How to do Kayaking
Enjoy the peaceful serenity that a good kayaking expedition can bring by identifying your location properly, learning to paddle, dressing appropriately and selecting the appropriate equipment i.e. a properly sized kayak and paddle. Patrons will also benefit from preparing for emergencies by donning a life jacket and a helmet.
1. Identify a Place to Learn and Enjoy Kayaking
While most seaside destinations in the world offer patrons the facilities to engage in kayaking, if one’s time and budget permits, it is more advantageous to learn kayaking in a naturally beautiful place as this would make the experience extremely enjoyable. For instance, the Maldives is a splendid place for its natural beauty is truly stunning and renowned the world over. Water sports in Maldives islands are also numerous and range from diving, snorkeling and scuba diving to kite surfing and kayaking. Facilities to learn kayaking are abundant and it is best to opt for such a seaside destination for the best experience possible.
2. Embrace Kayaking Techniques: Learn to Paddle
In order to truly enjoy the relaxing experience that kayaking has to offer, one must be comfortable with paddling techniques, strokes and balance. It is also important to learn about the equipment involved in kayaking. The most important is the kayak itself and usually, one kayak will hold up to three paddlers. However, one person can use one kayak as well. Kayaks are also built for various environments and one will be able to see a variety of such kayaks ranging from racing kayaks and surf kayaks to white-water kayaks and sea kayaks. Those who wish to kayak leisurely will often find a recreational kayak to be suitable. Kayaking paddles are also of importance and will usually include two bladed paddles. One cannot simply pick a kayaking paddle off the rack for there are many considerations that go into such a decision ranging from the size of the kayak itself as well as the physique of the paddler. Lighter paddles will be useful for those who are of small stature while curved blades will increase the power of a stroke.
3. Dress Appropriately
When embarking on a kayaking expedition, keep in mind the temperature of the water and dress accordingly. In the event that the kayak capsizes, it is important to get to the surface quickly, and therefore, light layers are recommended. For those kayaking in warm temperatures, a hat and sunglasses are also recommended.
4. Select the Appropriate Kayak and Paddle
Given that there are different types of kayaks for specialised environments and paddles that perform a range of functions, make sure to select the best and most suited kayak when embarking on a kayaking expedition. Patrons can also decide to kayak in a group of two or three, or opt for a kayak that supports an individual. Alternatively, some resorts such as Naladhu Maldives offers guests a private kayak for their use, and therefore, cuts down on the time spent on having to choose a kayak.
5. Staying Safe
It is of immense importance that one takes all precautions necessary when kayaking. It is useful to don a life vest, even if the waters are calm and you don’t see any danger. Select a life vest or jacket that has large arm openings so as to allow a wider girth for arm rotation when using the paddles. Shorter waist jackets are also useful as they are more comfortable. If you foresee running into rougher waters, don a helmet as well in the event all does not go well and the kayak capsizes. Another useful device is a spray skirt which is annexed to the opening of the cockpit and covers the lower body of the paddler so as to protect the lower body from water spray. However, because it is important to quickly rise to the surface in the event the kayak capsizes, know for sure that you can detach the spray skirt efficiently, for it can spell doom for those who are unable to do so. When kayaking, one can also opt for inflatable paddle floats in the event the kayak fills with water.