Whether you’re looking to explore a new lake, river, or coastline or just have some leisure time and want to spend some quality time with friends, there’s nothing better than exploring by boat. Kayaking is a boat that we just can’t seem to get enough of and we think it has something to do with how relaxed it feels as opposed to being tense, which makes for an all around relaxing experience.
Whether you have your own kayak or a friend who can lend you theirs for the day, this article will tell you everything you need to know about taking up kayaking as an activity. From choosing the right gear and choosing the best location for your first time paddling to where you can go if you already have some experience under your belt.
What You’ll Need For Your Kayaking Experience
To get started with kayaking, you’ll first need a kayak. If you have your own boat, that’s great. If not, you’ll need to get a rental. Next, you’ll need some paddles. If you’re renting a boat, you’ll likely be given a set of paddles.
If not, you’ll need to get a set of your own. You’ll also need some dry bags or a dry sack to keep your gear in. You’ll likely want to put your gear in a dry bag for protection if you’re going somewhere wet.
9 Things To Consider When You’re Ready to Go Kayaking
If this is your first time kayaking and you’re ready to get started, now is the time to start thinking about some of the important considerations that come with any new activity. – Environment: While there are plenty of places to kayak, the environment in which you’ll be kayaking is just as important as the gear you have with you.
If you’re planning on kayaking in a city or in a place that has a lot of other boats, you’ll want to be aware of the rules and regulations that go along with it. If you’re kayaking in a natural environment, this is something to consider as well.
– Safety: Like any new activity, safety should be your number one concern. You can avoid most accidents by limiting how much alcohol you drink and how close to the edge you are.
– Your Kayak: Your kayak should be safe, stable, and comfortable for you to paddle in. It should also be able to handle the amount of gear you’ll have with you.
– Your Paddles: Your paddles should be safe and easy to use. They should also be able to handle the amount of weight they’re carrying.
– Your Gear: Your gear should be safe, dry, and as lightweight as possible. You should also be able to easily fit it in your gear bag, dry bag, and kayak.
– You: While it’s important to take your gear with you and focus on your gear, it’s important to keep an eye on your comfortability in the kayak and your paddling skills as well.
3 Types of Kayaks
– Recreational Kayak: This is the type of kayak you’ll want to get if you’re looking to casually paddle around a lake or river. The recreational kayaks are usually the cheapest and are great for beginners.
– Whitewater Kayak: If you’re looking to try some whitewater kayaking, you’ll want to get a kayak that’s designed for that type of activity. The whitewater kayaks are built to handle the rocky rapids and are usually the most expensive.
– Expedition Kayak: If you’re looking to do some more advanced kayaking, you’ll want to get an expedition kayak. These kayaks are designed for extreme adventures where you’ll need to be able to handle the weight of the kayak and gear you’ll be taking with you.
What To Pack When You Go Kayaking With Others
If you’re going kayaking with others, you’ll want to make sure to also bring along some things for your group.
– Kayak Mat: While you don’t necessarily need a big, heavy duty one, a kayak mat is something to consider. It will keep your kayak from getting dirty from the sand and rocks that you’ll be passing by.
– Seat Covers: This is for the passengers if you’re going kayaking with others. It’ll keep the seats clean and protect the seats from getting dirty.
– Portable Cooler: This is for storing food and drinks while out on the water. You don’t want to have to swim back to shore to get something to drink or eat because it’s in the kayak.
5 Tips for a Cohesive Trip That Doesn’t Derail the Experience
– Don’t Overpack: It’s important to keep your gear as lightweight as possible. You can also get creative and make your own gear bag or dry bag to keep your gear as light as possible.
– Don’t Overdrink: The same goes for drinking while out on the water. You can easily get into trouble if you overdrink and don’t stay hydrated.
– Stay on Schedule: Make sure to keep a schedule while out on the water. That will keep you on track with your paddling and help you stay safe.
– Bring a Plan: Make sure to bring a plan with you when you go out on the water. That way, you’ll know what needs to get done while you’re out there.
– Bring a friend: You can’t go kayaking alone. Even if you think you can handle it, don’t go out there by yourself.
2 Final Words
If you’re ready to take up kayaking as a hobby or a daily activity, you’ll need to get your gear and equipment together. With the right gear and equipment, you can enjoy the peaceful and relaxing experience of kayaking on your own or with others. Keep in mind that there are many places to kayak.
You can kayak both on lakes and rivers, on coastal locations, and in the ocean. If you want to experience something new, consider taking on a new type of kayak. Depending on where you live, you can also try kayaking in a nearby body of water that’s nearby.
