Thursday, December 7, 2023

Planning a Sea Kayak Expedition

Imagine sitting on the beach as the sun sets in distance. Or exploring islands that you can only reach in your sea kayak. Planning a multi-day sea kayak expedition can get you to these places, but is very different than planning a day-trip. Here are some things to think about as you plan your sea kayak expedition.

Know your group.

The trip that you do will be largely driven by the goals, skills and experience of the group. The group should be large enough to provide support and comradery, but small enough not to impact the environment. Four to six paddlers is usually the maximum group size.

Where will you go

Pick a location that is appropriate for the skills of the group and plan your route with options to avoid getting weather bound if conditions change. You may need to stay in protected areas when conditions are challenging, and move out into open water to cover distance when they improve.

Planning your trip

Planning can begin as soon as you choose your expedition location. Begin thinking about paddling distances, camping locations, tides and local conditions. You will need to build flexibility into your plan to account for changing weather conditions, and it might be a good idea to include a lay-over day just in case. For longer trips, you will also need to think about resupply locations for fresh food and water.

Navigation

Since you will be traveling along potentially unfamiliar shorelines, good navigation skills will be needed. You will need navigational charts and maps for the area. You will also need a deck mounted compass for following a heading, and a hand compass for taking bearings and working out your location. A GPS can help your navigation if you have already entered way points for lunch spots, campsites, etc.

Packing your sea kayak

When packing your kayak, you need to be careful to keep the boat trim by distributing the weight evenly from bow to stern. Try to pack heavy items like food and water toward the middle, and lighter items like sleeping bags and clothing in the ends. You will need a variety of drybags to protect gear that needs to stay dry but still needs to fit through those oddly shaped hatches.

Here is what I bring, and how I pack it in 
my P&H Capella 166 RM:

Paddling Gear

Kayak with bulkheads and hatch covers
Paddle
PFD
Hat
Sunglasses
Camera (PFD pocket)
Paddle Shoes
Spray Skirt
Bilge Pump (behind seat)
Paddle Float (behind seat)
Tow Belt

Deck

Spare Paddle
Charts/Maps (waterproof case)
Hand compass (waterproof case)
GPS
Deck mounted compass
Water Bottle

Front Hatch (tends to be the driest)


Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pad/Pillow
Camp Clothes (appropriate for season and length of trip)
Camp Shoes
Personal Items (Poop Kit, Flashlight/Head Lamp, Toiletries)
Electronics (Phone/Satellite Communication Device)

Rear Hatch

Tent with Ground Cloth and Stakes
Tarp with Poles and Stakes
Camp Chair
Mess Kit
Stove with Extra Fuel
Fire Kit (Starter, Matches, Hatchet and Saw)
Clean-up Kit (Soap with Scrubby)
Hand Sanitizer

Day Hatch

Paddle Jacket
Snacks
Sunscreen
Bug Spray
Water (appropriate for length of trip)
Food (appropriate for length of trip)
First Aid Kit

When paddling with others, you might be able to consolidate gear and bring some other luxury items.

Choosing your campsite

In most cases, your campsite choices will be limited to established campsites. When choosing a campsite, you should look for a site that provides shelter from the prevailing winds, has enough flat ground above the high-tide mark for the group to set up tents, and minimizes the carry up and down the beach to the campsite if you are landing or launching at low tide. You also need to think about the site's orientation to morning winds and tides so you can launch in safe coonditions.

Setting up/taking down camp

On arriving you need to move your boat and gear above the high tide mark. If it is a short carry you might be able to carry boat with the gear loaded, but often it is easy to empty the boat first into a mesh sack or IKEA bag. Once the boat is safely stowed you can turn your attention to setting up your tent (and tarp if needed), gathering wood if you plan to have a fire, and cooking dinner.

The process of for taking down camp in the morning is pretty much the inverse – cooking breakfast, packing up your tent and gear, and loading the boat. To the extent possible, you should leave no trace – carry out everything that you carried in. 

Tents

Tents are available in many styles from tunnel to A-frame to geodesic dome. When choosing a tent think about the space that you need and the conditions you will be out in. Choose a tent with plenty of headroom, a full fly and good ventilation. When camping in exposed areas, your tent will need to withstand high winds and potentially heavy rain.

Sleeping Bags and Pads

The sleeping bag you use will depend on the season and the weather. To ensure comfort on cold nights, it’s a good idea to use a bag that's rated at least 10° colder than the temperature you will be out in. The sleeping bag's fill can be down or synthetic. Down bags pack small, but can be difficult to dry if they get wet. Synthetic bags are bulkier, but are easier to dry.

Sleeping pads have two functions - comfort and insulation. Inflatable sleeping pads are usually the best option due to their small sized when deflated. Inflatable pads have come a long way in terms of comfort and durability, but can be a little pricey - don’t skimp. Pads designed for colder weather usually have an R-rating of 4.0 or higher.

Camp cooking

The trip you do will definitely influence the food that you bring. In a sea kayak you have limited space, so a backpacking stove is the best option. The easiest meals are dehydrated or freeze dried since they are light, take up little space and are easy to prepare and pack out. If you have room you can cook fresh food on the stove or on the fire, but you will also need to bring pots, pans and utensils.

Should I bring or collect water?

Between drinking and cooking, most people will need around 2-liters of water a day. It is best to carry fresh water in water bag or plastic bottle (2-liter soda bottles work well). If you are going to be collecting water from natural sources you will need to boil, chemically treat (Aquatabs) or filter the water before using.

Campfire

If your campsite allows a campfire, be sure to use the established fire ring, or have your fire on the beach where it will have a minimal environmental impact. A fire pan is also a good option, and makes it easier to clean up the fire pit before you leave.

When collecting wood you will need a mixture of sizes from small to large - tinder to light the fire, kindling to establish the fire and fuel to feed the fire. Firewood should be collected selectively to leave the site and scenery as undisturbed as possible. A folding saw or small hatchet will make processing wood easier, and driftwood or standing/hanging deadwood are usually the driest.

Leave no trace

Aways leave the campsite better than you found it. You will need to pack out everything that you bring in, and that may include human waste if the campsite does not have a privy.

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