Kayaking Safety and Equipment Tips

Are interested in kayaking but do not have much experience in the activity? Kayaking can certainly be an exciting way to get out onto the water, whether for a leisurely early morning paddle or an intense overnight adventure. If you are considering kayaking, you will first need to think about what sort of equipment you will need in order to enjoy it. In many cases, you can rent kayaks and other kayaking gear at kayaking stores throughout the United States and in other countries. In other cases, you may be able to purchase kayaking equipment that you may never use again.

Pick a Paddle

One of the most important pieces of equipment you will need is a kayak paddle. It is best if you paddle without a paddle attachment since it will allow you more maneuverability while remaining in a straight position. Typically, a kayak paddle has a one-inch blade and a one-foot paddle. Although this may seem minimal, you should invest in a paddle that feels comfortable in your hands. In addition, you will want a paddle that allows you the freedom of movement necessary for kayaking. Two people kayaking will require two paddles, whereas four people require a paddle of different sizes.

Kayaks come equipped with a kayaking board and a kayak leash. Regardless of what type of kayak you have, you will need these two basic items as part of your list of kayaking supplies. The kayaking leash is helpful in preventing you from getting tangled in other people or objects while paddling. As far as wet suits, they will usually dry quickly in cool or warm water and offer some level of protection against the elements. While a wetsuit will protect you against the wind and the rain, you should consider buying one that is specifically designed to withstand the cold water of lakes and rivers.

Although kayaking itself isn’t dangerous, using bad quality paddle can certainly turn the fun activity into a frustrating experience. Fortunately, paddle paddling gloves have been designed especially for kayaking, making it possible to paddle confidently even if you don’t have the necessary skills. These paddling gloves are made from foam padding and covered in leather for ultimate comfort and dexterity.

Choose the Right Location

One of the most important beginner kayaking tips is to carefully choose your location. There are so many places where you can go kayaking that it can be difficult to determine which ones are best. If possible, try to find a local lake or river where there are other people who kayak. This way, you can talk kayaking tips with other beginners and possibly learn from them. If you are unable to find anyone who will teach you basic kayaking skills, check local sporting goods stores for equipment and consider renting some before you purchase any.

Look Into a Tandem

One of the most popular forms of kayaking is a tandem kayak. In a tandem kayak, one person sits in front of the other (typically in a two-person kayak) and the others, known as companions, sit in between. A tandem kayak offers great single kayaking tips, but it is also an ideal way to enjoy multiple streams of water if you have extra companions.

A popular alternative to a tandem kayak is to use a sit-on-top kayak. Sit-on-top kayaking involves securing either an inflatable kayak or a soft, comfortable seat inside a kayak with a tie-down loop or other form of support. Because the person sitting in front of you has a clear view of the other person, sit-on-top kayaking offers great single kayaking tips as well as making it easy for new kayakers to learn how to kayak safely. However, sit-on-top kayaking does come with its own risks, such as getting capsized, getting stuck upside down, and getting trapped if the leash isn’t tight enough. Before taking this type of kayaking lesson, you should read about safety procedures thoroughly.

If you don’t want to deal with getting capsized, get a sit-on-top kayak. These types of kayaks are smaller and usually easier to control because of their smaller profile. However, if you’re more experienced and you feel more confident using bigger kayaks, you can always opt for a tandem kayak, especially if you have lots of skills and plenty of experiences under your belt.

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