How am I going to do this?! FIRST TIME taking my NARROWBOAT through locks as a SOLO FEMALE.

[@JCDiamond]

Of all the vlogs I've seen about going through locks solo- this is really the best I've seen. You address a lot of things by SHOWING it rather than TELLING. Well done!

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you so much 😊

[@valsilverlining7015]

You’re doing a grand job! There are plenty of us single handed women boaters, welcome! People will say to you “however do you manage on your own?” The answer I always give is “slowly!” I was like you, quite nervous and didn’t like locks to start with, but as long as they are not too hard to wind, (I’m well past my prime...) I really enjoy doing locks. Wishing you all the best. X

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Val! I agree with the slowly it’s a big deal taking everything you own through a lock, sure with time it’ll get easier. Thanks for your comment 😊 x

[@jerrykell7815]

Go you. Another great vlog. I love ppl who hold their hands up and say they're inexperienced but they're determined to succeed, you will , you are. Well done. xx

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you! 😊

[@ralphwood9865]

You did a great job on all those various maneuvers ,You're right about going slowly, gives you more time to think and see how your boat is reacting to the prevailing conditions of wind tide and current etc .I'm long retired now but have been involved with boats and Ships of all sizes all my life ranging from pleasure craft to giant VLCC's(Very large crude oil carriers) and Container ships as Captain. . Cheers from Canada ,take care stay safe and warm

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Ralph! It been a steep learning curve but I’m getting there. Sounds like you had a very interesting career with boats. Thank your for your comment 😊

[@marilynnreiter7221]

You're doing a great job! Stay positive and enjoy the learning process! You should be very proud of yourself ! 😎

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you 😊

[@milliehillie931]

Well done Lady! Keep the vids coming. It's so good to see the learning curve needed for living on a NB and from a woman's perspective.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Millie 😊 it is a steep learning curve but I’m getting there!

[@Hedgey2]

well done, I will have to do that on my own once my boat purchase goes through. handy to see it done on this video.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Glad it helped 😊

[@sarahambrose2677]

Well done Kayleigh, I would have been terrified if that were me! I'm so glad you've posted this video, doing locks single handed has been the number one thing on my list of concerns as a wannabe single female boater. But you've shown that it can be done 😁 hopefully I'll see you out there on the cut one day 😊. In the meantime stay safe and well x

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Sarah! If I can do it you can too! I was nervous but most of the time there are lovely people around to help, so don't be discouraged! I hope so :) take care & good luck! Kayleigh

[@annimorgan]

That was awesome!.. Well done you. Keep the vlogs coming, it's great to see a single female nailing her NB life.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Anni!

[@mickvenables4462]

well done great job,what i do before i climb the ladder in the lock is throw the centre line and windlass up top to keep both hands free to climb the slippy ladder,

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

That’s a good idea, thank you Mick 😊

[@paultanker5606]

Well done you, I am glad you are staying with us Lass!

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Paul 😊

[@normmcrae1140]

Glad that you found a good Mentor! Reading about how to do something is OK.... but actually having someone coach you through it makes a WORLD of Difference! And I'm glad he's teaching you about how to be SAFE doing it! If you slip and fall and get hurt - there may be nobody else around to help!

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Yes safety is key especially when it’s your home in a lock! Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@Simon-rx7sv]

It is good to see how a solo boater uses the canal and if you only want to open one paddle that is fine as your safety comes first, I have subscribed and will watch your videos in order and good luck on your journey :)

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you 😊

[@LoisDavidsonArt]

Good for you! Well done, I'm a new subscriber and looking forward to catching up with your adventures!

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Lois! Glad to have you on board 😊

[@bobt3374]

Well done there are many people on narrow boats that will help at the locks . If you watch some of the you tube sites you will see how helpful they are.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Hi Bob, thank you. Yes the majority of the boating community are very helpful. Hopefully they will be around when I need to do locks 😊

[@askott1707]

So glad to watch this I've been watching narrowboat KZbinrs for year's hoping to find a female solo narrowboater. I hope to have a boat soon and wanted to know if a woman can physically live that life! Well done you! So envious of your boat and life!!! Hope to see alot more you go girl!

[@Christopher125]

I don't think it's that unusual these days, have you looked on instagram? @aimeeandmeb @frankie.fango and @hannahonthewater are all worth a follow

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Angela. That would be awesome, it’s a steep learning curve but you’ll love it! I’m hoping to get back to weekly vlogs at some point in the near future x

[@askott1707]

I don't do instathingy!?!

[@Christopher125]

@@askott1707 you don't need an account to look at their pages, just search for the names above - with so many boaters of all ages on the site documenting their lives and travels you might find it helpful :)

[@bryanmitchell1059]

Hi Kayleigh, well done. I learned something new, I never checked the fan belts doing engine checks. I will from now on. Looking forward to more vlogs. Thanks for sharing. Bryan, Quebec, Canada.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Hi Bryan. Thank you for your comment. I learnt a lot doing the engine checks, glad you learnt something too 😊

[@sianchatfield3052]

Go on girl!!!!!!! You can do it!! I'm so glad you did this video because I'm going to be a single boater and I've been worrying about locks a bit

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Sian! They are scary but take your time most people will help you get through them 😊

[@chrisbatch4184]

Well done for wearing lifejackets.I'm a great advocate especially as a solo boater

[@healingvibrations7845]

Happened us on nb buffalo we dropped paddles.reflooded.previous lock.pound freeing buff

[@victorstevens2781]

Great video you handled those locks very good .

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you 😊

[@Daydreameruk]

This was really helpful to watch yes. Thanks.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

You’re welcome ☺️

[@paulsedman7876]

well done you !!! iv got all this to come and i understand how worried you were, you did great.im still stuck on the centre rope but i will watch your vlog over and over again until it sinks in... ( sorry about the pun )

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Paul 😊 lol you’ll get there don’t worry!

[@spencehh]

This is brilliant and really useful. All the best and hope to see more vlogs soon.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you for your feedback, it’s much appreciated. 😊

[@randoneur]

Nice one Kayleigh. It really helps if you have some way to carry your windlass, ideally a holster. It leaves your hands free to actually grab the rungs securely when going up and down slimy ladders... :-)

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you! Yes I’m going to look into getting one. 😊

[@oye175]

Finally been looking for a video like this - Thankyou Andrew!

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@ebujvt65]

They were all in the same place you are now. You'll be a pro in no time too. Good job. Love your spirit.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you for your comment, here’s hoping!

[@ebujvt65]

@@LiveaboardLifestyle this is a challenging time for you, but you will come thru beautifully, and youll be happy again.

[@thomasolsson8816]

That was very good work from you. Keep on the good work.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Thomas 😊

[@thomasolsson8816]

@@LiveaboardLifestyle your welcome

[@christinewhite8482]

You did great keep up the good work. Practice makes perfect

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Christine 😊

[@imranzazai7404]

What a beautiful places.

[@nothereorthereoranywhere]

Great job! There is a lot to learn. One reason I like watching these types of vlogs. I bought a VW Camper Bus to learn how to work on engines and go camping. You will do great! Keep at it! Cheers to Andrew for helping out. Always good to have people like him sharing knowledge.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you, he has been a fantastic support over the last few weeks!

[@lynmoore8355]

well done you did a great job.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Lyn 😊

[@michaelwitter4538]

Excellent! Thank you so much.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you 😊

[@johnallen148]

Just found your video I’m wishing you all the best as a solo cruiser,I will be following you as from now ,I worked with boars all my working life if you need any advice anytime please ask ,I’m sure you will be absolutely fine enjoy your new life style,Joh.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you so much John, really appreciate your comment. Kayleigh.

[@trevorsbarkingmadchannel4501]

Well done. Brilliant.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you 😊

[@lancearn7332]

Good on ya Kayleigh. Admiration from Australia..

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you so much for your comment 😊

[@diannesault7566]

Happy New Year Kayleigh, I hope you are keeping well. Stay safe x

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Happy New Year Dianne. I’m good thank you, hope you are too. Kayleigh.

[@chrisstokie2361]

Well done Lass. You nailed it. X

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Chris x

[@GeorgeStephen1959]

As they say he more you do, the easier they get, great work on the locks 😎👌👍😃

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you George! 😊

[@lesgill8490]

Well done , stay safe.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you 😊

[@grahamlewis6062]

Loose fan belt - and you’d had a service!! Yes we once had the same problem and found NO oil in the gear box!!! Check everything yourself and try and get on an RCR Diesel engine training course. You’ll learn loads and feel so much more confident! Otherwise well done Lass 👏👍🍰 Also if I’m off the boat I always have a stern rope ashore somewhere with me !!!

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

I will look into that, thank you! I learnt so much from the engine checks!

[@janecox4173]

Go girl. That was brilliant!!!! Things I need to see practical stuff aside live on a narrowboat. Look forward to future blogs. Are you on the youtube vloggers site to promote your channel ? X

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you so much Jane, there’s a lot to learn! I believe the channel is listed on cruising the cut’s recommended list of narrowboat vloggers x

[@MistyandMewithFreedom]

great vlog keep it real and simple and it makes far better viewing. Kind regards Misty and Me

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you 😊

[@shawnsalazar5416]

You did very good.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Shawn 😊

[@susanmcnamara1173]

You go girl!👍🙂

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you 😊

[@sarahgardiner1649]

Well done, honey! First of all, you got the best bits out of your breakup- the bust and the dog. Secondly, yeah it’s scary but you can do it. Take your time, think it through. Try not to let yourself get fussed if others are waiting for you to clear a landing or lock. So much of what you are doing with the boat parallels my solo adventures (and misadventures!) with my first touring caravan. Everything seemed to be so heavy and complicated! But I wrote out lists (such as engine checks in your case, pre towing checklists in mine) and kept to a sequence until it has all become second nature. You are doing great!

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Sarah for your lovely comment. Everything does feel a little overwhelming at the moment but we will get there. Lists are a great idea! Kayleigh x

[@JISJ1964]

Think you did a good job going both ways. Always be careful not to get the boat standing on the prop on the cill. In case the gates are too heavy to open pushing forward do them backwards instead with your butt on the beam.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you 😊

[@knobby2knobby]

Brilliantly done, as has been said take your time be methodical do them at your own pace and you'll be a natural solo boater before you know it. 👍

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you so much, I hope so!

[@Peter-nv3wu]

Hi Kayleigh, another question from the empty brain dep't, I know everyone has a bow and stern mooring line but why do you need a centre line fixed to the roof ? Finally, I hope everything is going well with the new boat

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Hey Peter. You need the centre line to control the boat. If you just used the front or the back the boat would go sideways across the canal. Without the centre line you would be really stuck!

[@Peter-nv3wu]

@@LiveaboardLifestyle See, told you I had an empty space up top when it comes to narrowboats. l am learning though, lol

[@chrischristofis8501]

Yes its 10 times harder if you are of smaller stature, a persons weight helps to control the boat from the centre line, so wee persons do have to try harder and pull the boat (which is tough), the guys advice to take your time is golden, there is never a rush in narrowboating, its always rushing that causes slips and incidents. I never like those mini steps on the side, i prefer a method to step down at the back even if its a small ladder, if riding solo it doesnt get in the way, one other tip if you have a second person on the rear deck brief them to stand still out of the drivers view from the start, they inevitably like to move around and obscure the drivers view at key moments. As has been said it is commendable that you have taken the time and money to learn how to navigate, many dont and bluff their way along until they are up to speed, the right way is to do training and be prepared for your first voyage way less stress and boating is about leaving the world of stress behind, i did training as do all inteligent boaters 👍

[@debbauer4140]

Maybe check the weed hatch to make sure its clear in your pretrip routine would be good.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Another good point thank you!

[@TheBeeryBoater]

Well done to you and to the kind patient gent showing you the ropes, excuse the pun. 😉

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you. Andrew is very patient and an excellent teacher.

[@slowboatthroughbritain]

Well done for a first attempt at doing a lock on your own. As you do more you will find different ways of doing them. One thing with the T&M is many of the footbridges at the bottom end of the lock have a gap through them to pass a rope so you can pull the boat out rather than climb down the ladder. Check my vlogs for ideas

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you 😊 I will check out your channel!

[@kenfenelon2089]

Can I recommend you get a windlass belt so your hands are free when you climb the lock ladder

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Yes good idea, I will look into getting one!

[@jillipepper5353]

Well done👍🏻🙋🏼

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you 😊

[@larrycounce4509]

Well done

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you 😊

[@Q-ey2jk]

The boat looks nice can we see inside

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Hi yes off course, there is a before and after vlog and a boat tour. Both of which are on the channel in our previous vlogs.

[@darrenbutler3576]

Well done, don’t knock health and safety though mate, on your own in a lock solo wearing a vest is always good.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Darren. Yes I agree with you. The locks are deep!

[@ebujvt65]

I have missed you, hope you are still on boat and doing well. Would love to see how you are doing . You don't have to cruise to be interesting.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you, did you receive the update message? I am taking the rest of the year off to care for a relative of mine. I am also using this opportunity to come back stronger next year with lots of exciting content 😊

[@MsKaz57]

Well done!

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Karen 😊

[@kevinscott8267]

Well done very impressive 👍

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Kevin 😊

[@tiggasmum]

Well done :)

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you 😊

[@MikeWilliams-yp9kl]

Good job well done 🎂😎

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Mike 😊

[@keithellis1023]

Your so brill kay!

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Keith 😊

[@gaynorgray5331]

Proud of you takes spirit mate x

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you Gaynor ❤️ x

[@ebujvt65]

Hi miss seeing you ,hope you're well and can do a video

[@clivekibbler4578]

brill what a pleasant lady ,your teacher was very harsh on you ,,,wonderful first step ,,

[@Kim_gs1206]

Good girl! You're my example because I'm a women with a chihuahua who wants a 30 to 34 ft narrowboat in the future😀

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you 😊 you will love it!

[@Peter-nv3wu]

When Andrew was telling what to check, you kept saying "it's just had a service so it should be allright " sadly the reality is not always as good as you would like to believe. The reason Andrew did not reply, was that he was too polite, for many years I was lucky enough to have company car's and the one thing I learnt was to always check everything after a car has been in for a service. Mechanics/fitters always take care when working on vehicles but like everyone, they are human and it's difficult for them if they get called away from the job they are working on to do something that's urgent and have to return to what they were doing , so always check your car, van, boat engine and gearbox, and anything else that has been in for a service, it will only take you a few minutes and it may just save you from a problem when you least expect it, or when you are miles away from anyone you can help you !

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Yes valid point, thank you Peter

[@Tandan.]

very great job,you can do this now alone ;)

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

I can, thank you!

[@rexgeorg7324]

I guess life jackets are a must when you SOLO

[@rexgeorg7324]

really

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

It’s not compulsory we just wore them as a safety measure. The canals are not that deep but the locks are.

[@rexgeorg7324]

@@LiveaboardLifestyle you only live once

[@paulbarty9296]

Good job Kayleigh. I go really slow when im going through locks. It takes me 15/20 minutes when theres no one to help waiting for me. Plus you keep the enjoyment of boating taking your time Specially when you have a few locks in the day to get through 😉 xxx

[@rexgeorg7324]

@@paulbarty9296 2 old sailors drowned wearing water boots

[@johndashwood7671]

Following you. Wear a life jacket. Better to wear one than to be bobbing about in a lock wishing you'd worn one.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Thank you John, I agree with you on the life jacket!

[@darrenneal6750]

Take your phone out your pocket unless it’s 100% waterproof.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Yes good point

[@itsmyturn5983]

good job. you should be an expert by now.

[@LiveaboardLifestyle]

Lol I wouldn’t say expert 😂

[@mickvenables4462]

well done great job,what i do before i climb the ladder in the lock is throw the centre line and windlass up top to keep both hands free to climb the slippy ladder,