Have you ever gone on a kayaking river trip before? No?? Well it’s a great way to enjoy wilderness. And I am not joking when I say that apart from being fun and exciting, kayaking is one such sport that will give you access to areas which are not generally accessible via foot.
You can go out kayaking alone or plan a guided tour with eco tour companies like the Sea Shore Eco Tours for example, popularly known for Florida kayaking.
What else? You can spend more than one day on the river if you wish to explore the interiors of wilderness like the backwaters and dense forests. However, venturing out on the water also means entering a foreign terrain and you need to be careful about that. That is why, safety always comes first inorder to ensure that every adventure into the wild is always fun and secured.
And how do you do that? By carrying first aid and essential needs always with you. Here is a list of all the key things that you need to have on your kayaking trip. Are you carrying them?
1. Dry Box and Dry Bags
Both the dry box and the dry bag will be your best friends on the trip. They are water sealed tight and come in various sizes.
The dry box will protect electronic devices like the camera or the cell phone while the dry bag keeps items like food and clothing from getting wet.
2. Lightweight Tent
If you are out kayaking for more than one day, then the lightweight tent is a must have in your list. Afterall no matter how nature friendly you are, you keep the night elements at bay right? The dense forests and the backwater regions are full of such things.
Look for a tent that is compact enough and will not take enough space in your boat. If possible, carry a freestanding tent rather, which does not need to be staked into the ground.
3. Bile Sponge or Pump
Many a times, your boat might get flooded with water and then you might feel the need of a bile sponge or pump to take the water out. Just make sure that the bile sponge or pump is easily accessible in your kayak.
4. Life Jacket
This is one of the most essential elements you need to carry on your trip. A majority of the kayakers have a lot of swimming experience. However, there are times when knowing how to swim will not be enough. There are two instances of such an example –
One is during the white water training. Kayakers are taught to lie back with their feet pointing downstream, while using their hands to paddle and navigate around debris and other items in the river. In that case, the life jacket can be very useful inorder to stay afloat in such a position.
The second on is on a slow moving river. If you fall into the river, getting yourself back in the boat can get real tricky. The natural buoyancy of a life jacket can help you boost up and get back into your boat safely.
But apart from that you can use this as a sun shade incase if it’s very sunny outside. You also do not need to take a swim inorder to cool yourself. The life jacket is indeed a life savior.
Buy a life jacket that snugly fits and is comfortable to wear.
5. Headgear
Carrying a headgear depends on the type of river where you are kayaking. If you are tacking the white water, then donning a headgear sounds logical.
But then, a headgear can act as an important element even if you are not kayaking in the white water. For example, if it is very sunny, then you can protect your head from the scorching heat. If you are padding in the winter months, then it would be very foolish not to wear a winter head gear or a beanie.
6. First Aid Kit
You might never know what you might have to deal with when you are out there kayaking. Make sure that you are carrying a first aid kit along during the trip.
7. Throw Bag
What is a throw bag? Well, it is a rope that is used for rescuing swimmers out of the water. Besides, a throw bag can be useful for towing together other small boats.
8. Water Whistle
The water whistle is an essential thing for any venture out on the water. That’s because sometimes, it is not possible to scream out or yell when you are in trouble, especially if it is in the water. In that case, a water whistle can help you.
Make sure that you buy a water whistle that is connected to a buoyancy aid.
9. Knife
Wondering what a knife is for? There can be many instances where a knife would be very necessary. For example, rescuing someone who has fallen into a debris or netting. The knife can be used for setting the person free.
10. Money
The last but the not the least, never forget to carry money with you. You never know when you will need them. Keep them safely in a water-tight container like the dry box or the dry bag.
Conclusion
Got the essentials ready? Time to load your boat, grab your friends and hit the water.Did we miss out anything? You are free to keep on adding to the list.
