Kayaking is an extremely fun and relaxing activity and can be done with both, friends and family. Moreover, it can add the element of fun and adventure in any camping retreat. However, there are many things that need to be kept in mind when you are planning to paddle to reach your campsite. For example, you need to be mindful of your clothing, you must pack light and in an efficient manner, etc.
Thus, if you are planning a weekend getaway or a short – trip to rejuvenate yourself, then do include kayaking as it is the most stress–free and enjoyable activity. Adding kayaking is sure to take your trip to another level of fun and adventure.
So, now that you are ready to go kayak camping, here are some tips and tricks that will come in handy when you select your very own kayak!
Storage
Storage is yet another important factor that must be considered when making a purchase. What is most ideal to have in a kayak is a storage option that is available on the boat’s deck as we as inside the kayak. In order to make efficient utilization of the space in the kayak, you can use the hatch for small items that can easily fit through the opening and can be removed with ease. Moreover, make sure to stash away those items in the hull which you will not require while paddling.
When talking about heavier items like tents, you must place it in the rear tank well of the kayak. You must keep the items that you require during your paddle on the deck so that you can access it whenever the requirement arises. So, ideally, you must go for a kayak that is designed in such a manner that it has a big rear tank and a big front hatch. It might be possible that you may not end up using all the space available to you in the kayak, but it is better to have more space than face a space crunch.
Durability
An extremely important factor to consider when purchasing a kayak is its durability. When you go out to camp, you might be faced with situations where you might need to paddle for a long duration of time, or maybe even carry it between rocks, boulders, and debris. So, you must choose a kayak that is strong enough and does not get affected by a little wear and tear.
Speed And Stability
When you are out for a kayak camping, then the first and foremost thing that you need to do is carry proper equipment and gear. This is a non – negotiable clause and must be followed at all times. But, the catch here is even though you pack the lightest of gears, the weight will eventually sum up. Thus, it is highly recommended that you check the weight of the kayaking gear to ensure that you do not go overweight and do not go beyond your kayak’s existing capacity.
Thus, what is imperative is that you must choose a kayak that is stable because despite the weight of all your camping gear you would still want your kayak to be able to move around in the waters without any danger of tilting or getting stuck.
Now, as you already know, that stability might come at the price of managing speed. So, if you are planning long camping trips and wish to cover a considerable distance via kayaking, then you must opt for a long kayak as a longer kayak is better to manage speed, thus balancing it with stability. Moreover, you can also add a rudder to a wide kayak in order to increase its paddling while keeping your track straight as well.
So, keep these factors in mind and enjoy your kayaking trip!
Arthur G. Moore is a veteran paddler. He has over 10 years of whitewater kayaking experience in his kitty. When he was young, he used to love kayaking in rapid III and rapid IV but as time went on, he decided to concentrate mainly on covering long distances on a standard touring kayak. He is currently working as a senior editor for Kayak Manual.
