I want to kayak. Where do I start?

Question

It will be in coastal waters and I don't know how to swim.

Answer 1

in the water would be good !

Answer 2

in the water

Answer 3

Be sure and wear a life jacket and do NOT go kayaking without lessons in how to GET OUT of the kayak if it flips. Many people die without this training. It is very fun when you do it right but if you do not swim and have no training you could be a statistic.

Answer 4

Oh boy! Ok, so assuming that you're going and you've never gone kayaking before, you could take a small lesson. Are you going very soon or in a while from now? First of all - learn to swim! People drown in lakes and even more people drown in the ocean, so most importantly - learn how to doggy paddle if you must, swimming is fun, not a waste of money, and it'll come in handy in the future. After you feel comfortable swimming, keeping in mind that you must ALWAYS WEAR A LIFE JACKET! At your local swimming pool you might be able to take some sort of beginners course for kayaking, I've done that twice here, on my island. Kayaking isn't really that difficult, you just have to have your wits about you - don't try to tip the boat because it will flip, splashing people rocks the boat and that might flip it, don't run into rocks (you'll capsize) and never ever get into the kayak without your life jacket.

Your arms will be tired when you first start kayaking, every time in fact, so just be warned of that!

Here is an excellent site for all your worries and questions :

http://www.canoe.org.au/?Page=2264&MenuI...

I'm also assuming that you'll be kayaking with an experienced person or with some sort of tour/guide group?

If you aren't I think you should seriously consider what you're doing and make sure someone knows where abouts (the place and are) where you are in the kayak, what time you left and when you'll be returning for your own safety.

Cheers!

Answer 5

lean to swim first....

kayak must come later...much later....

Answer 6

learn to SWIM!!!

you'll drown.

Answer 7

Easy...attend a sea kayaking course.  Kayaking alone is dangerous.  Sea kayaking involves risks that lake and river boating don't. Squalls, fog and large vessels are major hazards. Inquire or search for near-by sea kayaking clubs and schools.

Answer 8

check your local livery for classes and info.

Answer 9

start at the bottom and work your way up like everyone else in life.....