A streamlined, polyethylene, sit on, tandem kayak is a safe and secure way of exploring coastal areas in the northeast Atlantic particularly where a myriad of inshore islands can be explored at a leisurely pace. The hard shell kayak is practically indestructable with rocks met head on and the kayak simply gliding over them. Shallow seas close to shore are highly accessible in this versatile kayak.
Equipment Check
Sea kayaking off a convoluted coastline with many inshore islands is quite safe if simple safety precautions are followed. Equipment such as a wetsuit and buoyancy aids are essential safety requirements with other equipment optional. A map and compass, water and high energy foods are readily carried. A trial run in preparation for a day trip of several hours duration is a good idea along with a dependable companion.
The Kayak
A sit-on Perception Gemini kayak is a perfectly stable 3.5metre long platform, which, with two adult occupants cannot capsize or turnover, due to the 1 metre width of the seating area. At 40kg weight the kayak is readily transported on a car roof rack to the sea.
No special skills are required for sea-kayaking however the ability to swim, whilst not essential, is recommended. A tandem kayak ensures double muscle power and constant contact with one's companion. A group of single kayakers have the double trouble of remaining in sight and retaining voice contact.
The Washing Machine
Within a 50 minute drive of Galway City, Ireland there is a high arched bridge with one side banked higher than the other resulting in a rush of high water at full tides twice a day which attracts a legion of white water canoeists. This is a real attraction for adventurers. The canoeist can make one run through the arch and walk around (portage) for another try.
A Day Trip
There is no typical day's kayaking due to highly variable weather conditions. A reliable local weather forecast is essential. A still, calm day coupled with low tide should facilitate a mostly westerly outward journey with an easterly return assisted by the incoming tide. A low tide could result in a whirlpool effect, slowing the paddling and resulting in wasted effort with time out on land advisable until the tide comes in.
I have had the pleasure of kayaking solo for two hours in south Co Galway, Ireland, in the complete absence of people, my only companions being four massive shoals of mackerel and the full Atlantic Ocean to my southwest. On another occasion I was overflown by six Hawk trainers, in formation, comprising an Aerial Acrobatic Team some 400m above me, exhilirating!
Source
CHMarine Perception Kayaks
Michael Manning - ' The best lack all conviction while the worst are full of passionate intensity' W.B.Yeats
