Discovering Hidden Gems: A Guide to Kayaking in the Wilderness
Kayaking in the wilderness will allow exploring new territories without spoiling the forest and wild lives. The resources of nature and wild lives are left untouched when exploring it with the help of a kayak. They are safe and silent helping both parties to enjoy and blend with the beauty of nature.
If you’re planning to kayak in the wilderness, you need to start preparing as it is different from fresh water and lake kayaking. Keep reading to learn more about how you should prepare yourself.
Guide To Kayaking In The Wilderness
1.Plan your route beforehand
If you are looking for kayaking in the wild, plan the route in advance and check all the hurdles and hardships. Since kayaking in the wild has its own risks and threat probabilities, it is highly recommended to plan the route in advance. It is also advisable to get route trips from kayaking experts as they will have complete knowledge of the route and risks.
2.Prepare a checklist of essential
Make a checklist and ensure to keep all the things handy before you begin your kayaking trip in the wilderness. Water-resistant backpacks, sunscreen lotions, insect-repellent creams, water bottles, and icepacks are a few of the top essentials that need to be carried while choosing wilderness.
3.Seek expert advice
Experts' advice is highly recommended for wilderness kayaking. Frequent kayakers will have a thorough knowledge of the ways and means to handle any situations in the way of kayaking. Also, they will share tips and tricks to face unexpected situations.
4.Pack food in special containers
One of the top pieces of advice for day kayakers is to take food that has been properly prepared and packed. Special containers are available in stores dedicated to kayaking essentials. Jars and containers can be purchased from such stores and food can be stored. It is also advisable to take food that will help build and maintain your stamina rather than filling up your stomach. Dehydrated bananas are one of the top preferred food by kayakers.
5.Take sealable bags
If you are planning to kayak in the wilderness, one of the major reasons to invest in sealable bags is to protect the animals from intaking human waste. It is highly recommended not to add or deduct anything from the wild. It is very dangerous for wilds if they consume the waste disposed of by human activities. So, ensure to put them in sealed bags and dispose of them after coming back away from the forest in places dedicated to holding waste.
6.Invest in degradable covers
Degradable covers are one of the best investments if you are kayaking in the wilderness. Biodegradable bags are capable of getting decomposed by bacteria and other living organisms in the soil. This will not cause any harm to the wilderness and the kayaker can also leave the wild without any guilt feeling of causing damage to the environment.
7.Choose a windless day
Weather conditions should be checked before you enter the wild. It will become a hardship if you go out kayaking on a windy or rainy day. It is highly possible that the entire experience will be a disaster. Camps and tents can be a savior. But building a tent in the wilderness is hard compared to normal terrains as choosing the right place can be time-consuming. Also, understand the right season for kayaking to have a seamless experience.
8.Concentrate on your clothing
It is highly important to concentrate on what you wear when kayaking into deep areas. A wetsuit is highly recommended as there are chances of getting cold. Invest in the best waterproof jacket to protect yourself from rain. A hat, a rashguard top, and shorts or swimwear is the recommended attire for kayaking. Non-cotton clothing is the best suited as it will help you to be warm throughout the kayaking trip. If you are planning on long-distance kayaking in the wilderness, ensure that you pack extra clothes to avoid running out of dry wear.
9.Take abundant water
Water bottles that can hold plenty of water are advisable as there are higher chances of dehydration. It will also help you from running out of water in the woods. Hydration packs can be considered as they will avoid water breaks. Kayakers can consume directly from the hose of the water pack.
10.Look for company
If you are choosing to kayak in the deep woods, it is advisable to take a fellow kayaker or a friend. As wilderness has its own level of thrill and excitement, fun and thrill will be doubled if you are adding a friend to your sailing. Also, you can reach out for help in case of any mishappenings. You can consider taking your dog out kayaking as they will guard you and help you have the best time. You can invest in kayaks for dogs to take your dog to.
Kayaks Suitable For Wilderness
1.Sit on top kayaks
This variant of kayak is versatile and stable and will help the kayaker to sail without any hardships. It offers a great level of comfort and convenience as it is easy to sit and get out of the kayak. Few manufacturers have equipped the kayak with storage features. A short sit-on-top kayak will assist you in making turns and will also help you sail without any hardships in the wilderness.
2.Recreational kayak
Since kayaking is taken up as a recreational activity by many people these days, recreational kayaking will help serve the purpose. They are be easily used in lake or flatwater streams. The best recreational kayak will help you to admire the beauty of the forest and nature without any hurdles. They are agile, strong, and suitable for all weather conditions.
3.Tandem kayak
If you are looking to admire the dazzling nature with your loved one, tandem kayaks are the best options. Two-tandem kayaks and three-tandem kayaks can be purchased that will help you explore the unblemished parts. Tandem kayaks are usually constructed using fragile materials that will prevent the kayak from any accidents in the wild.
Which Kayaks Are Not Suitable For Kayaking in the Wilderness?
Kayaks are usually constructed to suit the type of kayaking, kayaker, and type of water. Not all kayaks are suitable for all types of water. Here are a few kayaks that are not suitable for wilderness kayaking.
1.Inflatable kayak
Inflatable kayaks have enormous advantages but it is not suitable for kayaking in the wilderness. Setting up an inflatable kayak takes more time than other types of kayaks. This will take much of your time if you are looking for a stayover in the woods. Also, the kayaker has to carry a repair kit and pump as they are prone to damage and flats.
2.Fishing kayak
Fishing kayaks come with plenty of storage for storing the catch. This is much needed when going fishing but a surplus of storage will be a disadvantage when kayaking in the wilderness. The kayak will be long when there is more storage making it hard to carry and store. Also, they are perfect only for shallow waters. As they are unstable, high seas and heavy winds can cause vibrations.
Conclusion
Kayaking will help you discover hidden gems without any hardships. As they function without the aid of motors, fish and other animals are left undisturbed and no pollution is caused to the waters in the deep. Kayaking in the wilderness will increase your love for the activity and will help you create beautiful memories.
Ensure to capture the beauty of the wild without disturbing nature and its creation. If you have any questions, feel free to share your comments below.