Adventure Awaits: Basics Of Kayaking

Last Updated: Oct. 4, 2018

By: Taira Jordan

In This Article: Paddling Technique Choosing the Correct Gear Safety Techniques

If you want to explore sea caves, leisurely glide on a crystal clear lake or race down class III rapids, then the sport of kayaking is for you. A relatively easy sport that can be learned in less than a day, kayaking can be either stress relieving or exhilarating, depending on the conditions that you choose to paddle in. And in addition to being fun, kayaking is plain and simple, a good workout. This low-impact sport is a full body workout: each stroke of the paddle through the water tones your back, arms and shoulders; your legs are strengthened by helping you balance and maneuver the kayak; and your core works to move your upper body from side to side with each stroke, like a constant series of mini-crunches. All in all, you can expect to burn about 400 calories per hour, less than other activities such as running or swimming but if you go on a multi-hour kayaking excursion, you can expect to burn upwards of 1,000 calories.

Paddling Technique

When you head out to go paddling for the first time, choose a location that is protected from the wind and waves, has a decent launch dock and minimal boat traffic. Once you have launched your kayak from the dock, climb into the kayak and sit with your back touching the seat rest and your knees comfortably bent. Place your hands on your paddle about shoulder width apart and keep your hands relaxed as you do not need a super tight grip. To take a forward stroke, place the paddle blade in the water near your toes and pull it back through the water until it is approximately parallel to your hip. Lift the paddle blade out of the water and repeat the motion on the other side, alternating from one side to the other to continue paddling forward.

Choosing the Correct Gear

While there is no best overall kayak or paddle, the gear you choose should fit your intended use and paddling ability. A kayak’s length and width relate to its speed and maneuverability, so a longer kayak is faster but a shorter kayak is easier to turn and thus better for narrow, twisty rivers. If you are a beginner looking for a more stable kayak, a wider kayak will be more stable, while a narrower kayak will be less stable but faster. When deciding on your boat’s hull shape, recreational paddlers should choose a kayak with a keel or a U-shaped bottom, to help them travel more efficiently on flat water. You will also have to choose between a single seat kayak and a double seat or tandem kayak. If you choose a tandem kayak but on occasion go out solo, you will need to sit and paddle from the back seat. Similar to the decision making that goes into choosing your kayak, when choosing your paddle, you should consider your intended use, arm length, stroke type and also cost. As a simple rule of thumb, a long paddle gives you a longer stroke and a shorter paddle provides a shorter, faster stroke. To ensure that your kayak remains in prime condition, the following should be followed to care and protect your kayak:

Safety Techniques

As you are paddling on water and problematic situations can get more serious more quickly, you need to take precautions and be prepared before going out for each paddle. The following tips will help you have a safe and enjoyable kayaking excursion: