marine enviroment

Sea kayaking and specifically the marine environment is one of the most unique settings for recreational activity. This is largely due to the nature of the ocean and our closeness yet little understanding about the extent of it, especially the oceanic zone, towards middle ocean with depths of 32,000 feet, the ocean that we all know is centered around the costal zone where land meets the ocean and is only said to be around 7% of the total oceanic area. In this small space is where most ocean life lives however, with ample sunlight for photosynthesis, creating the base of the marine food chain. Ecologically and anthropologically the sea and the marine environment was the foundation of Kayaking as a more efficient method of hunting sea life for indigenous peoples like the Inuit, who using the bones and skin from sea mammals like seals, made these historic crafts. This makes the coastal region, inherently familiar on the surface, but presents major challenges when considering the environment.

            Environmentally, it is the most unique of all the different kayaking disciplines available. The ever-changing tides add a new element to the paddling sport that wouldn’t normally affect your every-day paddling. This leads to a much deeper knowledge requirement, especially on extended trips. Wind, Tides and Current are huge factors in the marine environment and can make some routes in-passable given the time of day or even wind direction. Creating a new planning and logistical challenge to get the most out of each day on the water, whilst insuring you can reach shelter for the night.

See more details about tides, current and waves in the subpage.