Sea Kayaking: Knowing the security measures, necessary implements and knowing your equipment well is essential for you to enjoy your kayak trip . Today we will give you the tips to practice sea kayaking that you should take into account to do this sport.
Learn about water safety
If you are going to do your first kayak trip or have already done it, you will want to know what are the safety measures of the kayak that will get you out of trouble. Or, better yet, they will prevent you from getting involved in some problem while you are in the water.
Like all adventure sports, kayaking has its risks. But, if you take the necessary precautions you will enjoy your trip to the fullest.
There are certain maneuvers and signals that you must learn before going to the water in your boat. For example, a short whistle is to get the attention of other paddlers. A long whistle, moving the paddle from top to bottom means “relief.”
When a member of the group raises an arm, it means regrouping. And if he gives a long whistle, holding the horizontal shovel over his head, he means stop. He may be asking you to wait for him if he has been left behind.
As important as knowing these signs is knowing how to avoid them. Water safety depends on weather conditions, physical preparation and having the necessary equipment .
Having these three factors under control will tell you if it is prudent to go to the water or not. When going to do sea kayaking, we must bear in mind that weather conditions may change. The wind can blow stronger and the tide suddenly rise, which will require extra effort to control the boat.
To live an adventure of this type is worth it, it connects you with nature, it gives you a different vision of the world that surrounds you. In addition, it gives you the possibility to know your physical conditions better. But before starting the walk, review the decalogue of the sea kayak navigator .
Tips for sea kayaking
In the following paragraphs you will find safety recommendations and other tips to enjoy the ride with ease.
1. Find out the weather conditions
The state of the sea water changes according to the weather conditions. You always have to find out what the weather will be like when you go sailing. You should do this every time you go to the water, either to learn to ride a kayak or have done it before.
The responsible tourism companies will take this into account before starting the tour. If the conditions are unstable or the winds are very strong, they will have to postpone the exit.
2. Inform your travel plan for Sea Kayaking
If you go alone before leaving, tell someone you trust what your travel plan is. Schedules, routes, etc. So they will be attentive to any emergency that comes up. This is an advantage of Sea Kayaking with a specialized company. On land there will always be someone attentive to the trajectory of the groups.
3. Familiarize yourself with the environment
In a way, being in the water makes you vulnerable and there are those who do not feel comfortable in small boats. And much less to think that there is the possibility of falling into the sea. It is normal to be afraid and it is that fear that will help you get out of a dangerous situation.
To do this you must familiarize yourself with the environment, try to feel comfortable being in the water. If you do, you will navigate with greater security. Keep in mind that in case something happens you will have a life jacket on and the guides will rescue you.
Keeping calm while you are in the water is essential and will facilitate the rescue if necessary. Better yet, if you remain calm, even yourself can solve the situation with techniques such as the Eskimo turn .
4. Strengthen your body before sailing
Kayaking is an activity that requires physical effort. The abdomen and upper body are the parts that work the most. But you’ll even use your legs to help balance yourself on the boat, especially if you’re in seawater. Strengthening the abdominals and upper muscles will help you to better manage the kayak.
5. Make sure you have all the security equipment
Before leaving for your walk, check that you have all the safety equipment with you and that they work. The basic equipment includes the life jacket and whistle. The first will keep you afloat if you fall into the water, and the second will help you get the attention of the rest of the group.
It is also advisable to bring flares to use in case you can not return to shore. Or in cases of extreme emergencies.
If you are going to practice kayaking with children, make sure they wear the vest well and that they understand the use of the implements.
6. Use a computer that fits you well
To practice kayaking you must also make sure that the clothes and the implements fit well. This includes the neoprene suit if you wear one, the vest, helmet, etc. The latter is necessary when sailing in rough waters.
Even the size of the boat should be the most appropriate according to your size and weight. Your legs should not be stretched completely, but the knees should be a little bent. The thighs should make contact with the boat.
At the time of doing Kayaking , the team will provide you with the most suitable implements.
7. Always follow the guide’s instructions
Behaving and paying attention to the guides’ instructions will make the trip enjoyable for everyone. Being in the water gives some freedom and the most daring will be tempted to explore and get away from the group. Do not do it, you can have unnecessary problems and even get out of sight of the guide.
It does not matter if you are familiar with the area or not. Sea conditions can change and leave you vulnerable. The guides are the ones who know the best way to act before any inconvenience.
If another person in the group is in trouble, do not try to rescue them if you do not have experience. Let the guide do it and call your attention in case you do not realize the problem. Stay inside the boat while the person in charge helps who needs it.
8. Take away fear
As mentioned above, it is normal to have a bit of fear when kayaking. Everyone, especially those who do it for the first time, think that they will fall into the water at any time.
While this may happen, keep in mind that kayaks are quite stable , especially those used for sightseeing. This decreases the chances of falling water, if you pay attention, you will be able to better control the boat where you are going.
9. Browse with other people
In case you are going to kayak on your own, avoid doing it alone. Try to always be in a group, this way it is safer and fun. Before leaving verify the operation of the safety equipment. We must emphasize this aspect because this will get you out of possible problems when you are at sea.
How to Handle the kayak
Walking in a kayak is not complicated, although in the sea it is more demanding than in the waters of a calm river. Even so it is possible to enjoy the experience and even want to repeat it.
Those who accompany you on the tour will explain the kayak technique for beginners . Here we will tell you the basic guidelines so that you can understand how to control the boat and make it move.
Managing a kayak is not just about going forward, with a few movements you will be able to do that. The trick is to make it go faster and with a controlled movement. That you can enjoy the navigation.
Before starting to navigate you have to learn how to grab the shovel . To get the correct position you must take the shovel with both arms and carry it over your head. The arms should have a ninety degree angle. The hands should have the same distance from the leaves.
By getting this position you will know where your hands will go when you are going to start shoveling.
After you have the right grip, it’s time to know how to start the first strokes in the water.
- The body should be kept straight, you should not lean on the back of the kayak while you paly. Doing that alone will make you have to work harder.
- Your feet should be on the feet and knees slightly bent.
- To start rowing the torso must turn. The arm that will give the first stroke will be lower almost stretched. While the other will remain above, more relaxed.
- When carrying the leaf in the water, push it back until the hand is at the level of the stomach.
- Then slide the paddle out of the water. The movement should be as silent as possible, if you hear a noise like splashing you are not doing well.
- When the shovel is removed, the torso turns to repeat the movement, this time with the other arm.
With practice it becomes intuitive. It should be noted that large and slow movements should be made, instead of short and very fast ones. Follow these tips to practice sea kayaking on your next ride. Contact us to organize your next kayak adventure.
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Meet Tyr Alan, your trusted guide on the high seas and calm lakes alike. A seasoned mariner with over two decades of hands-on experience, Tyr’s passion for boating is as vast as the open water. From navigating the rugged coasts to gently cruising down tranquil inland waterways, Tyr’s voyages have taken him across the globe, gifting him with an encyclopedic knowledge of boating that he’s eager to share with you.
