Essential Tips For First-Time Paddlers

by | Apr 16, 2021 | Kayaking |

Kayaking in mangrove tunnels.
Kayaking is a fun and relaxing outdoor activity. It’s a great way to get some exercise and take in the beauty of the surroundings from a duck’s eye view. Kayaking might seem a bit complex to first-time kayakers. It’s a combination of moves, in addition to balancing your weight on the kayak, but once you get the hang of it, it’s super fun!

As a first-time paddler, here are some tips to help you out:

Don’t head out on your own

Never try kayaking for the first time on your own. Kayaking is a bit like driving a car, it takes practice, and you can’t be left alone on your first attempt. Make sure you’re with others when kayaking. Kayaking in a group is always more fun than heading out on your own anyway!

Kayaking on your own can be quite dangerous, particularly if you’re not familiar with the water or if the water is too rough for your expectations. Incorrect use of PFDs can prove dangerous, causing accidents and injuries.

Sign up for a lesson

Always have a professional help you out when you first begin kayaking. They are able to teach you the basics so you can move forward from there. They can also correct your form and technique, ensuring you’re safe in the water. Our tour guides have plenty of experience working with first-time kayakers, and it’s always been a success.

 

Kayaking during golden hour

Practice in calm waters

There are a few basic maneuvers you need to practice to get familiar with kayaking, including the sweeping stroke, draw stroke, forward stroke, and reverse stroke. You also need to learn how to launch yourself into the water, get into the kayak safely, and get out. All of this requires practice.

Make sure you practice in calm waters before heading out into more turbulent waters. A calm lake or sea, like the water in Cocoa Beach, is ideal for first-timers.

Choose the right kayak

There are a number of kayaks available on the market, and each has its specific purpose. Make sure you get a kayak that’s good for you and the body of water you’re going to be paddling in. Sea kayaks, for example, have better buoyancy due to the hatches and bulkheads.

Book kayaking tours in Cocoa Beach with Adventure Kayak. We offer a range of kayaking tours, from day tours to night tours and even mangrove tunnel tours. During peak summer months, we also offer bioluminescent kayaking tours. We offer kayaking tours all year round, offering you the chance to witness amazing wildlife in their natural habitat. We conduct group kayaking expeditions and offer the best-guided adventure tours in Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Beach is also home to some of the best restaurants and bars Florida has to offer, making it a great place for a weekend getaway or a vacation. Book a tour today!

 

James Turner

James Turner

Author

James has 25 years of experience writing, including blogging, copywriting, and sales copywriting. He's a master at writing content that engages readers and gets results, thanks to his years of expertise. James's attention to detail and talent for writing persuasive copy has helped many businesses achieve their marketing goals.

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