Kayak Camping
Tips, Tricks and Places to Go
Gena Dwyer
(not an expert)
Kayak Camping: Tips and Tricks
Gear
Water
Good example
This won’t work well.
Bad example of packing.
The day hatch…
Keep things in the day hatch that you want to put your hands on quickly.
Water
First aid kit
Lunch/Snacks
Poop kit
Doggie bags...
What is your “must have” camping gear?
Put your favorite piece of camping gear in the chat!
Camping Kitchen
What to eat?
Dehydrated Meals
Prepared Meals
You Cook Meals
Vacuum Sealed Prepared Meals
(my favorite)
It’s tempting to prepare all super healthy meals, but don’t forget...
...something salty to help replace salts lost through sweat.
Pre-prepared or homemade...it’s up to you!
My favorite source for meal ideas?
Break out room! Discuss your favorite meal/prep.
Kitchen Cooking and Clean-Up
Lots of brand options - think backpacking gear.
Cooking
Washing Up
Don’t dump food waste at campsite!
Health and Safety
First Aid
First Aid/CPR training is recommended for EVERYONE, not just paddlers.
There are tons of resources available (Google it!), but the American Red Cross is always a go-to.
Wilderness First Aid is another very good skill for kayak campers.
Heat and Cold...what clothes to pack?
Paddling Attire - where you going will dictate whether to bring immersion wear or shorts. Check the weather. Do you need a splash top or drytop?
Tip: Down gear packs small and is warm for cold nights.
Communication
Float Plan
Essential component of any trip!
Very good article from paddling.com “The Float Plan: A Vital Paddling Tool”
Capsize!
Trip Planning
Where to go?
There are so many places in the Pacific Northwest that are wonderful for kayak camping.
Willamette River Water Trail - great for local camping to practice for longer/more difficult places.
Lower Columbia River Water Trail - beautiful, local, more difficult kayaking camping
Cascadia Marine Trail - stunning locations in the Puget Sound (check out longer video on this site).
Break-out Rooms - share your favorite place
Leadership
“Leadership is not about being out front of the group or being the centre of attention. Leadership is about assisting a group in achieving its goals.”
A really good article on kayaking leadership from East Coast Kayaking, Australia
Questions? Comments?
Ask aloud or put in the chat!