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Sea kayak overnight camping experience - 28/29 March (and briefing on 10 March)
As referenced in James’ proposed Scottish sea kayak expedition in May, we said that we would run an introductory sea kayak camping trip. You do not need to come on James’s trip to come on this trip. The location will be subject to weather, but I am currently thinking of paddling from either Fowey (Cornwall) or Wanwell Beach in South Devon – details to follow. Camping beach locations would be Lantic Bay or Aymer Cove respectively.
This is an introductory, overnight sea kayak trip, which will not be too far, but will be aimed at introducing people to the use of kit that they might need for an overnight (and longer expeditions) trip in a sea kayak. It will involve planning a trip, and paddling a loaded sea kayak: they feel a lot different (but come into their own) when loaded!
On the beach overnight, we will erect tents and have a camp fire – erecting a tent in sand (or on bare rock!) is not always what you might be used to on a normal campsite – and we will cover the improvisation necessary in these cases. And then there are toilet activities….!
In advance of this trip, I will give a briefing based on my experience of what kit to carry, and how to load a kayak on Tuesday 10 March at McClains shed at 7.00pm.
Anyone is welcome on the 10th March, whether you plan to come on the 28/29 March overnight camp or not … just turn up.
If you plan to come on the overnight camp on the 28/29 March, please post below… (if more than 6 people, I would need other leaders) ... it will be fun!
Comments
Thanks to those who came along this evening. I hope it was a useful indication of what is useful when camping from a sea kayak. I put the following list together a couple of years ago ready for a week long trip around Bute. There is no fixed list, and this just gvies a general idea, to be modified by what you have and what you need. An overnight trip means you can travel a bit lighter.
I think that the key themes are pack stuff into small drybags, and get as much air out as possible; split your tent down into a couple of drybags, carry water low down; do not overpack (although we all do!); double bag your sleeping bag as that really would be uncomfortable if wet.
Kayak gear
Boat & Paddle
Split paddles (Perhaps only 2 pairs between the group)
Cag
Shortie cag (if you have one – not necessary if you don’t)
Shorts
Base layer bottoms, tops, t shirts, (a fleece layer just in case it is cold – and is good inside sleeping bag)
River shoes / trainers
Sunglasses / chord
Aquapacks for money, car keys, mobile phone etc.
Spraydeck
PFD
First Aid Kit (2 for the group – minimal kit)
Tow lines if you have them (don’t bother if you don’t)
Dry bags
VHF Radio (if you have one – don’t bother if you don’t)
Pump (if you have one – don’t bother if you don’t)
Trolley – capable of carrying a fully loaded kayak.(if you have one – don’t bother if you don’t)
Drysuit
Travelling clothes – worth leaving these in the car for return in cleanish clothes
Outdoor gear
Spare batteries
Head Torch
Boots / walking shoes
Waterproofs
Suncream
Smidge (for midges)
Mozzy / midge head net (optional)
Maps
Shore Clothes
1 pair light walking trousers
T Shirt
1 x warm Sweater
Socks (fresh pair each day) Yesterdays can be worn on the water to stop blisters from river shoes)
Undies
Warm coat / Fleece
Sun hat
Changing robe – doubles as a towel. Alternatively, a large beach towel.
Toiletries
Food
Squash
Drink
Washing up liquid
Flask
Water container – purpose water bladders, or a couple of 2 litre lemonade bottles will do.
Camera
Book
Mobile Phone
Power bank for USB charging.
Camping gear
Tent (pack in separate drybags (cheap ones will do)) Poles go can go up into the ends of the kayaks – attach string to make it easy to pull them back don into reach)
Sleeping bag (double bagged in dry bags)
Sleeping mat
Small camping gas cooker
Pan – doubles as a dish
Spork
2x disposable lighters
Storm cag / group shelter / if you have one.
Toilet roll – (keep in a bloody good drybag!)
Group Trowel – (burn used toilet paper if safe to do so – bury the rest).
Anti-bacterial hand gel.
A couple of IKEA bags to carry kit in. Can be folded down.
I am technically on the coronavirus "At risk" list due to an injury when I was a child, and should be self isolating for at least 12 weeks. I will not be doing so, but am not sure that me going on the camping trip next weekend is a good idea until I understand it better.
On current advice, provided limiting car sharing, I can't see that it is a problem, and if people are still interested, Helen has offered to lead the trip. Please could people confirm interest below?
I won't be coming now, there's new advice out today for Asthma sufferers which recommends isolation for people on certain medications, so I have to stay away :-( . The asthma society website/facebook page is worth a look if anyone else has asthma. Can't wait to get back on the water when its all over.
When it is all over, we must have a kayak based beach party!
If it weren't for circumstances, the plan would have been to camp here tonight! Let's do it when this whole thing is over!
