When did you started kayaking? You may have seen all the fun and good exercise that comes with kayaking, or it may have been right after your doctor advise it. Either way, kayaking is an amazing sporting activity that you could get into today. Since this is a brand new field you want to venture into, you’d surely like to know a few kayaking basics before you get serious. Here’s how to start kayaking.
WHAT IS A KAYAK?
If you’re reading this, chances are you know what a kayak is. However, for people who have never heard of it before. In a way, a kayak is like a canoe. You can paddle it on the water. However, unlike what we see on our canoes, here you sit when using a double-bladed paddle to move the kayak forward or spin. Your legs often stretched out in front of you. Originally intended for hunting, but is now used for recreational and racing purposes.
WILL I NEED TO BUY MY KAYAK?
At this precise moment, you really do not need to buy, but rent one. You can actually do this once you have the necessary skills and want to take things a little higher. Ideally, it would make sense to start with kayaking lessons. These few learning sessions will be equipped with everything you need to know before investing your money in your own kayak.
WHERE CAN I RENT MY FIRST KAYAK?
This sport is becoming more and more popular. Service providers have seen this. You can actually rent the kayak around the most popular kayak sites or even by the lake. You can rent one and the rates normally depend on the size of the kayak, the type of trip you wish to take and the additional services that will be provided to you once you rent a kayak.
DO I NEED ANY EXPERIENCE BEFORE MY FIRST TRIP?
No, you don’t need any experience to get started. Like any other sporting activity, you will learn throughout the process of developing appropriate kayaking techniques. However, it is very important that you know how to swim; let’s say at least 25 meters. At first, it is obvious that you could end up in the water several times and that your swimming skills will be very useful to you.
WHAT BASIC SKILLS DO I NEED FOR MY FIRST TRIP?
For beginners, there are a few things you need to know before you go kayaking. In this case, we are talking about how to operate your kayak without any problems.
HOW DO I GET IN AND OUT OF A KAYAK?
- When you’re on the edge
If you are on shore and want to get in or out of your kayak; With one hand, you need to keep the pedal well in the center. Place the pedal on a kayak a few meters right in front of the seat; This is the exact place where your knees would be if you were sitting. Place the other hand on the seat back.
At this time, your body should be positioned perpendicular to your kayak. Starting with the foot closest to the kayak, enter. You need to do it at a perfect angle, one that will allow you to sit almost immediately without having to adjust your feet as this can tip your kayak. In addition, you can use your pedal as a stabilizer of the kayak when you arrive. You also need to put some weight on both the paddle and the seat.
- When you’re at the dock
If you are on the dock, you must first choose the right place to dock. Here you need to find a place where your kayak is very close to the dock, as this will help you reduce the distance you need to descend. Hold the dock with one hand, then sit with the help of the other hand.
HOW DO I HOLD THE PADDLE CORRECLY?
Typically, kayak paddles have a brand logo on one side. So, when you’re in your seat, you need to make sure you can read the logo.
HOW DO I PADDLE MY HEAD?
This first shot is important, and you may want to make sure you do it perfectly. First, you need to rotate your torso to the right while moving forward to the left side of the paddle. Here, an extension of about 50% will allow you to get that perfect shot. Take the paddle and immerse it in the water and make sure it does not exceed half the height of the blade.
Second, withdraw with a little firmness and rotate your torso to the other side. At the exit of the left paddle, it should be at the hip. Directly, your pedal should enter the water on the opposite side when you repeat the steps.
HOW CAN I GO BACK BY KAYAK?
You can do this in three ways, but to start, we’re going to mention one that is quite easy to use. First, you can use your paddle as a rudder. When the kayak is moving, take the blade and dip it into the water on the side you want to turn to. Slide it into the water until your kayak begins to turn to the desired side.
DO I NEED TO BE IN SHAPE?
Kayaking, basically, is like any other sporting activity. It implies a sense of exercise. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t kayak; You can do it whether you are fit or not. However, you may also want to keep this in mind. There is a maximum weight limit. Excess weight can cause the kayak to capsize and this can be very dangerous. Even if being fit is not a primary requirement, if you want to go for those long kayaking sessions and lose the sweat and enjoy it to the fullest, you need to be in better shape.
WHERE SHOULD I TAKE MY FIRST TRIP?
When you start, you have to slow things down a bit. For beginners, it would be a good idea to make your first trip to lakes and rivers. At first, even a very gentle current can harm you. So when you’re new to kayaking, you might want to start with a group excursion. Here you will receive the necessary equipment. For early trips too, you may want to avoid technical kayaking areas, such as waterfalls and rocky rivers. You don’t need the skills required to maneuver in such areas.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Kayaking, much like hiking, has clothing specifically designed for this. Ideally, before you go kayaking, you may need to be well prepared for the elements. For example, if it’s summer, you can do very well with light clothing. However, you shouldn’t have any problems with these wet clothes.
For the winter, you’d do well with a wetsuit, but you might want to layer it with a waterproof jacket.
In addition, it is advisable to wear a flotation vest for your safety in case you find yourself in the water.
CAN I GO KAYAKING IF THE WEATHER IS BAD?
Contrary to popular belief, kayaking is a sport in all weathers. While it’s great fun and enjoyable when it’s a bit hot, especially in the summer, you can still take an action-packed outing when it’s cold or even raining. However, you may need to pay attention to some dangerous conditions such as high winds, high river levels, or even heavy rain. They can make your ride incredibly dangerous and you can end up at the bottom of the sea.
WILL I CAPSIZE A LOT?
This rarely happens. However, if you act inappropriately and your weight is unevenly distributed on your kayak, you capsize. Nevertheless, this should not worry you much. The kayaks are incredibly stable and easy to handle. So these capsizing problems are an event.
WILL I GET WET?
Definitely yes; No matter how careful you are, you will get wet. When you launch your kayak into the water, your feet will get wet. In other cases, people splashing around you will love splashes.
CAN I KAYAK WITH THE KIDS?
Of course it is; You can kayak with children safely. In this case, we are talking about children 4 years and older. You need people who can easily understand and follow the instructions given. However, you can use a kayak that you can easily monitor closely. So, if you want to spend an unforgettable weekend with your family, a children’s kayak is what you need as a family.
WHAT SHOULD I BUY FOR MU FIRST TRIP?
As with any other outdoor activity, you should bring a few essential equipment. For your first trip, you should pack plenty of drinking water, sunscreen, snacks, and extra layers of clothing. If you can’t just leave your phone on, make sure you have a waterproof bag where you can safely store your phone without having to worry about water coming into contact with your phone.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SECURITY MEASURES SHOULD I TAKE?
Just before that first trip, if you want to stay safe and stay alive for another day, you need to take a number of safety precautions. Kayaking, like any other water sports activity, can become very dangerous for beginners. Here are some of the steps you may want to take before that first release.
- Bring a friend: If you don’t have a guide, bring a friend on your first trip. Another paddler during these first sessions can be of great help. They provide much-needed help and assistance.
- Always know how far away you are: if you don’t have any lifesaving training, don’t go for those long kayaking sessions. In short, you should not stray from the shore. You need a place where you can swim easily in case of an accident.
- Check your life jacket: Make sure this protective equipment is tight and not too loose so as not to interfere with your breathing. If at some point temperatures rise and you want to remove those extra layers, head to the coast first. Do not do it in the middle of the river or sea.
- Bring your whistle: You never know when you might actually need it. This distress signal can save you in minutes. So don’t underestimate the power of a whistle when kayaking.
WHAT SHOULDN'T I BRING?
The answer is quite simple. Anything you don’t want to get wet, especially if you don’t have a waterproof bag with you. In this case, it could be your iPhone, iPod, or any other electronic device.
