Up here on Lake Superior the last of the ice has finally drifted out of the bays and tourists and hopeful new paddlers are in full swing booking their summer adventures! For guides and trip leaders everywhere it’s time to dust off the trusty day trip kit and sharpen up skills.
After seven summers of helping new paddlers have their first sea kayaking adventure, here’s a look at what I keep accessible on the water to make sure a day trip goes smoothly. Remember— the same conditions that you’re most likely to need your backup gear in are the same conditions that might make that gear hard to reach!
— Maddy Marquardt
Digital Editor, Paddling Magazine
What’s In Editor Maddy Marquardt’s Sea Kayak Day Trip Guiding Kit
What the longtime kayak guide refuses to leave behind
By Maddy Marquardt
When you’re out on the water with beginner paddlers every day all summer, you’re likely to run into challenging conditions and unusual scenarios. While in calm waters it might be easy to dig for your emergency gear, the conditions you’re most likely to need your backup gear in are the same conditions that might make that gear hard to reach. Here are the essentials I keep at the top of my day hatch and on me in my day trip guiding kit.
Maddy Marquardt
A paddling guide turned writer, Maddy is most at home on Lake Superior and on team beach camping. A little sand never hurt anyone.
Sea Kayak Day Trip Guiding Kit:
North Water Micro Tow Line
MSRP: $130 CAD
Marketed as an entry-level tow belt, the North Water Micro Tow Line packs more punch than meets the eye. Ideal for conditions I typically encounter while commercial guiding, the tow line comes with both a 17-foot and 50-foot line and is easily customizable by adding a shock absorber or floats to the ends.
Quick-Fix Snacks & Mental Boosts
MSRP: $21+
Whether hungry, dehydrated or seasick, it pays to carry a few ginger chews, small snacks and Liquid IV, even if just to give new paddlers a mental boost to help them push through challenging conditions.
Astral Bluejacket
MSRP: $265
Now discontinued and replaced by the Astral Bowen, the Bluejacket is still my PFD of choice. It features a large clamshell pocket to store gear and is highly adjustable, with most of the flotation around the waist.
Emergency Layers
A space blanket, fleece and a stashed raincoat can go a long way if paddlers get cold. Search for layers in larger sizes to fit a variety of body types, and check the thrift store first; this way, you won’t be heartbroken if a paddler walks off with your extra layer after the trip.
VHF Radio With Tether
MSRP: $159
In addition to flares, a signaling mirror and other essential safety gear, a VHF radio, like Standard Horizon’s HX210, is one of the best tools to carry on the water, but it doesn’t do anyone much good buried in a hatch. Tether your VHF to your person with a bungee cord long enough to comfortably make a call.
Micro First-Aid Kit
A full guide’s first-aid kit is a must-carry, but there are a few items that come up regularly on trips and are worth keeping a little closer at hand. I like to separate out key items like ibuprofen, Benadryl, blister patches and a few Band-Aids into a smaller Ziploc and stash near the top of my day hatch or in my PFD pocket.
This article was part of our Build To Last series from issue 75 of Paddling Magazine. In this informative gear series, five editors open their hatches and dry bags to reveal the gear they trust for family canoe camping, river running, sea kayak missions, shoulder-season trips and professional raft guiding.
Joe’s Class Fun River Running Kit – coming soon
Marissa’s Kit For Canoe Camping With A Toddler – coming soon
Brenna’s River Guide To River God Kit – coming soon
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