How to Road Trip With a Kayak

Planning any sort of road trip is going to take a variety of considerations but kayaking throws a few extra into the mix. Getting out on the open water is an adventure unlike any other but if you don’t plan your trip, you’ll end up with more disappointments than memories. To help Veterans get started, we’ve compiled a list of tips and steps that will not only ensure that your trip is a success, but will also answer of question of "how to plan a USA road trip with a kayak."

How to Plan a USA Road Trip With a Kayak Step 1: Pick Your Destination

The VA found that kayaking is one of the most successful programs for Veterans as a great way to receive therapy and connect with others within the community. Thankfully, you have plenty of places to explore too. There are around 125,000 lakes, 250,000+ rivers, and various other bodies of water, including the Gulf of Mexico and two oceans, waiting to be explored. These figures don’t even include Hawaii or Alaska, either. This is a blessing and a curse because you’re going to want to research your destination and route to be properly prepared for your road trip. Where you are going will determine the rest of the steps. This is because you’ll need to know what to bring, local weather patterns to research, costs, regulations to adhere to, etc.

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Step 2: Choose the Right Gear

If you’re planning an American road trip to go kayaking, you’re going to need the gear necessary for the terrain and weather. Some things are universal, such as having gear and systems in place for keeping clothing dry. Others can be more focused on the region and season your adventure will take place in. It’s safe to say that you’ll need different clothing, safety gear, and provisions paddling around Lake Tahoe in the winter than if you would going down the Waccamaw River in the summer. Dress accordingly, prepare accordingly, and always put safety first when heading out on a road trip to kayak in the USA.

Step 3: Ask Locals

This tip is two-fold in that before you head out for your kayak road trip, it’s a good idea to put social media to actual good use. Instead of commenting on the latest celebrity or political scandal, looking up sports highlights, or laughing at funny videos, social media can actually be a great place to learn a thing or two. There are several groups and pages about kayaking. In fact, many are regional and happy to include respectful inquiries from fellow enthusiasts. Beyond connecting online, when you arrive at your destination, it’s always a good idea to ask locals about regulations, hazards, hidden gems, and conditions to look out for. Being respectful goes a long way. Communicating with locals is the best way to find out things that no weather report or online blog could ever provide.

Step 4: Go with a Friend and Notify Someone Back Home