Sea Kayaking
Sea kayaking is a fantastic way to explore coastal waters, offering both adventure and a unique perspective on the marine environment. To get started with sea kayaking, you’ll need some essential equipment and knowledge to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Essential Gear for Sea Kayaking
Kayak: sea kayaks are designed for stability and efficiency in open water. They’re typically longer and narrower than recreational kayaks, with storage compartments for your gear.
Material: most rigid production kayaks are now made out of fiberglass, rotomolded polyethylene, thermoformed plastic, blow molded polyethylene or carbon-kevlar. More exotic materials include carbon fiber and foam core. Some kayaks are hand-built from plywood or wood strips covered with fiberglass.
Paddle: choose a lightweight, durable paddle with a comfortable grip. Carbon fiber paddles are known for their strength and lightness.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD): a well-fitting, comfortable PFD is crucial for safety. Look for one designed specifically for kayaking to give you greater freedom of movement.
Spray Skirt: this helps keep water out of your kayak, especially in rough conditions. Be sure it fits both you and your kayak cockpit.
Clothing: dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. Wetsuits or drysuits are often necessary for cold water, while quick-drying, moisture-wicking clothing works for warmer water.
Safety Gear:
Bilge Pump: to remove water from your kayak
Paddle Float: this assists in self-rescue if you capsize
Whistle: for signaling others
VHF Radio or cell phone:in a waterproof case for communication
First Aid Kit: it’s always a good idea to have a basic medical supplies for emergencies
Navigation Tools: have a map and compass or GPS device to help navigate coastal waters.
Storage: dry bags will keep your gear and supplies dry. Pack essentials like food, water, and extra clothing in these.
Basic Skills and Knowledge
Paddling Techniques: learn efficient forward strokes, turning strokes, and how to brace to avoid capsizing.
Self-Rescue and Assisted Rescue: practice techniques like the Paddle Float Rescue and T-rescue.
Navigation: understand how to read nautical charts and use a compass or GPS for coastal navigation.
Weather & Tides: check the weather forecast and be aware of tide tables and currents, as these can significantly impact your trip.
Leave No Trace: follow environmental guidelines to minimize your impact on natural areas.
Recommended Courses and Certifications
Basic Kayak Skills Course: Covers fundamental paddling techniques and safety practices.
https://www.bodyboatblade.com/bbb_courses/sea-kayak-taster-courses
Advanced Sea Kayaking: For more experienced paddlers looking to tackle rougher conditions.
https://www.nols.edu/en/coursefinder/skills/sea-kayaking/#
First Aid and CPR: Essential for handling emergencies.
Sea Kayaking Destinations you'll want to try!
San Juan Islands, Washington: known for wildlife and scenic views.
Prince William Sound, Alaska: offers glacier views and remote wilderness.
Baja California, Mexico: famous for its clear waters and marine life.
Coast of Maine: features a rugged coastline and numerous islands to explore.
Equip yourself with the right gear and knowledge and you’ll enjoy the experience of sea kayaking safely.
Ensure safety and self-reliance on the water by learning these rescue techniques:
Paddle Float Rescue
This is a self-rescue technique used in kayaking when a paddler capsizes and needs to re-enter their kayak from the water.
Equipment Needed: a paddle float is an inflatable or foam device that attaches to one end of your regular kayak paddle.
Steps:
Inflate the paddle float and attach it securely to one blade of your paddle.
Lay the paddle across the kayak, with the float on the water side and the other blade hooked under the deck lines on the opposite side of your kayak. The paddle and float act as an outrigger to stabilize the kayak.
Position yourself at the stern (back) of the kayak. Pull yourself up onto the kayak deck, then slide your legs into the cockpit while keeping your weight low and centered.
Once seated, use your paddle and float to balance while you pump out any water from the cockpit and replace your spray skirt if you’re using one.
T-Rescue
This is an assisted rescue technique where a paddler (the rescuer) helps another paddler (the victim) to re-enter their kayak after a capsize.
Steps:
The capsized paddler signals for help by tapping on the hull of their overturned kayak.
The rescuer paddles their kayak to form a T-shape with the capsized kayak.
The rescuer stabilizes the capsized kayak by grabbing the bow and lifting it onto their own deck to drain water from the cockpit.
Once most of the water is drained, the rescuer flips the kayak upright.
The capsized paddler moves to the stern of their kayak, and while the rescuer stabilizes the boat, the paddler in the water climbs back into the cockpit.
The rescuer continues to stabilize the kayak while the re-entering paddler secures their spray skirt and pumps out any remaining water.
Key Points
Safety First! practice these rescues in calm conditions and under the supervision of an experienced paddler before attempting them in rough water.
Communication: effective communication between the rescuer and the victim is crucial for a successful rescue.
These rescues are essential skills for kayakers and regular practice of these techniques can make them more efficient and instinctive in an emergency situation.
