Essential Tips for a Great Kayaking Adventure
Kayaking is a fun and exciting watersport activity primarily involving paddling with the use of a double-bladed oar and a small boat popularly known as kayak. Kayaks come in different types and sizes and most have enclosed decks covering the legs. The first kayaks were made from stitched seal over a whalebone’s frame by the Inuits in North America and were used for hunting. At present, kayaks are made of fiberglass, rotomolded plastic, wood or Kevlar and are generally designed for recreation used in various water environments such as seas, lakes and whitewater rivers.
For beginners, there are a lot of things you need to learn before going on kayaking such as kayaking techniques and equipment for a safer and more enjoyable kayaking adventure. Kayaks have different types depending on the material, most can carry one to three paddlers and these include surf kayaks, whitewater kayaks, racing kayaks, touring or sea kayaks, and hybrids which are usually called recreational kayaks. Sea kayaks are made with longer bodies for covering longer distance, while whitewater kayaks are usually made of high-impact and high-quality plastic that can bounce off the rocks for lesser damage. The paddles of kayaks are two-bladed and when choosing the right paddle for you, it is important to consider your stature, stroking preferences and the size of the kayak because taller and wider kayaks would need longer paddles. For those who have a small stature, it is best to use a shorter and lighter paddle to avoid overexertion. Wider blades provide more acceleration but with more resistance, whereas narrower blades require lesser effort but more strokes.
For your safety while kayaking it is best to invest in superior quality life vest or personal flotation device even though you’re certain that the waters are calm. It is best to use personal flotation devices with U.S. Coast Guard Type III because they are comfortable and lightweight. The arm openings of this type of personal floatation device are large for wider arm rotations and it has shorter waist length for added comfort. It is also recommended reading reviews about kayaking routes, white water rafting tours, and canoe rentals and don’t forget to bring maps with you such as Delaware Water Gap Map in digital and in print to prevent being lost.
Safety is a priority in water sports activities like kayaking, so don’t hesitate to wear a helmet especially if you will be kayaking in rocky waters. If you want yourself and your belongings to stay dry, you can use a sprayskirt, which is used in covering the cockpit opening. To keep your gadgets such as camera and smartphone safe, you can use dry bags. For learning safety techniques and basic paddling, you must be taught by a certified kayaking instructor.