Polar Kayaking - What you need to know- Aqua-Firma

E-Mail Antarctica | Arctic | Spitsbergen | Climate Commitment | Polar Experts

Polar Kayaking - What you need to know

Tel 0844 412 0848
Int'l +44 1428 620012

Kayaking in the Arctic and Antarctica

There is no better means of exploring the rocky shores, scattered icebergs and glaciers of the polar wilderness, than by gently moving through the icy waters in a kayak. Such tranquil exploration, in tune with the surrounding nature invites a close approach to bird-laden headlands or a busy penguin colony. With only the noise of your own paddle lapping the water you can glide past sleeping seals on the ice flow and perhaps marvel at tail flukes on the horizon.

These are some of the most extreme locations on the planet and kayaking in Antarctica or the Arctic offers a totally unique experience that doubtless is a once in a lifetime opportunity for most. Kayaking in polar waters is not for novices, but nor do you need to be a professional. A good basic kayak experience is required and physical fitness is important. Basic skills should include normal handling of a kayak in moderate weather and sea conditions. If you have any questions about the required skills please contact us.

All activities are under the leadership of two highly qualified instructors with a zodiac safety boat in constant communication.

Pre departure Preparation

Whatever experience you may have, it is wise to brush up on you kayak skills before you depart. We will assume you are familiar with getting in and out of the kayaks safely and that you are comfortable with making an emergency exit in the water and have the correct equipment with you, as listed below.

Equipment

Thermal layers – as the temperature can fluctuate in these regions and because you will feel warmer when exercising, we advise a layering system of dress, so you can peel off or add a layer as you need. Polar fleece is the best for weight, comfort and it dries quickly too. Wool is also suitable but cotton retains the moisture and is not suitable.

You need to bring:

Thermal leggings.
Thermal top.
Fleece top (not too bulky).
Fleece leggings (not too bulky).
Fleece snood, balaclava or scarf (bring a spare).
Wide brimmed hat or cap to keep the sun off.
Fisherman gloves or thick rubber gloves with a good fleece pair underneath are good for handling the boat and on shore. You will be supplied neoprene mittens for paddling use.
Fleece or wool socks with insulate, Gore-Tex or silk liners work well, an extra pair are advised when kayaking as your feet will rest on the cold hull.
Sun cream / sun block

You will be provided with:

Prijon Excursion or Current Designs double and single, 5m/16ft sea kayaks, with rudders.
Dry Suit or thick neoprene wetsuit/hood.
Paddle.
Safety floatation devises.
Spray skirts.
Neoprene mittens/ gloves.
Water proof bags.

Kayak participants with a clear lack of abilities can be disqualified from further kayaking on our kayak excursions because of safety reasons. We reserve the right to cancel your kayaking option before your expedition and notify you accordingly. Your kayaking payment will be fully refunded to you and no other payments will be liable.

Before you set out you will be asked to carry out a safety test of all your equipment, to check it is in perfect order. Although it is maintained to a high standard, the guide will ask that you have carried out a personal check to confirm this. Please note that the kayaking option cannot be shared.

Please contact us for details about polar voyages in which we can incorporate sea kayaking.

Photographs kindly provided by Ralph Pannell


Print E-Mail Antarctica \| Arctic \| Spitsbergen \| Climate Commitment \| Polar Experts
Polar Kayaking - What you need to know

Tel 0844 412 0848 Int'l +44 1428 620012	Kayaking in the Arctic and Antarctica There is no better means of exploring the rocky shores, scattered icebergs and glaciers of the polar wilderness, than by gently moving through the icy waters in a kayak. Such tranquil exploration, in tune with the surrounding nature invites a close approach to bird-laden headlands or a busy penguin colony. With only the noise of your own paddle lapping the water you can glide past sleeping seals on the ice flow and perhaps marvel at tail flukes on the horizon. These are some of the most extreme locations on the planet and kayaking in Antarctica or the Arctic offers a totally unique experience that doubtless is a once in a lifetime opportunity for most. Kayaking in polar waters is not for novices, but nor do you need to be a professional. A good basic kayak experience is required and physical fitness is important. Basic skills should include normal handling of a kayak in moderate weather and sea conditions. If you have any questions about the required skills please contact us. All activities are under the leadership of two highly qualified instructors with a zodiac safety boat in constant communication. Pre departure Preparation Whatever experience you may have, it is wise to brush up on you kayak skills before you depart. We will assume you are familiar with getting in and out of the kayaks safely and that you are comfortable with making an emergency exit in the water and have the correct equipment with you, as listed below. Equipment Thermal layers – as the temperature can fluctuate in these regions and because you will feel warmer when exercising, we advise a layering system of dress, so you can peel off or add a layer as you need. Polar fleece is the best for weight, comfort and it dries quickly too. Wool is also suitable but cotton retains the moisture and is not suitable. You need to bring: Thermal leggings. Thermal top. Fleece top (not too bulky). Fleece leggings (not too bulky). Fleece snood, balaclava or scarf (bring a spare). Wide brimmed hat or cap to keep the sun off. Fisherman gloves or thick rubber gloves with a good fleece pair underneath are good for handling the boat and on shore. You will be supplied neoprene mittens for paddling use. Fleece or wool socks with insulate, Gore-Tex or silk liners work well, an extra pair are advised when kayaking as your feet will rest on the cold hull. Sun cream / sun block You will be provided with: Prijon Excursion or Current Designs double and single, 5m/16ft sea kayaks, with rudders. Dry Suit or thick neoprene wetsuit/hood. Paddle. Safety floatation devises. Spray skirts. Neoprene mittens/ gloves. Water proof bags. Kayak participants with a clear lack of abilities can be disqualified from further kayaking on our kayak excursions because of safety reasons. We reserve the right to cancel your kayaking option before your expedition and notify you accordingly. Your kayaking payment will be fully refunded to you and no other payments will be liable. Before you set out you will be asked to carry out a safety test of all your equipment, to check it is in perfect order. Although it is maintained to a high standard, the guide will ask that you have carried out a personal check to confirm this. Please note that the kayaking option cannot be shared. Please contact us for details about polar voyages in which we can incorporate sea kayaking. Photographs kindly provided by Ralph Pannell