Kayak Lights & Kayak Lighting

Many kayakers enjoy having a paddle during the night hours of the summer months. As summer turns to fall and the days begin to grow shorter while the sun begins to set earlier, it becomes more likely for kayakers who ventured out in the late afternoon to get caught in the darkening light because they did not consider how dark it could become and how far they might have been from their landing spots. Similarly, fishers hoping to get an early start on the day may begin their expeditions with kayak launches before the sun has risen. There are other aesthetic reasons why kayakers may venture out when the sun is leaving or is yet to arrive. The cool night air, the shining stars and moon, or the simplicity of the still evening water can entice and enchant any number of kayakers. The sun heats the air during the day, resulting in wind on the water, and paddling in the night time can provide kayakers with rare opportunities to explore quiet waters. No matter whether your goal is to paddle out into a lake by moonlight or are simply looking to have all of your supplies at hand if you are embarking upon a kayak trip in the late afternoon, it might be a good idea to add lights to your supply of essential kayak equipment.

When paddling at night the minimum requirement you should take out with you on the water is a single white light that will be visible in every direction. Such a light will serve as a signal to indicate your position to other people on the water such as kayak buddies and other boaters out in the early morning or late evening. If you use a light for kayaking it should be waterproof so it does not go out with a splash, and you will also want to make sure it has fresh batteries when you begin your trip. Hand held high powered flashlights are more than enough for most kayakers. You can check the U.S. Coast Guard or the local authorities for boating in your area to find out what the exact specifications for lighting small craft are. As an example, vessels that are greater than 16 feet in length will tend to have more lighting requirements than vessels that come in under 16 feet in length. As a result, you should keep the length of your kayak in mind and consult the local rules to see which categories for lighting your kayak fits into before you set out on the water during the dark hours.

K-9 Kayaking: Dog Paddling

Dogs are out most loyal and lovable friends. The average dog is an enthusiastic partner in any outdoor endeavor. Whether you are tackling a steep ridge or taking a multi-week backpacking adventure, your dog is thrilled to be joining you. Many outdoors enthusiasts are also dog people, and some manufacturers even product dog-specific technical equipment for those dedicated to including their best friend. Climbing harnesses, sneakers, snow gear, and life jackets are all available for dogs. Many kayakers haven’t really considered bringing their dogs along for the ride, but it can be a fun and memorable trip for those willing to work out the details.

Dog size and kayak size are two big considerations when getting started. If you normal take a regular sea kayak and have a great big dog, you might have some problems. There are numerous ways people have gotten around the issue though; some people go with a larger boat, while others tow their dog along on a separate raft. Tandem kayaks and those with cargo space can provide extra space for larger dogs.

Kayaking with Kids - A Practical Guide to Kayaks, Gear & Having Fun

There are not many sports as versatile and exciting as kayaking. Something about moving through the open waters with the wind in your hair and the sun at your back is so appealing to so many people. Not only is kayaking a great, low-impact work-out, but it allows the kayaker the ability to get away into the outdoors, observing nature at her most majestic.

Parenting is an exciting experience, and just because you become a dad or mom does not mean you have to store the boats. Kayaking can be an exhilarating family experience. With some consideration, planning and organization, kayaking can become a regular family affair. Be aware that kayaking still occurs on the water and that you should always remain cautious and have superior experience kayaking before taking a small child to the water. Kayaking should be a fun experience, and safety should always be a number one priority.
The rule of thumb is to plan for one adult for every child. Remember, paddling a kayak is fun, but may prove tiring for little arms. Be ready to take over the brunt of the work and allow for little muscles to rest up before re-engaging in the paddling adventure.

Kayak Towing Methods & Equipment

It is important to know how to tow when you are on the water in a kayak. When you have the skills and ability to help someone out of whatever trouble they happen to be in on the water via pulling them through your kayak, you become an important and valuable kayaker with a skillset that can come handy in a variety of situations. Of course, the need to tow someone with your kayak might not be a common occurrence but the first time you find yourself having to make use of this ability you might find yourself thankful for being prepared and having the necessary equipment with you along with a knowledge of how to use it effectively. The two main situations during when you might have to tow someone are in open water and in white water conditions; both conditions are very different from each other and this article will discuss the situation that is far more common between the two: white water kayak towing. Some of the techniques discussed in the article will be relevant to paddlers who sit in and who sit on, but some of the techniques will only be useful to paddlers who sit on their kayaks.

The primary scenario that will be discussed in kayak towing involves the use of simple tow lines. The most common reason for towing people via kayak involves a group situation where there is a paddler who might be having a hard time either keeping a straight line or keeping from falling behind from the rest of the pack. It is always a good idea to paddle slow enough that the slowest paddler in the pack can keep up, but there are some times when you might need to tie up the slower paddlers, such as when the water becomes choppy or fast or dangerous or when the weather turns sour and you need to get out of the water as quickly as possible. Sometimes you might need to tie up slower paddlers simply because they are becoming frustrated at their progress.

Staying Healthy with Water While on the Water

You’ve mapped out your route, rounded up your gear, stashed your stuff, and now you’re ready to take off over the water. What’s one key ingredient that can insure this trip will be the one of your dreams-and not your nightmares? The answer, simply put, is water. No, not what you’re churning through, but what you’re chugging down. Three demons that could decimate your trip are dehydration, hyponatremia, and heat exhaustion. Here’s why they can loom so large, here are their warning signs, and here’s how to give them the slip entirely.

Dehydration simply means that your body is losing water more quickly than you can replace it. And when you sweat, you lose not only water, but electrolytes (which help regulate body processes, including muscle work.) Your body temperature can also be affected, which can eventually lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke. When dehydrated, you can’t go as far or as hard, your balance can suffer, and your judgment can be impaired. Dehydration can happen in both warm and cold conditions.