For thousands of years canoeing and kayaking adventurers have spent their time on lakes, rivers and oceans. Paddlers of these watercrafts may enjoy a relaxing, low impact workout or fishing on lakes and lazy rivers. Whereas the more extreme paddlers can be found bouncing off and around rocks in whitewater rivers and turbulent oceans. Safety is of the utmost concern on any type of water, and with careful preparation you can ensure an exciting and safe adventure.
Travel Insurance for Canoeing and Kayaking
Medical care is one expense, and medical evacuation is another. Believe it or not the bill for the latter can actually be just as high as treating injuries sustained depending on the circumstances. While some medical plans may or may not cover injuries sustained from such a sporting incident, you certainly would want to know what your canoe insurance or kayak travel insurance plan covers before the injuries are sustained and charges are incurred.
If you're ready to get out on the water, be sure to check your equipment, check the conditions of the water you are exploring, and check your insurance plan before you head out to make sure it will cover you if something were to happen while you are canoeing or kayaking. Many insurance plans consider canoeing and kayaking to be hazardous sports, and as such, even something as small as a scraped knee may not be covered. Give us a call and let us help you find canoeing travel insurance plan or kayaking travel insurance plan. Be safe, have fun, and let us help you make sure the insurance plan you purchase is the right one.
What does Kayak Travel Insurance Cover?
Kayak travel insurance offers comprehensive protection to ensure you can enjoy your adventure with peace of mind. A key component is emergency medical coverage, which handles expenses related to accidents or illnesses during your trip, including hospital stays and necessary evacuation or repatriation. Whether you’re paddling calm lakes or tackling whitewater rapids, this coverage ensures you won’t face financial stress if unexpected injuries arise.
Additionally, kayak travel insurance often includes coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions, protecting your prepaid costs such as lodging, transportation, or guided tours. Gear protection is another valuable feature, safeguarding against loss, theft, or damage to your kayaking equipment. Some policies also cover delays, helping you recover costs if unforeseen circumstances disrupt your journey. With kayak travel insurance, you can focus on your time on the water, knowing you’re prepared for the unexpected.
How Much does Kayak Travel Insurance Cost?
The cost of kayak travel insurance varies depending on several factors, such as the level of coverage, the destination, and the type of kayaking activities planned. For casual paddling in low-risk environments, premiums are generally lower, starting at around 5–7% of the total trip cost. However, if your adventure involves high-risk activities like whitewater kayaking or expeditions in remote areas, expect to pay more due to the increased risks involved.
Additional factors influencing the cost include the length of your trip, your age, and optional add-ons like gear protection or Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage. Comprehensive policies that include emergency medical care, evacuation, and equipment coverage will cost more than basic plans. Comparing quotes and tailoring a plan to fit your specific needs ensures you get the best balance of affordability and protection for your kayaking adventure.
History of Canoeing and Kayaking
Canoes have been around for many years and have been used in many parts of the world by cultures like the Native Americans and the Australian Aboriginals. Like kayaks, canoes have evolved for specialized purposes. Most of the first canoes were made out of hollowed out tree trunks, and unlike kayaks, canoes generally will have an open top.
Kayaks are believed to have been first developed by the indigenous people of present day Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Siberia. These were highly advanced watercrafts made from stitched seal, or other various animal skins stretched over a wood or a whalebone skeleton frame. The use of these watercrafts were so important for areas of harsh weather that many specialized forms were created. Each model allowed for the specialization in a particular task. The Aleutian people were said to have been kidnapped by Russians for their skill of hunting sea mammals with their specialized watercrafts.
Canoeing and Kayaking Destinations
Some popular locations for canoeing and kayaking in the United States are Lake Tahoe in Nevada/California, Colorado River in Arizona, Glacier Bay in Alaska, and the Ozark Mountains mainly in Missouri/Arkansas. Choosing the location of your adventure is one of the keys to success. Waters can vary greatly from place to place or even season to season. You will want to research areas for the best places to canoe or kayak.
Risks of Canoeing and Kayaking
There can be many dangers hidden in this seemingly safe sport. Preparation, as with anything, is one of the key components to minimizing your risk when participating in this sport. Beginners can find instructors in the more popular areas to help them learn the right way to canoe or kayak. Having the right equipment, especially safety equipment such as helmets and life jackets can make the difference between life and death. Although preparation and the right equipment can help minimize the risks of kayaking and canoeing, there is always risk.
Drowning, hypothermia, dehydration, heat stroke, impact injuries, sprains, and strains are just a few of the potential things that can happen, not to mention, the need for medical evacuation is high with water sports. While white water rapids may seem like a much higher risk than calm waters, do not be fooled, calm waters can pose a very real threat. It is never advisable for someone to venture out in any water sport by themselves and/or without someone knowing their plans or route. While the dangers between white water rapids and a calm descent down the river differ greatly, they each have the potential to cause a great need for medical attention.