What Do I Need To Start Kayaking
When deciding to take up any activity, it’s essential to adequately plan and prepare. Simply leaping into something without considering the potential consequences, dangers or long-term outcomes is a recipe for disaster. This is even true when it comes to any activity involving harsh conditions such as snow, ice, extreme height or deep water. Which is why kayaking, which often involves individuals being in very small groups and in very isolated locations, is something that should not be undertaken lightly.
What Do I Need
To Start Kayaking?
When deciding to take up any activity, it’s essential to adequately plan and prepare. Simply leaping into something without considering the potential consequences, dangers or long-term outcomes is a recipe for disaster. This is even true when it comes to any activity involving harsh conditions such as snow, ice, extreme height or deep water. Which is why kayaking, which often involves individuals being in very small groups and in very isolated locations, is something that should not be undertaken lightly.
Though kayaking is relatively easy to pick up and is a great sport for beginners and experts alike, there is no benefit in displaying any degree of arrogance. So, what do you need to do before you head onto the water?
Finding The Right Supplies
This should be the number one point when participating in any extreme sport, not just kayaking. Without having the right kit and supplies you are setting yourself up for disaster.
When it comes to kayaking, the kit you need is quite simple, so ensure you have:
A spare set of clothes
Wetsuit
Helmet (optional)
A life jacket/buoyancy aid
Wetsuit Gloves
Wetsuit Boots
Of course, it is also vital that you have a kayak that you feel comfortable sitting in and a paddle that fits well in your hands, but if this is your first time kayaking, it’s unlikely you will purchase these items yourself.
Find A Reputable Instructor
The importance of getting some lessons from a qualified instructor cannot be overstated. By working with an instructor you will be able to learn about the associated dangers, how they can be avoided, and what you should do to guarantee your safety should something go awry.
Because kayaking is quite easy to pick up and is relatively simple once you know the ropes, you won’t need too many lessons; however, never head out on a kayak unless you are 100% confident in your ability to handle good and bad situations alike.
Appropriate Clothing
It can be very tempting to wear clothes based on the weather, but this is not a wise choice. You need to wear clothes that are suitable for when you are in the water because this is where you need protection the most. If you fall in the water – which, let’s be fair, is likely to happen at some point on your first couple of outings – it’s best to be wearing a wetsuit and waterproof gloves, even if the weather is incredibly hot.
Kayak clothing and associated kayak accessories are crucial for people of all ages and all levels of expertise.
Use The Right Boat
While the general design for kayaks is pretty uniform, there are a few different variations to choose from. If you are going on the water for the first time then perhaps try a sit-on-top kayak, which is very easy to manoeuvre. However, if you are heading out onto a lake or a large pond, you may want to give flatwater boats, sit on top kayaks, or inflatable kayaks a try. It is generally worth discussing the options with your instructor.
Be Safe & Kayak Together
Even the most experienced of kayakers can come a cropper; submerged logs, unexpected waves and human error can all result in people ending up in the water, so it makes sense to refrain from going out on the water alone.
If you do end up falling in the water, the very last thing you want is to be on your own.
To that end, it is also essential that you are fully aware of how to look after yourself when you are in the water, and how you can save other people if they are in trouble. Chances are you won’t fully capsize during your first excursion, but being prepared if you end up going in the water – whether you remain in the boat or not – is critical. Having this knowledge will also ensure you don’t panic when it is absolutely crucial to remain calm.