Your approach to kayaking depends on what kind of paddling you would like to work toward. If you want to kayak whitewater, begin with a whitewater boat and learn to paddle it correctly. Recreational and sea kayaks are far more stable and comfortable, but beginning in one of these boats will do very little to prepare you for swift current. Likewise, if you want to learn to kayak so you can fish or go on multi-day sea or flat-water expeditions, you will not benefit from learning how to paddle the spin- and tip-prone kayaks made for swift-water maneuvers.
Techniques
Step 1
No matter what type of kayaking you hope to do, begin on the flat water of a lake, protected harbor or slow-moving river.
Step 2
Practice the basic strokes of forward and reverse paddle--the shorter strokes that move the kayak in either direction--and forward and reverse sweep, longer strokes typically used for turning. These are the strokes you will need to propel and steer your boat. If you are learning whitewater paddling, also practice the draw stroke, typically used to move the boat sideways.
Step 3
Build skills steadily and slowly; kayaking is not learned overnight. For expedition--or sea--paddling, focus on building endurance. For whitewater paddling, focus on boat handling and strong, efficient strokes.
Step 4
Research and learn to recognize the hazards common to the style of paddling you are working toward. For whitewater paddling, these include downed trees or strainers, low-head dams, pinning rocks, powerful hydraulics and undercut rocks. For sea kayaking, you need to understand how tides will affect your trip plans and how waves and wind will affect your navigation.
Step 5
Practice exiting and re-entering your boat in safe water near shore before heading out to deeper or more turbulent waters.
Planning
Step 1
Wear the proper gear. Not wearing your life jacket doesn't make you look cool; it makes you look like an amateur, according to the American Canoe Association. Carry a whistle, spare paddle, bilge pump or bailer, drinking water, snacks, light or signal, first-aid kit and a dry bag.
Step 2
Dress appropriately. Cotton gets cold and clammy when wet and takes a long time to dry. Synthetic fabrics such as polypropylene, polyester or wool are much better choices. Always wear appropriate water shoes; do not go barefoot.
Step 3
Know your route, put-in and take-out areas, as well as your limits. Be sure you can get to where you are going or that you can make it back to where you started.
Step 4
Research the waterway you will be paddling. Find out about hazards, recommended routes, current water level, speed of current, distance to destination and the influence of the tide. Guidebooks, experienced paddlers, the Internet and local outfitters can provide you with important information on your route.
Step 5
Do not overload your boat, A heavy or unbalanced boat is hard to control, propel and keep upright. Center the weight, and take only what you need.
Step 6
If you will be using a shuttle, be sure to check that you have the keys to the vehicle you will be leaving at the take-out.
Tips and Warnings
- To speed up your learning, take a class. The American Canoe Association recommends three or four days of instruction for all beginners. Typical classes cover basic strokes, proper form, boat maneuvers, paddling to avoid injury, shuttle logistics, use of safety gear and rescue techniques. Do not attempt water too far above your skill level. This may lead to a bad experience that scares you away from the sport for good. It may also put you and others in danger.
- Never paddle alone. Going with others increases your safety, and will allow you to send someone for help, if necessary.
Things You'll Need
- Kayak
- Paddle
- Personal Flotation Device
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