How to Prepare for a Sea Kayaking Trip

For many of our clients, sea kayaking is an entirely new experience, often leaving them unsure how to best pack and prepare themselves for their big adventure. While we provide all of the kayaking gear needed for a day on the water, you will still need to bring a few things to make the day as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.  Here are a few tips to help you plan for your sea kayaking adventure. Additionally when you book with us we will send you a detailed confirmation email with all of this info and more. If you signed up for the Sea Cave Kayak, be sure to check out our info sheet as well. 

How to Prepare for Your Kayaking Adventure:

1. First, make sure you know when and where your trip starts. All of our kayaking adventures meet on-site, meaning at the starting point of the actual trip, not at our warehouse. Be sure to fully read your email confirmation to see what you need to bring and where to meet the guide the day of your trip.
2. Water – Hydration is the most essential step we must take to comfortably maintain a high level of activity over extended periods of time (such as kayaking)! Your motto should be, “drink early, and drink often,” meaning on the day of your trip wake up and start drinking water immediately and regularly up to and during your trip. We provide water on our coastal kayaking trips, but you are responsible to bring your own water on all island trips. We recommend at least 2 quarts per person for a full day trip.
3. Synthetic Clothing – Although most of the clothes we own these days are made of cotton, you do not want these layers when kayaking! Cotton gets wet, and gets cold. What you want to bring is synthetic (think polyester, fleece, nylon, swimsuits) clothing, as it wicks away moisture, including both sweat and water. Of course, you do not have to go out and spend hundreds on a new wardrobe of synthetic layers to kayak with us, but if you expect to kayak in jeans, you may want to think again! (Note: Wetsuits are provided on cold days and wind & water resistant paddle jackets are provided on all kayaking trips and we leave it up to you whether or not to wear them.)
4. Sun Protection – It is amazing what a hat, water shoes, and some sunscreen (well applied) will do to protect our skin from the sun. A hat is a great first step to protect your face from burning, but be sure to lotion up your face regardless, as the water reflects the UV rays off its surface, exposing your skin even if it appears to be shaded from the sun. Additionally, when applying sunscreen, apply it EVERYWHERE your skin is exposed, not just dabs on your cheek.
5. Water Shoes – On all of our sea kayak trips you will spend some time walking on uneven surfaces such as rocky beaches or harbor launch ramps and reliable footwear is a must. durable wet shoes such as “Tevas” or “Aqua Socks” are preferable but or an old pair of tennis shoes will work fine as well (just remember they will get wet).
6. The Little Things – A change of clothes for after the tour, a hat with a brim, sunglasses with a neck strap, waterproof camera and a towel.
7. A Positive Attitude – You are going on an adventure! Don’t let the nerves get to you, and if you have any pressing concerns or questions, our office staff will happily answer your questions through our website’s chat service, via email, or over the phone (805) 884-WAVE.