How hard is kayaking?

Question

I'm going for the 1st time tomorrow with my family and my dad's friend- who is experienced. Will i tip alot? We're not doing rapids or anything, i just want to know what to expect.

Answer 1

Kayaking is fun and relatively easy.

Much depends on what kind of kayak you will be paddling.  Generally, the longer the boat is and the narrower it is, the faster it will go.  The narrower it is, the easier it will be to tip over.  Generally, the amount of balance you will need is about the same as riding a bike.

There are two types of stability in a kayak: Primary stability is the resistance to tipping.  Secondary stability is the ability to stand your boat at some angle.  Generally, a good beginner kayak will have lots of primary stability and not much secondary stability.  As you become more experienced and want to carve turns, your secondary stability becomes more important and you will be willing to sacrifice some primary stability for it.

If you try to paddle using your arms, you will get tired very quickly.  The proper stroke is executed with your whole body.  put the paddle blade in at your ankle, twist your torso, pull the blade out at your hips.  This will put your other paddle in line with your other ankle.  In at the ankle and repeat.  

The closer to your boat your paddle is, the straighter you will go.  If you sweep the paddle way out, you will turn.  If you want to turn quickly, you can shift your hands such that you are holding the opposite blade and sweep as far out as possible.

Answer 2

Kayaking is a physical sport. It requires courage and some fitness. An instructor needs a minimum of ten hours to impart basic operating skills. You need be comfortable in water, swimming ability is a plus. Depending on the water you need special clothing and a helmet and PFD. A vest type is best. Learn wet exits in shallow water. Learn: Stop or brake stroke, forward or power stroke, left and right sweep strokes both forward and backward, draw strokes both sides, back stroke and braces. Learn how to get in the kayak and put on your skirt. Learn how to enter the current. 3 rules: Never boat alone, lean downstream and get out of cold water. Another thought, Paddle your own kayak!

Answer 3

i LOVE kayaking!

if you don't sway from side to side, chances are you'll be FINE.

My first time was with my cousin. We never tipped, and I loved it.