4 Things you need to know before your first paddling adventure
Paddling down a quiet, sprawling lake or river, the wind at your back, a sunny, welcoming sandbar just up ahead. Complete with a few nights in a remote campsite under the stars, these are all the makings of a perfect kayak or canoe camping trip, where you carry everything you need to survive on your vessel.
Canoe or kayak camping is a lot different than car camping or even backpacking, so many outdoor enthusiasts are reluctant to try it. Fortunately, this kind of adventure is not as daunting as it may seem at first glance, and a little know-how will help you keep things safe, fun, and dry.
Where to paddle
If you’ve decided to give canoe camping a go, the first hurdle to clear is deciding where to paddle. The decision may be an easy one if you live near a river that’s popular with kayakers, or a series of lakes with pristine shorelines. But there’s still the matter of where to put in, take out, and set up camp.
When planning your first trip, it’s a good idea to do some online research or stop by your local outdoor store or outfitter and ask questions. They’ll be able to guide you to the best places to start or finish, and inform you regarding local laws such as where you can or can’t camp. They’ll also let you know about potential obstacles like rough water or portages, where you’ll have to carry your boat to get through stretches of river with shallow beds or dams. Read More...