TORBET ON THE TUBE
A closed cockpit kayak is great for longer trips and bigger seas
Free floating
Beyond the choice of your boat , think about the weather , boat traffic and tides when planning a trip . I carry a marine VHF radio and flares with me , certainly on bigger trips . I also throw in a very small anchor to stop my boat floating away when I ’ m snorkelling , although in calm waters without wind this can be unnecessary , and it conveniently doubles as a rather impressive SMB . Kayak-snorkelling has allowed me to see parts of Britain , both above and below the water , I would never have discovered . The extra room has allowed me to pack camping gear and spend weeks at a time paddling , snorkelling and sleeping wild – a highlight of the diving season . With the restrictions on movement we ’ ve experienced over the last two years kayak-snorkelling is the ultimate expression of freedom to explore our coast .
The range and efficiency of a closed cockpit allows for longer trips around the coast
There are various considerations I ’ ve learned over the years for choosing your ideal craft . Fundamentally , there are four basic types :
■ CLASSIC KAYAK : The most efficient to paddle and best in bad weather , so if you ’ re planning a longer trip this is the best option . However , the closed cockpit ( you climb into the craft through a small hole ) takes a bit of practice and balance to get out and in on the water . So this option requires at least some tuition to use safely . It is , however , my personal choice as I already have one of these for my sea-kayaking activities . However , if I ever got another it ’ d be ....
■ SIT-ON-TOP ( SOT ): Simply put , this is a kayak you sit on rather than inside ( see above ). These tend to be broader , making them slower and harder to handle in bigger seas but an excellent option for most snorkelling trips , as they are very stable and thus easier to enter / exit the water . The choice of my friend and photographer Dan Bolt , who does more snorkel-kayaking than anyone I know .
■ STAND-UP-PADDLEBOARD ( SUP ): Imagine a big surfboard . These can offer the cheapest options and the inflatable models can be transported without a roof-rack . Easy to use , you can sit , kneel or stand on them , and they are great platforms to snorkel from . Probably the slowest and hardest to use in choppier waters , but plenty of people have done long trips on them .
■ CANOE : An open boat ( think of a craft based on a dug-out tree trunk ), often used on rivers and lakes . Can carry multiple people and lots of kit , but the high sides are awkward at first . Getting in and out on the water without capsizing can be tough going . An excellent choice on rivers and lakes , where you can beach the boat and shore dive . �
For more information on snorkelling with BSAC go to bsac . com / snorkelling Looking to introduce snokelling into your club ? Find out more at bsac . com / snorkellinginstructor
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