Kayaking Basics: How to Launch a Kayak Properly

September 29, 2020

Kayaking is an exhilarating activity that allows you to rip through river currents, and float through placid lakes, It is both an extreme activity, and a calming experience. Kayaking is undoubtedly an incredible pastime and it is definitely worth a try.

However, kayaking can take some getting used to, and it can be dangerous to start a kayaking trip without any experience or knowledge of it. So before you sail out of your floating kayak dock, you should first learn the basics. First, things first, you will need to know how to properly launch a kayak. Here are the key concepts of launching a kayak.

Choosing the Right Location

Before you get into the water, you should make sure that you take the body of water into account. Remember that each body of water has different features that you have to take into account.

As a beginner, you should familiarize yourself with the different bodies of water because their different features can affect how you place your kayak into the water. It will also affect how you maneuver and dock your kayak as you gain further experience.

Open Seas

The open seas are by far the most dangerous body of water that you can launch your kayak into. Remember that the open seas are extremely deep, the waves are unpredictable and there are a lot of protruding rocks or coral reefs that you could damage your kayak on. If you are going to use a kayak in the open seas, you should not use a sit-inside kayak. Instead, you should use a sit-on top kayak. You should also be an experienced kayaker if you are going to launch in the open sea, because the sea waves can be very rough.

Rivers

Rivers are far tamer compared to the open seas, but you should still be very careful when you launch your kayak on a river. Rivers can still be unpredictable, and the river currents and whirlpools can still suck you in. So if you are going to launch a kayak on a river, you should be wary of these dangers.

Lakes

Lakes are by far some of the most placid bodies of water, however, you should still be as careful as possible. As tame as lakes may seem, they can still be very dangerous. There may be underwater tunnels in the lake, and there may be whirlpools and deep parts in the lake. So if you are going to launch a kayak on the lake, you should still follow every possible precaution.

Launching the Kayak from the Shoreline

One of the basics of kayaking is knowing how to launch from the shoreline. There may be a learning curb at first, but once you learn the basics it will be eventually become like a reflex for you. The key is to take things one step at a time.

Launching the Kayak Yourself

When launching your kayak from the shoreline by yourself it is important that you remember the following.

You should put the kayak in the water first. Make sure that you place the kayak in shallow water. This will make it easier for you to paddle out.

Get on top of the kayak. It is ideal if you could straddle the cockpit, and stand securely on top of the kayak.

Lower yourself onto the cockpit. Make sure that you adjust your legs properly. You should also check your backseat, and make sure that it is well-adjusted.

Slide into the cockpit, and adjust your footpegs according to your leg length.

Once you’re inside the cockpit, you should get your paddles at the ready. Push off the shoreline and paddle out into deeper waters.

Here is a video showing how to get inside and launch a kayak by yourself.

Launching the Kayak with a Partner

When you launch the kayak with a partner, the process will be a lot easier. By having someone to help you launch the kayak into the water, you will be able to push off into the water with less fuss. The steps to launching a kayak are still the same. You should drag the kayak to the water’s edge. Then have your partner grab a hold of the kayak while you get on. Once you have set the spray skirt and adjusted your seat, you are good to go. Have your partner push you into the water.

Here is a video showing how to get inside and launch a tandem kayak with a partner.

Launching the Kayak from a Dock

Launching your kayak from a dock is different from doing it from the shoreline. So before you push off from the floating kayak dock, you should remember the following.

Make sure that your floating kayak dock is sturdily built. This is a type of dock that is specially made for your kayak. These docks are usually made of plastic because they are more durable and can stand against the elements. There are a lot of floating kayak docks for sale online, and you can construct your floating kayak dock yourself as well.

Make sure that you have your personal flotation device on.

Untie your kayak.

Brace your kayak against the floating kayak dock if you’re not yet ready to launch,

Double-check your kayak for any cracks or scratches that can potentially leak. You should also adjust your legs according to your leg length.

Once you’ve double-checked every aspect of your kayak, you should gently push off the floating kayak dock and paddle into open waters.

Here is a video showing how to launch a kayak from a dock.

Do’s and Don'ts of Launching a Kayak

When it comes to launching a kayak, you should make sure that you know the rules as much as possible. As fun as kayaking can be, there are still some real dangers to take into account. So before you even think of launching your kayak on any body of water you should make sure that you know what to do, and what not to do. Here are the do’s and don’ts of launching a kayak.

Things You Should Do

Do stretches before you get in

It is imperative that you condition your body before you launch your kayak. Remember that you will be doing a lot of paddling. You will also have to balance the boat the entire time, and it can get tiring in the long. So you should make sure that you are as limber as possible. This will stop your limbs from cramping up.

Do Try it Out on Land

After stretching, you should make sure that you try out the kayak on land. Try sitting on the kayak for a few minutes. Acclimatize yourself with how the kayak sways. You should also check if your kayak has any damage such as holes or cracks. This may seem tedious, but once you’re in the water you’ll be thankful that you took the time to double-check every aspect of your kayak

Do Position the Back Seat Upright

Aside from checking for cracks or dents in the kayak, you should also make sure that your back seat is upright. Remember that you will be sitting in the kayak for a very long time, and if your back seat is not properly placed, you could open yourself up to a lot of back issues. So make sure that the back seat is properly adjusted.

Do Make Sure Your Legs Are in the Right Position

Remember that the footpegs in most kayaks can be adjusted. So before you slip into the kayak, you should adjust the footpegs according to the length of your legs. Your main objective is to position your body in a way that you will still be sitting up straight, with your feet perfectly placed on the footpeg. By ensuring that your legs are in the right position, you will be able to ride your kayak for long periods of time without cramping up.

Things You Shouldn’t Do

Don’t Be Ignorant of the Weather Changes

Before you set out on your kayak you should check the weather forecast first. Remember that the weather can affect how the sea and river currents move and if you go out into open waters without knowing the weather forecast, you may find yourself in a very dangerous situation. So before you launch your kayak make sure to check the weather and water situation in the area.

Don’t Ignore the Tides and Currents

Aside from checking the weather forecast, you should also do research on the body of water you’ll be sailing on. Every body of water has a different tide or current, and it would be very dangerous if you sail without researching it first. So if you are going to sail through a specific river like the Hudson River, you should do your research. Check if there are any dangerous bends in the river. You should also ask the locals how fast the river could go, and if there are any whirlpools that you should look out for.

Don’t Drink Before You Go Kayaking

Kayaking takes a great deal of speed and coordination. Remember that you will be riding the tides and currents and if your concentration is lacking in any way you will most likely get into an accident. This is why drinking and kayaking should never mix. Alcohol will dull your reflexes and concentration, and if you get submerged you won’t have the strength nor the presence of mind to get your kayak up. So if you want to go kayaking, lay off the booze.

Don’t Panic

As a beginner, there may be times where your kayak will get upended or get stuck in bad weather. For a beginner this can be a terrifying thought. However, you should remember that panic is the enemy. It will make your muscles constrict, and your breathing more labored. So should you get in any trouble in open waters, don’t panic. Keep your presence of mind about you and look for a solution to your predicament.

Don’t Forget to Wear a PFD ( Personal Flotation Device)

When it comes to kayaking, your PDF or personal flotationdevice is incredibly important. This is the one thing that will keep you afloat if you lose consciousness or get injured. So you should make sure that you wear it and keep it in tip-top condition.

Conclusion

Launching a kayak for the very first time can be a scary prospect for most people. So if you want your launch to be a success, you will need to be armed with the right knowledge, skills, and essential kayaking equipment. By knowing the basics, you’ll be able to sail your kayak with full confidence.

If you live near a body of water and enjoy kayaking, it would be best to install your very own floating kayak dock. At Hisea Dock, we can customize a kayak dock as per your exact needs. Reach out to us today for more information.

If you want to learn more about kayaking, please check out these articles:

5 Features That You Should Look for in a Kayak Dock

6 Types of Kayaks and Their Key Features

How to DIY Your Own Floating Kayak Dock

Kayaking Basics: How to Launch a Kayak Properly

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