Want to Start Kayaking? Here are Some Tips to Consider

Jul 21, 2018

Want to Start Kayaking? Here are Some Tips to Consider

If you are looking for a new sport to devote your support and commitment, try out kayaking. The sport is acceptable to all genders and simple to learn. The training process will take only a few hours after which you will be comfortable paddling around. Human ingenuity has seen kayaking get categorized into sea, flat-water or whitewater kayaking.

Kayaking as a beginner

Whether you aspire to kayak within the country or outside, you need to have the basic skills to get you started. This means you require basic skills before heading out on a personal adventure. Here are some tips that shared by top kayakers for people who have never been in the water.

What’s the lesson?

First, sign up for a kayaking lesson. At times you might think that a kayaking lesson is unnecessary. How hard will it be to paddle anyway? This might not be rocket science, but do not be surprised if you find yourself unable to stop paddling round in circles for the first half hour. The hardest part might be trying to recover after an unexpected capsize, which is pretty much it. Kayaking lessons are not expensive compared to other engaging sports such as horse riding.

Put on water-suited clothing

Do not make the mistake of making your clothing selection based on the weather. In as much as hot summers call for shorts and light shirts, remember, the water temperature will be opposite. Just in case you lose your hold and capsize, you will have a wetsuit on. Other gears to have on are kayaking gloves and waterproof cajole. For more on kayaking gear you can check out the This is Kayakudos.com Twitter account.

Pick the right boat

There are several types of kayak boats available today. This ranges from the long narrow racing boats to the tiny freestyle playboats. This presents the perfect opportunity for kayakers to navigate through the paddling water. Those paddling on a lake can rent a flat-water boat. The sit-a-top kayaks are highly recommended for beginners as they provide greater stability for the users.

Wear buoyancy equipment

The buoyancy aids are to be worn by both novice and experienced kayakers. They serve the same purpose as life jackets but permit greater movement around the neck and arms. This makes them best suited for kayaking. Do not assume that you are a strong swimmer and take the risk. There are many cases where the best of swimmers find themselves in trouble during a kayak capsize. Most kayaking teaching schools provide paddling equipment. As for the private kayak swimmers, they can rent out the equipment from the nearest watersport center or purchase them all together.

Master the right sitting posture

Once you can position yourself upright on the kayak, paddling becomes very easy. Your kayak might have a comfortable backrest, so try your best not to slouch. The best position is to sit up straight in a way that the degree to your lower back and buttocks are at 90 degrees.