Kayak

EXPEDITION STATS:

• Distance: ~275 miles (443 km)
• Time: 23 days total, 20 days of paddling, 3 zeroes (two weather related, one lazy day)
• Longest day: 21 miles (34 km)
• Shortest day: 9 miles (14 km)
• Cans of beans consumed: 45

Here are some images of our adventure!

 

My two friends and I are high school friends from Vermont who had a real bummer of a final college semester. To make matters worse, all of our summer plans/jobs were cancelled due to COVID-19. So, we decided to make an opportunity of it and go on an adventure!

 

We wanted an expedition that would challenge us physically and mentally, but would also be realistic. This was our last summer before full time work, so we wanted to make it spectacular. After watching videos by an Australian YouTuber, Beau Miles, who documented his kayak expedition to southern Africa, we were inspired to take up sea kayaking. None of us had any experience kayaking before, but we were

Saw it on a small ad website.

Made out of cedar and fiber glass. Sure, what the hell, might as well get it. What do I have to lose?

I know nothing about kayaks. I've done it 3 times prior.

I went to see it. Bought it, no question asked. What the hell do I know about kayaks and shit like that.

Went on the Atlantic Ocean with it. Here's a photo

My biggest fear is water. Open ocean. Sea. Blue sea. Deep water.

So I went over it. I mean, I actively sought to [fucking] destroy this fear. I had to do it at all cost. You do not want to walk this walk on Earth with a burden [an albatross] around your neck full of fears.

Nah, fuck that.

You want to step over them. To conquer them.

For what ocean have we sailed that we didn't drown in?

Ocean of fears. Drown in it.

Ocean of worries. Drown in it.

Ocean of chaos. Drown in it.

We ought to drown in them: just to come back alive like a phoenix, full metanoia style, back from the ashes that lashes

I live close to SF downtown and I wanted to check if there is any place close to me eg: mission creek where I can use my own kayak. (with the annual membership or equivalent), I found that Sausalito (Seatrek) has an annual rental program costing 6xx ish which I am not willing to subscribe for.

I am interested in longer kayaking trips around SF area as a recreation which is something I did when I was a student in my university.

My husband and I are looking into getting kayaks for the summer, but haven’t ever really looked into them before. What are some of the things we need to know and look for when purchasing? And what places are best to buy from? Currently we are mostly looking at dicks sporting goods. Thank you in advanced!

Edit: we will mostly be using it for lake and calm river kayaking, maybe the Chesapeake Bay in the future too. Sorry I didn’t include that before. Like I said, I’m really just starting to research things and I hadn’t realized that was part of the variations of kayaks I was seeing.

Thank you to everyone who’s commented, this has been so, so helpful!

I used to go to college back at Champaign where we had Kickapoo state park with a great river trail. Anywhere near Chicago area that I can find such activities? Ideally up to 1hr 30 min by car is fine

• Looking for something inland on fresh water

• Probably only 2-3 days

• Would love to camp but if there are options with towns mid-way then that is also fine

• Portaging not a deal-breaker but if it can be avoided then that's better

Hi all, I got a kayak this spring and have been loving getting out on all the lakes around here. I didn't know if anyone had recommendations for rivers they like to paddle in the kc area? I would consider myself a beginner kayaker but do have canoe experience in current. The kaw and Missouri seem like obvious choices but I am not sure how padding upstream against current would be. Ideally I'd like an area I can put in and experience current in the new boat without being in a dangerous situation.