whipping you could move fast. On a kayak it's a bit more of a challenge