 First
Time Kayaking
 Sea
kayaking is becoming more and more popular as a fun and exciting
outdoor activity. Though a considerable amount of skill and experience
is required for higher seas and unpredictable weather, first time
kayakers can quickly get the hang of the sport under proper guidance,
in the calmer, more sheltered waters of the Inside Passage.
Weather conditions,
tides, currents and many other factors must be closely monitored
to ensure safety, and that is your guide's job. It is important
for less experienced kayakers to go with a reputable guide service,
or kayaking outfitter. Here are some things to consider when planning
your first kayaking adventure:
Choose
a reputable, experienced outfitter
This is certainly the most important decision of all. The guides,
equipment and policies of the outfitter will largely determine the
success and enjoyment of the trip. Ask around. Check each company
out. Ask for references and contact them. Ask the tough questions
- it's important! See below for some examples of questions you might
ask.
Know
your limits, but don't underestimate yourself
Like all outdoor activities, learning how to paddle a sea kayak
can seem daunting at first, but in truth, given the proper training
and conditions, it is amazingly easy to get the hang of. The equipment
nowadays is designed to be very stable and very easy to use. Most
people are paddling comfortably within the first 10 minutes on the
water, and smiling ear to ear. There's nothing that quite compares
to propelling yourself silently across the surface of the water,
marveling at the beauty all around you. If you have general good
fitness and can get in and out of a boat in shallow water, you can
do it.
Carefully
choose your paddling destination
Different kayaking areas have widely varied kayaking conditions.
Many areas are subject to high winds and vast expanses of water,
making them inadvisable for less experienced kayakers. Each area
has its own unique conditions, and just because it looks beautiful
doesn't mean it's safe. Again, ask around. Ask the outfitters you
talk to about the weather conditions in their area, and if it's
safe for inexperienced paddlers. It's best to go to an area that
has a collection of islands (archipelago) that can temper the effects
of weather, or an area within the shelter of a nearby mountain range.
Ask
a lot of questions, then ask some more
As someone once said, "the only dumb question is the one not
asked." Don't be afraid to ask questions, and don't go with
any outfitter that is hesitant to answer them. Knowledge is a big
key to comfort, so ask any questions that come to mind, whether
they be about equipment, weather conditions, guide training, etc.
An informed traveler is a happier traveler. Some questions you could
ask are:
- What experience
do they have in the area you'll be? Do they specialize in that
area?
- What is their
support staff like? What kind of service can you expect?
- What kind
of equipment do they use? What is their procedure for keeping
it in top condition?
Consider
learning a bit more about kayaking before your adventure
Though
not a necessity or requirement, some people enjoy learning a bit
more about kayaking prior to their trip. There is a lot of great
information to be found at the library, bookstore and on the Internet.
Ask your outfitter if they have any reading material they can send
you, or recommend. Also, feel free to check out our Pro Guide Tip
on Sea Kayaking Terms.
Think
of sea kayaking as a highly evolved form of backpacking
Unless you enjoy slogging up steep hills with a big load on your
back (and many of us do, mind you), sea kayaking is the best way
to connect intimately with your natural surroundings. No big backpacks
to carry; everything fits comfortably into your kayaks. You can
also bring more amenities with you, like propane stoves, cookware,
big roomy tents and big comfortable sleeping pads, adding to your
comfort level. If you're looking for even more comfort, there are
lodge-based and yacht-based sea kayaking trips available, as well.
The rewards from
sea kayaking are many. There's no better way to connect so intimately
with marine environments in some of the most beautiful places on
earth. Some prior planning, research and question-asking is crucial,
but above all, approach sea kayaking with an adventuresome spirit
and you'll come away with memories to last a lifetime.
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