Planning a big/deep water kayak trip...looking for advice

[Jamie]

I'm in the planning stages of an invasion of Canada this spring or early summer. A couple of us will be paddling across Lake Ontario on kayaks, using islands along the way for camping and such.

I'd appreciate input from people with experience paddling on the great lakes about what to expect/bring in terms of weather, gear, etc. I've got some experience with mid-water rescuse, but tips about methods and equipment for this sort of fun would be awesome!

Thanks,

Jamie

[Tater Raider]

I have no advice, but I want pics. Lots of pics. Please?

[bonanacrom]

just don't forget the lakes are as ruff as the sea.

[Bunsen]

The northeastern end of Lake Ontario is pretty good at creating big waves. Beyond the obvious things like dressing for a long swim in cold water and practicing rescues, I think the biggest item on the prep list should be a plan B. If the weather turns the wrong way, the lake will kick your ass, so you may have to just sit and watch the wind for a day or two.

You might be able to choose sheltered routes depending on the wind direction, but I don't know if you'll find satisfactory options for that. My introduction to kayak surfing occurred in the Thousand Islands, well off the lake, and downwind of only about 5 miles of open water in a decent breeze (maybe 15 knots?). It was fun for a few minutes, but exhausting to make any distance into or across the wind. So I'd suggest accepting that even moderately bad weather could make portions of the trip impossible and planning around that. That means extra food and extra time in the schedule or a route that allows a mid-trip bailout.

Actually, now that I think of it, that bit about cold water deserves a bit more attention. Lake Ontario is unusually fond of producing upwellings of cold water around its edges -- the cold lower layers slosh around with wind and atmospheric pressure variations, and once in a while some of that cold water sloshes right up to the surface near shore. Surface water temperatures can drop from the 70s down to the 50s in a matter of hours, so pack cold-water gear even if the reported surface temperatures are warm.

[Jamie]

I suspect that, as is often the case with this sort of trip, when all is said and done, more will be said than done...



I've got a pretty sweet route planned, with some routing options available...I'm still hopeful, but am not nearly crazy enough to do this trip by myself...

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=202 ... 6,0.837021

Jamie

[Tater Raider]

I suspect that, as is often the case with this sort of trip, when all is said and done, more will be said than done...



I've got a pretty sweet route planned, with some routing options available...I'm still hopeful, but am not nearly crazy enough to do this trip by myself...

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=202 ... 6,0.837021

Jamie

I had a thought looking at that map... check routes the voyageurs used in the area.

[Resolute]

Jealous! I'm a kayaker myself and have yet to do an extended fresh-water paddle. Mine have mostly been multi-day oceangoing trips.

If you're attempting this trip, I'm assuming you have all your safety stuff well mapped out. What are the water and air temps when you plan on going? Will you be needing a dry suit?

Are you paddling a poly or glass boat? Do you have a repair kit?

Do you have a bombproof roll?

Have you practiced knots and towing? Do you have a tow rope and quick-detach belt?

If you're bringing a water filter and filtering along the way, make sure you have a backup filter element in case your first one freezes, gets dropped, etc.

Bring a back-up paddle and make sure it's securely strapped to your deck. You can make a more secure outfit for holding it with PVC pipe near your bow for the shaft pieces.

How long are you planning on taking? How many miles/day?

I really wish I could do a trip like this - it would be amazing. Can't wait to hear details.

[modustollens]

Looks like a nice trip with the longest stretch about 15km.

The lakes are cold, Ontario not so much as Lake Huron (where I am from), but cold nonetheless. I have seen some kayaks with little sails for when the wind whips up.

A signal device - pen flare, smoke etc... That area is popular with boaters so a flare could attract help.

Looks like you are crossing the border - have you looked into the legalities of that - especially going back to the U.S.. Canadians now need a passport to enter the U.S., but not sure if US citizens now need one to enter Canada - they did not before. Best to bring your passport just to be certain.

MT

[Okelly]

practice now while you have the chance, paddle some of the areas you plan on passing through, to get used to the conditions. open/deep water paddling is a whole different ball game than long river trips, and coastals. and from what Ive heard the great lakes have some very unique challenges to deal with.

my one suggestion is to pull a supply canoe behind one of the kayaks. food, gear, extra paddles, and can be used for transport of you lose a kayak. it can even be used for shelter on a island if all else fails.