Maiden Voyage-Kayak Capers-wetsuit!!

[e14724]

Just thought i'd share my day at Capers in a wetsuit!

After a few months of considering Kayak Diving and trawling the internet for information, and more importantly buddies I finally got to test the boat.

Bill, a fellow YDer had been had also been considering diving from a Kayak and when I posted a month ago we agreed to meet up and have a trial run. We, (more me probably) thought it would be best to practice dropping anchor, kitting up and kitting down in an inland environment, the idea of my Yak floating away, or myself and the Yak drifting as I fumbled around with my kit didnt apeal too much in the open sea.

Having read a number of differing opinions on whether to use a drysuit or a wetsuit, i opted for the semi-dry, less restrictive (now that my neoprene drysuit keeps shrinking ). It was nice to dive in a semi and a single for the first time in a while, however in temps of 5 degrees it felt like my tatties shot into my stomach!

Prior to making the dive stowing and securing all kit in the event of a capsize was priority, and launching my BCD and cylinder into the water before myself, this also had to be clipped off to the Kayak. Kitting up and down in the water wasnt too bad and I was impressed by the stability of the Kayak.

Wont rant on anymore...

Here are some pics of the day, and some random divers who passed as I was below the Kayaks.

Many thanks Bill

[e14724]

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[e14724]

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Never did quite manage to make them bigger!! Bugger

[yazzyfooty]

Hiya Nick,
How stable are they? Looks fun but not sure I would like hauling myself back up on it.I struggled getting back into one in the Medes Islands so I assume you de kit in the water?

[e14724]

Hi Yaz
It was a hell of alot easier than I expected, it would be difficult to capsize, so with a quick kick you are on board pretty quick. Its far easier than getting back onto a rhib as its only 10" above that water and your kit is already off along with weights etc.

I must admit the hardest bit was haulig the gear back on, having said that I kept my intergrated weights in, with these out im SURE it would be easier. There are also some people who use a 10l instead of a 12.

Its the sea next, but if you ever want a go just ask!

Nick

[Billy the Kangaroo]

Hi Yaz,

I was the other ( DIFF ) diver ) it was my first time as well. I am sure Capers will let us have another go mid-week if anyone wants a play..... As you will see, mine ( the black one ) is a two seater.

IF you have fins on, getting back on is easy becase it's only inches off the surface, just a tiny kick and you are there.

It's just like a HUGE air bed, but heavier and nearly rigid, so seems very stable - if a bit prone to wind trouble.

I managed to kit up completely whilst sat on it with my feet dangling in the watter - I didnt feel too confident to drop in just with weights on.... I think, next time I may well store my kit where the driver sits and try to don it lied down on the yak.

I think it would be virtualy impossible to capsize in Capernwray, but I bought mine to be able to dive in the sea - N. Wales, North East etc. Maybe with waves and strong winds, it would be more of a challenge.

Similarly, if it ever did tip over, I dont think I would be able to right it myself... I think I would just get on and paddle it upside down.

In short, very sucessful first go, was easier than I expected, I didnt get as cold as I expected.

Next stop - N. Wales - watch this space....

Thanks Nick....

[Colin Marriott]

What are your opinions on the two diveyaks?

I've been considering this idea, even to access more remote parts of lakes etc.


ColinM

[Billy the Kangaroo]

Hi Colin,

By all means come and have a play. Especially if you know sites - nearly shore dives - on your side of the hills - nearer than St Abbs etc. How are Filey/ Scarboro ? That would give us more options as we are clearly affected by wind/ waves.

From first impressions - my black two seater -

is bigger - not always a good thing - when carrying it, paddling, wind

obviously can carry two - max weight 680 lbs...

is very very stable....

doesn't have a trapdoor in the floor like his - has bouyancy there

- so I'm not sat in a puddle ( which isnt much of an issue if in a dry suit. )

I didnt check his, but mine has two air chambers,

the more the merrier....

Bill...

[the goat]

Ive got the single seater version and , although it hasn t been used as much as Id like, I did take it to the IOM and up to Aberdeen last year.
Although I didn t dive from it I did snorkel and was surprised at how stable it was getting on and off.It takes a bit of getting used to in a choppy sea but once over the initial fear that it will flip then it becomes great fun.
If you do go out again guys , I d definitely be up for it as I d love to try and dive from one.

[Colin Marriott]

Yes, I was looking at the single seater, and was wondering if the kit could be towed behind you, and you kit up in the water.

What paddles are you guys using with these?

ColinM