Preparation Notes - Sea Kayaking

Experience

Previous kayaking experience is strongly recommended. We recommend, regardless of your experience, that before leaving for your expedition, you rent a kayak, or take kayaking lessons, for at least a minimum of three hours, so that you have some experience in using and getting both in and out of a kayak, and are familiar with an emergency wet exit, and will assume that you have done so. Practice getting in and out of a kayak, using a rudder, forward, backward and bracing strokes, and performing a wet exit. You DO NOT need to know how to roll a kayak or do a self-rescue. Professional guides will be onboard to help you with new skills or to offer coaching to improve your paddling performance.

What to Bring

Thermal layers

Use the layering principle. Temperatures will roughly range between –5°C (23 °F) to +7°C (45°F), so Polypropylene/ pile (polar fleece) is the preferred fiber for paddling. Wool works as well, but tends to be less comfortable. Cotton is unacceptable, due to poor heat retention when damp or wet. Thermal long underwear, light weight for bottoms, medium weight for top, Expedition weight fleece pants, Light-medium weight, non bulky, long sleeve fleece top. Our onboard guides will further instruct you on how to layer effectively.

Headgear

A fleece (windstopper is excellent) or tight knit wool cap. Bring two in case one gets wet. In addition, a neck tube or balaclava if the wind picks up, and a wide brimmed hat or cap for sun protection.

Hand wear

Fisherman’s gloves, or industrial strength rubber gloves with a mid weight fleece glove underneath, work well for handling the boats, and time ashore. Neoprene mitts (pogies) will be supplied for paddling.

Socks

Heavy wool socks with silk polypro, or Gore-Tex, liners are recommended. As the hull of the boat can get quite cold when kayaking, a second pair of wool socks is recommended. Again, cotton does not work when damp or wet so do not use a cotton liner.

Other Gear

• Weatherproof binoculars
• Dry bag or pelican case for camera, or waterproof camera
• UV protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm)
• An extra dry bag or heavy duty Ziplock bag for other items.

Equipment we will provide onboard for sea kayaking passengers

We use Prijon Excursion Tandem Kayaks for our program. These kayaks are very stable and incredibly tough, perfect for paddling through brash ice. As with any sports equipment it may not fit you. For entering into the kayak and assuming a comfortable paddling position, the maximum hip width is 40 cm or 15.75 inches. We suggest that you take a horizontal measurement at the widest point of your hips to determine if you will be able to fit in the kayak.

• Kokatat Supernova Paddling Suits
• Spray skirts
• Paddles
• Neoprene pogies (paddling mittens)
• Safety floatation vests
• Neoprene booties

Safe Kayaking

We will have an experienced kayak guide on the vessel who will lead the trips and will help you in the kayaks. There will also be a safety Zodiac in constant communication with the group and on patrol to assist if the need arises. This is an invaluable ‘safety-net’ added to ensure your safety.

Your expedition guide will select paddling sites for their protected waters, wildlife, and scenic values. All excursions are, of course, weather dependent and your safety is the first priority. Most times we will be paddling near the Zodiac landing and shore excursion site. At all times we will travel at a safe distance from ice shelves and icebergs, and keep a respectful distance away from the wildlife. Kayaks will be embarked from shore or from a Zodiac, depending on sea and wind conditions. We will not be doing surf landings, though expect to paddle in winds of around 15 km/hr and small choppy seas. The ship will always be in close proximity to assist if required.

Group Size & Number of Excursions

Each expedition is restricted to 20 participants. Please note that we can not book additional paddlers on board. We will endeavor to provide our kayaking activities as often as the ship’s schedule, weather and ice conditions permit. Paddling excursions will typically last for one to two hours, with the possibility of an extended trip depending on the ship’s scheduling and the weather and ice conditions. The purpose of our kayak excursions is to enjoy the scenery, wildlife, the sounds, photos, and not just to do miles. We will have a variety of paddling abilities among our passengers, and we must travel as a group.

Your Health

You must declare: (1) when you book this kayaking program and (2) immediately prior to starting your kayaking excursions, any pre-existing medical condition or illness, or poor state of health. You should, before starting your expedition, visit a doctor for a personal medical examination to ensure that you are fully able to participate in the kayaking program, and we shall assume that you have done so. If you are recovering from any breathing illness or the effects of alcohol and/or drug consumption or have recently had any major illness or surgery, then by participating in the kayaking program, you may be placing yourself and others at risk. If so, we would strongly advise you not to take part.

Terms & Conditions

With your signature on the Liability Waiver Form you acknowledge that you have read and fully understand the information set out in these preparation notes and in the attached Terms and Conditions for our sea-kayaking activities.

Insurance

Medical insurance which covers the cost of evacuation is mandatory. Such insurance will ensure, among other things, that you are properly covered against risks associated with your kayak program, and any medical charges which might be incurred. We may refuse you permission to take part in the kayak program unless you can verify insurance coverage. Please complete and bring the enclosed liability waiver on board your vessel.

Please note that all passengers involved in these activities must fill out a separate waiver form to be filled out and collected onboard the ship.

Kayaking is restricted to those persons 18 years of age and over.

What to See & What to Expect

The Polar Regions are truly the last frontier for kayaking. Paddling in this pristine, icy wilderness will overwhelm even the most seasoned adventurer. It is a rare opportunity, for few have experienced this magical place by kayak. Imagine silently gliding through mazes of ice floes, gazing upon wildlife with a glorious backdrop of deeply crevassed glaciers and ice capped peaks jutting right out of the sea!

We hope to paddle amid giant sculptured blue icebergs, through brash ice, along cobble beaches, narrow channels, and even inside a flooded volcanic crater. We will be silent, and can maneuver into places Zodiacs may not go – kayaks are one of the best ways to experience the Antarctic and its’ marine life

Dry Suit Loan Form - For Kayaking

To simplify packing we have included the loan of a paddling suit in the cost of your Polar kayaking adventure. These suits are not technically “dry suits” but are more comfortable. To ensure that we have the proper sizing information for you, please e-mail your sizing details, as quickly as possible, to travel@gadventures.com . Using the chart below as a guide.

The paddling suit is waterproof, and features wrist gaskets, booties, and a stretch neoprene neck gasket.

If you prefer to pack your personal dry suit, do so. However, you still must provide sizing details. The kayak masters will inspect your suit to ensure that it is appropriate for Polar kayaking conditions.

Please circle on the chart below, the size (Small, Medium, Large, or Extra Large) that best fits you. Measurements are in inches, and the suits are all men’s (easier to fit both men and women). The suits have ample ventilation and room for an insulating layer of pile. Be sure to measure while wearing insulation.

Sleeve Length: Measure from the wrist bone, around the bent elbow to the spine at the back of the neck.

Inseam: Measure from the crotch seam to the ankle bone.

Chest or Bust: Measure around the fullest part of the chest or bust, across the shoulder blades.

Waist: Measure where you normally wear pants or belt.

Hips: Measure around hip at the fullest part.

First Name:

Last Name:

Expedition Dates:

Booking Number: