Charleston helps you to stay fit and motivated

Kayaking supports people of all ages with the possibility to float on calm waters while enjoying the fresh air, birdwatching, photography, or fishing.

For the thrill-seeking paddler, kayaking provides that much sought after adrenalin rush every time the whitewater river or the pounding surf does not gain control.

Where to go kayaking

Once you have bought your kayak and are ready to go out, the next thing you need to do is decide the location. Every town or city will have waters that are best for kayakers, but here is a rundown of the three main options.

Ocean

The first body of water where you can go kayaking is in the ocean. Naturally, the area you go will determine how calm or rough the seas are.

With ocean kayaking, you need to be careful with the wind, weather, and how far out you go. Beginners shouldn’t be doing this on their own. Wear a wet suit, so you remain warm in the cold ocean water.

When you are a beginner, try to go out with others the first few times and head to the calm area of the ocean. Heading out from a marina is a good idea because you are not near the shore where waves are knocking you around.

River

Another good option for kayaking is to find a location in a nearby river. If you like the potential for rougher waters and more of a challenge but are not near an ocean, a stream is the next best thing.

Just remember you need a kayak specially made for whitewater, along with the right type of paddle.

If you are going out on your own, it’s not suitable for beginners, but good for kayakers with a little more experience.

Lake

The final option you have is to go kayaking in the lake. Lakes provide calmer waters that are good for any skill level. It is suitable for practicing, learning, and training, even if you are more advanced.

Kayaking in flat water is the easiest and safest type of kayaking to start. You do not need that much experience to be able to flatwater kayak. Kayaking on a calm river or lake is an excellent activity for the whole family as it’s easy to learn.

As the water is calm, you don’t need to worry about having an exceptionally sturdy kayak. Kayaking in flat waters does not require a particular type of kayak.

But how to choose the right kayak for different purposes:

How to Choose the Right Kayak

Kayaking is not just learning how to handle the kayak, but choosing the right kind of kayak. There is a lot to think about, from what you use the kayak to paddling.

Here are some different things to consider to help get you started.

Decide On Your Paddling

First, you need to look at the paddling you will do. Think about how long you will kayak, and what are your current paddling skills.

Recreation kayak

Recreation kayak is the right choice for you if you are a beginner, and you are starting in calm waters.

These give you a little more freedom and are not meant for those rough rivers.

So if you are trying it out in a lake, or a calm area of the ocean, a recreation kayak should be right.

Touring kayaks

Touring kayaks are better for rougher waters and are suitable for long stretches of water. Think the usage for more professional kayaking.

Style of the Kayak

Next up is to pick the right style. There are two main styles to choose from, including the sit-on-top kayak and the sit-in kayak. Here is a rundown of these options:

Sit-On-Top Kayak

The sit-on-top kayak does not have as much of a hull design. It’s flat on top since you are sitting on top of the kayak for a reasonable amount of time.

This type is best if you also want to fish or play in the water. You can go out with other intentions in mind than just kayaking.

Sit-In Kayak

If you want to learn to kayak and not take part in other water sports, the sit-in kayak is probably the best.

You will sit inside the kayak, fitted much more comfortable in a hull, and have better storage inside.

Before you start kayaking, you need to follow some kayaking tips.

Kayaking attracts more and more people nowadays because it’s fun, healthy, and exciting.

If you are a beginner kayak-enthusiasts struck by the spell of this water sport, here are some essential tips that every newbie should know.

Here are the basic kayaking tips:

1. Find the right kayak

There are various types of kayaks that suit for specific purposes. For beginners, however, choose one that is meant for recreational paddling.

Recreational paddling is just casual paddling done in calm bodies of water, like ponds. A recreational kayak is great for learning basic kayaking techniques. You can also use it with photography and fishing.

You can use a type of kayak that can take in up to three people with its 12-foot length, and because it is light-weight, it is easier to lift.

2. Learn how to get in and out of the kayak

Getting in and out may come out as challenging. It is the tricky part for beginners, in fact.

The secret to sitting in the kayak is to maintain centered and low weight.

When sitting inside the cockpit, position yourself in the dock’s edge and let your legs dangle over to balance the kayak. When you have found the stability, release the rope, and start paddling. Just remember to relax.

3. Get to know the paddling basics

Knowing how to paddle is the foundation of learning how to kayak.

Make your self relax to maintain balance and leverage. Begin by resting the paddle diagonally over the cockpit area. Then loosen up your legs to adjust your position. Relax your shoulders, and do some neck stretching to ease muscle tension. Do other exercises that can relax your muscles before paddling. After the warmup, lean your back and start paddling. The force should come from your torso. Each stroke should begin with an alternate upstroke and downstroke paddling movement. Remember to keep your arms relaxed as if pedaling a bicycle.

4. Master the backward-paddling

Make your kayak go in the opposite direction by slowing down the kayak first and paddling in reverse.

Learn these kayaking tips before you begin your journey. Hopefully, this collection of essential kayaking tips is enough to give you a good start.

5. Learn to make a turn

Turning is simple to master. To push your kayak to any direction you like, turn by paddling on the side opposite to the course you wish to go. Speed the pace of your turn by placing the paddle into the water in a vertical position perpendicular to the position you desire to go. Once you are on the right track, resume your regular paddling.

A brief background on Kayaks

Kayak is a small human-powered canoe that has a covered deck. The kayak has served the people living near the Arctic for thousands of years.

While the traditional use for was hunting, the modern version is for recreation and sports.

Instead of harpoons, they outfit these modern kayaks with the paddles for better rowing capabilities.