Recreation in water involves many activities such as sailing, fishing, water skiing, rowing, canoeing, and kayaking. Kayaking is one of the everyday activities that people engage in during camping and fishing excursions. This is a paddle sport that involves the kayak rider moving across the water. What distinguishes this boating activity is the sitting position which is different from the rest. Compared to other water activities, kayaking can be regarded more as leisure than an activity that involves competition. Just like any other boating activity, there are essential basics you need to understand to get started.
There are different things that you need to have for kayaking to make the activity successful. This includes boating gear, personal gear as well as the correct type of clothing.
1. Kayak
Choosing the correct type of kayak for this boating activity should be determined by the kind of kayaking you want to engage in. There is a wide range of kayaks that need to be chosen carefully, which ensures that it fits in the environment you are headed out for.
2. Paddler
This refers to the individual required to control the kayak. One should be fully equipped and understand all the rules needed to excurse in the surrounding. There should be an extra paddler too by the shore if the initial one needs help or guidance.
3. Dry bag
There are different types of dry bags designed for boating, and they are made so that they are sealed tight to keep phones, clothes, and other types of personal equipment dry. This is must-have gear for everyone engaging in boating since maintaining dry things is what most people find challenging.
4. Floating device
This is a safety gear that should be top on your list, and it is advisable to get all types of floating devices that can be of help in case of danger. Ensure that you check on their condition before kayaking.
5. Swimwear
It is always essential to have jackets designed for water activities. They should be water-resistant as well as reflective. This is to alert another paddler of your existence, especially if there is no enough light in the water source that you are kayaking in.
6. Headlamp
Some people regard kayaking at night as fun; without much lighting, a headlamp attached to your forehead would be the best lighting device to carry along. It is essential to carry extra batteries for your headlamp since they can get exhausted at any time. Always ensure that the light produced by the headlamp is of the right size and has enough light for the water activities.
Safety tips for kayaking
• Understand the type of environment that you are in and choose suitable gear. You need to be very conscious of what you wear since most of the time you will spend in water can cause diseases such as pneumonia.
• Be well comprehended on the offshore winds, making it challenging for the paddler to turn back and return to the shore. If you ought to do kayaking as a team, you can consider shoreline fishing or pier fishing until the winds are calm. This type of fishing does not require a boat but standing by the shore and carrying out the fishing activity.
• It would help if you were sober and not under any influence of drugs or medication. Most of the paddlers can attest that being in the water for the first time feels anxious, ending up drowning due to a lack of stability.
• Should someone be supervising the kayaking activities, you should inquire about the water temperatures and the probability of experiencing waves. It is advisable to stick close to the shore as beginners since the deep water can be challenging with managing the waves.
• There are several glasses of water paddling sports that you can participate in. Your camping bucket list should consist of kayaking since it offers more fun compared to other activities. Competing can be part of this activity and fishing; all you need to have is basic information regarding the spots to handle this in. Individually, investing in the right kayaking gear and ensuring that you are fit for the boating activity would make your experience more memorable.