Planning For An Overnight Kayak Trip

For outdoor lovers, there are few things as wonderful as spending the night outdoors. There’s just something about camping out in nature, the concept of roughing it and escaping the hustle and bustle of our hectic world that highlights the beauty tranquility. Add in a kayak, and you have a match made in heaven. This article describes the best ways to prepare an overnight canoe or kayak journey.

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Paddlers of canoes and kayaks have an extraordinarily unique way to connect with the outdoors. We do so just inches over the surface area of the water in boats that get us to places that we can’t get to on foot. It is that added layer of being secluded from everyday stressors that inspires us to embark on overnight paddling trips.

This procedure of identifying all the information is, in fact, great deals of fun as it helps to build the excitement for the journey ahead.

Also, as these journeys normally include friends and family, the preparation process offers some wonderful bonding time, intriguing discussions, or even some remarkable arguments.

From my own experience, a good amount of the memories that I have of trips such as these center around the actual planning. There is a lot that goes into preparing for an overnight kayak/canoe trip, but it’s not a drag! In short, planning can be almost as fun as actually being there!

Here are some of the top things to consider when planning an overnight kayak trip.

Camping Accessibility

If you plan on doing an overnight kayak trip, the first thing you need to do is find out where you will be putting up camp. Even if you’re not doing a full-fledged tent, you still need to plan on where you can set up a hammock and tarp to act as a home base for your trip.

This, naturally, will limit the list of feasible rivers or lakes you will be able to canoe or kayak. There are a number of methods to figure out camping information specific to overnight canoe trips. The best means is to speak with professionals, park rangers or outfitters, regarding their recommendation for the town.

In the digital age we live in, you can do a lot of research online to find out where you can and can’t go, and how to get there. Whatever you do, please be considerate of personal property and public land use rules.

River or Lake Details

As soon as you have your list of places of where you can paddle and camp, you have to determine which area is best suited for your trip. Do you prefer kayaking down a river or a large lake? Does water temperature matter? Will it be crowded when you will go? Will you be doing any other activities like fishing?

Every one of these questions will undoubtedly give essential details to help you pick your overnight trip location.

Specifically, if you plan on doing other activities like fishing, you want to make sure you have the correct kayak to hold everything. (learn more.)

Where To Put In and Take Out

This is a detail that can’t be overlooked. How will you get to the river or lake, to the put-in, and also to take-out?

If you’re planning on paddling into the same location you left from, you only have to worry about potential parking. However, if you plan on being picked up from a different location, you need to give detailed instruction to the friend picking you up before you leave. There is always a chance that you won’t have cell signal so have a clear timeline and directions for your pickup location.

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How Much Will You Paddle Every Day?

Exactly how much you wish to paddle is vital information. It does factor into the river and lake info yet I really felt that it deserved its own section. Do not bite off more thank you can chew.
Be realistic about your skill level and build in a buffer.

If this is a multi-day trip, you will need to prepare time to set up camp, so make sure you start early so you have everything set up before dusk.

Know The Weather

While it is essential to think about the weather condition when making all paddling trips, it is particularly critical when planning an overnight one.

Some areas can be prone to flash flooding. Conditions can change quickly so make sure you are familiar with your area. If you are planning an overnight stay in another state, learn about the climate of that state before leaving.

Some areas have drastic changes in temperature throughout the day. In the afternoon sun you could be scorched, but come nightfall, it could dip below freezing. Do not go on an overnight kayak trip in a new environment without doing your research.

Pack More Than You Think You Need

If you have room for it, pack it. You never know what could happen out deep in nature, so be prepared for everything.

Bring more food and water than you anticipate needing. Bring all the supplies you need for a normal camping trip as well. Do not go light on supplies because you are in a kayak. If you can fit it, pack it.

That’s it!

With these tips, your overnight kayaking or canoe trip will be a memorable one.

Think we missed something? Let us know in the comments section below!