Paddling a prototype kayak - Rockhopper RH340

In the mid-2000s, I was lucky enough to meet the gifted kayak designer and paddler, Julian Patrick.

I was looking for a paddling partner and posted on the UK Rivers Guidebook forum. Julian saw it and replied.

Within a few days, we had arranged to meet up and do a paddle.

At the time, Julian was starting on a project to design a completely new kayak. He had a vision for a kayak that would fit neatly in the gap between playboating and sea kayaking.

An ambitious project and one that would test Julian's kayaking and building experience to the limit.

Julian and I met up for several sea trips including this one off the coast of Anglesey.

Sea kayaking - a pleasure whatever the weather and super in the sun!

I got to paddle the fibreglass prototype of the aptly named 'Rockhopper' and gave my feedback to Julian. To be honest, it paddled like a dream and nailed everything Julian had promised it would.

Within a few months, the design was finalised and some plastic prototypes made. These were heavier and of course a lot stronger than fibreglass and were perfect for using on the sea.

On the sea and loving it - the Rockhopper shines

In return for designing a website for Julian, I was given a Rockhopper RH340.

I loved paddling it. It had capacity for kit, was agile enough to use in waves plus the bumpy sea and was super stable.

I used mine for river touring too as it made for an easy relaxing paddle.

In life when you meet someone, you always learn something from them.

Julian was a passionate kayaker and loved being outdoors. He had a great sense of humour and I cherish the times I was with him.

His love for the sport was infectious and that shone through to me.

Julian and I ready for some kayak surfing

The Rockhopper was sold by Teksport and here it is in their brochure from 2010:

I still have a Rockhopper and it is a great kayak for river trips, shoreline sea trips and general paddling. The video below is my trip from Purton to Sharpness and the Severn Estuary in the Rockhopper.

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