The Definitive Guide To Mastering Kayaking
So you’re interested in learning how to Kayak, but having to search the internet for hours trying to learn everything there is about kayaking sounds like a task you don’t want to take on. Well lucky for you we’ve scoured the internet for all the important information about kayaking and this is what we came up with. the ultimate guide to kayaking. This article is going to cover all of the information you need to become a master at kayaking.
*Disclaimer* Anyone can try Kayaking, no special skill is required as long as you have the desire to try it out and give it your all!
If you’re ready to learn all about kayaking then keep on reading!
*Disclaimer* Anyone can try Kayaking, no special skill is required as long as you have the desire to try it out and give it your all!
If you’re ready to learn all about kayaking then keep on reading!
What Is A Kayak?
A kayak is a narrow canoe that can be built to fit one or two people. There are two main types of kayaks. Flat water and white water. Each are designed to be powered by a two sided paddle pushed by the rider.
Now that we’ve covered what a kayak is we need to cover what IS Kayaking?
Now that we’ve covered what a kayak is we need to cover what IS Kayaking?
What Is Kayaking?
Kayaking is a water sport that is a variation of canoeing. Kayaking can range from low intensity to high intensity. Certain kayaks are built to withstand rough water conditions for those who seek the adrenaline of extreme water sports. But, if you are not as an adrenaline junkie that's totally fine! Kayaking can also be a very a great way to de-stress as you can ride your kayak on less rough waters. So adrenaline seeker or not kayaking has so a lot to offer for anyone who’s willing to try it out.
Now that we’ve covered what kayaking is let’s explore all of the different types of Kayaks!
Now that we’ve covered what kayaking is let’s explore all of the different types of Kayaks!
All The Different Types Of Kayaks
1. Sit-inside recreational kayak
These are the most well recognizable kayaks. The rider climbs in and sits in the kayak with their legs under the front of the kayak. These kayaks are great for colder weather as your legs can be covered and dry from the cold as well as the water.
2. Sit-on-top recreational kayak
These kayaks do not have an enclosed area. The kayak is completely exposed and the rider sits on the kayak with nothing covering their legs. These kayaks are recommended for people who live in warmer climates and do not care as much about getting wet while they kayak.
3. Flat-water Kayak
Flat-water kayaks are perfect for beginners because they are designed to be ridden in calmer waters. They are ideal for newbies because they are the most basic model of a kayak and don’t require much experience to paddle in one.
4. Whitewater kayak
Whitewater kayaks are shorter than other kayaks this is so you can maneuver through the waters better with more control as the kayak is smaller. These kayaks are perfect for those adrenaline junkies that want to take their kayaks through rough waters as they are built to handle fast waters and the sediment around.
5. SUP/Kayak Hybrid
Something that’s new to the kayaking world is Sup kayaks! They are a hybrid of the stand-up paddle-board and a traditional kayak. It’s basically a paddle board with a removable seat so you can decide whether to use it as a kayak with the seat or paddle board.
6. Sea Kayak
Sea kayaks are kayaks that are made to withstand strong currents and waves and are great for long kayak rides. They are similar to sit-in kayaks as they have an enclosed deck.
7. Inflatable Kayak
Inflatable Kayaks are great for those who might not have a lot of storage in their home to store a kayak. Or do not have the ability to transport their Kayak to and from where they kayak. With inflatable kayaks, you have to always bring with you a pump to inflate your kayak. This can get annoying, however, with not having to carry your kayak around as well as not having it take up a lot of space in your home this kayak would be perfect for those who like a minimalist lifestyle.
8. Tandem Kayak
These kayaks are great for those who want to go with a partner. Tandem kayaks can fit two people. These kayaks are perfect for families who might have younger kids that might not be able to ride a kayak on their own. Also riding a tandem kayak with another person can be a great way to build upon their communication because both riders have to be on the same page so that the kayak can move efficiently in one direction. Making sure both riders know exactly where they are going is important as well. It's also nice to have someone to enjoy the scenery and to talk to when you are kayaking.
Now that you learned about all the different types of Kayaks it's time to cover how to choose the right one for you.
These are the most well recognizable kayaks. The rider climbs in and sits in the kayak with their legs under the front of the kayak. These kayaks are great for colder weather as your legs can be covered and dry from the cold as well as the water.
2. Sit-on-top recreational kayak
These kayaks do not have an enclosed area. The kayak is completely exposed and the rider sits on the kayak with nothing covering their legs. These kayaks are recommended for people who live in warmer climates and do not care as much about getting wet while they kayak.
3. Flat-water Kayak
Flat-water kayaks are perfect for beginners because they are designed to be ridden in calmer waters. They are ideal for newbies because they are the most basic model of a kayak and don’t require much experience to paddle in one.
4. Whitewater kayak
Whitewater kayaks are shorter than other kayaks this is so you can maneuver through the waters better with more control as the kayak is smaller. These kayaks are perfect for those adrenaline junkies that want to take their kayaks through rough waters as they are built to handle fast waters and the sediment around.
5. SUP/Kayak Hybrid
Something that’s new to the kayaking world is Sup kayaks! They are a hybrid of the stand-up paddle-board and a traditional kayak. It’s basically a paddle board with a removable seat so you can decide whether to use it as a kayak with the seat or paddle board.
6. Sea Kayak
Sea kayaks are kayaks that are made to withstand strong currents and waves and are great for long kayak rides. They are similar to sit-in kayaks as they have an enclosed deck.
7. Inflatable Kayak
Inflatable Kayaks are great for those who might not have a lot of storage in their home to store a kayak. Or do not have the ability to transport their Kayak to and from where they kayak. With inflatable kayaks, you have to always bring with you a pump to inflate your kayak. This can get annoying, however, with not having to carry your kayak around as well as not having it take up a lot of space in your home this kayak would be perfect for those who like a minimalist lifestyle.
8. Tandem Kayak
These kayaks are great for those who want to go with a partner. Tandem kayaks can fit two people. These kayaks are perfect for families who might have younger kids that might not be able to ride a kayak on their own. Also riding a tandem kayak with another person can be a great way to build upon their communication because both riders have to be on the same page so that the kayak can move efficiently in one direction. Making sure both riders know exactly where they are going is important as well. It's also nice to have someone to enjoy the scenery and to talk to when you are kayaking.
Now that you learned about all the different types of Kayaks it's time to cover how to choose the right one for you.
Choosing The Right Kayak For You.
The three questions you should be asking yourself before you choose a Kayak.
1. What are your goals with Kayaking?
2. What level are you at? (beginner, intermediate, expert)
3. Do you have a place to store your Kayak?
Answering these three questions will help you determine the right Kayak for you.
*Visit Nosnow’s Kayak Shop page to view the different Kayaks you can rent from Nosnow*
Once you have chosen the right Kayak for you it's time to go over how to properly use your new Kayak.
1. What are your goals with Kayaking?
2. What level are you at? (beginner, intermediate, expert)
3. Do you have a place to store your Kayak?
Answering these three questions will help you determine the right Kayak for you.
*Visit Nosnow’s Kayak Shop page to view the different Kayaks you can rent from Nosnow*
Once you have chosen the right Kayak for you it's time to go over how to properly use your new Kayak.
Kayaking 101
So you bought a Kayak. Now what?
The first thing that you need to learn once you purchase your kayak is how to transport from the shop to your house and from your house to your kayaking destination.
Invest in Kayak Storage
investing in whatever kayak storage mechanism you decide is going to be crucial to the longevity of your kayak. Just with anything you care about it needs to have a dry, safe place that it is stored at all times when not in use.
Invest in racks
After purchasing your kayak then you are going to want to invest in racks so that you can attach your kayak to the roof of your car to be able to transport your kayak.
Placing the Kayak in the water
Now that you’ve learned how to transport your Kayak it’s time to go over how to properly place your Kayak in the water. There is a method to the madness when it comes to placing your kayak in the water. You aren’t going to just want to plop your kayak in just any water and get in. It’s important to know how to properly place your kayak in the water. The first thing you want to do is find an area where the water is calm and no waves are present. Then place the Kayak in the water.
Getting on/in your Kayak
Before you start you want to make sure you keep you paddle close to you so that you don’t get into your kayak and are unable to grab your paddle. When you are first getting in/on your Kayak you want to start by placing your kayak parallel to the dock. Then you want to sit down on the dock and place your feet in/on the front of the kayak. Then using your hand to push your body off the dock and into the kayak. While using your legs to stabilize the kayak. If this is your first time entering in a kayak you may want to ask for some help your first time. Once you’ve fully settled into or on your kayak grab your paddle and get at it!
Holding the paddle
Before you start to paddle you should make sure that you are holding the paddle correctly. You are going to want to hold the paddle with both hands with both hands near the ends of the paddle.
How to properly paddle
So you know how to hold the paddle, now let’s learn how to paddle...the correct way. Completely submerge the paddle into the water, utilizing your back and arm muscles begin paddling. Connect with your center muscles just as this can enable you to remain adjusted when you are paddling. To steer just paddle on one side until you’ve moved the kayak in the right direction.
You fell out now what?
If you are in a situation where your Kayak capsizes the best thing to do is to remain calm. You first want to grab all the gear that might have fallen out. Then you are going to want to flip your kayak as soon as possible. Something to remember is to keep your paddle with you. You then want to grab your kayak with both hands on either side and lift your self onto your kayak. And using your hands to position your body back onto the kayak seat. After, grab your paddle and continue on!
Getting off your Kayak
To properly get off your kayak you basically do all the steps that you did to get in the kayak but backwards. Start paddling over to a dock. Then place your paddle on the dock. After, hoist yourself out of the kayak and onto the dock. Make sure that your kayak doesn’t float away immediately take it out of the water and onto land.
Carrying your Kayak
Some Kayaks have handles and in this case if you have another person each of you can carry one end of the kayak by holding it by the handles. However, if you are alone you can carry your kayak on your shoulders with the inside opening of the kayak resting on your shoulder as you walk with it.
The first thing that you need to learn once you purchase your kayak is how to transport from the shop to your house and from your house to your kayaking destination.
Invest in Kayak Storage
investing in whatever kayak storage mechanism you decide is going to be crucial to the longevity of your kayak. Just with anything you care about it needs to have a dry, safe place that it is stored at all times when not in use.
Invest in racks
After purchasing your kayak then you are going to want to invest in racks so that you can attach your kayak to the roof of your car to be able to transport your kayak.
Placing the Kayak in the water
Now that you’ve learned how to transport your Kayak it’s time to go over how to properly place your Kayak in the water. There is a method to the madness when it comes to placing your kayak in the water. You aren’t going to just want to plop your kayak in just any water and get in. It’s important to know how to properly place your kayak in the water. The first thing you want to do is find an area where the water is calm and no waves are present. Then place the Kayak in the water.
Getting on/in your Kayak
Before you start you want to make sure you keep you paddle close to you so that you don’t get into your kayak and are unable to grab your paddle. When you are first getting in/on your Kayak you want to start by placing your kayak parallel to the dock. Then you want to sit down on the dock and place your feet in/on the front of the kayak. Then using your hand to push your body off the dock and into the kayak. While using your legs to stabilize the kayak. If this is your first time entering in a kayak you may want to ask for some help your first time. Once you’ve fully settled into or on your kayak grab your paddle and get at it!
Holding the paddle
Before you start to paddle you should make sure that you are holding the paddle correctly. You are going to want to hold the paddle with both hands with both hands near the ends of the paddle.
How to properly paddle
So you know how to hold the paddle, now let’s learn how to paddle...the correct way. Completely submerge the paddle into the water, utilizing your back and arm muscles begin paddling. Connect with your center muscles just as this can enable you to remain adjusted when you are paddling. To steer just paddle on one side until you’ve moved the kayak in the right direction.
You fell out now what?
If you are in a situation where your Kayak capsizes the best thing to do is to remain calm. You first want to grab all the gear that might have fallen out. Then you are going to want to flip your kayak as soon as possible. Something to remember is to keep your paddle with you. You then want to grab your kayak with both hands on either side and lift your self onto your kayak. And using your hands to position your body back onto the kayak seat. After, grab your paddle and continue on!
Getting off your Kayak
To properly get off your kayak you basically do all the steps that you did to get in the kayak but backwards. Start paddling over to a dock. Then place your paddle on the dock. After, hoist yourself out of the kayak and onto the dock. Make sure that your kayak doesn’t float away immediately take it out of the water and onto land.
Carrying your Kayak
Some Kayaks have handles and in this case if you have another person each of you can carry one end of the kayak by holding it by the handles. However, if you are alone you can carry your kayak on your shoulders with the inside opening of the kayak resting on your shoulder as you walk with it.
Kayaking Safety
Safety tips
Although Kayaking can be extremely fun it can also be dangerous when safety is not implemented. The first time you ride a kayak you should be given a detailed lesson on how to properly ride a kayak. Make sure you are educated and confident enough on a kayak before you attempt a solo trip.
Life jacket
It is required for anyone under the age of 12 to wear a life jacket while kayaking. Adults should also be wearing a life jacket while kayaking. No matter how skilled of a swimmer you are it is important to always wear a life jacket you always want to be prepared.
Check the weather
You should always check the weather before you head out to kayak. Checking the weather ahead of time is going to put you in a safer situation. Because if the weather is going to be unsafe you know ahead of time not to go. Also check out the tide chart for the beach you will be going to kayak. If the tide is too strong it would probably be best to skip that day.
Know your limits
You never want to put yourself in a compromising situation that could have been avoided. You always want to know your limits. If you are low on energy or low on supplies do not test your limits and turn around and go back. You never want to be overly tired and not be able to have the energy to get back to your starting point. Stop take breaks, hydrate, and make sure you are properly nourished. Also, do not underestimate the weather, if it shows that it is unsafe to head out do not lest your luck and go another day. Stay safe, and make sure your body is physically ready for your kayaking journey.
Although Kayaking can be extremely fun it can also be dangerous when safety is not implemented. The first time you ride a kayak you should be given a detailed lesson on how to properly ride a kayak. Make sure you are educated and confident enough on a kayak before you attempt a solo trip.
Life jacket
It is required for anyone under the age of 12 to wear a life jacket while kayaking. Adults should also be wearing a life jacket while kayaking. No matter how skilled of a swimmer you are it is important to always wear a life jacket you always want to be prepared.
Check the weather
You should always check the weather before you head out to kayak. Checking the weather ahead of time is going to put you in a safer situation. Because if the weather is going to be unsafe you know ahead of time not to go. Also check out the tide chart for the beach you will be going to kayak. If the tide is too strong it would probably be best to skip that day.
Know your limits
You never want to put yourself in a compromising situation that could have been avoided. You always want to know your limits. If you are low on energy or low on supplies do not test your limits and turn around and go back. You never want to be overly tired and not be able to have the energy to get back to your starting point. Stop take breaks, hydrate, and make sure you are properly nourished. Also, do not underestimate the weather, if it shows that it is unsafe to head out do not lest your luck and go another day. Stay safe, and make sure your body is physically ready for your kayaking journey.
Things You Should Bring
Kayaking Checklist
Before you head out to go Kayaking here are a few things that you need to bring with you.
Kayaking Essentials
The Kayaking gear that is essential is of course your Kayak, paddle, and life jacket. Depending on the time of day if you are heading out in the Morning you’ll want to bring sun protect-ants, if you are heading out in the evening you’ll want to bring flashlights. You can purchase flashlight headbands to wear on your head so that you can see at night when you are kayaking.
Sunscreen
Without a doubt a necessity! Sunshine or not you always should wear sunscreen when you are going to be outdoors for hours!
Water
Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! Especially in the summer months! You should always bring water when you go kayaking.
Kayaking Clothing Essentials
Since you are kayaking on water chances are you are going to get wet. We recommend wearing your swimsuit, or if its a bit on the colder side wearing you swimsuit underneath your clothes. You can purchase things like rash guards, and water shoes to make kayaking more enjoyable. There is no worse feeling than being in soaking wet clothing that is not meant to be worn on the water.
Food/snacks
Packing food to go kayaking is important whether you are going out for an hour or all day you should at least bring some food with you. You never know what type of situation you could be in and having fuel to energize you after or during your kayaking excursion is important.
Kayaking accessories
A key kayaking accessories are dry bags! Dry bags are great for those who go kayaking or paddle-boarding. You can fit all of your personal belongings in dry bags and they of course stay dry and protected from the water. You can even get dry bags that float and attach to your kayak.
Before you head out to go Kayaking here are a few things that you need to bring with you.
Kayaking Essentials
The Kayaking gear that is essential is of course your Kayak, paddle, and life jacket. Depending on the time of day if you are heading out in the Morning you’ll want to bring sun protect-ants, if you are heading out in the evening you’ll want to bring flashlights. You can purchase flashlight headbands to wear on your head so that you can see at night when you are kayaking.
Sunscreen
Without a doubt a necessity! Sunshine or not you always should wear sunscreen when you are going to be outdoors for hours!
Water
Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! Especially in the summer months! You should always bring water when you go kayaking.
Kayaking Clothing Essentials
Since you are kayaking on water chances are you are going to get wet. We recommend wearing your swimsuit, or if its a bit on the colder side wearing you swimsuit underneath your clothes. You can purchase things like rash guards, and water shoes to make kayaking more enjoyable. There is no worse feeling than being in soaking wet clothing that is not meant to be worn on the water.
Food/snacks
Packing food to go kayaking is important whether you are going out for an hour or all day you should at least bring some food with you. You never know what type of situation you could be in and having fuel to energize you after or during your kayaking excursion is important.
Kayaking accessories
A key kayaking accessories are dry bags! Dry bags are great for those who go kayaking or paddle-boarding. You can fit all of your personal belongings in dry bags and they of course stay dry and protected from the water. You can even get dry bags that float and attach to your kayak.
Kayaking Gadgets
Do I really need this?
You may ask yourself do i really need all these accessories for my kayak? Well, if you are new to kayaking you may want to wait till you are more experienced to purchase kayaking gadgets!
Camera Mount
If you love documenting all of your kayaking adventures, you should consider investing in a camera mount to attach your action camera to your kayak. This is great for those who love to share their adventures with friends and family. You can easily set up the camera to record you or your point of view.
Kayak Cart
If you mostly go kayaking alone and have trouble carrying your kayak. A great investment would be a kayak cart. You can attach it to the one end of the kayak and easily carry your kayak to the water.
Kayak Dock Locks
Kayak Dock Locks are get for those who are taking a break from kayaking but still plan to go back on the water. This way when you use a lock you don’t have to fully take your kayak out of the water. You can leave your kayak in the water and know that it is not going to get stolen or float away. Because you are using a kayak dock lock. This is a great investment.
You may ask yourself do i really need all these accessories for my kayak? Well, if you are new to kayaking you may want to wait till you are more experienced to purchase kayaking gadgets!
Camera Mount
If you love documenting all of your kayaking adventures, you should consider investing in a camera mount to attach your action camera to your kayak. This is great for those who love to share their adventures with friends and family. You can easily set up the camera to record you or your point of view.
Kayak Cart
If you mostly go kayaking alone and have trouble carrying your kayak. A great investment would be a kayak cart. You can attach it to the one end of the kayak and easily carry your kayak to the water.
Kayak Dock Locks
Kayak Dock Locks are get for those who are taking a break from kayaking but still plan to go back on the water. This way when you use a lock you don’t have to fully take your kayak out of the water. You can leave your kayak in the water and know that it is not going to get stolen or float away. Because you are using a kayak dock lock. This is a great investment.
Conclusion
Wrapping it all up
We’re are going to go over all of the key points in the ultimate guide to kayaking in order to conclude this article.
Safety comes first
Your safety always comes first when riding a kayak. Taking the right steps to stay safe is extremely important. Making sure that you bring all of the necessary items is also crucial to being safe. Always start out by checking the weather before you go, if the weather seems like it could pose a threat to you while you are kayaking it's best to wait for another day when it's better weather. If the weather is okay you want to make sure you bring everything to stay safe. Such as a life jacket for everyone kayaking, a first aid kit for any incidents that may occur. You’ll want to bring water and enough food for however long you are kayaking for. Make sure you bring weather protect-ants whether that be a hat and sunglasses for warm weather or a rash guard or a wet suit for colder weather. Making sure that you are energized and feel ready for your kayaking adventure is extremely important to saying safe as well. When going kayaking you want to take a serious approach to it. Although kayaking can be an extremely fun activity it can also be dangerous if not taking the right precautions to be stay safe.
Kayaking Checklist
Making sure you have everything packed up before you go is very important. You of course have to make sure you always have your kayak, paddle, and life jacket. Then after that you’ll want to bring the proper clothing, food and water, as well as a dry bag to keep all of your personal belongings in. Also don’t forget your dock lock so that you can lock up your kayak to the dock.
Check the weather
Before you head out on the water you must check the weather you want to check the weather so that you know what to pack before you head out to go kayaking. If the weather is warm you can dress lighter and if it's going to be colder out you can dress warmer. Also if you are checking the weather and you find out that the weather is actually not as safe as you think then it's probably better if you sit the day out and wait for the weather to clear up. You never want to put yourself in a compromising situation.
Have Fun
Kayaking can be such a fun water sport! You don’t want to ignore the safety precautions however it doesn’t have to be all serious. It's important to enjoy yourself! Kayaking can be such a great way to sneak in some exercise in your life. It's also a great way to build communication between two people if you are going tandem kayaking. Because both persons have to be in-sync in order for the kayak to move efficiently. Use the hashtag #kayakingwithnosnow and you could be featured on our social media sites! We hope you found this kayaking guide helpful! Stay safe out there and have fun Kayaking!