Good news! It is incredibly easy to start kayaking. You only need to learn a few simple skills to have a successful day out on the water. You’ll find kayaking to be less demanding than most other outdoor adventure activities.
When I was a freshman in college, with no kayaking experience at all, I was able to go on a overnight kayaking/camping trip and paddle for hours in the same day. You need very little training and physical strength to be able to paddle around. Start kayaking for a fun and relaxing way to have fun in the sun!
Benefits of Kayaking
- It’s a low-impact exercise for your joints. Kayaking is amazing because it’s both a low-impact but also high-intensity exercise. It’s especially convenient for those who want to give their lower body a break. When you start kayaking, you will target your upper body and core strength. However, you will still engage your lower body muscles when you brace yourself and rotate your torso while paddling. An hour of kayaking can burn around 400 calories for the average person, and it’s so fun that the time will fly by. You can make your kayaking workout more or less intense by increasing or decreasing your paddling speed and force.
- Kayaking is NOT location-specific. You may see kayaking as something you can only do while on vacation at the lake or on the beach. You can do so much more than that with a kayak. In the United States, it’s legal to kayak anywhere that waters are navigable. Of course, this doesn’t include private property. But if you live in an area with lakes and wide rivers, you’re all set. Just make sure the waters aren’t too dangerous and bring along your PFD (read more below).
- It can be relaxing, exciting, and fun! Kayaking is the perfect mix of exhilaration and relaxation – depending on what you’re going for. Your adventure can include anything from a lazy day on a lake to a long day kayaking down an ocean shore. You can go alone or with a group of friends! It’s a sport for all ages, and a great way to connect with nature. You’ll also get all the benefits of exercise (serotonin boosts, endocannabinoids, etc.)
Finding Kayaking Opportunities Near You
- Rent a kayak. I did this when I was visiting Alberta and desperate for some outdoor adventure. The price of renting a kayak may vary depending on length of time and the type of kayak. If you discover that you want to kayak every week or a few times each month, I would highly recommend purchasing your own. Check out the Oru Kayak on Amazon for an amazing foldable kayak you can take anywhere.
- Borrow from a friend. If your friend happens to own the foldable kayak that I just mentioned, then borrowing it will be extremely easy! Just remember your other essential gear (listed below). If you want to borrow a regular kayak then you’ll need to be prepared to fix it to your vehicle in some way. That’s completely up to you!
- Book a kayaking tour/guided class. Everything is provided when you sign up with a kayaking class or tour. It can also be especially comforting when you have someone else dictating your path and reminding you of all the necessary steps to take to stay safe. You can learn how to start kayaking more easily as well. I went on a guided kayaking trip when I was in university, and it was incredibly fun and challenging at the same time. It was also a great way for me, a beginner at the time, to learn. I would recommend this to anyone new to kayaking, for sure.
Essential Kayaking Gear
- Kayak.
- Paddle. Make sure to get the right size for your body.
- Personal Floatation Device (PFD). Check out REI for more info on PFDs.
- Bilge Pump. Necessary for removing water that will accumulate in your kayak.
- Swimwear and/or Waterproof Clothing. I also recommend bringing a change of clothing to wear after your adventure.
- Sun-shielding Headwear. Protect your skin and scalp! However – don’t forget that UV radiation reflects off of water and back into your face as well (that means sunscreen).
- Dry Bag. Waterproof and designed to keep your items dry and secure. They also can float if thrown overboard! Check out this dry bag from Osprey on Amazon.
Additional Outdoor Necessities
- Sunscreen and SPF lip balm. Wearing sunscreen is a must for many reasons. First of all, you want to avoid sunburn at all costs. If you’ve ever experienced a sunburn, you know they suck. Your burn is bound to be more intense after you start kayaking as well, due to the water reflecting UV rays back at you. Even if you’re not prone to sunburn, wearing sunscreen will reduce your risk of skin cancer, prevent signs of aging on your skin, and prevent skin discoloration as well. Just do it.
- Water. Of course. Hydration should be your top priority anywhere, but certainly while kayaking. Make sure to be drinking frequently as well. Bring at least 1 liter (33oz) for every 1.5 hours you expect to be paddling.
- Snacks. Even if you’re only packing for an hour or so, you should pack some snacks. Kayaking takes energy, and there’s always the chance that your trip may take longer than you planned. Bring a few protein bars (but not the kind that melt easily). It would also be smart to pack electrolyte drops. You can add some to your water beforehand or during the workout if you start sweating more than expected.
Safety Considerations
- Sunburn. It can be easy to take this lightly but trust me, you do NOT want to discover what a sunburn feels like after paddling for 4 hours near the equator. Even if you’re farther north or south, please protect yourself from UV radiation. Reapply your sunscreen every hour and consider wearing UV-protective clothing. Better safe than sorry!
- Trip Length. If this is your first trip, plan something that is less than 3 hours. You don’t want to end up exhausted and still needing to paddle back to shore. If the wind is strong enough, it could take you twice as long to get back than originally planned. 3 hours also will give you enough to decide if kayaking is a hobby you want to pursue more in the future.
- Wind/Water Conditions. Before you head out, ask yourself: Are you prepared for sudden weather changes? How can you plan to react if anything disrupts your plan? Can everyone in your group swim on their own, if the kayak were to flip? These are just a few things to consider before heading out on the water.
Should I Buy My Own Kayak?
Before you think about the trouble of strapping a kayak to the roof of your car – THERE ARE FOLDABLE KAYAKS. Yes! They can fold up into a suitcase-sized box and are easy to fit into any vehicle. Plus, they’re lightweight and convenient to carry on your own! Check out the Oru Kayak on Amazon.
For more adventure tips, learn about:
