If you love kayaking and don’t want to wait until warmer weather hits, it’s time to plan out how you can make a winter kayaking adventure happen.
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Winter weather doesn’t mean you have to put a hiatus on your kayaking activities or kayaking trips. In fact, for many experienced kayakers, winter paddling trips are some of the most thrilling and physically challenging. But along with having a firm grasp on kayaking safety basics, it’s also crucial to bring the right equipment on your outing. So, if you’re not ready to hang up your paddle just yet and want to experience an adventure you won’t soon forget, learn what to pack for a winter kayaking adventure.
Winter Kayaking Tips
There are just some simple tips to remember if you’re going to go kayaking in winter. The fact that Mother Nature can sometimes be very cold shouldn’t deter you from getting out and having a winter adventure.
By preparing a bit ahead of time, you can do your best to stay warm, dry, and safe during the kayaking adventure to make certain that it’s a pleasant time had by all.
Pack a Wetsuit for kayaking (or Drysuit)
If you’re going to kayak on colder waters, you need an extra layer of protection against the harsh conditions. This is why you should bring either a wetsuit or drysuit—depending on which is better for the situation. Wetsuits allow a small amount of water to touch your skin and act as an insulator against the cold, while kayak drysuits are completely waterproof and block out chilled water.
Always have Additional Clothing Layers
You should also pack and wear additional clothing layers, including kayaking pants, sweaters, socks, jeans, gloves, and facemasks. These items will help you maintain a healthy body temperature throughout the trip and reduce your risk of developing frostbite or hypothermia.
There are even wetsuit socks that can be a lifesaver for your feet.
Don’t Forget Sun Protection
Even though the sun might not shine as it does in the summer, your skin will still be exposed to harmful UV rays while you’re out on the water. As such, it’s crucial you take a few moments to apply sun protection before you begin kayaking—or you could find yourself with some serious sunburn by the end of the trip. You can also wear UPF-rated fabrics, as these are specifically designed to block some of the sun’s rays.
Bring Tow Ropes and Rescue Stirrups
Though you don’t intend for anything to go wrong while your kayaking, it’s important to be ready just in case something does. Cold waters can quickly zap a person of their energy if they happen to fall in. For this reason, it’s recommended you bring tow ropes or rescue stirrups along. You might not be the only one out on the water, and you can use these tools to quickly pull someone to safety in an emergency.
Go with a friend if possible
While you might be tempted to get out and go alone, it does pose the chance for the risk to be higher if something were to happen. Having a kayaking buddy or friend with you along for the ride means that there’s someone there to offer help and assistance if you need it, and vice-versa for them as well.
Purchase some waterproof bags to keep your phone in so you can call for help as needed.
These kayaking tips might be simple but can also be valuable resources that just might save your life. The last thing that you want to do is be unprepared and be caught off guard. With these simple tips for kayaking in the winter, you can rest easier knowing that you’ve covered some important needs to ensure that your kayaking trip is as safe and as warm as possible.
Do you have any winter kayaking tips to share?
More outdoor adventure posts:
Top Tips for Hiking in the Rain
Most Important Items for Camping in the Woods
The Best Affordable Travel Destinations in the U.S. for Outdoor-Lovers & Families
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