Proper Loading of your Kayak maintains Manageability and Stability
LLBean offers a weekly work shop at their store regarding the subjects of nature, camping or hiking. Where they do offer many hikes and other events where there is a fee, this presentation is free of charge. This week Tony discussed the dos don't and what to watch while taking a camping trip with your kayak.
If hiking during the trip he suggest that the maximum weight of gear would be 25% of body weight or less. Thus a 200 lb person depending on fitness should be comfortable with carrying 50 lbs of gear. Therfore your trip needs thought and planning. Does that weight include water? Will water be at the camp site? Food? How much does my clothing weight? He introduced the wide variety of food designed for campers and portable stoves. How much clothing how much does it weight. After gathering the needed gear it has to be placed within the kayak in such a way as to protect the supplies in the event of capsizing, and the weight must be properly distributed to allow proper control of and keep the boat responsive.
If disaster comes such as the boat capsizing a person should be trained and learn the recommended techniques of righting the boat, and re-boarding. He highly recommends taking a kayaking rescue class that they offer.
Photograph of kayak training session at YMCA Camp Ockanickon, Marlton, New Jersey.
