Planning a sea kayak trip.
Making sure its safe and fun for you and the group.
As a coach I would advise everybody to take a part in the planning, that’s the best way to learn. Within a club or a group of mates every one should share responsibility as a coach / leader or guide you are ultimately in charge but give people there own responsibility, get everyone involved in the planning stages.
2 thoughts plan the trips then see who is able,
or plan the group then work out a trip.
This is what I do; it’s not the only way, the following are in no specific order, but all should be considered.
The group
Number, Ability, ages, medical problems, previous experience, do they have appropriate kit i.e. sea kayak? Are you camping? How fast can they paddle as a group 2.5 knots per hour ish?? (5km per hour)
The location where do you want to go?
Is there easy access to water? Parking? Camping? Shuttle?
Maps and charts
Do you have both for the area? Laminated OS sheets,
The Tides pilot book, tide tables, almanac
High tide / low tide, tidal streams, bits to be aware of? Big crossings etc.
Tidal planning sheet
(if there is significant tidal movement in the area I would work out a detailed planning sheet to include speeds, bearings distances etc. An example of which in the back of sea kayak navigation by Franco Ferrero
The weather
I try and use forecasts from 2 or 3 sources and see how similar they are
Coastguard / inshore forecast, met check, BBC, XC weather
Now you have all the information, what do you do with it?
I look at the chart / map and imagine the weather; I draw on the tidal movement, I think about the what ifs? Is there somewhere to get out early, how committing is the paddle? Where is the nearest tea shop?
Float plan
Draw up a plan and leave it with someone responsible,
Include information such as, the group numbers / names, start time and position, where you are going, when you will be back end position, mobile phone numbers, and VHF call signs, how long to wait before summoning help, who to call to summon help.