Like cycling, kayaking is a simple but great sport for beginners. In fact, it is easy to learn, unlike other sports. All you need to do is spend a few hours and you are good to go. The kayak is of many types, such as the whitewater kayak, the sea kayak, and the flat water kayak, to name a few. Before you go kayaking, make sure you learn the basic skills. Below are the top 6 tips that can help you get started.
1) Get a lesson
First of all, you should get a kayaking lesson. Although it’s not rocket science, you may not be able to get it right the first time. In fact, you will waste a lot of time learning to row.
These lessons won’t cost you an arm or a leg. You can search online to find a good training center around you. The initial sessions are designed for beginners and will cost no more than a few dollars per person.
2) Get the right clothes
On a hot sunny day, you may be tempted to opt for shorts. However, you should be aware that the water temperature can be very low. The water may be ice cold. Therefore, you may want to put on clothes that can keep you warm in the cold water.
3) Choose the right boat
Kayaks are of many different types, such as small freestyle play boats and narrow racing boats. What you should do is learn in a basic recreational kayak according to the type of water in which you are going to paddle. For example, if you are going to row on a lake, it is better to buy a flat water boat. For beginners, sit-on-top kayaks are an ideal option for ease of use.
4) Look for a buoyancy aid
You also need a buoyancy aid. This is important whether you are an experienced paddler or a beginner. In other words, you need life jackets that allow you to move your neck and arms more easily. Even if you are an experienced swimmer, experts suggest that you use a buoyancy aid. You don’t want to get in trouble.
5) Learn to sit the right way
Before you start paddling, make sure you learn to sit in the kayak the right way. Although the kayaks have comfortable backs, you don’t want to hunch over. What you need to do is sit up straight. Your glutes and lower back should be at 90 degrees.
On both sides of your kayak, you can see footrests that you can rest your feet on. Make sure toes point outward and heels toward center.
6) Learn to hold the paddle
Many people do not know how to hold the paddle in the correct way. The correct way is to hold it with both hands. The distance between your hands should be equal to the distance between your shoulders. The concave area of the kayak blade should face you. Your knuckles should be in line with the blade of the kayak.
So be sure to follow these tips before you go kayaking.