Will i be risking my life if i go KAYAKING?

Question

I'M GOING TO MORRO BAY NEXT WEEKEND AND IM GOING KAYAKING. I WANT TO KNOW IF MY LIFE IS IN DANGER? IM EXCITED AND SCARED BECAUSE I HEARD THAT IT'S DANGEROUS!!! ANSWERS!!!

Answer 1

Your caps lock key appears to be stuck in the on position.

On a serious note, you are risking your life anytime you leave the house, get in a car, walk down the street, etc, etc, etc. If you are going with experienced Kayakers, you should be fine. Wear a helmet and do what they tell you to do. Enjoy yourself, it is a very fun and free experience.

Answer 2

Wear your PFD (personal floatation device, a.k.a "lifejacket").  On you and zipped up at all times.  That is the single biggest way to make this fantastic activity safer.  I could quote stats but suffice it to say, between kayaking, canoeing and float planes I've looked at this a lot.  PFD save lives!

Skip the helmet someone suggested.  Morro Bay, California is the Pacific Ocean.  Helmets are critically important in whitewater river kayaking.  They are not used in flat or open water.  But consider a tight-fitting warm hat.  It is the quickest way to regulate your temperature.

Go with people who know what they're doing if you get off-shore (past where you could easily swim back).  The group leader should assess people's skills, know the weather report and be checking if the actual weather is changing.  Go with people who stop early when everyone is still having fun and who will scrub a trip if big wind or surf conditions dictate.  Instead of someone who pushes until some are exhausted.

Without experienced people, don't go farther out than you can swim back.  Beginner sea kayaks are pretty dang stable but if somehow you were to capsize, it takes some practice to get righted and back in.  As a first-timer, the correct response is to swim in and then start making phone calls about retrieving the kayak.

Have fun!

Answer 3

NO!