What Is Kayaking? Is Kayaking Hard to Learn?
Kayaking is a popular water-sport that involves sailing a small and narrow-body water vessel called a kayak. It is propelled by the pedaling of a double-bladed paddle by the person who is inside the vessel and kayaking. Normally, a kayak would have space for only one person but kayaks with higher capacities that can accommodate two persons are also quite common. In this post, we will try to answer two questions: What is kayaking? And, is kayaking hard?
The narrow body of the kayak helps the rider to maneuver through the water. Its small size and lightweight feature allow the kayakers to pedal but don't get tired soon. The kayaks have comfortable seating for the kayakers. There are two versions of seating arrangements - one that offers sitting at the level of the water where the legs are inside the enclosure while the other one keeps you on top of the kayak and both the body and the legs are fully exposed.
POPULAR SINCE EARLY DAYS OF BOATING
The history of kayak dates back to many centuries. It's one of the earliest water vessels around that became popular because of the ease of water navigation that it offered. It was used for fishing and hunting and also as a means of water transport. The basic functionalities and easy access have made kayaks popular as recreational water vessels around the world.
ANYONE CAN ENJOY KAYAKING
Kayaks are used by water-sport lovers of all levels. You can use them to explore the quiet shallow waters of a lake. But, they are also popular as recreational racing vessels so you can always use them with your group of friends for a competitive event. This way, you can test your strength and stamina, and also stay fit.
PAIR IT WITH OTHER OUTDOOR GAMES
Kayaking can be enjoyed along with other outdoor leisure and adventure activities. For example, you can kayak while on a fishing or camping excursion. Spending a few hours in the water with your kayak can give you an added layer of outdoor experience.
Some remote adventure sport or ski locations may be hard to access because of a water body. Your kayak can come in handy to overcome such difficulties. The kayak is a lightweight vessel that can be hauled and transported to another location with relative ease. Essentially, the kayak is a medium to enjoy the remote and inaccessible beauty with ease.
KAYAKS CAN BE ENJOYED IN ANY KIND OF WATER
A kayak ride can be enjoyed in any kind of water body. From a small pool next to your home to rivers, lakes, and oceans, you can navigate just any water that comes your way. It's a lightweight vessel made with materials that won't sink in water. This makes it a water vessel that knows few limitations.
TYPES OF KAYAKS
Kayaks come in many design variations to meet the burgeoning needs of kayak lovers. Apart from sizes, these also include material, engineering, safety, and comfort features. But differences are more subtle than substantive.
Typically, a kayak has a closed deck. This gives the peddler's legs a cover that protects them from water and elements. Also, it has a narrow build that makes the rider glide through any kind of water.
An important variation that stands out from the crowd is the sit-on-top model. In this model, the legs don't hide under the enclosure but remain uncovered. The peddler's seat is on the deck which is substantially above the water level. This kayak model is becoming more popular these days.
At its basic level, kayaking is a simple water sport marked by fun and simplicity. But they can also be more intense and strenuous for them to be used in competitive events of varying intensity.
Essentially, kayaking is a recreational activity that allows the peddlers to discover and enjoy the otherwise inaccessible waterscape and its tranquility. You can stop anywhere to watch and appreciate the beauty that lies in your plain sight but mostly uncovered. Typical kayaking can cover more such as whale watching, exploration, and nature discovery.
It is possible to take your kayaking experience to the next level by adding intensity and a selection of water. For example, navigating a white water course can be both challenging and reinvigorating. You can treat it as a low-impact workout, which, in fact, it is.
Kayaking through a white water course can be as reinvigorating for the body as it is for the mind and brain. A kayaking competition is sure to make your heart beat faster. To add intensity to a sport kayaking event, the build and length of the kayaks are suitably changed.
A kayak is a simple water vessel but that does not mean it's only for recreation. People with adequate knowledge and experience often go into open sea waters on their kayaks for days together. This simple vessel has storage for food, cargo, and equipment for a longer voyage to the sea.
WEAR SAFETY GEARS AND STAY ALERT
The best part of enjoying a kayak ride is that you don't need to have any previous experience to be able to have a ride. Anyone can try and develop a passion for kayaking.
That said, you must not venture into water without adequate safety gear, especially a life vest. Also, if you are a beginner, you should kayak only under the supervision of a qualified trainer. While surfing the sea waters, you may stray and get drawn to open and dangerous waters. While kayaking is easy and safe, you should not throw caution to the wind.
What Equipment Do You Need?
Kayaking is uncomplicated and straightforward. You don't need too many things or gear for a day out on the water. However, you might need some essential safety gear particularly when you approach the higher intensity of the sport.
Here is a list of things you will need for a kayaking session:
Kayak: This is your primary gear that navigates the water and you ride and power it through pedaling.
Paddle: This is one-piece equipment with rowing blades on both ends. You hold it in the middle and move the waters on both sides.
Waterproof Bag: As you cruise through the water and water droplets raining on you from your peddling, you need a waterproof bag to keep your belongings dry. A waterproof bag is a good bet here.
Helmet: Wearing a head safety gear is never an option, it's a necessity. Kayaking through white water can be dangerous without a helmet.
Life jacket: Accessing water is always fraught with the risk of going under the water. Wearing a life jacket is your safety against a drowning incident. It will keep you afloat.
Water-resistant Clothing: Kayaking brings you pretty close to the water. You will get splashed with water on your face and body as you pedal with power and intensity.
Safety Goggles: As small waves and water splashing from your peddling can hit your eyes. This can block your vision and leave you disoriented. A pair of safety goggles can provide enough security to your eyes.
Durable Footwear: While navigating water closely, your feet have the risk of becoming wet and remaining so during the entire excursion. Give your feet protection from water by wearing suitable footwear. It is also important for a secure entry and exit from your kayak.
Is Kayaking Hard?
A look at the kayak is alluring and inviting. It eggs on to come and try. The prospects of gliding through the surface of the water are simply irresistible. Does that mean kayaking is hard? It's not at any rate. That said you will need a guide to help with the basic instructions and tips.
Once you are onto your kayak and the water, there are only two possibilities -- either you ride safely or fall into the water. For the first option, you must know how to conduct yourself on the kayak.
You may not be aware of how a kayak is going to behave once you put your weight over it. For an idea, if you are not familiar with the mechanism, your kayak will start swinging violently from one side to another.
So, your very first step on the kayak should teach you that riding this narrow lightweight water vessel is all about balance. Focus on balance.
Your guide will tell you how to do that and what it takes to maintain the balance.
Riding a kayak is an absolute blast and you need a companion as passionate about the sport as you to share the thrill. A guide will not only help you with kayaking tips but can also tell you about many other things in and out of the water for a more immersive kayaking experience. He will also help you with techniques and equipment.
Depending on what kind of proficiency you are looking to achieve, your training and engagement will differ. If you want to become a pro at competitive kayaking events, you will need comprehensive knowledge about the various kinds of kayaks, techniques, and water features. You will also need to keep your physical fitness at the optimum level, particularly, the fitness of your arms.
FINAL THOUGHTS
To answer "what is kayaking," we can say it's a recreational water sport. Is kayaking hard? It's not, but like any other sport, you need to learn the basics and technicalities of kayaking. It may take you training under a kayaking guide for a few weeks for you to become proficient in the game.