KAYAKING

Kayaking is one of the most amazing ways to explore the remote Arctic and Antarctic coastlines. Kayakers accompanied by a kayak guide have the opportunity to go off the beaten track. Paddling between icebergs or pack ice, observing animals in their natural environment, the only sound you hear is water dripping from the paddles. Kayaking in polar areas adds reatly to the experience of being in an unspoiled wilderness.
Oceanwide Expeditions offers optional kayak excursions in addition to the normal expedition program. On every cruise with a kayak option we hope to schedule a minimum of 4 kayak excursions. However, it must be said that the Polar Regions are unpredictable when it comes to the weather. This might lead to less or even no kayak excursions as kayaking can and will only take place in safe weather conditions. Under no circumstances will the safety limits be compromised! All kayak Excursions will take place within a safe distance from the ship, and at all times a zodiac will be on standby. The kayaks used are stable single seat and double seat sea kayaks.
In total 14 passengers can join a kayak trip, depending on the number of guides involved and the kayak skills of the participants. The kayaking will solemnly be done as a group activity. At least one kayak guide will lead the group and a zodiac will follow for assistance. Kayak excursions normally last three to four hours. The objective is wildlife, scenery, icebergs, etcetera. Chances of meeting wildlife while paddling are high.
Basic kayak experience required To take part in the kayak excursions passengers are required to have sufficient physical fitness and prior basic sea kayak experience would be helpful. It must be clear that kayaking in polar areas involves some potential risks, especially hypothermia because of the very cold water. These trips are not suitable for beginners. Basic skills should include normal handling of a kayak in moderate weather and sea conditions. It is not necessary to be able to do kayak “Eskimo” rolls, but you have to feel comfortable in a sea kayak. Kayak participants with a clear lack of these abilities can be disqualified for further kayaking on our kayak excursions because of safety reasons. If you have any questions about the required skills please contact our office.

General information for passengers

• Basic kayak experience required, physical fitness is essential
• Maximum number limited to 14 kayakers per voyage
• Up to 4 kayak days possible! Kayaking is subject to weather and prevailing ice conditions
• Oceanwide kayak guides are experts in their field, qualified and experienced
• All equipment on board (thick neoprene wetsuits and kayaks)
• Kayakers only bring their personal gear
• Supplement: Please see our dates & rates

 

Antarctica

Which season and where do we go?
The kayak option will be offered on Plancius voyages. The season in which these voyages take place lasts from December until March. The voyages will explore the Antarctic Peninsulas western coasts and sometimes the northern part of the Weddell Sea. Check the different itineraries for details. Please note: Although we expect to be able to venture into wild places like the Weddell Sea, nature does not give us a guarantee. Pack-ice is unpredictable and may prevent our ships to complete the planned itinerary. Kayaking is subject to weather and in Antarctica (only at specific sites) activity might also be limited by IAATO local sites and environmental regulations.

What are the weather conditions?

In the austral summer around the coasts of Antarctica, temperatures are generally close to freezing in the summer (December-February) months, or even slightly positive in the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula. The temperatures in Antarctica vary between about -5 and 8 °C. Together with a strong wind these low temperatures feel like real sub-zero temperatures. This is caused by the wind-chill factor. Warm and efficient clothing (and a flexible attitude) are the best means to overcome these sometimes harsh conditions. Exploring remote and wild regions like Antarctica requires a sensible and flexible approach. Although there can be bright skies with sunshine the weather is unpredictable. Catabatic winds, caused by the icecaps and glaciers, can pick up suddenly and are a fierce opponent for polar travellers. This might lead to the cancellation of planned kayak excursions. Activity can and will only take place in safe weather conditions.

Clothing for the Antarctica

 

As conditions can change rapidly, make sure you have clothing and equipment suitable for the worst weather. Since the water in the Polar Regions is around freezing point (between -2 and +3°C), good kayak clothing is essential.
Important personal kayak clothing and gear to bring (these items are not on the ship):
• Neoprene gloves
• Neoprene booties/shoes
• Neoprene cap/hood
• thermal underwear (for under the wetsuit for hygienic purposes)
• fleece vest or jacket
• breathable (e.g. Gore-Tex®) jacket or paddle anorak/jacket and trousers
• warm fleece hat
• turtle neck (neck gaiter)
• thermal under gloves (fleece finger gloves)
• thick socks
• good sunglasses
• sun cream / sun block
Optional items
• lightweight kayak drysuit
• waterproof bag (for camera equipment)

 

Important equipment notes

 

Do not wear cotton clothing like normal T-shirts and jeans! When wet this will not insulate much and will therefore increase the chance of hypothermia. Besides it is also not very comfortable while kayaking. Normal gloves like Gore-Tex or leather are not appropriate for kayaking. Neoprene gloves are necessary for keeping your hands warm in the frigid wat