Learn to Kayak Fast track your kayaking knowledge, skills and safety today. Immediate Download. For more information...
Kayaking Articles
Introduction to Sea Kayaking
by Damon Z. Sweet
Sea kayaking has increased in popularity in recent years as an activity that people of all ages can safely enjoy. It's quite different from the thrills and dangers of river kayaking and running whitewater rapids. Sea kayaking often evokes a more meditative mood, as well as provides a light to moderate exercise regime. The sport is not very expensive once you've selected a watercraft that suits your needs.
The potential for observation of all sorts of sea mammals and shore birds is amazing. A day spent in this tranquil activity is one that will provide plenty of fun, exercise and enjoyment. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
First of all, you should never go out on the water alone. Although sea kayaks are relatively flat and stable on the water, accidents can happen. Sea kayaking often involves traveling some distance from 'civilization'. Rather than you find yourself in an emergency situation where others may not know your location to come provide help, it is best to enjoy sea kayaking in pairs or in a group. Plan your route ahead of time and use the form available at www.activekayak.com to advise someone of your trip plan and intended return time. Should you not be home at your planned time, that person can take action to send help.
Safety equipment is essential when you're out on the water. The basics to carry are dry clothing, a pocketknife, two and rescue rope and emergency water dye or a flare. You should always take your lifejacket or personal flotation device (PDF) with you, and wear it at all times when you're on the water. Finally, take some kayaking lessons from one of the local kayaking clubs or schools to learn how to navigate and paddle your boat in the water.
Beginners can quickly learn the basic sport of ocean kayaking. You only need to learn a few basic strokes, such as the draw, forward, and reverse strokes to get going. You’ll also want to learn to safely roll your kayak. While this can be a little intimidating at first, learning to roll will make you a safer, more confident kayaker.
Remember that while you're out on the water, you are a paddling through the home of other animals and birds. Respect their environment. Don't disturb the nests of waterfowl or approach baby animals. Practice the 'leave no trace' principle--don't leave any garbage behind, even if the material is biodegradable. If you step off onto shore for a break, generally try not to disturb branches or deadfall. If you build a fire, be sure you know whether fires are permitted in the area and always contain blazes with rocks and sand or dirt.
On the sea, you are likely to sight some spectacular animals. Whales, belugas, seals and other types of marine mammals often approach sea kayakers. These denizens of water may unknowingly be a hazard to your safety. Stay calm and enjoy the moment, but avoid causing any fear or posing a threat to these mammals. Sea kayaking is a great way to observe nature silently and with minimum disturbance - from a distance. Keep in mind that your watercraft is often very small compared to their large size. It's best to appreciate whales and belugas from a distance rather than risk being tipped over by their movement or bumped by a large body. When just beginning kayaking, we recommend you contact kayaking clubs or kayaking trip outfitters listed in the Resource Directory who may offer tours out on the ocean to spot whales.
When you are sea kayaking, pay attention to the tide tables before your departure and to water currents on your outbound leg. Keep in mind that if you're facing the water currents and paddling into them, you're going to burn quite a bit of energy. Since most people are more tired on the inbound leg, it’s helpful if you can go out against the current and use the inbound water currents to help move you move more readily on the return.
Always track when you've reached your personal halfway point and turn around before you get too tired, even if you had planned to go farther. If you are paddling with members of a sea kayaking club, or some other group, let the leader know you've had enough. Ideally, someone will travel back with you or, if not, you can always head to shore and wait for the group to pick you up on their return.
The main pleasure of sea kayaking is the silent movement of the boat through the water, propelled only by the kayaker in communion with the peaceful, natural environment of the sea.
