Equipment Essentials
What We Provide:
As client safety is our prime objective we only use top spec equipment, as these adventure tours have been created to minimise risk, yet still keep the adrenaline pumping and having fun.
The Mekong River over this 300+ kms section is only a Grade 1 to 2 river with just a few rapids which are passable by powered river boats with a shallow draft. But in the Monsoon season (June to October) the sheer volume of flood water significantly increases the current and will skim you along at an impressive 8 – 10 km/hour, so not a lot of strenuous paddling required, but it can present some unique challenges.
Our equipment is kept in as new condition, including sit on top, Feelfree Gemini kayaks. Feelfree are designed in New Zealand and was originally established by Ferg or Ian Ferguson, New Zealand’s second most awarded Olympic sportsman, who has won 1 silver and 4 gold medals for kayaking at the Olympic Games.
The Gemini model is a self draining, tandem kayak (3.8m x 32kg) with comfortable foam seats and backrests, along with drink holder, lightweight paddle, paddle tether, a small, sealed storage compartment for personal items and a wheel in the keel, to make it easier to manoeuvre once on the beach.
Every seat includes a 10 litre dry-bag for valuables, (phone, wallet, passport, etc). You should secure in Ziploc bags first to fully protect it, and then place inside the dry bag, which is snap clipped to the boat in the unlikely event of a spill.
For your safety we use top-spec hi-viz Hutchwilco Reactor kayaking life jackets (manufactured to AS4758 standard) which are rated at 60N (sizes M to XXL). They are especially made for kayaking, with freedom of arm movement.
We use cycling safety helmets (fully adjustable, meets EN1078 standard), in place of normal kayaking helmets, as they breathe so much better and are much cooler to wear in the tropical heat.
Each kayak also has an emergency throw rope, which your guide will demonstrate how to use before you set off.
There’s also a GoPro camera base, mounted on the bow, into which you can clip your GoPro camera for shooting either front or rear.
Phone & Power Requirements in Laos & Thailand:
- Because of the isolation, for much of the trip you’ll be unplugged from the Lao 4 & 5G network with no phone or internet. Relax and enjoy the scenery and serenity, or catch up on some reading
- Bring your camera and phone charger but make sure it can handle the 220V/50Hz Laos (and Thai electricity supply) first. Most phone chargers today are both dual 220/110 V
- Generally mains plugs are Type A (2 blade), Type B (2 blade + a round earth pin) or Type C (2 round pins) are used in both Thailand and Laos
220V electric plug Type A
Revel in an Unplugged, Digital Detox Wilderness:
For much of the trip you’ll be unplugged, with no mobile coverage or electricity, so give yourself a digital detox and turn your phone off. To recharge, use your mobile power bank, USB charging facilities on some of the larger cruise boats, or some homes in the villages generate their own electricity from small turbines in the river, which can charge your camera or phone via your mains charger.
Professional, English speaking, certified guides
You’ll be accompanied by a professional, English speaking Government certified and licensed guide, who speaks English and has a minimum of 5 years of experience. (Many of our top guides have more than 13 years of experience). They’ve been trained in outdoor first aid (DRSABC – Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR)
We also carry a comprehensive NZ Mountain Safety Council outdoor adventurer first-aid kit along with other meds and supplies that are necessary for tropical Laos. If you have any medical training please tell your guide before you depart.
We are also contracted by a global emergency rescue organisation, that works on behalf of international insurance companies to provide rescue services to their clients, should they have an emergency, or accident while travelling in Laos.
You’re in experienced hands.
What You Need To Bring:
Day Kayaking Trips:
- Travel insurance is mandatory. If you turn up without medical insurance you will not be allowed on the tour, and it may be really challenging and expensive for you to get back down the river to Luang Prabang
- Ziploc bags for protecting passport, wallet, mobile phone, camera, charger, etc which are then placed in a tethered drybag which we supply
- Sunscreen
- Sun Hat
- Swim suit and towel. Ladies – please respect the conservative Lao village culture where swimsuits or sarongs are preferred rather than bikinis
Overnight Kayaking & Cruise Trips – as above plus:
- Mosquito repellent cream or spray as a precaution when sitting outside in the evenings
- Soap, toilet paper & towel
- Jeans and something warm and with long sleeves to wear in the evenings if travelling between November to February
- Flash light or Torch
Optional:
- Power bank phone charger
- Snacks or fruit to eat on the river (can be bought on public boat or in the villages)
- If you have softer “computer hands” suggest fingerless gym gloves or similar (not leather) to prevent any blisters
- Any personal medicines, lip balm, sunglasses, sunglass retainer straps, etc
- There’s a GoPro base mount socket fitted to the bow of every kayak for shooting, but use a safety tether to secure it
- Gifts for the kids at riverside schools – pencils, ball-points, paper, soccer balls, skipping ropes, balloons, etc are very much appreciated. Please do not give them money