Tips For Nashville Kayak Beginners

By Daniel Scott


kayaking is a great sport, but it requires a lot of caution. Hence, you need to prepare well before engaging in the activity. Below are some tips that Nashville kayak enthusiasts can benefit from. Ensure that you go through the information before you book yourself one.

It is important that you take a few lessons. Just get familiar with the basics and have an instructor teach you a few things. Even if you are a good swimmer, remember that this is a different activity with a different set of rules. You need to learn how to avoid certain risks that are prone to beginners.

Use appropriate dressing. You may come out one summer morning and decide that the weather is just okay for shorts or some light clothing. Well, do not get into the waters dressed in such clothing. Instead, have some waterproof cagoule and a wet-suit. Also, remember to have some kayaking gloves on. This will protect your hands and add grip.

Choose the right boat. Even if you are well experienced, if your watercraft is not in good condition, you will have problems. As such, check out the canoe to ensure that everything is all right. Also, pick the right size. Depending on the number of people, you can choose anything from squat freestyle play-boats to narrow racing boats.

Ensure you have a buoyancy aid. This is an essential equipment for any kayaker regardless of the level of experience. The kit is more like a life jacket but the difference is in the fit: they are not tight around the arms and neck to allow free movement.

Be in the right position when you are kayaking. Your entire body should be in the appropriate position. You should sit straight with the legs perpendicular to the upper body. Make sure that your legs are inside the foot pegs. Your toes should point outwards and the heels forward.

Learn the technique for holding the paddle. Before you draw the boat into the water, master how to steer it. Many people choose to hold the paddle the way they feel is comfortable rather than the right way. Ensure that the blade's conclave part is facing you. Also, your shoulders should be drawn wide open.

Ensure that you have extra clothing. You can always get wet even without falling into the water. You should have clothes that you can change into if the ones you are wearing get wet.

Learn some rescue techniques. You need to know how you can save yourself and even your colleagues in case of an accident. It is advisable to stay with your boat if it capsizes. You also need to know how you can turn the boat over and climb back in. In case of any issue, the most important thing is to keep everyone alive.

Always avoid kayaking alone. Even if you are experienced, always have at least one other person. An extra hand will prove helpful.




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