Are you interested in kayaking, but you don’t have any experience?
This is why I am here today.
Kayaking is a great way to spend quality time with friends and family while seeing nature from a new point of view. In this article I’m going to introduce you to 8 simple tips and tricks to help prepare you for your first kayaking adventure.
Without further ado, Let’s jump into the article (I mean water).
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8 Simple Tips and Tricks for Beginner Kayakers
Practicing Safety
#1. Safety is No. 1
This is without question the most important kayak safety tip I can give you. According to The American Canoe Association, 48% of all kayak fatalities are due to not wearing a life jacket. We have to flatten the curve on this. If you find that wearing a life jacket is uncomfortable when paddling, consider purchasing a kayaking specific life jacket, or PFD. I highly recommend the NRS Chinook PFD. For more information regarding safety please check out https://americancanoe.org
Paddling Tips and Technique
#2. Learning how to paddle
With any sport, the proper techniques can keep you safe and help you prevent injuries. The same goes for how to paddle a kayak properly.
The part of the paddle you hold is called the shaft. The proper way to hold a paddle is to place your hands slightly farther than shoulder width apart on the shaft. Keep a relaxed grip on the shaft with your knuckles pointed upward. If you keep this form, you will put more power into your paddle without exerting more energy. I love Werner paddles. for more on Werner here is their information. https://wernerpaddles.com
Understand the Wind Conditions
#3. Understand the Wind Forecast (You’ll thank me later on this).
Understanding the Wind conditions is essential for your kayaking trip. The last thing you want to do is paddle against that Oklahoma wind. The best trick to solve this problem, is to have different locations staked out for different wind directions. This way, you have multiple options if the wind direction changes. Planning your kayaking trips around wind direction is going to lead to a less strenuous trip, keeping you on the water longer.
If it’s really windy, you might opt for another day. Wind poses an additional challenge that sometimes is unavoidable, but I recommend trying kayaking for the first time when it’s calm out.
#4. Clothing is more important than you think.
Clothing for kayaking has similar requirements to other outdoor activities like hiking: You’re looking for durability and comfort while moving. You are also looking for protection for cold and wet conditions.
When deciding on what to wear kayaking, follow these general guidelines:
- Dress for sun protection. Regardless of cloud cover, a day on the water is a day of sun exposure. Wear clothing with UPF-rated fabrics is always a good decision.
- Avoid cotton in all layers. Cotton absorbs water and stays wet.
- Hats: Look for hats with wide brims or capes. Consider a hat leash, too, if you don’t have a chin strap or other reliable way to secure your hat.
- Footwear: You need to protect your feet from the sun, rocks, glass, and whatever that might be under your kayak.
Practice good Posture
#5. Sit up straight.
While sitting with your back supported in the kayak, place the balls of your feet in the foot guides. Some kayaks will have pegs, instead.
Your toes should be pointed outward and your heels in the center of the kayak. Your knees should have an upward and outward bend to them.
Pace Yourself
#6. It’s not a race.
Don’t try to wear yourself out for the first 30 minutes while you’re on the water. Enjoy the scenery, get a feel for how your body rests in the kayak and how to paddle through water. Focus on your technique vs exerting all of your energy on speed.
#7. Stretch beforehand.
You will want to get out and stretch if you’ve been sitting in one upright position for an hour or two. To avoid aches throughout the rest of the day, do some light stretching. It’s also beneficial to do this before you kayak.
#8. Don’t Kayak in cold weather.
Kayaking is a great way to get outside, but if you’re a beginner, you’ll enjoy it so much more when it’s warm and sunny, with just enough breeze to cool the air a bit.
If you choose to go on a cold day for your first time, the wind and waves will make it harder. It will make it less enjoyable. Most beginner kayakers don’t have the proper gear to stay warm and dry in nasty weather.
Thoughts and Takeaways
And there you have it. I hope these 8 tips and tricks I shared with you today were helpful to you. I will have some future articles on kayaking that will be more in depth, however it is good to hit the basics from time to time. Please let me know what your thoughts are in the comment section below.
-CT