Kayaking is great. It provides for an awesome workout and a memorable recreational activity. While it is enjoyable, kayaking can be very dangerous. That’s why you must be equipped with the right safety tips before you go out to kayak. Here are some of the top ten tips that you should learn.
Know the Weather Conditions
This is rule number one. When going kayaking, you want to be sure that the weather is ideal for kayaking. Any chance that you get into the water when the storm is brewing or in a windy afternoon can be fatal.
So make sure that you have the knowledge of how the weather will be before you set in. Take a keen interest in the following weather dynamics and determine if they are ideal for kayaking within the time.
- Temperature
- Wind strength
- Rainfall type
If you understand the temperature, you could wear a swimsuit to keep warm or wear a light summer outfit to counter the heat. Wind strength prevents you from rushing into powerful winds that you can’t tame.
Wear Appropriately Always
Let the clothes that you wear match the climatic conditions that you are kayaking under. Like I mentioned above, counter the cold by wearing swimsuit or heavy clothes. Layering will be superb for the cold.
If you are kayaking on a summer afternoon, you can wear light clothing. The safety of wearing the right clothing is to prevent you from freezing in the cold weather.
You should again wear the right gears, such as:
- Personal floating device
- Swimsuit
- Kayaking boots
- Gloves
Learn the Boating Rules
Another very important thing that you must do is to follow the boating rules. Depending on the area or location that you come from or which you will be kayaking, learning all the boating rules is very important.
It prevents you from crossing the line with the authorities. More importantly, it keeps you on the right side of the kayaking grid. You won’t access dangerous areas and will have known where to stick to.
Have a Sober Mind
Alcohol and other drugs will impair your judgment. That’s why it’s very important that you keep a sober mind. Water rides can be quite dangerous. As such, it is very important that you always remain alert.
Keep off drugs. Don’t take alcohol or any other prescriptions that could impair your sense of judgment when you are out.
Observe the Kayak’s Weight Capacity
Among the best safety tips for kayaking, the next thing that you should keep in mind is your kayak’s weight limit. It would be best if you were always loaded within the weight limit. In other words, don’t exceed the weight capacity.
If you do, chances are you could easily lose control of your kayak and end up hurt, the kayak could get damaged, or the kayak will sink with you. Whichever the case, never be attempted to exceed the weight limit of the kayak you are using.
Learn How to Kayak
While kayaking is a very enjoyable activity, it isn’t a one-day thing. You won’t know all the pros and cons of kayaking in a few hours. This takes time, and so to do it, you must remain patient and take lessons.
Having the right lessons will equip you with the best safety tips and general knowledge about kayaking. This is how you survive any form of potential hazards that might lie in weight along the way.
Here are some of the best ways to learn kayaking:
- Get a learning institution
- Check with the pro kayakers to help
- Read through DIY manuals
- Get a trained professional to help
Inspect Your Kayaking Equipment
Any equipment that your kayak comes with should be examined for wear and tear before use. From the paddles to the paddle holders, you must ensure that these are working efficiently. Again, you must ensure that your kayak is safe with no weak spots or potential leaks (for inflatable models).
Share Your Paddling Itinerary
This is again very important. Always make sure that someone knows where you are or the route that you plan on taking. It is one of the best tips when it comes to rescuing plans. As such, you should always share with someone your paddling plan. This will include.
- Where you are going to
- What you will be doing
- Who you plan on going with
- How long you will take
While sharing your plan is very important, the most important part is to stick to your plan. Make sure that you don’t deviate as this could impact any rescue missions.
Have Some Rescue Tips
Again, it would be best if you brushed up on self-rescue tips. Make sure that you have some knowledge, however, limited on how to rescue yourself in case of a potential hazard or accident. This could go a long way in keeping you safe.
Wear a Life Jacket
The best thing about wearing a life jacket is this. First, it is part of the coast guard regulations. Secondly, it helps you to keep afloat in case the kayak capsizes. Thirdly, it adds insulation to your body and, as such, keeps you warm.
Learn New Areas Before Kayaking
Finally, if you are going to kayak to a new area, you should learn about the area first. Find out from the local departments on various kayaking aspects, including:
- Escape plans
- Alternative routes
- Currents
- Environmental conditions
- Shoreline conditions
- Weather patterns
Keeping your mind on these factors will help you to have smooth kayaking experience. Indeed, these are some of the best safety tips when it comes down to kayaking.
Conclusion
In case you are looking for the best safety tips for kayaking, keeping to these tips that we have here will go a long way. They’ll keep you and your loved ones safe and help you to come back to shore every time that you leave.
Having the best safety tips in mind when kayaking again ensures that you enjoy your kayaking and attain some level of confidence. Read more to get every possible safety tip.