Dominate the Water With These Kayaking Survival Tips

In today's sedentary modern world, nothing beats the excitement of exploring by kayak. Kayaking is a fun and exciting way to explore the world and get good exercise. It's great for building upper body strength and getting around! Whether you prefer to kayak along calm shorelines or down extreme rapids, there's something out there for everyone. Becoming a great kayaker takes some skill and determination as well as the right tips and tricks. Whether you're a seasoned kayaker, looking to up your game, or a beginner looking to get into it, you've come to the right place! Here's everything you need to know about kayaking and how to become the best of the best. From what to wear to what to use to how to do it, this list has got you covered! Take your kayaking skills to new heights and dominate the water by following these expert tips!

Equip from the feet up

A mistake that many kayakers make is forgetting the importance of their feet. Whether sitting in a kayak or standing on a paddleboard, your feet are integral to your success. In a kayak, you'll need a good pair of kayaking shoes to keep your feet warm and dry. If you spend a lot of time kayaking in the cold with unprotected feet submerged in water, you can risk your health. To avoid catching a cold, an infection, or an amputation, keep your feet warm and dry while you paddle. Staying equipped from the feet up is a great way to take your kayaking to the next level!

Gear up

Getting the right gear is essential to becoming a good kayaker. If you're serious about kayaking, you need to get your own gear, renting simply won't cut it anymore. Make sure you get all the necessary survival gear for kayaking. Have a bombproof and tooth-proof boat, strong paddles, and a life vest for starters. If you're going on a long journey, get a lightweight backpack and fill it with essentials like sunscreen, a sleeping bag, and a first aid kit. You don't need the priciest gear on the market to succeed, but you can't go for the cheapest option either. Stay ready so you don't have to get ready to kayak!

Test your gear in real-world conditions

Once you've gotten your gear, before you hit the water, make sure to give it a test drive. Many beginner kayakers who skip this step are in for a rude awakening once they set off. To avoid any unpleasant surprises and for the best results, test your gear in real-world conditions. Go to your nearest body of water that you're familiar with, and give your new gear a test drive. Whether you're planning on doing open sea kayaking or down rivers, test things out in similar bodies of water. Make sure everything is waterproof, working, and functional, and get used to the feel of things.

Know the parts of your boat

Every pro kayaker knows the ins and outs of their gear and boat. If you want to become a better kayaker, you need to get more attuned with your kayak. Learn what each part of your boat and paddles are for and how to use them best. Did you know that your rudder's supposed to be used to keep your kayak going straight instead of for turning? Try out different paddles and until you find the one that fits you, there's no one size fits all. Take a class, look up some videos, and do some reading. Learn up on your kayak and gear to make sure you know exactly what to do with it.

Engage your whole upper body

Kayaking is a lot of work and it is very physically demanding. One way to make sure you can keep up with your kayak is to stay fit outside of kayaking. Another way to avoid getting too tired too fast is to use the power of torso rotation for all your strokes. By doing this, you engage your whole upper body as you paddle instead of just your arms. This can give you more power and strength for longer and can help you become a better kayaker. Kayaking is about endurance and being smart with how you use your energy, so remember to put your back into it!

Know your limits

The best way to make sure you have a long and successful career as a kayaker is to know your limits. It's easy to get swept up in the tide and excitement and wind up in trouble. Although you can't learn without experience, you need to find a balance between expanding your comfort zone and risking it all. Start by setting smaller, achievable goals for yourself. As you go through them and gain confidence, you can increase the difficulty and scope of your exploring. As a beginner, take things one step at a time, use the buddy system, and remember, safety first!

Always have a plan B and safety first!

Last but not least, before you set off on your kayaking journey, you need to have a plan B ready. Accidents can happen to anyone, even the most experienced kayakers make mistakes! Make sure to always have a first aid kit nearby, and spare tools and gear in case of an emergency. Try to make your rescuers' job easier by carrying a waterproof phone with you so you can communicate. If you wind up hurt or injured, get to the safest spot you can and sit tight. The most you can do is to prepare for the worst and have a solid plan B.

So there you have it! With this guide in mind, you're ready to thrive as a pro kayaker, instead of just surviving! To become a pro kayaker, you need to get geared up and equipped from the feet up. Before setting off, always test your gear in real-world situations to get comfortable with it. Get familiar with your kayak and gear to make the most of it. Engage your whole upper body when paddling instead of only your arms to go further. Last but not least, remember to pace yourself, know your limits, and always have a plan B. Good luck, stay safe, and happy kayaking!