Tales from an African Paddler

Miscellaneous cool stuff

 

Some of my must haves (besides the obvious):

• Mini fog horn - yes, it's useful when a ship or drunk jetskier is on a collision course, but more relevant for my trips is the security it affords. Doesn't matter if it's a thief in the night or there's an inquisitive lion at your tent, blast that little dynamo and they will jump out of their skin and run for the hills!

• Go-to knife - I've tried a variety, the key remains access and usefulness; personally I've found the typical kayak knife with safety chissel-end and rope cutting hook least useful. I keep mine in arms reach all the time and I use it for most anything. My choice for the next trip is a little more robust (and expensive) than I'm used to, but I was looking for something that might stand a chance in a croc wrestle - it's the single blade Falkniven F1

• Kikoi - A classic Kenyan garment, thankfully accepted by men, think of a slightly more manly sarong. These things have saved the tops of my legs from certain sunburn, provide shade or a picnic blanket during lunch stops, in quick water stops they also act as a base filter for larger particles and my best discovery yet, worn like a poncho with an end tethered to each wrist, it provides shade on the shoulders and arms, yet lets a cool draft in with each paddle stroke (Quick dry SPF long sleaves do well with constant splashing and evaporation to keep you cool, but generate heat if you stay dry)

• Lens cleaning cloth - without sunnies my eyes would pickle from the glimmer off the water, but even the coolest polaroid sweat-wicking shades turn into windshields with no wipers after a few paddle strokes - especially when you're the rear paddler in a double! The trick is keeping this sacred cloth DRY. I just picked a cool one up from B&H camera shop in NYC in a bargain bin - comes in a tiny pouch with a clip and a draw cord that allows you to pull it into it's dry pouch when done and clip it to your pocket. Got one for Nick too - he's gona be super happy with this little find. This too will eventually get wet and become useless, but hopefully buys me a few more wipes.

• Bartering goods - Traveling anywhere across Africa without a few goodies you are willing to part with is setting yourself up for tough negotiations and a slow welcome. I was very humbled at our first lunch stop on Lake Tanganyika when the sole inhabitant on a tiny beach we pulled up on, climbed the one pawpaw tree above his hut and brought us what must have been his most treasured fruit. Thankfully I was able to return the gesture with a selection of fishing hooks he was in need of. Smokes, pens, sweets, fishing kit, old binos, T-shirt, caps, all items that have put fish on my plate. 

• Dummy wallet - We used this to great effect with the Tanganyika pirate brigade - "Show me all your money!" Pulling out a wallet with some token cash a few old credit cards and a foto of your dog, is much better than the real hidden one with your fuel money, living expense, ID, medical and other important cards.