Is Kayaking easy?

Question

If the water is very calm, and you have a life vest, and you're leisurely paddling by yourself, is it easy for someone who's not tried it before? What can go wrong?

Answer 1

It can be really easy - if you're in an appropriate boat.  I would recommend a recreational kayak or sit on top (SOT) kayak for your first few attempts.  These are wide, stable boats - that are almost difficult to flip.  

You've got the right idea with the life vest - but you don't just want to "have" it, you need to wear it.  And if you're in an area where the water and air are cooling off already, you need to be dressed appropriately.   Read the article I linked below to get a full understanding of how you can prepare yourself.  

The biggest mistake first time paddlers make, and this goes especially for the guys, is they try to muscle the paddle through the water.  This is completely the wrong way to do it, and for good reasons:  although you might have big biceps, you're going get tired and sore in a hurry.  Kayaking technique requires using large muscle groups - and in this case, your core muscles are what are needed.  Rotating from the hips, you'll have better endurance and a more efficient forward motion if you rely on your abs to do the work.  Women naturally have less upper body strength, and seem to find this rotation idea a little more quickly.  

What can go wrong?  If you're in the wrong boat, in bad conditions, not wearing the life vest, not dressed for immersion: death can happen.  It's possible.  But, since you're here asking for advice, you obviously are smart and realize that there are risks and you are willing to do something to minimize them.  

Dress right, don't go alone, best to rent boats or take a class from a paddling shop to get you started properly.  Paddling is a blast - and people of all ages can do it in some form or another.  Be safe, and have fun!

Answer 2

Rowing/paddling is probably going to be a little difficult the first time around, or the first few times around. Good stamina is a plus too, because it can wear you out fast.

I hope you're not gonna start kayaking now...it's so cold out! You're an animal.

Answer 3

it is if you have good balance and are in good shape. you will use muscles you didn't even know you had! have fun!

Answer 4

Yep try it out on a lake get used to it and work your way up to experience. It's awesome, once you try it you'll always want to go back.

Answer 5

As a bcu instructor i would advise you not to go out on your own as your a complete beginner if any injury's were to occur threes nobody to help you or raise the alarm, in case of any head injury or entrapment inside your kayak. if on your own take food, cloths, first aid, communications phone etc, tell someone your location what your doing and when your coming back very important.

Enjoy It.