Imagine paddling leisurely through lapping waves, watching seagulls glide overhead and enjoying the cool breeze in your face. You might be thinking that this is a dream experience; however, with the proper kayak gear, this can be a reality.
This post is going to discuss what you will need for your trip downriver, and we will cover all of the basics: from making sure you have the proper boat to how to properly negotiate currents and rapids. In addition, we’ll go over some safety tips so that you can have an enjoyable time on your trip.
Choosing a kayak:
It’s quite easy to find the ideal boat. All you need to do is look around at the various types of kayaks and decide which one will be best suited for your paddling experience. You should first assess what kind of person you are: whether you want a safe sit-on-top or a more compact sit inside boat, as well as how much paddling experience you have. We suggest going ahead and finding the best boat for both novice and experienced kayakers, so if you are a novice, we recommend choosing one with minimal storage. Go for something that has low back support or adjustable foot braces; this will ensure that your spine stays properly aligned while paddling.
You should also consider the size of the river and its rapids. For instance, you might want to look at a kayak that is shorter than 40 inches on the sides and is wider than 21 inches in front of the rear seat. This is important so that you can move around easily around rocks while kayaking and not have to bend over to paddle. If you plan on camping overnight on your river trip, you need to decide whether or not it’s better to kayak alone or with someone else for support if something goes wrong. If you are going along with another person, make sure he or she has experience in both whitewater and camping.
The boat should also have gear storage systems. Most will come with waterproof containers and paddles, but it’s good to know you have the option of having more storage space. In addition, look for a kayak with a sealed hull that will make it easier to right if you capsize.
Don’t forget that the kayak should be able to fit both your body size and build as well as your skill level. The boat should feel comfortable when you sit down in it and the paddles should be proportionate to its size so that you get optimal leverage while paddling.
How to use conventional kayaks:
Having a boat that fits your body size and paddling skill is important, but it’s not necessary to know how to use it properly before you head out on your first river trip. For example, many novice kayakers will buy a sit-in boat that is smaller than their actual size since they don’t know any better. This will result in cramped quarters once they try to paddle. If this is your situation, you will need to buy a larger boat and practice with it. You can do so either on a river or in your own backyard by filling it with water and adding weight. Keep in mind that although this makes the boat heavier, some sit-in kayaks have storage compartments for water bottles, food, and other gear.
Safety:
Safety is an important aspect of paddling on any waters; however, it’s particularly important when you are near rapids. Despite what many people believe, the majority of accidents in whitewater kayaking happen not because of crashing into rocks but because of capsizing due to sudden currents and dangerous waves. The way to avoid capsizing is to control the boat, which means staying in a straight line.
Keep in mind that water is much slipperier than you probably think; therefore, you absolutely want a kayak with extra buoyancy for your trip. You also need to be able to communicate with other kayakers in case things do go wrong. If you don’t know what else to do when your kayak capsizes, bellow out “I’m ok” or “help me” so that others can help get you out of the water safely. If you are alone and can’t paddle back upriver, get into a sitting position and prepare yourself mentally for the possibility of capsizing again. It is also a nice idea to make sure you know what actions to take in case your kayak goes over a waterfall. If you do go over the waterfall, immediately pull out your paddle and try to push yourself up against a rock or any other fixed object. Then, wait until the water recedes so that you can get back into your boat and continue on your way.
As we’ve mentioned before, safety is an important part of any river trip; however, it’s even more important when the river is moving faster than usual due to rainfall or snowmelt. If you are planning on paddling during a flood, make sure to read the alerts that the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning releases. They will inform you about any dangers to watch out for on the trip. The main dangers during a flood are flash floods, trees that have fallen into the river, and roads that have been covered by rising waters. You can also check with your local town hall for information on road closures.
Avoiding Hazards:
You can avoid most hazards on a river (such as rocks and logs) by keeping the paddling in a straight line, which mainly means staying in one place. However, your kayak may swing out to the side if you don’t have a good paddling technique. This is why it is important to learn how to paddle, but also why it’s important to keep your boat safe from any possible hazards ahead of your trip. If you are going over class III rapids and have no experience with them, it is important to know that there are certain types of waves you should watch out for.
Let’s start with the most common kind of waves. It’s called a washboard, and it is caused when a flow of water moves in a diagonal direction. A washboard can throw you out of the water and onto rocks, so we recommend watching out for them when paddling on currents that may have them. They are often found on short channels where there is fast-moving water.
Another wave hazard to watch out for is known as “wave disruption.” This type of wave occurs when the flow of the current creates pressure changes on the surface water. As air can get pushed under the water, it creates what looks like waves or ripples on the surface. Although most of the time they are harmless, sometimes they can be very powerful and can throw you from your kayak.
Kayak Safety:
There are a few key safety issues to be aware of when on the water with your kayak. The first is to make sure that it is properly secured and hasn’t come loose somehow. If you notice any unusual sounds or feel like something isn’t quite right with your boat, check it right away. Even if your boat has always been safe on the water, it’s still a good idea to check it out every time before you set off. This way, you can be sure that everything is working properly and that you will have a strong kayak to paddle on the entire trip.
The other major safety issue to be aware of is to watch out for any slack in your gear lines. This makes them easy targets for any large waves or rocks, so make sure they are tight at all times before you head out onto the river. You should also know how to use your equipment in case of anything breaks while you’re out on the water, as this is an important part of being an experienced kayaker.
As a general rule of thumb, if there is any visible slack in your gear lines, then you should check them before heading out onto the water. The last thing you want to do is have your kayak come loose during a wave and be left stranded without your paddle, which can be very dangerous.
As the weather starts to turn, your instincts will tell you to get out of the water as quickly as possible. This is also a very good idea. The weather can change rapidly on the water, and storms or strong waves can suddenly appear without warning if you are out on the water.
Things to check on your kayak gear
- Proper Gear
A great thing about kayaking is that it’s just a fun, alternative way to get around. That means you won’t always be looking for a reason to paddle. But whether you’re just putting in to make a quick trip around the lake or are heading out on the Atlantic Ocean with an adventure at hand, your gear will play an important part in your experience and beyond.
- Safety First
Always wear helmet to protect your head it can be hard to know what exactly you need, given the wide range of gear available and the huge amount of options that fall under this heading. If you want to be safe though, all you need is a few basics.
- The Right Gear for You
No two people are alike when it comes to kayaking, so gear should be chosen with consideration for what your needs may be. Be aware of what your personal comfort is. Learn how to use your gear properly. And remember that you can get a free manual, with detailed information on all of the ins and outs…
- Know what to expect
You get to know how to paddle a kayak by practising in it, but some people into kayaking have not had much experience with it or other water sports. It is not uncommon for people to break kayaks before they’ve ever used them for anything other than getting out on the water.
- Maintenance
A quality kayak is more than just a kayak, it is a loving companion and it will be with you for many decades if you take good care of it. You deserve nothing less than the best and there are plenty of things that can go wrong with a boat.
- Planning ahead
The classic kayak season on the West Coast of Canada can get hopping in June with hundreds of people heading out for their first trip. While there are many places to go, you are also susceptible to weather complications as well. Know what to expect before you go.
- The Right Boat
If you own a kayak and you would like to make sure it’s ready for the next season, take some time to study the manuals that came with your equipment. Kayak is not hard to use but some things can really help you out.
- The right types of gear
While the variety that you find in the world of kayaking is huge, certain brands and types are highly recommended. When buying equipment, make sure you get a high-quality model that is designed for long-term use.
- Know your equipment
The most important things to make sure your kayak is well accounted for are the rudder and the hull rollers. These two components will prevent your boat from capsizing if it starts to fail.
- The right boat is the one you can keep
To get the most out of your kayak, you need to know how to properly use it. It is essential that you learn how to handle a boat and be able to settle on the right location and how long you should wait before making your next move.
What type of gear do you need to bring when you go kayaking?
You’ll need a paddle, a life jacket, and a kayak. The paddle allows you to propel the kayak through the water. A life jacket is used to keep you afloat if you fall out of the kayak in the water (you’ll learn more about how to stay in your kayak later on). And finally, a kayak is just what it sounds like—a boat that you will sit inside as you are paddling through the water.
What safety equipment is required on a kayak?
Necessary safety equipment required in a kayak is a PFD (Personal Flotation Device), which is a life jacket, and PFD straps, which are the straps attached to the back of your life jacket. The PFD should fit snugly on your body and fasten with Velcro just below your shoulders. The life jacket straps will go around the back of your life jacket and fasten with Velcro just below your neck. You should also have a whistle on you for emergencies. It’s best to wear a life jacket that fits snugly like a dry suit. A dry suit is one piece of clothing that will keep you afloat in the water for an extended period of time when you’re unconscious.
Should you wear a wetsuit when kayaking?
If you’re going kayaking during cold weather you’ll need to wear a wetsuit underneath your regular all-weather clothing. A wetsuit will help keep your body heat insulated and prevent you from getting hypothermia. There are two ways to put on a wetsuit – one way is to put it on like normal clothes then tie off the wrists and ankles with string.
What should a beginner wear kayaking?
A beginner needs to wear a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) and PFD straps. A PFD should fit snugly on your body and fasten with Velcro just below your shoulders. The life jacket straps will go around the back of your life jacket and fasten with Velcro just below your neck. You should also have a whistle on you for emergencies.
A beginner kayaker should wear his or her wetsuit shirt underneath their wetsuit, which will keep their body heat insulated so they don’t get hypothermia, and they’ll also need to wear kayaking shoes that are thick enough to prevent punctures in the water from sharp rocks or broken glass.
What are the best kayak accessories?
- A camera and smartphone
- A back-up paddle
- Extra paddles and lifejackets
- A dry bag or waterproof backpack for your camera, map, etc.
- Sunscreen