Kayaks give us ample opportunities to experience nature from the water, allowing you to explore your favorite streams, lakes and even the ocean. Kayaking also doubles as great exercise, working to build upper muscle strength. Of course, you can’t just grab a kayak and your paddle and be on your way. You must follow specific safety protocols and have the right tools and accessories to ensure your safety throughout your trip. Before getting into the water, consider these safety tips, and make certain that you have the right kayaking gear on board.
Safety Tips for Using Your Kayak
When it comes to adventuring in the open waters, you need much more than your kayak and your paddle. You must also have a life jacket, flashlight and other safety gear to ensure you stay safe and get help quickly if something goes wrong. Alongside the proper accessories, you should craft a float plan and research the area you plan to navigate. Browse the following safety tips to ensure your trip is a fun one:
Create Your Float Plan and Share It with a Loved One
Before taking your kayak out for a day on the lake, your first step to prepare for the excursion is to craft a float plan. A float plan includes as many important details of your trip as possible, such as the names and contact information of those in your kayaking group, as well as specific locations as to where you plan on launching your kayak and ending your trip. Alongside launching and take-out, you should list the route you intend to take, allowing all parties to stay updated on where you are.
Additionally, be sure to include approximate times when you plan on leaving for your trip and returning, as well as when to call the authorities if you run late. You should also have a detailed action plan for loved ones to follow in case you’re out much longer than you intended. This ensures everyone is prepared and can easily find you in an emergency.
Keep in mind that you should give your float plan to people who will notice you’re gone first, such as your roommate or immediate family members. Also, make sure to keep a copy of your plan in both your kayak and vehicle, providing details to the authorities if you become separated from your kayak.
Craft Your Trip Based on Your Personal Skills
From beginners to more seasoned kayakers, no one wants to get stuck in challenging water conditions that they weren’t expecting or experienced in handling. To keep yourself safe, you must plan your trip around your skill level. In other words, be sure to complete research about the water and its conditions, so you can avoid having to ride through rough waves and reduce the chances that you’ll run into complications.
To err on the safe side, it can help to look for small lakes and larger ponds with flat and calm waters, allowing you to take routes close to shorelines and keeping you from trailing too far. Consider lakes and ponds where power boats are prohibited, as this is a good sign that waters in that area will be calm. You should also look for popular destinations where kayakers love to explore, meaning you’re more likely to run into someone for help if you fall into trouble.
Look Up Weather and Hazards in the Area
The next step in creating your safety plan involves researching the weather for the day you intend to kayak, as well as any hazards you should look out for. If you find that rain or storms are on the horizon, don’t take your chances – plan your trip for a different day. Additionally, wind conditions play a large role in the water’s conditions, so be sure to watch local forecasts for higher winds, which can create strong, white-capped waves on water. You should also be checking the weather regularly throughout your kayaking trip. This keeps you informed of any incoming rain or storms, allowing you to get out of the water before it hits.
Each body of water comes with its own unique characteristics and knowing them can help you plan your trip better. Does the area experience high winds in the afternoons? Maybe there are spots with challenging currents or spells. To find this information, you can speak with the water-patrolling government agency or ask around paddling clubs and shops.
Another hazard you may encounter when kayaking is other boats, which often have a harder time seeing kayaks in the water. Because of this, you should always paddle your kayak defensively, moving carefully and staying cautious of other boaters and hazards the entire time you’re on the water.
To tell if you’re on a collision course to another boat, you should note the position of the boat in terms of a clock, with the way you’re heading being the 12 o’clock mark. If the boat does not move out of that position, it’s likely that it’s heading toward you, and you must turn your kayak out of the way or pull over and wait for the boat to pass.
Dress Like You’re Going Underwater
Whether you’re just starting out in the sport or have had a passion for kayaking for years, you never know when you could end up in the water. Anything can happen when you’re on a kayak, meaning you should always dress like you’ll be in the water at some point – even if you don’t go under.
This is because colder water conditions can lead to more serious illnesses, such as hypothermia, especially if you’re immersed without the right gear. To stay compliant with the U.S. Coast Guard’s safety regulations, you must wear a wetsuit or dry suit when kayaking in waters below 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Don’t Kayak Alone
While many experienced kayakers love the serene solitude of exploring the open waters on their own, you shouldn’t do this as a beginner. Having a friend join you on your adventure ensures you’ll have someone there if anything goes wrong, and this allows you to get the help you need even faster.
If you’re in a group of kayakers, you must make sure there are no stragglers, and that everyone stays close to each other throughout the entire trip. All kayakers should be able to hear shouts or whistle blasts from others in the group, allowing everyone to be safe and have someone to turn to.
Supplies You’ll Need to Stay Safe
Now that you know the basic safety tips, it’s time to gather your kayaking supplies. You should keep in mind that some tools are required by state law, meaning you must complete research to determine the types of accessories you need to not only stay safe, but also compliant with state standards. The most basic supplies you should have include:
- Bilge pumps: These are designed to remove excess water that ends up in the bottom of your boat while paddling, as well as storage areas and the cockpit.
- Flares: These shoot large firework-like lights into the sky as you light them, ensuring rescuers can see where you are from a distance. This visual distress signal is required by many states.
- Headlamps: These are handy flashlight devices that rest around your head for hands-free visibility, and are a great option for fulfilling state lighting requirements.
- Kayak paddles: These help you steer and glide kayaks, and you should have at least one paddle per paddler, plus a spare just in case. Consider kayak paddles made specifically for the type of water you are traversing, from the ocean to your local river.
- Life jackets: These are personal flotation devices (PFDs) that you must have on your kayak, helping you to stay afloat in water if your boat capsizes or you fall out.
- Whistles: These assist with alerting other kayakers and nearby hikers that you need help, ensuring you can be heard from far away.
- Throw ropes: These can be thrown over boats to help rescue kayakers stranded in the water.
- Spray skirts: These go around your waist and above the cockpit to keep water from entering the boat, which is great when kayaking in colder weather and chillier water conditions.
- Dry bags: These are designed to keep your items dry while in the storage area or cockpit, ensuring all your tools and supplies are ready for you to use.
Depending on how you use your kayak, you may need other accessories to make the most of your trip. For example, if you plan to go fishing, you’ll need your fishing gear, including your pole, tackle box, cooler and other tools. For those wanting to get out of their boat to hike and explore, you must have appropriate, water-friendly footwear to keep feet safe from rocks and debris.
Get Your Kayak Accessories and Tools at Tractor Supply
When you need the right tools and accessories for your next kayaking adventure, turn to the options at our store and online. From those just starting out in the sport to more experienced kayakers, everyone can find something that not only keeps you safe, but also adds fun and flair to your excursion. To learn more about the types of kayaks we offer, visit your local Tractor Supply store today or browse online.