Las Vegas Kayaking: How To Prepare
A Colorado River kayaking trip is one of the most unique ways to experience the great outdoors around Las Vegas. In order to make your trip as relaxing and enjoyable as possible, you’ll want to put some thought and planning into what you’ll need to bring along. Having the proper items on your kayak Las Vegas expedition will make your outing on the water safer and even more fun. Whether you’re planning to go out for just a few hours or you are preparing for a full day’s adventure, Blazin’ Paddles has recommendations on what to bring along and important considerations to keep in mind.
Consider Your Boat’s Size
Before you start planning what to pack for your trip, you will need to consider the type of kayak that you’ll be using. The largest type of kayak that you may be paddling on a kayak outing is a touring kayak. A touring kayak is designed for multi-day adventures, which means it has the most storage space out of any boat type. Sea kayaks also have a considerable amount of space. Both kinds of kayaks often have watertight storage spaces for stashing your gear. Whitewater kayaks have less internal storage capacity, but you can sometimes bring along more gear if the boat has a crossover-style hull with open storage space.
What Clothing Should I Pack?
This is one of the most common questions among kayakers who are preparing for a trip, and for good reason. Clothing is one of the most important items you’ll take along on your adventure. Ultimately, the key to success for packing clothing for a kayaking trip is bringing (and wearing) layers. You should have two sets of synthetic base layers so that you can wear one set boating and the other back on land. Since temperatures can drop when the sun goes down or if there’s a breeze, you’ll want to bring a fleece or other lightweight jacket along. Board shorts are also recommended. You can wear sandals kayaking in warm weather, but you might want to bring other waterproof footwear for better traction and a separate pair of shoes to wear after exiting the water.
Along with clothing, consider bringing along any accessories you may need for sun protection and protection against the elements, including:
- Sun hat or visor
- Beanie
- Sunglasses
- Wool or synthetic socks
- Neck gaiter
Equipment
Having the right equipment is also essential when you’re preparing for a Black Canyon kayaking outing. Along with the boat and paddles, consider taking along the following items:
- Food bags
- Water and water storage
- Repair equipment
- Spare paddle
- Spray Skirt
Food bags will keep your food dry and safe from spoilage. If you are heading out on a longer kayak adventure, consider labeling the bags based on the meal or the type of food in the bags to make access easier.
Bringing plenty of water along for your ride is also critical in order to prevent dehydration. For a day’s outing, pack extra water bottles or bring along a water bladder to hold excess water.
If you’re planning to go out by yourself on the water without a group or a guide, you should have repair equipment along as well in case emergency repairs are necessary while you’re out paddling. A basic repair kit should contain zip ties, heavy-duty tape, a needle and thread, and spare parts made by the manufacturer. Your repair kit should also include a spare paddle. Depending on your experience and comfort level, you may also want to take a spray skirt along to keep yourself and your belongings dry.
Safety and First Aid
Having a basic set of safety gear is also highly recommended when you are going on a kayaking tour. Your safety gear checklist should include a personal flotation device (PFD) that is approved for kayaking by the US Coast Guard. Your PFD should be properly fitted and suitable for the type of water that you will be kayaking in. A first aid kit should be included in your safety gear checklist as well with basic provisions such as band aids, scissors, tape, gauze, alcohol cleansing wipes, and over-the-counter medications for scrapes, pain relief, and insect bites. Any regular medication that you take should be included in the package too, including extras of your daily medicines and allergy medication. A compass, knife, and satellite communication device should be packed into the boat as well.
Valuables and Other Personal Items
Many people want to bring along valuable items and personal electronics such as cell phones and cameras. If you prefer to take your valuables with you, be sure to put them in a waterproof bag so that they do not get wet and consequently damaged. If you’re taking a phone or camera along, remember to charge the battery before leaving home.
What to Bring Sea Kayaking
If you’ll be venturing out into the ocean or even a large lake or other fast-moving body of water, you’ll want to bring along additional supplemental gear. Your open-water kayaking kit should include nautical charts and maps, a radio, a signal flare, a sponge and bailer in case excess water gets into your boat, waste bags, and bowlines.
Specific Gear for River Kayaking
Similarly, river kayaking will require some additional items. A river kayaking kit should include a groover, pin kit, river guide book or map of the area, and a helmet if you plan to do any whitewater river kayaking.
Las Vegas Kayaking with Blazin’ Paddles
Now that you know what type of gear to bring along for kayaking, it’s time to hit the water. If you’re wondering “where can I find a good place to kayak near me?”, Blazin’ Paddles is your solution. Blazin’ Paddles offers a variety of tours for all kayakers. You can embark on a group trip or take your own self-guided Colorado River kayaking tour if you are a more seasoned kayaker. Blazin’ Paddles will answer all your questions about the proper gear to bring along, too. Don’t hesitate to ask the expert staff today to ensure a smooth and enjoyable kayak tour.