How to Kayak Lake Mead

Lake Mead--on the Arizona and Nevada border--is a great place to kayak or go camping because of the beautiful surroundings and good weather most of the year. You can also kayak to hiking trails, take guided tours and explore some of the most scenic deserts in the country. You can kayak for leisure recreation or extreme sport fitness, but you cannot kayak alone on Lake Mead without a permit.

Things You'll Need

• Kayak and paddles
• Guide, if applicable
• Life vests
• Lake Mead Information/Visitor Office
• Lake Mead
• Money
• A permit, if you need one
• Emergency lighting
• Emergency first aid kit

Instructions

1. Decide if you want a guided tour of Lake Mead. You can book half-day or full-day tours, which can include kayaking for 45 minutes up to two hours. Choose from such tours as the nighttime Moonlight Tour, the Boulder Basin Tour and the Desert Spring tour that includes hiking, a dip in a hot spring and kayaking. These range from $150 to $260.

2. Take kayaking lessons that range from beginner to advanced instruction. All kayaks and paddles are supplied for you of the highest quality. This can help introduce you to the art of kayaking and help you hone your skills before going on an actual tour.

3. Be safe, even if you have a permit and are allowed to venture off in a kayak alone. Reminders: When in a kayak, eye level is only about two feet above water. You can lose sight of the horizon and your kayaking partner easily. Keep a map and compass with you while kayaking or hiking, and understand the length of distance you travel, as well as your limitations.

4. Kayak at night if the heat of the day is too much to bear. Since you are moving vessel, it is important that you have AT LEAST one light that can be seen 360 degrees around you and has a one-mile minimum visibility range. Wear a headlight and have emergency lighting with you in your kayak.

5. Wear a life vest at all times, and bring an emergency first aid kit with you. Practice doing Eskimo roll moves (always with a spotter) in your kayak in case of capsizing at any time.

6. Use a good high brace on your kayak to prevent rolling. It also helps prevent you from capsizing. This procedure is basically tipping your boat over and then snapping back up to roll the kayak. It is important to know this move and practice it often with instructional videos or trainers.

7. Understand and know the different routes, where you are allowed to kayak, and the rules of kayaking on Lake Mead.

Tips & Warnings

• Always be safe and practice extreme caution while kayaking (even if you are alone and are certified).