Expedition kayaking refers to long-distance kayaking trips that often involve multi-day journeys on rivers, lakes, or coastal waters. These trips typically require paddlers to carry their gear, including food, water, and camping equipment, in specially designed kayaks.
With the right planning and preparation, kayaking expeditions can be truly unforgettable experiences. Unlike a casual paddle at your local river or lake, it's a good idea to put a little more time and effort to make sure you’re ready for what’s to come.
Planning, preparation and efficiency are key when planning an expedition. It’s recommended to undertake detailed planning of your proposed route with an option pending changes in weather conditions and ensure you have any necessary permits. It’s also important to let family, friends and even local authorities know your planned route and expected timing.
WIth all that in mind, we’ve compiled some expert tips for expedition kayaking and highlighted some common mistakes to avoid.
Outside the Water
A successful expedition begins before you ever hit the water, and there are many steps you can take to make your adventure smooth and stress-free. Let’s get into some of these now:
Paddle the Right Kayak
Using the right kayak is easily one of the most important steps to consider before heading out on an expedition. Sea kayaks and touring kayaks are often the best choice for longer trips, as they offer rigidity, ample storage space for all your supplies and are designed to handle expedition paddling, touring and ocean conditions. Their longer and narrower shape makes them faster and more efficient in the water, which is crucial for covering longer distances.
Although recreational kayaks tend to be comfortable and easier to manoeuvre in calmer waters, they tend to lack the necessary storage capacity, steering and stability for extended journeys in more challenging environments.
As they are easy to transport and store, inflatable kayaks can be a viable option for calmer waters. However, hard-shell kayaks are generally more durable and perform better in rough conditions. In the end, your choice should align with the type of water you plan to navigate and the duration of your trips.
Pack Up Supplies and Change into Kayaking Gear
Pre-pack your gear and even test paddle with the amount and type of gear you are planning to take. Preparation really is key. Minimising the amount and therefore weight is important too as you have to paddle the loaded kayak. After unloading your kayak from the car and ensuring it's safely positioned, take the time to organise your supplies and change into your kayaking gear.
By packing up your supplies in an orderly fashion, you save time and avoid last-minute scrambling. This also allows you to focus entirely on getting your kayak into the water when you’re ready, without the distraction of needing to find or rearrange gear.
While this is really up to you, you can gather up all of your kayaking accessories and change into your gear before heading to the shoreline.
Unloading the Kayak
Best practice is what works for you. However, our suggestion is to transport and unload the kayak without any of your gear in it. In doing so, it will be lighter and easier to manage when loading on and off your car. Using dry storage bags for your gear sorted by their use (food, clothes, safety gear etc.) means you can pack your kayak and distribute the load weight safely in the kayak..
Keeping the load manageable also helps when transporting over rough terrain or slippery surfaces near the water.
Be Aware of the Tide
Tides can be a significant factor when you're preparing to launch your kayak. After unloading from your car, make sure to position your kayak at a safe distance from the shoreline. If the kayak is too close to the water, it could easily be carried away by an incoming tide, especially if you’re distracted with other tasks. Conversely, loading up too far from the water means you’ll have to carry or drag your kayak to the water’s edge. Check the tide and determine the best loading and launching point.
Placing your kayak a comfortable distance away ensures it remains stationary while you finish preparing your gear. This practice is particularly crucial in areas with strong tidal flows, where water levels can change rapidly.
On the Water
Here comes the fun part. After you’ve changed into your kayaking gear, loaded up the supplies and placed your kayak into the water, make sure to consider the following tips:
Know Your Limits
Understanding your limits is also important for any form of paddling, especially in open water environments. Plan your expedition to your paddling ability, including navigation safety and techniques - can you paddle in the dark or windy conditions if required.
One of the most valuable skills to master is learning how to roll or re-enter your kayak in the water in the case of a capsize. This becomes even more so in rough or fast flowing waters where swimming back to shore isn’t an option.
Practising rolling or re-entry techniques beforehand gives you the knowledge and confidence to handle situations where you may capsize. If you’re not comfortable with this skill, ideally take lessons and stay close to shore so that you can easily reach land if needed. Knowing your limits also extends to recognising when the conditions are too challenging, such as in strong winds or heavy waves.
Don’t forget to regularly check the weather, as well as any wind reports.
Paddling Technique
Using the proper paddling techniques is essential if you’re planning to go on an all-day or multi-day expedition. This way, you can conserve energy, minimise fatigue, and avoid additional stress on your muscles and joints.
Torso rotation is a key element of effective paddling. Instead of relying solely on your arms and shoulders, which will tend to tire out more quickly, engage your entire upper body to create more powerful, efficient, and well-rounded strokes. This includes practising techniques like the forward stroke and sweep stroke
Ultimately, using the correct techniques allows you to paddle longer distances with less effort leading to a more enjoyable paddle as expeditions often offer opportunities to experience nature, including wildlife sightings and stunning landscapes.
Want to improve your technique? This could be the perfect time to invest in a new paddle, and we’ve got a range for sale right here online!
Understand Tides and Currents
Never underestimate the power of nature, especially the ocean. This is why we always recommend that you account for tides and currents. Tides can dramatically affect paddling conditions, and failing to account for them can put you and your companions in dangerous situations, such as getting stuck in strong currents or being stranded in shallow waters when the tide recedes.
Before setting out, research the tide schedules and plan your paddling to better align with optimal conditions. Unless very experienced, avoid paddling in rough seas or during high tides when water levels may obscure obstacles or create strong currents.
Being aware of these factors will enable you to navigate various waters more safely and avoid unnecessary risks.In some circumstances, it may be best to delay your paddle having ensured you have the necessary provisions before re-commencing your expedition.
Rudders and Skegs
Next up, we have the components of the kayak itself. Rudders and skegs are two essential tools for maintaining control, even more so when paddling in currents or in rough or windy conditions. An over stern rudder is a useful mechanism utilising foot pedals to steer the kayak, while a skeg helps with stability and improves tracking .
The depth of the skeg in the water generally determines how effectively it stabilises the kayak. By deploying the skeg just enough to maintain a straight course, you can paddle more efficiently, even in challenging conditions. Some models, like the Riot Brittany 16 Kayak, have excellent retractable skegs that allow you to stay on course with ease.
It’s really beneficial to familiarise yourself with how these tools work and practice using them before embarking on your expedition. Overall, the use of rudders and skegs can make a significant difference in your ability to navigate in various waters.
Edging Your Kayak
Edging your kayak is a technique used to improve control, manoeuvrability, and stability, especially when navigating tight turns or challenging conditions.
Learning how to edge your kayak requires practice and familiarity with how your kayak responds to different movements. Before attempting this technique in open water, practice first in calm environments such as lakes or enclosed waterways.
Once you’ve mastered edging, you’ll find that it opens the door to new possibilities for enhanced manoeuvrability, improved tracking, increased stability, efficient turns and better performance in rough conditions. Edging will ultimately give you greater control and confidence during your expedition.
Bring Appropriate Safety Gear
Safety should always be your top priority whenever you embark on a kayaking expedition. A Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is a requirement for every paddler, as it provides crucial buoyancy in case of an emergency. In addition to a PFD, consider bringing a GPS device to help you navigate and stay on course, especially in unfamiliar waters.
Sun protection, of course, is also important, as prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to sunburn or heatstroke. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective clothing, and apply sunscreen regularly.
Other essential safety gear includes a whistle, a first-aid kit, and a communication device such as a Personal Locator Beacon, VHF radio or mobile phone in a waterproof case. Having the right gear will keep you well prepared for any situation that may arise on the water.
For more info, be sure to check out our blogs for advice on the ‘Essential Safety Items that Every Kayaker Needs’ and ‘What To Wear When Kayaking’.
Get Everything You Need at PaddleZone
From state-of-the-art sea and expedition kayaks to paddles, clothing, accessories, and more, we’ve got everything you need for the next big kayaking expedition. Our products can be shipped to all corners of Australia, and we have two physical stores in Sydney and the Gold Coast.
As paddlers ourselves, we love helping our customers to find exactly what they’re looking for, and we only source products from the best brands in the industry. Check out our range and get in the zone today!
- Share :
-
-
-
