5 Useful Kayaking Tips for Beginners

Khusbu Basnet
07 Apr , 2022

Chief medical officers recommend getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week. Rather than forcing yourself to hit the gym, engage in a fun activity.

Kayaking brings you outdoors for a great workout. Exercise won't even feel like work when you're having fun!

New to this sport? Read on for five helpful kayaking tips to get you started.

1. Entrance and Exit Strategies

Getting in and out of your new kayak requires practice. This vessel requires balance to stay upright, and your weight shifts it to one side as you get on and off.

When stepping on, place your foot inside at the edge opposite from your position, otherwise, you will tip the vessel towards you. Place your hands on each edge and then bring your other leg on board.

When exiting, do the opposite. Use weight distribution to keep the vessel balanced.

2. Paddling

You create engine power by paddling your kayak. This means you must know how to properly use them to get around.

Pay attention to the type of paddle when you purchase a kayak. Beginners should opt for symmetrical matched blades, as they make controlling your vessel easier.

Hold your paddle in front of you, knuckles facing out with the blades perpendicular to the surface. If your blades curve, the concave sides face you.

Adjust your grip so your elbows sit at a 90-degree angle. Engage your core muscles and scoop water with the front blade.

Keep your torso turned to that side. When that blade reaches behind, switch sides. Scoop the opposite way to move in reverse.

To turn your kayak, paddle on one side only. Stoke away from the way you want to turn.

3. Watch Weather and Waves

Watch the weather forecast and the water before venturing out. Remember, on open water, things can change quickly.

Starting out on small ponds eliminates this concern. But if you go kayaking on a lake, stay aware. 

If they call for scattered storms, do not go far from the shore. Even if the weather looks nice, white caps on the water can make kayaking tricky and exhausting.

4. Safety Gear

Never go out without proper safety gear for water activities, even in shallow water. Plan for the unexpected.

Always wear a personal floatation device (PFD). Opt for type V to stay afloat with less bulkiness.

Keep an extra paddle on board. If you somehow lose one, you will need a backup to make it back to shore without a tow.

Wearing a whistle allows you to call for help if necessary. Also, do not forget to pack plenty of water.

5. Buddy Up

Kayaking for beginners poses new challenges. For safety reasons, don't go out alone.

Buddy up with another kayaker in case something goes wrong. If you really want to go it alone, at least give a couple of loved ones your exact location.

Ask them to check in on you. But until you get more experienced, this is risky.

Kayaking Tips Make It Fun

Gather as many kayaking tips as possible before going out on the water. Understanding the sport makes it more fun and helps you stay safe.

Kayaking makes for an excellent healthy couples activity. Buy one of our tandem vessels!