Kayaking is a great sport that combines physical activity with the beauty and tranquility of nature.

If you would like to get started with this sport, there are a few things you need to know. As with any form of outdoor recreation, learning the basics before you begin will make your kayaking adventure much more enjoyable.

Tip 1 - Choose the Right Kayak

Choosing the right kayak is the first step on your adventure. There are many different types out there. The boat that is right for you will depend on your goals as a kayak enthusiast.

First, what type of water will you be using your boat on? Calm water and fast-moving water require different boats. Are you going to paddle by yourself, or will you want someone else with you? How often do you anticipate using your boat? The more often you use it, the more durable you will want the kayak to be.

You can always rent kayaks first to get the feel for the different types that are available.

Once you have chosen the right boat, carefully time your purchase. Buying in the off-season will help you get an affordable price.

You can also shop online or buy your boat through the classifieds. Before shopping, however, make sure you know what you want. Visit a few showrooms to get an idea of what is available.

Tip 2 - Getting the Right Gear

Other than the boat itself, what do you need to start kayaking?

One of the most important pieces of safety equipment that every person in a kayak needs is a PFD, or Personal Flotation Device. These are high-tech life vests that will keep you above water if the boat should capsize.

Kayaking requires a Type II or Type V PFD. These are lightweight, fairly easy to put on, and quite fashionable, not like the life vests you are probably picturing.

Typically, the more you pay for a PFD the more comfortable it will be. The more expensive models have softer foam and can be adjusted easier than the cheaper options. If you need to save money, consider buying new.

The other piece of equipment you will need is a kayak paddle. If you can, try out a variety of paddle types. If you do not have this luxury, you will probably be happy with an aluminum shaft adjustable paddle with a flat blade that has blunt or tapered ends as you are beginning your kayaking adventure.

After you have learned more about the sport you may want to upgrade your paddle, but this paddle will give you the flexibility you need to paddle in a variety of situations.

Tip 3 - Getting in and out of the Kayak

Now that you have a kayak and your basic gear, you are ready to begin. You take your boat to the river, don your PFD, and suddenly realize you have no idea how to get into the kayak. Here is what you need to know.

If you are in shallow water, dip your paddle into the water and brace it against the side of the kayak to keep it steady. You can also use the dock edge to steady the boat if you are in deep water.

Once the boat is steady, sit on the edge of the dock with your legs hanging over the side. Line your feet up evenly with your entry point, and drop the line into the cockpit. Swing one foot and then the other into the cockpit, crouch down, and sit.

Grab your paddle, adjust your line so it is out of the way, and you are ready to go.

Getting out of the kayak is basically the same, only backwards. Be sure to keep a good hand on your paddle so that you do not lose it.

Tip 4 - Paddle Correctly

Paddling does involve exercise, but it should not be exhausting. Avoid using a motion that is similar to digging into the sand. Instead, lean back in your seat and relax. This not only helps you paddle more efficiently, but it also keeps the boat stable.

Hold the paddle in both hands using an over-handed hold. Your thumbs should be underneath the bar. Let your torso make most of the movements. Pull with the arm that is making the downward stroke and push the shaft away with the arm that is making the upward stroke.

This sounds complicated, but you will get the rhythm as you practice.

Tip 5 - Be Prepared

There are some things that you need to have ready in order to be safe on the water.

Make sure that you have an audible safety signal device clipped to your PFD. Also, be sure that you have a spare paddle, especially if your kayaking trip will be long. Paddles can get lost in deep water, so having a spare is always a good idea. This can be a collapsible paddle if you need to save room.

Before you leave, check the weather and water conditions, not just in your current location, but also at your destination. If a storm is approaching, postpone your trip. This is essential if you are a beginner, because a sudden storm could mean disaster.

A repair kit and first aid kit are also important. Be sure that your repair kit includes some duct tape. Your first aid kit must be contained in an airtight, waterproof container.

Finally, pack a flashlight, even if you do not intend to be on the water at night. If you get stranded after dark, a flashlight will keep you safe and help you find your way to shore.

With these tips, you should be as prepared as possible to start kayaking. Remember to go with experienced kayak enthusiasts the first few times you go out, as they can help you with the problems you will face as you learn this exciting sport.

Kayaking is a great activity for fun and leisure. If you are already drawn to kayaking and have considered buying your own kayak, you may be wondering what kayak you will buy considering there are a lot of different kayaks out in the market. Here are a few tips that can help you in buying your kayak. These are some of the things that you need to do when buying a kayak -

Take a closer look

May kayaks are sold through catalogs and the internet and while it is more convenient to search the internet or order through catalogs, it is still better that you buy a kayak from a local specialty store. This way you will have an actual feel of what the kayaks look like and you will be able to examine them better.

Try it

Nothing is more painful than spending money on a brand new kayak only to find out that you dont in it once youre at the beach already. If possible, try getting in the kayak that you are eyeing and see if you can get in and out of it easily. Trying the kayak at the beach is also recommended to see if you can easily maneuver and control it while in the water.

Ask friends

While some stores may let you try the kayak before buying, most will not allow it so your next best option is to ask friends and other kayak users for feedbacks on the specific kayak that you want to buy. Researching on the internet and asking other peoples opinion through forums and other websites is also a good thing to do.

Different kayaks are made for different purposes

Some kayaks that perform excellently for some people may not be suitable for other. Choosing the right kind of kayak for the specific purpose is important. Kayaks are divided into four categories -

Touring kayaks

These are long kayaks that are designed for longer trips. If you want more control and maneuverability, then these kayaks will suit you.

Recreational kayaks

If you are engaged in milder trips or are usually kayaking on rivers and ponds, then these are the kayaks for you. These kayaks are shorter, wider and are easier to turn.

Whitewater kayaks

These are the best kayaks to be used on wild rapids because they are shorter and have rounded bottoms.
Downriver kayaks if you plan to be in a race, then these kind of kayaks are the ones that you should buy.

Kayaks are made from different materials

One factor that you need to consider when buying a kayak is the material used. Each material has its pros and cons and it is up to you that you think will suit you best depending on your needs. Here are some materials most often used for kayaks -

Plastic

Most kayaks nowadays are made from plastic because aside from it is light and durable, plastic is also cheap. Kayaks that are made from plastic are affordable. If you are very abusive with your kayaks and you have a tendency to scratch and harm your equipment, then plastic is most likely the material that suits you. Although one drawback of kayaks that are made from plastic is that they weigh 10lbs heavier than those kayaks that are made from fiberglass.

Fiberglass

Kayaks that are made from fiberglass are more expensive because they are hand built. They are also lighter and are maneuvered easily in the water. Although fiberglass kayaks are repairable, they are easily fractured and damaged. Repair cost also doesnt come cheap. If you are planning to buy a fiberglass kayak, be ready to shell out $1500 $2000.

Kevlar

Just like fiberglass, Kevlar kayaks are expensive but are also significantly lighter and more durable.

Also consider the dimensions of the kayak that you are going to buy. Some points to remember when checking out the dimensions are -

Width

Wider kayaks provide more stability and adds to a kayaks capacity. Although wider kayaks cannot be easily controlled on strong currents and require more effort in paddling.

Length

Long and short kayaks both have their pros and cons. Longer kayaks are generally faster, more stable and are easier to paddle. They are also more efficient and perform better in the water. Shorter kayaks on the other hand less expensive, lighter and easier to carry. These kayaks are most recommended for children and petite individuals.

Buying a kayak can be quite confusing if you have no idea what kind, material, length, or width will suit you best. Knowing the characteristics of a kayak that will help you enjoy your activity better will help you in choosing that kayak to buy.