Polar Kayaking- Aqua-Firma

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Polar Kayaking

Kayaking

We will be kayaking in some of the most extreme locations on the planet a totally unique experience that doubtless is a once in a lifetime opportunity for most.

Kayaking allows us to encounter seals and other marine life in close proximity as we glide silently past icebergs with vistas of rugged beauty. It offers a feeling of independence and really adds to the atmosphere of being in a pristine wilderness.

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.


Print E-Mail Antarctica \| Arctic \| Spitsbergen \| Climate Commitment \| Polar Experts
Polar Kayaking

	Kayaking We will be kayaking in some of the most extreme locations on the planet a totally unique experience that doubtless is a once in a lifetime opportunity for most. Kayaking allows us to encounter seals and other marine life in close proximity as we glide silently past icebergs with vistas of rugged beauty. It offers a feeling of independence and really adds to the atmosphere of being in a pristine wilderness. 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.