Kayak Safety

An Introduction to Kayaking

Kayaking has become a mainstay in outdoor recreation. The sport which once catered only to extreme adrenaline junkies has now worked its way into the outdoor sport lexicon. Kayaking is seen by many as an excellent way to combine meditative and physical exercise in beautiful outdoor settings. Kayaking features seem to increasingly grace the covers of magazines as well as the tops of cars, as readers and drivers of all ages and back grounds embrace the sport and its health and relaxation benefits. Any one interested in enjoying the popular sport needs only to make a few necessary considerations to let the fun begin.

Lake or River? Rent or Buy?

One of the first things to consider is what type of kayaking you intend to do. This question and eventual decision is usually based on budget, fitness level, tolerance for risk or danger, and geographic location.

In regards to budget, you need to consider whether you want to rent or buy a kayak. This may depend on how often you can get away from work and other obligations to enjoy using the kayak. For someone who may only make it out to the river a couple of times a year, renting can be a great option. Many marinas at lakes, bays, and rivers rent kayaks by the hour, day or even for the weekend. Renting a kayak at the same location it will be used will also cut out the expense of purchasing a roof rack to transport the kayak on your car roof.

If you decide that you want to purchase your own kayak, you will need to decide what type of kayaking you intend to do. Your geographic location may play into this decision. What type of water do you live near or frequently visit? White water dare devil kayaking, placid lake paddling, and oceans kayaking all require different boats. If you’re a beginner, stability may be your most prominent consideration.

Price range can vary quite a bit depending on which kayak type and quality level you decide to purchase. A basic plastic hard-shell starts at around $250-$300, with fiberglass kayaks starting at around $1,000. The least expensive kayak will usually be the inflatable kayak, which also offers great flexibility and portability if storage and transportation are an issue for you.

Safety

Once you have decided what type of kayak will get you in the water, it’s important to stop and think about safety. People who choose to delve into white water kayaking need to take a class or start out with a guide. It’s not something that should be done without prior instruction, practice and guidance. The need for guidance to get started in the sport isn’t limited to extreme white water kayaking. Anyone doing anything they feel uncertain about should consult an expert or experienced friend to guide them. Like any other sport or activity kayaking safety should, above all else, involve common sense. If you are traversing white water filled with rocks, use a helmet. Dress appropriately, and be prepared for emergencies. Basic kayak safety also includes use of a life jacket, the ability to swim, and using proper sun protection for your skin and eyes. Proper safety is an important component in enjoying your new hobby without accident and injury.

Fitness

Kayaking requires a certain amount of stamina, energy and endurance. First-time kayakers often comment that they used muscles they didn’t know they ever had! If you normally lead a fairly sedentary lifestyle, start training with some core and arm strengthening combined with light cardio exercise. This can minimize the soreness and fatigue you will feel out on the water. Being physically prepared can help to maximize the enjoyment of your first trips into the water.

Ready for the water!

Alright you have made some important decisions. You know what you want to do, you’ve purchased your kayak, you’ve done your research on safety and gone through any classes you need to take, and it’s time to head out to the water. Kayaking is a great workout, a soothing way to clear your mind, and an ideal reason to get outside. Be safe and enjoy!

Whitewater Kayaking Safety At Rishikesh Ganges

Kayaking is on the rise, as it offers the best in outdoor activities full of thrills and spills. Chasing the spray meets much of today’s need for exciting sports, but being responsible and knowing basic safety rules about kayaking can make the difference between a great trip and one where someone lands in an emergency situation.

Before heading to the waters for an adrenaline rush, know what you are doing. No one should practice whitewater kayaking without having learned how to actually steer your craft and get out of a tight spot or a dangerous situation. Kayaking clubs have experienced instructors that will teach you how to steer and manipulate your kayak through rapids. Never try this sport without basic training.

Always wear a helmet. The large stones in rapids are very dangerous and there is a risk of hitting your head on one if you tip over. A helmet is standard equipment for river kayaking, so always make sure you have one before hitting the rapids. Be sure that the helmet you have is one that is approved for the sport and that the adjustments have been made so that it fits correctly. Your helmet should be securely fastened. If you ever drop your helmet or have an accident and the helmet takes a knock, don’t use it again. Discard your helmet in favor of a new one, as helmets are designed to take one blow.

Your next piece of standard gear is a personal flotation device. Lifejackets are designed to keep your head above water should you fall from your kayak. Never trust your ability to swim or have too much confidence that you won’t suffer an emergency situation. Accidents happen to even professional kayakers. Wearing your lifejacket when you are kayaking can mean the difference between life and death.

Being overconfident and taking on white water that is above your skill level is very dangerous. Work up to higher river classifications slowly and make sure that your ability matches the hazards of the rapids. This type of responsibility goes hand in hand with checking the classification of the river before you head out on a kayaking trip. Even if others are able to handle certain sections of the rapids, know your own limits and portage around more difficult areas.

Wear the right clothing for the activity. Synthetic fabrics offer lightweight portability and a good amount of warmth. A wet suit can be an option if the water is cold. The risk of hypothermia isn’t worth dressing inappropriately. You can also bring extra clothing and stow it inside your kayak, but make sure any gear carried in your watercraft is tied securely.

Whitewater Kayaking Safety

Kayaking is on the rise, as it offers the best in outdoor activities full of thrills and spills. Chasing the spray meets much of today’s need for exciting sports, but being responsible and knowing basic safety rules about kayaking can make the difference between a great trip and one where someone lands in an emergency situation.

Before heading to the waters for an adrenaline rush, know what you are doing. No one should practice whitewater kayaking without having learned how to actually steer your craft and get out of a tight spot or a dangerous situation. Kayaking clubs have experienced instructors that will teach you how to steer and manipulate your kayak through rapids. Never try this sport without basic training.

Always wear a helmet. The large stones in rapids are very dangerous and there is a risk of hitting your head on one if you tip over. A helmet is standard equipment for river kayaking, so always make sure you have one before hitting the rapids. Be sure that the helmet you have is one that is approved for the sport and that the adjustments have been made so that it fits correctly. Your helmet should be securely fastened. If you ever drop your helmet or have an accident and the helmet takes a knock, don’t use it again. Discard your helmet in favor of a new one, as helmets are designed to take one blow.

Your next piece of standard gear is a personal flotation device. Lifejackets are designed to keep your head above water should you fall from your kayak. Never trust your ability to swim or have too much confidence that you won’t suffer an emergency situation. Accidents happen to even professional kayakers. Wearing your lifejacket when you are kayaking can mean the difference between life and death.

Being overconfident and taking on white water that is above your skill level is very dangerous. Work up to higher river classifications slowly and make sure that your ability matches the hazards of the rapids. This type of responsibility goes hand in hand with checking the classification of the river before you head out on a kayaking trip. Even if others are able to handle certain sections of the rapids, know your own limits and portage around more difficult areas.

Wear the right clothing for the activity. Synthetic fabrics offer lightweight portability and a good amount of warmth. A wet suit can be an option if the water is cold. The risk of hypothermia isn’t worth dressing inappropriately. You can also bring extra clothing and stow it inside your kayak, but make sure any gear carried in your watercraft is tied securely.

Always enjoy your kayaking vacation with more than one person. River kayaking is a dangerous activity and it’s always best to enjoy the water with a group of people. If anything happens, you’ll have help available immediately. When kayaking in a group, respect everyone’s position and never pass the leader or fall behind the sweep. Safety depends on each of the group’s actions and being responsible is the secret to a great vacation.

Recreational Kayaking Safety Tips

Recreational kayaking can be described as using a kayak that is meant for calm water and paddling near shore. This can mean kayaking on a lake, a slow moving river or the shoreline of the ocean. Often times these kayaks do not have rudders, may have open cockpits and sometimes are even inflatable kayaks. It usually doesn’t mean expeditions, whitewater kayaking or open water crossings. Keeping that in mind, if you are recreational kayaking do you know what safety tips you should consider before you start paddling?

Recreational Kayaking Safety Tips

Recreational kayakers make up the majority of kayaking people. Often times those who purchase a recreational kayak have had little to no training in kayaking safety education. Whether paddling a hard-shelled kayak or an inflatable kayak, there are a few points to remember and take note of before you enter the water.

Only take a recreational kayak out on calm water or slow moving rivers during very mild weather. The recreational kayak was not built to withstand harsh conditions, whitewater rapids or choppy water. Take not of the wind factor before heading out for the day. Stay close enough to the shoreline that you can easily get help or swim back if you needed to. Recreational kayaks are usually not equipped for heavy flooding and can be difficult to bail out any excess water as well as re-enter the kayak should you tip. Ask yourself if you are able to swim in the clothes that you are wearing. It is unlikely you would ever have to, but it is certainly possible. If you are not able to swim in what you are wearing then you have a problem. Dress for the water as well as for the elements. If you do have to swim to shore, is there help nearby if you need it? Be aware of your environment, what is close by and where the nearest help is should you need it. There can be some stunning isolated lakes an rivers that can be very tempting to paddle, but if there is no one else around and you are an inexperienced kayak, who will help you if you need it? If you do end up having to swim in the water, do you have the right gear to get yourself warm once you reach the shore? Always have extra gear and warm clothes with you should you need them.

Recreational kayaking can be a huge amount of fun and offer some excellent wildlife viewing as well as great exercise and a relaxing environment. Equip yourself with a little safety information before you hit the water. Knowing you are prepared for the unlikely event that things don’t go smoothly will allow you to relax and enjoy your ride. Stay safe, be prepared and always keep your eye on the shoreline.