rwall

hello all! Firstly I would like to say that I did make the move from the UK to Canada and it will be three years next month, upon which I return to visit family etc. Which brings me on to ask....

I am looking to buy a sea kayak there and return it with me, however, does anyone have any experience of any companies that might do this for me. It is approx 17' long and 1 1/2 - 2' wide! So it can't exactly come on the plane with me ;-)

Just for people's info, we used Allied Pickfords for moving all of our household stuff and found them to be very helpful. I have emailed them for a quote.

As for those that are still waiting to make the move, don't give up! It is worth every tear, frustration and disapointment. It will happen for you!

Thanks fo rnay advice.

Regards

Ritchie

agr

Are you sure it can't come on the plane with you? I have flown with 12 foot white water kayaks before (granted, not between Canada and UK).

Hammy1976

Are they not cheaper to buy in BC + less hassle? I have a 16ft sea kayak and planned on selling it before the move and buying one in Canada.

Teremok

You might want to check out the Ocean Kayak factory outlet store in Ferndale WA, 20 minutes from the BC Canadian/USA border. I brought a factory reject; paint was blemished, for 30 % of the retail cost.

nichburton

You'll get a more accurate answer by asking on the Sea forum of UKRGB, as there are lots of sea paddlers with extensive travel experience.

http://www.ukriversguidebook.co.uk/f...wforum.php?f=4

In my own experience, I've travelled a lot with WW kayaks (<2.5m length) and its certainly harder than it was a few years ago. Many airlines have tightened up on restrictions and either banned kayaks outright (BA) or charge a hefty supplement for them. For a sea kayak of 4.5-5m in length, I doubt if it will be possible at all, probably too long for the containers?

As with the other replies, unless you've got a very good reason my suggestion would be to buy in BC. I sold all my WW kayaks when I left the UK and plan to buy again this spring, giving me the chance to try out some of the newer models. WW kayaks are certainly cheaper in Canada than the UK and can even be rented for silly money ($25 per weekend at MEC!). The sea kayak scene is so big here there seems to be loads of used boats on Craigslist & MEC Classifieds for a fraction of the UK price.

singingringingtree

Thanks for that useful info nichburton, we were planning on bringing two sea kayaks with us, but will have a re-think now!

nichburton

If you want to compare Canadian prices, then try these:

New kayaks: MEC kayaks and Deep Cove kayak shop.

Used kayaks: MEC classifieds and Craigslist