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

50 RGS-IBG Polar Expeditions Manual
• Choose what navigation equipment you prefer ie: hand held Silva type compass, a
deck compass as well as a GPS.
• Take two stoves and spares – no heat = no water no food.
• Use either plastic 5 litre type fuel cans or Sigg type 1 litre fuel bottle – bare in mind
spillage and leakage, both have their benefits. Remember a funnel.
• Take distress and signalling flares – both hand and smoke flares are necessary, for
either attracting attention or indicating wind direction.
• Consider using over mitts to keep the wind off and fingerless suede gloves to
prevent blisters.
5.5.4 Other Considerations
Kayaking in frozen regions can be very dangerous and you should bear certain things in
mind. Sea temperatures in polar climes will allow a clothed kayaker to survive for
minutes, therefore to wear the proper gear is vital. Devising a method of either rolling the
kayak or a method of getting back into the kayak offshore is vital.
The dangers of kayaking near glaciers and icebergs is all too apparent and great care must
be taken to avoid being caught near turtling icebergs and falling ice debris near the glacier
snouts. The legendary Gino Watkins, despite has experience, almost certainly died as
result of a calving glacier.
Any kayaker should be aware of changing weather and wind and realise the physical and
safety limitations, they impose. As with any other operation in a polar area, your margin
of safety should well exceed that you have set at home.
Wildlife and marine life can pose dangers and you should research the behaviour of
Walruses, Polar Bears, Seals, Whales and Birds etc.
Finally, with careful planning and research, kayaking in Polar Latitudes is the most
wonderful experience and there is no better way to see and taste these real wilderness areas
– than by kayak.
For more information on specialist polar small boat operations, see the BAS Field Manual
and BAS Small Boating Manual. For information on particular areas, see one of the Arctic
Pilots and the Antarctic Pilot manuals published by the Hydrographic Office. For small
boat operations generally, refer to the relevant Royal Yacht Association (RYA) manuals.
5.6 Sledge-hauling
5.6.1 Introduction
Of the transport options available to expeditions travelling through snow country, sledgehauling
can represent a low cost, self-contained and efficient way of travel. It will certainly
not be the fastest, can often be the most energetic but can also at the same time be the most
peaceful way with least impact on the environment.
Modern materials and refined techniques have contributed to the benefits gained by
expeditions using sledge-hauling, where personal loads of up to three times the weight of