Our kids got Kayaks for Christmas and are dying to get out in them, we planned first trip at Easter. Mainly due to other commitements. They are members of our local yacht club and do a bit of sailing, they have a kayak section but unfortunately closed at the moment due to club refurbishment.. So any trips planned will be with us.
They have OK Frenzies like these, so sit on tops..
When using the kayaks they wear summer weight wetsuits (full body) and bouyancy aids, and I am wondering if that will be warm enough for now, I know the temperatures have warmed up a great deal and our water isn't much warmer in summer than winter!
So anyone who has a similar set up - Do you kayak all year round, or warmer months or just when you see a nice day?
Forgot to mention, kids are 15 & 11
Wendy
------------- Animals are my friends... and I don't eat my friends...
George Bernard Shaw
Hi Wendy my son when in his mid teens used to kayak in the sea at Tynemouth and on rivers throughout the north east and he used to get freezing at times in the winter, the water temperature isn't really the problem but the wind chill can be, it could be colder outside the water than it was in it.
He had a 'proper' kayak so only his upper body was in the elements and used to wear swimshorts, one of these, a farmer john wetsuit like this, a proper kayaking waterproof cagoule, neoprene boots and neoprene gloves. He topped this lot of with a skullcap, hard helmet and quality buoyancy aid.
Actually he is 21 this year and hasn't been in his kayak for a few years and all his gear is in the loft so might dig it out and look at ebaying it.
The websites I have linked to above are chillcheater and lomo and sell good quality gear.
Just realised that my avatar is him, click on it for a bigger picture.
I used to use a sleeve-less wet suit, a cag specially designed for canoeing and a buoyancy aid. I also had a pair of neoprene bootees and a pair of "mitten" type things that attached to the paddle with velcro that you slipped your hands into. You really notice when your hands and feet are cold!!!
I cannot remember how I kept my head warm, although I used to use a canoeing helmet.
------------- Love a lot. Trust a few. But ALWAYS paddle your own canoe!!
Minds are like parachutes:- They only function when they are open!!!
Those who talk don't know.
Those who know don't talk.
i have friends who go kayak fishing all year round depending on the sea and weather. They wear a shorty top wetsuit and a light top for during the summer then their life vest over that but in the winter they have a lightweight dry suit and thermal suit under that to stave off the cold with a jacket and life vest over the top.
------------- Rachael xxxx
A balanced life is a glass of wine in each hand :O)
Thanks everyone, I am trying to keep the kids from begging to go out each weekend by telling them it is VERY cold in the water. The ride on seem to get them pretty wet which is fine in the summer as they spend so much time deliberately capsizing just for the fun of it. I imagine we will have to be fair weather kayaking if it is so cold at this time of the year.
We are taking them with us at Easter and hope it's not too cold to be out in them, I'm sure they'll let us know if it is..
Many thanks, Wendy
------------- Animals are my friends... and I don't eat my friends...
George Bernard Shaw