The Ultimate Guide to Winter Kayaking

Though some may scoff at the idea of spending long days out on the water during the peak of the winter season, others may see it as a call to adventure. If you’re one of those people ready for the adventure of a lifetime, you’re in the right place.

Winter kayaking is unlike any other exploration in the world and is certainly not meant for everyone. If you’re a well-practiced kayaker looking to broaden your horizons, we’re here to help. 

In this guide, we will cover some of the more prominent challenges you will face and the ways you can best prepare for a memorable and safe trip. 

Adventure waits for no one, so let’s get started. 

Why Kayak in the Winter?

Kayaking in the winter is an incredible adventure. You will have the chance to view nature during one of its most peaceful and serene seasons. You’ll travel off the beaten path and explore rarely traversed routes for a unique and exciting experience you cannot match elsewhere. 

Winter landscapes are truly breathtaking and rare to see in such an uncrowded and untouched environment. If you can brave the cold, you will reap the rewards of this incredible method of exploration.

While there are many wonderful sights to see, outdoor activities in freezing conditions inherently involve many dangers. Proper research and preparation are vital to ensure you stay safe on your journey. 

The Challenges of Cold Weather Kayaking

Let’s make something clear – winter kayaking is a relatively dangerous activity. It is generally only recommended for those who are well-practiced and comfortable with a paddle in their hands. Here are the main concerns you should consider before setting out on this excursion.

1. Risk of Hypothermia 

Cold air and water significantly increase the risk of developing hypothermia. If you were to capsize or even be exposed to the freezing water, you may find yourself in a scary situation. Wearing the correct materials and having a backup plan for warmth can mitigate this risk, though it’s impossible to avoid it altogether. 

2. Unpredictable Weather Conditions 

Weather conditions can change drastically during the winter months. To stay safe, you should always pay close attention to the forecast and alter your plans as necessary.

3. Limited Daylight Hours

The sun sets much earlier in the winter, so you must plan your travel times around the daylight hours. Being stuck outside on the water during the night increases your risk of developing hypothermia or even getting lost, so heed this warning when making your plans. 

How To Prepare for Winter Kayaking

If you feel capable of dealing with the challenges listed above, it’s time to dive into the preparation and planning phase for your trip. Always be sure to do your research based on the specific location you will be travelling to, but the information below should provide you with a good starting point. 

1. Essential Winter Kayaking Gear

Your gear is arguably the most important factor to plan for when packing for your winter kayaking trip. Here are the essentials that you should absolutely include in your pack.

Baselayers

Each layer is crucial when dressing for freezing conditions. Baselayers are the layers that will be directly touching your skin and are designed to help regulate moisture and body temperature. Investing in a high-quality, water-wicking material is typically best for this layer and should help to create an initial barrier between your skin and the cold.

Midlayers

Midayers come after baselayers and serve a bit of a different purpose. Their primary role is to keep your body warm by retaining heat. These layers are to be worn on top of the base layers and underneath your outer layers. 

Most of these items are thicker, though you should always search for options that are comfortable to move in and stay in for long hours.

Kayaking Booties

Now that you have the proper layers planned out, you should find a good pair of kayaking booties to wear on your trip. These booties should be waterproof and insulated to keep your feet warm while you spend long days paddling the waterways. 

These boots also have grips on the bottom, which will help you to walk through slippery or rocky terrain. Don’t be afraid to take your time with this purchase and try on a few different pairs until you find the most comfortable.

A Drysuit

To ensure that you stay completely dry for the entirety of your time on the water, you should be sure to bring along a dry suit. These suits are designed to seal you in and keep water out. They are designed with waterproof materials and are an excellent investment to ensure your clothing layers stay dry.

Lifejacket

Safety is paramount when paddling through cold water. Though falling into the water is unlikely, it is possible, and you should be prepared for it just in case. Lifejackets are required for kayakers and are an added safety measure that should not be forgotten. 

Backup Power

Those of you who plan to take a lengthy winter kayaking trip should have a backup power source ready. The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series is compact, easy to transport, and can work in a pinch if you need access to electricity.

A Dry Bag

If you’re bringing along electronics or other important items that cannot get wet, you should invest in a dry bag for your trip. As the name suggests, these bags seal water out and will keep all of the interior items safe and dry.

2. Choosing Your Location

There are tons of great places around the world to take a winter kayaking trip. You will have to narrow down your options depending on what type of trip you would like to take. 

If you are more interested in a day trip to paddle through some winter landscapes, consider finding a nearby location so that you won’t have to travel too far on your way back home. 

If, on the other hand, you would like to spend a few uninterrupted days out in the great outdoors, you have a bit more freedom when choosing a destination. Do your best to find a route that has a designated stopping point for campers to set up for the night. Do plenty of research before you leave and see if any past travellers can provide specific pointers for your trip.

3. Winter Kayaking Techniques

Before heading out, ensure you have mastered some of the more critical kayaking techniques for your trip. Learning how to paddle efficiently will not only help you travel at a quicker pace but also conserve your energy, allowing you to make it through your trip with minimal issues. 

You should also take the time to practice your bracing and stability techniques. Depending on where you choose to kayak, choppy conditions may interfere with your balancing abilities. 

Be prepared for whatever comes your way, and ensure that you feel confident with a paddle before you set out on this adventure. 

5 Safety Tips To Remember When Winter Kayaking

1. Plan for Emergencies 

Emergencies tend to happen when you least expect them. If you are traveling alone or in a small group, it’s essential to have a plan in case something were to go wrong. Make sure you share your location with someone nearby and communicate with them regularly to let them know you are okay. 

Take the time to study the surrounding area and escape routes of the campground or location where you are staying, and always err on the side of caution on these types of trips. The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max is a great investment to ensure your phone and electronics stay charged throughout your journey.

2. Wear the Proper Clothing 

While this may go without saying, wearing plenty of warm and insulated clothes during your trip is incredibly important for your health and safety. Freezing conditions and being surrounded by water do not mix if you’re not dressed for the conditions. 

Layering is your best bet on a kayaking camping trip. You will need waterproof items when you are travelling in the kayak, and you should have plenty of thick and warm items when you stop to set up camp for the evening. Invest in high-quality layers, and don’t skimp on packing to the point where you wish you had brought more. 

Another great addition for setting up camp is the EcoFlow Wave 2 Portable AC, which can be used as a heater in compact areas. This helpful tool will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable night in your tent no matter what the outdoor temperatures may drop to.

3. Stay Nourished and Hydrated 

You will be burning a ton of calories from those long days of paddling out in the water. To ensure you feel energized and fully capable, you must make a plan to stay well-nourished and hydrated for the length of your trip. 

EcoFlow’s Glacier Portable Refrigerator is the easiest solution to bringing along all of the food and drink items you will need. This compact refrigerator can store tons of perishable items and is easy to bring along, even in a kayak.

4. Check Weather Conditions 

In the days before your trip, you should always pay close attention to the weather report, and don’t be afraid to make last-minute changes if you feel they are best. 

Weather conditions in the winter season can change quickly, so always have a way to check the forecast and stay informed, even when you’re away from the grid. 

The EcoFlow RIVER 3 is a great tool for providing power to electronic devices and can help you stay up to date on any changes in weather. 

5. Have a Reliable Navigation System

When you are out on your kayak, getting off your desired path can be quite easy. To ensure you don’t get lost, always have a reliable navigation system onboard and ready. 

There are many electronic navigation systems that can help you find your way back to the designated route you have chosen, though they may become unreliable if you go too far off the grid. 

Though they may seem a bit outdated, paper maps and compasses can work in a pinch and help you stay on track throughout your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Winter kayaking trips are meant only for those who are up for a true adventure into the wilderness. If, after reading this guide, you feel that you are up to the challenge, you’re in for an experience unlike anything you’ve done before. 

Ready to get to packing? The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max is the perfect accompaniment to any camping trip and will help to keep you safe and connected throughout your journey.