Comments for Cool Kit - Paddling Gear Inventory at http://www.surfski.info , comment 0 to 20 out of 20 comments http://www.surfski.info Thu, 20 Nov 2008 03:32:04 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/727/153/#pc_2484 I've used my 301 for 2 years of paddleboarding (4-5 days a week) and now with Surfski. No leaks at all and the unit gets plenty wet on the paddleboard. Like Rob, I've used a little silicone grease on the rubber piece that covers the USB port and it works well. Silicone grease works well as it won't eat away at the rubber like other products. You can typically find it in the plumbing area at the local hardware store. Happy paddling, Aloha, -Rich - Rich Hamady Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:56:38 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/727/153/#pc_2483 The 301 is susceptible to water damage on the USB port (i.e. corrosion on the contacts). The way to get around this is to use silicone spray or grease on the contacts and then to tape the rubber port cover closed. I've used an old 301 for several years now like this and it's worked well. The 305 is susceptible to damage e.g. if you drop it - the seal of the cover can crack and then water gets in, the unit is history. As long as you treat it with care though and don't drop it, the unit seems pretty robust as far as waterproofing goes. - Rob Mousley Tue, 10 Jun 2008 11:56:07 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/727/153/#pc_2482 Shot, have you had any problems with your previous versions or know of anyone having problems with them in the water? - Mark Tue, 10 Jun 2008 10:42:27 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/727/153/#pc_2480 The 405 has the same waterproof spec as the previous Forerunner units i.e. it's certified to 1m depth for 30 minutes. - Rob Mousley Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:40:08 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/727/153/#pc_2478 Look forward to your review Rob... is there anyone else who can testify to the waterproofness or lack thereof of this unit?? Apparently the manual says its not designed for swimming... thats the make or break whether I get myself one of these... - Mark Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:14:38 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/727/153/#pc_2464 I'm getting used to the bezel navigation. I don't think it's an issue for paddling - you start/stop recording by pressing the start button in any case. And you can lock the bezel. But I hope to paddle with it this evening - will report back on a first looks this weekend. - Rob Mousley Fri, 06 Jun 2008 11:07:41 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/727/153/#pc_2460 HI Rob, A friend of mine has one. He told me that its difficult to navigate as everything is done by just touching the bezel. This was while running. Just imagine the potential difficulties while you're out in the water. - MFB Fri, 06 Jun 2008 04:19:15 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/727/153/#pc_2455 Our review unit arrived! It's an awesome little device. At first glance it appears more suited to running or cycling than the 305. It's sized more like a wrist watch than the 305 and has a correspondingly small (round)display. I can report however that the GPS receiver seems way more sensitive than the 305's. I set it on the windowsill to connect to synch the time - and then put it back on my desk about 2m away from the window. A little while later I checked and it still had connection with 4-5 satellites. Amazing. However, we'll give it a thorough testing over the next few weeks and will be writing a comprehensive review from a paddler's perspective. :) - Rob Mousley Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:43:13 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/727/153/#pc_2453 I leave my gear in my camelbak bag that goes under the ski's bungy. That way everything's always there without thinking about it. re lights, I use two little strobes that clip on the front and back of my cap. That way I don't need to attach anything to my ski and they're up nice and high. They weigh zip and the batteries last heaps... my original one must be in its 4th yr of regular winter training and it's still going strong. If you flip the battery over they stay on as a steady light if need be. You can find them at http://www.multipoweredproducts.com.au/prod69.htm - Grant Wed, 04 Jun 2008 06:16:27 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/727/153/#pc_2450 I use a very cheap all-round white light from the local chandlers. It takes one D size battery and lasts for ages. Just tighten the top to turn it on, all plastic construction with stainless contacts so no corrosion. I velcro it on the deck behind me so it doesn't spoil my night vision. - Stuart Knaggs Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:21:36 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/727/153/#pc_2447 Good point - I left off a couple of gadgets :) I have a strobe light that I take when doing those late afternoon, end-of-season downwind runs! There are many around, but a couple I can recommend are from Princeton Tec http://www.princetontec.com/products/index.php?id=16&type=0&use=1 Princeton Eco Flare http://www.surfski.info/images/stories/2008/05/CoolKit/ecoflare.jpg Princeton Aquastrobe http://www.surfski.info/images/stories/2008/05/CoolKit/aquastrobe.jpg Princeton Sport Flare http://www.surfski.info/images/stories/2008/05/CoolKit/sportflare.jpg You can get these off Amazon (and in Cape Town, South Africa from Coastal Kayak in Mouille Point) - Rob Mousley Tue, 03 Jun 2008 13:21:07 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/727/153/#pc_2446 Wow, how do you guys carry all this stuff???!! One omission from your kit that I am keen to find out more about is lights (ie: for those of us who have to paddle in the dark and don't want to be run over by a ferry). Does anyone have any good tips for the best waterproof and affordable lights to buy. I was using simple bicycle lights but they broke (not surprisingly) as they weren't waterproof. Thanks Rob - good article mate. - Jamie Stewart Tue, 03 Jun 2008 12:52:45 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/727/153/#pc_2445 In my kit I also take half a role of grey tape for cracks and splits, a spare gel shot for unscheduled delays and an all-purpose roll of lashing rubber cut from a car inner tube. The last one can be used for anything from lashing a broken paddle together to locking a rudder straight after breaking a cable. I can even picture two of these being fastened to the ends of a paddle and used as a crude towing device. - Grant Tue, 03 Jun 2008 10:39:08 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/727/153/#pc_2444 405 doesnt not support multi sport. There's no Other, only running and cycling. No maps as well - MFB Tue, 03 Jun 2008 06:15:22 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/727/153/#pc_2443 Some may think its overkill but I still maintain that it is best to carry 2 systems. One, like the Garmin 305, 405 etc for heart rate display and data logging and one for navigation that has a big display that you can read easily. - Stuart Knaggs Mon, 02 Jun 2008 22:28:53 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/727/153/#pc_2440 Just heard from the Garmin agents here in South Africa - we have a Forerunner 405 on its way to use for evaluation :) - we'll do a comprehensive review on it... - Rob Mousley Mon, 02 Jun 2008 15:54:50 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/727/153/#pc_2438 Will tell you tomorrow, tried it on the wrist this morning and it was comfortable. I guess as its a watch sized screen only one of the three data fields will be clearly visible from the foot strap, unless you go down to two fields. Its also 'not' water proof, its IPX7 water resistant (whatever that means). Forgot to mention it charges using a simple clip so no docking pad and is has wireless comm to the PC via a USB stick. - B Mon, 02 Jun 2008 12:58:59 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/727/153/#pc_2437 Hey B, How easy is it to see the screen when its down at yr foot straps and not on yr wrist. Time will tell if its more reliable (waterproof) then the inconsistent 305 - superted Mon, 02 Jun 2008 11:18:43 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/727/153/#pc_2436 I picked up the Garmin Forerunner 405 on Friday, its very like the 305 in functionality, however its smaller so you could wear as a wrist watch without people thinking you just stepped out of the 1970's, unlike the 305. The satellite reception is much much better and the 405 works inside buildings, under bridges etc. Its uses a bezel to scroll options which can be a bit fiddly to start with until you get used to it. Only 3 data fields on the screen though. - B Mon, 02 Jun 2008 08:44:48 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/727/153/#pc_2435 You just gave us reason to buy new booties! Im considering the KSO instead of the flow since we have warmer weather here. :P - MFB Mon, 02 Jun 2008 03:48:41 +0100