The minimum clothing required

[ZEBRA]

The minimum clothing and equiptment required to safely kayak fish .

In this post the minimum clothing and equiptment is outlined there are many other options like dry suits sunglasses ect but as new people are coming in to our sport daily it is important that they get the right equipment to be safe right from the start in this post I have described what I believe to be the minimum we should all be wearing I will add a post later in the week showing the minimum safety kit we should be carrying on the
kayaks which will include flares /first aid kit ect .

The Minimum clothing



Wetsuit
This is important even in the summer sea water temperature is very cold if you fall in
To the sea without some protection from the cold you could go in to shock.
Rapid loss of body temperature will affect your hands and feet and may cause numbness
It will also hinder your ability to make decisions quickly and hinder your ability to re-enter your yak. you need some way of insulating your body keeping in some of the warmth while you re-enter a wetsuit will trap a thin layer of water between your body and the neoprene suit this will warm just like a mini radiator and will give you the protection needed and time to re-enter your kayak .

Neoprene boots
One of the first things that will be affected by cold water or wind is your feet a good pair of neoprene boots will insulate your feet and keep them warm .

Pfd
Personnel flotation device this must always be worn when out in the kayak without it your chances of survival at sea are minimal chose a bright colour it will be much easier seen if need arise for someone to be looking for you .

Waterproof Whistle
This is a very important piece of safety equipment with it you can draw attention to yourself .because of the high pitch the sound will carry much farther than shouting help particularly at night .

Vhf radio
This is your lifeline to raise the alarm that you need help most good vhf radios are now waterproof you can summon help while on or in the water very quickly with it a mobile phone is no substitute for a vhf radio if it gets wet its dead .

Pfd knife
This is also an essential for cutting anchor ropes quickly or cutting yourself free from being tangled in any rigging you may have it is important to chose a knife with only one sharpened edge as a pfd knife

Hat
A hat will stop you losing body heat quickly it will also shield you from the sun and should be considered a must .

Flares
Flares if possible try to carry some flares in your pfd small star shots ect these will aid you greatly if you become parted from your kayak and need to show your location to a rescue vessel

[glow=red,2,300]This review is also on the main website north wales kayak fishing [/glow]
northwaleskayakfishing.co.uk/id42.html

[kelco2246]

:)hi new member here , and never been on a sot kayak.
Ive just read your post, aim on a limited budget just been made redunted (but happy) Ive ordered a new ocean big game from Glasgow angling centre , awaiting it coming in sometime after Christmas i was told .I will need all the equipment and clothing ,but dont know anything about it ,for instance do i need to get measured for a wet / dry suit, would a two piece do the job would a wet suit be o/k (as they are cheaper) does any one know of a good shop that would give good advice on these and other questions and charge fair prices .So many questions i could fill a book ,reading this forum has been really good though ,all the best kelco

[curly]

Unless you are only going to fish in the summer months then I`d recommend a dry suite. Always best if you can go and try a few on but I`d go for one with a front zip AND a relief zip ! Remenber that you will want to be able to get into your dry suite with warm clothes on in winter.

[BUDDY]

In reply to wetsuit/drysuit.
Its not just winter or summer you should be looking at. You should also be looking at venues.
If you fish or paddle the big freshwater lakes in winter you should be well aware that the temprature of the lakes can be considerably lower than the sea.
This means if you fall in you have less time to re-enter as you will cool down a lot quicker and find things a lot harder to do.
So to sum up.
Summer - Wet or drysuit
Winter - Preferably a drysuit but if a wetsuit is worn thermal layers must be worn over the top as a wetsuit is cold on its own and gives no thermal protection without being wet.
Winter on fresh water - I would only recommend a drysuit as you get in dressed and you can wear as much or little thermal clothing under it as you want to. If you fall in only your hands and head get wet making it easier and quicker to dry off and warm.
Steve

[kelco2246]

brill ,thanks curly, t,he advice is much appreached, I would rather buy the correct things first instead of buying twice, all the best kelco

[kelco2246]

thanks Steve ,Ill buy a dry suit after checking out the test reports on this site, all the best kelco

[kerny]

Try wetsuits outlet on google. very good prices and next day delivery.

[kelco2246]

ta Kerny, all the best kelco

[BUDDY]

Hi Kelco
Here is the link for wetsuit outlet
www.wetsuitoutlet.co.uk/index.php?referer=google&gclid=CK7nkoDClZ8CFUYA4wode3mEIA

If you see something at the right price call them and ask if they have any last years colours as they might come a bit cheaper.

It also might be worth sending Mike (seaurchinkayak) a PM as he puts some good bargains on the site when he has them.
Steve

[kerny]

Thanks for putting on the link Steve.

[kelco2246]

thanks all you guys ,iam watching two s/h suits on ebay after your advice , if i dont win them ill buy new , there is no rush as i havent even got my kayak yet , but hopefully ill be set up for spring, all the best kelco

[BUDDY]

If you are buying off Ebay and its not new you might have to replace the seals or even re proof.
Make sure you buy one for surface sports and not a divers drysuit.

If you buy new you will get 12 months warranty on most and 3Yrs on some.
If you buy 2nd hand try to buy from someone you know.
You pays your money you take your chance.
Steve