Dallas Baker, Coastal Expeditions Guide, goes over basic safety gear for kayaking

The Post & Courier ran a feature article on water safety in today’s paper, recognizing the risks associated when you recreate in the creeks, estuaries and ocean.  Dallas Baker, a Coastal Expeditions guide, shared what he brings with him on every tour, from PFD (personal flotation device) to pocketknife.

In addition to bringing the right gear and wearing proper clothing, like synthetic clothing and a hat, we always have a ‘float plan’ in place.  This information, including starting point and ending point, expected time of return and the number of people we are with, is shared with someone (in our case, our HQ).  Like signing in at a trailhead when you’re hiking, this gives other people an idea of your whereabouts and is a crucial part of water safety.  Friends of ours, like Bob Raynor (author of Exploring Bull Island) sends Chris a text before he sets out on his Sunfish sailboat.  When he returns, the phone will ding again with an “all clear!” text.  Bob knows that Chris understands the waters where he’ll be sailing, and that he the acumen to search for him if there is a problem.

If you’re interested in getting out on the water and want to know basic water safety, call us up and we’ll teach you what you need to know the the gear you need to have in order to have a fun time exploring the Lowcountry.  All of our lessons are customized to your group, and the price is good for up to 4 people.

Perhaps you’ve thought about taking a class but anticipated that the lesson would be beyond what you are looking for or that the guides would be too serious.  Brush those thoughts to the side!  Your teacher will one of the same guides that hike you through Bulls Island, paddle you down Shem Creek and camp with you on Capers.  They have all been novice kayakers themselves and understand the learning curve!

You can keep it as basic as learning kayak safety, like how to get into and out of your kayak, the forward stroke and how to get back in your kayak if you fall out.  Or you can get more advanced and learn how to roll your kayak or kayak in the surf!  You’ll find that your instructors are patient, personable and ready to teach you how to enjoy the great sport of kayaking!

Want to know more about lessons we offer?