Hello, Adventurers! Welcome back to the Coastal Expeditions blog! If this is your first time visiting our blog, we’re happy to have you here. We are all about nature, adventure, and making the most out of the beautiful outdoors of South Carolina. If you enjoy all things hiking, paddling, kayaking, and spending time outdoors, you’ve come to the right place! Here on the blog, we dive deep into different habitats, excursions, conservation efforts, and nature programs. Our site is filled with interactive maps, destination guides, and educational resources. Since the weather is incredibly warm, we want to help you get out there and take advantage of all that the Lowcountry has to offer! We offer guided tours of the beautiful Lowcountry by kayak, paddleboard, ferry, boat, and private charter. We also have hands-on workshops taught by highly-trained guides on wilderness skills, birding, identifying native plants, sustainability, and camping. Anything you want to learn about, we teach! If you haven’t already, we encourage you to take a look around our site to learn more about our offerings. In our last post, we discussed the best places to eat before or after a tour in Charleston. Today, we’ll be talking about how to plan a safe kayaking trip. Kayaking is a great way to be active and explore the beauty of the outdoors, but it’s important to do it safely. There are a few steps you can take to ensure a safe kayaking experience! If you are interested in learning about kayaking safety, you’re in the right place! Let’s get started.

Bring the right gear. 

First and foremost, when you go kayaking, you’ll need the right gear. In our previous blog about kayaking, we discussed the gear needed. Here’s a short recap:

• A kayak, of course! 
• A paddle. A kayak paddle is similar to an oar, but has blades on both ends. The length of your paddle will vary depending on the size of your kayak, and your height will also factor into the paddle size.
• Personal Floatation Device (PFD). This gives you more buoyancy to help you stay afloat in the water. For adults, chest size determines the size of PFD you need. For children, their weight will determine the size.
• Dry bag. While not completely essential, a dry bag is a great item to have while kayaking. It allows you to store small, personal items while you are in the water, such as your ID, phone, first aid kit, and even snacks. 

In addition to gear, proper clothing is necessary. The exact type of clothing you should wear will depend on the temperature of the water you plan to kayak in. Even if it’s not extremely cold outside, the water might be freezing! A general rule of thumb is to dress for immersion— There’s always a possibility that you will get wet. For colder conditions, a dry suit is appropriate, as it provides thermal insulation and has watertight gaskets to keep the wearer dry. Dressing in layers is also important, especially waterproof layers. In warmer climates, choose clothing that will provide sun protection. Look for something lightweight, but not too thin. Having the right gear and wearing the right clothing is a great start to safety!

As mentioned above, it is a good idea to keep a first aid kit in your dry bag. When exploring the outdoors, you need to be prepared for anything. A basic first aid kit for paddling should include:

• Bandages of varying sizes 
• Dressings and gauze pads
• Medical tape
• Scissors and/or a knife or multi-tool
• Antibiotic cream or ointment
• Alcohol-based wound cleanser

You may also choose to include over-the-counter painkillers in case of a headache, and any other necessary medication you need. 

Plan your route.

One of the best things you can do to ensure your safety on a kayaking trip is to adequately plan your route! Figure out exactly where you are starting from, and where you plan to end up. If you’re coming on a guided tour with us, our knowledgeable staff will help you! If you are embarking on an adventure of your own, you’ll want to make sure you do your research ahead of time. You may find it helpful to use maps or guidebooks to plan your trip. If possible, ask experienced kayakers (or our guides!) for advice on the best places to go kayaking, as well as areas you may want to avoid. Knowing exactly where you are going will decrease your chance of getting lost. Plan your route, and stick to it to avoid danger. 

Keep your capabilities in mind.

If you are new to kayaking, be sure to keep that in mind when you plan your trip. While we encourage you to be adventurous, it is also important to be honest with yourself when it comes to your capabilities. It’s always best to start small! This will minimize the likelihood of complications. Here are some tips for beginners:

• Look for calm, flat water and avoid rapids. 
• Choose small bodies of water, such as bigger ponds and smaller lakes. 
• Choose an area that is popular with other paddlers, so that you are not alone. 
• Pick routes that keep you close to shore. 

Whether you are a new paddler or not, be sure to share your plans with a friend or family member. Let them know where you plan to go and what time you plan to be back.

Be aware of weather conditions.

Before you head out on your kayaking journey, make sure to check the local weather for the area you plan to visit. Not only will this help you determine what clothing to wear, but it will also give you an idea of what to expect. For example, will it be windy? Wind speed can have a significant impact on your paddling safety, as it can alter the movement of your kayak. Additionally, keep in mind that conditions are often the calmest in the morning hours. It is also a good idea to research local hazards, or ask local paddling shops or clubs. They will be able to let you know if there are any currents to be aware of, or let you know some of the best times of day to go kayaking in general. While checking the forecast, you should also take note of what time the sun will set, so that you can make sure you enjoy your trip and make it back in time before it gets dark. 

As you can see, these are just a few steps you can take to ensure a safe kayaking experience! Here at Coastal Expeditions, our knowledgeable guides are eager to answer any questions you may have about kayaking. Coastal Expeditions offers kayak and paddleboard rentals, as well as a variety of guided eco-tours, so be sure to check out our current tours and trips! We hope you found this article informative! As always, we thank you for reading and we hope to see you back on our blog soon. If you have any questions about our guided tours, reach out to us! At Coastal Expeditions, we are committed to introducing people to the wonders of the ecosystems of the Charleston area by providing guided tours and educational opportunities. If you’re looking to explore all that the Lowcountry has to offer, check out our offerings on our website to find the adventure which suits you best! We also offer kid-friendly tours as well as kids’ programs, camps, and kayak lessons. Our tours are led by knowledgeable, approachable naturalists and sea captains who are eager to answer your questions! Until next time, readers. Get out there and explore! Adventure awaits!