Sea Kayak Exploration
The experience of kayaking with the pastel hues of the Antarctic or the High Arctic as a backdrop is guaranteed to lift your soul. Our sea kayaks provide the perfect venue for wildlife viewing. Our quiet presence will enable us to approach the wildlife while being careful to maintain a safe and

Kayaking. (Arctic - Photo by Greg Mortimer)

comfortable distance from the many bird colonies located along the shoreline and the polar bears, seals and walrus waiting just on shore. Our sea kayaks will permit us to navigate the narrow channels between ice floes and icebergs. We will select our landing sites for wildlife and/or historical value.

Cruising in a private group of 6 to 10 paddlers with sound sea-kayaking experience, we will, for the most part,visit the same sites as those visited by the Zodiacs. However, our mode of transportation will give us greater independence and may permit us access to areas not otherwise available to the Zodiacs. Depending on time and weather conditions, we may schedule an extended day trip, packing our lunch with us so that we can enjoy it later in some isolated cove or on some distant shore. Sea kayaking requires an adventurous attitude as the wind and elements play an important role.

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Sea Kayaking Q&A
The following are answers to some commonly asked questions about our sea kayaking voyages:

How experienced do you have to be?
You should have paddled before and you should be comfortable with the idea of paddling in cold water. You do not have to be an expert, but you should have an adventurous spirit. You should also recognize that the weather will play a significant role in determining what we can and cannot do. We do not recommend our sea kayaking option to those seeking their first paddling experience. While we will attempt to provide the technical support required by various classes of paddlers, there will probably not be time or opportunity for extensive instruction before we head out on our first excursion.

Will there be a guide?
Yes, there will be an experienced kayak guide on the ship who accompanies all the kayak excursions. In addition, there will be a Zodiac within radio contact range at all times.

What kind of kayaks do we use?
We will use five-meter (sixteen-foot) Prijon plastic double kayaks. These kayaks have hard plastic shells well-suited for paddling through patches of ice and for quickly launching from the ship. The guide often paddles a single kayak.

How stable are the kayaks?
The kayaks are quite stable, and we will practice our first paddle in shallow water near the shore. Once our paddlers are familiar with their crafts, we will launch from the ship in deep water on subsequent excursions.

Can the kayaks tip over?
Yes. Capsizing is possible, but rather unlikely. In the event of a capsizing, our paddlers should be able to self-rescue by righting the kayak, draining it and then re-entering it. Our guides will be standing by to provide assistance, using the Zodiacs for support where necessary. Our kayaks can typically be drained in a matter of a few minutes. With dry suits, you can easily be comfortable in the cold water for half an hour.

Can the kayaks sink?
No, the kayaks have separate compartments with bulkheads. They can float with the cockpit full of water.

How do we get into the kayaks from the ship?
We will descend a short ladder from the back of the ship to a Zodiac tied alongside, and from there enter the kayak. Alternatively, if it is rough or too windy, we take the kayaks to shore by Zodiac and enter them there.

Will there be surf and swell?
We are not likely to be doing surf landings, but we could be paddling in swell or wind chop. We can paddle in winds of up to 20-knots. If the winds are too strong and sheltered paddling is not available, we will join the shore party in the Zodiacs.

Will I be able to carry anything in the kayak?
Yes, you will be supplied with a dry bag for extra clothing, binoculars and any other personal items that need to be kept waterproof. You would also carry a water bottle.

Can I bring my camera?
Yes, but we highly recommend a waterproof or throw-away camera for use in the kayak. Onshore you will be glad to have your SLR cameras, but we recommend that you use a waterproof case or bag to keep it dry. Pelican cases are highly recommended for good cameras, but a small dry bag with a t-shirt wrapped around the camera may suffice for smaller cameras. The kayak hatches are not large and will not accommodate a Pelican case larger than the 1400 model.

How long will we paddle?
The amount of time we spend on each excursion will vary depending upon the amount of time allocated to the rest of the shore party, as well as on the inclinations of our kayaking group. Generally, the excursions will be between 2 and 4 hours in duration, but some may last as long as 6 hours. Weather conditions permitting, we would expect to have 8-10 paddling excursions during the voyage. On some days, we may go out paddling more than once, as the 24-hour daylight allows some beautiful evening paddles.

Do we need any special clothing and equipment?
Yes, we will use drysuits for safety. We will have many sizes available for rental on board our ship. Additional clothing is suggested in our clothing and equipment list; you should pay particular attention to the footwear suggestions. All kayaking and safety equipment is supplied.

How many kayaks will be used?
In most cases, we will limit the size of the group to ten kayakers (5 double kayaks plus one single for the guide) for safety reasons.

What if it gets too windy while we're paddling? What if I get tired?
We will maintain radio contact with the ship and with the Zodiacs in the area. If the weather appears to be changing, we will return to the ship (or to shore if that appears to be the better option). Generally, if it is too windy for kayaks, it is also too windy for the Zodiacs. The ship's captain, expedition leader and kayak leader will all maintain close contact to ensure a safe paddling experience. If someone needs to return to the ship, a Zodiac will be called.

What about paddling through ice?
The kayaks are manufactured of hard HTP blow-molded plastic and will easily paddle through small patches of ice. However, we will maneuver around the larger ice chunks and floes.

How do we get back aboard the ship?
In calm seas, we will generally unload from the kayaks into a Zodiac that is tied to the back of the ship. Alternatively, we may load into the Zodiacs on shore and then tow the kayaks back to the ship.

How far will we paddle?
It depends on the weather and ice conditions. At most, we might end up 8-10 km (5-6 miles) from the ship, and we would only paddle farther from the ship if we knew the ship were moving ahead to meet us. We will not be aiming to paddle big distances; our primary goal will be seeking out the most interesting things to view. We will carry radios and maintain constant contact with the ship.

Is the wildlife dangerous?
While on shore, the group will be accompanied by a staff member carrying a rifle. Several staff members will always be on shore carrying flare guns, horns and rifles to discourage polar bears if necessary. While paddling, we will maintain a safe distance from the bears and the walruses. The bears can swim, but much more slowly than we can paddle, and the walruses tend to be rather timid.

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