YAK Hallertau PFD

Just thought I would share my views on this PFD from YAK I have been using this since the start of the year so not that long but long enough to give a short term verdict on it




I was using the Kaikoura from Palm as it had the storage I wanted for Cameras,PLB’s GoPro remote VHF etc.
But I liked the look of the Hallertau it had all the storage of the Palm Kaikoura except for the bladder pocket on the back but this was something I never used on the Kaikoura but had a much more secure fastening as it is aimed more at the White-water paddlers rather than the Kayak anglers however getting tossed about in the surf I think the more secure the fit the better.

Initially I found it quite tricky to fasten up as you have 2 buckles, Velcro a zip and then finally the quick release belt but this got a lot easier once you have done it a few times and you can get it to fit very securely.

     


The pockets have good quality zips and I can stow away my cameras PLB and compass with ease and also has great attachment points for my Knife and VHF Radio along with two small pockets that are ideal for putting a whistle and rope cutter in and has a quick release split D ring for attaching things just below where I attach my knife this is great for attaching the clip at the end of my waist mounted towline to






As the YAK Hallertau is aimed at the white-water community it is designed to allow freedom of movement and it is a joy to paddle in it doesn't feel restrictive in the least due to the design across the shoulders


The PFD is finished to a very high standard and has plenty of scope for adjustment to get it feeling just right



Ive not used it long enough to give a thorough long term review but after 6 months of use I am very pleased with it


Andy

A short hectic evening 26/05/2015

Had a few hours last night jigging over the local rock patches almost aborted the launch due to quite a stiff breeze but luckily it calmed down for the fishing and only blew back up big time on the paddle back in




Things started off a bit slow with countless micro Codling and fish in the 2lb bracket but managed to get 3 fish for the table with the biggest going 5lb an awesome short session 5:30pm - 9pm and managed to get a bit of time in the saddle of the 525 in quite lumpy conditions on the return paddle




Plenty of pics to share too




























Andy

A quick morning session to christen the new kayaks 23/05/2015

I met up with Mark on Saturday morning to have a quick session more just to test out the Raymarine installs than anything and to get the new glass wet



We were soon paddling out through the tiny surf I had decided to leave the velcro footstraps on the stealth and give them a try as I usually take these straight off however the footwells are that tight on the 525 it makes it impossible to use them with neoprene boots on!
I trolled out to a likely looking area with no takes on the plugs but the Raymarine was working a treat clear picture so transducer seems to be set right a big relief

As soon as I dropped the small Pirk down I was into a decent cod but it bumped off halfway up this happened again next drop too!
But soon hauled in this beast

And managed around a dozen or so more all around 2-3lb still good fun on the lighter SP set up with small savage sandeels and Fiish Black Minnows









A fine little session


Andy

Redcar lure session 23/04/2015

Today I thought I would fish the ebb tide at Redcar and see if there was enough viz in the water for some lure action things were murky but still looked doable

After an hour or so of zero activity I thought the morning would end in a blank but thought I would have one last drift which fortunately produced a plump Codling of around 3lb

 

Next drop down I was in again good to see some early Pollack on the marks again too

Including a miniature one

As I paddled inshore it was great to see the local flock of Eider ducks resting on a now exposed rock

 

 

I paddled over a local inshore wreck and had a few drifts which resulted in an abundance of Coalfish and small Pollack whilst unhooking a small Pollack I dropped my pirk over the side and left it no more than 5-6ft below me to take some pics of the fish when the rod was ripped seaward as a better Coalfish had came right up to the surface and snatched the lure awesome stuff

 

 

 

 

 

 

Andy