How to Use Kayaking Safety Equipment

Kayaking is among the top choices for fun and recreation. Proper training and skills are needed to protect the body against injury. The individual must also be equipped with the right materials for overall protection. Kayakers should set their minds for safety. Essential safety materials for kayaking are as follows: appropriate type of kayak and paddle, life jacket, helmet, wet or dry suit, gloves, footwear, spray skirt, emergency equipment (such as signaling devices, a knife, compass and map) dry bag and float bag. Each material mentioned has its own role in providing safety and protection for kayakers. Read on to know the ways of using safety kayaking equipment.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Kayak
• Paddle
• Life jacket
• Helmet
• Wet or dry suit
• Gloves
• Footwear
• Spray skirt
• Signaling devices
• Knife
• Compass and map

How to Use Kayaking Safety Equipment

1. 
   The kayaks await

   Use the appropriate kind of kayak. Open top kayaks are suitable for beginners since they are wider and built lower (center of gravity is low) for good stability. Touring kayaks are best for those who do long distance paddling. These vessels are built longer and narrower for a fast and quick straight line travel. For those doing sea kayaking, use kayaks that are designed with an up-turned front tip area (bow) to avoid a nose dive. For white water kayaking, use a shorter kayak that can easily be maneuvered. For individuals who like to surf and go kayaking at the same time, use kayaks that are built short with an almost flat bottom. This type of vessel is easy to handle in flat and wavy waters, has excellent buoyancy, and one can easily climb back in it when it capsizes. Tandem kayaks are suitable for couples and families.

2. 
   White Water

   Supply the type of paddle that fits the type of kayaking activity you are in. For recreation and hours of paddling, use light and long paddles with asymmetrical blades. These touring paddles usually come in two pieces that can just be attached when used. For white water kayakers, paddles that are shorter with wider grip are suitable.

3. 
   Wet Suits

   Put your lifejacket over your wet or dry suit at all times. When using a classic non-inflatable life jacket, see to it that it has good strength and buoyancy standards. Test its buoyancy by immersing yourself on the water up to neck level. Execute the floating procedure. Spread your arms and lie back on the water, then tilt your head up and lift your legs to float. It fits right when you are able to swim comfortably and when its surface does not elevate too much of your body as you float. If you are using the inflatable kind, try the automatic ones. An automatic inflatable life jacket instantly inflates as you immerse yourself in the water. Using this type needs you to do side or backstroke when swimming since it is difficult to swim a crawl with an inflated vest.

4. 
   Helmet

   Wear a comfortable helmet. Secure it properly on your head. Also buy a helmet that has a built in visor to minimize the glare of the sun. Consider the kind with instant draining holes, so that there is no need for you to empty the water inside your helmet.

5. 

   Clothe yourself with a wet suit or dry suit to protect your body against cold. A wet suit is a neoprene type of suit that fits like a whole body stocking. A dry suit is more loosely fitting. When using either of these suits, see to it that it is not too tight, so that your body is able to move comfortably without hampering your kayaking and swimming maneuvers.

6. 

   Protect your hands with safety gloves. Buy those that do not restrict finger movements and circulation, provide an excellent paddle grip, are made with a built in wrist band in a loop and hook closure to protect and secure the wrists’ proper alignment, and with a comfortable protective neoprene lining.

7. 

   Slip into the kind of footwear that is free of laces or strap supports. Using wet shoes or neoprene booties paired with fleece or wool socks are excellent. You can also use sandals during summer, but make sure that its straps are securely fastened.

8. 

   Help to keep water out of the kayak by using a spray skirt. The skirt should fit snugly around your waist and stretch over the cockpit of the boat. This equipment comes in handy whenever the kayak capsizes by keeping the water out of the kayak’s surface. In an instance where the kayak flips upside down, the spray skirt safely detaches away from the kayak, allowing you to surface safely above water without getting tangled.

9. 

   Supply some emergency equipment containing any of the following tools: a flare gun–this is easy to use or load and it can simply be angled or pointed. Whistle-this comes in handy when you need immediate attention. (c) Mirrors- these can be used during day time emergencies. Just reflect the mirror under the rays of the sun. (d) Water proof flash light-this will help the rescuers find you. (e) Orange flags-its contrasting color stands out. (f) Reflective tape-when the lights of the rescue vessel flashes on the tape, the tape will immediately flash back.

10. 

    Bring a sharp knife, a compass and a map for emergency cases. A knife can help to untangle yourself when trapped. As for map and compass, these will help you find your way.

11. 

    Keep your food, camera, sleeping bag, and extra clothes dry by storing it in the dry bag. Fill the interior of your kayak with dry bags, so that when your kayak capsizes they will stay afloat.

Tips & Warnings

• Always double check each piece of safety equipment to make sure that all of them are functioning right.
• Use a life jacket with a bright color (such as orange), so that rescuers can easily spot you when you need help.

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