Kayak Camping

Browsing through the different prices and types of kayaks available can be intimidating. There are so many questions that will come to your mind especially if this is your first time. Questions like: Should I purchase a sit-in or sit-on-top kayak? Should I go with the inexpensive recreational kayak or should I bite the bullet and go on and invest in a really good brand? We will answer all these questions and go even further to tell you what you will need and our best tips on kayak camping.

Selecting a Kayak

When selecting a kayak for camping you have to take into consideration: the weather, the body of water you will be kayaking in, your budget, and the gear you will bring along. The best tip I can give for selecting your firs kayak is to try it out first, preferably with a dealer, and/or to take kayak lessons. This is especially the case if you are really concerned about making the wrong decision. Some of the dealers will provide an on-water tryout and maybe even rentals.

There are three types of kayaks:

Whitewater Kayaks
Recreational Kayaks
Touring Kayak

Whitewater Kayak

These kayaks are a lot of fun, but not great for long trips.

These kayaks are usually short, stable, and easy to maneuver due to their rounded bottoms. They are more for the kayaking enthusiast and for overnight trips. They are used in rapidly moving bodies of water and are literally worn. You put on a spray skirt which will attach to the rim of the cockpit and keep your lower body and any gear dry. A spray skirt is kayaking gear that you wear around your waist.

Recreational Kayak

The recreational kayak is perfect for novices or families taking day trips. They are known for their large cockpits, inexpensive pricing, and stability. These are the most popular type of kayak sold and work best on mild waters. They are also easy to place in a car rack.

Touring Kayaks

This is a "sporty" version of a touring kayak. Many come with storage compartments, and are a little wider.

These kayaks, also known as Coastal Kayaks, are long, have incredible tracking, plenty of storage and are faster than a recreational kayak. They can be difficult to transport as the plastic versions are on the heavier side. Tracking refers to the kayak’s ability to go straight when paddled.

Sit-On-Top vs. Sit-In Kayak

I know you don’t want to hear this but it really does depend on your taste. With sit-on-top of kayaks, you generally have larger cockpits which are easier to get in and out of and allow for more movement. However, they are usually slower, more difficult to paddle and leave you exposed to the elements. When wearing a spray skirt with a sit-in kayak, your lower body is sealed in and protected from the elements. Sit-in kayaks are usually faster, have small cockpits, more storage room, but limited movement and access to gear.

Length

How many people will ride in the kayak? How much storage space do you need? Do I need to invest in a kayak that has good tracking? Do I need to fit it on a car rack? All these questions will help you determine how long your kayak needs to be.

Long kayaks have better tracking because of the greater distance between the bow and the stern. The bow is the front of the boat and the stern is the rear of the boat. Obviously, they also are able to fit more people and storage.

Shorter kayaks are easier to transport.

Common Accessories for Kayaks

Paddle
PDF - life vest
Spray skirt - connects to the cockpit and keeps your lower body dry
Dry bags - keeps your gear dry
Float bags - keeps water from filling stern and lower compartments
Helmet - for harsh rapid waters
Car Rack - used for transporting kayaks on your car

Loading Your Kayak

Dry bags are essential and they should be packed prior to loading your kayak. Some emergency items such as flares, mirrors and pocket knives should be kept on you maybe in a pocket of your PDF at all times. You should also have an easy to access dry bag that has items you will need to get to without stopping like cameras, binoculars, sunglasses, water, watches, etc. Load these items in your deck. Keeping your stuff organized via labels will make your trip run more smoothly.

Finding Where to Go Kayak Camping

www.paddling.net

Safety Tips

www.sit-on-topkayaking.com

Kayak Camping Checklist

Kayak and paddle
Spare paddle
Fins, mask, snorkel, Goggles
Air pump (if inflatable boat)
Water pump - pump out excess water from kayak
Repair kit
Maps and map case
Compass
PDF – life jacket
Float bag
Emergency signals
VHF radio
Dry Bags – keeps your gear dry - essential
Car Racks – provides easy transport
Spray Skirts – keeps water out of cockpit and keeps lower body dry
Floatation Devices – for whitewater kayaks – provides more buoyancy
Gloves - provides a better grip for paddles and keep your hands dry and warm
Helmet - Essential for whitewater kayaking
Kayak Cover - This will protect your kayak and keep it in good condition
Paddle Leash - prevents you from losing your paddle
Dry Suit – keeps you dry
Wet Suit –keeps you warm
Water shoes – keep your feet warm

Kayak Camping Gear

Here's a little on camping with a Kayak:

It's not all white water rapids, and adrenaline rushes. Kayak camping can be soothing and peaceful.
Okay, it's a family affair. . . so why does the dog have to swim?? SMH
When you get your money right, you can do it like this - big fun!

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