Although it is a sport that does not demand many prerequisites, a kayaker should learn the basics to have a fun and memorable experience. For enthusiastic kayakers, all bodies of water are open to kayaking – lakes, rivers, or even oceans. But beginners are advised to stick to shallow water bodies to avoid accidents and practice kayaking safety.
Kayaking starts with the selection of a suitable kayak. Then comes the learning, testing the skills, and finding the perfect kayak dock for your vessel. Read ahead to learn more about kayak safety and how to choose the right kayak.
Choose Proper Equipment to Ensure Kayak Safety
Kayaking beginners may feel like there is a lot to figure out – it involves a lot of physical labor, skill, and a sense of balance. But before that, this sport begins with picking the appropriate kayak that suits one’s needs.
- Selecting an Appropriate Kayak
One must consider a wide range of factors before purchasing a kayak. We have listed a few here:
- Place of Usage
To choose a kayak, one should be clear about where the equipment will be used. There are two types of water environments: inland waters and open waters. Inland waters refer to lakes, ponds, narrow rivers, and even canals. Open waters, on the other hand, refers to seas and oceans. Based on the usage environment, the kayak can be chosen.
- Type of Kayak
There are many varieties of kayaks – they are built differently based on their purpose and application. For people looking who are pondering kayaking as a hobby, recreational kayaks make a great option. There are sit-on-top kayaks and sit-in kayaks, both differing in the cargo space they offer. To ensure kayak safety, it is better to buy a kayak after practicing in one for some time.
- Size of the Kayak
Usually, kayaks measure somewhere between 6 and 16 feet, but the average kayak is 10 feet in length. Both shorter and longer kayaks have their own advantages. While looking for stable kayaks, it is better to go for shorter kayaks; on the other hand, those looking to use kayaks for sport and require faster kayaks can go for longer ones.
- Personal Flotation Device – More commonly known as life jackets, Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) are the most essential safety equipment in any kayak. Look out for the right fit of jackets with proper buoyancy standards.
- Paddle Leash – A paddle leash is what the name suggests – it is a leash for the paddle. This leash will ensure that your paddle does not float away and put you in danger in the middle of the water.
- Bilge Pump or Sponge – A simple device to operate, a bilge pump helps to keep the surface of your kayak dry by pumping out the water. If there is no bilge pump, a sponge could also help.
- Whistle or Signaling Device – Having a whistle or any other signaling device will come in handy during a crisis or any mishap. Wearing a bright-colored PFD and carrying a whistle
- First Aid Kit and Communication Device – There are a set of paddle signs that every kayaker needs to learn to ensure kayaking safety. Also, having a first aid kit in the kayak is a safe move.
Skills and Tips for Kayaking Safety
It is always better to be safe than sorry – before kayaking alone, it is advised that kayakers learn a set of skills in order to avoid any mishap. Here are a few kayak safety tips:
- Understand Water Conditions and Weather
As mentioned before, one should decide the type of waters in which they plan to kayak. Based on whether it is inland waters or open waters, one should prepare for the trip. If it is open waters, it is imperative to check for storms or any other potential disturbances that could hinder the trip.
Knowing how deep the waters are and the nature of the tides beforehand can help the kayaker prepare for the same.
Before planning a kayaking trip, it is always better to check the weather conditions to ensure that there will be no cloud cover or rain.
- Basic Paddling Techniques
To ensure kayaking safety, any kayaker should definitely master some basic paddling techniques. Take a look at this:
- The Forward Stroke – This is the movement that will help a kayaker propel the kayak forward. First, the blade should be immersed in the water. Then, the kayaker has to move the blade forward and rotate its torso, and then release the blade.
- The Reverse Stroke – This is the exact reverse of the forward stroke. This technique is used to stop the kayak and to back it up.
- The Sweep Stroke – A bit tougher than the first two strokes, this is the technique that will let the kayaker turn the vessel efficiently.
- Follow Navigation Rules
While kayaking might seem like a simple activity, there are navigation rules and regulations that every kayaker should follow, especially in crowded areas.
One should be aware of staying on the main channel – the channel is marked by red and green buoys. When kayaking upstream, one should ensure that the red buoys stay to their right – this means the kayak is still veering on the main channel.
Powerboats are not easy to predict, so it is advised for kayakers to stay close to the shore. To ensure kayak safety, the kayaker should be able to stabilize the vessel and propel forward even when there are waves.
- Develop Self-Rescue Skills
It is always better to know self-rescue skills and techniques when it comes to kayaking, as there is a high chance of capsizing when it comes to our waters.
The first step to do after a kayak capsizes is to do a wet exit. Once the kayaker is out of the paddle, it is time to set the kayak right and activate the paddle float.
For kayaking safety, it is always advised that kayakers wear high-quality PFDs to stay afloat even in cases such as capsizing. Once the paddle float is set up right, the kayaker should try and get into the kayak again.
Store the Kayak Using Quality Kayak Docks
For regular kayakers, storing the kayak in a safe space can be a bit of a headache when there is no right space to do it. This is why one should invest in a quality kayak dock to ensure kayak safety, like the ones from Hisea Dock.
- Long Service Life
Hisea Dock’s kayak docks are easy to install and more durable. These docks keep your kayaks floating safely and make paddling easy too. Thanks to the high-quality materials and innovative design, our kayak docks are durable even for many years together.
- Various Custom Options
For people who are looking to customize kayak docks as per their needs, we offer extensive customization options. Ranging from color to size and form, we customize kayak docks and floating walkways as per our client’s requirements.
Conclusion
Kayak docks are essential for anyone who owns kayaks, and Hisea Dock is the perfect place for you to get your customized kayak dock. We also offer other waterfront solutions like floating docks, bridges, walkways, etc. Visit our site today and get an instant quote for your custom floating docks!