5 Kayaking Basics

If you’re ready to hit the water this summer for physical fitness or marine life sightseeing, there are 5 kayaking basics you should know before you launch your kayak into the wild—and unpredictable—blue yonder. It might be pure sensibility, but this group of sensible kayaking basics should be at the top of everyone’s list.

1. Check the weather. If you live in a coastal state like Florida, you’re already aware of the weather’s propensity to change on a dime, especially in the summer storm season. Know your weather forecast; you can even check online for quick access to radar and wind data. This first of our 5 kayaking basics may be the most obvious, but you certainly don’t want to be stuck up a creek in the middle of a lightning storm.
2. Know where you’re going. Part of the fun of kayaking is the opportunity to explore uncharted territory. If you’re launching into a new kayak trail, be sure you’ve grabbed a map that shows the various points of the trail. Of course, the waterproof GPS is always a preferred solution. But for those of us who prefer to “man up” and hit the water sans modern-day electronics, be sure to time yourself and look for points of interest to help in navigation. It’s a kayaking basic that everyone should practice.
3. Bring your essentials. The third item in our list of 5 kayaking basics relates to navigation and survival essentials. Many states have laws requiring kayakers to carry certain items onboard at all times. A head lamp (or flashlight), a life vest—even if it’s attached to the kayak instead of the person—and a marine whistle are a few of the basic essentials on a kayak. The reasons for these are obvious, and if we need to explain why you’d need to use any of these in a survival situation, you probably shouldn’t be kayaking in the first place. It goes without saying that you should have a few bottles of water on board, as well as some snacks to tide you over on those long paddles. And a cell phone isn't a bad idea, either.
4. Buy a waterproof bag. Available online or at just about any boating or kayaking retail store, waterproof bags come in a multitude of sizes, colors and shapes. Some have clear windows so you can see the contents inside. Most of them have a unique fold-and-close system that protects your items from the water, as well as sturdy plastic clips for attachment to your kayak’s straps or eye hooks.
5. Know how to handle the conditions. Wrapping up the list of 5 kayaking basics is one of the most important recommendations of all: know how to kayak in all types of water conditions. Currents, winds, waves—all are forces of nature that can unseat even the most experienced kayaker. Check out your local outdoor activity store for paddling lessons, or join a kayak club while you get your sea legs beneath you. Not only will you gain experience and broaden your scope of knowledge, you’re almost guaranteed to find more than one new kayaking buddy that you can partner up with on future expeditions.

There are lots of ways to enjoy the yakker’s lifestyle. But you can only enjoy it if you’re alive. So be smart, pack up your essentials, and use this list of 5 kayaking basics to help you launch a whole new recreational hobby.