Top 7 Pro Kayaking Tips for Beginners
Kayaking is one of the most popular water sports in the world. While some pursue it for professional purposes, others simply do it for leisure. Although kayaking is enjoyable, it can be challenging especially for beginners. However, with a few pointers, you will be paddling for fun and success within a short period of time.
Before jumping onto the next available kayak and padding away, there's one vital factor to consider. it is important to note that there are different types of kayaking; sea kayaking, flat water kayaking and white-water kayaking. You need to decide which one best works for you.
The 7 Most Important Kayaking Tips for Beginners
1. Sign Up
Kayaking seems easy from afar, doesn't it’? It actually isn't as easy as it seems. It is highly recommended that you sign up for kayaking lessons. This is especially so to keep you safe as well as to make the venture a success.
During the coaching classes, beginners often find themselves paddling in circles at first. This is both time and energy consuming and may easily frustrate you. Imagine how much more gruesome this would have been out in the water.
Learning how to paddle the correct way will save and help you recover from a capsized. Understanding how to keep steady on water will enable you to go further and faster. Commonly, kayaking classes aren't expensive so that's a bonus and an even better reason for you to sign up.
2. Dress for Kayaking
A Baywatch kind of scene is most likely to crop up when you close your eyes and envision paddling towards the horizon on a warm afternoon, doesn't it? Although your experience will undeniably be fun, it is important to note that you won't be basking in the sun and enjoying a tan.
It is advisable to dress up for the water and not the weather. Although the weather may be warm and sunny, temperatures in the water are low so expect it to be icy at times. Therefore, swimming shorts and a tee are a definite no-no.
When you fall into the water which should be expected especially as a beginner, you will be happy you wore a wet suit, waterproof cagoule and kayaking gloves. Kayaking gear is available in sports stores and even online so grab yours before lessons begin.
3. Choose a Boat
Did you know that there is a wide variety of boats available for kayaking? Now you do. These range from long and narrow to tiny freestyle boats- However, the kind of kayaking that you intend to do greatly determines the boat to go for. If you intend to practice out in the lake, you may want to invest in a flatwater boat- However, it is important to note that sit-on-top kayaks are ideal/kayaking tips for beginners. This is because they are easy to maneuver and quite stable.
4. Wear your Aid
So, you've been swimming since you were little? That's amazing. However, just like any other kayaker, even pros, you need to wear your buoyancy aid. You never know when you'll get into trouble in the water and require help to stay afloat.
Buoyancy jackets are life jackets with better flexibility and room around the arms and neck. These keep you safe during the sport without interfering with your paddling ability.
Kayakers who first go through kayaking classes are usually supplied with the re-jackets which should strictly be worn whenever you kayak. However, people who do not go through classes are required to buy theirs along with the kayaking gear. You also have the option of renting one.
5. Sit Up
How you position yourself in a kayak may influence your kayaking ability. Sure, the back rests on the boats are comfy but avoid slouching. Always ensure that you sit up at all times. Your butt and back should be at 90 degrees at all times.
If you look under, you will notice foot pegs on either side of the kayak. Let your feet rest in these pegs with your toes pointed out and heels to the center. Position your knees to point up and out and allow contact with your thigh braces.
6. End of rough draft
Kayaking is one of the most popular water sports in the world. While some pursue it for professional purposes, others simply do it for leisure. Although kayaking is enjoyable, it can be challenging especially for beginners. However, with a few pointers, you will be paddling for fun and success within a short period of time.
Before jumping onto the next available kayak and padding away, there's one vital factor to consider. It is important to note that there are different types of kayaking; sea kayaking, flat water kayaking and white-water kayaking. You need to decide which one best works for you.
7. Sign Up
Kayaking seems easy from afar, doesn't it? It actually isn't as easy as it seems. It is highly recommended that you sign up for kayaking lessons. This is especially so to keep you safe as well as to make the venture a success.
During the coaching classes, beginners often find themselves paddling in circles at first. This is both time and energy consuming and may easily frustrate you. Imagine how much more gruesome this would have been out in the water.
Learning how to paddle the correct way will save and help you recover from a capsized. Understanding how to keep steady on water will enable you to go further and faster.
Kayaking Tips for Beginners - Commonly, kayaking classes aren't expensive so that's a bonus and an even better reason for you to sign up. Kayaking is one of the most popular water sports in the world. While some pursue it for professional purposes, others simply do it for leisure. Although kayaking is enjoyable, it can be challenging especially for beginners. However, with a few pointers, you will be paddling for fun and success within a short period of time.