What precautions should I take when kayaking/canoeing around Kitty Hawk, NC?

Question

I'd like to rent one of those open-topped kayaks for the week when I'm down vacationing in the Outer Banks, but I've only been kayaking once (took a couple hour lesson on Lake Erie). (I own a canoe and have canoed quite a bit.) I'd probably stay on the Sound side of the islands most of the time (interested in birdwatching and wildlife viewing), which I would guess is pretty calm vs. going in the ocean. Just wondering if it's a really stupid idea to do this type of thing by yourself when you only have limited experience.

Answer 1

Did that a few years ago.  Definitely stay on the sound unless you are a really good kayaker because the ocean side has some wicked currents and more wind than you will want to deal with.  The sound can be very calm, especially on a warm morning and there is much to see.  If you are going to be in deep water you should practice getting back into the kayak if it spills you.  Otherwise you will have to swim and push the kayak to shallow water.  Check out some kayak websites that talk about remounting the kayak after dumping out.  Of course wear the best PFD you can find.  Good luck.

Answer 2

I would try to find someone to go with, if at all possible. The other poster is correct about the ocean side/surf side, there's a reason the NC coast has tons of wrecks-lots of rip tides, strong winds that whip up, and weird currents. I've sea-kayaked many times on the NC coast, and even in the sound side or intracoastal area where I paddle, I've gone out paddling in perfectly calm water and had a 25 mph wind whip up and paddled for my life (I was in an expedition sea-kayak, though which is a lot easier to tip) .

A sit-up top is one of the best sea-kayaks for beginners, since they're hard to tip, but if you take your paddle out of the water very long during windy weather, you can easily fall out/off the sea-kayak. I'd wear a PFD at all times, and find the lightest paddle you can, since that's what will get tired first, are your arms, since it takes training and practice to learn to rotate your upper body instead of just using your biceps to pull a paddle (it helps to learn to push as well as pull the paddle thru the water).

If you go with someone else, be sure to ask if they know how to swim, since they won't do you any good if either of you tip...I'd also practice getting on and off the sit-on-top before you launch for good, so you know what it will take to get back into it!

Be safe!