All about sea kayaking.- A special kind of freedom
Imagine yourself gliding
along the surface of the sea close in to a
rocky shoreline. As you pass the headland of a small island, you come face to
face with three young seals just a kayak length away. Cormorants are diving and
feeding around
you. Away to the west, you can see the silhouette of the mountains of Mull. The
late afternoon sun paints patterns on the water as gannets wheel above you
Sea Kayaking is one of the fastest growing water sports. It particularly appeals to people who like to get out into wild and beautiful places without the artificiality, smell and noise of an engine. In a sea kayak, you can explore fascinating islands, coastlines and sea lochs with the freedom to go where no other form of transport can take you. Kayaking can be serene, a peaceful way of moving through the marine landscape. But if you like some excitement, we can find wild tide races and powerful waves to challenge your skill and taste for adventure.
Kayaks are almost silent, create no fumes and leave no trace. Wildlife will
often tolerate the close presence of kayaks, when they would flee from anything
else.(* please see the note at the bottom of this page) Some seabirds seem to be completely unafraid of a
kayak; seals and
dolphins are so curious that they often swim nearer to get a better look. On the
Farne Islands on the North East Coast of England, the grey seals will even come
and nuzzle your deck! Despite their shyness and relative scarcity, we have had
over 20 otter sightings in the last year on Seafreedom trips.
Sea kayaks differ from other kayaks in that they are generally longer (usually about 5 to 6 meters) They are sleek and fast with hatches and water tight compartments for storing camping equipment and supplies. If you have paddled general purpose kayaks before, you will be amazed by how smoothly a sea kayak cuts through the water.
Of course, it isn't always calm. Because of the hull shape, the compartments, and
because of the spray decks that we wear to seal the cockpit opening, sea kayaks
are amazingly seaworthy, assuming that the paddler has developed
the skill required to handle the conditions. An experienced paddler who has
taken the time to learn advanced techniques and build up stamina can handle
remarkably rough conditions and strong winds. Once the Eskimo roll has been
mastered (a technique for righting the kayak after a capsize without getting out
of the kayak) we can go and play in the tide races, surfing the waves and riding
the currents.
Rain is no problem at all. Once you have got your gear
on and you are in your kayak, it can rain all it likes and it won't make any
difference. In light rain, we find that clients often don't even notice.
Paddling a kayak in heavy rain is a unique and enjoyable experience - no really,
it is! Of course it is important to keep warm. A couple of layers of fleece
under your paddling jacket usually does the trick in all but the coldest
conditions. We always carry some spare kit and hot drinks in case any of our
clients get chilly.
Some astonishing feats have been achieved in se kayaks, for example, there have been a number of circumnavigations of the UK, Australia, South Island of New Zealand, Cape Horn and crossings of the North Sea, the Irish Sea, Tasman sea. Unbelievably, in 2001, Peter Bray paddled the North Atlantic. In 2006, Patrick Winterton paddled to Mingulay, St Kilda, The Flannans, Butt of Lewis, Cape Wrath, the Orkneys, Fair Isle and the Shetlands all in one Trip! But most people are very happy to use their kayaks for coastal rambles. In kayaks, we can paddle between the sea stacks of Anglesey, visit otherwise inaccessible islands in the Hebrides and penetrate the deep sea lochs of the west coast of Scotland.
Learning to paddle a sea kayak is not difficult, but it's not obvious. Some of the correct techniques are contra-intuitive, so it pays to get
proper tuition so that you don't acquire bad habits. And of course, safety is extremely
important. Sea kayaking in the UK has an excellent safety record, but this is
due to the well thought out and carefully structured coaching scheme
operated by the British Canoe Union. The BCU has established exacting standards
for kayak instructors and controls the award of qualifications. The BCU system
is arguably the best in the world and it's qualifications are accepted almost
everywhere. The sea is a serious place to be. There are risks and traps for the
unwary. A novice setting off from a holiday beach on a seemingly calm day can
find himself in big trouble when the tide turns and takes him into the overalls or clapotis ( rough water created by waves reflecting from cliffs). But a
paddler who has learned with a BCU coach will be aware of the risks and have
skills and techniques that turn a threat into a bit of fun.
You don't need to be super fit or made of India rubber to enjoy sea kayaking. Even relatively unfit people can usually manage five or six miles paddling after a couple of days. Stamina is more useful than strength as good technique takes care of the effort. An experienced and reasonably fit paddler will comfortably manage 12 miles a day and experts frequently paddle 30 or more.
Sea kayak navigation is an art in itself. At the simple end of the spectrum, the ability to use an OS 1:50,000 map and a compass, together with an appreciation of tides and their effects would be adequate. A paddler undertaking advanced trips will need an intimate knowledge of the ways of flowing water, the ability to read charts and plot a course, asses conditions and use a GPS.
Frequently asked questions
What if I capsize and get stuck in the kayak?
You won't! This occasionally used to be a problem with older style kayaks with small cockpits and vertical buoyancy blocks situated between the legs. Most modern sea kayaks have spacious cockpits specially designed to allow safe entry and exit. For beginners we use low tension spraydecks that will release as you get out. Providing you follow our simple guidelines you need have no fear of getting stuck (no one ever has on our trips) and even if you did, we would be there to help you.
Do I have to be a strong swimmer?
No. Even if you do capsize, you will have a buoyancy aid to keep you afloat, and we will teach you the "speed rescue" which should have you back in your kayak in under 2 minutes, even if you capsize in rough water out at sea. Even non-swimmers can be catered for, though we would need to make special preparations.
Will I be made to capsize?
Absolutely not! The way we teach rescues is by getting out ourselves and teaching you to rescue us! (Don't worry, we can get back in ourselves if we need to!) Having said that, we encourage people to try it so that they can find out that it isn't a problem. It's better to practice in controlled conditions with experts on hand, so that you will be confident if it happens when you aren't expecting it. We find that people's confidence often improves after an accidental capsize - the worst that they imagined has happened...and they are fine!
Can I get BCU qualifications?
Yes. In fact we strongly recommend that you do. We can train you and test up to BCU 3Star level. 4Star tests can be arranged using an outside examiner, given a couple of weeks notice. If you do the tests, you will have to demonstrate capsize drills and rescues. Click this for more information about star tests.
Should I wear a drysuit or wetsuit?
If
you have a dry suit or sleeveless wetsuit, by all means bring it along but be
aware that wet suits are hard work to paddle in. Long sleeved wetsuits are
difficult to use in a kayak and not recommended except when we are practicing
rescues. Diving drysuits tend to be a bit bulky for a kayak, but sailing (and of course
kayaking) drysuits are usually fine.
Should I buy my own kayak?
Not right away. Kayaks vary quite a bit and you will benefit from trying several types before you take the plunge and spend your money. When you have some experience, your choice will be influenced by the type of kayaking that you want to do, handling, comfort, features, quality and price.
What about the kids?
Children of 12 and over take to kayaking well, though understandably they aren't usually keen to go for long tours. It is risky to generalize, but children under 12 seem to prefer shorter "fun" trips in general purpose kayaks that they can turn easily. Alternately, to get the family going on the water until they are big enough to paddle a kayak on their own, try open canoeing. Contact us and we will recommend open canoe instructors in the area.
What does kayaking cost?
Not much. The costs separate out into tuition, equipment and transport. Once you are on the water, the cost is zero!
Tuition:
Of course everyone is a little bit different, but most people who take it up need about 6 to ten days tuition to reach a standard that would make it safe for them to do their own trips in coastal waters with other paddlers (you shouldn't be out there on your own). so the tuition cost with Seafreedom would be between £240 and £500 depending on how fast you pick it up and whether you learn with a group or by 1:1 tuition.
Equipment:
A new plastic sea kayak will set you back about £1000. Hybrid kayaks, fine for short sea trips, lakes and estuaries, can be as little as £550. If you are lucky, you might be able to get a kayak second hand. A reasonable set of clothing, paddles and safety equipment will add another £300, though if you shop around or buy second hand you can save some of that. The equipment lasts a long time. I have just sold the composite sea kayak that I bought in 1972! The kayak that I use daily myself is 12 years old and I doubt if I'll need to buy another during this lifetime.
Transport
You will need a roof rack and kayak bars to safely carry your kayak to the water. Posh ones can set you back over £100 but a basic set and improvised bars can cost as little as £40
So compared to most other water sports like diving, windsurfing and of course sailing and jet skiing, a kayak represents excellent value.
How should I start?
Either book a couple of days kayaking with Seafreedom kayak or find a local club to get you started. Many clubs run pool sessions in the winter where you can learn the basics in nice warm water. Click this link to the BCU website club lists. Then you can come and do some more advanced stuff with us!
What equipment does Seafreedom supply and what do I need to bring?
Seafreedom provide the kayak, paddle, spraydeck, buoyancy aid (PFD), and a waterproof paddling jacket and a waterproof bag for your lunch and spare gear.
You will need to bring:
q
Trainers
or sandals that don’t matter. They will definitely get wet and they will
probably get muddy. Wet suit boots are great if you have them.
q
Thermal
top, a thin (100) and a medium (200 or 300) fleece. Fleece or polyester
trousers. Track suit trousers are fine. Cotton is better avoided and Denim is
absolutely not OK. We will explain why during the session.
q
If
you have a dry suit or sleeveless wetsuit, by all means bring it along but be
aware that wet suits are hard work to paddle in.
q
A
hat. A warm one in winter and a peaked or brimmed one in summer. Waterproof if
possible.
q
Sun
cream.
q
A
nice big towel, and dry clothing for afterwards.
q
Lunch
and liquid. A hot drink will be provided.
q
If
you wear glasses you will need to fasten them on.
Where are we going?
It depends….on the weather, the tides and what you
would like to do.
We often use the area north of
If you would like any further information, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can also look at the BCU website www.bcu.org.uk
More useful links, including equipment suppliers and other outdoor resources, click here
Happy paddling
* Wildlife Note. All kayakers should be careful not to cause stress to wildlife. Never chase an animal and if you happen to get close, back off if the animal shows any sign of agitation. Actually, you will get a better view if you just sit quietly in your kayak. Seals and dolphins are curious and if they don't feel threatened they will probably come to you. Before landing on small islands between May and August, check that there are no nesting seabirds or chicks. Try not to disturb seals which are hauled out if the tide is falling. If they feel threatened and get into the water you are at least inconveniencing them and possibly harming them by reducing their recuperation time. If you find Otters, take delight in seeing them but don't keep coming back as they may feel pressured and abandon their territory. Please be responsible and protect our wild environment.
Take only pictures and leave nothing more than footprints.