Frequently Asked Questions
A quick note – always wear a Buoyancy Aid!
A buoyancy aid should be worn for every kayaking activity, regardless of how well you can swim. Should you capsize it will keep you afloat and, unlike a life jacket, you can easily swim to help yourself. A buoyancy aid is probably the most important piece of safety kit you can invest in.
Why use a sit on top kayak?
Our open top sit on top kayaks are ideal for people who are new to paddling. Sit on top kayaks are extremely stable and easy to paddle so they are ideal for getting out onto the water to have some fun! Also, because you sit on top of the kayak rather than sitting with your legs inside there is no worry of being trapped underneath the kayak should it capsize. They are great for families and friends, especially our tandem kayaks. Sit on top kayaks give an ideal platform for fishing, allowing for a greater range of movement.
Which Kayak is right for me?
Each of our kayaks has a rating for different conditions so you can see at a glance how well suited it is to each type of activity. For example the Solo Kayak is much better suited to surf because of its shorter length, making it ideal for use on beaches and the sea. Whereas tandem kayaks are better at gliding so would be perfect for use on large bodies of water such as lakes or the sea when it is calm.
What else do I need?
Here are a few tips and recommendations on what you will need for a fun, comfortable and safe kayak experience. You can modify this depending on the weather and paddling conditions but use this as a general guide
- Buoyancy Aid and any other safety equipment required for the activity you are planning
- Clothing – (as a base layer or summer clothing) a simple base layer of light clothing that allows easy movement
- Wetsuit – to keep you warm
- Footwear – closed toe footwear should be worn in case you need to get out and walk over stones/shells. Old trainers are fine for warm weather, but wetsuit boots will keep you warmer when it is cold.
- Windbreaker – keeps you dry and warm
- Hat or visor
- Sunglasses with strap
- Dry Bag – This could contain a change of clothes, maybe an old mobile phone or two way radio, map, towel, first aid kit, camera etc.
- Sunscreen
- Energy Snacks (e.g.Powerbars or bananas) for quick energy
- Drinking water
- Dry set of clothes and footwear for the ride home
- Paddle Float and/or paddle leash
- Map & Compass
- Signalling Devices (whistle, flashlight, flares, glow sticks, radio) depending on location.
Do I need a helmet?
Helmets should be worn when using a kayak on white water, shallow rivers, and surfing. Make sure it fits properly so that it cannot slip forwards or backwards, covers your forehead, and has a strong chin strap. It should be made of a durable material, float and be CE approved – CE1385.
What is the difference between a Kayak and a Canoe?
Generally a Canoe is an open top boat, where the paddler uses a single bladed paddle and sits ether kneeling or in a normal sitting position. Kayaks use a double bladed paddle, the sitting position is with your legs out in front of you, and they are usually covered over. Our kayaks are open top, and you can also get covered canoes.
How do I attach the kayak seat?
Take a look at the Kayak Seat Instructions
Do you have a question that we haven’t answered yet? Let us know and we will answer it as quickly as we can!