Kayaking is an easy task that is done at a simple, strain-free pace. It simply needs an average overall fitness.
Do you need to be fit to kayak? Yes! For example, individuals who usually participate in swimming, bicycling, and hiking are definitely in nice shape for kayaking.
Although, paddling needs a reasonable degree of work, it ensures the body stays fit and agile. Kayaking is a simple way to keep the body healthy.
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Do you need to be fit to kayak?
When preparing for a kayak trip, it will be an excellent thought to carry out some strength training as part of the preparation.
This training will help the body prepare the continuous and prolonged motion that is required in paddling.
Strength training will help the body to speedily adjust and maintain any difficult effort needed to be applied when against strong and unavoidable headwinds.
This strength training builds muscle tissues, enhances muscle balance, coordination, and awareness of the body improves endurance for longer trips and more power while stroking the paddle.
Necessary Exercises Before Paddling
In the absence of regular exercise, it is advisable to carry out tasks that will build the upper body, shoulders, and arms hence preparing them for paddling.
Two weeks of exercise may be needed to put the body in shape for a paddling adventure.
A well-organized preparatory workout schedule must involve moderate aerobic exercises, which include walking or cycling, yoga, and pilates classes to improve the strength of the body’s core and boost control and stability.
It exercises the rotation of the core and stretches the hamstring to make the body ready for an all-over-body paddling venture.
Do exercises that enables the body get a sensible degree of fitness, endurance, flexibility and balance needed for total control of the kayak when paddling in any condition.
Should you kayak alone?
Most people would say, kayaking solo should be avoided, as we had done in the past, it is not thought the safest way to gain pleasure from the sport, and there would be a lot more fun if done in a group.
Although, this shouldn’t stop experienced kayakers who make solo trips on calm waters.
Most paddlers appreciate being solo on the water, for it is a soothing task that brings one closer to nature, clears the human mind, and gives us a challenge.
For a better-experienced kayaker searching for a little solo adventure, we have gotten a few top hints to aid one in preparing for a solo adventure, and a few requirements to be met before taking a kayak on the water.
Before paddling alone, there are some things that ought to be known and ably done by the kayaker.
This involves reliable self-recovery skills and good swimming capabilities in case of a capsize or getting stuck in a strong current, solo launching, and landing skills, as kayaks can be heavy and difficult to lift without additional aid.
There should be also a spare paddle, signaling kit, and repair kit with the kayaker when heading out solo.
Having the ability to navigate and being familiar with route taken is essential also; kayakers should have their first solo kayaking in surroundings, they are familiar with before searching for new environments.
It is also a nice thought to pay attention to and understand weather forecast, most importantly those concerning the sea, before heading for the kayaking trip.
Getting caught suddenly by the weather is dangerous, especially for solo paddlers.
Can you teach yourself to kayak?
With intentions to go kayaking in the UK or go kayaking in the world’s best spots, there is a need to have a nice basic skill before setting out on an adventure, while being solo.
Under our beginners series for kayaking, below are the top hints all kayakers must know before getting into the water for the first time.
GET A LESSON
First tip, undergo a kayaking lesson, there might be a feeling of not needing one. How difficult could it get to paddle a kayak, right?
Unlike rocket science, here an individual may get busy paddling in circles for at least the first half hour when without a proper coach.
But with a coach, there will be a lesser waste in time, how to paddle would be learnt, and recovering from a capsize.
Lessons concerning kayaking are less expensive.
DRESS FOR THE WATER NOT THE WEATHER
It could be a hot or sunny day, one could be tempted to put on shorts and a tee for kayaking. Then the water’s temperature could be icy cold.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT BOAT
There are various kinds of kayaks in stock – starting from the long narrow racing boats to the tiny squat freestyle play boats.
ALWAYS WEAR BUOYANCY AID
Putting on a buoyancy aid is important for any kayaker – even as a beginner or as an experienced paddler.
Buoyancy aid is similar to life jackets but gives space for more movement at the arm and neck area, making them more fit for kayaking
Even as a brilliant swimmer, no one knows when trouble hits while on the water.
Buoyancy aids have always been provided by schools of kayaking.
While paddling solo we request getting a personal buoyancy aid or renting from a close-by water sports center.
SIT PROPERLY IN YOUR KAYAK
Knowing how to sit properly in a kayak will definitely make it way easier when paddling.
The kayak could have a good comfortable backrest but don’t slouch. It is always proper to sit up straight, with the body’s lower back and buttocks at 90 degrees to each other.
HOLD THE PADDLE THE RIGHT WAY
This could sound absurd but a lot of people hold the paddle the wrong way while learning kayaking.
Hold the paddle using both hands, with only shoulder-distance apart. Ensure that the concave side of the blade should face the paddler.
When dipping the paddle blade in the water, the concave side must sweep through the water. The paddler should ensure that the blade is in line with his/her knuckles.
