Well, Solo Kayaking can be one of the most peaceful, and rewarding, things to do out on the water. It’s an opportunity to get out in nature, to get away from the madness, away from the crowds, to find time alone to paddle at your own pace. Like kayaking solo, though, in many ways, it also has its own unique challenges and safety considerations.
I’ve plenty of paddling time in solo kayaks, so I know what benefits and risks are involved when kayaking alone. Whether you’re an experienced or new kayaker, in this guide, I’ll show you how to kayak the safe and comfortable way, by yourself. With this guide, you’ll learn everything from essential gear to navigation and safety tips to help you get the most out of your solo kayaking adventures.
Why Kayak Alone?
Kayaking by yourself has its benefits. Here are a few reasons why many paddlers prefer solo trips:
- Freedom and Flexibility: Being able to set the pace and route yourself and stay out for as long or as little as you want when you’re on your own is a good thing. Working independently doesn’t require you to coordinate with anyone to make for a more relaxed and personal experience.
- Solitude: Solo kayak offers the best opportunity for peace in the world. No one else, just things, and nothing to distract you from it. This is the ultimate form of mindfulness and stress relief for many.
- Improving Your Skills: Paddling alone is a great way to learn kayaking as you don’t have to share the responsibilities for steering, navigation, and the unexpected with anyone else. It strengthens confidence and self-reliance.
But like a solo kayak, there are extra steps you are going to take to protect yourself on the water.
The Dangers of Solo Kayaking
There’s no sugarcoating it: Going solo kayaking is more dangerous than paddling with a group. The most overwhelming risk is you’re alone. Nothing but yourself to fall back upon when something goes wrong.
Let’s break down the key risks:
1. Capsizing
Capsizing is one of the biggest fears any kayaker whether they are solo or not has. If you tip over with a group, you’ve got help, but if you tip over by yourself you’re going to have to rack some strength and skill to get yourself back into the kayak. This is often a real challenge depending on the water conditions.
2. Fatigue
Physically and mentally exhausting paddling alone. Without anyone to share the load, long distances or difficult conditions will take their toll much quicker than you might expect. If you’re far from shore, fatigue can put you in the position for an accident or bad decision-making.
3. Weather Changes
The weather can be frequently unpredictable, and even experienced paddlers have been caught by sudden winds or storms. That makes solo paddlers more vulnerable because they’ve got no backup ready to navigate the tricky conditions. I’ve been alone in rough water a time or two and I can tell you, that’s not fun.
4. Lack of Immediate Help
The most obvious risk of solo kayaking is that should something go wrong − an injury, equipment failure or whatever − help is not immediately available. Prepared to possess the emergencies alone.
10 Tips for Kayaking Solo
1. Tell Someone About Your Plans
First and above all: when kayaking alone, always let someone know where you’re going. Whether you’re a one hour paddle out, or going the whole day; it doesn’t matter. Inform a friend or family member about your itinerary, including:
- Your route
- Where you launch
- How long do you think it’s going to take you to come back
- When you plan to return
It allows someone to alert authorities that you’re not coming back on time because you didn’t take these simple steps.
2. Check Weather and Water Conditions
If you check the weather forecast, before heading out, is important. Bad weather can make a peaceful solo paddle into a dangerous day on the water. Pay attention to:
Anything wind speed for wind is going to make paddling difficult (10-15 mph and beyond)
- Storm forecasts
- Wave heights when you’re paddling on a large body of water
- Current conditions for rivers
However, if you’re paddling in coastal areas, it’s a good idea to learn about tidal patterns. As you can see getting caught in a rising tide or strong current when you’re alone is dangerous so plan your route accordingly.
3. Choose the Right Kayak
The right kayak makes all the difference when you are kayaking solo. But above all, it needs to be stable, easy to control and manoeuvrable. Recreational kayaks (wider bases) or sit-on-top kayaks usually aren’t nearly as stable as solo kayaks, so they’ll be more effective for solo paddling. If it’s your first-time kayak, steer clear of longer sea kayaks or high-performance boats that require more experience as you don’t handle it alone.
For solo paddling — inflatable kayaks are an option, as they’re lightweight, easy to carry and stable on calm waters. Make sure, however, that your kayak is the right size for what type of water you’re going to be kayaking in.
4. Wear a PFD (Personal Flotation Device)
If I could reiterate: never, ever, ever paddle alone without a life jacket. Even if you’ve had lots of experience as a swimmer, things can still go wrong, like capsizing or becoming suddenly exhausted. When you can’t rely on another person for help, your best and most effective defence against a potential capsize is a uniquely fitting PFD.
Keep your PFD comfortable and in the way, not against you. There are specialized lifejackets for kayaking that allow you to remain totally mobile.
5. Bring the Right Gear
If you’re paddling solo, it’s critical to be self-sufficient. Pack the right things so that you’re prepared for any situation you have to weather into. Here’s a checklist of essential items:
- Paddle leash: If you are ever to know you drop your paddle, keep it connected to your kayak.
- Bilge pump or sponge: If water gets in your kayak you’ll have to get it out.
- Dry bags: It keeps your gear, phone, and all your essentials dry. Just grab multiple bags and split electronics from food or clothes.
- First aid kit: First aid kit for minor injuries, and emergencies is needed.
- Whistle or signalling device: If you’re in distress, this will get your attention.
6. Use a Waterproof Communication Device
The biggest risk when you kayak alone is that, if something goes wrong, you’ve no one there to help. For this reason, it is integral to carry a waterproof communication device. A minimum requirement is a fully charged cell phone in a waterproof case. While a VHF radio isn’t required, it wouldn’t hurt to pack it if you’re heading far out to sea or paddling in some far-off, remote area and a personal locator beacon (PLB) for emergencies.
7. Know Your Limits
To see yourself as a solo paddler takes an honest assessment of your level and tolerance of risk. If you’re new to kayaking, they suggest you begin in shallower, easier routes near the shore. Pacing yourself out also means not putting too much pressure on yourself. If you get tired or overwhelmed alone, no one is there to help you.
Until you’ve reached a sufficient level of experience and confidence, don’t venture into hard waters: fast-moving rivers, or open seas.
8. Stay Close to the Shore
When kayaking alone the safest bet is to stay as close to shore as is possible. It’s also easier to get to safety should the weather deteriorate or if you want a break. It is also less likely to get lost or get caught in strong currents far from shore.
On calm days you at least get landmarks for navigation, and you can duck out of the water a lot faster if things suddenly don’t go your way.
9. Master Self-Rescue Techniques
If you’re paddling solo, you know you have to know how to deal with an unexpected capsize. And you won’t have anyone there when you fall out; practice your self-rescue. This includes skills like:
- Wet exit: Of how to get out of a kayak that’s capsized safely.
- Re-entry: How to reenter the kayak when you flip, even without a paddle float with you.
- T-rescue (if you have the chance to practice with others): That’s good to learn 2 or more rescue techniques.
Just as every solo kayak should be in your box if you’re kayaking, you need to be able to confidently right your kayak and sit in the seat again.
10. Paddle Efficiently and Stay Hydrated
Paddling efficiently conserves energy when you are kayaking alone. Paint with long, smooth strokes that won’t tire you out too soon. On long trips, especially, take breaks as necessary. In addition, you should also bring loads of water and keep hydrated during the whole journey.
On longer trips, solo paddling can be tiring too, so pace yourself and don’t ever do it.
How to Kayak Alone: Conclusion
Paddling solo is a great way to get some solitude, and freedom and be one with the natural world. That freedom comes with responsibilities. Following these 10 essential tips will get you prepared to deal with the conditions solo kayaking brings.
Remember, preparation is key. Wearing your PFD, knowing your route, practising self-rescue techniques and bringing along the right gear every step you take increases your safety and peace of mind. If you approach solo paddling with the right mindset and follow the proper precautions, solo paddling can be one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do.
Staying aware and staying within the limits will keep every solo trip safe, enjoyable and worth remembering.
