What is Kayaking? Complete Kayaking Beginners To Advance Guide

WHAT IS KAYAKING ?

Kayaking is a water recreation activity involving the use of a small, narrow watercraft referred to as a KAYAK which is propelled by a double-blade paddle. In contrast to canoe in which one paddles while kneeling or sitting on a high seat, in kayaking one sits low into the boat with legs drawn forward.

This sport is an outdoor one that involves adventure, exercise and leisure all together and is quite versatile to allow all from those who prefer a serene sail in the lacy waters of a lake to the extreme kayaker who wants to try out the rushing waters of a rapid.

Based on the experience of years of practising kayaking, I can state, that it became more than just the kind of interesting spare time activity for me – it is a vital part of my life, it helps to be closer to nature, to develop physically and mentally, to spend time on the water. In this article, I will explain what kayaking is, the various categories of kayaks and why more people are into it across the globe.

A Brief History of Kayaking

Kayaks are known to have been in use for the last 4000 years and they are believed to have been developed by the Eskimos or people living in the Arctic regions including the Inuits, Aleuts and the Yupiit. The first kayaks that were built were made from animal hides, it were formed over a wooden or bone-like frame used mainly in hunting.

The concept of designing the kayak was not an evolution but a necessity due to the kind of hunting that was practised by human beings. The slim build of these hunters enabled it to move close to targets without making a sound. These initial kayaks were very specially designed to fit the conditions of the Arctic region which include icy terrains.

• Materials: In fact, traditional kayaks are made of Siberian sealskin or caribou skin stretched near a wooden framework of drifting woods or whalebone. It was made very closely sewn to have watertight stitches being used strictly for hunting seals and whales.
• Design: The original classifications of the kayak were one-person capacity vessels, mostly using decked cockpits. Paddler would sit inside and at times there was a watertight jacket or skirt that was worn to avoid water getting in. This means that it was capable of moving fast and was slim in structure to maximize the ability to sneak past the enemies.

Bringing it back to the present, the design has not changed drastically, but modern technology and materials have created a whole range of boats that opening kayaks to anyone. However, before proceeding to the description of various types of kayaks, it is still worthwhile to note the basics and list the merits that helped the kayak remain relevant.

Beginner’s Guide to Kayaking

So, if you are a beginner, the first thing that matters is to feel comfortable while you are handling the kayak. Here’s what I recommend focusing on as a beginner:

1. Types of Kayaks

It is very important to know the kinds of kayaks there are that exist in the market. Which kayak is right for you depends on which part of the world and in what manner you intend to kayak.

• Recreational Kayaks: These are wider and much more stable and therefore, commonly used on flat waters such as lakes and slow-moving rivers. I think they are ideal for learners since they are easy to manipulate and far less sensitive to errors made.
• Touring/Sea Kayaks: These kayaks are longer and narrower to enable them to cover more distance within a short period. They are designed especially for those who are planning to cover great distances and tend to be used in multi-day tours.
• Sit-on-Top Kayaks: As the name itself dictates, you are over these kayaks not inside them like you are in conventional boats. You can spot them for casual boating purposes and they are normally more stable and are relatively easy to embark and disembark from.
• Whitewater Kayaks: They are smaller, and more mobile with the intent of being used in the rapids. If you are interested in getting an adrenalin rush, this is the sort of kayak that you will transition to.

2. Basic Kayaking Gear

Here are the few things that you will require before entering the water. Here’s what you shouldn’t kayak without:

• Kayak: Select a style of kayak based on the difficulty level of your experience and the terrain that you are going to encounter.
• Paddle: With a kayak, for example, you use one flat paddle to move the kayak forward and another end for steering it. A light paddle is then recommended for a beginner embarking on novice kayaking exercises.
• PFD (Personal Flotation Device): Personal safety is highly recommended for any water activity and this includes always putting on a life jacket. You can remain deep in the calm waters but one mishap is going to cause great havoc.
• Dry Bags: These are very crucial on water since they help keep your personal belongings dry.
• Spray Skirt (if using a sit-in kayak): This facilitates avoiding water from having easy access into the kayaking, especially during turbulence.

3. Paddling Techniques

To get moving, there are five basic paddling strokes that one need to learn and they include: Here are three fundamental strokes every beginner should know:

• Forward Stroke: This is the main stroke through which you will paddle to forward and is frequently used. Standing in the water grab the paddle with both hands extending one of the blades into the water and pulling towards your hips. Then alternate sides.
• Reverse Stroke: For a stop or for backing up, paddle in the opposite direction to the direction that you want to go. Perform a S-shaped movement behind you using your paddle moving the blade from right to left and vice versa.
• Sweep Stroke: This is a wider stroke done at the sides of the kayak and used to turn the kayak. Sit and face the direction away from which you want to turn: shift your body weight and sweep your paddle in a big circle on one side to turn on the other side.

4. Safety Tips for Beginners

It is important to note that as a beginner there are various safety measures you need to consider while cycling. Here’s what I’ve learned over the years:

• Always Wear a PFD: Originally, I thought that the well-proportioned person could swim and therefore it would be better not to wear it at all, however, this is a life jacket that can save your life in the water even if you are an experienced swimmer.
• Know Your Environment: Irrespective of whether you are planning to canoe on a lake, a stream or the sea, always respect the changes in weather patterns as well as the water.
• Don’t Paddle Alone: I recommend people to always paddle with someone, even in the beginning of their kayaking experience. If you have to go alone, provide some information about where you are going and when you expect to be back.

Intermediate Kayaking Skills

After mastering basic kayaking stunts, one will logically begin to think of enjoying the next level of kayak riding. Another type of tracking will take place in this phase: The aim is to enhance the paddling effectiveness, to learn new styles and to get to know more difficult terrains.

1. Bracing Techniques

Bracing is also called kayak stabilization in an effort to avoid turning the craft upside down. A high or low brace means when you are kayaking and the kayak begins to turn then you splash the water with the paddle to maintain balance. That is why learning how to brace can help you avoid falling off the board particularly when the water is choppy.

2. Edging and Leaning

Edging is when you lean your kayak to one side while turning in order to gain more control and movement. It is especially important when the car has to be turned around the narrow turn or when there is need to avoid an object on the way. Some minutes when paddling, you may find it quite tricky to edge though after mastering it you find that it helps in having better control over the kayak in dynamic situations.

3. Self-Rescue Techniques

Usually at some point in time during the kayaking, you will find yourself falling or in other words capsizing. That’s why it becomes important to learn self-rescue strategies on the water. Some common methods include:

• Wet Exit: Secondary, in terms of kayaking, a flip is when your kayak turns upside down and a wet exit is the procedure of disentangling yourself from the vanquished vessel. This has to be done slowly in a calm environment with little waves because such boats are to be expected in large water bodies with big waves.
• Re-Entering the Kayak: Following a wet exit you shall have to re-enter your kayak’ So how do you go about the scenarios? This research describes certain skills such as the T-Rescue or the paddle float to allow you regain your kayak independently.

Advanced Kayaking: Taking It to the Next Level

Once you have acquired the intermediate-level skills let’s find out more about the advanced skills to apply in kayaking. Whether you’re interested in going white water or are ready for sea kayaking for days at a time, check out the following to take your kayaking to the next level.

1. Whitewater Kayaking

White water kayaking can therefore be said to be a package different from flat water paddling. Well, you will have your hands on fast-moving water, rapids, and other various objects. Advanced moves consist of reading the river which is the flow of water through the rapids, boofing, which is a term used when your kayak jumps over falls or drops, and some very complex bracing procedures.

• Class Ratings: It is a navigable watercourse with wild stretches for its rafting that ranges from Class I which is easy to contain small waves to Class V which is extremely difficult due to large dangerous rapids. For newcomers to the field of whitewater rafting, it’s better to begin with the Class I or II rapids.

2. Sea Kayaking

If you are interested in day and multiday excursions and navigations to the coast – sea kayaking will suit you best. Sea kayakers mainly travel on the exposed waters in the sea that expose them to many new conditions such as current, waves, and different weather conditions.

• Navigation Skills: This means that when you are at sea, the issue of navigation becomes very important. Basic and advanced navigation skills such as sea kayak, reading of nautical maps, tides and compass or even GPS is important in sea kayaking.
• Rolling: The Eskimo roll is kind of trick that can be applied to flip the kayak in order to regain an upright position without having to leave your kayak. It is crucial for expert kayakers, especially during hunting fish in ocean waters and or during white water rafting. I consider rolling to be a very useful maneuver yet its accomplishment requires practice; it gives one a good feeling especially when in the middle of a swell.

3. Kayak Camping

For the people who want to incorporate the use of a kayak with other multi-day excursions, then kayak camping will be ideal. To start with, all your carrying activities will be done in the kayak; therefore, you have to know how to store your kayak together with packing it.

• Packing Tips: Always carry your gear in dry bags and divide the load as equally as possible inside the kayak. Place them in the middle of the boat so that the boat will remain balanced or be stable when it is in operation.

Advanced Kayaking Gear

When advancing, equipment changes help to enhance results as well as protection – helmets and armors. Here are some advanced gear options you may want to consider:

• Carbon Fiber Paddle: Thus, carbon fiber paddles are lighter and also stronger than normal paddles and do not tire the user easily especially when on long journeys or intensive paddling.
• Spray Skirt: A good spray skirt does not allow water to get into your kayak; this is very essential when paddling in bumpy waters or when capsizing.
• Drysuit: A drysuit is ideal especially when you are paddling in cold water or if you intend to spend many hours on the water you remain warm and dry.

The Basics of Kayaking

The main aspect of this sport is outlined in the use of a lightweight boat propelled by a double-handed paddle. The paddler gives some strokes on the water on the side opposite to the desired direction of travel and draws other strokes, and this makes the paddler to travel forward, backward or even turn. Many kayaks are of single seater type but there are many tandem kayaks as well that can seat two people.

• Kayak: A small and thin type of water vehicle primarily designed for water sports.
• Paddle: A long, double-blade piece that a person uses to paddle and to direct the kayak.
• PFD (Personal Flotation Device): More desirable safety equipment for every paddler regardless the river or sea kayaking conditions.

Types of Kayaks: From Traditional to Modern

Currently, a lot of kayak models exist for various uses and conditions because the basic design has been modified extensively. In this guide to what is without a doubt the most popular recreational fishing boats in existence, we have divided the boats into 6 classifications as follows:

1. Recreational Kayaks

Recreational kayaks are considered to be the most suitable for use by novices together with occasional users. These boats are meant for use on calm water or flat water mainly, water areas that include lakes, ponds or slow-moving rivers. A canoe helps you with speed though it is bulky and heavily built for stability. This type of kayak is really the one you are most likely to use especially if you are a beginner in kayaking.

Specs:

• Length: Typically 9-12 feet long, smaller than other kayaks for easier maneuverability.
• Stability: Wider hull for maximum stability, making it harder to tip over.

2. Touring Kayaks (Sea Kayaks)

Open water touring kayaks or sea kayaks as they are occasionally called are mainly used for purpose of distance paddling on seas, lakes or large rivers. These kayaks are fast, chased well and are very stable; therefore they are very suitable for multi-day use.

Specs:

• Length: Usually 12-18 feet, making them much longer than recreational kayaks.
• Design: Narrower and more streamlined for speed and efficient paddling.

3. Sit-on-Top Kayaks

Sit-on-top kayaks are pretty different from sit-in kayaks; in sit-on-top kayaks, the paddler is placed on top of the kayak well an exposed cockpit. These are mainly meant for fun, especially in areas where the boats are likely to tip over say in some regions of South America.

Specs:

• Design: Wide, flat, and stable. Easy to get in and out of, making them great for beginners.

Extremely stable and easy to use.

No feeling of confinement, making them more comfortable for some paddlers.

Easier to re-enter if you capsize.

4. Inflatable Kayaks

Inflatable kayaks have enhanced over the last few years and are the real thing when it comes to movability and light weight. These particular models of kayaks can be easily be inflated and deflated being appropriate to those with small storage space.

Specs:

• Design: Made from durable PVC or similar materials. They can be inflated using a pump and packed down into a compact size.

5. Whitewater Kayaks

Whitewater kayaking as a type of kayaking, is different from any other and as such it needs a specific kayak. White water kayaks are shorter and built specifically to perform in search of coming aground with extremely sensitive movement enabling paddlers to deal with rapids water and turbulence.

Specs:

• Length: Typically 4-9 feet long, much shorter than other types of kayaks.
• Design: Rounded hull for maximum control and quick turns in fast-moving water.

6. Fishing Kayaks

Fishing kayaks are intended to be ‘fishing-friendly,’ with extra stability, space for more gear storage and in some cases, the addition of rod holders and even pedals for simultaneous fishing and propulsion while on the water.

Specs:

• Stability: Designed to allow the paddler to stand up and fish.
• Storage: Additional compartments for gear, bait, and tackle.

Built for stability, allowing you to fish from a seated or standing position.

Equipped with fishing-specific features.

The Health Benefits of Kayaking

However, kayaking is not merely a recreational activity since it also comes with many other advantages to the body. It doesn’t matter if it is calm water paddling or if you are racing through rapids; It is an all-over body exercise. Here’s why kayaking is great for your health:

• Cardiac Health: Paddling also increases heart rate, specially when it is a long distance; it is therefore a good way to boost the heart’s health.
• Upper Body Strength: Paddling during exercise affects these muscles; Biceps, triceps, latissimus dorsi, deltoids, and pectorals. The amount of rows upsurges the strength of these muscle groups.
• Core Stability: To balance and keep the kayak upright calls for use of your abs thus improving on the body balance and posture.
• Mental Health: In essence, going for a boat ride, fishing or any other water related activities proved to have heath benefits especially for the mental health of the human being. It has a low-stress environment and hence eliminates anxiety levels in the process.

Research has found that engagement in outdoor activities such as kayaking positively impact on persons with such symptoms by reducing depression. I have always derived a lot of benefits from kayaking in that, it helps me to get off the troubles of the world and just be in the moment.

Essential Gear for Kayaking

Kayaing involves several risks and delicate moments that requires one to have proper outfit. Here’s a quick list of essential items you’ll need:

• Kayak: Choosing the type of kayak be contingent with the type of water that is accessible to paddle.
• Paddle: From experience, it is known that a light and strong paddle is preferable to achieve maximum impulse. Ensure that it is a proper size for your height coupled with the width of the kayak that you intend to use.
• PFD (Life Jacket): While boating every person should wear a personal flotation device especially when in zones that involve moving water or when far from the shoreline.
• Spray Skirt (for sit-in kayaks): This cover is designed to prevent water from entering the kayak which is very essential when kayaking in rough or chilly waters.
• Dry Bags: I referred to these bags as waterproof bags because they protected the gear and devices inside. Ideal for use when going for several days or when the weather condition is unpredictable.
• Safety Gear: Depending on your location, this may be whistle, tow rope or first aid kit.

Kayaking Safety Tips

Regardless of the type of kayaking one is planning to engage in there are some basic safety precautions that have to be observed. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:

• Know Your Limits: For first-time users of the kayak, do it where there are no rough waves, and then as you gain experience venture into rough areas.
• Wear a PFD: It would be important to always wear a life jacket even when swimming especially if you are a strong swimmer. ryn is correct, certainly, anyone who has ever been swimming or boating should know that accidents do occur and a PFD can be the difference between life and death.
• Check the Weather: If you are planning to step out then see the weather conditions in your area. In this type of content, it is important to be careful, particularly on instances when the weather turns bad or when there are storms and strong winds since it may cause difficulties in paddling. especially when going for a long journey.
• Tell Someone Your Plan: It is recommended that one should inform another person about his or her planned paddle and the time he/she intends to be back in case of going for a paddle alone.

Conclusion: Why Kayaking is Worth It

This type of outdoor recreation is the best for everyone because it comes in different categories ranging from the mildest type where one just paddles on the water bodies to the most extreme where one is in for rough handling when tackling the rapids. The sport is easy for novices; it also holds complex activities for adventurous people as well. Through years of kayaking, I was able to realize that the biggest advantage of the kayak is its ability to get to places that are inaccessible by any other boat or car. They spend time in close contact with the weather, discover new places, and, you know, what is most important, to enjoy it.

Therefore if one fancies a bit of kayaking then I would recommend that one goes for it. A lot more than just fun, it’s a source of adventure, a break and even exercise. All that you need to do is to invest in the right gear and then hit the water and you will land a fish in no time.