Embarking on the journey of kayaking for beginners is an exciting exploration of nature, freedom, and self-discovery. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or new to the world of kayaking, this guide will equip you with the essential knowledge to navigate the waters with confidence.
Key Considerations for Kayaking for Beginners:
- Hull Size: Can I fit in the kayak comfortably?
- Weight Capacity: Is the kayak rated to my weight?
- Type of Paddling: Where will I be paddling?
- Transportation: Can I easily load/unload the kayak on my vehicle? Can I carry the kayak from my vehicle to the water?
Types of Kayaks:
Touring Kayak
- Beams 21-24 inches
- 14-18 feet in length
- Lower initial stability and higher secondary stability than recreational kayaks
- Faster and track better (maintain a straight course) than recreational kayaks
- 2-4 dry storage compartments
- Different sizes (volume) to accommodate small to large paddlers
- Cockpit openings are smaller than recreational kayaks
- Handle all water conditions
- Good for extended trips
- Plastic or composite
Sea Kayak
- Similar to Touring kayak, but usually 17-20 feet in length
- Bow and stern bulkheads to prevent water from filling the ends of the boat when capsized.
- Easier to roll because they have a lower volume designs then touring kayaks.
- Often incorporate a rounder, elliptical, or ‘flared’ V shaped hull, as opposed to the flatter bottom of a recreational kayak
White Water Kayak
- 4 to 10 feet in length
- Rounded bottom and turn up at the ends for navigating rapids.
- Have no keel and don’t track in a straight line. This makes them very maneuverable and agile.
- The cockpit is tight and designed to keep you in the boat even in rough conditions.
Recreational Kayak
- Beams 25 inches or greater
- 10-14 feet in length
- Higher initial stability, lower secondary stability
- Ideal for calm water conditions, like small lakes or slow-moving rivers
- Slower than touring kayaks
- Maneuver easily in tight areas
- Large cockpit openings
- Typically plastic
Sit on Top Kayak
- Beams 25 inches or greater
- 10-16 feet in length
- High initial stability, though may vary with design
- No cockpit
- Maneuverability varies with design
- Typically plastic
Tandem, Folding, Fishing…
Kayak Materials: Plastic vs Composite
- Plastic (Polyethylene or thermoform): Less expensive, more impact resistant, more flexible, heavier than composite.
- Composite (Fiberglass, Kevlar, Carbon or a Combination): More expensive, weighs less than composite, Stiffer. Composite kayaks are the pinnacle of kayak construction, with carbon being the most expensive, lightest (~ 5 lb.) and least impact resistant. Fiberglass is the cheapest and most impact resistant. Diolen and Kevlar increase the price, but shed some weight.
Must-have Essentials for Kayaking for Beginners:
- PFD: You’ll want a good fitting, comfortable PFD, short for personal flotation device. Your PFD is like a seatbelt in your car. Wear it whenever you are on the water. A PFD and a whistle are required by law. Make sure it’s adjusted correctly. It won’t work very well if it’s not.
- Whistle: Carries a lot farther than your voice. It is also a fact that your voice will give out a lot sooner than your whistle.
- Lights: For Night Paddling you will need at the very least a single white light that can be shown in any direction to signal your position to other boaters and your paddling buddies. Any light used for kayaking should be waterproof and have fresh batteries at the start of your trip.
- Paddle: Big blades are good for strong paddlers and require more power to draw through the water. Smaller blades suit paddlers that are smaller or stronger paddlers looking for a higher cadence style stroke. Paddle length will be based on your height, the width of the boat, and personal preference. Most kayak paddles will fall between 220 centimeters and 240 centimeters. Paddles can be used in a variety of offsets or feather angles. The offset is for efficiency in wind and also encourages good body rotation. No offset is also a good option, allowing you to paddle without having to twist the shaft. You will want to play around with this option and find what works best for you.
- Bilge Pump/Sponge: To remove water from the inside of your kayak.
- Tow Rope: Can be used to tow kayak, throw to rescuer, or tie off.
- TEN ESSENTIALS!
Optional Items:
- Dry Bag/Box: Protects important items from water damage. Also, holds dry clothing.
- Marine Radio: When paddling in coastal environments, a VHF radio is indispensable when it comes to getting assistance when you get into trouble. In addition, these radios have weather channels that alert you to severe weather or current conditions. It should have an IPX 7 or JIS 7 rating or greater and a lithium-ion battery. A floating radio is a wise choice.
- Paddle Float: This device helps you get back into your kayak after capsize by providing flotation for your paddle when doing a paddle float rescue. It fits over your paddle blade and is inflated or has existing flotation.
- Paddle Leash: Leashes attach the paddle to you or the kayak.
Basic Safety for Kayaking for Beginners:
- Right of Way: Kayaks have the right of way over power boats, but it is a kayaker’s job to be aware of surrounding motor boats and non-motorized vessels.
- Weather: Before heading out, check the weather forecast. While on the water pay attention to the sky and water changes. If you see weather approaching, move toward land, especially if thunder/lightning.
- Dress Appropriately: When choosing what to wear while paddling, there are a few things that you’ll want to take into consideration: air and water temperature, wind factor, and sun exposure. There are a lot of options in this arena and understanding the dangers of both hypothermia (the chilling of the body) and hyperthermia (the overheating of the body), are key to your safety and comfort on the water.
- Don’t Paddle Alone: Kayakers, especially beginner kayakers, should never kayak alone. For optimal safety, 3+ paddlers are recommended.
Kayaking for Beginners Conclusion:
Embarking on the journey of kayaking for beginners is not just about learning the ropes; it’s about embracing the spirit of exploration, connecting with nature, and discovering the adventurer within. This comprehensive guide equips you with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to set sail on your own kayaking adventure. The world of water awaits, and the explorer’s heart beats within you. Unleash it, and let the adventure begin!