Have you been Kayaking before..??

Question

I have been in the white water rafting few times..

This is my first for Kayaking.. what do I need to know..??thks..

Answer 1

yes relax

Answer 2

ull be good...dont freak out, it is so0o simple, i started bout 2 weeks ago and had no idea wtf i was doing but it got really easy and fun after a while...so0o u dont need to know a lot before going on.... hope ur 1st trip kayaking is fun!

Answer 3

Hello.  I've been a whitewater raft guide and whitewater kayaker for many years.  

If you are an experienced rafter that is a good start.  But kayaking is quite different than rafting.  Reading the water is the same, but the way the boat acts in the water is quite different.

If you are in a hard-shell kayak you will absolutely positively need to learn to roll before getting onto any serious moving water.  This is best done in a swimming pool with people to teach and help you.  It can also be learned in open water that is still and calm.

If you are in an inflatable kayak (and not strapped in) rolling is not required.  However, expect to swim some rapids!  The first time I kayaked in an inflatable I swam a whole bunch!  No worries, its kind of fun doing that, but its really better to try and stay in the boat.

Make sure you know how to use the double-bladed kayak paddle.  Many have offset blades, so you have to learn to roll the shaft during your strokes to bring the blades in at the proper angle.  Remember to push with the upper hand and mostly guide the stroke with the lower.  Pulling with the lower hand will tire you out and make for a much less efficient & effective stroke.

Know how to do a 'J' stroke, sweep stroke, and draw stroke.  If you don't know those already get someone to show you, and then practice them in your kayak so you can get a feel for how the boat responds.  Different kayaks will respond differently from one another, so you'll need to get used to the specific boat you'll be paddling.  

Safety is of primary concern in all moving water activities.  Have a good lifejacket that is specifically made for whitewater and which fits you well.  It must be tight enough that it doesn't pull off of you in the water.  Make sure you are going with responsible/trained people.  If you are in a wilderness setting someone should be carrying a first aid kit.  Throw Bags and other rescue equipment may be important depending on where you are going.  A helmet is a really good idea, too.

Scout the rapids!  Plan your routes in advance.

Good luck, have fun!  Don't go with anyone who consumes alcohol while on the river, very bad juju, that!

Answer 4

just relax and enjoy it

its really fun