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Preparing for a Kayaking Vacation |
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Wednesday, 11 July 2007 |
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You’re overcome with anticipation and excitement as you begin preparing for your first kayaking vacation. This is the kind of trip that requires exceptional organization and planning and you want to do everything right. Your plan is to take the car ferry from Anacortes to the San Juan Islands, all within Washington State. For two days, you and three other family members will live out of 2-person kayaks, camping onshore at night. You recently became aware of the fact that kayaking is one of the fastest growing individual and family sports/activities in the United States. Statistics show that nearly one million people consider themselves enthusiasts, and the number continues to rise.
While careful preparation is necessary for a kayaking vacation, making a good checklist can make planning for the trip both easy and smart. As you’d do for any vacation, before you leave home, let someone know where you’re going, when you’ll be back, who’s in the party, and how to reach you by cell phone (if you have one). Gather and pack all necessary supplies such as food; camping equipment; life jackets; GPS; emergency signaling equipment; clothes; sundries, medicines and a first-aid kit; navigational maps; identification papers; and extra paddles and related kayaking tools for all four members of your family. Discuss a plan to address an emergency, such as capsizing, and check your kayaks to assure they’re seaworthy. Then take them out for a test run. Before you leave, go over your checklist again to make sure your preparations are fully in order. The preparations for your kayaking vacation are complete and you’re off. Have a memorable kayaking vacation! |