How to Kayak for Beginners

Kayaks can be purchased, rented or borrowed while learning to use one.

Popular images of kayaking range from a gentle paddle across pristine lakes to shooting raging rapids between rocks. Kayaking is a sport enjoyed by many individuals throughout the world -- on lakes, rivers, oceans and elsewhere. Learning to kayak is fairly easy and can be completed in just a few steps. However, individuals should always learn to kayak with the help of an experienced kayaker -- if possible, with a trained instructor -- and should always use proper safety equipment.

Things You'll Need

• Kayak
• Paddle
• Life jacket
• Helmet, if kayaking in a place with rocks

Instructions

1. Choose the right kayak for your size, what you will be doing with the kayak and where you will be kayaking. For instance, some kayaks are meant for rapids, while others are meant for kayaking on an open lake or the sea. Choose the kayak that is right for your height and weight and the kind of paddling that you will be doing.

2. Learn how to get into the kayak. Getting into a kayak can be tricky at first. One of the easiest ways to do this is to get into the kayak while on land -- close to the water -- and then use your hands to push yourself into the water or have a friend push you. While entering, keep your paddle across the bow of the kayak and step into the boat one foot at a time, lowering yourself slowly into the cockpit.

3. Learn the basic paddling techniques that are required for moving the kayak. The basic kayak stroke involves holding the paddle with your hands shoulder-width apart and rotating your torso left to right while dipping the paddle into the water on its face towards the front of the kayak and lifting it slightly out of the water as you complete the stroke. While rotating your torso, pull the paddle alongside the kayak. Repeat on both sides of your body.

4. Learn a basic roll. Rolls are an important part of kayaking safely. One basic roll to learn is the Eskimo roll. In order to execute this roll, tip your kayak onto its side, with your head resting near the water. Tighten your stomach muscles, drive your right knee into the side of the boat while also pressing your buttocks against the left side. Snap your hips quickly towards the sky in one immediate motion. If you are lefthanded, reverse these instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• - Always practice using the proper safety equipment and with an instructor or an experienced friend.

References

• Sea Kayak: How to kayak - getting in and out of your kayak
• Ocean Kayak: Basics
• Aussie School House: Learn to Eskimo Roll a kayak