Paddle Pulse: Your first overnight kayaking adventure
There’s something magic about paddling into a quiet cove, pulling your kayak onto the sand, and setting up camp to enjoy the sunset, with nothing but the sound of the water for company. It’s a simple freedom that kayaking day trips only hint at — and once you’ve tasted it, it’s hard to go back.
If you’ve been enjoying paddling for a few hours at a time and are itching to stretch things a little further, good news: making the jump to an overnight kayaking adventure isn’t as big or as daunting as it might seem. With a bit of smart preparation and a few tweaks to your usual setup, you’ll open a whole new world of wild beaches, hidden campsites and unforgettable sunrises — all under your own steam.
Keep it simple
The best first overnighter? Pick somewhere familiar – maybe a spot you’ve reached on a long day paddle – and plan to camp just one night.
Aim for an easy weather window, stay within your skill zone, and resist the urge to overpack. You’re building confidence, not conquering the world (yet).
Pack light, think small when kayaking
Kayaks aren’t removalist vans. You’ll need to be choosy about what you bring — and how you pack it.
– Use smaller dry bags rather than big ones — easier to wedge into tight hatches.
– Prioritise the essentials: sleeping gear, warm clothes, simple food, water, first aid, and navigation tools.
– Aim to keep heavier items low and centred, and distribute weight evenly between the bow and stern. A well-trimmed boat paddles straighter, feels more stable, and saves energy over distance.
– Test-pack before you go. If it doesn’t fit easily — or throws the boat off balance — rethink it.
And remember: a hot cup of tea at camp is a bigger luxury than a camp chair you have to fight into the front hatch.
Plan to be self-sufficient
Even on a short trip, plan as if you won’t see anyone else. That means carrying your own emergency gear, including:
– Weather-appropriate clothing
– First aid kit
– Repair kit for your kayak
– Communication device (VHF radio, PLB or mobile in a dry bag)
Make friends with the forecast
Weather calls the shots when you’re kayaking — doubly so if you’re committing to a night out. Check the forecast not just for the day you launch, but for the day you come home.
Enjoy the magic moments of overnight kayaking trips
One of the best parts of overnight paddling isn’t the paddling at all. It’s the golden light on the cliffs at dusk. It’s cooking a simple meal with salty hair and sandy feet. It’s realising you carried everything you needed – and, hopefully, nothing you didn’t – across the water to a little corner of the world that feels all yours.
Know your limits, and don’t be shy about postponing your kayaking trip if conditions look iffy. There’s no such thing as a wasted trip if you’re learning. Take it slow, keep it simple, and you’ll be planning your next (longer) trip before you’ve even paddled home.
Toby Story is the Lead Guide and Director of SSV, which leads paddling adventures across the world, including expedition-style journeys for those ready to take their kayaking to the next level.
