Are 8 miles both ways too much for a kayak trip?

Question

I want to rent a kayak tomorrow and paddle 8 miles across Otago Harbour into town for lunch, and back home afterwards. I haven't used a kayak in over ten years.
Is this advisable?
The water is placid enough, but what do you reckon?

P.S.: I'm a healthy guy in my mid-thirties, not exactly olympic, but 1-hour jogs don't exactly flatten me, either.

Answer 1

I've been kayaking for 14 years, and the general rule my friends and I use when we take begining boaters with us is a 12 mile limit per day with a begining boater. An 8 mile run is ideal. We do mostly whitewater, which is faster since we paddle with the current, but we take frequent breaks to scout rapids and play in the "playspots". The biggest fatigue problem with rusty or novice boaters is that they tend to paddle with their arms (inexperienced rowing technique) and after only 4 to 6 miles they are exhausted. 16 miles a day is manageable if you have a more "experienced " paddling technique. You have to paddle using your torso and waist, with your arms in a fairly "locked" position. You can paddle all day using your torso (one of the strongest parts of your body.) Wind, waves and current are a big deal, and can significantly add to fatigue. You should also know how to perform a "self-rescue" in case you flip and find yourself out of your boat. For further safety, having a good "eskimo roll" is also important, but not super critical.

Here are some general safety rules my friends and I go by.

1. Avoid boating alone (make sure at least someone knows where you're going, and when you'll be back).
2. When boating somewhere new, take someone who has boated there before (know where you're boating).
3. Avoid adverse conditions (i.e high water, bad weather, starting late).
4. Avoid boating conditions out of your skill level.
5. Dress appropriatley for the weather conditions (air and water temperature, even if it's hot, you can catch hypothermia really fast if the water is cold).

Breaking one of these rules is O.K. and can add to the excitement and to your experience level. Breaking two of these rules at the same time is a bad idea (I've been there, trust me) and you can find yourself in big trouble, really fast.

If you know what I'm talking about (i.e the terms and techniques mentioned above) your probably O.K., but a 16 mile paddle will make for a long tiring day. If I'm speeking greek to you, stick with a shorter paddle.

I'm not trying to be a downer, I love boating, but safety first, ALWAYS.

Good luck and happy boating!

Answer 2

I guess my main advice is to factor in the wind and weather. If it is at your back on your way out, you won't be able to really feel how strong the wind is. It will just feel like you're flying along and you'll think it's cake. Unfortunately, it will be in your face on the way back and you will only be able to go about 1/2 as fast as you went on the way there. Someone mentioned checking on the style of kayak you use - they're right. If you get a long, narrow kayak, you will be able to go pretty fast. A shorter kayak won't track very straight, and you will be sitting a little lower in the water. That won't be nearly as efficient for you. I think you can do it, but maybe you should go for a few 1/2 day trips first so that you can determine exactly what your ability is. You should stay fairly close to shore too, because if you capsize you certainly won't want to swim dragging a heavy kayak full of water a long way to the shore. I don't know if following the shore will make your trip any longer, but keep that in mind.

Answer 3

This is certainly an endurance challenge, but I don't know if this is the best idea right now unless you have the strength for this. And since it has been 10 years since the last kayak adventure you had. What I would suggest is to ease back into it, because if you find yourself petered out in the middle you can't exactly get out and stretch out any cramps.

But if you do decide to do this and since you have kayak you already know to check weather reports and to have the proper rations, safety equipment on board and suit on underneath your clothes.

I have seen a show on I Shouldn't Be A Live where two men went on a 10 mile trip (20 miles round trip) that one was in shape and the other was not. They were way off schedule because the other couldn't keep up and then a rouge wave hit and unexpected storm hit. Just be prepared but you probably already know this.

Good luck if you do go for it.

Answer 4

I've been wanting to buy a kayak, so I've been online a bunch, reading stuff about kayaks. Make sure to rent a kayak that's correct for a long distance paddle trip.

From what I've read, it seems that some are long and narrow and good for gliding alot between strokes, and some are short and fat, and good for playing in big surf or maybe fishing.

Don't get a tugboat for a long trip.

Answer 5

Hi Tahini or chris( dont know id its is fine to be so informal online)
o dont think so but anyway it wouldnt seem to much if u have much strength but i think its best to bring some rationing as well as well u have to carry your life-jacket i wish u all the best a good and safe trip.Its best to bring a guide along since u ahve not done kayaking for ten years safety always the issue
can u also swim if the currents are strong

Answer 6

yes