Kayaking is a lot of fun. It is also extremely good for you. Many would argue that kayaking is one of the world’s healthiest sports because it can completely transform your body and is also very good for your mental health. If you want to take up kayaking, then it’s important that you research, study, and learn. Kayaking isn’t an especially difficult sport to master, but it is still something that you need to be educated about before trying it out because it can be dangerous.
This article will simplify online research for you, by compiling a list of kayaking tips that will turn you into a professional:
Kayak Choice
If you haven’t ever been shopping for kayaks before, then you won’t be familiar with the various different types available for purchase. As an amateur kayaker, it’s strongly advised that you practice with friends before going out alone. The best way to do this is to invest in a tandem kayak, instead of a solo one. Kayak distributors watersportswhiz.com/best-tandem-fishing-kayak say in their handy guide to tandem kayaks, that bringing somebody along with you can make a world of difference. Owning a tandem kayak also gives you the opportunity to go fishing with friends.
Wearing Protection
Both expert and beginner kayakers should wear protective equipment when out on the water. You can’t ever rule out a sudden gust of wind or harsh wave overturning you. If you aren’t a strong swimmer, then being thrown from your kayak could be potentially fatal. A life jacket could potentially save your life if you ended up in the water. Experts also strongly advise wearing a helmet, especially if you are going to be kayaking down a fast-moving river system. A helmet will stop you from injuring your head if you hit a rock.
Quality Paddle
If you don’t invest in a high-quality paddle, then you may struggle to master kayaking. Nearly all paddle manufacturers create paddles to the same standard. It is possible to find industry outliers that don’t produce quality paddles, however. If you end up buying one of these, then you could be in a lot of danger. A poor quality paddle could bend or break while you are using it. If this happens, then you could lose control of your kayak. Make sure that you invest in a sturdy, durable paddle, that meets industry quality standards.
Proper Clothing
If it’s very cold outside, then wearing a pair of shorts to go kayaking isn’t a good idea. When you are moving your paddle, you are going to get wet. If you don’t invest in proper clothing then you could succumb to the elements and develop hypothermia. On the other hand, if it’s warm and you’re wearing a full thermal outfit, then you could overheat. Select your kayaking outfit according to the weather on the day that you are going. Again, one piece of equipment that you must always wear regardless of your outfit is a life jacket.
Dry Bag
Bring a dry bag along with you, so that you don’t get your phone or belongings wet. It is very important to keep your phone in good condition when you are kayaking because if it becomes wet and breaks and then you find yourself in a dangerous situation, you won’t be able to call for help. Additionally, you can also use your phone as a map to navigate river systems. Invest in a high-quality dry bag, that is made from waterproof material. Many companies sell bags as dry bags, but they don’t work as effectively as they should. A well-made dry bag shouldn’t cost you a lot of money.
High-viz
Make sure that the life jacket you buy is high-viz. This is so that you can be seen, even in the dark. If you are thrown from your kayak and end up in the water, passers-by will be able to spot you, help you, or call help for you. If you aren’t wearing a high-viz, then they might mistake you for a seal or other animal splashing about. High-viz jackets are especially important if you are sea kayaking. Some kayakers in addition to wearing high-viz lifejackets, also wear high-viz tops and helmets.
Clothes Change
If you are kayaking on a cold day, then bring a change of clothes along with you. This is so that when you get out of your kayak, you can get changed. If you are soaking wet and the weather’s cold, you could very quickly develop the symptoms of hypothermia, which can be fatal. Another reason that you should bring a change of clothes along with you is that kayaking can get you very dirty. You don’t know what’s in the water with you. Diseases like Weil’s disease can be contracted through exposure to contaminated water. Thoroughly wash your clothes before wearing them again, too.
Known Routes
If you aren’t an experienced kayaker and are kayaking in an area that isn’t known to you, then stick to known routes that have been mapped out on online kayak websites. If you live in a country with a canal system, then you don’t need to learn routes and can instead travel up and down the canal network. The canal network in the United Kingdom is extremely popular with kayakers because they are able to traverse the entire length of the country without coming off into any rivers or going near any roads.
Kayaking Clubs
Finally, if you don’t have any friends that enjoy kayaking and therefore cannot justify purchasing a tandem kayak, buy a solo kayak and join a kayaking club. Kayaking clubs will give you an opportunity to meet other people who share your interests, and with much more experience than you. These people can train you and give you advice so that you too can become an experienced kayaker. Some kayaking clubs also hold beginner’s classes, so to encourage local people to get involved. Most kayaking clubs are free to join, but lessons may cost money.
Kayaking is popular for many reasons, mainly because it is a sport that doesn’t limit you to a single style. You can kayak in the sea, in fast-moving river systems, or on quiet lakes. You can even go fishing in a kayak. Before you can do any of these things, however, you need to master the sport. This post’s guidance will help you to do that.
