Loading Your Kayak
February-March 2002
This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
To download a pdf copy of the magazine click here: > DOWNLOAD
by Ed Day
Loading your kayak is a special skill that takes practice, time and patience to master. Three pointers that can help you load efficiently are starting with a gear checklist, using thought and reason, and developing a system.
1. Use a gear checklist at the start to help you remember what you might forget. The gear checklist should be followed, or otherwise it may not work.
2. Use thought and reason when loading gear. Always have access to gear you will need for emergency situations and for all paddling conditions. Try to keep heavier items close to the cockpit, utilize space and secure your load on the deck
3. Develop a system for loading that will make the job easier. Over time the system will become automatic, with slight variations for each trip. Below is an example of how I loaded my kayak during a four day solo trip. I used a combination of dry bags, stuff sacks lined with garbage bags, and tupperware to keep my gear dry, together and protected. Keep the weight centered in the boat and don’t store metallic implements, like an axe, near your compass.
FRONT HATCH - Thermarest (stuff sack) |
BACK HATCH - Clothing bag (dry bag ) |
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|
FRONT DECK - Chart |
BACK DECK - Paddlefloat |
INSIDE THE COCKPIT - Rain gear (stuff sack) |
PFD - Whistle |
©Ed Day works with Ecomarine in Vancouver, BC 604-689-7575, Web: www.ecomarine.com.