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HomeTrip Planning

Trip Planning and Preparation


NSSKA trip leaders take care to plan safe, enjoyable outings. Here is the process:
  • A NSSKA trip leader fills out a Trip Proposal Form. Club members who are not trip leaders can propose a trip by emailing the Trip Coordinator at trips@nsska.org.
  • The proposed trip is reviewed by the NSSKA trip coordinator and NSSKA board members
  • Once approved, the trip gets posted to our events calendar
  • Members log into the website, find the event on the calendar, and register or join the wait list.

Each posted trip includes information about the expected conditions and required effort. If you have any questions about whether a particular trip is suited to your abilities, please contact the leader for the trip (listed in the calendar entry). Each entry includes a rating of the expected conditions and effort for the trip (see below for description of the ratings).

Planning a multi-day trip? Be sure to download Pack, Cook, Eat! a guide to kayak-camping meals that nourish and satisfy, written by NSSKA members Karen Bertram and Bill Brackin.

 

Day trip packing list

Paddlers are required bring the following items on any day trip:

  • Sit-inside, touring-style sea kayak with adequate deck lines and fore and aft flotation (float bags or sealed bulkheads)

  • Type III or IV personal flotation device with whistle 

  • Spray skirt

  • Paddle (spare paddle recommended)

  • Paddle float and pump

  • Immersion gear (dry suit or wet suit) appropriate for the trip or required by the trip leader, plus footwear suitable for walking over rocky beaches

  • Food and beverage/water

  • Personal first aid kit including any medications you may need

  • Sun and rain protection

  • Dry bag with extra clothes (e.g., rain jacket, storm cag)

  • Helmet (when required by event leader)

In addition to the above, trip leaders are required to bring:

  • VHF radio
  • Compass and chart of the route
  • Emergency blanket
  • Repair kit
  • Short tow and long tow
  • Spare paddle

For overnight trips, the trip leader will provide a gear/supply checklist based on destination and duration.

Comfy in the rain