Introduction about Kayak
A kayak is a small watercraft like canoes and a double paddle system for a better experience. The first rule of kayaking is: “Don’t do anything that will make you uncomfortable.” This means don’t go out on a trip by yourself if you are afraid of the dark. Don’t go out in rough and shallow water if you are scared of getting wet. And don’t go out alone if you are unsure of the route or where you are going. These are all forms of self-induced fear and anxiety that will prevent you from having a safe and enjoyable experience. Before starting your adventure you can gather knowledge from any kayaking guide for beginners. The two main types of kayaks are: touring kayaks and playboats. These are two among the categories of kayaks.
Touring kayaks
Touring kayaks are best for long-distance paddling. They have broad, flat bottoms that allow the craft to plane easily through the water. They are usually only about 11/2 to 3 feet long and are made for fishing kayak purposes or just plain leisurely touring.
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Playboat Kayaks
On the other hand playboat kayaks, are only 3 to 5 inches wide at the bottom and are designed for quick, thrills-a-minute action. They have sharp sides with upturned corners, which enables them to “cut through” the water like a hot knife through butter.
Plan your first trip with Kayak carefully
Before going kayaking, there are many things you should look for and think about what you want to accomplish. Then, make sure you have the proper equipment and learn how to use it. Also, make sure you have the necessary skills to be safe in and out of the water. Choose a calm day for your test run. It would be best not to practice in rough water because you will get too busy thinking about doing everything right.
Also, try to pick a time when there are very few other people around. This will minimize the chance of upsetting anyone if you do happen to fall out of your Kayak or if something else goes wrong. Kayak safety the third rule of kayaking is: “If you don’t know what to do, does nothing.” If you fall out of your Kayak and start to drown, there is almost no chance whatsoever that another human being will be able to help you. Even if they are close by, it might take them a long time to reach you. You should always carry a personal flotation device (PFD) in or near the water.
What to Consider When Buying a Beginner Kayak
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Stability
Stability is essential because it is easy to get hurt if your boat turns over or capsizes. The best Kayak for beginners has a wide, stable hull and a well-designed, easy-to-use cockpit. Stability is provided by a relatively low center of gravity and by having the hull designed to plane easily through the water.
Most beginners choose the least expensive type of Kayak they can buy. This is a mistake because it will almost certainly not be the right choice for them. The cheapest model of Kayak may look like the one for you if:
(i) You are powerful and have no fear of getting wet.
(ii) You have lots of time and energy to learn how to do things correctly.
(iii) You are in excellent health and feel you do not have anything to lose by giving the sport a try.
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Durability
Durability is the second most crucial factor when you are buying your first Kayak. It is also the least important factor for most people. A durable boat will probably last twice as long as a nondurable boat and it will save you money in the long run because you won’t need to buy spares as often. A durable ship is made with a lot of care and attention to detail.
It is designed and built to withstand the rigors of a lifetime of paddling. If possible, try to find out how many times the particular model of Kayak you are interested in has been dropped from a height (usually from a boat dock) before you decide to buy it. If it has been dropped even once, you should look elsewhere because it will almost certainly be a significant headache to repair if ever it gets dented or damaged in any way. Always check the serial number inside the hull of the Kayak you are interested in buying.
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Size of Kayak
Size should be according to your height and weight because it will almost certainly not be the right choice for them. The cheapest model of Kayak may look like the one for you if: The best thing you can do for yourself is to test paddle an affordable, little, entry-level model first. Test paddling a cheap model is the only way to find out if this is of genuine interest to you or not.
You can always upgrade to a more suitable boat later if you decide the sport is really for you. Try any Kayaking guide for beginners to know about kayaking! Kayaking is easy, fun, and exciting. Once you try it, you will never want to go back to paddling around in a motorboat or a powerboat again. If you choose to take up this activity as a lifetime career, you will be very well off because kayaking is an activity that does not require expensive equipment.
On the other hand, if you decide to give it up after just a few hours because you found it too difficult or too dull, you will have lost nothing. All you will have lost is the time you spent struggling with your ego.
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Storage of Kayak
Kayaks come in all sizes and shapes. Some are almost impossible to pack. Others, like the Zodiac, are simple to store. You could put one inside out on a car’s roof rack and still have room for golf clubs or other gear. The Sea Hunt has two large, molded plastic cargo wells on each side. These are great for storing kayaks and other gear when you are not using them. It is impossible to get these cargo wells complete. The Kayak will keep expanding until they are as full as they will go.
This is a real advantage if you are going to travel by sea. Even if you are not planning to travel by sea, the Sea Hunt has an enormous amount of storage space. There are many different ways you can configure the interior of your boat. You can have a whole fish box in the bow with plenty of room for fishing gear, an extra gas tank, live well, an ice chest, etc. Or you can have the fish box in the stern, which puts all that extra room handy for storage.
Do you need Any Special Gear?
The short answer is yes. You do need some special gear. However, the special gear you need is stuff you can buy at any sporting goods store or catalog to make your experience better, not some special equipment essential for your survival. Here is the essential equipment or safety equipment that is considered crucial when kayaking:
- Paddle
- Buoyancy Aids
- Wet Shoes
- Adjustable paddles
- Clothes
- Dry bag
- paddle blades
- double-bladed paddle
- paddle shaft
Choose a Kayak that suit you
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Sit-In kayak or Sit-inside kayaks
Sit-in-style kayaks are designed to allow you to sit up high and paddle easily. They have a flat deck and a straight rail around the perimeter and have a fun experience. This makes it easy to mount and dismount your Kayak without having to bend down. They are usually longer (in length) than typical whitewater touring kayaks. Sit-In Style Kayaks come in a variety of lengths. The most common size for a beginner is 28 inches. Some more experienced paddlers prefer a sit-in-style kayak because they feel it is easier to maneuver and has a lower center of gravity.
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- Inflatable kayak
These are newer types of kayaks. Instead of being made from wood or fiberglass, these kayaks are made from rigid, thick nylon material. They are robust and very stable. Inflatables are perfect for new kayakers and in white-water kayaking you don’t want to carry extra weight. These kayaks also make it easy to transport your boat. You inflate them like a bicycle tire and roll them inside a normal-sized trunk. Once at your destination, you deflate the Kayak and set it on its wheels. It is then easy to carry the boat up the beach or into the woods.
- Recreational kayak
Recreational kayaks are the most popular choice for most people. This category includes sit-on-top kayaks, touring kayaks, whitewater kayaks for touring, stand-up paddleboards, and canoes. Kayaks in this category are designed for ease of paddling and maneuverability for recreational kayakers. They have a long, narrow hull and a bow with raked-down edges that creates a larger surface area for you to paddle with. They also have a flat deck with no rail around the perimeter. It makes it easy to mount and dismount your Kayak without having to bend down. Kayaks in this category are usually longer (in length) than typical whitewater touring kayaks.
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Sit-On-Top Style kayaks
Sit-on-top style kayaks are perfect for beginners and families. They are stable and have enough buoyancy to keep you upright. You sit straddle-legged over the deck and use a special bracket to hold on to the sides of the boat. Sit-on-top kayaks tend to be very roomy inside. Most models have a spray skirt that extends down below the hull. It prevents water from entering the boat and reduces drag. The deck has tie-down points for carrying gear such as a paddle or fishing rod. When not in use, the deck can be folded up to create more interior room.
Places to Learn Kayaking
There are many good books & you can read any of those on kayaking guide for beginners. However, if you have access to expert instruction, you will learn much faster. The following classes are offered by American Canoe & Kayak School: Basic Kayaking School – $3,500 (5-day course) Intermediate Kayaking School – $4,900 (10-day course) Advanced Kayaking School – $6,500 (12-day course) Wilderness Expedition School – $8,100 (16-day course) Comprehensive Canoe & Kayak School – $9,600 (most popular option; 20-day course).
