Kayaking is one of the most enjoyable recreational activities in which one can participate. Picture yourself in a small personal craft waist-deep in the water as you glide along on a lake or move down a river, powered along by your upper body — arms, back and shoulders. You see things, even familiar ones, from a different perspective as you look toward the shore. And you’re getting a great workout and lots of fresh air as you do it.
Huntsville, Ontario’s Gerry Forestell has been enjoying kayaking, primarily on lakes and coastal areas for years. Fortunately for him and his family, there are a number of waterways in his region that are perfect for those who actively and regularly participate in the activity. Forestell mentions that those new to kayaking need to consider a few important things when preparing to hit the water for the first time
Learn as much as you can about kayaking.
Before you head off to the outdoors store to buy or rent a kayak, read up on how it’s done. Gerry Forestell adds that despite a lot of free videos online that show pretty much everything you need to know regarding the basics, including the different types of kayaks available, how to “put in,” what safety gear is mandatory or advisable, and how kayaking is done in various bodies of water and conditions, nothing prepares you better than a guided trip or lessons depending on your goals.
A number of helpful resources are available on the Canoe Kayak Canada website.
Being on the water gives one a sense of freedom and a desire to explore. However , one has to respect Mother Nature as there are risks one has to keep in mind to make it a safe fun adventure. Are you a good swimmer? Regardless of your swimming capabilities, life jackets should be worn and done up properly. Do you have a whistle and a safety kit? What is the water temperature? Living in Canada one can not under estimate the risks of hypothermia even in the summer. What is the weather forecast? Things can go from calm or manageable wind and waves to overpowering conditions quickly! If you are on a river, how high are the water levels? Do you know what hazards lie ahead, rapids or falls. Hazards can change from trip to trip. Are in the right kayak for the activity planned. Drownings are preventable if you mitigate your risks. Also, if the conditions aren’t right for today there is always another day you can safely paddle. Blow up kayak is a great way to enjoy being on the water as they are super portable
Partner with kayaking friends for a test run.
As part of your self-education, talk to friends who are kayakers and learn as much as you can from them, and even go out into shallow, safe water with one or more of them to get a feel for being in the craft, balancing it and paddling. If possible, partner with friends who have different types of kayaks. There are a bunch of models and sizes, including sit on top kayaks, recreational kayaks, touring kayaks and various models of kayaks for white water paddling. You may discover that one style suits you more than others. There are options of a single or double kayaks except in the white water category. Also your budget most be considered as the range goes from the inexpensive to high end Kevlar and carbon fibre. Definitely renting is a good way to explore your options as well as going to a store with wide selection suck as Algonquin Outfitters, Swift Canoe and Kayak, Clearwater Designs, Whitesquall to name a few local sources.
Learn how to handle the paddle.
Before kayaking for the first time, it’s important for beginners to learn how the paddle works. Basically, a kayak paddle is a long shaft you hold in front of your body that has blades at each end to propel you through the water. The proper way to hold a paddle is to place your hands a little farther than shoulder width apart on the shaft with your knuckles pointed upward. Place one of the paddle blades vertically into the water, keeping a relaxed grip on the shaft with your knuckles pointed upward. As you pull the blade back and out of the water,you push (punch) forward with the other hand then dipping that hand to put the other blade in. If you are doing it properly you will be engaging you core muscles.
It really depends on your goals with kayaking whether a formal course is beneficial. Are you playing around the dock at cottage or off the local beach? Do you plan a trip down a river with rapids? Are you hoping to explore our Great Lakes or coastal areas for several days at a time? If your kayak tips over are comfortable getting out safely (i.e. a “wet exit” MKC (Madawaska Kanu Centre) in Barry’s Bay is renowned for their white water teaching. Similarly Whitesquall north of Parry Sound offers courses and trips for kayaking Georgian Bay.
Go to a familiar spot for your first solo voyage.
For your first-time out, find a small, calm lake, bay or pond where are other people around. Gerry Forestell says it’s helpful to select a place where the water is warm, not too deep – you can stand up if you roll-over and most importantly go with a friend. Just like swimming it is always good to have “kayak buddy” “This is a good idea because if you have any problems, there is someone there to help right away”.
Also, he says that it’s preferable to find a body of water where there are not too many power boats or jet skis operating nearby.
“These crafts create wakes, whose resulting waves can provide an unnecessary challenge. As your skills improve, you’ll start to be more comfortable with the water and changing conditions. In the beginning, though, you’re still developing your technique and confidence handling your paddle and moving your kayak around.”
Get in shape.
Before kayaking, or really, participating in any outdoor sport, take time to condition yourself for the challenges that lie ahead. If you’re an avid exerciser, be sure to strengthen your core, arms and shoulders, as they’ll be getting quite the workout when you’re paddling. You might find it helpful to stretch your muscles, especially before getting into your kayak, since you’ll be sitting up with your legs out in front of you. If you have any health concerns at all, talk to your physician up front to ensure that taking part in kayaking will be okay.
