Kayaking connects you with nature, appreciate the beauty around you, gets a relaxing body workout, and makes an exciting and adventurous hobby. The adventure trip of water sports lovers cannot be completed without Kayaking; a versatile water sports that are great for all; solo enthusiasts, pairs, and even groups. If you have not yet tried Kayak, it's high time to make it on top of your summer adventure list. However, being a beginner, if you are not ready or trained to set out to the sea to do kayaking, read on this beginner Kayaking guide.
What is Kayaking? Kayaking is a simple and modern water sport or activity. Kayak is a small, narrow watercraft, usually with a covered deck and one or two cockpits. The rider climbs in, gets on the water, and paddles along with the help of a double-bladed paddle. Each paddle stroke propels the rider through the water, and that’s how it goes ahead and ahead. This is kayaking.
What is Kayaking? Kayaking is a simple and modern water sport or activity. Kayak is a small, narrow watercraft, usually with a covered deck and one or two cockpits. The rider climbs in, gets on the water, and paddles along with the help of a double-bladed paddle. Each paddle stroke propels the rider through the water, and that’s how it goes ahead and ahead. This is kayaking.
Brief History:
Kayaks have been around since ages as a kind of sea transport; however, they have just come into their own like an accessible water adventure activity in the last few decades. First developed by the Inuit tribe of the Arctic North American region for hunting, the kayak’s history spans across approx. 5,000 years. There were originally two distinct kinds of kayaks, those built from driftwood and others from animal skins firmly stretched over the whalebone frames. Kayaks, also called “hunters’ boats”—were later enclosed in fabric by the European settlers.
In the 1950s, manufacturers started using fiberglass to develop these resourceful vessels. And in the 1980s, the plastic kayak was in the market. At present, most of the kayaks are made from highly durable, lightweight polyethylene plastic. In sports, kayaking first marked their success and popularity in 1845, when introduced by John MacGregor, an inventor, and sportsman. Kayaking acquired a status of Olympic sports in 1936 and since then it has evolved faster to be used for both professional sports and leisure purposes.
Why Kayaking is so popular?Kayaking is popular due to the many benefits it offers, which include:
Moreover, nothing else can surpass the paddling when it comes to being so close to the water and enjoying some incredible shorelines. Depending on your location of kayaking, you might even get a chance to closely view the wildlife; fish, birds, and might be dolphins.
Kayaks have been around since ages as a kind of sea transport; however, they have just come into their own like an accessible water adventure activity in the last few decades. First developed by the Inuit tribe of the Arctic North American region for hunting, the kayak’s history spans across approx. 5,000 years. There were originally two distinct kinds of kayaks, those built from driftwood and others from animal skins firmly stretched over the whalebone frames. Kayaks, also called “hunters’ boats”—were later enclosed in fabric by the European settlers.
In the 1950s, manufacturers started using fiberglass to develop these resourceful vessels. And in the 1980s, the plastic kayak was in the market. At present, most of the kayaks are made from highly durable, lightweight polyethylene plastic. In sports, kayaking first marked their success and popularity in 1845, when introduced by John MacGregor, an inventor, and sportsman. Kayaking acquired a status of Olympic sports in 1936 and since then it has evolved faster to be used for both professional sports and leisure purposes.
Why Kayaking is so popular?Kayaking is popular due to the many benefits it offers, which include:
- Connection with Nature
Moreover, nothing else can surpass the paddling when it comes to being so close to the water and enjoying some incredible shorelines. Depending on your location of kayaking, you might even get a chance to closely view the wildlife; fish, birds, and might be dolphins.
- A great physical activity
It is interesting enough to let you view beautiful lakes, bays, sounds, and oceans. Whether you kayak on some or different bodies of water, you are going to experience something new. This is because nature is constantly changing, and so is the water. It's guaranteed thus that you are not going to get bored with kayaking.
- A great stress reliever
- Have a great family & friends time
Getting PreparedNow that you know some of the best reasons why you should start taking kayaking, let’s be prepared for it.
Kayak Equipment Needed:
You don’t require an awful lot to start kayaking. Also, the equipment you need for kayaking is easily available at all big supermarkets.
Firstly, you need a kayak. A beginner's model usually costs a few hundred dollars while an advanced one a few thousand dollars. If you don't want to buy a kayak, you can get it on rent. Rental kayak is usually the best option for beginners. Moreover, inflatable kayaks also make a great and inexpensive choice here.
Another important equipment you would need includes a double-bladed paddle, a floating device like a life jacket, and a storage bag to keep your essentials like clothes.
Going Into The Water:
Before going into the water, you must fit yourself in the kayak first. You must have an idea of the water level, depth, body balancing, and positioning requirements. Many kayaks you can modify easily for comfort. Stay on the land for safety, and make the adjustments as mentioned below before going into the water:
To bring your kayak back to the shore, stop in shallow water where you can stand and follow these steps:
Before folding and storing your inflatable kayak over your car racks, make sure that your gear stays dry. The sealed hatches of a kayak are reliably waterproof. However, leaks may happen. Make sure the kayak is dry before you fold it over for packing and storing.
Inspired to take a kayaking trip? If you’re a beginner, we hope this guide would be helpful to let you get onto the water. Visit our other kayak blog post here.
Before going into the water, you must fit yourself in the kayak first. You must have an idea of the water level, depth, body balancing, and positioning requirements. Many kayaks you can modify easily for comfort. Stay on the land for safety, and make the adjustments as mentioned below before going into the water:
- Sit up straight with your rear end against the seat back. Some kayaks let you move the seat for comfort.
- After placing feet on the foot braces, make your knees slightly bent. The foot braces are usually adjustable.
- Before you launch, don’t forget to wear a life jacket or PFD
- Take care not to drag the kayak across the sand or rocks.
- Carry the kayak to shallow water and ensure that the front of the boat (the bow) is facing the water.
- Step into kayak’s cockpit from the side while holding the paddle across the vessel. The paddle must be perpendicular and directly behind you.
- Once seated, using hand, maneuver to the deeper water, then start to paddle.
- When holding the paddle, make sure the grip is not too tightly. Your wrists must be straight, and not bent. Your knuckles must be in line with the top of the blade.
- For the flawless arm width, center the paddle on top of the head before slowing bringing it back down. This ensures your hands are in the correct position.
To bring your kayak back to the shore, stop in shallow water where you can stand and follow these steps:
- Hold the paddle against a top of the boat and eliminate the spray skirt, if there is one.
- Grab the cockpit sides and bring the knees close to your rear end.
- Bring one foot out of the kayak and into the water.
- Stand slowly, ensure your body is balanced, and step out of the boat with the second foot before carrying your kayak to the shore.
Before folding and storing your inflatable kayak over your car racks, make sure that your gear stays dry. The sealed hatches of a kayak are reliably waterproof. However, leaks may happen. Make sure the kayak is dry before you fold it over for packing and storing.
Inspired to take a kayaking trip? If you’re a beginner, we hope this guide would be helpful to let you get onto the water. Visit our other kayak blog post here.
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