First voyage out

[basscatcher]

Ok some have been waiting and waiting for my photos of my first trip out. I can say that as long as the weather is favourable this weekend then Im off out to Christen the Kayak.

From you experience lot what should I be doing to get used to it?

Please offer me advice on technique, things to practice and all.

I guess i need to capsize and stuff?



Wont even think of fishing yet this is just a test.

[The Image ™]

Before you even think of putting fishing tackle in it, have a play in the surf. Aim to get wet. Have fun.

Have a laugh getting on in the surf (and falling off). Enjoy surfing in and capsizing. Have a fun time.

Here's a few little things I've learned;

Don't try and hop in the kayak in one leap until you're expert enough. Instead, wait until a space between the breakers and straddle it (bum on the seat, legs in the water) then paddle to keep it pointing into the next breaker. After going over the next breaker, just pull your feet in and carry on paddling. It's an easy way that gives you more time.


When coming back in, paddle just behind a breaker and follow it in (much easier than surfing in like Hawai Five O). The kayak will try and twist sideways but DON'T paddle forwards to steer, paddle BACKWARDS or hold the paddle in the water (the further to the front of the yak the better). Paddling forwards does nothing.

Have a fun time. At the stage you're at, you'll learn more from a play in the surf than from anything else.

At the end of it, you'll feel exhilerated and tired but very aware of all you've learned.

And think yourself lucky. Me and Melissa had to do this in a cold January surf (below).

[The Image ™]

Playing in the surf is the most important thing you can do. The bigger the surf the better. Far better to 'play' in the surf than suddenly try to cope with it far out when it gets rough. In the surf, there's only one place you're going to, and that's back to the beach. Good safe fun and valuable experience.

And when it's done, paddling out at sea will seem like childs play in comparison ;D

Have fun

[menaiman]

Cold January surf! The sea temperature this winter got down to just above 7 degrees C (compared to just below 8 last year. At the moment the temperature has only climbed to 10 degs C. Well below what it should be this time of year. Last summer it peaked at 17 degs. in September (18 in 2004).

[The Image ™]

Not sure what your figures are supposed to be saying menaiman but on that day in January the cold water made my face numb but on my last trip (April) I didn't even have to wear gloves.

[menaiman]

Sorry Image, I didn't meen to imply anything. I just thought that with only a 3 deg rise it would still feel bloody cold. The figures came from work (north coast of Anglesey). The low temp at the moment probably accounts for the slow fishing but it will improve.

[The Image ™]

Non taken mate, it's just I just think that there's a hell of a lot more difference between last Jan and now than 3 degrees.
Maybe the readings you quote are from offshore bouys where the deep water may welll maintain its low temp whereas in the shallower waters it's more prone to being affected by the air temp and sunshine above it. I assure you that further in where we're kayaking the water is much much warmer now than it was in Jan. Last Jan it was so cold on bare skin it burnt. Much warmer now though, although I'd still advise a wetsuit or drysuit.

[alanc]

image is wright about the clothing .I have to say that ive been out at least twice a month since early feb wearing a dry suit and have always taken a dip whether by accident or practice whilst it feels warmer on top of the water it doesnt when your init ,i know that the sea will have warmed up but i was supprised how cold it was still ,early in the year i was wearing 3 good layers under my suit last week i whent down to 2 and was sorry i did, ithink the sun makes a big differance as we seen none that day .gilbo you should get yourself a neapreen balaclava this will help you maintain alot of body heat and is easly folded back .no one can stress how important it is to keep warm if you come of your yak and get cold you wont be able to get on again best being to warm than to cold .One more point for when your fishing tie everything down even your rods andi dont just mean for when your coming back in all the time i should know i,ve lost a tackle box and my nephew has lost rod and reel

[basscatcher]

Thanks for tha advice.

I am on for weekend if the weather is fine and having a full day out. End evening with a small barb e q on beach with kids and wife.

The water felt pretty warm on monday and the surfers and stuff are in and loving it in many places.

Post to follow.

Havent got a dry suit yet but will wear a full length wet suit on this one with a thick rash vest under neath. This is the Riviera so hopefully will get by with this through summer.

Will get dry suit when Autumn approaches.