Kayaking has existed for a long time and has undergone a lot of developments. Nowadays, technological advancements have made it possible to develop more efficient vessels that make the watersport even much better.
It is an exciting activity that also exercises the body thus promoting good health. Like with any other sport, there are guidelines that one should follow to ensure safety and to get the most out of it. This is especially true for beginners.
Going about it the wrong way can cost you a lot. Here is the relevant information. You can also see this link KayakingTemple.com for more.
How do you get started?
Seeing experts smoothly paddle their way down the river or across the lake, you might be tempted to go buy your kayak and get right away on the water. This might not go as you expected it to. It involves more than just the activity itself. Before you even buy the boat there are things that you must first consider. These include:
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The type of water body
This is very important because navigation is different on various water bodies. For instance, navigation on the calm local lake is very different from the coast prone to strong waves and sudden winds. Failing to take this into account will definitely ruin your experience out there. You have to know what to expect and prepare accordingly.
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Your level of experience
Kayaking might seem like a simple activity but it still requires skills and experience. You have to know the different kinds of maneuvers and how to perform them. It is different from other watersports such as canoeing.
If you are still new to it then you should consider tagging along with an expert until you acquire the necessary expertise to do it on your own. You can also attend training sessions being offered by the relevant agencies.
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Your safety
Failure to consider this can be tragic. One of the ways to observe kayaking safety is by ensuring that the water is safe. Avoid going to dangerous territories that are too deep or are known to be prone to attack by wild animals. It is important that you know how to swim. This can come in handy in the unfortunate event that your boat gets toppled over. Being in a group is also much safer than going out alone.
Choosing the right kayak and accessories
As mentioned earlier, different vessels are suited for different conditions. You have to pick the one that fits your requirements.
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Sit-in vs Sit-on-top
These are the two major categories available. The sit-in has an enclosure thus the paddler sits in it and hence the name.
The Sit-on-top is open and has more room. The former is more popular for sporting competitions since it is easy to maneuver and provides secondary stability. This ensures that it doesn’t topple over easily during navigation. The enclosure also protects the paddler from getting wet as water splashes.
The sit-on-top is preferred for activities such as fishing. It has adequate room for much-needed equipment like hooks and freezers. It also provides primary stability which makes it even better for line and hooks fishing.
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Speed or stability?
Depending on the type of sporting activity you have to decide what will suit you well between speed and stability.
Narrow vessels are usually faster while broad ones are more stable. The design of the bottom part (hull) is also vital. For instance, those with a V-shaped hull easily cut through the water hence lowering resistance.
The flat shaped hull is known for its primary stability while rounded ones provide secondary stability. The latter is also faster and more versatile.
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The material used for construction
The type of material will influence the properties and capabilities of the boat. The two most commonly used materials are plastic and fiberglass.
Plastics are tough hence resistant to abrasion. The downside is that they get easily degraded by ultraviolet rays when exposed to the sun for long periods and are also heavy.
Fiberglass being a composite is lighter and resistant to both abrasion and degradation. This makes it expensive. Lighter materials are preferred to heavier ones.
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Maximum load limit
This is also known as the weight capacity. It is the net weight of the boat together with everything it contains. Go for the one with the weight capacity that will serve you well. Overloading will make the kayak heavier and make it hard to perform quick maneuvers. If you plan on carrying a lot of gear with you then you should opt for vessels made of light materials as they don’t take up much of the weight capacity.
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Inflatable
This refers to a kayak that gets inflated. It is easily portable in comparison to the others. Once you are done using it you can deflate it, put it in your vehicle and carry it home with you. They are preferred for casual sporting activities and trips. They are also made up of tough and durable materials.
Tips for a wonderful kayaking experience
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Carry a storage bag
Things can sometimes get messy when you are out there. The water splashing all over can make you wet and spoil your electronic gadgets if you don’t store them well. This is especially true for sit-on-top boats.
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Adjust it as you see fit
Parts such as the seat and footpegs are adjustable. You should adjust them to fit you comfortably. If you intend to cover a long distance, then this is necessary to ensure smooth paddling and correct posture.
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Wear a life jacket
You never know when you might need it. Even if you know how to swim it is proper that you take this precaution.
In the event that you are involved in an accident and you are unconscious it will come in handy. Make sure that it is a genuine one that meets all the requirements.
For instance, it should be brightly colored for easy spotting by large ships and rescuers. There are life jackets made specifically to suit kayaking sports activities.
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Wear protective gear
For intense activities, you should wear gloves to prevent blisters and sunscreens to prevent sunburns. Click here to see a few health benefits of kayaking.
Conclusion
Watersports are a great way to exercise and have fun at the same time. Kayaking in particular is an adventurous sport. It also comes with risks that if not considered can cause accidents. Therefore, it is necessary to take the relevant precautions to avoid this.
Take your time to know the territory well and how to navigate it. Avoid venturing alone into territories that you are not familiar with. Finally, remember to keep the water clean. Any litter should be carried back to the land for proper disposal.