Shore based sea kayaking safety session.

Wednesday 5^th July 2024

Kendal Leisure Centre

Eight sea kayakers took the opportunity to listen as Robin shared his experience of many years of sea kayaking, covering a range of topics with a great mixture of slides and tales of daring do. His approach was to discuss options rather than dictate what should be done and this prompted some lively and useful discussions.

Topics covered were

– understanding weather forecasts and which apps are available to help the decision process. The effects of wind, waves and swell, especially when considering beach landings. Why the answer to the question “what conditions can I paddle in?” is always “It depends”

– summoning help; radios, their advantages and shortfalls, flares, electronic flares, Personal Locator Beacons, strobe lights and of course the ubiquitous mobile phone. What happens on a Mayday call and how it can be relayed from a low power kayak radio at sea level via a larger vessel with a higher aerial and more powerful radio.

– broken boats; materials to carry to enable running repairs to hatch covers, skegs, and hulls. Tips and techniques for on the water repairs to get you to safety. Which sticky gooey stuff is the stickiest and gooiest when wet.

– navigation; map apps, OS land based v’ nautical charts, backups. OS locate.

I’m sure that everyone learned something new, even Robin; a very big thanks to him for giving up his evening and lugging a sea kayak into the meeting too.

EricD