Traveling by kayak or canoe can take you to some of the world’s most amazing places. Listening to the song of the paddle is one of the most wonderful ways to enjoy an eco-friendly, slow travel adventure. And what is most important kayak and canoe can and will take you to places where other means of transport can’t. Places where you will be alone with nature, away from the crazy tourist crowds of these days. Hidden bays, peaceful rivers, deserted islands, all those little nooks and crannies that are missed by everyone but the lone paddler. Being on water however needs some extra practice, care, experience and preparation. Here are a few basic tips to help you get started.
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Plan Your Route Carefully
Whether you are traveling alone, with a travel companion, or with a group of family and friends, it is always important to plan your route carefully. Things that need to be considered:
- Is the route length doable for everyone in the group? Leave some extra time in case conditions turn bad,
- bring GPS and a map,
- check where it is possible to stop (especially when going with a kayak),
- is the route suitable for the type of vessel you intend to use,
- are there places where you can buy food/water or do you have to bring your own,
- make sure that someone knows where you are going.
A beginner paddler (maybe not first timer) can cover around 3miles (5km) per hour and 10-15miles (16-25km) per day. You can also do similar trips with a stand up paddle board, but consider that SUP is slower that a kayak or a canoe and much more dependent on good weather. Wind can soon become a problem with stand up paddling.
Keep Safety in Mind
Before you set off, make sure you have all the necessary safety equipment (life jacket, whistle, spare paddle, spray deck, water pump, some duct tape), and are capable of righting yourself if you roll in the water.
Know Your Own Capabilities
It is all well and good planning an amazing kayaking or canoeing adventure along some rushing river, or on a grand lake. But wherever you are considering paddling to, it is important to know your own capabilities. Do not take on anything that is beyond what you personally can manage.
Put Your Belongings in a Waterproof Backpack
When travelling on the water, keeping things dry is an important concern. Even though you hope that you will not end up overboard, splashes happen and things can easily get damp, even if they do not end up in the water. Consider investing in a waterproof backpack (this one is one of the best), or at least some dry bags so you can stow your belongings somewhere they will hopefully not get wet. Even if it is not raining, water can still easily end up drenching things in the bottom of your boat. A waterproof backpack can help ensure you have dry clothes to change into at the end of the day, don’t have to eat soggy sandwiches, and have functioning electronic devices to call for help/ communicate should the need arise. It also comes in handy if you decide to explore the surroundings once you land.
Prepare For Sudden Changes in the Weather
Even on a fair weather kayaking or canoeing trip, the weather can change on the turn of a dime. So check a really good and details weather forecast for the area where you are paddling. And keep waterproof clothing and other layers in your waterproof backpack in the kayak or canoe so you are ready if the weather turns. In the summer and in warmer temperatures a simple 1mm neoprene top is enough to keep you warm when you get wet. In winter you will need some serious waterproof clothes that will keep you dry.
There is a lot to consider when planning on traveling by kayak or canoe. But the above common sense tips are a good place to start, and should help ensure that everything goes smoothly, wherever you choose to go.