Planning and preparation are crucial when choosing to engage in any activity. Simply launching into something without taking into account the risks, repercussions, or long-term effects is a formula for disaster. This holds true for any activity performed in challenging environments like snow, ice, great heights, or deep water. Because of this, kayaking, which frequently places participants in very small groups and remote locales, should not be taken lightly.
Planning and preparation are crucial when choosing to engage in any activity. Simply launching into something without taking into account the risks, repercussions, or long-term effects is a formula for disaster. This holds true for any activity performed in challenging environments like snow, ice, great heights, or deep water. Because of this, kayaking, which frequently places participants in very small groups and remote locales, should not be taken lightly.
Although kayaking is a terrific activity for both beginners and experts and is very simple to learn, being cocky in any way serves no useful purpose. So what must you accomplish before entering the water?
Finding the Right Supplies
This should always come first while engaging in extreme sports of any kind, not just kayaking. You are setting yourself up for failure if you don’t have the proper equipment and materials.
- A Spare Set of Clothes
- Wetsuit
- Helmet (Optional)
- a Life Jacket/buoyancy Aid
- Wetsuit Gloves
- Wetsuit Boots
Of course, having a kayak that you feel at ease in and a paddle that fits comfortably in your hands is also essential, but if this is your first time kayaking, it’s unlikely that you will buy these items yourself.
Find a Reputable Instructor
It is crucial to take lessons from a knowledgeable teacher; this cannot be emphasised enough. You can learn about the risks involved, how to prevent them, and what you should do to ensure your safety in the event that something goes wrong by working with an instructor.
You won’t need many lessons to learn how to kayak because it is pretty straightforward once you know the ropes. However, you should never set out on a kayak unless you are completely confident in your abilities to handle both good and bad conditions.
Appropriate Clothing
Although it can be quite alluring, it is not a good idea to dress for the weather. When you are in the water, where you need protection the most, you must wear clothing that is appropriate for the environment. Even in really hot weather, it’s preferable to be wearing a wetsuit and waterproof gloves in case you fall in the water, which, let’s be honest, is likely to happen at some point on your first few expeditions.
Use the Right Boat
There are a number different versions available, despite the fact that the fundamental design of kayaks is rather identical. Try a sit-on-top kayak, which is very easy to manoeuvre, if this is your first time being on the water. However, if you want to paddle on a lake or a sizable pond, you might want to consider inflatable kayaks, sit-on-top kayaks, or flatwater boats. In general, it is useful to go over your options with your instructor.
Be Safe & Kayak Together
It makes sense to avoid going out on the lake alone because even the most experienced kayakers can make a mistake. Submerged logs, unexpected waves, and human error can all result in people ending up in the water.
To that end, it’s also critical that you completely comprehend how to protect yourself when you’re in the water and how to assist others who need your help. Although you probably won’t entirely capsize on your first voyage, it’s important to be ready in case you do – whether you stay in the boat or not. Knowing this will prevent you from being anxious when it is very necessary to maintain your composure.
Read more: The Difference Between Canoeing & Kayaking