Kayaking tips for the beginner
How to prepare, buy and try
So you've seen some footage, maybe you know a guy who does it, and you consider yourself sufficiently outdoorsy for a little more rigorous exercise. Well, this isn't lawn darts or even paddle boating, it's kayaking and you're going to need a little primer.
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Buying or renting a kayak Chances are, you'll run across a responsible and honest salesman who will set you up with an appropriate kayak, but that doesn't mean you should go in unprepared. What you're likely looking for is a touring kayak, that is, longer and easier to balance in than its whitewater counterpart. You'll have less maneuverability, due to the size, but overall, you'll have improved handling if you are inexperienced. You may hear talk of primary and secondary stability. Beginner boats have greater primary stability, which means they are harder to tip from a level position. This comes at the cost of less secondary stability, though, which means these boats, once they start to spin, are harder to correct. More advanced kayaks have less of this primary stability, because seasoned paddlers don't require it. Instead, a better paddler will prefer a boat that can go perpendicular to choppy water, as opposed the boat that will resist the water's movement. It's assumed you're going to rent some boats before you buy, which is the best idea. You'll also need to think about fit, your style, and the specific model for the kind of kayaking you'd like to do eventually. After a few tries and a lesson or two, you should have a good idea of what you need. |
Don't forget the gear
Choosing a kayak paddle comes next, and there are just as many variations on these. You'll likely want a long, narrow blade- about 230 centimeters. Paddlers with strong upper bodies who utilize a lot of strokes tend to prefer shorter blades. Finally, with regard to materials, if you've got the money, go for a lighter paddle, which means buying a fiberglass/epoxy or a carbon fiber paddle.
After the two basic purchases, your kayak and paddle, you've still got to pick out a snug personal flotation device, a spray skirt (in closed-deck kayaks, the spray skirt allows the kayak to fit tight around your waist), a good helmet, and some appropriate clothing. It's not an inexpensive hobby to take up, but we know you'll find it far more rewarding and fun than Frisbee on the shore.