Is it your first time kayaking? You may be looking for beginner kayak tips that would help you have an enjoyable kayak adventure. We have listed the essential safety tips that every kayaker should know!
Regardless of whether you are a first-timer or a long-time and experienced kayaker, your safety should be the top priority! As you know, people only live once, so your life is of paramount importance.
Every recreational activity has its element of risk; the possibility of getting injured will always be there. However, you can prevent that from happening with some safety tips in mind.
Here are some kayaking tips to help you experience safer and more enjoyable kayak adventures:
1. Plan Your Route
The first thing you should do if you want to go on kayak adventures is to plan your route. Consider the location of where you want to explore and research as much as possible.
Once you have a target location, you can begin your research. If you know people who reside in your target location, you can ask them some questions such as the following: Is kayaking safe and allowed there?
In addition, you should also research the weather forecast and other potential hazards in that location. If the forecast predicts a high probability of rain or cyclones, you might want to postpone your kayak adventure a bit and do it another time.
Moreover, if you think that kayaking in your target location is not that safe based on your overall research, consider going to other areas. There are surely other enthralling places with safer conditions.
2. Consider Your Capabilities
If you are a first-timer, you must consider kayaking in the safest places before going to more challenging locations. It is recommended that kayaking is done in small bodies of water and other locations without strong waves and wind for beginners.
However, if you are not a first-timer and feel safe going to bigger bodies of water, then you can do so as long as you have the strength to reach your destination and return to your starting point.
3. Create and Prepare a Float Plan
As mentioned above, recreational activities have their own elements of risk, so it is essential that you prepare a float plan in case something unpleasant happens during one of your kayak adventures.
Your float plan should contain the names of the people in the group, their contact details, the route you planned, and the expected time to return. Leave it to the people whom you trust, so they can ask for search and rescue operations if needed.
4. Dress Appropriately
If you plan to explore bodies of water with mild conditions, you must research the appropriate attire to wear. However, according to the United States Coast Guard, if you want to traverse cold bodies of water, a wet suit or a dry suit is required.
5. Bring Safety Equipment
Bringing the right equipment is another safety tip to remember. This can make a big difference, especially when you are in a life-and-death situation. If you don’t know what to bring, here are some of the recommended safety equipment that every kayaker should have:
- Personal flotation device
- Communication devices such as whistles, flares, and the like
- Paddle float
- Ropes
- Extra paddle
- Head-mounted lamp
6. Don’t Go Alone
If you are asking the question, “Is it safe to kayak alone?” You must know that doing it with a group is the safest option. This way, you have someone to rescue you if an accident happens or an emergency arises.
In addition, it is more fun to go on outdoor adventures with your friends, right? So, do not ever go on a kayak adventure alone.
7. Be Vigilant
When you are on a kayak adventure, it is sometimes impossible not to be distracted by the scenery. However, it would be best for you to stay vigilant. Maintain proper communication with the people in your group to know if there are potential hazards along the way.
In addition, you also have to look at the weather. Since forecasts are not 100% accurate sometimes, some weather changes might affect your kayak adventure once you are there.
8. Practice Safety Maneuvers
Many people have been asking the question, “Can a kayak tip over?” To answer that, kayaks rarely tip over, but it is not impossible. When you are kayaking in still bodies of water, there is little chance for your kayak to tip over or capsize. However, if you are kayaking in the seas, your kayak can tip over due to the waves. With that being said, research some safety maneuvers to help you just in case.
If you don’t have your own kayak, you can rent one from us at Island Marine Rentals. We also provide paddle boards, scooters, bicycles, and boat rentals in Indian Rocks Beach, FL, so check us out! Contact us now if you have any inquiries!
