and
EXPEDITIONS
Words and photos : Rich Harpham FRGS and Ashley Kenlock
Trips and expeditions are the ‘ cherry on top of our world of paddling adventures and fresh air miles . The choices and possibilities become infinite , spanning rivers , open water and coastal destinations . Each location varies further depending on conditions , tides and river levels .
Each trip or expedition is also enhanced by sharing journeys with different friends , practising traditional skills , enjoying campfire delicacies or communing with nature , history and other aspects of our great outdoors . Trips feel very different by chosen craft , kayak , canoe or SUP and the season . Over the years and 11,500 miles of human-powered adventures , I have learnt that planning trips generally ensures you get the best out of them .
PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Planning your trip can be the epitome of ‘ blue-sky thinking ’ or at the very least ‘ wishful thinking ’! Choosing locations , craft , and conditions can provide endless and unbounded possibilities . That is why I love paddling so much . Working out a plan , A to B , a circular trip or something bigger with portages , challenges and even an overnight or two is part of the buzz . As I was completing this article , my paddles have all been local , one or two hours in duration , from canoe to kayak to SUP . March sun meant super cold toes as I prematurely broke out the shorts .
It is essential to consider the group you are paddling with ( Covid rules aside ) and determine the right distance , pace , technical aspects and conditions to ensure it balances challenge with enjoyment . Think about your access and egress points and potential contingency options in the event of an issue such as swimmer , injury or broken kit . It is also essential to determine the river access and the put-in ( don ’ t forget to register for the River Access Campaign ). Allowing time for vehicle shuttles on river trips is another critical consideration to avoid finishing in the dark or stressing out your teammates . No one wants a mutiny of a random keel hauling because you incorrectly guessed the shuttle time !
However , there is nothing better than capturing a majestic sunset or sunrise , so don ’ t be afraid to include paddling at either end of the day but include it in the plan rather than surprise your crew . As a novice night paddling ninja , you should start on sheltered water to keep the risks low while adapting to your location in the dark . In summary , don ’ t forget the six or seven ‘ P ’ s of planning to avoid poor performance or worse .