by Wendy Killoran
WHAT IS SEA KAYAKING?
Sea kayaking is a water sport that opens up a lifetime of endless possibilities of exploration and recreation. A sea kayak, life jacket, double bladed paddle and spray skirt are the bare essentials needed to be able to paddle as well as feeling comfortable on the water. Sea kayaking is an enchanting method of exploring one’s surroundings, giving access to inaccessible shoreline. It is a great way to occupy oneself, spending quality time with friends and family.
WHY SHOULD I PADDLE A SEA KAYAK?
The benefits of paddling are numerous. It promotes physical activity, helps release mental stress, and can be both exciting and relaxing. It awakens one’s senses and helps one feel fully alive. Sea kayaking is self-satisfying and a fulfilling activity. It promotes a healthy life-style and helps establish friendships with like-minded people. It can be done throughout one’s life, even as a family activity. It’s soul satisfying, provides a unique sense of liberation and puts one in touch with nature. Sea kayaking gives one very special travel options and opportunities. It provides us with chances to find solitude, an essential ingredient often lacking in our busy lives, which helps promote self-discovery and self-realization. Providing us with a sense of accomplishment, it helps to build our self-esteem. Essentially, sea kayaking benefits us physically, emotionally and spiritually. It’s an all-encompassing activity promoting wellbeing. I paddle because I love to paddle. I’m passionate about the sport. It inspires my thoughts and stimulates my creativity and energy level.
WHERE DO I START?
Start by taking a basic paddling course from a reputable paddling establishment. First go on a day paddle with a small group in a sheltered location. Start by building your comfort level by paddling with competent, experienced paddlers. Learn as much as possible about the skills necessary to safely enjoy paddling such as reading books and articles, speaking with advanced paddlers and watching informative videos. Take courses in basic rescue, navigation, and first aid. Go with a tour group on some paddling trips prior to making your own plans. Join a sea kayaking association or local paddling club to meet other people passionate about sea kayaking.
WHERE SHOULD I SEA KAYAK?
Possibilities for paddling are limited only by the imagination. Where there is water, there is a paddling opportunity. Paddling can be done locally, provincially, nationally or internationally. Sea kayaking locations are seasonally affected. For day trips, choose local destinations. Start in a sheltered area and progressively choose more challenging destinations. Monitor weather conditions prior and during paddles; in particular, observe the marine forecast which provides details on wind and wave conditions. Access to marine forecasts could include TV weather networks and internet web-sites. Choose areas that are more sheltered from prevailing weather conditions by paddling in archipelagos. Choose more exposed destinations once your skill level and competency has increased and the inherent risk level is decreased. Choose tropical locations for winter paddling. It’s a very magical way to spend a well-earned holiday. Extend your paddling season and destination options by purchasing a quality dry suit. Choose to paddle in areas where motorized boat traffic will be limited or is restricted, increasing the sense of solitude, safety factor and enjoyment level.
WHO SHOULD I PADDLE WITH?
Paddle with competent, experienced paddlers when beginning and learn from their knowledge and experience. Paddle with tour groups and learn from the guides and experienced group members. Join a sea kayaking association and meet other paddlers equally fond of this endearing sport. Paddle with family members. Paddling is for almost anyone, any age and any size. It’s quality time spent with the ones we love. Paddle with friends and colleagues. Join a paddling club and make new friends to paddle with. Follow a course and paddle with people striving to improve their skill level and competence.
WHEN SHOULD I PADDLE?
Paddle as often as possible as the benefits are worth the effort. Paddle locally for brief paddles before or after work. It reduces stress levels dramatically. Paddle for day trips on weekends or even brief two to three day sojourns within a few hours drive from home. Paddle longer trips and expeditions when you have holiday time. Paddle extended expeditions when a leave of absence can be arranged or when your priorities in life shift and time is available. Paddling for a few hours, days, weeks, or months is a choice you make. Choose to paddle often. Reaping the benefits is worth it. Paddle in the winter with proper protection from the elements by wearing a dry suit. Paddle at night only once you have reached a high comfort level on the water and have proper night safety devices such as a strobe light. Paddle during the calm part of the day, usually early morning and evening. Paddle only when water conditions are safe.
HOW DO I PREPARE MYSELF TO PADDLE SAFELY?
Start by taking basic paddling and rescue courses. Paddle often, increasing your challenges and goals frequently, thus increasing your skill level and ultimately your comfort level. Practise strokes and rescues often. Practise strokes and rescues in increasingly challenging conditions but at the same time in relatively safe conditions once your competence level increases. Learn as much as possible about navigation, minimum impact camping techniques, dangerous flora and fauna, and first aid by taking courses and through research. Always paddle wearing a PFD (personal flotation device). Paddle wearing clothing suitable for immersion in the water temperature being paddled. Have safety devices close at hand, always readily accessible such as whistle, flares, bilge pump, paddle float, sponsons, compass, navigational charts or maps, spare paddle, cell phone or VHF radio. Always protect yourself from the elements, whether it’s sun, heat, cold, precipitation, waves etc. Have an alternate back-up plan when plan A is too risky to execute. Always use common sense and good judgment in making paddling decisions. Never drink alcohol or “do drugs” prior to or during your paddling. Know when to stop by not pushing beyond your personal limits. Tired minds could make poor decisions. Keep a small, properly waterproofed, survival kit on you personally. Inform others of your trip plan, including your paddling route and expected date or time of return. Always have a dry bag with dry spare clothes. Make your safety and your paddling companions safety top priority.