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North Dublin Sea Kayaking

  • 10-05-2019 2:44pm
    #1
    Registered Users Posts: 7


    Hi all
    New to North Dublin and kayaking - does anyone know if it's safe to sea kayak in North Dublin? Say - from Portrane to Skerries or Donabate to Howth?

    Also - is it safe to kayak in the sea using an open kayak similar to a Sevylor Colorado Inflatable? Or does it need to be a closed kayak?

    thanks in advance


Comments

  • Hosted Moderators Posts: 4,948 ✭✭✭pullandbang


    Also - is it safe to kayak in the sea using an open kayak similar to a Sevylor Colorado Inflatable?

    NO! The Coast Guard and RNLI strongly advise against using inflatable kayaks.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,027 ✭✭✭tphase


    you'd do better to start off with some training or guided trips

    https://www.shearwaterseakayaking.ie/


  • Registered Users Posts: 911 ✭✭✭sharingan


    With the correct skills and suitable equipment, an open canoe, or sit-on-top kayak can be safe to paddle in coastal areas.

    Inflatable canoes have certain issues that compromise their safety:
    - punctures slow or fast will leave you without a boat. Whereas a closed kayak can be emptied after a capsize, a sit on top cant take on water in the first place, and an open canoe can be bailed (as long as it has floatation devices)
    - if you capsize, an unladen inflatable is very vulnerable to being taken away by the wind (this is an issue for all sea kayaking, but inflatables can be taken away by much lower wind speeds
    - inflatables will have low speed through the water, which means you are very vulnerable to being carried away if wind and tide combine
    - lack of support structures in the boat (for feet, knees, hips or back) - you will find it harder to brace and support the boat against side on waves and the like

    If you wish to experience these areas by kayak, look into professional guides, or join one of the sea kayak clubs.


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