Kayaking isn’t just an adventure, its full of wonderful perks to be enjoyed. From mental stability to physical fitness, kayaking is a master of all. Kayaking is a lot more than just a sport or a workout. The thrill of a kayaking adventure depends on various factors such as your experience, the weather conditions, the water flow and so on. It can be a life changing experience when done with proper supervision. But a simple mistake can jeopardize the whole experience for you, and you might not want to hold a paddle ever again. To make your kayaking experience safe and a little more exciting, here are some tips and tricks to followed.
●A good paddle
An important prerequisite for kayaking is a paddle. Paddling a kayak may become tiring after a day or two. A paddle which is accurately sized and light in weight is something you must choose very carefully. Using a heavy paddle may be a tedious task, especially for beginners. There are plenty of affordable paddles in todays market. You can choose a great paddle by investing a couple of hundred bucks and you will definitely find something that correctly suits your needs. The length of the paddle and its shape are other crucial parameters to be kept in mind while buying a paddle. You should do some research of your own before buying as it greatly determines the quality of your kayaking experience.
●Ready to get wet
You going to get wet on your kayaking experience. One. Even if you don’t make a mistake, you are sure to get wet kayaking because of paddling motion, not to mention possible weather conditions. So, make sure you have the proper clothes, made up of synthetic fabric as cotton clothes tend to absorb more water and remain damp. Also, don’t forget to wear reliable sandals or water shoes. In addition, always pack a pair of dry and fresh clothes if you are going overnight or on a long trip. Not having enough clothes might change your damp up your experience into a terrible one.
●Using the Dry sack
A dry sack can be used to pack dry clothes, eatables for yourself and your pet if you plan on bringing one, and other essentials that need to stay dry. Unfortunately, most kayakers using their dry sack in the wrong way.
Here’s the correct way to pack the dry sack:
Stuff the sack up to two-third of the sack. Press the air out while holding the top together. Afterwards, fold the top rim of the sack downwards for at least three times. Finally buckle the sack and clip it in the appropriate direction. Check if it buckled and sealed tightly so that it doesn’t roll out into the water.
●Learn basic paddling strokes
Learning to paddle the simple and most basic paddling stroke helps make your kayaking trip faster and more easy going. It’s important to put in the time in practicing your technique. It will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable, surely you don’t want to miss out on some easy tricks that can make your kayaking experience a bigger adventure. Sometimes it can be best to learn how to do all this with a kayaking guide, there are also great online resources out there you can find, you can find more here, https://www.kayakerguide.com/ .
●Practice paddling with a friend
Like the saying says, “Two heads are better than one”. It’s ok to be nervous and uncomfortable in the water. Practicing paddling with a friend helps build up your confidence and makes learning even more fun. If you don’t have someone with a kayak to paddle with, then there are plenty of clubs and groups you can visit to learn and practice the art of paddling.
●Invest in a PFD
A personal flotation device is a must when kayaking. Invest in a life jacket that meets your fit and size. Make sure you can move your arms, and that it is a comfortable fit.
●Know the river
It’s extremely important to study river before you set off kayaking. Knowing the potential dangers of the rivers and the hazards that may be caused by it should be cleared up in your mind before planning your adventure. If you are planning to head out into the sea, make sure to have abundant knowledge the sea. Not having the proper education and instructions may be lead to serious consequences like injuries or even worse, death.
●Using a whistle and hand gestures
The sound of crashing water in turbulent rivers can be loud, so loud that your fellow kayakers may not hear you. Study and learn hand signals, whistle blows and paddle signs. It is very important to familiarize yourself with those signals to avoid any unnecessary dangers.
Kayaking is an amazing sport, by following these tips, we hope you can learn to enjoy it properly, and safely, follow instructions and safety guides, use the appropriate tools, and don’t forget to have fun!