DVD review: Sea kayaking with Gordon Brown

Let’s get one thing straight first of all. If you’re imagining that former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has become a born-again sea kayaker you’d be wrong. Instead,  the Sea kayak DVD features one of Britain’s leading kayaking coaches, also called Gordon Brown. This is a review of the second volume in a series of extremely popular sea kayaking DVDs filmed and produced by outdoors film-maker Simon Willis. The first volume was a big hit and so Simon and Gordon have again teamed up to bring another DVD that mixes excellent coaching with a kayaking journey around the islands of St Kilda.

I love the beauty and simplicity of sea kayaking and I plan to become more experienced in the skills of tidal navigation next year so that I can plan a few Scottish island hopping adventures. Meanwhile, the DVD offers a fantastic range of tips and skills brought into perspective while Gordon, and a number of kayaking students, paddle the stunning waterscape of St Kilda.

A taster of the DVD:

Sea kayaking with Gordon Brown Volume 2

I couldn’t decide which section of the DVD that I liked the best. It’s possible to watch a straightforward coached session, aimed at beginners through to intermediate sea kayakers; the sea kayaking journey around the islands at the very edge of Scotland; or the part of the DVD that combines the two, both coaching and the journey. Each section makes for great viewing and provides good value whatever your sea kayaking aspirations.

I was also impressed with Gordon’s coaching style. Never patronising and always straightforward in his approach to teaching skills such as towing, rescues and even an emergency landing in rough water, the top coach is easy to listen and learn from. I’d obviously prefer to spend a few days with him on the water in my own kayak but watching this DVD is a good second best.

If you have a yearning to go to St Kilda, described as the islands on the edge of the world, this DVD will only add to their magnetism. Wildlife, fabulous scenery and stunning skies offer a sea kayaking journey that is difficult to beat.

If you’re stuck for a Christmas gift for an outdoorsy bloke or a stocking filler gift for your partner, this DVD, Sea Kayaking With Gordon Brown Vol 2, will make a perfect present. If you’ve not bought DVD Volume 1 then buy two DVDs at the same time!

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