What are the three main categories of sea kayaks?
Dayboats, medium boats, expedition boats.
What are the main characteristics of dayboats?
Dayboats are generally built for stability and manoeuvrability and so have fairly flat bottoms. They are very stable when empty and can carry enough equipment for a weekend expedition.
What are the main characteristics of expedition boats?
These are built for speed and stability in rough water, so often have V shaped bottoms. They are long, handle best when fully laden and can feel insecure to novices.
What advantages do dayboats possess?
They are very stable and easy to turn.
What disadvantages do dayboats possess?
They are shorter than expedition boats so are slower. Their limited secondary stability makes paddling in rough water/ strong winds difficult.
What advantages do expedition boats possess?
They keep directional stability in poor conditions, are fast and carry adequate gear for full expeditions.
What disadvantages do expedition boats possess?
They feel tippy and are harder to turn.
What advantages do medium sea kayaks possess?
They are longer than dayboats, so are faster and can often carry full expedition gear.
What disadvantages do medium boats possess?
Their curved bottoms offer less secondary stability than expedition boats, making paddling in rough water/ strong winds harder.
Name two types of dayboats.
Arcadia, Avocet, Viking, Sea Lion, Weekender, Kiwi2 etc.
Name two types of medium sea kayaks.
Skerray, Anas Acuta, Fjord, Artisan Millenium, Capella , Sea Tiger etc.
Name two British kayak manufacturers.
P&H, Valley.
Name two types of expedition sea kayaks.
Nordkapp, Aquila, Viviane, Orion, Sirius, Buccaneer , etc.
Name two sea kayak manufacturers.
P&H, Valley, Northshore, Perception, Prijon, Pyranha, Dagger , etc.
What are the two main materials used in the construction of modern sea kayaks?
GRP - Glassfibre Reinforced Plastic.
Roto-moulded polyethylene kayaks.
What are the main advantages of roto-moulded polyethylene kayaks?
Price; puncture resistance, maintenance free.
What is a GRP kayak made of?
GRP - Glassfibre Reinforced Plastic.
What are the main advantages of GRP kayaks?
Ease of repair, customisability.
What are the main disadvantages of roto-moulded polyethylene kayaks?
Difficult to repair, poor abrasion/ scratch resistance, difficulty to customise.
What are the main disadvantages of GRP kayaks?
Easily punctured; modicum of maintenance required.
Why are roto-moulded polyethylene kayaks sometimes called "Tupperware" boxes?
The material used in their manufacture, polyethylene, is also used to make plastic bags and lunch boxes.
Why is a neoprene spraydeck useful?
Neoprene gives a very tight seal around the cockpit rim, so the spraydeck is less likely to pop.
Why are nylon spraydecks useful?
They are cheap and adjust to fit a variety of boats.
What are the main disadvantages of nylon spraydecks?
They tend to pop off easily and sometimes leak.
What are the main disadvantages of neoprene spraydecks?
Cost - they are often expensive and non-adjustable. Novices can feel trapped.
What are the main advantages of wearing a wetsuit?
They are relatively cheap and the neoprene provides good insulation during prolonged immersion, whilst protecting the paddler from impact injury.
What is a wetsuit made of and designed for?
A wetsuit is usually made of neoprene and is designed to insulate the body during immersion through trapping and heating a layer of water.
What is a drytop made of and designed for?
Drytops are often made of a waterproof nylon fabric, with neoprene seals at the neck, wrists and waist. Water should not get in, so the body is insulated through use of thermal layers of clothing next to the skin.
What are the main advantages of wearing a drytop?
Good levels of warmth and insulation are maintained during capsize, especially if the paddler remains in the boat and rolls up. They are comfortable to wear and are non-restrictive.
What are the main disadvantages of wearing a drytop?
They are expensive and the paddler can overheat quickly.
What are the main disadvantages of wearing a wetsuit?
They can be uncomfortable and restrictive during trips.
Who should be aware of each sea journeying trip?
A shore contact and HM Coastguard.
What information should you give HM Coastguard prior to each trip?
Name of club/craft, No. People and craft on water, area to be paddled, launch site with ETD, destination with ETA, type and number of flares carried.
How can paddlers assist HM Coastguard?
By registering their craft (form CG66) and supplying itineraries for journeys.
What is the role of a shore contact?
To initiate a search for overdue parties.
Will HM Coastguard automatically start a search for an overdue group?
No, they wait for a call from a shore contact.
Once underway, when should the group contact the Coastguard?
When the itinerary changes, once safely ashore and in the event of an emergency.
What does the BCU recommend to be the minimum number of flares carried by a group?
The leader should carry 2 parachute reds and 2 handheld reds; each member of the group should have at least one handheld flare or other suitable means of attracting attention.
How can an orange exposure bag be used to attract attention?
Fill it with wind, gather at the neck and pull down - it turns into a giant, coloured float.
What is the purpose of red flares?
To indicate distress.
What is the purpose of white flares?
To alert vessels to the possibility of collision.
What is the purpose of parachute flares?
To indicate distress offshore or beneath high cliffs.
When should handheld flares be used?
If in distress within view of habitation/people; as a locator aid when you see the lifeboat/ helicopter coming.
What is the purpose of miniflares?
To attract attention of bystanders through noise.
When should mini flares be used?
If in distress within view of habitation/people.
Describe two paddler-friendly international distress signals.
How many spare paddles should a group carry?
Ideally, one set of split paddles for every 4 persons.
What should every paddler carry?
A whistle.
Why should every paddler carry a whistle?
To attract attention following a capsize or incident, and to help give a location in fog.
On which side of a river or canal should you paddle?
The right-hand side.
How should you treat shipping lanes?
Carefully! Avoid if possible. (Rule 9)
How should a shipping lane be crossed?
At rightangles, as a group, as quickly as possible.
What is the name of the Highway Code for vessels?
The "Rules of the Road" or IRPCS (International Regulations for Prevention of Collision at Sea)
Are paddlers bound by the "Rules of the Road".
Yes. (Rule 1 applies)
What is the general advice when faced with larger craft?
Keep out of the way.
Why is it useful to know the sound signals for ships altering
course to starboard, port or about to operate stern propulsion?To have some indication of a ship's intention, especially if it is tied up at a quay.
What can increase awareness when paddling in a harbour?
An understanding of the "Rules of the Road".
What does three short blasts on a ship's whistle indicate?
That the vessel is operating astern propulsion - it may be about to leave a berth.
What is hypothermia?
A
severe cooling of the body resulting in a core temperature below 35oCWhat is normal body temperature?
36.9oC
What should you always dress for?
The water.
What are the signs that someone is becoming hypothermic?
Collapse, unconsciousness
What are the three main types of Hypothermia?
Acute ( Immersion)
Sub Acute ( Exhaustion)
Chronic
How can you assess if someone is Hypothermic
•
If shivering can be stopped voluntarily = mild hypothermia• Ask the person a question that requires higher reasoning in the brain (count backward from 100 )
What is the treatment for hypothermia?
If mild
, and casualty fully awake, give carbohydrate-rich snacks and sweetened warm drink.Ensure they are wearing a hat and warm clothing. Monitor closely for signs of recurrence.
Other cases
Wrap casualty as warmly as possible, get ashore and set up windbreak using kayaks.
Get casualty into bivvy bag, remove wet clothing and apply heat source - i.e. paddler.
(Expect visit from Social Services later !)
Keep the head covered, apply warm packs to neck, armpits, sides, chest and groin.
Do not give warm drinks - blood is drawn away from vital organs.
Radio/send for help - casualty must go to hospital since "after-drop" and "secondary drowning" may take place.
Monitor constantly, be ready for EAR/ CPR
What factors influence susceptibility to hypothermia?
What is the gr
eatest single danger to sea kayakers?Hypothermia.
Why should you dress for the water, not the weather?
Cold water kills
Why should wet drills be carried out regularly?
Proficiency at rescues saves immersion time.
Can you paddle wherever you wish?
No, check the Access status first.
Who is the current SCA Access officer?
Fran Pothecary.
What is the BCU's policy regarding Access?
Act only within the law.
Why is it important to check the Access status and act on the advice given?
You may be prosecuted or face civil action.
Future paddlers may be prohibited from using that waterway.
Is it true that no laws of trespass exist in Scotland?
No, The Trespass (Scotland) Act 1865 applies.
When and where do Common seals in Shetland give birth?
Midsummer, on rocks and islands.
When and where do most Grey seals in Shetland give birth?
On exposed beaches in the North and West , Sept-Nov.
Why should seal colonies be avoided in September?
Seal pups are liable to die of hypothermia if driven into the sea by panicking adults.
Where (in Shetland) is there a major haul out for Common seals?
The south pools of Mousa.
Why should the south pools of Mousa be avoided?
Disturbance can cause seal pups to be crushed.
Who (in Shetland) should sightings of dead seals be reported to?
Scottish Natural Heritage.
How can you avoid disturbing nesting birds?
Avoid sudden movements or noise; ensure that they are aware of your presence; move on as soon as you can.
Which birds are most likely to panic when you approach a cave?
Shags or cormorants.
Why should you be careful as you approach caves?
Cormorants and shags often kick eggs or chicks out of the nest when panicked.
What is the name given to the guidelines to sensible canoeing?
The Canoeists Code of Conduct.
What is the purpose of the Canoeists Code of Conduct?
To avoid destroying the environment or disturbing wildlife or other water users.
What is the name of the BCU section dedicated to environmental issues?
The Environmental Conservation Panel.
What speed can be reasonably attained by a sea kayak?
3-5km (2.5 to 3.5 knots) without wind or current.
What affects a kayak's speed?
Weather, wind, current, condition of paddler, length of kayak, urgency.
What questions should trip leaders be asked about day trips?
Location, time on water, weather, paddling style, ability level.
What are the two main paddling styles?
Cave/rock hopping and distance paddling.
What is the difference between paddling styles?
Cave/rock hoppers like to explore pieces of coastline in-depth, spending ages on the water without covering a huge distance.
Distance paddlers like to cover a certain mileage each trip.
How can paddling style affect enjoyment?
Cave/rock hoppers might not like the exertion required to cover the distance that marathon men like to attain. Distance paddlers could easily feel frustrated and bored if held back by slow, distracted rock hoppers.
What is the Beaufort scale?
A measure of the strength of wind and associated sea states.
What does 'westerly, force 4' mean?
The wind is coming from the west and is force 4 on the Beafort scale. (11-16 knots)
What is a weather shore?
One experiencing an OFFSHORE breeze.
What is a lee shore?
One experiencing an ONSHORE breeze.
If you are launching on a beach on the west side of Shetland, and the wind is a westerly, are you on a weather shore or a lee shore?
A lee shore - the wind is blowing onto the beach.
If you are launching on a beach on the east side of Shetland, and the wind is a westerly, are you on a weather shore or a lee shore?
A weather shore - the wind is blowing away from the beach.
What is 'fetch'?
The distance over which the wind could act in one direction
Is the fetch greater for an offshore wind or an onshore wind?
An onshore wind.
What affects wave heights?
Wind, fetch, current & tide.
Why are weather shores dangerous?
The sea doesn't look too bad, since the fetch is limited. Once out from the shore, wave height and wind increases.
What sea area covers Shetland?
Fair Isle.
What is the main aim of the BCU?
To promote canoeing in all its forms.
What is the new generic name for canoeing?
Paddlesport.
What is the BCU?
A federal organisation representing paddlesport in the UK .
What is the ICF?
The International Canoe Federation.
Name as many BCU specialist committees as you can: -
Access, canoe Polo, Coaching, Corps of Canoe lifeguards, Marathon Racing, Racing, sailing, Sea Touring, Slalom,Touring & Recreation, White Water Racing, Environmental Conservation.
Who was Rob Roy Macgregor?
John MacGregor, a barrister who travelled over 1000 miles in his canoe and subsequently founded canoeing as a sport in the UK.
What was the name of John (Rob Roy) MacGregor's first boat?
Rob Roy.
How far did Rob Roy MacGregor cover in his journeys of continental waterways in his first boat?
Over 1000 miles.
What is the current name of the club founded by John (Rob Roy) MacGregor?
The Royal Canoe Club.
Who founded the world's first canoe club?
John (Rob Roy) MacGregor.
Where is the base of the Royal Canoe Club?
The river Thames, at Twickenham.
Who wrote: -
"A Thousand miles in the RobRoy Canoe " (1867)
"The RobRoy on the Jordan" (1869)
"The RobRoy on the Baltic" (1872)
John (Rob Roy) MacGregor.
What does three whistle blasts during a Shetland Canoe Club trip mean?
Stop paddling, look towards the leader.
How would you raise the alarm if you were paddling at the back of a group and the person ahead of you capsized?
During a Shetland Canoe Club trip, blow your whistle three times.
What speed should you aim to travel at?
The speed of the slowest paddler.
What is the "buddy" system?
A safety system where each paddler is paired up and watches out for their partner.
What is a "tail end Charlie"?
The person nominated to take up the rear on a trip. Nobody should drop behind this person.
Why is the "buddy" system useful?
In the event of a capsize, it facilitates the raising of an alarm and offers a chance to attempt an Eskimo rescue.
Will the trip leader always maintain position at the front of the group?
No, the trip leader often asks another paddler to lead the way.
What is the role of the lead paddler?
To lead the way and act as a forward marker - nobody should overtake.
Whose responsibility is it to gauge the distance between group members?
The trip leader, tail end Charlie and lead paddler: - although all group members should maintain awareness.
Why is it sometimes necessary to maintain a close formation?
Certain dangers, e.g. crossing shipping channels or rounding headlands, require more concentration. It is easier to deal with incidents when the group is one compact unit - rather than a long, sprawled-out snake.
Why is it unsafe to slink of to explore without notifying the leader?
You could get into difficulty without anyone else knowing.
Trip leaders usually constantly count heads - it is alarming to them when the numbers are wrong.
What is a "Duty of Care"?
We are all legally duty-bound not to injure others through negligence or omissions.
What is the outcome of the "Duty of Care"?
Everybody must consider the consequences of their actions and omissions to ensure that they do not give rise to a foreseeable risk of injury to anybody else.
What is an AP?
Aiming point: something to use as a visual reference in the direction in which you wish to travel.
Why are Ap's useful?
They provide a focus and help maintain course.
Do paddlers drift in the direction of the wind or tide?
Paddlers drift in the direction of the wind.
Do swimmers /waterlogged boats drift in the direction of the wind or tide?
In the direction of the tide.
What is a compass useful for?
Finding your way in fog and deciding if a ship is headed towards you.
How can a compass help you decide if a ship is on a collision path with you?
If the bearing of the ship stays the same, you are in trouble.
If the bearing changes, it will miss you.
What is the main difference between a chart and a map?
Charts give detailed water features with limited land features, and vice versa.
When journeying, is it best to have a chart, map or both?
Both - the chart to identify navigational hazards, the map to find items of interest.
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