In the last decade kayaking in Iceland has become more
popular every year, both sea kayaking and white-water kayaking. They’re
both a challenging and fun way to get closer to nature and test
yourself at the same time. Both types require a firm minimum knowledge
base that you can obtain at courses in kayaking clubs.
Clothing
- Good underwear, must isolate even when wet
- Waterproof outerwear - kayak suit
- Life jacket should always be used
Sea kayaking
When planning a sea kayak trip in Iceland the same rules
apply as with other trips: give a copy of your travel plan to somebody
who will stay onshore. The plan should say where you’re going, how long
you’re travelling and where you’re staying for the night. Thoroughly
check the weather and wave forecast for the route that you’re planning
to go on and what the tide and currents are like there. The equipment list should always include a GPS device and a telecommunication device,
and both should of course be water resistant or be kept in waterproof
containers. Last but not least, sea kayakers should be able to easily
get themselves out of the kayak if the kayak capsizes. However, even
better would be to know the special kayak roll and be able to right the
kayak yourself. As in all trips, an excellent and experienced
travelling companion is worth his or her weight in gold.
White water kayaking
Organising white-water kayaking trips in Iceland has
completely different rules. In white-water kayaking it’s vital that the
entire group have adequate experience so that everybody can react if
anything goes wrong. The trip should always be geared for the least
experienced member of the group. If the river hasn’t been previously
kayaked, one should familiarise oneself with rapids, whirlpools, strong
currents, waterfalls, and other things that can affect the kayakers’
safety. Besides good clothing, the equipment list should also include a
throw line, first aid kit, telecommunications device and of course
extra clothes.
Finally, it should be mentioned to carefully put the kayaks back on a
trailer or onto the roof of a car because not only can the kayaks be
damaged if they are blown around by the wind, but they can also cause
serious accidents.