Kayak paddling is
exciting and enjoying thing during traveling on vacation on the sea, river, or
canal. Kayak paddling also needed in practical life. To make our kayaking more
enjoyable and safe, we all have to know how to paddle a kayak. However, kayak
paddling is easy but to make it perfectly safe, we also should know the proper
way of kayak paddling.
There are several ways to paddle a kayak correctly.
Still, its best system is different from one man to another, and it depends on
physical ability, experience, and some other conditions. You should maintain a conventional attitude for
everything you do on water. Here are some tips on kayak paddling. Choose the
best suggestion for you.
1. CHECK OUT THE WEATHER:
First, it is essential
to check situations such as weather and tides before going out in your kayak.
If you are going on a multi-day tour or just paddling for an afternoon, being
conscious of current conditions can support you in planning a safer and
efficient trip. A superb way to monitor sea conditions is to use the national
marine forecast, local television, or radio broadcast. If environmental
conditions are deteriorating, then plan an escape route, an alternative place
to get off the water. Abiding by these systems will help to make your kayak
secured and fun.
2. WEAR A LIFE JACKET: In most case of kayak fatalities, the reason in
kayaker doesn’t wear any life jacket. You should remember that, it reduces the
risk of getting injured by half while kayaking. If life jacket is not
comfortable to you for paddling, then you can go for specific life jackets for
kayaking. These jackets designed explicitly for less restricting. You will get
a vast range of movement wearing this.
3. DRESS ACCORDING TO THE WEATHER CONDITIONS: It's always better
to prepare. Check the water temperature before setting on kayaking. If you are kayaking
in cooler weather, then you should utilize wet or dry suit. These can keep you
warm all the time, even, if you fall into water. You should wear long sleeve
and hat when you are kayaking in a hot and sunny day. If you wear these, your
skin won’t burn in the sun. And, if there has any chance of rain, you should
carry a rain jacket of wool or thermal base layers of synthetic to keep
yourself warm.
4. WEARING
HELMET: A helmet can save your head if you fall into a
rough place. You should wear a helmet when you are kayaking on rougher water
like slopes or fast-flowing rivers. Keeping your head safe during kayaking is
the most common priority. In some places, you won't be allowed to boat without
wearing a helmet.
5. NEVER DRINK BEFORE KAYAKING: Don’t mix three items together: alcohol,
mental awareness and physical exercise. If you try to do these together, it won’t
bring a good result for you. Any type of alcohol or drugs is forbidden when you
are on the water. It's best to stop drinking before you set for kayaking
ultimately.
6. PICK A SUITABLE LOCATION: Picking a suitable location is very crucial to
consider before going to kayaking. It may vary depending on skill level,
abilities and experience of a kayaker. You will find many locations that are
perfect for kayaking. As a beginner, you should start kayaking on shallow
water, quite lakes or in a calm river. If you gain much experience and skill
level, then you can move to less stable water. You should stop being
overconfident; It's safer to scale your limits.
7. LEARN ABOUT COLD-WATER SAFETY: Cold-water safety is paramount about kayaking.
Cold-water is threatening and critical. It can reduce coordination and you can lose
the muscle strength. Moreover, you may get cold-water shock in the 50 to 60
degree water. If you fall into cold water, it may make you paralyzed within few
minutes. Always utilize a life jacket, because, it is very hard to swim well in
the cooler water. If you are making a plan to enjoy kayaking in colder than 60-degree
water, we recommend you to wear a wet-suit and a dry suit.
8. OBEY THE LOCAL BOATING RULES: Every area has its own rule for boating. At
first, make sure that you know all the local boating rules. If you're the only
person boating, you won't have to pay attention to other watercraft, but you
need to keep alert about your surroundings all the time for your safety. But,
when you are kayaking with other people, you should follow some matters or
rules. You must be noticeable from far and close. For this reason, you should wear
brighter clothing, and use reflective tapes on the paddles. You can use a
whistle for easy reach.
9. INFORM SOMEONE ABOUT YOUR PLANS: Before heading out, inform some relative or
friend about your kayaking plans. Make sure that they know your entire plan
including location, itinerary, desired camping spots, and how long you think to
go. Inform them also how many people you are going together. Then, it would be
best if you stuck to that plan. Also, wear a GPS tracker, it helps others to
locate you faster in case you face any accidents and become unable to ask for
help.
10. CHECK YOUR EQUIPMENT: Unless your kayak and equipment are brand new,
it's wise to check every piece of equipment before you head out. Make sure that
everything works, as it should; it will only make your kayaking outing safer.
Also, don't forget about your camping equipment as well as your resources such
as dry foods, medicines, first aid kit, dry clothes in case you are going out
for days, safety measures, maps, etc.
Conclusion: These tips are the
best ways to paddle a kayak. Based on physical ability, weather, experience,
depth of water, everybody has to select the best advice for their own to make
their kayaking safer, more comfortable, and efficient. Learning these tips make
yourself an expert. You must realize and are aware of the hazards and risks
that come with kayaking. That said, the chances that you'll get hurt during a
kayaking outing are pretty low if you abide by rules and avoid dangers with
caution..
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