Edited by Rachel Duncan 4th Edition ISBN 0-907649-91-2 London ...

Transport and Travel 49
the correct scale maps and charts and then sealing them with a waterproof coat is always
time well spent.
Prior to departure it is well worth packing the kayak and what other equipment you may be
sending in a container, the most rigid and expensive crate you can afford. Damaged kit
may mean your trip is over before you begin. Food is worth packing in a controlled
environment, making sure to get the balance of quantity and content correct. Dispose of
unwanted packaging whilst packing and waterproof everything, as space is always
important and kayaking is wet !
Apart from the bulkier items being packed in your crate, it is worth sending up all the
items you may have difficulty in taking on a flight eg: air horns, flares, life jacket, gas
canisters etc.
5.5.2 Kayaking Equipment
It is personal choice how you customise and personalise a sea kayak and also relevant to
the objectives of the trip and the area you are visiting. In areas you are going to experience
sea ice, the choice of kayak and accessories is important: there are the physical
considerations with either fold up, fabric, plastic or fibreglass and each has there own
merits, with regards to performance and handling. Having a strengthened keel or hull is
worth considering, if you intend to paddle through areas of sea ice, as are stronger paddle
blades. Consider a spare set of paddles each, repair kits, throw line/tethering rope, either
fixed or mobile pumps, sponges and loads of deck elastics and lines.
When choosing a suitable kayak and specialising it to a Polar environment, then pay
attention to metal fittings, plastic attachments and rubber accessories and how they will
react to low temperatures and brittle ice.
5.5.3 General Equipment
A great deal of the following equipment ideas are open to personal preference and
experiences, cost and availability: The following list may be of some use ….
• Consider using a Gore tex dry suit and/or be aware of the implications of wearing
pile and shell clothing if you capsize. A compromise between warmth and being
dry must be thought about.
• Use a Cagoule with sealed cuffs and large, deep chest pockets – great for storing
knives, chocolate etc.
• Tie everything down on the kayak and everything inside the kayak.
• Use strong and waterproof bags (also take loads of bin liners)
• In Polar areas where bears are a danger, take a rifle, ammunition, trip flares (and
poles) and even an air horn. Keep them in a strong container (BDH). Keep the
rifle accessible and in a waterproof bag, preferably on the deck of the kayak.
• VHF Radios and Epirb emergency distress beacons are mandatory in certain areas.
• Evaluate the benefits between wearing a buoyancy aid and a slim line life jacket
and if these are chosen, consider taking spare gas canisters.
• Use double spray decks to prevent imploding and leakage in heavy Polar seas.
• Evaluate your choice of footwear – either Teva type sandals, wellingtons or wet
suit boots and consider how they may be to swim in.
• Consider taking collapsible water containers and a flask.
• Plastic coat all maps.