Kayaking is a fun activity that you can practice to stay fit and connect with nature in a unique way.
Whether you are looking to practice kayaking professionally as an athlete, or practice it as a hobby, it’s a great way to unwind and get some fresh air every now and then. It is important that you invest in the right kayak and essential gear to make your experience worthwhile. If you are unsure about where to start when it comes to shopping for kayaking equipment, here is everything you need to know about the essential gear to invest in for your kayaking adventures.
The Right Type of Kayak
When it comes to choosing kayaking gear, you will first need to look at the right kind of kayak to invest in before you think about other equipment to go along with it. The type of kayak you choose depends on how you plan to use it and what types of activities you plan to do in the water. You can use a kayak as a hobby and a way to relax in the river or sea nearby and in this case, you won’t necessarily need a very techy or expensive kayak. However, if you plan to practice kayaking professionally then you will need to invest in a more advanced version that can help you make your way in bodies of water quickly and efficiently. Some people even take their kayaks out for fishing and you will find that there are specific fishing kayaks out there for you to invest in. As soon as you decide on how you will be using your kayak, you can choose the right type of boat and gear accordingly.
Paddles
Among the most essential things that you need to shop for are the paddles. As soon as you get in the water and start kayaking, you will need a double-sided paddleboard to help you go against the wind and make your way in the vast body of water you are in smoothly. Depending on what kind of kayak you get and how you plan to use it, you can choose the right type of paddle to suit your needs. Paddles differ in length, grip, and angles depending on how you plan to use them. They also come in different materials and that can play a huge part in their price tag so that would be something for you to consider before making your purchase.
Helmet
Watersport safety is just as essential as safety in any other sport or physical activity. When you go kayaking, you will need to take a helmet with you to protect your head while you are out in open water at high speeds at times. Even if you’re not kayaking at high speed, you never know if the water has rocks or strong waves and currents that may hit your head upon impact that can throw you and your kayak off-balance and cause you to fall into the water. It is always better to be safe than sorry so make sure you have your helmet on at all times.
Kayaking Clothes
Whether you plan on going in winter or summer, it is always wise to invest in some waterproof kayaking clothes to make your experience a little better. You should start with a waterproof shirt and pants so that you do not have to worry about getting wet as you paddle your way through the water. It may also be a good idea to invest in goggles and durable footwear so that you can clearly see where you are going.
Life Jacket
Even if you are experienced at kayaking, it is always a good idea to wear a life jacket, especially in open seawater and fast streaming rivers where being carried away by the waves or streams and falling off your kayak is a big possibility. It does not matter if you know how to swim or if you are just a beginner who is only just learning what it is like to be in the water. In case of emergency, you may not be able to act quickly even if you do know how to swim, and so a life jacket can save your life.
Going kayaking can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Whether you just want to unwind and have a fun time doing a unique activity or you are a professional athlete looking to get fit and practice being in open waters, having the right kayaking gear is the key to a rewarding experience. When you are shopping for kayaking equipment, make sure you do some research and read reviews so that you can get the best gear for the best prices available.
Become a Harlem Insider!
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
