Beginners Guide to Kayaking

Beginners guide to Kayaking

Do you love the ocean? Do you appreciate its scenery, ambiance, and its features? The feeling of riding on a boat? Do you want to try something new for your next holiday getaway? If yes, then you should try out kayaking! Kayaking is an activity where you traverse the water through a kayak.  Canoeing and kayaking are similar activities, but what sets kayaking apart from canoeing are the number of blades on the paddle, and the paddling seat position. Using such a paddle, you will be able to traverse bodies of water by paddling in an alternating side-to-side paddle stroke.

Kayaking has been around for centuries. The Inuits first used it in the Arctic region as a way to navigate waterways. Kayaking was Inuit's primary mode of transportation as interconnected waterways and bodies of water dominate the arctic region. As time passed by, kayaking has evolved into a recreational activity done all over the world. Kayaking can be a very flexible activity because you can pair it with other fun activities, like fishing and diving. So the next time you decide to relax and take a vacation, do not hesitate to suggest kayaking for your next recreational activity. Plus, you can go kayaking in all seasons-- but the optimal season to go kayaking is spring, summer, and autumn. 

When you go kayaking for the first time, it can be like treading into unknown waters. This article will help you learn about kayaking by giving you some key pointers to remember when you go.

Guide to Kayaking:

• Paddling Techniques – It is essential to know what these paddling techniques are because they will be the key to maneuvering the kayak. An incorrect way of handing the paddles can lead to complications. To hold your paddle correctly, place your hands shoulder-width apart on the shaft part of the paddle. One side of the paddle is concave, and it should always be facing you. Focus on getting strength from your core for each paddle movement rather than relying on your arms for paddling power. As you do so, you'll put more force in each stroke. As a benefit, your core muscles will be stronger, your endurance will improve, and the chance of muscle injury lessens.

• Paddling strokes – It is also essential to know about paddling strokes right after knowing the paddling techniques. There are different kinds of strokes when it comes to the sport, so try learning them as you go.

 Here are some examples of paddling strokes.

1. Forward Stroke
2. Reverse Stroke
3. Sweep Strokes
4. Draw Strokes

• Practice – When trying to practice kayaking, you should begin in a small lake or pond that is calm to practice correctly. Choose a place that has several in it so that you'll be visible to those who are on the shore of the pond or lake. Then, in case of an emergency, these people can quickly respond to your aid.

• Wear protective equipment – When going on a kayak, it is essential to prepare all the needed equipment first, which are the helmet, life jacket, a cell phone placed in a waterproof bag, and waterproof shoes. All these items are deemed necessary when you go kayaking, especially the helmet and life jacket. They will be your lifesaver in case of emergencies once you go kayaking!\

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