|
About Wave Vidmar's Kayak:
Wave chose a Seaward Kayaks Passat G3 for his historic 3000 mile open ocean crossing from California to Hawaii.
The Seaward Passat G3 is considered to be the best double kayak on the market and is used in expeditions and adventure races worldwide. Wave is using a stock kayak with some modifications, but they’re modifications that could be done for any client.
Some of the modifications included:
- Removing a bulkhead between two cockpits positions. This allows Wave to lie down and sleep in the kayak during the expedition
- Thicker layup in the hull with significant Kevlar reinforcement to withstand impact from debris and potential shark attack
- Deck and seam reinforced with carbon fibre and Kevlar. The deck is strengthened to withstand the incredible forces that the Pacific will put on the kayak, as well as possible debris impact. It also allows for equipment to be securely attached/anchored to the kayak
- A ‘cook hole.’ Just fore the rear cockpit is an opening where Wave will mount his expedition stove – he can cook and paddle at the same time!
- Shark repelling pattern on hull. Research conducted in South Africa has shown that Great Whites ignore pilot fish and avoid lion fish, which are poisonous. The pattern Wave uses is an adaptation of this design. Great Whites are known to investigate small ocean craft.
- Wave will deploy a kite to assist him. The kite will help take the pressure of the weight of the kayak, allowing Wave to double or even triple his daily progress
- Wave will carry a full array of electronic equipment. Gyroscopes, waterproof military grade lap top, PLB & emergency transponder, 6 cameras, bodily function monitor, satellite phone, cell phone to name a few high tech items.