mercredi 6 mars 2019

A Beginner's Guide to Preparing for Kayak Trips Ontario

By Sarah Fox


If you have recently been introduced to kayaking, you may be looking at taking a trip in one. Kayak trips Ontario are incredibly fun but you do need to make sure you are properly prepared. Here are some tips and tricks that you can use in order to make sure your upcoming paddling excursion is as safe, fun and enjoyable as possible.

You may want to think about whether it would be more fun to use your kayak to move from one campsite to another or whether you just want to go out on the water during the day and return to the same site every night. Knowing which kind of paddling trip you will be going on is important as it will help you choose the right gear, boat and safety equipment.

A great thing to do at first is to work with a kayak touring company. Pick a part of Ontario that you want to explore and find out which companies are working in the area. Once you have a trip booked, find out what they supply and what you need to bring with you. Start planning early so that you can ask plenty of questions and are not so rushed that you overlook something important.

If you are planning your own paddling trip you will need to do a lot more thinking and arranging before you leave. There are two main areas you will need to consider when you are packing. You need to think about what you need for your boat, and what you need for camping. Breaking it down into two groups will make preparation a lot easier.

There are many different boats available. You can find longer touring models that will hold a lot of gear and make it easier to paddle on flat water. If you will be shooting rapids you will need a different boat that is smaller and easier to steer if you need to turn and dodge to avoid rocks.

Car camping is very different than kayak camping. Gear that works well for a kayaking trip is generally very light and can be packed down until it is compressed. Pick a sleeping bag that is able to handle the temperatures you will be camping in. A sleeping pad will keep you comfortable and an inflatable pillow will also help keep you comfortable.Your boat should be packed with spare paddles, a compact first aid kit, a container to bail with and other safety gear.

The food you bring and how you bring it is also important. If you are doing a lot of padding you are likely going to get very hungry. Make sure you have food for three meals a day and several snacks that you can eat while you are paddling so that you keep your energy levels up. There are coolers that are designed to work with your kayak that can keep food cold while you are paddling.

As kayaking becomes more popular, you will find it easier to find supplies that meet the unique needs of paddlers. You can find many of these in stores that specialize in outdoor gear. There are also websites that offer gear and can answer any questions that you might have. Read reviews, talk to paddlers that you know and you should be able to find the gear you need.




About the Author: