Tips for a Better Kayaking Trip
Kayaking offers an opportunity for some high-adventure fun. Packing the right gear helps to ensure that you have the best time possible. What should be included in your kayaking gear?
Kayaking, a fascinating and adventurous water sport, is an activity that is quickly gaining in popularity. Learning how to prepare properly for your kayaking trip is one way to ensure that you have the best time possible while also remaining safe. Purchase your gear and then remember to take it with you. Here are a few suggestions that every avid kayaker should have.
Deck Bungee Cord
It is important to have a deck bungee cord so that you can attach any or all of your gear to the deck. This would include such items as compasses, bilge pumps, dry bags, and more.
Deck Bags
Deck bags are great for storing those items that you want to have close by while kayaking. They are sold in a wide variety of styles with a variety of closures. Some of these are clear so that you can see what you have stowed away in them while others are not. It’s important to make use of a deck bungee cord for your deck bag so that it doesn’t accidentally fall into the water.
Dry Bags
Dry bags are designed to protect their contents from getting wet and damaged as you travel along rivers, streams, lakes, or oceans. Manufactured from a flexible plastic such as polyurethane or vinyl, they are usually opaque or see through in coloring. Available in different sizes, you can store food, extra clothing, towels, drinking water, or medicinal supplies in them for use after your kayaking trek.
If you use a clear dry bag, then you will be able to see exactly where each item is located in the bag so you can retrieve it easily. Try to get a dry bag that includes looped hooks so you can secure it for safety purposes during rough water travel. If you pack and close your dry bag properly, you can even use it as a flotation device should you capsize.
Food Supplies
Just exactly what type of food supplies are best to take on your kayaking adventure? In general, it is a good idea to take along items that will not spoil quickly or melt in the hot sun. You should also try to include high-energy food, especially if you are traveling on rough water. Energy bars and snacks would be great for this purpose.
Since storage space is going to be limited, you should look for food items that will take up as little room as possible. Another great idea is to select food items that have as little packaging as possible so you minimize your trash. While you are at it, try to select items that won’t create a mess. This means avoiding sticky, greasy, juicy items that will leave a residue all over your hands or chin. If you keep this in mind, not only will your hands remain clean, but so will your gear.
The following types of food are great suggestions to try: peanut butter sandwiches, granola bars, beef jerky, bananas, nuts, and trail mix. Try to transfer items from bulky packaging or cans to minimize your trash.
Kayak Racks
Don’t forget that you will need a way to transport your kayak. If you are just starting out and want to minimize your cost, consider buying a used kayak rack online. A few different styles of kayak racks are sold today. These include: car-top blocks, J-style carriers, J-style cradles, and saddles and rollers.
Your kayak rack should hold your watercraft securely with tie-down straps. Some racks include tie-downs that will secure the front or back tip of the kayak to your vehicle’s bumper for extra security.
