Flat Water Kayaking for Beginners

I have only been kayaking for a short while, but I'm already hooked. This unique way of transport gets me into places I would otherwise never see and grants me access to amazing new worlds. It is not hard to learn and after the initial investment, kayaking is not expensive.

I recommend hooking up with an experienced kayaker for the first few runs. You want someone with you who can rescue you if you topple or get lost. Besides, there are tricks and tips an advanced paddler can teach you that you won't find in any book. First, let's look at some of the basics to get you started:

Equipment:

There are two basic types of kayaks, sit-insides and sit-on-tops. Sit-on-tops are more stable, but they are generally larger, heavier and a little more unwieldy. Sit-insides have the advantage of providing some shelter from the elements, especially if you purchase a 'skirt' to cover yourself against spray. There are a number of good kayak websites which can help you chose the right boat for your adventure. Plan to view the kayak in person and sit in it before you buy. Most sellers won't let you return a boat once you take it out of the store.

You'll need a set of lightweight paddles. Look for stiff paddles which will help you 'walk' your kayak in shallow water and let you push off from trees and stumps. I prefer paddles that are not mounted with screws.

Buy a cheap life vest and keep it in your boat. You can also buy waterproof containers to take along your camera, cell phone, wallet, keys and other necessities. You need a hat and some water shoes. If you plan to kayak in cold weather, invest in a wet suit. Get a pair of good sunglasses with glare protection. It gets bright on the water. You'll want something to mark your path on a river or creek. Surveyor tape works great. In warm weather, you may need a snake bite kit or insect repellent. Sun block, especially if you are sun sensitive. A towel comes in handy if you spill or get doused. A wind breaker helps to keep cold spray off your clothing and skin.

Transportation:

If you have a pickup, you can tie down your kayak in the bed. For passenger cars, a variety of carrying racks are on the market. Or you can use a utility trailer. Make sure everything is tied down and if your boat hangs out the back, put a flag on it. For a more sophisticated rack or tie down system, consult a fellow kayaker and consider taking your ideas to a welding shop.

Basic Kayaking:

Sit in your boat on dry land and adjust your seat back. It is much easier to do than out on the water. Snap your water tight containers to the straps with hooks. Make sure everything is secure. Apply sun block. Take a water bottle if you plan to stay out a while.

Walk into the water beside your kayak. This is why you need water shoes. Guide the boat until it is free floating and get in. Settle in your seat and get the feel of water rocking the kayak. Move around a little to get your balance. Get comfortable with the water.

Snap your paddles together. For normal flat water paddling, make sure they are lined up straight. Angled lineups are for more advanced paddling. You will hold your paddles so you can read the writing on the plastic right-side-up. Place your feet comfortably on the foot rests. Adjust if necessary.

You will paddle with a comfortable dip and pull stroke. Try it out on still water before you brave a river or creek. Alternate left/right/left/right, unless you find yourself drifting with a current. Paddle on your left if you want to go more to the right and vice versa. To turn, dip your paddle into the water and brace on the side you want to turn to. This will also slow you down. You can paddle backwards to get out of a tight spot.

If you kayak in the spring, rivers and creeks are likely to flood and run higher than normal. This is the time to explore unknown territory. In a creek, you'll be able to go where a motor boat can't follow. Your boat can take you into the shallowest of waters and you can duck and weave under and around branches, trees and stumps.

If you get into a shallow area, unsnap your paddles and use them to 'walk' your kayak by pushing off the river floor. In a tight spot, paddle with one paddle only, like a canoe until you get into more open water. Raise your paddles above your head to push aside low hanging twigs and foliage, but be aware that spiders and other creepy crawlies may land in your boat.

I recommend going upriver first. This way you can take it easy on the way back when you are tired. If the river is swift and there are bends and trees, you'll have to put in some effort for steering when going downriver.

If you are negotiating a flooded creek, you can get lost if you're not careful. Since everything looks pretty much the same - water, water everywhere - you'll have to look for the current to find the true river bed. It is wise to place some markers along the way so you'll find your way back. This is where your surveyor tape comes in.

If there are shallow banks or islands, you can pull up and get out for a rest break. Paddle fast and run up onto the bank. Then get out and pull your boat all the way up. Secure your paddles inside the kayak until you're ready to take off again. You don't want to get stranded there without a boat! Be aware that you may encounter unfriendly wild life. We saw a number of hog tracks on our last journeys.

There is peace on the water and time to reflect, think and enjoy. Remember to take some pictures for your scrapbook or brag page. There is something unique about the bow of a kayak poking up into a photograph. You are seeing things most of your friends and co-workers will never see. Take time to admire nature in her beauty.

Aftercare:

After you get home, rinse your kayak and dry it before storage to preserve its beauty and functionality. Check yourself for ticks. Replenish fluids.

Kayaking is a marvelous, adventurous way to stay in shape and spend a Sunday afternoon. I can't wait to put my boat on water again. I am posting some pictures from my last Kickapoo Creek run and Lake Palestine to give you an idea what awaits you and some websites to get you started.

I wish you a safe journey and perhaps we'll meet on the water some day.