Whilst Blue Coast Adventures is not a conventional kayak shop, we are always on the lookout for the best and most innovative kayaking equipment to suit the needs of the discerning paddler. Our own paddling equipment has been acquired over many years of experimentation and is extremely personal. However, we often see paddlers whose equipment is not well suited to their physique or paddling style. Small paddlers in huge kayaks will always struggle in a strong wind. Small people with long paddles or huge blades on small shoulders can all make things harder than they might be. For the serious kayaker a good composite boat makes a huge difference to the enjoyment of every paddle. Whilst they are increasingly expensive a well-maintained boat should last many years and the price reduces to only a to a few kronor for each day’s enjoyment.
Lettmann Kayaks
When looking for a manufacturer of well-made kayaks for our expedition and coaching use we quickly beat a path to the Lettmann factory in Moers, Germany. Their boats are extremely well built with tremendous attention to detail. Lettmann is a family firm with roots in Olympic competition paddling. Three generations of the Lettmann family work there and they are super knowledgeable, friendly but most of all produce world class kayaks and paddles.
We find that the Lettmann sea kayak designs work particularly well for their chosen purpose. Each kayak is made to order and there are three grades of construction from glass (DCS), to carbon (LCS) and finally the top end, vacuum bagged carbon (VCS). If your budget is limited the DCS glass construction boats are a good option and are great to paddle. The LCS boats are lighter and a bit stiffer and the VCS boats are even lighter and stronger. You can specify a day hatch, a long or a short sweetie hatch as well as add a fitted compass. We recommend having the toggles at either end fitted through a hole rather than being glassed into the boat. This way the string can easily be replaced if it chafes or wears. The foot rest consists of an adjustable plate on an aluminium track so you can work through your feet without having to assume the pose of a frog. The seat is comfortable and well padded, especially at the sides.
We are able to supply any of the Lettmann range of sea kayaks and paddles in Sweden.
Take a look at their web-site to see the full range of kayaks and use the configurator to select your favourite colours for the hull, the deck, the cockpit rim, the seams and the deck lines. You will need your German translation for some of the terms but it’s relatively obvious.
For 2024 we will have available for demo in Sweden the Biskaya, Akaroa and Skinner
Lettmann Biskaya 2.0
(from 36730 SEK inclusive 25% MOMS)
For 2024 Lettmann have re-designed their renowned Biskaya and have introduced an extrasmall size, the Biskaya 55. This is intended for paddlers of about 55 kg in weight. The Biskaya 65, 75 and 85 roughly translate to the LV, MV and HV sizes of the original Biskaya and the number refers to the ideal paddler weight in kg. The new Biskaya 55 and 65 have the same hull shape but different freeboard. The Biskaya 2 now has a round front hatch and a slightly longer cockpit than the original Biskaya. We think it looks more balanced and it’s certainly very attractive kayak.
For coaching and expedition use we love the Biskaya. It is intuitive to paddle with a light and responsive touch with just enough rocker and plenty of speed. The boat is very well mannered in waves and sits well on the water. The large hatches make it easy to pack tents and other larger items. The sweetie hatch in front of the paddler is surprisingly long, we’ve started putting a storm cag in there as well as the obligatory sweeties.
The Biskaya can be supplied with a standard Kajak Sport skeg or the unique Lettmann skeg/rudder system. This works as a skeg until it’s fully down but becomes a rudder when all the way down. This is useful for those who have trouble with edging as their main way of steering and is protected from damage when coming ashore, once the skeg is retracted.
We will have a Biskaya 55 available to demo in 2024 and can get a 65 and 75 if you’re interested. The details of each size of boat and the dimensions and weights of each construction can be seen on the Lettmann website.
https://lettmann-shop.de/en/boats/k1-kayaks/seakayaks/3440/biskaya-55/65?c=286
The Lettmann Skinner
(From 38135 SEK inclusive 25% MOMS)
The Skinner is a modern take of a Greenlandic design. It’s a long supremely elegant kayak with a Swede form hull, widest behind the cockpit and a finely tapered overhung bow and stern. The Skinner is very fast and responsive and turns remarkably well on edge. In waves and chop the fine bow and stern soak up the energy and the boat maintains its speed whilst others around you start to bump and slap. It’s available in one size and has a surprisingly large carrying capacity. The Skinner is 560 cm long and 54 cm wide. A Skinner in DCS construction weighs approximately 25 kg, an LCS boat 20 kg and a VCS boat 19 kg.
The Skinner has become the boat of choice for both Therese and Kevin for paddling in the St Anna archipelago. It’s great fun to paddle being both fast and easy to turn on edge.
To design your own Skinner visit the Lettmann website or call us for advice.
https://lettmann-shop.de/en/boats/k1-kayaks/seakayaks/1857/skinner
The Lettmann Akaroa
(From 37823 SEK inclusive 25% MOMS)
New for us in 2024, the Akaroa is more nimble and sharper in waves than the Biskaya or Skinner. Akaroa is 525 cm long and 57.5 cm wide as an MV (medium volume) or 58 cm wideas an HV (high volume). It’s surprisingly fast and very easy to manoever. The design includes a round bow hatch and a large oval Kajak Sport rear hatch.
Akaroa is only available with the integrated Lettmann Skeg/rudder system. As on all theLettmann kayaks the thigh braces can be moved to fit the length of the paddlers legs.
In 2023 we will have demo boats of the Skinner, the Biskaya 55 and the Akaroa available for you to try, either from our base in Söderköping or from the island of Harstena in the St Anna archipelago. Get in touch if you’d like to paddle them. We are very happy to arrange a demo paddle to let you experience these fantastic kayaks boats with no obligation at all to buy. If you are interested in a boat then we can help you decide on the right specification for your needs and are happy to supply a quotation. Each boat is made to order and you can specify the exact positions of the bulkheads as well as the colours of the hull, deck, seams, deck lines and cockpit rim. The price of your boat will depend on the full specification and the exchange rate at the time of ordering but the tables below can be used to estimate a price.
Prices for kayaks
Lettmann charge a price for the basic kayak and then extra for the additional features that you add to your boat. If you order a kayak from us, we will collect it from Moers Germany and deliver it to your home address in Sweden (if you’re within 200 km of Söderköping) or you can collect from us.
Biskaya in skeg form | Construction type | ||
Glass DCS | Carbon LCS | Vacuum carbon VCS | |
Prices* (Swedish Kronor) | 36,730 | 45,451 | 52,299 |
Sweetie hatch | 1,730 | ||
Day hatch | 1,730 | ||
Laminated bulkheads | 1100 each (2,750 for 3) | ||
Toggles through holes | 540 | ||
Silva 70 P compass | 1,100 | ||
*Inclusive of Swedish MOMS @ 25%
For the Skinner we don’t normally include the day hatch as we like the large rear hatch space and find that the longer than usual sweetie hatch is great for on the water needs.
Skinner in skeg form | Construction type | ||
DCS | LCS | VCS | |
Prices* (Swedish Kronor) | 38,135 | 46,851 | 53,700 |
Sweetie hatch | 1,730 | ||
Day hatch | 1,730 | ||
Laminated bulkheads | 850 each (1,700 for 2) | ||
Toggles through holes | 540 | ||
Silva 70 P compass | 1,100 | ||
Akaroa in skudder form | Construction type | ||
DCS | LCS | VCS | |
Prices* (Swedish Kronor) | 37,823 | 46,540 | 53,389 |
Sweetie hatch | 1,730 | ||
Day hatch | 1,730 | ||
Laminated bulkheads | 1100 each | ||
Toggles through holes | 540 | ||
Silva 70 P compass | 1,100 | ||
The price of raw materials used to manufacture sea kayaks and the cost of transport have been rising sharply in recent months. For any kayak enquiry please get in touch and we will supply an up-to-date quotation to meet your needs that will include transport costs from Germany and a likely delivery date.
Paddles
Paddles are a very important but often rather neglected personal choice. As your connection with the water your paddle is at least as important as your kayak. The construction material, blade shape and size, shaft length, shaft diameter, feather angle all deserve consideration so it really matches your needs and you can paddle smoothly for a long time without risk of injury.
Euroblade or Greenland paddle
In our eyes both Euro-blade and Greenland paddles have a place on our kayaks and we love to use each to its advantage. The Euro-blade gives us great acceleration and is most useful when rock hopping, playing in conditions and needing to handle the kayak with speed and power. By contrast, the Greenland paddle is smooth and silent, much kinder on the body but has less acceleration than it’s Euro equivalent. We use our Greenland sticks on long touring days on easy to moderate water or when we are rolling lots, they always float ready to roll. On a tour we’ll often change between Greenland and Euro-blade paddles on the water as the mood takes us. Of course, not all Euro-blade or Greenland paddles are equal and there are some shocking examples of both on the market. We therefore sell the range of paddles that we know from our coaching and guiding experience work well for us and our customers.
Lettman Paddles
Ergonom Pro Sea Carbon LCS 70.
(Price 6853 kr inclusive 25% MOMS)
Therese and Kevin have both been using the small bladed Ergonom Pro LCS Sea 70 light paddle from Lettmann for the past five years and we offer them to our coaching and expedition customers to use. Read more..>
Each half of this all-carbon euro-blade paddle is made in one piece and it comes with crooked crank shaft, with a much longer holding section than other well-known makes. An easy to adjust central locking “vario-joint” allows you to change the feather or make the paddle longer or shorter whilst on the water. Without the join of conventional paddles, the blade and the shaft are super strong. The blade has a foil shape with built in buoyancy that helps it to float at just the right height when you paddle. There are two blade sizes, large or small (both the same price) and the paddle can be ordered with the adjustable shaft length of your choice.
We have these available for demo so do get in touch if you’d like to try them.
The price of the Ergonom Pro Sea LCS 70 light paddle is 6853 kr inclusive of MOMS
Lettmann Liberty LCS 70 light paddle
(Price 6700 kr inclusive 25% MOMS)
The Liberty LCS 70 light is a straight shafted all carbon paddle with a particularly refined blade shape and a lovely feel in the water. The paddle is available with either a large (570 x 160) or a small (570 x 145) blade size. The slender shape and foam cored blades make this a smooth and enjoyable paddle to use. The Liberty paddle in small size has a weight of 850 g and with the vario-joint has become a firm favourite with smaller paddlers.
The price of a Lettmann Liberty paddle in Sweden is 6700 kr inclusive of MOMS.
Gearlab Paddles
We began selling Gearlab Outdoors paddles in Sweden in 2023 and consider them to be the just best carbon Greenland paddles out there. They are light, strong and very rewarding to use. Their cross sectional foil shapes make the paddles highly responsive and powerful.
Kalleq …. means “lightning” in Inuit
(Pris 5830 kr. Inklusive 25% MOMS.)
Both Therese and Kevin have been using the Kalleq for about two years now. It is beautifully finished, has a wide (8.8 cm) blade for its length and is remarkably powerful for a Greenland paddle. The Kalleq comes as a two-piece so it’s easy to transport, stow on your bow and switch with the Euroblade whenever you like. The joint is firm and positive with no discernible movement and no corrosion potential on the spring. Whilst the paddle itself is made of carbon fibre the tips are of plastic and can easily be replaced. There are small white or blue dots on the shaft where your hands go so you can feel your hand position.
Kalleq has traditionally been made in three sizes, short (210 cm), regular (220 cm) and long (230 cm). In 2024 there will also be a 215 cm size.
The new 215 cm length Kalleq comes in black matrix with blue or yellow highlights. This size might be the perfect paddle for the smaller or less powerful paddler and we look forward to holding these in stock.
The Kalleq paddle weighs 700 +/- 30 g and the price in Sweden is 5830 kr, inclusive of MOMS.
Taking apart the paddle after use
The Kalleq is made with precision and the joint has a perfect smooth fit. A very thin layer of wax is recommended as a lubricant, applied to the male part of the joint. Wax is supplied with each paddle. The push button is an exact fit, designed to lock in place flush with the surface of the shaft. Once clicked together the square peg locks the two parts in place so there is no movement when in use. To remove the two parts after use the button must be pushed deep inside and held down whilst at the same time a direct pull is exerted; this must be a simple direct pull as a twist will not work because of the square peg. Make sure the two parts are free of dirt before connecting. It is advisable to take apart the paddle after use and clean the joint with fresh water.
Warranty
The standard warranty covers all manufacturing defects for 1 year from the date of product registration after purchase-. If a repair is needed within the warranty period, Gearlab will provide free round-trip shipping and repair (or replacement) if needed. If a repair is needed outside of the warranty period, Gearlab will be happy to provide free repair assistance if it is in repairable condition. In this case, customers will be responsible for their own round-trip shipping.
Ipik …. means “sharp” in Inuit
(Price 5848 kr. Inclusive 25% MOMS)
The Ipik is a ground breaking Greenland paddle.
It is unbelievably light yet highly intuitive to use. If you like a shouldered Greenland paddle then this is the one for you.
The Ipik is manufactured in two sizes, regular (219 cm) and long (230 cm). Blade width at the tip of the regular is 85 mm. Unlike most other Greenland paddles the shaft is oval shaped and there is a shouldered loom, said to enhance control in lumpy conditions.
As for all Gearlab Outdoors the tips are made of plastic and can easily be replaced.
The Ipik paddle is a two piece and weighs an utterly staggering 595+/-5 g
The price of an Ipik paddle in Sweden is 5848 kr. Inclusive of MOMS
Pikatti Norsaq... means “companion” in Inuit
(Price 1040 kr. Inclusive 25% MOMS)
Pikatti means “companion” in the Inuit language and this norsaq is intended for challenging rolls. The Pikatti retains the traditional Inuit shape, but utilizes Gearlab Outdoors’ modern composite carbon fiber to produce a strong, light and buoyant norsaq. With its catchy Gearlab logo, the Pikatti is certain to be a ”must have” for the rolling enthusiast.
The Pikatti measures 450 x 87 mm and weighs just 90 g.
The price of a Pikatti in Sweden is 1040 kr, inclusive of MOMS.
Paddle Bags
(Price 689 kr. Inclusive 25% MOMS)
We really appreciate the fact that Gearlab Outdoors make bags specifically designed to take their paddles. Once in the bag they are safe from scratches and damage and can easily be carried with the handle or shoulder strap. The bags for 2024 are available in black.
The paddle bags have a small pocket on one face near the tip, ideal for storing wax or spare tips. The bags also have very long zips so it’ s very easy to put the paddles in or take them out. These bags will fit any of the Gearlab Outdoors two-piece paddles.
The price of a paddle bag in Sweden is 689 kr, inclusive of MOMS.
Rolling Float
(Price 1157 kr. Inclusive 25% MOMS)
We started using the Gearlab Outdoors rolling float on our rolling courses in 2022. It has so many really useful features that we wouldn’t teach rolling now without it. The rolling float can be used with a single hand grip, with two hands gripping or as a paddle float.
The float has a neat little clip so it can attach to itself when rolled up.
The price of a Rolling Float in Sweden is 1157 kr, inclusive of MOMS.
Safety flags
(Price 222 kr. Inclusive 25% MOMS)
Every so often we come across neat little gadgets that make us smile.
Goodbye to bits of red rag or reflective vests that flap around and blow away.
The safety flags from Gearlab Outdoors are so easy to use and effective. They clip onto the stern line or toggle attachment of a kayak on a car roof top or a trailer in seconds and serve to remind other road users that there’s an overhanging boat. The flags have a reflective outline, making them visible in approaching head lights.
Safety flags are available in vivid orange or neon yellow and each flag is 380 x 48 mm
The price of a safety flag in Sweden is 222 kr, inclusive of MOMS.
Towing systems and accessories
We’ve worked with Steve Whetman since he began making kayaking gear in the shed at the bottom of his garden in West Devon. Now with a larger modern unit Whetman Equipment is making what we believe are the best towing systems and sea kayaking accessories available. At Blue Coast Adventures we keep in stock the gear we choose to use ourselves. Right now that’s the Sea-Guide, Sea Bean and Contact tow lines, Kraken krabs, paddle cuffs and Exped carry straps.
Sea Guide Tow Line (14 m)
(price 1560 kr, inclusive 25% MOMS)
The 14m “Guide Tow-line” from Whetman equipment is really two tow-lines in one
A 14 m floating main tow line is clipped to the left side holding loop on the waist belt, and a shorter 50 cm contact tow is attached to the right side connecting loop. The Guide tow-line has been designed for those who tow often and has a really well-made bag, large enough to re-stow the line on the water and with flotation included. The bag has a captive O ring in the centre of the bag to which a 40-60 cm length of shock-absorbing bungee is attached. This keeps the release buckle centred when the tow is under load. A steel O ring is found at the join between the bungee and the floating rope tow line. For a short tow the working krab can be attached back from the casualty’s boat to this ring. The float is movable and close to the join with the floating line.
The price of a Sea Guide tow line in Sweden is 1560 kr, inclusive of MOMS
Sea Bean Elite tow line
(10 m price 1258 kr, inclusive 25% MOMS)
(14m price 1338 kr, inclusive 25% MOMS)
The Sea Bean Elite comes in two lengths, 10m and 14 m, and is an ideal choice for the recreational paddler who may not need to tow very often. The simple no-nonsense tow-line, designed to look like a Cornish Pasty, is ideal for most Swedish waters. The bag is small and easy to wear, the line is simple and comes without a float but with a kraken krab. This is towing system that Therese prefers to use both whilst coaching and on tour and so far, it’s proved to be superbly practical and effective.
The price in Sweden of a 10 m Sea Bean is 1258 kr, inclusive of MOMS
The 14 m Sea Bean costs 1338 kr, inclusive of MOMS.
Whetman Equipment contact tow
(price 555 kr, inclusive 25% MOMS)
Having a contact tow on your foredeck means you can quickly recover another boat and tow it with its bow sitting beside the widest part of your kayak and it’s widest part about level with your stern. This works well if someone has come out their boat and let go of it, or if you just need to make a short sharp push to help a tired paddler get past a headland or an obstacle.
The Whetman MkII Contact Tow has a stainless-steel buckle and you can adjust it’s length, useful if you want to drop the boat you are towing back a little. One of its other main uses (at least in Sweden) is to clip the boat to the shore when arriving into a marina or harbour. You can leave the loaded kayaks on the water and attach them to the rings that sailing boats would normally tie to. We also use the Contact Tow when making a short tow with a Guide tow-line. We attach the contact tow to the casualty’s bow deck-lines and then run the rope through the second krab on the contact tow and back to the O ring on the guide tow. This avoids the risk of nylon running over nylon that would occur if you ran the line directly through the casualty’s deck-lines and provides a release point at the boat under tow.
The price of the Whetman Equipment Contact tow in Sweden is 555 kr, inclusive of MOMS.
Whetman Equipment Kraken carabiners
(price 190 kr, inclusive 25% MOMS)
Good carabiners for sea kayaking are always hard to find. Climbing krabs are no good as they mustn’t have a tooth or they snag the line. Carabiners tend to corrode mighty fast, especially on long expeditions and it’s best to wash them in fresh water after use.
The Whetman Equipment kraken carabiner has been designed specifically for sea kayaking and is very easy to use with one hand. It’s slender stainless steel construction makes it the most corrosion resistant carabiner yet and by far the best one to fit to your tow lines
The price of the Whetman Equipment Kraken karabiner in Sweden is 190 kr, inclusive of MOMS.
Whetman Equipment Paddle Cuffs
(price 190 kr, inclusive 25% MOMS)
When you carry spare paddles on your fore-deck they need to be secure in the waves but you need to get them quickly and easily if you break or lose a paddle or just want to change blades. Elastic deck bungees make it almost impossible to re-stow your paddles after you’ve released them. For years we used to cut bits of plastic pipe into paddle holders and tie them to the foredecks of our kayaks.
The Whetman Equipment Paddle Cuff does the job perfectly and is neat and practical as well as being very easy to install. Four layers of webbing keep the opening upright and clear. The 2024 cuffs are now a little larger and allow storage of paddles with a lever lock on one end of a split. Velcro tabs on the wings attach the webbing to your deck-lines and the red strings secure it to your deck fittings. All of the working boats at Blue Coast Adventures are now fitted with paddle cuffs.
The price of Whetman Equipment paddle cuffs in Sweden is 190 kronor, inclusive of MOMS.
Expedition Carry Straps
(price 315 kr, inclusive 25% MOMS
We use these Whetman Equipment carry straps on every expedition, perfect for four people to carry a loaded sea kayak from the landing spot to a safe place to park or unload. You slip one end under a deck-line so it can’t slide off the end of the boat and then lift with the loops. Dividing the weight of a loaded boat between four people makes a loaded boat manageable without risking back injury.
The straps are 125 cm long and 4 cm wide.
The price of a pair of Whetman Equipment Carry Straps in Sweden is 315 kr, inclusive of MOMS.
