Kayaking Tips for First-Time Paddlers

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Kayaking is a brilliant sport, and it is quite simple to pick up. It is an up and going sport and also a great way to spend your time in the water. It may look hard, but if you get the hold of some of the basic skill sets and practise them regularly, you will quickly master kayaking. So if you are interested in having an adventurous ride paddling through the waters, the following are some of the tips you can use if you are paddling for the first time:

Kayaking Tips for First-Time PaddlersLearn the basics:

Do not get into the water without getting yourself a lesson in Kayaking. You might think it is not hard, but there are certain things you need to know before paddling your way through the waters. You might end up paddling in circles if you do not get proper instructions and waste a lot of time and energy. There are many kayaking lessons that you can take up, and most of them are not expensive.

Dress accordingly:

You are going to be in the water, so choose a dress that is suitable for the water and not the weather. On a sunny day, you might tend to wear shorts and shirts, but the water you get into might be very cold. Thus, make sure that you wear clothes that are appropriate for the water.

Choose a good boat:

There are varieties of kayaks out there, and you should choose the one that suits you the most. Try out the boat before buying. You can also consider renting the kayaks if you are not planning to use it regularly. For beginners, a sit-on kayak is suitable as it is quite stable and easy to paddle. If you choose the wrong kayak, it can get dangerous. They have different kayaks for different type of waters, so you need to buy them accordingly.

Have a good paddle:

Getting a good paddle is as important as getting the kayak itself. As you need to hold the paddle in your hands the entire time, you need to choose a paddle that has a lighter weight. For a beginner, it is advisable to get small paddles as it enables them to maintain a higher cadence. Try not to get plastic or aluminium paddles. Also, choose the right length and the design for the kayak.

Know your way:

Make sure that you pick a familiar route when you are paddling for the first time. You don’t want to get lost the very first time. Try to have a map to guide you and know which places have stronger winds and in which places the waters are rough. Avoid areas that are covered with fog as it is tough to paddle through the mist and there are many chances for you to get lost. Always have a paper map as your GPS might go out of signal and you might be stuck in the same place for a long time.

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