Blog; Thoughts, news & tips
![/storage/Sea Kayaking safety.](/storage/images/vjrzOwMhr5NlWaRa7cg9u07UM79gtndVhJxFtL80.jpg)
Essential Safety Practices for Sea Kayakers.
As the allure of Sea Kayaking beckons, it's paramount to prioritise safety above all else. Whether a seasoned paddler or just dipping your blade into the sport, you need to read this!
![/storage/Cold water shock training with NOMAD Sea Kayaking.](/storage/images/OYsmWllo3Sw5PUipFwSrtVobJoew6fcPiCNAW3FK.jpg)
Understanding & Managing Cold Water Shock for Sea Kayakers.
Cold Water Shock: Join us as we dive deep into the icy waters of this phenomenon, exploring its effects, how to manage it & the crucial training Sea Kayakers need to stay safe.
![/storage/Winter sea kayaking in Walton Backwaters with NOMAD Sea Kayaking](/storage/images/hQEfGJmTHnj7mcvZeWJ7BlMJCXHqBbdzOYWWVFha.jpg)
Winter Sea Kayaking in the UK
As the days grow shorter & the air turns more crisp, there's a special allure to venturing out onto the waters in winter.
![/storage/Felixstowe Coast Patrol & Rescue rigid inflatable boat.](/storage/images/WFMV5pDsfIHlbqfrjjFaXeCqbHhJbT2lE4ZIzLti.jpg)
Felixstowe Coast Patrol and Rescue.
NOMAD Sea Kayaking has an enviable 100% safety track record; a fact I am personally very proud of.
![/storage/Nautical navigation tools with NOMAD Sea Kayaking.](/storage/images/MzLqn7pon5IoMkhBMVDHiLccgqfAxtzX6qbV7nfT.png)
Trip Planning for Sea Kayakers - Why?
We’ve all seen them, haven’t we? Board shorts & shirtless, barefoot, inflating their stand-up-paddle board or so called inflatable kayak. And there they go; no equipment, no back-up & no idea!
![/storage/Sea kayaker preparing to self-recover with NOMAD Sea Kayaking.](/storage/images/7SzfIWzq8FaB7WnhU1cVHS5ZZKGjYrDuWJXFBCbJ.jpg)
Reality Check!
Can’t get back into your kayak after a capsize? You had better learn to all else it’s overs for you chum!
![/storage/Black buoyancy aid draped over a white sea kayak with NOMAD Sea Kayaking.](/storage/images/oCHCFOkzgsWzhqLibAUHgzSmFHr7pnaOBuZrMQyQ.jpg)
Buoyancy Aids - What Type?
What buoyancy aid should I get? What colour? How many pockets? It really doesn’t matter, so long as you wear the thing!!
![/storage/Lady stretching for kayaking fitness with NOMAD Sea Kayaking.](/storage/images/Mbs6EuZUs2m7nQmaa8B9jgtwxvnLmoDWxSKGZiG9.jpg)
Get Yourself Fit!
Levels of obesity, unfitness, lack of strength, lack of motivation is increasing year on year. Kayaking safely requires hours of practicing paddle strokes & recoveries & a basic but good level of fitness & flexibility.
![/storage/A baseplate sighting compass lying on a map with notes.](/storage/images/JzGDwofAVKLzcY81DZd1OgVaAffqzbWGrxGpOLmZ.jpg)
Using a Compass - Navigation
Today we're covering the use of map and compass in the context of land-based navigation such as day hikes or multi-day extended trekking trips. These skills are used in sea kayaking to a lesser degree due to handrailing.
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Use It or Lose It!
Use your buoyancy aid OR you could lose your life!
![/storage/This Girl Can, female sea kayaker on the beach with her sea kayak.](/storage/images/UYeAtOHC0jzn8ad3COoDvbmu99Hs1NhnhitaGsT7.jpg)
THIS GIRL CAN!
Ladies, if you're considering Sea Kayaking but put off by the thought of carrying a large sea kayak on your car, don't be. If THIS GIRL CAN, so can you!
![/storage/Flooded fields due to loss of trees & hedges.](/storage/images/w5vNVZhCfA1xVmmxnFrS0iJcb3gsbFM1hgjGGlMj.jpeg)
Dying to get out on the water!
The dangers of paddling in winter rain & snowmelt.
![/storage/Assisted recovery strop, spliced to the deck lines at both ends.](/storage/images/gmJCy9JrbAF3jB1g0WpY5NUAI6h0q7JCcVkEV5lL.jpeg)
Using a Recovery Strop when Sea Kayaking
Practical advice on using a strop for recoveries on sea kayaks.
![/storage/Use your natural night vision with help from the moon & stars.](/storage/images/JQkfEZrZp3ilNNe9umSmpQzoYoLVeS9TLeaPgnw9.jpeg)
Illumination & Your Night Vision
Illumination (or not!) & the importance of its effect on your night vision; one of our ten essentials of enjoying the great outdoors.
![/storage/The clothing layering system](/storage/images/3kmgpiodciN9XmrGV1tA0oQgjn02stV0GmNbQSxg.jpeg)
Sun Protection and Layering
Two of our ten essentials to think about when in the outdoors.