There is nothing quite like spending your warm afternoons out on the water kayaking. Kayaking is the perfect combination of adventure and sightseeing. However, to ensure the safety of yourself and those you are with, it is critical to prioritize kayak safety. This article will share some helpful kayak safety tips to help you enjoy your kayaking experience while staying safe on the water.
Tips for Kayak Safety
Kayaking is the perfect way to spend the day out on the water. Be that as it may, it is critical to follow kayak safety to ensure you and those around you have a good time while remaining safe. Here are a few tips that will help you plan smart and stay safe.
Kayak Safety is All in the Gear
One of the best ways you can be prepared during a kayaking trip is to have the right gear for whatever may come your way. Here are a couple of pieces of kayak safety gear that can make all the difference when out on the water.
- Extra Paddle – Rough water can be a challenge to handle. Occasionally, you can lose your paddle while moving through rough waters. For this reason, we recommend you bring one or two extra paddles on your next kayaking trip.
- Cell Phone/Communication – While kayaking, you must bring some form of communication to reach people back on land. In case of an emergency, you need to be able to contact someone on land so they will be able to provide you with the support you need. The best solution is a cell phone or another communication device like a walkie-talkie.
- Personal Flotation Device – Last but not least is a personal flotation device like a life jacket. When the waters get rough, it is possible to be thrown from the kayak. When this happens, having a personal flotation device will aid you in seeking safety while in the water.
If New to Kayaking, Never Go Alone
If you are new to kayaking, we recommend that you never go alone. When you Kayak with friends or a guide, you drastically increase your chances of being rescued in the case of an emergency. Plus, nothing is better than kayaking with friends.
Know Your Limits
When new to kayaking, it is important to do a fair bit of research to ensure you are not entering too challenging of waters. When planning your next kayaking trip, be sure to look for calm water, small sources of water like little lakes or ponds, bodies of water popular with other kayakers, and finally, research where you will have the strongest tailwind when paddling home.
