Kayaking is an outdoor water sport that affords a person the opportunity to skim across the water and enjoy the great outdoors. This recreational activity is easy, rewarding, peaceful, enjoyable and stimulating. Before you go kayaking there are some necessary basics that you should learn to ensure a safe trip. The Great Calusa Blueway website provides several beneficial traveling tips.
Hydrate
Even though kayaking is a relaxing recreational sport, as you paddle you sweat and your body loses water. When this happens, you become dehydrated. It is essential that you take bottled water with you on your kayaking adventure. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should hydrate before, during and after you exercise. When you exercise for an hour or less, you should drink approximately two cups of water. For strenuous exercise periods that last longer than an hour you should replenish your body with a larger amount of water. The amount of water you drink to replenish your body is directly related to how much you sweat.
Buddy System
As with many sport activities, you should always kayak with a buddy. Even though today's kayaks are designed to be more stable, on rare occasions the kayak can roll over and you may not be able to right yourself. Sometimes, unforeseen hazards can arise and leave you physically disabled. It helps to have someone along to be able to go for help. Besides, when you are enjoying the outdoors and nature, it is nice to share these experiences with another person. Another safeguard you can employ would be to inform relatives, family or the hotel desk where you will be kayaking and when you plan to return in case something happens to you on your kayaking trip.
Know Your Ability
Before you set out on a kayak trip, map the trail to ensure that your skill level corresponds with the water route that you desire to travel. Strong swimming, life saving, water safety, first aid and paddling skills are essential to kayaking safely. You should also know how to perform the Eskimo roll should you turn over and need to upright yourself. When kayaking, always keep an eye on the weather. Rain and wind can change the degree of difficulty on even the calmest water trail.
Dress
Even if the sun is out and the temperature is high, you should always dress for the temperature of the water. It is beneficial to wear water shoes. If you should capsize and need to get out of the kayak, the floor of the water trail could have jagged rocks, glass or shells. Always wear a life jacket.
References
- Great Calusa Blueway Kayak and Canoe Paddling Trail: Techniques, Tips & More: Techniquest, Tips & Safety: What are some safety recommendations?
- Mayo Clinic: Healthy Lifestyle: Nutrition and Healthy Eating: Water -- How much should you drink everyday?: Page 2
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture -- Forest Service: Daniel Boone National Forest: Safety on the Rivers
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