How To Kayak For Beginners

Kayaking is not a difficult experience to learn. And if you love water sports but prefer not to whizz around being jet-propelled it would be the perfect exercise for you. Luckily, kayaking is not too difficult and as such, you can learn how to paddle, manoeuvre and keep yourself afloat relatively easily. The thing about kayaking is that it can be exciting and calming at the same time. And it is a great way to explore great bodies of water. Here are some basics for beginners.

Kayaking Gear You will Need

You don't have to rush to buy your own kayaking gear, especially if you are new to it and don't know where to begin. There are plenty of places that will offer rentals. Extreme water sport companies that handle white water rafting and jet skiing will also have an array of kayaking gear available for you to rent out. But basically, the following are the items you would need before you go kayaking.

a. Kayaks and Paddles

The first item of order to go kayaking is obviously a kayak and its paddles. If you are in an area that is famous for kayaking, there's a high chance that there will be places where you can rent an ensemble before you go out into the lake or river. You should know, however, that there are 2 kinds of kayaks. The sit-inside kayaks and the sit-on-top kayaks. These are available for one person or two people. Check informative sites such as The Adventure Travel to know more about the kayaks and which you think would suit you better. It would also depend on the place where you are hoping to go kayaking and what the local terrain looks like.

b. PFDs

PFD stands for Personal Flotation Device and is in short, a life jacket. Adventure sports companies will provide you with these, so you don't have to worry about buying your own unless you are planning to make kayaking a regular thing. PFD types will change depending on the terrain and the body of water you will be kayaking in. The three main recommended types are; Type 1 PFDs for rough seas, Type 2 and Type 3 for calm waters where a "quick rescue" is an option and Type 5 that are large and dedicated for a specific use. Ask if they are suitable for kayaking before you purchase.

c. Kayaking Accessories

Things that you should have on you if you want to make kayaking a regular endeavour is a pair of clothes to change into from your wet ones, a waterproof cover for your phone and SPF protection. Also, a pair of polarised sunglasses would be great, and a hat if you are kayaking in sunny weather.

The Time and Place for Kayaking

Always wait for mild weather before you take off on a kayaking expedition, regardless of whether you are kayaking in a lake, a river or the sea. Another important point to consider is water temperature. If it is too cold you could end up developing hypothermia. If you are a beginner, focus on calm waters without going for rivers that may contain rapids. If you are going out to sea, make sure you are with a guide or with friends and that someone on shore knows where you are going and will be able to track you through GPS. If you are a beginner, make sure you take a beginner's course in kayaking before attempting the real thing.

How to Paddle a Kayak

When you are paddling you should hold the paddle with both hands and bend your elbows at a degree of 90. The concave side of the paddle head should face towards you.