If you’ve never been kayaking before, the prospect of going on a kayaking adventure can be very exciting, but packing for such a trip requires the right planning. You need to take into account:
- the speed of the water
- the water level
- whether you’ll be kayaking in an urban or a rural area
- the weather
Fortunately, this post is here to help. We take a look at how you can plan your first kayaking trip so that it goes off without a hitch.
Start with calm water
Don’t automatically think that you need to be the type of person who immediately rushes into white water rapid kayaking. It can actually damage your confidence if you try to do it too quickly.
What’s nice about flat, almost still water is that it gives you a chance to get used to the motion of the kayak and how it responds to your paddling. You can figure out how much strength you need to use and how quickly you can move when you need to. It also allows you to change direction without the current sweeping you away.
Choose the right type of kayak
If you’re just starting out, you’ll want to choose the right type of kayak. Kayaks come in a few styles:
- Sit-on-top kayaks are often the most beginner-friendly because of their open cockpit, which makes them easy to get in and out of. If you have a sit-in kayak, you need to keep your legs inside the hull. These can be useful for shielding you from wind and spray on cold days, but they can be a little more challenging to maneuver.
- Tandem kayaks are a good option if you’re going with a more experienced person or a coach. They can sit in the kayak with you and teach you the ropes directly, a bit like a tandem bike.
Consider the weather
You will, of course, want to consider the weather. Generally speaking, it’s difficult to go kayaking in cold, wet conditions because you’ll need to take hypothermia into consideration. Most beginners look for warm waters on warm days and wear a wetsuit while kayaking.
Generally speaking, you’ll want to avoid any clothes that can make you feel damp and uncomfortable. For example, don’t wear cotton while in a kayak. You’re almost certain to get wet at some point.
Pack smart
Beyond clothing, you’ll also want to pack other basic gear items you’ll need for your kayaking trip. Make sure you always have a properly fitted life jacket with you, even if you consider yourself a strong swimmer. River and open sea water currents can be extremely powerful, so you’ll often need a buoyancy aid.
In addition to this, bring sunscreen, drinking water, and a hat. You’ll probably be outside and in direct sunlight for most of the day, especially on open water with very little shade.
So there you have it: some of the ways you can slow down and plan your first kayaking trip properly. Don’t take any shortcuts.