We could dive much deeper, but for now, here’s a handy checklist to help you get started. Another checklist for reviewing risk management, making route plans and what to do when things don’t go as planned can be read here.
Gear & Equipment
First, make sure you have, or can rent, the right kayak and safety gear:
- Kayak options: Plastic, Fiberglass, Kevlar, or Thermoform kayaks with a minimum of 2 bulkheads.
- Essential safety gear:
- Sprayskirt,bilge pump, paddle and spare paddle
- Throw bag (50 ft of buoyant rope)
- Whistle
- Lifejacket (worn at all times)
- Extended trip essentials: Flares, VHF radio, cell phone, and a paddle float for re-boarding if you plan to travel beyond the immediate shoreline or a day paddle.
- Personal Items and Clothing: Here’s a how to on what to wear kayaking in the Pacific North West. To add to this list a paddlejacket, and immersion gear like drysuits and wetsuits for self-guided trips should also be considered.
- Camping and Cooking Gear: The nice part about kayaking is that gear does not have to be ultra lightweight. Know the specs of your kayaks to know what your limitations may be. Other considerations include:
- Drinking Water – general rule is to bring 3L per person per day. Of course, for longer trips you may be able to refill at a creek or waterfall. These locations during each season are critical information to know before you go. Water filters, tablets or spare fuel are purifying options.
- Fire – Campfire bans should be reviewed prior to a trip. Fires should always be small and made below the current high tide line in the intertidal zone. Leaving when the fire is completely out or in coals is the best practice in BC marine environments.
Skills & Training
- Re-entry techniques: Have you been taught through a course, club, or experienced friend how to re-enter your kayak both solo and assisted? This should feel natural in calm and challenging conditions before heading into semi-remote or remote areas.
- Paddling skills and stamina: Consider your experience in different water conditions, your form, dynamic paddling technique, recovery, maneuverability, and stability.
Understanding Marine Travel
Deep knowledge of tides, currents, weather, and navigation is critical for safe self-guided trips. Each component interconnects in making smart decisions:
- Tides & Currents: Know the timing of both Tides and Currents and how each may impact your travel area.
- Weather: Check multiple sources for planning and updates:
- Marine Weather Forecast
- The Weather Network
- Windy
- Satellite communicators like Zoleo, Spot, or Garmin
- Navigation tools: Redundancy is key.
- Physical: Chart in a waterproof case + northern hemisphere compass, always visible while paddling.
- Digital: Apps like Navionics, Windy, or CalTopo. For areas without cell coverage, download maps and updates beforehand.
- Know how to read and use charts to plan routes, locate campsites and stops, and factor in tides and currents.
Group Dynamics & Risk Management
- Define group pace, distance goals, and priorities.
- Discuss conflict resolution and alternative plans.
- Understand the group’s risk awareness, tolerance, and management approach.
- Evaluate how goal-driven the group is and their flexibility regarding safety and individual needs.
Further Group Considerations
- Who is the most experienced person, and do they feel confident leading? Have they been in similar terrain?
- Is leadership shared or assigned?
- Is there clear communication for group pace, decision-making, and safety?
- Does everyone understand each other’s limitations and trip outcome desires?
- Have there been multiple meetings to discuss trip logistics, route planning, safety procedures and competence of safety gear?
Responsible Travel
- Knowing the basic back country etiquette is important for all kayakers. Sharing this information along with needed resources to the group will help everyone and the spaces you travel. Another resource is BC Marine Trail Code of Conduct.
- Check out BC Marine Trails to plan day and camp spots and avoid areas listed as a no go. Many sites that are listed with a red cross indicate ecosystem sensitivity and First Nations related restrictions. These are not suggestions rather absolute no go’s unless it is a critical emergency.
We hope this is a useful self guided trip starter for you. Happy Paddling.