Kayaking can seem intimidating. However, it is always a challenge to try a new sport. However, just because it is difficult doesn’t make it worth the effort.
The challenge makes it ten times more fun, I would say!
However, to ensure safety and smooth sailing, you need to be familiar with some beginner tips before heading off to the shore.
Follow the below advice and you will be sailing confidently in no time.
Table of Contents
Master Essential Kayaking Skills First
Kayaking need not be difficult. Although it is an extremely easy sport to learn, it can be difficult to master.
Let me now share my first, and most important, beginner kayaking tip. Begin with the basics Learn to Kayak. This is the way I recommend it to first-time kayakers.
It’s the basis of everything you do on the sea and the most important step in making sure everything runs smoothly.
Learn How To Get In & Out Of A Kayak
You won’t go anywhere unless you know how to get into and out of a Kayak.
Isn’t it supposed to be easy?
Well, not quite. It’s not always as easy as you think.
It took me a while to get it right the first time. It takes only practice to master it and you will soon get past the initial wobbliness.
These three methods for launching a kayak are what you need to focus on:
- You can launch a kayak from the shore.
- From a dock, get into a kayak
- Kayaking from the water
This part is optional. You’ll probably end up in a swim unplanned before you launch your kayak or start paddling.
The instructions for getting out of your kayak are simple:
Simply repeat the steps in reverse.
Learn Proper Kayak Paddling Technique
It is not difficult to learn how a kayak can be paddled. You don’t have to spend a lot of time learning the basics.
Before you head out on your first trip, ensure that you have the following knowledge:
- How to hold and orient a kayak paddle correctly.
- How to perform basic paddle strokes. Focused on the forward and reverse strokes. Sweep, draw, and sweep strokes.
- How to turn your kayak and maneuver it.
If you are a novice paddler and want to improve your skills, take a class or ask for help from an experienced instructor. Additionally, a well-developed paddle stroke will reduce fatigue and prevent you from getting injured while paddling. It will also allow you to use your kayak more efficiently, making your outings more fun.
Top tip: A way to tell if someone is a beginner or just starting out on the water, is if they are using the paddle blades the wrong way. This not only makes the paddle less effective, but it also makes you look dumb!
The sticker of the brand will usually be found on the blade’s face. If the blade is up, it will be easy to read the sticker.
Learn River Hand Signals
Many beginners don’t realize how noisy rivers can be. It is amazing how easily turbulent, moving water can make it difficult to communicate. As you spend more time in the water, you realize how crucial it is to stay in touch with everyone in your group.
But shouting at the top of your lungs is not the way to spend your day.
There are several gestures available that enable kayakers to communicate on water. It might be a good idea to learn the most frequently used signals if you are going to be kayaking with others – which you should!
These things can prove to be extremely useful.
Learn How To Perform A Self-Rescue
Safety-related lessons are an essential part of kayaking. This shouldn’t surprise you. Spending time on the water comes with inherent risks.
Although you might not be able to capsize immediately when you hit the water, you should still be prepared.
This is why I recommend you practice basic rescue drills in a controlled environment with a paddling instructor:
- Learn how you can roll your kayak so that you can recover from capsizing without leaving the ‘yak
- Safely perform a dry exit from a flipped “yak” by learning how to do it safely
- You can learn how to reenter your kayak by doing a kayak rescue, paddle flotation rescue, or scramble-self-rescue.
Consider this part of your personal preparation and responsibility.
Kayaking tips from the experts
To get the full picture of what exactly should be done for a particular case, read all the tips and recommendations in detail:
- Ideas and Suggestions for Funny Kayak Names;
- Tips on How to Prepare for a Kayaking Trip;
- First Kayak Trip – Expert Tips;
- 15 Safety Tips For Kayaking;
- Tips And Tricks For SUP Paddleboarding;
- Kayaking in Winter: 12 tips you need to Know;
- 10 Best Places to Kayak For Families in The U.S.;
- What To Bring On a Kayaking Trip?
- 10 Mistakes Made in Kayaking Trips And How to Avoid Them;
- Kayaking With Kids;
- Do Sharks Attack Kayaks?;
- Why You Should Choose an Inflatable Kayak?;
- 5 Reasons You Need to Experience Night Kayaking;
- Kayaking Workout: Fun and Fitness;
- Kayak Maintenance;
- Learning the Eskimo Roll;
- Kayaking Hacks;
- Essential Stretching Exercises for Kayakers;
- The Surprising Health Kayaking Benefits;
- Best Kayaking Spots;
- River Kayaking Guide;
- Sea Kayaking;
- Emergency Procedures for Kayakers;
- Tropical Kayaking Destinations;
- 7 Best Ways To Store A Kayak In The Garage.
