NORTHSEAKAYAK - The North Sea Crossing 2018
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- čas přidán 6. 09. 2024
- I took on the challenge of crossing the North Sea by sea kayak a second time. I started my attempt on 01/08/2018 at 01:00 hours (local time) at Nieuwpoort harbor, Belgium. I paddled during the spring tide period, with strong tidal streams. I spend exactly 17hours and 48 minutes on the North Sea to reach Ramsgate harbor. I achieved my second record solo and unsupported. There will be a more detailed report of the crossing to be found on the P&H website (team paddlers blog) for those who are interested.
The specifications:
Sea kayak: P&H Cetus Mv (customized Kevlar-carbon expedition version)
Paddles: VE Explorer (medium blades + spare paddle)
Full safety gear including VHF radio, PLB, pyrotechnical flare, ODEO flare, cell phone, first aid kit, repair kit, paddle-float, pump…………...
I wish to thank my family from all my heart for their continuously and unconditional support on all that I do or undertake! Were it not for them, I would not have done this. Thank you, thank you!
Special thanks to the people from Ostend Radio (MRCC Oostende-Belgian Coast Guard) and Dover Coast Guard (UK) for virtually watching over me during the crossing, again!
Paddle safe and take care of each other on the water!
Dimitri Vandepoele
Respect, Dimitri! 👍💪
Dankjewel Marc!
Topper! Blijft mooi om te zien!
Dankjewel maatje! Ik zou het zo willen overdoen, is al veel te lang geleden.
Really good paddle in difficult enough conditions. Well done.
Thank you Michael!
We love your energy. Also the way you showed the charts so we could comprehend your course. Fair Winds..
Thank you Kim! Glad you enjoyed it! The Windy website is great, discovered it only a while ago, check it out! Cheers!👍😊👌
Hi Dimitri, It is amazing how your skills grow up, starting in a Sit on Top and now a crossing "Ocean Pirat"
Cheers Steppe
Hi Steppe, Thank you for the compliment! And yes, it's very important to remember where one came from. :-) Cheers, Dimitri
That was awesome 👏🏽
Thank you for watching and for the compliment! Cheers, Dimitri
Well done and congratulations. You've come a long way since your early days with the DAG Midway.
Yes, it seems like yesterday with those Midways! Thanks for following us and the compliment! Cheers, Dimitri
You're crazy. Well done!
Thank you Vito!😊👌
Nice run you're the man!
Cheers!😊👌
Mate, you're a legend!
Thank you Kashif!!👍👌😊
@@Northseakayak I have a P&H Quest LV is it similar to the Cetus?
The Quest is more responsive but less stable. The Cetus is a bit longer and an very good all-rounder. Also, since the Cetus is a newer model, it has four hatches. But you have a very good boot there! Have fun on the water! Cheers, Dimitri
Felicitaciones! Saludos desde ARGENTINA!!
Thank you so much ! Greetings back from the Belgian West Coast!!
Whoa! That is so impressive!!! Dimitri, you are an inspiration!
Thank you Alex!!!👍👌😊
Nice work! Good job!
Thank you, it was hard and beautifull at the same time. Cheers, Dimitri
Very cool! Thanks for sharing. Be safe out there...
Frank
Hi Frank, You're welcome. Safety is our number one priority, we train a lot on rescues, self-rescues (and other scenarios). Cheers, Dimitri
Hello, from Malaga, Spain!!.
Fantastic Dimitri, Just great, congratulations and many thanks for sharing with us.
Hello Fransisco!! Thank you for the compliments! Cheers, Dimitri
Well Done, Great crossing
Hi Chen! Thank you very much! Cheers, Dimitri
Nice video! Congrats
Thanks, All the best!😊👌
Well done that man ... not easy with busy shipping channels
Thank you!😊👌
What an accomplishment! I know that I am very late to the celebration, but I am in awe of such a feat. You are a man above mere mortals. Nothing is so humbling as headwinds and tidal currents. Most would have given up at that point, but not the beast of a guy like yourself. I only wish that you had snapped a photo of the sunrise. That would be priceless. Congratulations my man, what a feat.
Thank you for the nice compliment Tommy, much appreciated! It was quiete something, still proud of it and it was as satisfying as it was tough. No regrets and I would do it again if I have the chance. Cheers!👍😊
Congratulations
Thank you!👍😁👌
Amazing
Thank you!!👌😊
Респект из Петербурга!
Respect. Well done.
thanks for posting the inspiration, good luck!
You're welcome, and thank you for the compliment and watching our video! Cheers, Dimitri
Amazing as always, best kayaking channel on you tube and an inspiration to all sea kayakers
Well thank you Shane, reactions like yours is what keeps us going! Glad you enjoyed it.😊👍
What a fantastic achievement, well done
Thank you very much for the nice compliment Tracey! Cheers! Dimitri
Wow, very very well done .... and safe! My respect for what you've achieved & congratulations!
Thanks for watching and commenting, all the best! Dimitri
Your an inspiration, just goes to show what you can achieve with dedication and commitment. Well done. 👍
Thank you Wayne for your kind words! Cheers, Dimitri
great!!
Thank you!😊👌
Wow Dimitri, congratulations!!! 👏👏👏👏🙂
Thank you so much!! Cheers, Dimitri
Dimitri, what measure has the paddle you use habitually?
My paddle is 2m15cm over all. :-) The blades are medium. Cheers, Dimitri
👍
Waw, wat een onderneming. Proficiat - Magnifieke reportage en zo goed traceerbaar. Respect !
Dankjewel voor de complimenten. Het was hard zwoegen, maar zo lonend! :-) Vriendelijke groeten, Dimitri
Well done Dimitri. You make it look easy!!!
True, but also well organized and carefully arranged. Seems to be the most important thing for safety. ;-)
Thank you Phil! Cheers, Dimitri
Couldn't agree more Nils, thank you! Cheers, Dimitri
Hat off to you Dimitri ! 👏👏Amazing achievement and definitely making of a memories you'll never forget 🙏
Did I see Nutella sandwich 🤔🤤 interesting choice of food.. I'm guessing sweet stuff / instant energy.
I try to eat the same food as I normally would, so no energy gels for me. Only normal food and plenty of it is what keeps me going.💪😊
Chapeau gasten ! :-)
Dankjewel!! :-) Vriendelijke groeten, Dimitri
Awesome job Dimitri 👍👍👍👍
Thank you for the compliment Elliot! Cheers, Dimitri
Great run! Congrats! 👏👏👏
Thank you!!😁👌😊
Epic
Thank you!😊
Amazing!!!
Cheers! It sure was! 😊👌👍
Well done 👍👍👍👍👍
Thank you! Cheers, Dimitri
Bravo!!!!!!!!! I enjoy all your videos. I have enjoyed watching your steady progress and professional approach!
Waaw, that is a very nice compliment, thank you! Cheers! Dimitri
You're welcome. I find your videos among the best for kayaking on the web. Good luck to you and Sylvie in all you do.
awesome , thumbs up .
Thank you Klaus, Cheers , Dimitri
Woww! Really epic trip. Congratulations ! 👍
Thank you! It was tough! :-) Cheers, Dimitri
Bravo !
Thank you! Cheers, Dimitri
Goed gedaan! Gefeliciteerd!
Dankjewel Nils! Groeten, Dimitri
Very cool 👍👍
Thanks! Cheers, Dimitri
NORTHSEAKAYAK if you get a minute or 60 check out the video I did installing an electric bilge pump on my wife’s kayak.
You seem a pretty handy guy! Good video with good explanation. Great to see that your work pays of at the end! :-) Cheers, Dimitri
Thanks very much a bit of work but it was my wife's birthday present due to some flexibility issues one of the only ways for her to deep water re-enter is using the scoop re-entry. We are going to work on an re-enter and roll using a paddle float but both of these leaves her cockpit full and I wanted a way to get the boat pumped out after she gets shirted back in and leaving her in a good bracing position. Thanks again for checking it out and thanks for your videos too.
Great achievement💪💪
Thank you Maurizio! Cheers, Dimitri
muito bom! parabéns pela conquista!
Thanks for the compliments Andre, best regards! Dimitri
Great video! It is inspirational! Can you share some info about how you handle nutrition / hydration and breaks? I never did a crossing and during my camping trips I don't drink nor eat a lot except during long break on land to avoid nausea 😅 Probably you've never had any problems with nausea but I have to handle it in some situation. It would be interesting know what type of snacks you use during this physical effort. Thank you for your interesting videos!
Hi Valerio, Thanks for the compliment! Great to hear that you like our videos. About nutrition and hydration; I tend to keep things very simple during such trips, I take a break (also when I'm not thirsty or hungry) to eat and drink something. Don't expect fancy things, I mostly drink water and every now and then I drink a bit of Cola (sugars). I mostly eat sandwiches, bananas and the occasional energy bar. I eat and drink the same things as I usually do to avoid sickness. I think that the most important thing is to make sure to eat and drink before you get hungry and thirsty because then it will be to late. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best on your endeauvours! Cheers, Dimitri
@@Northseakayak thank you Dimitri for your time! I have to try the Cola, interesting... I already use some energy bar, bread or dried fruit. I'll try bananas. And about the water I generally avoid it while I paddle because I am afraid of the nausea. But I should try to drink and eat a sandwich at the same time to maintain the stomach full and prevent the nausea. I never did such a long trip without touch the land for so many hours and I do some experiments before approach it... Of course if you ever comes to Italy and you want to paddle don't hesitate to contact me!!! It would be nice to have you paddling with us. My friends and I are used to approach the sea kayak as you do, with a great focus on techniques, safety and the right equipment. We also have a little youtube channel where we publish our video for fun. I can send you if you want. Your videos are always very professional and interesting! Cheers and thanks again!
Happy to help Valerio! Yes, please send me your YT-channel? I'm also on Facebook if you have other questions. Say hi to your sea kayaking friends from me will you? I will keep your invitation in mind, but this year we're going to Croatia to lead the second Sea Kayak Training Camp. All the best! Dimitri
Fantastic video and congratulations on a superbly planned and executed trip. Very best wishes.
Thank you very much Nick! It was hard , but worth the effort! :-) Cheers, Dimitri
Nice video, congrats with successful crossing. In doubt in choose between Cetus MV and Rockpool Taran 18 for long multi days trips. Please advice, or any comments will be highly appreciated. Using lendal storm paddle. 😊
Hi there! Thanks for the compliment. The best advise that I can give you is to wait a bit. P&H is working hard on a new FSK (fast sea kayak). The best of P&H combined with the speed of for example a Taran. The name of this new boat is called "Valkyrie" and you can already find some pictures (and even a short video) on the internet. Make sure to have a look, this one will be fast and will have al possible options as we are used to get from P&H! :-) Cheers, Dimitri
NORTHSEAKAYAK just have look for you recommend ph. Looks nice. Not found info with boat dimensions and what materials options of hull available. Could you advice estimated time of arrival this boat 🚣♂️ to market?
Hi, Unfortunatly I cannot give you an estimated date. I have contact on regular base with them an they are still busy developing this boat further so that it will be one of the best FSK on the market. What I do now at this point is that there will be a polyethylene version first (triple layer CoreliteX). I'm also waiting for it and I'm exited! Cheers, Dimitri
goed gedaan man als ik wat ouder ben ga ik met een afgesloten waterfiets half electies dit ook doen
Dankjewel! En ook succes toegewenst mocht je dit gaan ondernemen in de toekomst! Veel groeten, Dimitri
Wow! Thanks for linking me to this video! I paddle on the Great Lakes in Canada and see some wild conditions on Lake Superior. Having said that, I don't know of any other paddlers in my area and your videos have inspired me to try to find groups to paddle with next year. I really want to expand my knowledge and take the training days to learn all sorts of self rescue and navigation techniques. The way you control your boat is masterful and the times you set on these solo paddles speak for themself! Again, I never even knew it was possible to paddle so far in a single trip and you've inspired me! Few things have touched my heart quite like kayaking and I've watched hours and hours of sea kayaking videos on youtube but yours stand out the most to me. Your masterful understanding of technique and your athleticism are everything I aspire to! This upcoming year I will be searching for some paddling partners and hopefully we can spend the time training for rough conditions so that it's possible to do the larger expeditions! Thanks again for posting awesome content!
You're welcome! Glad you like it! If you ever wanna train together, we are organising a SKTC (SeaKayakTrainingCamp) every year in Lumbarda, Croatia (see videos on our channel). There will attend someone from Canada in 2020. Are you on Facebook as well? Have fun and be safe on the water.
Just had a look at your videos, keep it up, you're doing great! 👌👍 Cheers!🤗
What an amazing trip. Thanks for sharing. I'm curious, I'm sure I've seen you use the sail on other blogs/videos, why didn't you use the sail on this trip?
Hi, thanks for watching and commenting! I think you're mistaken me for somebody else, I have never used a sail before. 😉😀 Cheers, have fun on the water! 👍👌
@@Northseakayak Oh no! My mistake. I just bought a Cetus MV and have been watching everything I can find. I was rewatching this and wondered why you hadn't used the sail. Now I know! I'm particularly enjoying czcams.com/video/sqmhrAWidt8/video.html - My reaction was, my boat can do that? Now I need to learn how. That's next.
Great video, great tour,chapeau! Do you know wether the two guys you started with also had success?
Thank you so much! I will post the video and the details of the German team below. Cheers! Dimitri
czcams.com/video/kigz1LxePQk/video.html
www.performanceseakayak.co.uk/Pages/Records/Crossings/crossingsNorthSea.php
Well done!! What is the purpose of the two similalar unmammed vessels ?
Hi Kayak Malta, thanks! These are light ships and are positioned on two different sand bancs where it's to shallow for shipping. A lot of shipwrecks on the seabed over there.... Cheers 👌👍
@@Northseakayak thanks for the explaination and well done for your achievement.
Awesome, congratulations.... I have shared it with my group as I feel the example you set is one that should be copied....
Thank you so much Michael! If someone from your group wishes to undertake this crossing, feel free to contact me. I'll help you where I can and share some tips. All the best! Dimitri
What a phenomenal achievement! I am planning a similar expedition, from Weymouth to Amsterdam. Can I ask, what did you use for navigation? Thank you
Hello James, Thank you! I have used 2 Garmin ETrex GPS and a old fashioned sea chart with 2 compasses. I have written a full report about my 2 crossing. You can find them on the Sea Kayak Performance website (section "crossings'). Best of luck with your challenge!! Cheers!
Excellent video of epic crossing. Any comments about the difference between the composite boat and the plastic one you used for your first crossing?
Thank you for your continous support and compliments! I was hoping to get there faster with the Cetus this time. Because of the elements (mostly wind in my disadvantage) I was there 11 minutes later on the same distance. Would I have had the same perfect conditions as the first time, I would have been faster, much faster. But, I'm glad with my time that it took me to get there. For the record, we tested this out years ago; the Cetus is about 0,5 km/h to 1km/h faster than the Scorpio. Cheers, Dimitri
Dimitri could you tell me please, name of the song which starts at 3:10 its awesome. Greetings frome Estonia, and seakayaking bros Maks and Stan
Hi Maks and Stan, sorry I have to look this up. It's copyrights free music and I don't know it anymore. Cheers!👌👍😁
Just had a look, the music is from LIVING PULSE and called The Chapman Run. Cheers!
@@Northseakayak Thanks a lot!!! 😉😎
Your videos are the best I've found... Thank you. They are inspiring...
Do you use a tether? I can think of very few situations where one wouldn't be a good idea.
Hi Larry, Thank you for the nice compliment! That is a good question to ask. I tether myself when I'm unsure about the conditions (wind against current, waves, solo trips,...), but never in the surf zone where it could be dangerous. I use my short tow line (piece of bungie with carabiner hooks just in front of my cock-pit) and attach it to the loop of the spray-deck. That way I can bail out on both sides without problems or risk of entangelement. I hope that make sense? :-) Cheers, Dimitri
Dimitri, this is lovely job😁,B4 you start you need some report that trip? coastguard or local authorities?I do only local trips around IOW ,I think go some longer distance
Hi Tomek, Although it is not mandatory, we did inform both the Belgian and the British Coast Guard of our crossing. We do that for our own safety, we let them know our float plan, and our call sign (sea kayak) and contact on land... just in case. Cheers, Dimitri
How can sea kayaking travels get long ?
Wederom een fantastische prestatie! Hoe verging het de 2 Duitsers?
Dankjewel! Het Duits team arriveerde één getij later, rond middernacht in de haven van Ramsgate. Ook dikke proficiat aan deze mensen! Veel groeten, Dimitri
What kind of kayak, P&H Aries 155?
Hi David, I have used a P&H Cetus Mv, custom lay-up (expedition, but in kevlar-carbon). Cheers, Dimitri
Did you get a extended antenna foe your VHF? ive had terrible luck with vhf and seems like the one yiu got was capable of reaching CG with zero INTERRUPTIONS.
Hello, No, I didn't use an extended antenna. I could reach the CG, but not in the middle of my trip. I will share a full review of my radio which I have written recently, you will find all information there. Happy reading!😊👍
paddlerezine.com/standard-horizon-hx300e-vhf-radio-review/
Shame about the overpowering music. Why do so many videos have that? Would have been great to hear the sea and also what was being said on the radio.
Hi Joe, Thanks for commenting. I had to make a choice about whether to make use of music, or not. Some like it, others may not like it.... The chat on the radio was the first contact that was established with the British Coast Guard after crossing the international shipping lane. I gave my position and status, and they transfer that to the team on land (Sylvie). I hope you understand? Cheers, Dimitri
Forgot to add, fantastic achievement & congrats. All the best.
Would it not be a better, quicker and less arduous option to use a kite ???
Maybe.... but the challenge was to paddle on manpower alone. So, no help from a sail or kite.💪😎
@@Northseakayak Consider the enormous amount of food necessary to pull this off, when i cycled to Germany i ate three massive meals per day !!!
@@paulanthonybridge5741 yes indeed. I ate something small every single hour and 2 extra, bigger meals in between.
Hi Dimitri: you obviously are very brave and a super enthusiastic master of this cold water sport. But please remember that water is cold out there. Even as little as 2 km from the shore if suddenly you get struck by bad weather, you will flip and swim, and your life is in great danger. And these crossings to England: I would beg you, don't do them again. They are life threatening by definition, no matter how well you prepare.
I'm sure you mean well, but Dimitri knows this. He's trained for years for this and I think Dimitri himself is the first person that gets to say if he never does this again or not. After that, his wife. Then probably his children and (some of) the people from NORTHSEAKAYAK.
Also it wouldn't be much of an achievement if it was without risk.
But guess what, Dimitri's life was in danger on the car rides to and from as well. It's all about avoiding levels of risk and being as prepared as you can be. Yes, he could've died, but the car could also have crashed and killed him, he could've slipped on the pier and snapped his neck. All we can do is be as prepared as possible; and with life jackets, food and water, extra snacks and spare water, flares, personal locator, radio contact with both coast guards, years of training, and a lot more; I think Dimitri can determine for himself if he's prepared enough and if it's worth the risk.
Vaarde je de eerste maal de oversteek met een polyethyleen kayak?
Dat klopt, ik vermoed dat je de video van de eerste oversteek hebt gezien?
@@Northseakayak ja hoor! Maakt het materiaal van de kayak een groot verschil op zo’n lange tocht?
@@dragonmartijn the composiet Cetus is sowieso iets sneller. Echter door de omstandigheden kwam ik ietsje later aan met de snellere boot.
12.3 kph max--Not bad.
Yes, haha, when the tidal current was in my favor ! Dropped under 6km/h when I had to push against the current. 👌😁💪
How do you owe or poop during the trip?
Привет! Отличная поездка! Скажите, какой каяк вы рекомендуете для похода на 4 месяца? Я хочу пересечь Россию (3 800 километров) по реке к океану. Мне нужен быстрый, вместительный каяк.
Hi! Great trip! Tell me, which kayak do you recommend for a hike for 4 months? I want to cross Russia (3 800 kilometers) on the river to the ocean. We need a fast, roomy kayak.
What kayak do you ride?
Thank you!! I would take a P&H Scorpio (to your own size; Lv, Mv or Hv) because it's probably the thoughest polyethylene sea kayak on the market. Of course you can take a P&H Cetus, but it's more expensive. If you take a Cetus, go for the expedition version. I wish you good luck on your trip, be safe! Cheers, Dimitri
Looking at the option of the "Otium-2" kayak-losevo.ru/files/images/1435102921350_bulletin.jpg
Tunisien ppl taking notes
I'd have to 💩 if I ate
mon mai bien cool sien pas cool
Wow, scary trip, nice done. The music too loud in video, use more natural recorded sounds.
Thank you, both for the compliment as for the feed-back! It is difficult sometimes to get good, record free music these days, unfortunatly.... Cheers, Dimitri
NORTHSEAKAYAK oh, maybe Im just ignorant, as I create my own sounds and mix them in 🤔😊 By the way, are you allowed to enter these light ships? My guess is only in case of emergency?
Ah, OK! About the light ships, no you're not allowed on them. I didn't climb on it also for that reason. Also it would be dangerous if the current is still to strong. Cheers, Dimitri