Self-supporting the Grand Canyon of the Colorado offers solace, simplicity and speed. You can show up with your boat packed and be on the water in minutes. The clean up can be done in the same amount of time as at it takes you to change into a comfy pair of jeans—just throw that kayak back on the roof rack. Of course, spending a month floating down the Big Ditch with a barge for booze, a barge for food and a barge for costumes is the ideal, but not everyone’s lifestyle, careers, pet and kid duties allow for that luxury.
Case in point: me. I just graduated from nursing school and although I chose this profession partially for the ease at which I can manipulate my work schedule to accommodate my paddling wanderlust, I’m at the bottom of the totem pole right now. So, if the text I had gotten had been anything other than “I pulled a Grand Canyon permit for December…Oh and we’re self-supporting with kayaks,” I would probably have had to say no. Luckily, I know myself and my kit is dialed, mostly. I can be ready for any Grand Canyon invite at any time. And so can you.
But first, I’m sure you’re thinking what I was thinking? December? What a perfect time to go kayaking. Okay, you probably aren’t thinking that. But the Grand is revered as one of the classiest stretches of whitewater that you can find, and it’s most difficult to get a space on. Permits for the Grand in the winter are not only easier to snag, but the traffic is nonexistent—read: no jet boats.
But you’re worried about the weather and the cold water. Hey, it can be brutal at any time of the year for the unprepared. In the summer, temps approach heat levels that could burn your baked goods. In the winter, water pales can freeze solid overnight. If you find yourself with an invite in the chilly months, don’t shy away on account of the temps. I’ve spent many days in January in a tank top and short-shorts at the bottom of the big ditch.
Read More: Kayaking the Grand Canyon: Tips for Self-Supporting
George Boynton 