Do you want to have an unforgettable kayaking experience but have never practiced? Are you already passionate about this sport but are you facing an unknown area? We leave you these eight basic tips so you can have an unforgettable kayaking adventure paddle boarding. Fun and safety do not have to be at odds. Take note and enjoy!
Weather conditions and state of the tide
When you start a kayaking adventure, never forget to check the weather conditions and the state of the tides that await you. The state of the waters can vary depending on the weather and that means that you may encounter more or less danger. That is why it is very important that, before sailing, you know what awaits you and, if you see that what awaits you is not good, it is better to turn around and try your luck another day.
No matter how experienced you are, if conditions are unstable or there is rain or strong winds, don’t put yourself in unnecessary danger.
Your safety is very important
You have to ensure that your kayak adventure takes place in safe conditions . To do this, keep these questions in mind:
Always wear a life jacket and helmet , even if you are not going to face white water. Unforeseen events happen and currents appear when you least expect it. Better to be warned.
Do you know basic first aid techniques ? It never hurts to have the proper training for emergencies. For you and for those who go with you.
Don’t take unnecessary risks . Don’t try to reach places you are not prepared for.
Learn how to rescue yourself and others . Stay calm, fear is not a good adventure companion.
Get comfortable (but not too comfortable)
The way you position yourself in the kayak is essential to have a good sailing experience.
Stand straight but with your legs slightly bent.
Hold the paddle correctly, a little wider than your shoulders.
Don’t be rigid, but don’t be too relaxed either. Keep your upper body upright.
Position yourself so that your back is not on the kayak so that your body can turn.
Best areas and best hours
Always take advantage of the hours of sunshine so that your kayaking adventure is truly pleasant. Entering the water without light is not recommended. It’s a security issue.
Also avoid areas prohibited for navigation: do not enter bathing areas, entry and exit channels of ports, etc. If they are lying down it is for a reason.
It is good that you become familiar with your surroundings , that will give you greater security and help you react better in moments of danger.
If you paddle across a lake, stay close to shore . The currents are very dangerous.
And also anticipate climate changes. If there has been a flood, it is better to avoid that flood zone, because navigation will be very complicated.
Equipment and material checking
It is very important that, in addition to the life jacket and helmet, you always have the appropriate equipment for your kayak adventure. Sometimes you have to wear a wetsuit; Others, it is better to just wear a swimsuit or cover our heads to avoid sunstroke. Let’s not forget the sunscreen, the first aid kit, a whistle, flares…
Try to check the condition of your material before sailing. If the kayak has any breaks, things can get ugly. Check everything.
It is also necessary that you choose equipment that fits you well , neither big nor small.
Better in bad company than alone
Never row alone . No matter how much experience you have in sailing, it is an unnecessary risk to undertake your kayak adventure alone. If you had an accident, no one could help you.
In that sense, as a note, try to inform someone of your plans , even if you are accompanied.
Always try to go in a group because it is the safest and most fun way to go kayaking . Planning a getaway without anyone to enjoy it with is not as pleasant and this activity lends itself to sharing it with friends or family and even with people you know. But, really, no matter how expert you are, going alone is not the most advisable thing.
Plan your adventure
This is very important. You have to know what the weather is going to be like, what equipment you should bring, what time and area to practice, check your material… This is called planning your kayak adventure . Furthermore, if you do not have experience, you will have to turn to experts to guide you, not only with the activity itself but also with the environment in which your experience will take place.
Pre-planning will help you enjoy the trip more. Make sure you know what you need (imagine that there are no bars in the area and you leave without a sandwich, what a task), take a map of the area or a GPS to be able to move from one place to another, find out where you can stay… There is a thousand things that you have to have planned before going sailing.
Trust the experts and don’t trust yourself
Whether you are a beginner or not, no one is born knowing. We must put ourselves in the hands of an instructor who will teach us the basics for a kayaking adventure. We will receive the necessary tips to make our experience complete. They know the place and the activity better than anyone and know how to guide us.
Being accompanied by an expert in areas that we do not know is also something that we have to apply, no matter how much experience we have. The unknown terrain is unpredictable and no one is exempt from dangers.
Always follow the guide’s instructions to make your experience more pleasant and safe.