Have an interest in learning how to kayak? Do you know what safety measures should be followed when kayaking? Are you interested in purchasing a kayak? I started teaching Intro to Kayaking when I realized the amount of accidents that occur due to people practicing unsafe procedures or having the wrong equipment.
Kayaking is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States. Overall this activity is a safe, fun and relaxing experience. But, things do happen, even to experienced paddlers. With a few precautions, kayaking can be a great personal or family activity.
The first important piece of equipment you must have when kayaking is a personal floatation device (PFD). Wearing a PFD could save your life. There is a direct relationship between PFD use and kayaking experience. Paddlers with more than 100 hours were four times as likely to wear a PFD. It's a smart thing to do, no matter what your experience level.
You also should dress appropriately for a possible swim, not for the air temperature alone. Unless the air and water temperature combined exceeds 120 degrees, you should be wearing a dry or wet suit.
There are different types of kayaks that you can purchase. There are recreational kayaks that are made for calm waters usage near the shore. The recreational kayaks have a large open cockpit and are usually less than 14 feet in length. The cost for a recreational kayak generally runs
White water kayaks are generally much shorter than recreational kayaks. Most white water kayaks are less than seven feet long, with tight fitting cockpits. This makes it easier to make quick moves and turns, as usually you are going in any direction but a straight line.
Another type of kayak is a touring kayak. Touring kayaks are generally more than 14 feet long and have watertight bulkheads that are usually used to carry cargo. Long narrow kayaks are faster but less stable and harder to turn.
If you decide to purchase a kayak, start out with a wider, more stable boat (23-24 inches wide) until you have refined your paddling. Do not go and spend a lot of money on your first kayak. In one to two seasons, you will probably outgrow your first kayak in terms of skill. I suggest looking to purchase a kayak from Craigslist.com, Paddling.net or Npmb.com.
Once you have decided on the kayak you wish to purchase, the next step is purchasing your paddles. Kayak paddles are the single most important component of your kayaking experience. The weight of the paddles relates to the cost. The lighter the paddle, the higher the cost. You should expect to pay $150 for a good set of paddles.
Taking the time to invest in the proper equipment before you begin your paddling experience can make a world of difference. Learning about kayaking and practicing the correct techniques will help make kayaking a fun and safe activity that you can enjoy year round.
Charles Still is a veteran kayaker and kayak rolling coach. He will be lecturing on an introduction to kayaking for Southwestern Vermont Medical Center's Wellness Connection in July. Register online at svhealthcare.org. or call (802) 447-5076. "Health Matters" is a weekly column meant to educate readers about their personal health, public health matters, and public policy as it affects health care.
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