Kayaking Techniques For Beginners
Kayaking creates a beautiful image of outdoor exploration. The gliding movement of kayak across a glassy area of water, its wake glistening in the reflected light, and its bow knifing through the mist is a beautiful experience you will enjoy. As a beginner paddler, we have some helpful kayaking techniques for beginners that you need to get started with your kayaking.
Though buying a boat of your own might be a good option, but chances are you might not buy a ship immediately. Below are other options you can try.
- Borrow a kayak: If you have a friend who is experienced in kayaking and a good paddler, you can borrow a kayak from him. You can also learn the basics of your friend.
- Rent a kayak: You can rent a boat from a canoe outfitter, so you don’t encounter problems while transporting the boat.
- Register for a class: If you find time to sign up for a kayaking class, you will get in-depth instruction and knowledge than a tour. An introductory course is a great option to start with before embarking on your kayaking activity.
- Sign Up for Tour: When you sign up for a tour, you will get the fundamentals, gear, and boat in one package. You can contact the parks department at your local lake or an adventure-touring company.
Beginner kayaking tips for first-time Paddlers
As a beginner paddler, make things easy on yourself when planning your first non-guided kayaking outing.
- Select a small, relaxed, calm body of water: The perfect places for you should be ponds or lakes with little powerboat traffic.
- Look for a sandy beach that is sloppy to launch your kayak: As a beginner paddler, avoid going for steep, rocky, or murky shorelines, which will pose a challenge to you.
- Leave on a sunny and windless day: Maintain a high comfort and reduced complications.
- On a breezy day, begin by paddling into the wind: Paddle with a tailwind which is breezy, rather than paddling your way back, which is a struggle.
- Planning on an outing is ideal: Planning for an outing and not expedition is suitable for enjoying your experience.
Gears and Clothing You Need for Kayak
We assume you have already gotten a classic kayak that has a cockpit, a hatch, or two for stowing gear. Otherwise, your guide should put you in a large and stable boat with no cockpit if the weather and water are warm.
Basic and Essential Kayaking gear: Your canoe outfitters should provide you with the following items:
- Paddle (Ensure to check that it’s the proper size for you)
- Bilge pump
- Approved Coastguard. PFD (Personal Flotation Device)
- Spray skirt (This item is optional. Ideal on warm, calm days.)
Proper Clothing for an outing:
For warm weather and warm water, you should bring the following:
- Swimwear (Non-cotton and nonbinding shorts are okay)
- Rash guard top (Either short-sleeve or long-sleeve non-cotton top)
- Sun shielding hat
- Neoprene footwear
- A wet suit (if conditions are colder than 60F in water)
- Rain jacket, spray jacket and pants
- A vest or Lightweight fleece jacket
Essential Personal Items:
- Bring plenty of water
- For more extended tours, snacks are better
- Sunglasses, lip balm, and Sunscreen
- Watch
- Headlamp (To keep you visible to other paddlers in case you are slowly getting back)
Personal items: If you know your Ten Essentials, then many of these should be familiar:
- Plenty of water PSA
- Snacks for energy, plus lunch for more extended tours
- Sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses (with a retainer)
- First-aid kit
- Signal whistle
- You need a watch (so you can give yourself plenty of time to get back)
- Get one headlamp (in case you’re too slow getting back)
- Some dry bags to put things that might get wet
