How to Finally Start Kayaking (and Why I’m Glad I Did)
To clear your head and do some light exercise, the only thing better than walking is to get out on the water . I am lucky that I live close enough to the lake that I can go kayaking at sunset a few days a week where I watch the birds, and sometimes just grab a snack, drop anchor and go for a little swim.
I finally bought my own kayak a few years ago and have no regrets. This turned kayaking from something I did when the weather was fine and the rental was open to something I could do anytime. Here’s what you need to know if you want to join me.
Rent a kayak before buying it
Before buying a kayak – which is a good option if you know you will use it often – it is wise to rent it several times. If you don’t have the ability to store and transport it, renting may be your only option anyway. (Although there are inflatable and foldable models, but about them another time.)
My kayaking experience is mainly related to rivers and lakes; I don’t know anything about ocean kayaking, although I’ve heard what it is. I’m also a kayaker in good weather, so don’t ask me about wetsuits, skirts or how to roll.
If you intend to sail the river, rental equipment will take you upstream for several miles and you will meet them at the end. It’s hard to do it alone without friends and a few cars.
A wonderful experience is to rent a kayak by the lake and go for an hour’s hike, or whatever you like. Where I live, almost every state park has a lake, and almost every lake has a place to rent canoes, single and double kayaks, and sometimes other types of watercraft such as rowing boats, rowboats, and surfboards. …
Here you will receive the necessary equipment (boat, paddle, life jacket), learn how to steer and steer the boat in no time, and warn you about any parts of the lake that you should stay away from.
Will you get wet on the kayak?
The inside of the sit-down kayak is relatively dry, but no guarantees. My personal rule of thumb when planning a lake trip is to assume that one day I might flip the boat over and throw myself and my belongings overboard. It hasn’t happened yet, but I prepared myself.
It is also wise to dress to get wet, as drips will drip off the paddle and you may need to wade into the water to get in and out of the boat.
I usually wear shorts and waterproof sandals and dress normally (T-shirt or whatever) from the hips up. I fasten my car keys to my belt. I put my phone in a plastic bag and tuck it in my zip pocket or belt bag, or leave it in the car. Sometimes I take an old phone as even a disconnected phone can still call the emergency services.
How do you row?
When you kayak for the first time, you will focus on practical considerations like how the hell am I supposed to operate this thing . It’s okay if you don’t think further than that. (Here’s a video showing how to operate this thing, by the way.)
If you don’t care how far or how fast you go, you can do without any instructions. Of course, you don’t need any lessons to just wander around the tranquil lake. But if you want to navigate the water skillfully or are going to use rowing as a workout, learning some technique will help you.
With proper paddle paddle, your torso and latissimus muscles (upper back) pull the paddle towards you as you push your body against the boat. You may also experience pain in your deltoids (shoulders) the first time because of the work you do while lifting the free end of the paddle out of the water. In general, heavy rowing is a cross between cardio and strength training.
What should I do in a kayak?
Once you get used to the rowing mechanics, you can use your little boat to explore your surroundings. Even on the small lake in my county park, I know that if I start at one end, I have multiple options for where to go and I can see different wildlife in different parts of the lake.
Nature is best for me because I love birds and cool animals, and I often see some on the lake that I don’t see in my backyard just a few miles away. Often there is a great blue heron somewhere in the shade, maybe green herons are hunting for fish at the swampy end of the lake, a colony of swallows rushing around, catching beetles, and sometimes a swimming muskrat. The other day the osprey circled above me several times, before finally splashing around to grab the fish. One day I saw a dark brown figure floating in front of me, and I quietly swam closer, only to see it dove and slap its tail in the water. Beaver!
(If you are into fishing, the boat allows you to fish in parts of the lake that cannot be reached by land. I don’t know anything about kayak fishing, but if you are fishing, I’m sure you will understand this or find someone who does. .)
If you have an anchor (only $ 10 at your local bait store, plus how much it costs for a line), you can toss it into your favorite part of the lake and cool off a bit. This is a good time to get your hands on art supplies or a packed lunch. Following my “what if I hit” rule, I only take a blank sheet of paper, not a completed sketchbook, and put snacks in a paper bag instead of a cute bento.
Kayaking is more fun with friends, but if you are bringing a dog or child with you, make sure they are safe. Children under 12 years of age should always wear properly fitted PFDs (Personal Watercraft, also known as life jackets) and, as good as it sounds, they should not be tied to a boat. It’s the same with pets – yes, your puppy needs a life jacket .
If you want to buy a kayak
If you enjoy paddling someone else’s kayak, it might be worth buying your own. Just remember that you are now responsible for supplying your own PFD, paddle, and any other safety accessories or equipment you may need.
There are several decisions you need to make for the kayak itself:
- Sedentary or sedentary? The sit-down kayak is a traditional type that allows you to dry out a bit. Sitting on top is more comfortable if you want to climb in and out for a swim.
- How many? Long, thin kayaks move faster and handle smoother. Shorter and wider ones will be a little more stable from side to side, but your rowing will not be as efficient.
- One person or two? Twin (tandem) kayaks are generally longer and heavier and may not balance or maneuver properly if rowed with one person inside.
- What is the weight limit? Consider not only your weight, but whether you want to bring your dog, child, or picnic fridge with you.
Be sure to check the rules for where you row; for example, you may need a permit to launch a boat. And think if you can pick up the boat yourself and secure it to the car; A lighter kayak is much more comfortable than a heavier kayak if you are usually alone.
I ended up buying a very basic 10ft sit-down kayak . I row in calm lakes where a little inefficiency is of little consequence, and I figured I would be alone for most of my walks. The weight limit is enough for me to row on it with my baby, or my husband could row on it alone. If I had a larger budget, I would probably go for a longer and nicer boat – maybe even a two-seater.
When setting a price, remember that you will need a paddle, a PFD, and a car holder, and you will need a place to store it. (Several smart storage options are available that will allow you to keep your kayak on a wall or ceiling.) If storage is a potential obstacle, there are also inflatable and foldable kayaks – but more on that next time.