Kayak: An Extreme Encounter With Nature

Kayak: An Extreme Encounter With Nature

If you’re looking for a fun and exciting way to get out on the water this summer, there’s no better option than kayaking. Kayaking gives you a chance to explore natural waterways and lakes while getting an intense cardio workout at the same time. 

Paddling will burn calories and get your heart pumping, but it also offers something that a few other water-based sports can: An unrivaled opportunity to explore and discover hidden coves and inlets that you might not have known existed. 

If this all sounds great, but you’re not sure how to get started with kayaking, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting into Kayaking.

How to Choose a Kayak

If you are determined to get really into kayaking, you’ll probably want to invest in a higher-end model. Kayaks designed for more advanced users are typically more durable and come with many special features that make them easier to use in difficult conditions. However, for a beginner, you may want to consider a cheaper, standard model. 

If you want to get started kayaking as a hobby, and you don’t want to invest a lot in gear, you can’t go wrong with a recreational kayak. Before you even think about buying one, you should have an idea of what type of kayaking you are interested in. There are several different types of designs, and knowing what they are can help you pick the right one for your specific needs. 

Recreational Kayaks

These are the most common types of kayaks today. If you want to go out for a relaxing paddle and see a bit of nature without getting too fancy, this is the type of kayak you need. 

Touring Kayaks 

This is the most common kayak type for seasoned kayakers. If you want to go on long trips and spend several nights camping on the water, this is the kayak you want to get. 

Whitewater Kayaks 

For the all-out adventurers, these kayaks are designed for the fastest and most challenging waterways. If you want to go on the wildest trips, choose this type.  

Sea Kayaks 

If you want to explore the oceans, and not just the lakes and rivers, these are the kayaks to pick. Sea kayaks are designed for the roughest and most challenging waters.

Learn How to Navigate and Paddle a Kayak

There are many different types of kayaks, so it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you need to be comfortable in your kayak. You should also choose a model that fits your body type and weight requirements. If you are new to kayaking, you should go with a kayak that is easy to get used to. 

It’s important to practice on land before heading out on the water in a kayak, as it will help you get the feel of how it moves in the water. When taking your first dip in the water, make sure you have enough room to maneuver. The best way to learn how to use a kayak is by practicing as much as possible. 

For your first few kayaking trips, you’ll want to stick within the confines of a local lake or small river. Once you’re out on the water, you must keep your eye out for any hazards. Keep an eye out for submerged rocks and other obstacles that could damage your kayak, or even cause you to capsize and fall out of the kayak. 

Once you’re out on the water, you’ll also want to keep an eye out for wildlife and other boats. Wildlife can be unpredictable, and other boats may not see you. You must stay alert and aware of your surroundings while you’re on the water.

Tips for Your First Kayaking Experience

If you’ve never been kayaking before, you’ll want to start with basic, calm water. You can find local lakes or ponds that are perfect for this. Once you’ve got some experience with regular kayaking, you can start branching out. You might want to try river kayaking, or even try doing it in the sea. 

If you want to get the most out of your experience while making sure you stay safe, there are some essential pieces of gear that you should have:

  • You can use your hands to paddle a canoe, but kayaks don’t have the same design. You’ll need a kayak paddle to get moving. 
  • Kayaking is a great way to get out on the water and enjoy the views, but it can be a dangerous sport. You can greatly increase your safety on the water by wearing a life jacket in every situation. 
  • A dry bag is exactly what it sounds like, it’s a bag that keeps your stuff dry. They are a great way to keep your valuables safe on the water, especially if you’re kayaking in areas where you can’t avoid hitting submerged rocks.

What is Extreme Kayaking?

Extreme kayaking can be described as any kayaking activity that requires a significant level of skill and physical ability. The most extreme forms of kayaking are those that are performed in very remote locations where the water is very cold or very deep. Due to the extreme nature of these activities, extreme kayakers wear highly specialized clothing and equipment in order to stay safe and comfortable. 

These activities include whitewater kayaking, ocean kayaking, sea kayaking, and solo paddling. Extreme kayaking is often referred to as “wilderness paddling” because it involves paddling through wild environments and rarely involves any other human contact. This form of kayaking can be done on a variety of different types of watercraft including sit-on-top kayaks, inflatable kayaks, and hardshell boats.

 Depending on the watercraft used, extreme kayaking can be either solo or group based. As such, it can be a very rewarding activity that allows for some solitude while still giving you the opportunity to meet new people and experience new places.

Where to Go Kayaking

If you want to go kayaking this summer, you don’t have to go very far to find a great place. Bear in mind that you need to be in good shape before attempting an area out of your comfort zone. Rowing machines with water rower features supply the perfect training and provide an all-around body workout.

Once you have done ample physical fitness and gathered the necessary equipment, it’s time to move on. There are hotspots all over the world, and plenty of options for those that are like-minded in your area. Some of the best places for kayaking include: 

The Great Barrier Reef

If you want to kayak on the ocean, the best place to go is the Great Barrier Reef. The ocean conditions in this part of Australia are perfect for kayaking, and you can even go shark spotting if you want to add a bit of excitement to the trip. 

The Florida Everglades

The Florida Everglades are one of the most beautiful wetlands in the world, and they make for a perfect kayaking destination. 

The Seine River 

The Seine River runs through Paris, making it a marvelous architectural experience. While paddling through the waters, you will also be greeted by famous art pieces.

The Amazon 

The Amazon is one of the most unique kayaking destinations in the world. While kayaking in the Amazon, you’ll get to paddle through an area sprawling with fascinating vegetation and creatures.

Conclusion

When you’re looking for a new way to get outside and have fun this summer, you can’t go wrong with kayaking. Anyone can learn, and there are plenty of opportunities to do so in most areas. It’s also one of the most accessible water sports for people who don’t like getting wet because all you need is a life jacket and a kayak. 

This is an active sport that will get your heart pumping, but it’s also a great way to explore new areas and see the world from a new perspective. If you’re interested in getting into kayaking, there’s no better time than the present. 

Sean Lockwood

Sean is a programmer with a passion for extreme sports. Favourite extreme sports discipline is biathlon. Started this blog because of the great love for nature and adrenaline which results in something extreme like Extreme Sports Lab (ESL).

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