July 2022 • Nebraskaland 23
which she can stuff into one of the hatch compartments of her
kayak. These coolers are lightweight, watertight, and they
also fl oat. You'll appreciate having one when it's 90 degrees.
"Freeze bottles of water to use for ice. Then when it melts,
the beer is probably gone and you have more water," Tabor
said.
Eat perishable food fi rst and then snack on foods like jerky,
protein bars, dried fruit, cheese and trail mix later. For meals,
freeze-dried food is lightweight and convenient, especially if
you plan on packing everything in your kayak. If you're base
camping, your load will be so much lighter on the water for a
multi-day trip — only pack what you need for the day.
Portage Around Hazards
You aren't likely to run into obstacles on more beginner-
friendly stretches of river, but you might when fl oating less-
frequented streams. You'll have to get out to avoid them. The
potential for injury in attempting swift rapids and chutes is
high. Jen Corman advises:
"Listen ahead for rapids and obstructions. You should
always get out and scout signifi cant rapids, even if you
have seen them before, and some rapids should never be
attempted," she said. "Also, dangerous strainers can appear
overnight. Remember to be respectful of private property
during the trip, especially while portaging."
Kayak camping can take extensive planning and the
right people to make a trip come together, but when it does,
you will be rewarded with an unforgettable adventure
enjoying one of the most remarkable assets of our state:
our rivers and streams. What better way to immerse
yourself in the beauty of Nebraska's river system than to
stay close? Kayak camping off ers that intimate experience.
N
Bekah Poppe of Bloomfi eld tackles a chute on the
Niobrara River.
Use a waterproof phone case and dry bag to keep personal
items dry in the event of an unexpected water entry. Also,
you'll appreciate a softshell cooler in 90-degree weather.
Sabrina Negus of Tilden fl oats the Niobrara River.
A kayaker fi nds petrifi ed wood and fossils
near the river.
