We recommend building yourself a trip plan which not only helps you plan and organize, but also helps you when you’re out on your trip to navigate and make decissions as you go. We call it “getting into the map”. It also provides you with a bit extra safety margin if things should not go as planned. 

We recommend making a trip plan that contains the following and asking yourself these questions:

Itinerary and daily schedule (Plan A)

• Route checkpoints: Where is your start and end point each day?

• Pacing and timing: How much time do you estimate each paddling stage will take?

• Lunch logistics: Are we able to land the kayaks safely for lunch, or do we need to eat on the water?

• Group capabilities: Does our daily distance target realistically match the endurance and skill level of the least experienced paddler in our group?

• Camp facilities: Where do you plan to camp each night, and what facilities (such as toilets or water sources) are available there?

• Provisions: How many meals do we need to pack, and where exactly can we replenish our fresh water?

• Sightseeing: Are there specific landmarks or points of interest along the route we want to explore?

• Environmental conditions: What is the weather forecast, and are there localized wind or current conditions we must take into account?

Contingency options (Plan B)

• Route modifications: How can we alter our route so that the trip remains safe and enjoyable for everyone if the group gets tired?

• Weather changes: What is our plan if the wind speeds or wave heights turn bad?

• Reverse tracking: Can we safely paddle back the same way we came if our forward path is blocked?

• Local ferry transport: Is ferry transportation available along our route, what are the timetables, and do we need to book our space in advance?

Emergency response (Plan C)

• Early extraction points: Where could we end the trip early if needed, and what are our physical escape options?

• Rapid exit zones: How can we finish the trip as quickly as possible, and what safe landing zones are available near road access?

• Emergency contact directory: In case of a serious incident, who are our primary operational and emergency contacts?

• Group signaling: How will we communicate with each other on the water if wind noise makes shouting impossible?

Environmental care

• Leave no trace: Do we have secure systems to pack out all of our waste and garbage?

• Wildlife buffers: Do we know the local regulations regarding safe distances from nesting birds and marine wildlife?

Packing list

Make sure you pack everything you need to stay warm, dry, and safe. Your inventory should cover kayaking gear, safety devices, camp infrastructure, and proper thermal clothing layers. Refer to our comprehensive packing list for deep inspiration.