A beginners guide to Kayaking.
Learn all about the different types of Kayaks and equipment available. How to kayak safely and the techniques for paddling well. Our link list contains clubs and national bodies to contact for kayaking in your area as well as other useful guides.
A disclaimer.
Before we begin I just want to say that reading this lens will not make you an expert. It is merely here as a guide and should not be used as a replacement to proper training. I highly recommend that if you are going to begin kayaking that you find a reputable club and trainer. Then regardless of how experienced you get - always make sure that someone knows when you are heading out onto the water and where you intend going. Wear a bouancy aid and ensure that you have adequate safety equipment for the type of paddling that you are going to do. If you take personal responsibility for your own safety and enjoyment you will have many miles of happy paddling. Our Favourite Kayak Photos
Cove at South Tufa where I parked my kayak for the night and enjoyed a wonderful...
More photos of sea-kayaking on the N%uFFFDyfjord in Norway. Other images
Kayak on lake McDonald, Glacier National Park
Shot of KB pulling of another jump. Missoula, MT
Kayaking on the Ottawa River
Kayaking in winter 2003 outside Reykjavik.
Kayaking on the Slocan Lake, Bannock Point, Slocan Valley B.C.This was shot fo...
Before you buy a kayak.
- What would I like to do with my kayak?
- Where will I be using the kayak?
- What type of water can I expect to find there? surf, white water, large flat, currents, waves.
- Who will I do this with? Will you kayak in tandem or independently?
- What kind of equipment will I be carrying with me? For instance camping equipment, fishing gear, photography equipment, supplies.
- How often can I realistically get out to use my kayak? Need I say more.
- Is kayaking for me? Seriously what is the point of getting a kayak only to find that you hate it? After answering the above questions I would suggest you do a course that covers the type of kayaking that you expect to do and then decide if this really is for you.
Great Kayaking Books
Kayak instruction vids
Types of Kayak.
- Sit-On-Top Kayak. These are stable, easy to get in/out of, and a lot of fun. They are used for recreational paddling and fishing and also a great beginner kayak for children due to their stability.
- Tandem Kayak. Designed for two paddlers these can be either recreational or sea kayaking. Ideal for couples or family paddlers they can also be used by a single paddler to transport large quantities of supplies.
- Inflatable Kayak. These are very versatile. They are similar to folding kayaks in that they can be broken down for easy transport or storage.
- Folding Kayak. The hull and deck fold in sections for easy transport or storage, very durable. These are covered in strong pvc and are not as fragile as they sound.
- Light Touring Kayak Touring kayaks are designed to cover distance they tend to be faster but in so doing give away a little of their stability. These are designed mostly for day tripping and good on open waters.
- Sea Touring Kayak. Quite a versatile kayak. These are used mostly on coastal waters and can be great fun nudging through protected bays. The are fast and can also carry quite ample amounts of gear.
- Fishing Kayak. As it says on the box made with anglers in mind they are stable an can be fitted with keep boxes, fish finders and GPS.
- Pedal Kayak. These are becoming more popular and whilst some would argue that they are not strictly kayaks (they are fitted with pedals that drive a propulsion device and sometimes even sails) I have included them because their base design is that of a kayak.
- Kid Kayak. Sized for kids or smaller paddlers. Normally quite flat bottomed and extremely stable.
- Surfing Kayaks. Specialist kayaks probably not for beginners dedicated for wave and whitewater surfing. These are often short with more modern types having snub fronts.
- White water Kayaks. Again specialist and probably not where a beginner wants to start these are designed for fast flowing rivers and rapids and are short and easy to turn and roll.
Kayak Roll
Most Viewed - Hi Resolution Underwater "Slo-Mo" Kayak Roll
Most Viewed, Most Watched Kayak Roll Video. Have fun watching in-water & under-water Kayak Roll Demo with Bow Camera to show what happens underwater during a C to C, Sweep and Hand Roll. Make your kayak skills evolution a thriller, learn to dance with your kayak. Next time you are looking for things to do...get out on the water and go kayaking
Runtime: 2:25
130017 views
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Safety
- Get proper instruction.
- Always wear a life jacket / flotation device.
- Always let someone know where you are going, when you expect to return and who to call in the case of an emergency.
- If you are likely to encounter situations that you are not used to i.e. large quantities of ocean traffic, rip tides or strong currents get expert help in planning and if possible take them along with you.
- Never let anyone bluff you into something your instinct tells you is beyond you. There is a big difference between stretching yourself and being foolhardy.
- Make sure that someone in your party knows first aid - it is a good idea to have more than one first aider.
- Before launching check the kayak for damage particularly if it has been stored for a long period or if you have travelled some distance with it.
- Check all fastenings and braces - regular maintenance should prevent any nasty surprises.
- Never over estimate your fitness.
- Check weather reports. If professional sailors do it so should you!
More instruction
How to Sea Kayak : Sea Kayaking: The Forward Stroke
Sea kayaking can be a very dangerous sport that not everyone is made for. Learn how to do a forward stroke and how to be safe while doing it.
Runtime: 1:58
6113 views
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Even more instruction.
How to Sea Kayak : Fundamentals of Sea Kayaking
Learn some of the fundamentals of kayaking in this free sea kayaking video clip.
Runtime: 1:23
1460 views
0 Comments:
Pacific Horizons trailer
Pacific Horizons Trailer
The is a 5 minute trailer for a full length sea kayaking film that I will have out in the Fall of 2007. It is an adventure based film focusing on Pacific Northwest destinations and paddlers.
Runtime: 6:05
8932 views
8 Comments:
New Guestbook
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PleasantValley
Looks like an amazing extreme sport, even though the roll looks a bit scary! By the way, this lens reminds me of my favorite art teacher. He was a big fan of kayaking. Posted June 19, 2008 |
Kayak Link List
- African Sea Kayak Society
- Sea Kayaking Society of Africa based in South Africa.
- Inland sea society
- Inland Sea Society
- Kiwi Association of Sea Kayakers
- Sea Kayakers who happen to be Kiwis.
- American Kayak Anglers
- Nice site for keen Kayak anglers.
Buy your Kayak Gear Here.
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