Kayaking is among the most relaxed outdoor pursuits you’ll ever do. It’s also beneficial for your overall health, physically as well as mentally. If you’re new to kayaking, make sure you start with the right attitude to ensure your first kayaking experience will be a success, not an opportunity to take a chance. This article offers a checklist of tips from experts for beginners to make sure your kayaking trip is smooth from beginning to end.
SAFETY START KAYAKING
Wear a proper Personal Flotation Device (PFD). It doesn’t matter if the boat is rigid or inflatable, this advice applies to any boat. A PFD will help prevent tragedy should an accident occur, so having one is essential.
If possible, one pair of canoeists should consist of a more experienced person and a beginner. This rule is difficult to follow if this is the first time everyone is participating in a canoe trip. However, more often than not, there are several people in the group who have had contact with water sports before. These people will learn to paddle faster, so it is recommended to take them with the beginners. Regarding the distribution of people in the kayak, the more experienced person, heavier and stronger, sits in the back and the beginner, lighter and less strong, sits in the front.
The composition of each kayak should be determined while planning the kayak, especially for children (read more about children in kayaks here), and the composition itself should be adjusted according to the capabilities and skills of the kayakers. It is worth remembering that a group of people should always be in a kayak. You should not go alone – in case of capsizing or other unforeseen circumstances it is more difficult to get help.
Protect your equipment
It’s better to be prepared for a bad scenario and then be pleasantly surprised if your stuff gets wet when there’s a rollover or it starts raining. So pack your luggage properly. Put your electronics or camera in a special waterproof case (you can buy one at any sports store). Large items such as clothes or shoes should be packed in trash bags. For greater safety, we recommend the use of rubber bags or 30-liter bags specifically designed for water sports. In the event of a possible rollover, such a bag will float on the water, protecting your belongings not only from getting wet but also from drowning.
PRACTICE START KAYAKING
The practice beforehand is crucial to develop a sense of the kayak and to learn the basic techniques. It is not advisable to test these skills out while at the bottom of a river or lake. The experts in kayaking from inflatableboatlift.com advise kayakers to choose a peaceful location close by and then spend the time paddling to familiarize themselves with the movement of kayaking. This can help avoid the possibility of surprises when you enter more difficult water.
JOIN A KAYAKING CLUB
Joining a kayaking group is not just a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and make new friends, but also to learn from experienced kayakers. They can teach you about various ways to travel, safety tips, and the best way to operate your kayak under different conditions. Members of the club often meet to go on group trips that can give you more opportunities to grow and develop as a kayaker.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT KAYAK
All kayaks aren’t created to be the same. It is important to select the best one for your level of skill and the purpose for which you intend to use it. If you’re just beginning is best to choose a recreational kayak that is designed to be used in gentle waters. These kayaks are wider and shorter, which makes them less difficult to maneuver over other kayaks.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT ROUTE
Your path will depend on your level of skill, therefore it’s important to be aware of this guideline for beginners particularly. If you’re just starting out, go for a less difficult route to avoid accidents. If you’re comfortable in the water and have some experience you may want to take on things that require more expertise and planning, like sea kayaking, or whitewater paddling. Additionally, it’s important to be aware of the conditions of the weather for the day. There are apps that provide real-time weather information, therefore, make use of this data.
INVEST IN A DECENT PADDLE
A poor-quality paddle is likely to lead to disappointment and may even be risky. It is very important to choose the right size to paddle for your needs. The shape of the paddle makes a big difference, so you should definitely research what type of paddle is best for you. If your paddling style is different than the standard style, it is important to find the right paddle to avoid any problems later on.
PACK PROPERLY AND START KAYAKING
Do not put off loading your kayak until the last minute. Before you go out on the water, make sure you have all the necessary items in your boat: a life jacket, paddles, snacks, water, and safety equipment such as flares or other warning devices.
When you’re whitewater rafting in a kayak, you’ll need mostly countering and stopping techniques for your kayak – the opposite of what you need on a lake. Here, the current carries the boat by itself (like in a canoe trip from Borsk), so you need to focus on avoiding obstacles or slowing down quickly.
BUY A DRY BAG & MAKE SURE YOU KNOW HOW TO USE IT
Dry bags are an essential part of kayaking equipment and are ideal for storing your keys, phone or cash, or other small objects you don’t want to be soaking wet. Make sure you understand how to properly use it before you head out onto the water. Nothing is more frustrating than having your possessions destroyed because of a tiny amount of sweat or rain.
TAKE A BREAK AND START KAYAKING
This is for those who want to paddle for hours. While this can be great, it is not the best choice, especially if you are inexperienced in kayaking. If you paddle your kayak for long periods of time, overexertion can lead to muscle fatigue, cramps, or worse, an accident. Stop every now and then, drink plenty of fluids, and eat a light lunch. You’ll appreciate it after the day is over. Be careful with the water
DRESS FOR THE WATER, NOT THE WEATHER
When you dress for kayaking It is important to keep in mind that you’ll be soaking wet. Dress appropriately and wear clothes that will keep you dry and warm. Cotton isn’t a good option as it absorbs moisture, and will cause you to become sweaty when it is wet. Synthetic materials like polyester are the best choice since they can wick moisture away and can keep your body warm.
Dress in layers so that you can adjust your outfit based on the temperatures. Hats and sunscreen are other essentials to take along when you go kayaking.
Kayaking can be an excellent opportunity to work out and spend time with your loved ones and unwind in the water. With these helpful tips, you’ll be on your way to having a fantastic time in just a few minutes.
