The Widgeon kayak launch - Fitzroy Harbour

On May 2nd (a calm Saturday afternoon), it was finally time to take my newly finished Widgeon kayak for a first test paddle. After carefully placing and strapping the kayak on the Forester's roof, I headed to Fitzroy Harbour. The waters around Fitzroy are relatively protected from the wind and strong currents, especially if you stay away from the dam. With only a slight breeze, it was ideal to try out a new boat. The Widgeon paddles well in calm waters, tracks OK on all points and seem reasonably stable. Both tracking and stability will have to be further tested when there's more wind, and the water is warmer. The first stop was at the Fitzroy Provincial Park's main beach for a few photos of the new boat on its maiden outing.

Widgeon 14 

The Widgeon is a 14ft kayak designed by Eric Shade of Maine.





The Widgeon was built over the winters of 2014 and 2015. The hull is marine plywood. The deck is western red cedar strips with some pine on the shear edges and down the middle. The rub rail is Douglas fir, and deck rigging has fittings made from cherry, maple, and rosewood. 

The test paddle continued as far as the old dock of Alexandra Island. The current was pretty strong around the island's point, so I pulled in to shore just east of the pier. The Alexandra Island dock is always a good stop for snack/lunch, shelter, or to stretch the legs. There are still lots of debris on the island, including abandoned machinery (e.g. tractor, backhoe) and a bunch of sealed barrels. The place looks pretty run-down and abandoned, but according to the Internet, the Black Jack tall ship still brings kids to the island for summer camps!

The paddle back to Fitzroy wharf was relaxing and included a good view of the dam's overflow areas. The water overflow is much smaller/weaker than a week ago when I was here for a paddle in my canoe.

Well, it looks like Widgeon will be a great little kayak for gunkholing!