Clothing and Kayak

[BASSMAN]

;)Went past Diva Marine on the weekend and am now thinking of buying an ocean frenzy is this Kayak good for fishing. Would like to explore the caves and coves around the orme. Never paddled before does any one ever have trouble padleing against the tide and is it safe to paddle around teh orme. Another question I have is what sort of clothing do you use when paddleing do you need a wet suit? advance thanks for any replys hopeing to be set up ready for next summer.

[johnlegg]

hi
I don,t no much about the orme,
but if you are planing on kayaking through fast tides then I recommend plenty of practice and pick a kayak that can cope with it. the ocean frenzy is very good they are used by a lot of anglers but if you are going out in fast and rough seas then a bit more length will help.

If you are kayaking in the winter then a dry suit is a must . I use a separate pants and jacket this way if it is to hot i can use the pants on there own and if it is cold i can wear clothes under neath. boots and gloves are all so a must.
Your PFD (life jacket) will help keep you warm and is a must if you are kayaking. fladen do a good one with lots pockets

[The Image ™]

I've bought wetsuit legs that come up to the chest with straps over the shoulders (only £15 from Decathalon) and I'll wear my floatation suit over the top in winter and lifevest in summer. I think the pro's wear special lightweight semi drysuit trousers but they cost a bomb so I've opted for wetsuit pants because I'm a cheapskate. It might be worth you investing in them now because wetsuit prices are rock bottom this time of year. I also found that my wetsuit jacket restricted my biceps when paddling making them ache. When I can afford the drysuit stuff I'll get that instead.
Depends on your budget.
I like the Frenzy too and it would be good for coves but I expect that any kayak that is shorter than usual will be inferior tracking a straight line though more manouvarable and transportable.
I'm a newbie at this so the more experienced posts by people like John, Zebra, Stitch, SJ etc over-ride anything I say.
Why don't you come with us for the New Years day kayak meet paddling around the Little Orme?

[stitch]

Hi Bassman
If you opt for a wet-suit then go for a long-john type that is no arms. No arms means no nasty red sore friction marks when paddling. Your upper body should be warm enough when wearing the wet-suit, old tatty fleece ( nothing fancy ), cagool and PFD Personal flotation device. Your legs are a different matter, I'm sure you know how the material of a wet-suit works by creating a thin film of water between your skin and the suit. The body heats the water and this keeps you toasty but if you are out of the water having taken a dunking and the wind blows against the material, film of water and skin you lose body heat extremely quick. You can buy paddle pants but they are pricey so i use oil skin trousers. I used them when i had to ride a push bike to work many yeas ago. Oh yes don't forget neoprene boots and socks

John

[Hursty]

Can reccomend the Palm Dart paddle pants at around £40

[stitch]

;D Thanks for that i bought a pair yesterday. They are just as good as those twice the price for the sake of a couple of pockets. First outing on the 27th Dec.

John

[chrisp]

I was in the Helly Hansen shop in Cheshire Oaks yesterday, picked up a drysuit for £149, may be worth a look in the sales after Chrimby, they had big signs up on the window that they were closing down. Certainly had a good few bargains in there that I saw.

[georgieb]

Found this story about a Winter Event regarding safety, physical fitness, ability and clothing etc and how they got out of it.

www.ukriversguidebook.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=11078

A couple were experienced Kayakers but I was surprised at the dark clothing and some boat coloursconsidering the trip they were on.
Not trying to put anyone off, just thought it would be worth a read .

Georgie

[chrish]

Arran brrr Makes Wales look like the Bahamas. A 15 mile trip in winter off that coast is always going to be dangerous.