Learn to Sea Kayak:
Sea Kayaking Gear:
Once you know that you want to get kayaking beyond recreational paddling, you’ll need to get your sea kayaking gear. While some of the gear such as pfds can be the same as in other genres, there are specialized items like paddle floats and bilge pumps that are made for sea kayaking. Proper care and inspection of your gear will prolong its life as well as ensure each item is safe to use. Of course wherever you go to buy your sea kayaking equipment they’ll help you get what you need. Here are some articles to help you get informed and let you know what you’re getting into. Also, when it comes to kayaks and paddles, don’t be afraid of buying used.
Sea Kayaking Safety:
Safety is of the utmost importance while sea kayaking. You probably won’t be able to swim to shore if a wave flips you out of your kayak. Getting lost is a real possibility and happens quite frequently. When out at sea with no one around to help your group it will be up to your safety gear and your ability with safety rescues that will keep you alive. While safety rescues can be practiced alone in protected situations, they must be learned by an experienced kayaker. You can either take lessons or learn from a trusted paddling buddy.
Sea Kayaking Navigation:
Proper navigation while sea kayaking is an often overlooked aspect of the sport. There are two levels to navigation. At the first level is being able to paddle in and around high traffic areas. The next level is being able to get from point a to point b. While it might seem easy, as any sea kayaker will tell you it is anything but. You’ll need to have charts, now how to read them, and be able to use compasses and gps devices. Additionally, it is important to understand tides, currents, and wind for the particular area where you are paddling. While the rules of the road are pretty basic and mainly require an understanding of how they operate, navigation technique and procedures are best learned in a class where the skills will be practiced and tested.
- Rules of the Road
- Avoiding Collisions
- The Right of Way
Learn to Sea Kayak:
As you can see from above there is a lot to know about sea kayaking before you even get into you kayak or take a stroke. But, now you’re ready to paddle. Of course much of this takes place at the recreational level. Sea kayaking adds a whole new twist to it. For instance, getting into your kayak and launching from the beach can be much more complicated than from the safety of you local lake. Proper form while taking strokes is the difference between early fatigue and being able to last through the trip.
