A kayaker's gift guide...
The Lap no. 26 - D-Day - 6 Months
Anyone lucky enough to have a sea kayaker (or any adventurer) in their life knows we’re hard to shop for. We have all the gear already, and we’re insanely picky about it. So, even though an entire industry exists to support our hobby and enable our “gear acquisition syndrome,” our loved ones are often at a loss for what we might need or want, or actually use.
Here are a few suggestions based on my own gear* for the sea kayaker on your list.
*Note: I have received sponsorship for my trip from some of these brands in the form of free gear and discounts. However, my recommendations are wholehearted and based on personal experience.
Kokatat
The best paddling gear on the planet. Sustainable, American-made, and built to last. Investing in a Kokatat drysuit or bib and cag combo (what I wear) pays dividends in longer seasons and greater comfort on the water.
You can’t go wrong with a storm cag. It’s one-size-fits-all, and if the paddler on your list doesn’t already have one, they need one.
Kokatat Storm Cag Thermals fall into that “you can never have too many” category.
For the ultimate “treat yourself” gift, or for someone on the VERY nice list, get a made-to-measure custom drysuit.
Resilient Nutrition
Tasty nut butter and energy bars with ingredients you’ve heard of.
I’d recommend Long Range Fuel for fast, wholesome calories to support endurance events. Or try their Real Meal and Long Range Fuel bars if you want something to chew on. I’ll be using a combination of both for all-day fuel while I paddle next year.
The experts at Resilient Nutrition also offer a personalized Nutrition Assessment and Planning for endurance athletes ranging from ocean rowers and ultra runners to polar explorers and special forces selection candidates. I’m following one of these plans, customized for my trip.
CH Marine
If you’re based in Ireland*, CH Marine has your seagoing fun covered whether you’re standup paddleboarding or sailing transatlantic.
Changing robes for the open-water swimmer on your list
Nautical charts make great decorations, even if you don’t use them for navigation.
A PLB (personal locator beacon) could mean the difference between a mishap and a disaster.
*They ship everything but flares to EU countries.
3Fe Coffee
Coffee is one area where I won’t sacrifice comfort for space or weight savings. I’m bringing an Aeropress and fresh-ground coffee from Dublin-based 3fe. I get the coffee I brew at home from their subscription, and they’ll be providing the coffee I need for the trip.
Paddle and Pitch
Roger Waugh, the owner of Paddle and Pitch, has helped me a lot this year with discounts and advice, and he’s offered to sort out an upgraded MSR Tent and cooking gas for the trip. Paddle and Pitch is an official retailer of Cascade Designs——the parent company of Thermarest and MSR——who make their gear for the European market right here in Cork!
The MSR Windburner stove is well worth the upgrade.
The Thermarest Parsec sleeping bag and NeoAir pad are the ultimate sleep system.
Platypus hydration bags are also made in Ireland. I find them much easier to dry than Camelbaks and, therefore, less prone to mildew and funkiness.
The Kelly Kettle (not a sponsor)
Made in County Mayo since the 1890s, the Kelly Kettle allows you to boil water with just a few twigs or scraps of driftwood. This ingenious piece of gear was first popularized by fly fishermen and has since earned a cult following among sea kayakers. I’ve asked Santa for one, and I plan to bring it along next year as my backup stove system.
Lessons & Tours
The best sea kayakers in Ireland are among the best sea kayakers anywhere. If you’re interested in learning to kayak, improving your skills, or just doing some sightseeing on the water, there’s no shortage of skilled guides and instructors on this island.
H2O Sea Kayaking - Located on West Cork’s Sherkin Island, H2O offers trips ranging from a couple of hours to multi-day Island hopping. Owner Pat Rodgers paddled around Ireland in 1997. He’s been known to bring homemade flapjacks to share on his tours!
Atlantic Sea Kayaking - Best known for their night kayaking and Cork City kayak tours. Founder Jim Kennedy is an expert in the forward stroke, with a racing background and multiple championship titles on the Irish national team.
Kinsale Outdoor Education Centre - A hub of nautical education for all ages and skill levels. Their Young Mariners Program is a year-long course for kids in sailing, kayaking, seamanship, and outdoor skills.
Paddle & Pedal - David Horkan is a professional kayaker and Devizes to Westminster winner who teaches surf ski paddling and sea kayaking up in County Mayo. He was recently in Antarctica guiding kayak tours in the Austral summer.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year,
-Charlie
Thank you to Mike Jones for coaching and guidance.
Kokatat is the official gear sponsor of The Lap.
The lap will be fueled by Resilient Nutrition’s Long Range Fuel and bars.
Expedition coffee by 3fe.
CH Marine will be providing a VHF radio and other safety equipment.
Tent and cooking gas provided by Paddle & Pitch. Trolley by KCS.
Just getting back to you charlie, it turns out we have picked clew bay for our trip at easter, weather dependant of course. Open invite still there for your goodself to join and perhaps test your gear, ask questions etc. Bit of craic guranteed.
Looking forward to seeing how this adventure works out. Plenty of gear there that I use (mainly freshwater kayak fishing/camping) and I can see your getting good advice and proper gear. Well done so far.