I've watched this video several times over the years and I keep coming back. This is easily one of my favorite sea kayaking videos! I never knew it was even possible to paddle that far in a single paddle. This was a huge athletic achievement and really made me reconsider what's possible. An average speed of 6.1 km/h for 17.36 hours !!!??? Truly impressive!
Thank you for your kind word. It didn't know it was possible to in the early days. :-) Have you seen the video on my second North Sea crossing? This video is a bit better. In the first video (this one) I have problems with the GoPro half way, that's why there are only pictures in the second half. During my second crossing, I have recording everything. Happy paddling and be safe my friend! Cheers!
Thank you for this lovely compliment Rendo! Glad you like our channel! We'll do our very best to make our videos as interesting as possible. Cheers, Dimitri
Most people sit in their Armchairs and think wistfully about an adventure they ' would love to do'. You did it - twice. They are great viewing and you have my utmost respect.
Thank you so much for the appreciation Jim! I had never been so tired in my life when arriving at Ramsgate. But I enjoyed it at the same time. Cheers!👌😊
Hello Chris! It's all about training and seamanship. I didn't think I could do this eather the first years that I paddled. It's been two years now and it still feels like I crossed yesterday. Thanks for your reply, cheers! Dimitri
Seeing your children and your adventure reminded me of one of my favorite children’s books, We Didn’t Mean to Go to Sea by Arthur Ransome, It’s a reverse journey (different ports), but yours was equally an adventure. Thank you for making a visual log and sharing it. Enjoy the book if you haven’t already.
Never been so exhausted and happy at the same time! 2 years of planning, training and preparing. Same for the second North Sea crossing in 2018. That video is better quality and gives a better insight. Cheers!💪😊
Thank you for sharing your awesome adventure! Your boat doesn't look much different than mine but your expierence is way beyond mine! Cheers from North Carolina, USA.
Dankjewel Jurgen! Het was fenomenaal dat ik drie jaar erna nog een tweede poging deed ( met video op dit kanaal). Twee keer tot volledig on het rood gaan, maar het gevoel is onbeschrijfelijk.
@@Northseakayak dat geloof ik best,dit zullen er u niet veel nadoen denk ik,ik ben open kano vaarder en zoek over te schakelen en lessen te nemen in zee kayak,en ik was een beetje aan het zoeken op UA-cam,kwam op jou filmpjes en was direct verkocht,zaaaaaalig om te zien ,echt waar,nu nog iemand vinden die me serieus les wil geven ,en ik kan dan beginnen met heel ver achter je aan te peddelen 🤣
@@jurgenvanmele5721 moh allee! Wat een toeval! Wij geven les hierin. Als je door ons verder wil geholpen worden, stuur maar es (vrijblijvend) een mailtje: northseakayak@hotmail.com
Hi Eckhardt, thanks for watching and the compliments. There is always a risk but I kept it to a minimum by choosing the right period with less wind. That is the reason why I waited two years before making my attempt. There was never good weather on my days off. All the best! Dimitri
NORTHSEAKAYAK me as beginner was 3 weeks ago alone on Baltic Sea near kiel. 4-5 bf and some white waves and in sight of land. After three hours i was happy to be save back. So big respect to all paddlers !!!
Congratulations, an incredible trip. Seen from southern Spain. Your willpower or strength is unbelievable. In spanish language : Felicitaciones, un viaje increíble. Visto desde el sur de España. Increíble tu fuerza de voluntad o fortaleza.
Thanks for sharing your experience. Of course there were even more extreme kayakers, who crossed the Atlantic for example. But you risked way too much. Imagine a colision with a ship, any ship, or even a submarine. They have propellers, just imagine. But I do congratulate you. And stay safe!
I'm an immigrant in France trying to get to UK ... I'm training on a cheap kayak I bought. I hope to make it to UK someday on my kayak. Thanks for the motivational video. I now it's possible... Just need more training
Hi, I hope this reaction is a joke? If not: I have trained for this for many years and I carry a lot of safety equipment. I strongly advise not to do this. Without proper training and navigational skills, this is life threatening.
awesome achievement Dimitri . I only just stumbled on this video April 2018. I keep sharing your videos with the kayaking fun 2018 group in Ontario Canada . Maybe some day you would like to paddle the great lakes in this region . A place to roll without the stinging of salt water , in clear lakes . congrats on a super fine paddle . ( ps , it makes for a great family vacation )
Hi Klaus, Thank you so much for your possitive comments! Say hi to your fellow paddlers over there from us, will you? Should we ever visit Canada, we'll make sure to give a shout! Thanks for the invite! Best regards from the NSK team! Dimitri & co
Thank you Christopher! I wish you a lot of good adventures and safe travels with your new boat! You won't be dissapointed with this sea kayak, it's the best polyethylene sea kayak available! Did you ask for the CoreliteX upgrade? It makes a significant difference in stiffness and weight. Cheers, Dimitri
Thank you! Have you seen the video of my second crossing? More and better footage. During this one, my GoPro died half way, and I could only take pictures for the rest. Love Sylvie's home made waffles! :-) Cheers!
I enjoyed that a lot. Nicely edited and good music. I'm planning on kayaking around the Llyn Peninsula on a SOT in stages.. Fingers crossed. Think I need to train a bit more. Your adventure was inspirational.
Hi there! Thanks for the nice compliment! I wish you all the best with your adventure. Don't underestimate the possibilities of a SOT kayak. We started sea kayaking with a SOT (for the first five years). Of course you need to train a lot, speaks for itself. My longest trip ever was done in a SOT (as preparation for the North Sea crossing), over 113 kms non-stop. Here you can see it, but it's not in HD and my editing skills were not so good at that point) :-) Cheers! ua-cam.com/video/K5VwFotuu0Q/v-deo.html
Hi Dimitri, i read all your relationship: it was truly a great fear for strong current and, above all, for the general ships trafic there!!! You are lucky for sail in that sea with buoy and a really helpful Coast-guards: in Italy, if you want to get away from the coast to go, for exemple in Croazia, (75nautical-miles) you must have a supporter of boat with a medical, aquipment on kayak and many, many, many permits!!!
+Carlo Giovagnoli No limits in distance here in Belgium, the same counts for the UK. France is another story, there you needs permits, that's why I started from Belgium. If you want to do the channel crossing, instead of the Southern part of the North Sea, you need also a support boat and lots of permissions.
Demitri - Kudos on your successful solo crossing! Isn't it amazing what a fit, skilled, and mentally tough paddler can accomplish in these marvelous little boats? I really like your videos, BTW - they're great, and your humility before the sea and skill with a paddle are a sweet combination.
Hi Moulton, Thank you for your compliments! It means a lot, hearing this from someone like you. We share the same respect as you for the sea. A big thanks for your accomplishment with the "National Centre for Cold Water Safety" website. It is something I read during the winter months, just as an important reminder. Greetings from the Belgium West Coast! Dimitri
My pleasure, Dimitri - I've always thought we had that in common - and a love for the of the ocean, and humility in the face of Mother Nature's power. Keep up your good work and having fun!
Thank you very much Patrick! It took me some years of preparations, and waiting for a good weather-window, to take on this challenge. And the Belgian waffles are the best, as is the chocolate. Should you ever visit Belgium, don't forget to taste them! :-) Cheers, Dimitri
Bravo, proficiat. Ik ben nog niet gereed maar da's nog altijd op m'n lijst. Ik dacht misschien Koksijde/Nieuwpoort tot wel het korste afstand. Wie weet.
+Louis-Philippe LONCKE Dankjewel! Veel succes alvast, ik zag dat je nog niet aan je proefstuk toe bent! Mocht je vragen hebben omtrent de overtocht, stel ze gerust, ik help je graag. Groeten, Dimitri
hi dimitri - congratulations....epic achievement. it would have been good to have heard a personal commentary as you were going along....but i guess you'd have needed lots of spare batteries for the camera. inspirational trip.....and just a little crazy. i want to do lands end to the scilly isles any time you fancy. J
Hi Julian, So nice to hear from you again! Your advice and comments that you gave me some time before the crossing were of great use to me. In fact, as you look good in the beginning of the video, you name and Phone number were written down on my planning, just in case of. You're the only one I know who has been on the Goodwin Sands. Altough there was no wind, there were waves up to 1 metre due to the enourmous tidal stream on the Sands. My GoPro died halfway the trip, that's why there are only photos in the second part of the vid. Had to use my back up camera. I have written down my comments in the tekst below the video itself, should you be interested. There's a small chance that I come to the Dover again, with my kayak, for a day trip. Are you still not on FB? Would been great to talk via that way. Again, nice to hear you again! All the best! Dimitri
Hi Andy, Hahahaa, no I'm noty but thanks for the compliment. You yourself can achieve anything you want as long as you go for it and train a lot. :-) Cheers, Dimitri
I recognize most of your safety equipment, but what is the very large light on your back? Also, what is the purpose of the heavy blue rope that you have attached to your bow and coiled on your spray skirt?
Hi there, thanks for watching! The light is the ODEO distress flare (previous model). I now carry the new model; www.odeoflare.com/products/odeo-distress-flare/The rope was a precaution. SInce I was alone, I wanted to be able to land on a buoy in case of emergency with the kayak thetered to myself. I didn't need it though, but you never know. On regular trips, I just carry a tow line. Cheers, Dimitri
Well done. Good effort. Just wondering...I'm a paddler from Australia, and most of us use sails to increase our range.Some of us have electric bilge pumps too, especially on crossings. What's the go over there in Europe? Are they frowned upon?
Hi there, and thanks for the compliment! Over here you rarely see sails, only now and then. Not a common sight anyway. I considered it myself, but eventually chose not to install one. I want to do these trips on manpower alone. But I certainly believe in the concept, probably heaps of fun! Cheers!😊👍👌🌊
Hi! In case of emergency, I can climb on a buoy or lightship and anchor my kayak onto it without loosing time or having to make a loop from the bow. That last is impossible when alone and sitting in the cockpit.
Thank you Zoltan! Have you seen the more recent video about my second solo & unsupported North Sea crossing? The footage is better! :-) Cheers! ua-cam.com/video/3y2zYXgcuPo/v-deo.html
hello I admire you I want to cross 160 kilometers in the Mediterranean from Oran Algeria to Almeria Spain how fair is it and what advice do you give me and I will leave alone without food and a mother's gprs normally it is 72 hours of rowing Thank you for answering me
Absolutely fantastic Demitri, Do you have any rules in Belgium like the French have for distances kayaks can be from the shore? Did you need any special permissions? Once again - great achievement and many thanks for posting the video.
morethan4mph No permissions needed by Belgian and British Coast Guard. However, you have to be fully prepared, well trained and you need a lot of safety equipment. To go sea kayaking along the Belgian coast/sea it is the law to have that safety equipment on board at all times (such as a spare paddle, PDF, lights when traveling in the dark, rope,,.....) But there is no limitation in offshore distance! And that is a good thing! Thank you kindly for the possitive comments!!
Hi Dex! Two reasons; I am use to paddle in the area where I started so that makes things aesier when navigating in that perticular area. And I had to calculate the tide stream also. I wanted to start the first part against the current since the speed of the current is double along the British side. There, I wanted the tidal stream in my favor. Planning and calculating are a very important part of this journey. Cheers, Dimitri
Dimitri, Great achievement, congratulations. Inspiring as well. Do you have a blog I can follow? At the end of the video you included a shot of a windows program which shows your GPS track. Which application do you use? Thanks!
+Rolf Aalders Thanks for watching, and your positive comments! Means a lot! We don't have a blog but we are mainly active on FB (NORTHSEAKAYAK), you can find the FB button above should you have difficulties. The program is from Garmin itself, with the track. The full story both in English, as in Dutch is to be found on the P&H page. phpaddlers.com/ Cheers!! Dimitri
+Rolf Aalders En ik heb zo'n vermoeden dat je een Zuiderbuur van ons bent en Nederlands spreekt, niet? Mocht je nog vragen hebben, stel ze gerust hoor! Veel groeten, Dimitri
+NORTHSEAKAYAK :) Geen zuiderbuur. .. Ik woon in Nederland. Jij? Dank voor de reactie. Ben zelf dit jaar begonnen met kajakken, dus vragen genoeg inderdaad. Ik ga nu nog even enkele andere filmpjes van je bekijken, ter inspiratie. ik steek eet ook veel van op! thanks
+Rolf Aalders Domme schrijffout van mij, bedoelde inderdaad noorderbuur. Staar je zeker niet blind op onze laatste video's hoor. Wij zijn 8 jaar geleden ook met NUL ervaring begonnen. Mocht je op FB zitten, stuur gerust een vriendschapverzoekje, ik voeg je zeker toe. Praat/schrijft nog makkelijker. Veel succes alvast met je nieuwe hobby!! Wie weet komen we elkaar ooit nog es tegen op het water! Groeten, en nu correct, van je Zuiderburen!! :-) Dimitri
Hi Justin! Thanks for your positive comment! Just have a quick look at our other videos, they almost all have one or two tumbs down. It's always the same jealous or hatefull person, we don't bother. We make these videos for the people like yourself and to share the sea kayak vibe. All the best! Dimitri
Hi there! Because it was warm enough (also the water temperature) to paddle with a Long John. I had a neoprene sweater with me just in case, but didn't need it. :-) Cheers, Dimitri
Hi John, You're the first to ask! Potty before the crossing, and I left the cockpit just once to take a leak. Laying next to the kayak, wetsuit lowered a bit. Sounds a bit funny but it was a relief, really..... I waited for that just until there was a bit of distance between myself and the international fareway. Did not have any "butt" problems, thanks to the Connect seat, wich is very comfortable. Cheers, Dimitri
Thanks for sharing , we all wonder that but seldom touch on the issue . I always compare my kayaking to a long Bike race and what would i do to prepare for that . However your trip was longer than that . So again thanks for sharing . and congrats to a fine paddle
Jazeker, toen ik over de Goodwin Sands voer heb ik tientallen zeehonden gezien. Dit waren zowel gewone als grijze zeehonden. Over de rest van de tocht heb ik verder niets gezien. Tijdens onze doordeweekse trainingen zien we wel altijd iets hoor, meestal een zeehond. In het voorjaar soms wat bruinvissen. Ben je aan het trainen hiervoor? Streekgenoot? Vriendelijke groeten, Dimitri
klinkt heerlijk :D Ikzelf zit nog inde eerste fase; dromen en geld sparen. Maar zal mogelijk een grotere boot moeten overwegen vermits een pols blessure. (iets met zeil en/of pedalen) Kunt U me toevallig een winkel aanraden? Kajaks kopen is hier niet zo heel evident wil ik merken. (omgeving blankenberge/oostende/brugge) groeten dennis
Heb je de polsblessure opgelopen tijdens of door het kajakken? Een verkeerde peddeltechniek kan aan de basis liggen, vandaar mijn vraag. Mocht dat het geval zijn, kan het probleem ook snel verholpen worden.
Wat zou je met je kajak willen doen? Van je antwoord zal ook het type van boot die je nodig hebt afhangen. Bij de Hobie moet/kan je niet meer peddelen maar trappen en/of je zeil gebruiken. Maar het ding weegt veel, dus zeker afwegen hoe je het in het water wilt laten. Een standaard zeekajak is een stuk smaller en lichter maar je zult wel moeten peddelen. Een zeil is tegenwoordig wel een (goede) optie op zo'n boten. Veel groeten! Dimitri
I've watched this video several times over the years and I keep coming back. This is easily one of my favorite sea kayaking videos! I never knew it was even possible to paddle that far in a single paddle. This was a huge athletic achievement and really made me reconsider what's possible. An average speed of 6.1 km/h for 17.36 hours !!!??? Truly impressive!
Thank you for your kind word. It didn't know it was possible to in the early days. :-) Have you seen the video on my second North Sea crossing? This video is a bit better. In the first video (this one) I have problems with the GoPro half way, that's why there are only pictures in the second half. During my second crossing, I have recording everything. Happy paddling and be safe my friend! Cheers!
Thanks for the possitive comments! Bedankt voor de positieve commentaren!
Amazing paddle with such meticulous planning and preparation! You have one of the best sea kayaking channels for sure thanks for sharing!
Thank you for this lovely compliment Rendo! Glad you like our channel! We'll do our very best to make our videos as interesting as possible. Cheers, Dimitri
Fair play 🇫🇷🛶🇬🇧🍺what an adventure 👏
Most people sit in their Armchairs and think wistfully about an adventure they ' would love to do'. You did it - twice. They are great viewing and you have my utmost respect.
Thank you so much for the appreciation Jim! I had never been so tired in my life when arriving at Ramsgate. But I enjoyed it at the same time. Cheers!👌😊
Wow! Unbelievable adventure. Love that track too, one of Sinéads best 🙂
Thank you Sam! Yes, lovely piece of music!
Don't think I'd fancy that on my own Demitri! Well done. I'm glad you made it safe and sound to meet your support team. Chris
Hello Chris! It's all about training and seamanship. I didn't think I could do this eather the first years that I paddled. It's been two years now and it still feels like I crossed yesterday. Thanks for your reply, cheers! Dimitri
what an amazing adventure, i dream of doing something this epic one day. congratulations on a job well done !
Watching from Australia. Big respect 🙏
Cheers Ruby! Many greetings from the Belgian West Coast!!🤗
Well done. Thanks for sharing
Haha, thanks a lot! Still getting tired by just thinking back to this endavour!👌😊💪 .... but I would do it again for sure!
Felicidades Dimitri. Me ha encantado este video. Fenomenal trabajo y lo más importante el apoyo tan bonito de la familia. Enhorabuena.
Thank you so much for your support Javier! Cheers, Dimitri (& family) :-)
Real adventurer !! I can't stop seeing your videos🤙🤙💪💪💪💪💪
@@cwschmidt thank you for the nice compliment and for sticking with us! Much appreciated!
Seeing your children and your adventure reminded me of one of my favorite children’s books, We Didn’t Mean to Go to Sea by Arthur Ransome, It’s a reverse journey (different ports), but yours was equally an adventure. Thank you for making a visual log and sharing it. Enjoy the book if you haven’t already.
Cheers Chris!! I'm unfortunatly not familiar with that book, have to look it up. Thanks for the tip!👌😊
What a great adventure, it must have taken some serious planning, commitment and courage. Well done!
Never been so exhausted and happy at the same time! 2 years of planning, training and preparing. Same for the second North Sea crossing in 2018. That video is better quality and gives a better insight. Cheers!💪😊
Fantastische prestatie! Proficiat !
Congratulations on a great adventure!
Great Job!
Well done, great Trip!
Cheers Peter! Good memories!👌😊
Totally awesome adventure💯
Thank you Ruben!!🌊👌😊
Thank you for sharing your awesome adventure! Your boat doesn't look much different than mine but your expierence is way beyond mine! Cheers from North Carolina, USA.
Hi there and thank you for the nice compliment! Have fun and be safe out there!! 👍😁👌
Big RESPECT Dimi ,thats all that i can say RESPECT (Dendermonde Belgium)
Dankjewel Jurgen! Het was fenomenaal dat ik drie jaar erna nog een tweede poging deed ( met video op dit kanaal). Twee keer tot volledig on het rood gaan, maar het gevoel is onbeschrijfelijk.
@@Northseakayak dat geloof ik best,dit zullen er u niet veel nadoen denk ik,ik ben open kano vaarder en zoek over te schakelen en lessen te nemen in zee kayak,en ik was een beetje aan het zoeken op UA-cam,kwam op jou filmpjes en was direct verkocht,zaaaaaalig om te zien ,echt waar,nu nog iemand vinden die me serieus les wil geven ,en ik kan dan beginnen met heel ver achter je aan te peddelen 🤣
@@jurgenvanmele5721 moh allee! Wat een toeval! Wij geven les hierin. Als je door ons verder wil geholpen worden, stuur maar es (vrijblijvend) een mailtje: northseakayak@hotmail.com
Very cool! Thanx for sharing...
Be safe...
Frank
Hi Frank, you're welcome. Cheers, Dimitri
You did great and luckily good weather. Don't risk too much!!
Hi Eckhardt, thanks for watching and the compliments. There is always a risk but I kept it to a minimum by choosing the right period with less wind. That is the reason why I waited two years before making my attempt. There was never good weather on my days off. All the best! Dimitri
NORTHSEAKAYAK me as beginner was 3 weeks ago alone on Baltic Sea near kiel. 4-5 bf and some white waves and in sight of land. After three hours i was happy to be save back.
So big respect to all paddlers !!!
Congratulations! The full moon, the sunrise, it must have been an incredible experience!
Thanks Andrei! It was indeed something I will never forget. 👌😊
Congratulations, an incredible trip. Seen from southern Spain. Your willpower or strength is unbelievable. In spanish language : Felicitaciones, un viaje increíble. Visto desde el sur de España. Increíble tu fuerza de voluntad o fortaleza.
Thank you for your kind words! Much appreciated!
You my friend, are a sick guy! Absolutely love your videos, they are so inspiring! :D
Thank you so much for your kind words Kieran! Enjoy our channel!
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Of course there were even more extreme kayakers, who crossed the Atlantic for example.
But you risked way too much. Imagine a colision with a ship, any ship, or even a submarine. They have propellers, just imagine.
But I do congratulate you. And stay safe!
Thank you for the nice compliment Edward, we kept risks at a absolute minimum. Cheers!👌👍😊
I'm an immigrant in France trying to get to UK ... I'm training on a cheap kayak I bought. I hope to make it to UK someday on my kayak. Thanks for the motivational video. I now it's possible... Just need more training
Hi, I hope this reaction is a joke? If not: I have trained for this for many years and I carry a lot of safety equipment. I strongly advise not to do this. Without proper training and navigational skills, this is life threatening.
💪🏻👏🏻 awesome buddy, well done.
Thank you!😊👍👌
awesome achievement Dimitri . I only just stumbled on this video April 2018. I keep sharing your videos with the kayaking fun 2018 group in Ontario Canada . Maybe some day you would like to paddle the great lakes in this region . A place to roll without the stinging of salt water , in clear lakes . congrats on a super fine paddle . ( ps , it makes for a great family vacation )
Hi Klaus, Thank you so much for your possitive comments! Say hi to your fellow paddlers over there from us, will you? Should we ever visit Canada, we'll make sure to give a shout! Thanks for the invite! Best regards from the NSK team! Dimitri & co
Great achievement! I know this sort of adventure takes real guts so big respect! I pick up my new Mk2 Scorpio LV next Friday! Can't wait!
Thank you Christopher! I wish you a lot of good adventures and safe travels with your new boat! You won't be dissapointed with this sea kayak, it's the best polyethylene sea kayak available! Did you ask for the CoreliteX upgrade? It makes a significant difference in stiffness and weight. Cheers, Dimitri
Yes I did order CoreliteX and I also have a brand new Flat Earth 0.8m sail to fit on it! Cheers Dimitri
Brilliant. Well done.
Thank you Tim!!😎👌
Congrats!
What a fantastical achievement!
P.S.: waffles are also my snack of choice whenever I go kayaking.
It's a tradition 😄
Thank you! Have you seen the video of my second crossing? More and better footage. During this one, my GoPro died half way, and I could only take pictures for the rest. Love Sylvie's home made waffles! :-) Cheers!
Impressive! Congrats!
great! thanks for sharing...
I enjoyed that a lot. Nicely edited and good music. I'm planning on kayaking around the Llyn Peninsula on a SOT in stages.. Fingers crossed. Think I need to train a bit more. Your adventure was inspirational.
Hi there! Thanks for the nice compliment! I wish you all the best with your adventure. Don't underestimate the possibilities of a SOT kayak. We started sea kayaking with a SOT (for the first five years). Of course you need to train a lot, speaks for itself. My longest trip ever was done in a SOT (as preparation for the North Sea crossing), over 113 kms non-stop. Here you can see it, but it's not in HD and my editing skills were not so good at that point) :-) Cheers! ua-cam.com/video/K5VwFotuu0Q/v-deo.html
Hi Dimitri, i read all your relationship: it was truly a great fear for strong current and, above all, for the general ships trafic there!!! You are lucky for sail in that sea with buoy and a really helpful Coast-guards: in Italy, if you want to get away from the coast to go, for exemple in Croazia, (75nautical-miles) you must have a supporter of boat with a medical, aquipment on kayak and many, many, many permits!!!
+Carlo Giovagnoli No limits in distance here in Belgium, the same counts for the UK. France is another story, there you needs permits, that's why I started from Belgium. If you want to do the channel crossing, instead of the Southern part of the North Sea, you need also a support boat and lots of permissions.
Demitri - Kudos on your successful solo crossing! Isn't it amazing what a fit, skilled, and mentally tough paddler can accomplish in these marvelous little boats? I really like your videos, BTW - they're great, and your humility before the sea and skill with a paddle are a sweet combination.
Hi Moulton, Thank you for your compliments! It means a lot, hearing this from someone like you. We share the same respect as you for the sea. A big thanks for your accomplishment with the "National Centre for Cold Water Safety" website. It is something I read during the winter months, just as an important reminder. Greetings from the Belgium West Coast! Dimitri
My pleasure, Dimitri - I've always thought we had that in common - and a love for the of the ocean, and humility in the face of Mother Nature's power. Keep up your good work and having fun!
Great inspiration very well done my friend 🍻
Thank you for the compliment!! Cheers, Dimitri
Congratulations. Wonderful video. Great to see you powered by Belgian waffle along the way.
Thank you very much Patrick! It took me some years of preparations, and waiting for a good weather-window, to take on this challenge. And the Belgian waffles are the best, as is the chocolate. Should you ever visit Belgium, don't forget to taste them! :-) Cheers, Dimitri
well done. 👍
Thank you! Cheers, Dimitri
Well done!!
Хороший поход, а как каяк на боковых волнах себя ведет? думаю покупать к своему "парку" водному этот каяк...
Good job...congrtltns..
Thank you!! 😊👍👌
Bravo, proficiat. Ik ben nog niet gereed maar da's nog altijd op m'n lijst. Ik dacht misschien Koksijde/Nieuwpoort tot wel het korste afstand. Wie weet.
+Louis-Philippe LONCKE Dankjewel! Veel succes alvast, ik zag dat je nog niet aan je proefstuk toe bent! Mocht je vragen hebben omtrent de overtocht, stel ze gerust, ik help je graag. Groeten, Dimitri
hi dimitri - congratulations....epic achievement. it would have been good to have heard a personal commentary as you were going along....but i guess you'd have needed lots of spare batteries for the camera.
inspirational trip.....and just a little crazy. i want to do lands end to the scilly isles any time you fancy.
J
Hi Julian, So nice to hear from you again! Your advice and comments that you gave me some time before the crossing were of great use to me. In fact, as you look good in the beginning of the video, you name and Phone number were written down on my planning, just in case of. You're the only one I know who has been on the Goodwin Sands. Altough there was no wind, there were waves up to 1 metre due to the enourmous tidal stream on the Sands. My GoPro died halfway the trip, that's why there are only photos in the second part of the vid. Had to use my back up camera. I have written down my comments in the tekst below the video itself, should you be interested. There's a small chance that I come to the Dover again, with my kayak, for a day trip. Are you still not on FB? Would been great to talk via that way. Again, nice to hear you again! All the best! Dimitri
You are a better man than me ..... Well done 👍🏻
Hi Andy, Hahahaa, no I'm noty but thanks for the compliment. You yourself can achieve anything you want as long as you go for it and train a lot. :-) Cheers, Dimitri
Petje af !!!! geweldig !!!!!
This was very close to my Heart..I am a Ramsgate girl..but for me the music was not good...but I think it was good for you,,,Many Thanks...
Hi there! Thank you for watching and leaving a comment. Are you also a sea kayaker? Cheers! Dimitri
I recognize most of your safety equipment, but what is the very large light on your back? Also, what is the purpose of the heavy blue rope that you have attached to your bow and coiled on your spray skirt?
Hi there, thanks for watching! The light is the ODEO distress flare (previous model). I now carry the new model; www.odeoflare.com/products/odeo-distress-flare/The rope was a precaution. SInce I was alone, I wanted to be able to land on a buoy in case of emergency with the kayak thetered to myself. I didn't need it though, but you never know. On regular trips, I just carry a tow line. Cheers, Dimitri
Bravo !!!
bastien millan Merci Bastien!!
Impressive! What song is playing in the background?
Thank you! The song is TROY, by Sinead O'Connor.
@@Northseakayak Not objecting to the music, but a version with commentary would be much more interesting.
@@vipvopvipvop Thanks! Of you are interested in the full report, you can find it on the P&H Sea Kayaks website/blog. Best regards!👌😊
Amazing achievement 👏 👌 how much extra weight were you carrying on the kayak ?
Thank you! Not sure, but: extra VHF, extra food and drinks... hmm.... maybe 10kg more than usual...
Good skills brah
Thanks Tom! 👌😊👍
Well done. Good effort. Just wondering...I'm a paddler from Australia, and most of us use sails to increase our range.Some of us have electric bilge pumps too, especially on crossings. What's the go over there in Europe? Are they frowned upon?
Hi there, and thanks for the compliment! Over here you rarely see sails, only now and then. Not a common sight anyway. I considered it myself, but eventually chose not to install one. I want to do these trips on manpower alone. But I certainly believe in the concept, probably heaps of fun! Cheers!😊👍👌🌊
what is the purpose of the long blue rope attached to the tip of the kayak?
Hi! In case of emergency, I can climb on a buoy or lightship and anchor my kayak onto it without loosing time or having to make a loop from the bow. That last is impossible when alone and sitting in the cockpit.
@@Northseakayaki see, thank yoU!
Superb ! If you don’t mind me asking... toilet stops ..? I noticed you stopped at a light ship, maybe you had a comfort break there..?
Thanks! Good question! 😀 I used a pee bottle, to dangerous to get on that ship due to the strong current and the fact of beeing alone.😉👍😀
Presumably you left your faecal matter on one of the buoys? I would like to go for a dump on one, just to say I have done it.
Hahahaa, no I didn't! Just carried a pee-bottle with me. But, should the need arise, a buoy would be a good place. :-) Cheers, Dimitri
Gratulálok!!!
Thank you Zoltan! Have you seen the more recent video about my second solo & unsupported North Sea crossing? The footage is better! :-) Cheers! ua-cam.com/video/3y2zYXgcuPo/v-deo.html
hello I admire you I want to cross 160 kilometers in the Mediterranean from Oran Algeria to Almeria Spain how fair is it and what advice do you give me and I will leave alone without food and a mother's gprs normally it is 72 hours of rowing Thank you for answering me
brave man
Absolutely fantastic Demitri, Do you have any rules in Belgium like the French have for distances kayaks can be from the shore? Did you need any special permissions? Once again - great achievement and many thanks for posting the video.
morethan4mph No permissions needed by Belgian and British Coast Guard. However, you have to be fully prepared, well trained and you need a lot of safety equipment. To go sea kayaking along the Belgian coast/sea it is the law to have that safety equipment on board at all times (such as a spare paddle, PDF, lights when traveling in the dark, rope,,.....) But there is no limitation in offshore distance! And that is a good thing! Thank you kindly for the possitive comments!!
It is usual to start in the evening? Why not starting in the very early morning so you can see more?
Hi Dex! Two reasons; I am use to paddle in the area where I started so that makes things aesier when navigating in that perticular area. And I had to calculate the tide stream also. I wanted to start the first part against the current since the speed of the current is double along the British side. There, I wanted the tidal stream in my favor. Planning and calculating are a very important part of this journey. Cheers, Dimitri
mooie prestatie !!! wat zal de volgende stap zijn ? .. Amerika ? :-) :-) :-)
Dimitri, Great achievement, congratulations. Inspiring as well. Do you have a blog I can follow?
At the end of the video you included a shot of a windows program which shows your GPS track. Which application do you use? Thanks!
+Rolf Aalders Thanks for watching, and your positive comments! Means a lot! We don't have a blog but we are mainly active on FB (NORTHSEAKAYAK), you can find the FB button above should you have difficulties. The program is from Garmin itself, with the track. The full story both in English, as in Dutch is to be found on the P&H page. phpaddlers.com/ Cheers!! Dimitri
+Rolf Aalders En ik heb zo'n vermoeden dat je een Zuiderbuur van ons bent en Nederlands spreekt, niet? Mocht je nog vragen hebben, stel ze gerust hoor! Veel groeten, Dimitri
+NORTHSEAKAYAK :) Geen zuiderbuur. .. Ik woon in Nederland. Jij?
Dank voor de reactie. Ben zelf dit jaar begonnen met kajakken, dus vragen genoeg inderdaad. Ik ga nu nog even enkele andere filmpjes van je bekijken, ter inspiratie. ik steek eet ook veel van op! thanks
+Rolf Aalders Domme schrijffout van mij, bedoelde inderdaad noorderbuur. Staar je zeker niet blind op onze laatste video's hoor. Wij zijn 8 jaar geleden ook met NUL ervaring begonnen. Mocht je op FB zitten, stuur gerust een vriendschapverzoekje, ik voeg je zeker toe. Praat/schrijft nog makkelijker. Veel succes alvast met je nieuwe hobby!! Wie weet komen we elkaar ooit nog es tegen op het water! Groeten, en nu correct, van je Zuiderburen!! :-) Dimitri
Nice work. How can there be haters (down voters) of this video???!!!
Hi Justin! Thanks for your positive comment! Just have a quick look at our other videos, they almost all have one or two tumbs down. It's always the same jealous or hatefull person, we don't bother. We make these videos for the people like yourself and to share the sea kayak vibe. All the best! Dimitri
Haters gonna hate, paddlers gonna paddle...
Machtig! Proficiat!
That is an impressive crossing. Have you done the crossing from Spain to Africa? It is so much easier than what you did. Very cool!
Thanks! No, I didn't do that crossing yet! Should be shorter and a bit less tidal stream.... :-)
ну ты чувак даешь!!!
that takes a lot guts to that
And preparation, and training, training, training.... Thanks for the compliment! Cheers, Dimitri 😊👍👌
Which kayak is that? Thanks
Hi Xoda, I used a P&H Scorpio Lv for this crossing. Cheers, Dimitri
goed gedaan! :)
1:36 would someone let out the dog, it's howling.
why no drysuit? :)
Hi there! Because it was warm enough (also the water temperature) to paddle with a Long John. I had a neoprene sweater with me just in case, but didn't need it. :-) Cheers, Dimitri
How'd you go potty and what did you do to keep your butt from going numb?
Hi John, You're the first to ask! Potty before the crossing, and I left the cockpit just once to take a leak. Laying next to the kayak, wetsuit lowered a bit. Sounds a bit funny but it was a relief, really..... I waited for that just until there was a bit of distance between myself and the international fareway. Did not have any "butt" problems, thanks to the Connect seat, wich is very comfortable. Cheers, Dimitri
Thanks for sharing , we all wonder that but seldom touch on the issue . I always compare my kayaking to a long Bike race and what would i do to prepare for that . However your trip was longer than that . So again thanks for sharing . and congrats to a fine paddle
ik wil precies hetzelfde doen, enige walvissen/dolfijnen/zeehonden gezien? :D
Jazeker, toen ik over de Goodwin Sands voer heb ik tientallen zeehonden gezien. Dit waren zowel gewone als grijze zeehonden. Over de rest van de tocht heb ik verder niets gezien. Tijdens onze doordeweekse trainingen zien we wel altijd iets hoor, meestal een zeehond. In het voorjaar soms wat bruinvissen. Ben je aan het trainen hiervoor? Streekgenoot? Vriendelijke groeten, Dimitri
klinkt heerlijk :D
Ikzelf zit nog inde eerste fase; dromen en geld sparen.
Maar zal mogelijk een grotere boot moeten overwegen vermits een pols blessure. (iets met zeil en/of pedalen)
Kunt U me toevallig een winkel aanraden? Kajaks kopen is hier niet zo heel evident wil ik merken. (omgeving blankenberge/oostende/brugge)
groeten dennis
Iets zoals de "Hobie Mirage Adventure Island Kayak" lijkt me zeer leuk.
Heb je de polsblessure opgelopen tijdens of door het kajakken? Een verkeerde peddeltechniek kan aan de basis liggen, vandaar mijn vraag. Mocht dat het geval zijn, kan het probleem ook snel verholpen worden.
Wat zou je met je kajak willen doen? Van je antwoord zal ook het type van boot die je nodig hebt afhangen. Bij de Hobie moet/kan je niet meer peddelen maar trappen en/of je zeil gebruiken. Maar het ding weegt veel, dus zeker afwegen hoe je het in het water wilt laten. Een standaard zeekajak is een stuk smaller en lichter maar je zult wel moeten peddelen. Een zeil is tegenwoordig wel een (goede) optie op zo'n boten. Veel groeten! Dimitri
Oostende is truly ugly. I hitchhiked there when I went to uk
Wow. Puts my 10k paddles to shame.
Hi Stephen, No, it doesn't! I started just the same way years ago. Have fun and be safe out there! Cheers!😊👌
extra !!!