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allows for more free time in camp. Or maybe mealtime is the
perfect time to make up for interpersonal issues that arise as a
result of double kayaks and group decisions. Either way, social
paddling seems to beget more elaborate meals. Ever gone on a
guided trip? Kayak companies mostly tour the same areas, so
food is a way they can outdo each other. Yum.
This list isn’t about any of that. This is the sort of food you
take alone, or with an equally unpretentious, lazy and/or tasteimpaired
friend or two. You won’t need a lengthy grocery trip,
an armada of kitchen gadgets and a week off work to prepare
these items. You can save your money and your time for the
trip itself.
What happens when convenience wins out over taste? Or
even nutrition? Ask most bachelors or students. Mac & cheese
may not work well while kayak camping (I’ve tried), but there
are plenty of alternatives. The important thing is, these trip
foods are easy, inexpensive and quick, as you’ll want to spend
that extra time poring over charts or traveling a bit further from
the big city.
F O O D E S S E N T I A L S F O R L A Z Y
KAYAKERS
by Bryan Nichols
I
realize this may be culinary blasphemy to some, but I’ve
never believed that food was the primary reason to go on a
kayak trip. Food was more of an obligation—something I
needed to continue paddling and/or living, but not something
that should make or break a trip.
Now don’t get me wrong—I enjoy good food. Meat and potatoes
bore me—I’m much happier with Greek salads, grilled
oysters and chocolate fondues (thank you Kim). I really appreciate
good food—just not enough to bring it along myself
on most trips. I figure this makes me a lazy, unpretentious, occasional
gourmand who is perfectly willing to take awesome
paddling trips with basic foods. In that vein, I have prepared a
checklist of some of my standouts and standbys.
Sure, I’ve had some outstanding meals while kayaking. I
guided after all, and most kayak guiding is three parts cooking
and one part paddling. But during most of my guiding I
was lucky enough to be teamed with people who were more
into cooking than I. Most notably, I ended up guiding for three
winters from a base camp featuring an exceptionally talented
Belizean cook (thank you Amelia). As I gorged on fresh fish,
conch and lobster along with her exceptional sides and desserts,
my own urge to cook evaporated in the tropical heat.
IT’S THE KAYAKING, NOT THE KUISINE
Of course, no matter how wonderful the wildlife or spectacular
the scenery, one eventually needs to eat. What’s more,
dinner for two in the wilderness has terrific romantic potential.
Actually, increasing group size seems to exponentially increase
the value of good food, perhaps because the division of labor
WARNING
This list is not meant to keep you alive on an epic journey to either
pole. It has not been picked over by nutritionists or approved by
government health agencies. Food critics have not written glowing
reviews, and several of the items may rapidly turn toxic in warmer
weather. Also, a wide variety of plants and farm animals (depending
on toppings) may be harmed if this list is followed—do so at their, and
your own, risk.
CHECKLIST: Lazy Kayaker Food Suggestions
leftover pizza
I’m not going to lie—I love pizza. Good pizza is one of the
finest forms of food there is, and leftover pizza makes for a
delicious and filling breakfast, lunch or dinner on the day
you hit the water. On winter trips, I’ve even had it the next
day. A ziplock bag and strategic placement will keep the
pepperoni, artichoke hearts and roasted garlic in place.
chocolate bars (with peanuts)
Best in cooler weather—they don’t remain intact in summer
or the tropics, where you’ll have to rely on energy bars
instead, which are more expensive and less tasty. Still, an
economy pack of peanutty chocolate bars can provide that
sugar/fat/protein fueled oomph you might need to finish a
crossing, lug your gear across a mud flat or just get out of
the sleeping bag on a rainy morning. On more remote trips,
intact chocolate bars can also be used as currency if you
meet other paddlers.
canned herring
I’m aware there’s something ironic about eating canned
fish while floating on the ocean. It certainly speaks to how
poorly we’ve preserved coastal habitat and maintained our
fisheries. Still, even if you are able to get beyond overfished
areas, you might find that the rod, reel, line, knife,
46 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE SUMMER 2007