Are you going to be trying out kayaking this summer? Then the first thing that you will need to do is purchase all the essentials that you will need as a beginner. Kayaking is incredibly popular and each year we see more and more people taking on this fun hobby, so if you want to know more about the best kayaks to choose from and the other equipment that you will need, be sure to carry on reading.
What Type of Kayak to Choose for Beginners
If you are new to the world of kayaking, you can be forgiven for thinking that choosing a kayak is very straightforward and that they are all the same. However, this is not the case and there are actually many different varieties of kayak to pick and choose from.
As a beginner, we would recommend that you start off with a standard recreational boat until you build up some more skill and confidence. You will tend to find that the majority of recreational kayaks are pretty short, coming in at 4.5m or below. In these types of kayaks, they have quote large cockpits which makes it easier for you as a beginner to get in and out of it. What’s more, they have great back support, while some also have a foot pedal which operates the rudder on the back. This rudder will help you to steer the kayak if you run into choppy waters.
Another option for beginners is a sit-on-top kayak. With this type of kayak, there is no cockpit and all you do is sit on top of a moulded seat. As a beginner, you could be scared about getting trapped in a normal kayak if it capsizes, however, with this type of kayak you will simply fall into the water should it tip over. The main downside to this type of kayak is that you will get wet as you paddle because the water will drip off the paddle and on to you. If you want to explore more options before making a purchase, take a look at these best beginner kayaks of 2018.
What Type of Paddle to Choose for Beginners
It is important that you do not confuse kayaking paddles with canoeing paddles, as while they are both similar, they still are two different things. You will tend to find that a kayak paddle is somewhere between 210cm and 260cm long. As a beginner, when buying a paddle, the main thing that you will need to consider is how tall you are. Essentially, the taller you are, the longer the paddle you will need. Furthermore, most beginners to kayaking tend to opt for plastic paddles. We would recommend that you purchase a spare paddle too, just in case one gets lots or is broken while you are on your next kayaking adventure!
Helmet and Buoyancy Aid
With kayaking, safety should always come first and as a beginner it is important that you follow certain rules to ensure that you are not injured. Firstly, make sure you wear a helmet to protect your head from the paddle and the boat if you capsize and secondly, always wear a buoyancy aid no matter how strong a swimmer you are.