Whether you’re looking to explore the outdoors, get away for a bit of camping, enjoy a peaceful sunrise or push your adrenaline limits, kayaking can offer a wide array of options for every paddler out there. Here’s your beginner’s guide on how to kayak.
Narrowing down your interests can help choose the type of kayaking for you. This process can also be affected by the bodies of water near you. For example, oceans can offer coastal exploration and surf, while rivers can provide slow-moving adventures as well as heart-pumping white water.
A great way to start is to search your area for local clubs, tours, outfitters, events, and classes. Meeting other kayakers and instructors can provide local guidance, and help you find what areas might be of interest. Similarly, you can learn about safety, technique, and what gear will be appropriate. You might even discover what spots might be safe or unsafe to paddle.
Sitting in the kayak
Most kayaks will have a seat and foot pegs. These will often be adjustable. Make sure to test different positions to find one that is comfortable to you. Being comfortable will not only allow you to enjoy your time on the water, but it will also help make your paddling strokes more efficient. You might be able to adjust a back rest or band, as well as thigh braces. All of these adjustments will help with comfort and kayak control.
Holding the paddle
So, you’re in your kayak. Now what? Let’s begin with the proper way to hold a paddle. An easy way to ensure your hands are in the right place is to hold the paddle up, with the center of the paddle shaft resting on your head. Let your elbows ease down so your arms form right angles. Next, bring the paddle down in front of you, your hands should be placed correctly on the paddle. We call this the “paddler’s box.” Remember not to grip the shaft too tightly.
Moving the kayak
The forward stroke propels us forward. We start by submerging the paddle blade in near our feet, then bringing the blade back, and pulling it out of the water as it goes past our hips. Things to consider:
- Through the motion, imagine the blade remaining stationary in the water and instead we “move the kayak” past the blade.
- To make the stroke more efficient, we can use our legs and core muscles to rotate our torso through the motion instead of only using our arms.
- As we bring the paddle blade out of the water, we are now ready for the next stroke on the other side.
To stop or move the kayak backwards, we can use the reverse stroke. It’s the same as the forward stroke but with its motions in reverse. We can start the blade out near our hips, push the blade forward, and then bring it out near our feet. Remember to use your core and leg muscles as much as possible.
To turn the kayak, we can use sweep strokes. These are like our forward and reverse strokes, but instead we’ll move the paddle in a circular arc to keep the blade away from the kayak and near the water’s surface. This motion will turn the kayak, rather than propel us forward or back. Note that some kayaks will turn much more easily than others depending on their length and hull design.
Launching a kayak
To get in our kayak and launch into the water, place the paddle across the back of the kayak’s cockpit, and with one hand firmly grasp both the paddle shaft and cockpit edge at the same time. Using the paddle as a kickstand to one side should allow you to straddle the kayak, sit down, and get your legs inside the kayak. Once you’re in, you can bring the paddle around and set off.
Things to consider:
- Some kayak cockpits are larger than others. Some allow you to sit first and then bring your legs in. Others might need you to sit on the back deck, slip in your feet, and then wiggle your way into the cockpit. Using the paddle as a kickstand will keep the kayak stable either way.
- Launching from a dock or riverbank might need a different technique.
- Launching and landing in surf can be tricky and — depending on conditions — can be dangerous. Classes are recommended.
You do not have to limit yourself to only one aspect of kayaking. For example, a sea kayak is well-suited for coastal exploration and dealing with rough ocean conditions. Although, it can also be used to paddle in lakes, for wildlife photography, and to paddle in creeks and slow-moving rivers for kayak fishing As you learn about the types of kayaking available, you do not have to only pick one. You might be able to enjoy many different areas of paddling.
Here’s a list of gear to explore and consider as you begin your kayaking adventure:
- Kayak
- Paddle
- Kayak skirt depending on type of kayak
- Bilge pump / sponge
- Drybags / hatches
- Safety items:
- PFD (personal floatation device)
- Whistle
- Way to contact others (ex. radio, phone, PLB (personal location beacon))
- Water / snacks
- Sun protection
- First aid kit
- Appropriate dresswear – especially for cold weather and/or water
Similarly, here’s a list of topics to consider researching and possibly taking classes on depending on your location and type of paddling:
- Weather – How to read weather patterns, understand conditions and learn when not to paddle
- Windy Conditions – Learn to paddle in wind, how to use rudders and skegs
- Coastal Kayaking – Learn about tides and currents, surf, and an ever-changing environment
- River paddling – River conditions can be very complex, and for fast moving rivers and white water, classes and training is highly recommended
- Winter Paddling / Cold Water Paddling – Learn about the dangers of cold water, and how it can be present even in warm days
Article and Photos by Luke Rovner (Kayak Hipster)
Luke is a sea kayak instructor, photographer and filmmaker. Combining his experience as a photo and video professional with a love for kayaking, he started Kayak Hipster with the goal of capturing outdoor adventures and sharing kayaking tips.
