Once you have your route planned and some dry storage solutions for your gear, all that’s left is to pack up and hit the water. However, packing for a kayak trip can be easier said than done. Because you have limited space in your boat and the arrangement of your equipment can affect your paddling performance, it helps to keep a few things in mind as you stow your gear for launch.

When you’re packing up for a long kayaking trip in Jacksonville, keep these tips in mind:

Distribute weight evenly.

Proper weight distribution can help your kayak stay stable and well-trimmed. To maintain stability, try to pack the heavy stuff low and close to the center line. Trim, which refers to the tilt of your stern and bow in the water, is a bit trickier. Because a front or back tilt can cause the current and wind to push you off course, you want your kayak to sit as flat as possible in the water. To do this, it helps to put your boat in the water as you pack and watch how the weight pushes the stern and bow up and down. Also remember to accommodate for how your weight will change the trim when you enter the kayak.

To get the right weight distribution, heavy items like food and water should go on the bottom close to the cockpit. Lighter items like your sleeping bag can go near to the stern and bow, with medium weight items taking up the space between.

Keep necessities in easy reach.

Emergency supplies and important items will need to be somewhere you can get to them quickly. However, you’ll need to make sure they’re secure enough that they won’t be lost if you capsize. Here are some suggestions on where to keep these supplies:

• A first aid kit can be kept under your seat.
• Flares and whistles can be kept in a chest pocket on your PFD.
• Your emergency paddle can be stored in the cockpit or deck rigging.
• Your map and compass can be kept in a waterproof case and tucked in your jacket pocket.

It’s also a good idea to keep a snack and water bottle close at hand—investing in a hydration pack can make it even easier to keep yourself hydrated. A seat pack or other easily accessible waterproof bag may also be a good idea for storing small items you’ll need throughout the day.

Packing may seem insignificant, but it can make a big difference in any kayaking trip. If you need some help figuring out how to load up for your next adventure, stop by First Coast Outfitters.

Don’t get overly ambitious.

A good first step is to assess the skill level of everyone in your group and how much time you have for the trip. Though you may be excited to cover a lot of ground quickly, be sure you’re not going overboard—planning for lots of long days on the water can leave you sore, tired and having much less fun than you might be otherwise.

Consider experience level, types of kayaks being used, trip length and water and weather conditions when planning how far to go each day. For beginners on flat water in good conditions, two or three miles per day may be a good place to start—you may be able to handle more if you’re paddling with the wind or current, and should cut back a bit if you experience bad conditions. Keep in mind that your group may be slowed by unforeseen circumstances and will need to take time off to rest.

Do your research.

When you’re planning a route, do your best to learn its obstacles before you’re on the water, which may include:

• Rapids
• Expanses of open water
• High-walled valleys and narrow canyons
• Dams & low bridges
• Private property & restricted wildlife areas

These will need to be avoided or bypassed whenever possible, so be sure that doing so will be possible for your group. It’s also a good idea to take note of established campsites, landing and launching zones and portage routes. Depending on the skill level of your group, it may be a good idea to remain within easy access of civilization (just in case).

Have some fun along the way.

Any multiday kayaking trip can be about more than just paddling. As you plan, pay attention to attractions and activities that may be worth a stop along the way. Take time to enjoy hiking trails, beaches, beautiful sights and some good old fashioned R&R. Even if kayaking is the primary focus of your excursion, filling the trip with other activities and relaxation time can make the experience more enjoyable and rewarding.

A long kayak trip can be the adventure of a lifetime if you plan accordingly. What are some of your favorite places for multiday kayaking in the Jacksonville area? Tell us about them in the comments!

When you get home from any Jacksonville kayaking trip, it’s essential to store your boat in a way that defends it from three major threats:

Weight

If stored in certain positions, your kayak can distort itself with its own weight. You’ll need to make sure that your kayak’s weight is always distributed evenly by supporting it at many points along the hull. The best way to do this is with cradles or nylon strips that can conform to the curvature of the hull.

You should never stand your kayak up on one end, hang it from its grab loops, keep it lying on its side for long periods or store it supported only by its ends.

Theft

Unfortunately, we live in a world where not everyone is honest. Though a kayak is by no means the easiest thing to steal, some unsavory types may still make the attempt, so be sure that your kayak is out of sight and difficult to run off with if you have to keep it outside. You can also lock your kayak to a post or building by pulling a security cable through a durable part of the boat like a grab loop.

Nature

You may use your kayak to brave the elements, but leaving it exposed to them indefinitely is a surefire way to degrade your hull, regardless of what it’s made of. Though keeping your kayak in your house or garage will ward off most of nature’s negative effects, storing a long, bulky kayak indoors isn’t always an option.

To protect your kayak from the great outdoors, you’ll need to pay attention to:

• Saltwater. Any time you paddle in the ocean or even the brackish water of the St. John’s, you’ll need to rinse off your kayak with fresh water. Letting salt stand on your kayak can degrade the hull and corrode metal parts.
• Sunlight. Because prolonged exposure to the sun’s rays can cause damage to your hull, you’ll need to keep your kayak in a shady spot if you can’t store it inside. You can also suspend a weather-resistant tarp above your kayak to cover your entire hull, or use a UV protection spray.
• Precipitation. Covering your kayak with a tarp will keep out the sun, but if the tarp fills up with rain, the weight of the water can push down on the hull and cause damage. Be sure your tarp won’t collect water and distort your hull.

Whether you just got in from your first Jacksonville kayaking excursion or need to put your boat into long-term storage, it’s important to keep your kayak stored safely. How do you store your kayak in Jacksonville? If you have any more tips, let us know in the comments below!

Regardless of how long and strenuous your kayak trip will be, you’ll have a much better experience if you learn to avoid some of the most common sources of kayak-related discomfort. To stay comfortable as you kayak in Jacksonville, prepare yourself with these three tips:

Keep Those Muscles Loose

Kayaking can be a serious workout, but when you’re eager to get in the water, it’s easy to forget your warm-up.Before you put your paddle to the water, be sure you at least spend a few minutes stretching your muscles, especially in the parts of your body you’ll use most while kayaking. Sticking with a stretching routine before you paddle will get your blood flowing and your muscles loosened up, helping you stay more comfortable and free of injuries.

Protect the Skin You’re In

Florida is called the Sunshine State for a reason. Any time you’re kayaking in Jacksonville it’s a prudent choice to slather on some sunscreen to prevent your skin from getting burned, while wearing a hat can also help you avoid discomfort caused by that big burning orb in the sky.

Of course, long hours holding a paddle shaft can also chafe and blister your hands, forcing you to rest until you heal or paddle through the pain. Even if you feel more at home holding the paddle bare-handed, it’s best to have a pair of gloves—you might not always wear them, but bringing them along ensures that you can keep your hands protected when they start to get sore.

Drink Before You’re Thirsty

Thirst is your body’s way of telling you it needs water, but it’s also the first sign of dehydration. Instead of waiting for your body to beg you for a drink, it’s best to prehydrate, providing your muscles with the water they need before they start to get sore and fatigued.

Ideally, you’ll need to take a drink every ten to fifteen minutes, or about eight ounces for every 20 minutes of exercise. This can be tricky and irritating if you have to constantly stop to juggle your paddle and a bottle of water, and for this reason, many kayakers end up not drinking as much water as they need.

The best way to overcome this problem is to get a hydration pack. These handy backpacks contain a refillable hydration bladder with a drinking hose and nozzle that only dispenses water when you bite down. You can wear the backpack, or take out the bladder and clip it behind your seat, then pull the hose up through your PFD for hands-free hydration.

Simple sources of discomfort can ruin any Jacksonville kayaking trip, so keep tips like these in mind every time you hit the water. How else do you stay comfortable in your kayak? Share your tips in the comments!

Whether you’re prepping for one of our Jacksonville tours or just want to take every Florida kayaking adventure further, start developing the perfect form by paying close attention to:

Your Paddle

Your paddle should be perpendicular to the direction you’re headed, the blade perpendicular to the surface of the water. Every time you stroke, don’t think about moving the paddle—think about moving the boat. Imagine yourself planting the paddle on solid ground, moving the boat with the paddle as an anchor.

Every successful stroke has three elements, which you can remember with the acronym CPR:

• Catch, in which the paddle makes contact with the water.
• Power, in which the boat is moved.
• Recovery, in which the paddle returns to position for another stroke.

Your paddle should be close to the keel line of your kayak when you’re moving forward, making the paddle shaft as vertical as possible. When you’re turning, you’ll want the blade to be far from the pivot point—do turning strokes near the ends of the boat, with your paddle shaft nearly level.

Your Body

Paddling posture is an important part of keeping your boat balanced and your strokes efficient. Aligning your head, chest, abdomen, hips and butt can help you stay stable and comfortable on the water. Keep your hips loose to let the kayak rock under you and stay flexible in your waist and torso to easily correct your balance and bend under low hanging branches.

When you stroke, you should use more than just your arms. Engage the big muscles of your body, pulling in strength from the chest, abdomen and back. Your arms should be straight and slightly stiff. Remember to always keep both arms in your “paddler’s box,” which is the square area between your paddle, arms and chest when you extend your arms out with the paddle in front of you. Each time you place the paddle blade behind you, rotate your shoulders to look at it—this will help you prevent a shoulder injury.

Your Boat

Efficient movement in your kayak will be made easier if it’s trimmed flat in the water, with the stern slightly down. As your kayak moves through the water, don’t let it roll side to side, pitch end to end or wag its stern back and forth—keeping your kayak quiet on the water will reduce drag and help you stay efficient. Every time you turn, think about leaning the boat into the turn, but keep your body balanced directly above the centerline of the kayak, never compromising your stability.

Because kayaking is so physically demanding, improving your fitness can help you paddle more effectively. If you hope to tackle a long-distance Florida kayaking excursion, you’ll need to prepare your body for the challenge, and you can do so both on and off the water.

Your physical capability while kayaking will be dictated by four elements of your fitness:

Strength

Strong muscles make your strokes faster and more powerful. To boost your paddling strength, remember to work more than just your arms—you draw a lot of power from your core while paddling, while the legs work to keep you balanced in the boat. Sprinting, surfing and performing power strokes in your kayak can be great ways to build strength on the water.

When on land, there are many exercises that can help you build muscle strength all over your body, including:

• Squats
• Sit-ups
• Pull-ups
• Push-ups
• Bench press
• Arm and leg curls

Cardiovascular Fitness

All of your muscles need a steady supply of blood and the oxygen it carries to continue working efficiently. Boosting your cardiovascular fitness will improve your blood flow to all the body’s tissues, helping your muscles perform better.

Any kind of kayaking can help you work on cardiovascular fitness, as can activities like:

• Jogging
• Bicycling
• Swimming
• Tennis and many other active sports

Endurance

If you hope to maintain a steady speed and paddle through a lengthy tour, then endurance will be important. To build your endurance for kayaking, it will help to take intermediate to long tours daily, especially if you’re getting ready for a multi-day trek.

You can also work on your muscular endurance in the weight room. For endurance, you can use the same kind of exercises as you do for strength training, but should reduce the weight and increase the number of reps. The weights should be light enough for you to perform eight to 12 reps with each muscle group.

Flexibility

Strength without flexibility can lead to tension that limits your range of motion and efficiency. Becoming more flexible can help you turn your kayak more effectively and get stronger power strokes with the full rotation of your torso.

The best way to improve your flexibility is to stretch, both before and after you paddle. Stretches are more effective when your muscles are warmed up, so start by running in place or doing some light paddling, then do a few stretches like toe touches, torso twists and arm reaches to get your muscles loose and ready. After you paddle, stretch again to prevent soreness and cramps.

Working on these four aspects of your fitness can help you paddle more productively, but there are many more ways to exercise than what we’ve listed here. How do you stay fit for Florida kayaking? Give us your workout tips in the comments below!

When you’re paddling at night, you’ll need to make sure you can see, but you’ll also need to make sure others can see you. To stay safe on any late-night Jacksonville kayaking excursion, start by:

Going where you know.

Everything looks a lot different at night, and this can make navigation tricky. If you go somewhere you’ve paddled many times in daylight, you’ll have much better chances of finding your way in the darkness. Pick somewhere you’re completely comfortable with, especially if this is your first time kayaking at night.

Letting the moon light your way.

When the sun goes down, the moon can be a paddler’s best friend. If you’re planning a nighttime paddle, schedule it for a few days before the full moon—this way, you’ll have plenty of moonlight as soon as the sun sets. Other celestial bodies can also be navigational assets: the North Star, or Polaris, is the final star in the handle of the Little Dipper and can point you towards true north.

Being bright.

For reasons both legal and logical, you’ll need a white, waterproof light to let other aquatic travelers know you’re there. Glow sticks work well for this purpose and can be attached to your PFD, while adding reflective tape to your deck will improve your chances of being seen by boats. You’ll also need another light to use as a distress signal, so try bringing along a few flares, a waterproof flashlight or a strobe. Of course, being loud doesn’t hurt either—a whistle is small, noisy and reliable and an air horn is sure to get just about anyone’s attention.

Watching for lights.

Because bigger boats are everywhere in Jacksonville, kayaking at night can be dangerous if you don’t keep a watchful eye. If you see a pair of white lights coming towards you, a boat is probably headed your way. Send a signal with your light source or noisemaker to alert the driver of your presence. Red and green port and starboard lights can also tell you if a boat is moving in your direction. If the red light is to the left of the green light, the boat is moving away—if the red light is on the left, it’s time to signal or get out of the way.

Kayaking at night can help you look at your favorite paddling destinations in a new light, but be sure you’re ready for the nocturnal challenges that await you. Have you been night kayaking in Jacksonville? Share your tips and experiences with us in the comments below!

Taking a kayak lesson is a great way to get a handle on the basics or take your paddling skills to new heights. A leisurely float through the placid flatwater may not require much expertise, but rolling, surfing and even pulling up to the dock can be tricky without guidance. Though just about anyone can kayak, there are countless techniques and tricks to the sport that only a seasoned paddler will be able to show you.

Considering kayak lessons? Here are a few reasons to schedule some paddling instruction:

• You can avoid a bad experience. When you try something for the first time, it’s only natural to make mistakes. Though it’s true that we often learn best from our mistakes, an error on the water can leave you cold, wet and frustrated. It will be much more comfortable (and fun) to learn the ropes from a seasoned instructor and hit the water with the firm foundation of a few lessons. And remember that it doesn’t take much to start learning—three days is an ideal amount of time to learn the basics.
• You can have an awesome time. Kayak classes can be a lot of fun, especially when they’re filled with other friendly paddlers. You’re bound to have a few laughs and meet some interesting people. Because the other students in your kayak class will likely share your skill level, you may find some like-minded folks to paddle with and even make a few lasting friendships.
• You can learn from your friends. Your friends may not be certified instructors, but you can still learn from their experiences. If one of your friends is an avid kayaker, try asking him or her for a few pointers before your next paddle. Friends usually can’t provide the kind of detailed instruction you’ll find in a class—especially when it comes to safety instructions and basic strokes—but may still have valuable (and free) advice.

Whether you’re hoping to make more of your time on the water or stoked to start the season with an epic Jacksonville tour, kayak lessons can help you take your paddling to the next level. Have you taken a kayak lesson in Jacksonville? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!

The fish tastes even better when you’ve caught it yourself, and a day spent kayaking can be just as enjoyable as the edible rewards that follow. Still, kayak fishing is a different animal—you’ll need to be prepared to handle its unique challenges before you set out.

The following tips can help you make the most of any kayak fishing trip, but if you want to learn the ropes from a true master angler, don’t forget that First Coast Outfitters offers chartered kayak fishing trips with Walter Gomes!

Fishing with a Safety Net

As with all Florida kayaking excursions, a kayak fishing trip will require certain gear and precautions. You should always be aware of the unique laws of the area you’re fishing in, as well as the conditions that await you.

Gear

• A sit-on-top kayak tends to be best for fishing—you can even find sit-on-top kayaks designed especially for fishing to help you make the most of your angling trips.
• A PFD (lifejacket) is essential in keeping you safe and legal. Even if the law doesn’t require you to wear it at all times, doing so will give you less to worry about.
• A whistle or other signaling device is required by law in many areas and can find you help quickly if needed.
• A fishing license can be purchased online from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Be sure you know the regulations as well.
• A hand-pump can be a big help in getting water out if you don’t paddle a sit-on-top and happen to capsize
• A first aid kit is fairly self-explanatory.
• Bug spray, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat are always good choices when kayaking in Florida.

Precautions

• Bring a friend. Having a buddy along is great for the company and the added safety. You can keep an eye on each other and lend a hand if you have a problem far from shore.
• Know your skills. The surf zone can be an excellent place to catch fish, but you should know how to launch and land in surf before making the attempt. Also remember the importance of self-rescue maneuvers—in a sit-on-top, the most basic form is the BBF: first pull the kayak under you and get stable on your Belly, then stabilize yourself with your Butt and finally your Feet.
• Skip the booze. Hydration and good nutrition are important on the water, and alcohol offers neither. While the idea of a cold brew on your fishing trip may be tantalizing, it’s important to remember that any kind of kayaking is a physical activity and as such rarely mixes well with inebriation. Wait until you get home to pop open a cold one.

Fishing is one of the best ways to enjoy kayaking in Florida—if you’re prepared for it. Use these tips and stop by First Coast Outfitters to speak with one of our outfitters if you need some more advice. Remember: when you’re out there on the water, the fish should be the ones in danger, not you!

Even during the coldest months, it can feel like we’re above the threat of hypothermia when kayaking in Florida, but taking a spill in the chilly winter waters can be a rude awakening. The water temperature at Jacksonville Beach dips well below 60 degrees in January and February, cold enough to threaten us with hypothermia and yes, even “cold water shock”. But never fear—by making the right preparations and knowing the potential dangers, you can safely kayak in Jacksonville year round.

If you plan to hit the water this winter, having the right cold water paddling gear can make all the difference, but a few other precautions may be a good idea as well. In the case of a Jacksonville kayaking emergency or a cold weather catastrophe in frostier climes, it’s important for everyone in your kayaking group to know the signs and risks of hypothermia.

Keep Each Other Safe (and Warm)

Any time someone falls into cold water, the first priority is to get them warm and dry. Our bodies have a strong physiological response called cold water shock when immersed in cold water—our heart rate speeds up, blood pressure increases and we begin gasping for air and may feel disoriented. Our ability to hold a breath underwater is substantially decreased. In 60-degree water, your breath hold time can be half what it is in warmer water, which can have severe consequences if you have to make a wet exit from a kayak.

Though it is always a good idea to paddle with others, the threat of cold water shock makes it especially important to have a buddy along to help you out of the frigid water.

Stay immersed in the cold water too long, or paddle unprepared in cold weather, and you may be at risk of hypothermia. When our body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, our bodies function less effectively and getting warm and dry is crucial.

Hypothermia tends to progress in stages based on the severity of exposure:

• In mild hypothermia, the individual will be able to speak, but will likely be shivering a great deal. Action should be taken to prevent the condition from worsening—if possible, stop the trip, take out early and find a way to get the sufferer to a warm, dry place. The wet clothing should be removed and the sufferer should be kept warm for several hours and given something sweet and warm to drink (without caffeine or alcohol). Lay the sufferer down and cover his or her whole body with dry clothes and/or blankets to keep heat from escaping.
• In moderate hypothermia, the individual may start demonstrating some issues with judgment and coordination, though shivering may diminish or stop entirely. Follow the same steps as in mild hypothermia, but leave the hot drink out. You should also seek out immediate medical attention.
• In severe hypothermia, the individual may lose consciousness or stay semiconscious and may no longer be shivering. Again, lay the sufferer down and cover with dry clothes and/or blankets, but treat the sufferer gently—the arms and legs should be moved as little as possible, as cold blood moving back to the heart from the extremities can be dangerous. Medical attention is imperative.

If you notice another group member acting sluggish, speaking less or eating little, it may suggest that cold weather and/or fatigue are taking a toll—steps may be needed to prevent hypothermia. By watching each other’s backs, you and your paddling buddies can stay safe and have fun even when kayaking in Jacksonville Beach feels a bit more like kayaking in Alaska!