OnStar* is all about helping you be prepared on your adventures, and in our podcast, Tell Me What Happened, Jill Brown tells the amazing story of her transcontinental kayaking trip. As a professional adventure photographer known for taking her camera on remote expeditions, she’s an expert when it comes to preparing for all types of kayaking trips.

Even if you’re new to the hobby, you can easily find local waterways or parks where you can rent a kayak and be on your way. “If you are just starting out and learning, don’t worry about having the best of the best equipment,” Jill says. “If the kayak floats, the paddle works and your personal flotation device fits, then you can be out on the water.” Here are a few more pointers Jill offers kayakers of all experience and skill levels. 

“There are many varieties and styles to choose from. A specific cut of PFD for paddling will help with comfort and will help you want to wear it,” Jill says. “Take time trying on a few different ones to find the perfect fit for your body. 
 
“On hot days, where my skin tingles from the heat, I wear an inflatable belt PFD and then have my regular-use PFD under a back deck cord, so it’s easily accessible and removable if an emergency occurs.”

“If I’m paddling a distance more than a couple hours, I pack sunscreen, water, a snack, a rain jacket and a small dry bag with a change of clothes — thermals, socks, a toque hat, even in summertime. 
 
“I also wear paddling shoes while kayaking so I know I have foot protection if I have to stop and walk for safety. This is important if the weather turns, and you have to wait it out or potentially hike out.”

“On a warm summer day, take your kayak out and deliberately flip it. This is not just fun but also an important skill to have if waves ever kick up or excitement takes hold and your boat unexpectedly capsizes. Don’t stress over learning how to roll your kayak, but being capable of getting yourself back into your boat is incredibly important. This will allow you to feel safer while on the water, but also allow you to save yourself if a dangerous situation were to occur.”

“For any trip, whether it be simply paddling from your cabin to the marsh next door, around an entire lake or on a massive river, know the terrain of the shoreline and learn to read the weather systems in the area.”

“Most stores will allow you to take a test paddle. This is important as you want to be able to find something suited to your body type so you can be comfortable — not have your legs and feet fall asleep, not have any pinched nerves — and for overall ease upon an adventure.”

The easy-to-use services from OnStar can enrich your outdoor exploration. Forgot to get directions in advance? Push the blue OnStar button inside your vehicle, and an Advisor can help you find your way to a specific address or one of more than 14 million points of interest thanks to Turn-by-Turn Navigation.* Spending the day away from your vehicle? Download the OnStar Guardian® app* to your compatible phone to have access to key OnStar safety services on your journey. 

If you’re interested in taking a longer kayaking expedition, the amount of preparation and number of items you’ll need to pack increases greatly. “I started out doing expeditions with a cheap tent, a yoga mat to sleep on, the paddle and kayak I was gifted when I was only 15 years old, and a rain jacket I got from a thrift store,” Jill says. “I invested my money in making the trip happen and in purchasing a good sleeping bag, so if the rain jacket leaked, I would be able to get warm later.” 
 
The Guardian app can also be a great tool to share your location* with family and friends when you are on trips in remote areas. All you have to do is download the app, and you’ll have access to Emergency-Certified Advisors* in case of a fall or another medical emergency.

Since the paddling trip across America featured in Tell Me What Happened, Jill has taken many other adventures. Her next stint starts this spring, where she’ll be working at Race Rocks Ecological Reserve for two months. And next year, she will be paddling a river in Ohio with two other conservation videographers to document water quality, ecosystems and the impact of pollution, all with the goal to share knowledge around the destructive algae blooms of Lake Erie. 

The National Park Service offers a slew of water vessel safety tips and resources to find local parks where you can go kayaking.