Tips on Kayaking?

Question

im going kayaking for the first time this sunday, in a two hour run in a creek.

so.. im wondering if any one can fill me in on the BASICS of kayaking. specifically how NOT to flip, b/c my wonderful boyfriend is betting that im going to flip at least 5 times.

i just want to prove him wrong by being better than him. haha

Answer 1

Good luck! Kayaks are stable in the hands of experienced boaters. You really need some basic instructions. Your boyfriend may be setting you up. If the kayak upsets and the creek is shallow you may be dragged a bit. We always spend two hours first at a lake beach learning how to paddle on calm water. Moving water adds another dimension to the skills you require. Be sure you have and wear a PFD and helmet. Wear shoes and protective clothing. Balance requires braces...on side and off side. Ask you boyfriend to demonstrate.

Answer 2

First off, I really hope the place you're going isn't more than a class II and you're not using a kayak that you're strapped into -- because you can drown if you flip over.

Assuming you're good with that, the only real thing to realize is that its kind of like riding a bike -- if you feel like you're tipping to the right, then lean and paddle to the left, and so on for the left side.

Another piece of advice is to always keep the front of your kayak pointed with the river and not against it.  When you're facing the shore, you're more likely to tip over since the current is going against your side and not your back.

Other than that, I think you should be good.

Have fun!