The Go Paddle X inflatable kayak range underwent 12 months of prototyping to reach the final finished product. As with all McConks equipment, we pride ourselves in creating quality, performance-oriented kit that’s versatile and has built in longevity.
When kayaking in winter this is exactly what you need. A kayak (or paddle board) that you can trust in and won’t let you down. The colder months – whilst great for watersports – need some additional thought and planning when going afloat. Questioning your gear is therefore an additional layer of hassle you don’t need. Fortunately, you can depend on the McConks Go Paddle X as it won’t cause a problem.
With all watersports, safety is key. Every paddler – whether newbie or experienced – should observe proper safety awareness and behaviour. Seasoned riders will assess and make judgement calls based on what they’ve done before. Almost unconsciously. But that only comes with time.
If you’re a beginner or early intermediate then your kayaking in winter safety checklist should be more lucid and at the forefront of your mind. McConks wants everyone to enjoy their time afloat. But do so in a safe manner. This kayak safety article will help you get a handle on what you need to be aware of. But do understand there can always be other factors to consider.
Whilst we do love our summer paddling there’s no question that UK winter time sees fewer riders going afloat. Temperature is often the main factor. But also time – or rather a lack of it.
As such, laying in winter is often a far quieter experience. Less SUPers and sit down riders will be around meaning your chosen stretch of water could be all for you. This is great for unplugging and finding some headspace. Less ambient noise means a more immersive natural experience.
We all know that deciduous trees lose their leaves in autumn and are bare branches in winter. But there are other changes to the UK’s flora fauna and wildlife behaviour. In summer, it’s very much a case of lush greens and tweeting birds. Whereas in winter there’s still plenty going – if you stop, look and listen.
Small birds, such as robins, chaffinches and blue tits can be seen and heard. In terms of flora, you should be able to spot hazel catkins which are exposed after leaf fall. These then turn into yellow lamb’s tails. The female’s hot pink punctuation against winter greys is such a contrast. For more on winter nature check out this article from the Woodland Trust.
Perhaps you’re a placid flat water paddler, looking for serene and calm kayaking waters. This is certainly the majority. However, there are those who fancy the thrill and excitement of moving water – whether inland or at the coast.
The McConks Go Paddle X inflatable isn’t designed for huge-volume white water paddling. Or big wave kayak surfing. That said, it will handle mellow flowing river water and small surf. So if you’re an adrenaline seeker then winter can be an awesome time as you’re more likely to get these types of conditions than in summer.
When you score a sunny, calm winter’s day there’s something special about it. Perhaps it’s because the UK’s weather is so changeable. Especially during the darker months where it can seem like there are endless days of wind and rain.
Waking to a still, slightly chiller but super sunny day in the off season can see a mad scramble to assemble kayak gear. These times are definitely worth making the most of if you can. Kayaking in winter doesn’t get much better than this!
Anything that’s good for the soul is worth doing. And paddling a board or boat is exactly that. There are numerous mental health benefits to getting outdoors and indulging in physical activity. Even at a low level.
During winter paddling sessions the likelihood of coming across tranquillity and beauty is high. When you do, the experience can remind us of why we do these things and our place on this planet of ours. It can induce reflection and be meditative then that’s another reason to indulge. Surely…
In this article (and no doubt others that spout the benefits of kayaking in winter) you’ll find all sorts of reasons to encourage you to get out and paddle. Ultimately though it comes down to one thing. Kayaking is fun!
More than anything else this one true fact is reason to go for a winter float. You may not go far. You may not do anything extreme. But so what? Mellow kayaking is fun. And that’s enough for most.
Be sure to hit up the following articles by clicking on the images for more kayaking info, tips and knowledge.
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