Sailing and Camping

What better way to enjoy the outdoors then packing up some supplies and spending a weekend or more out in nature. There are lots of ways to get to secluded locations where you can really enjoy nature without the distractions of civilization by both land and water. Waterways are a great way to navigate through secluded nature reserves that may not have large networks of maintained trails to follow giving you access to beautiful locations that you might not otherwise be able to reach. Although a motor boat may take you longer distances in a day, using a kayak instead allows you to maintain a decent speed while not disturbing or scaring off local wildlife which gives you an even more spectacular view. The low profile and quiet propulsion makes it a perfect means of travel for aquatic bird watchers and other wildlife enthusiasts.

The first step in planning any wilderness camping trip is to establish an itinerary of where you will be staying and making sure to acquire the appropriate permits and reservations for your camp sites. Read up on the local rules especially those concerning bear safety (food storage at night) and camp fires. Make sure you are prepared for the season and what weather conditions you may face as well as having a well stocked emergency first aid kit. The next step is waterproofing everything. Whenever you are traveling by water things are going to get wet. You can purchase special waterproof sleeping bag totes that work great for your cloths and bed things. Keep your bags small as they will need to fit in the compartments inside the kayak which often have quite small hatches for stowage.

Finally you're ready to take off. Whether you're in calm fresh waters, rough ocean waves, or anywhere in between, kayaking offers a great alternative type of passage. The paddles can be feathered which means one oar on the stick is turned perpendicular to the other. While the twisting motion may take a second to get used to, it allows you to paddle in higher winds without impeding your stroke by blowing the paddle backwards as you go. On choppy waters you can employ a dry skirt which fits around your waste and attaches to the rim of your seating area creating a water tight barrier that will keep your legs and feet dry as you paddle. Kayaks offer a variety of comforts and are a great choice for camping and traveling in secluded natural settings.