Kayaking: Up the Creek with a Paddle!

June 24, 2022

Whilst kayaking is now one of the most popular watersports to materialise in recent years, the kayak vessel itself has actually been around for quite a while, as far back as 5000 years ago, albeit it was a rather rudimentary version. It was first introduced into Europe in the mid-1800s, with the Germans and the French initially using it for recreational purposes and the Olympic games taking on the sport in 1936. The kayak itself has come a long way since those early years and is much lighter than it used to be, with most now made from resilient plastics or, at the top end of the budget, fibreglass and carbon fibre for even lighter versions.

Types of Kayaking: A Healthy Adventure

You may think kayaking looks like a relatively gentle recreational pastime, which it is, but it’s also a great way to improve your overall health. It can boost cardiovascular fitness, and through moving the paddle with your arms, shoulders, chest, and back can increase muscle strength. In addition, rotating the body to power a kayak can also increase leg and torso strength. So, whilst the vessel makes for the perfect adventure to see places you can’t otherwise get to by land, kayaking is also the ideal all-round exercise for the body, which is why so many are taking up the sport! Here’s a quick guide to the types of kayaking you can enjoy:

Sit on Top

Perhaps one of the more popular kayak types that’s perfect for recreational activities, including fishing and diving. As the name suggests, the paddler sits on top of the craft rather than sit in with legs inside and requires little experience, making it great for everyone to have a go.

Recreational

Perhaps the most basic form of kayaking that usually takes place on lakes and other safe bodies of water to have fun and adventure. The kayaks themselves are typically wide and stable, so no experience is required to paddle them.

Touring

This is a step up from recreational in that it too takes place on protected waters but is not necessarily for beginners. It’s for those who take kayaking seriously and use it for longer periods of time. Touring kayaks are long and track (go straight) very well. They have one sealed bulkhead with the bow unsealed to allow the kayak to fill up with water if flipped.

Sea Kayaking

As the name suggests, this form of kayaking takes place on the ocean, sea or other large unpredictable bodies of water. A sea kayak is generally heavier and more aerodynamically designed to cut through good-sized waves with both the bow and stern bulkheads sealed and a rudder to help steer. To sea kayak, you need to understand the principles of navigation and safety practices.

Surf Kayaking

Kayaks similar to whitewater vessels are usually used in surf kayaking. In a nutshell, it’s surfing in a kayak rather than on a surfboard and is similarly a dangerous pastime that requires learning and instruction.

Whitewater

Paddlers who whitewater kayak are out to tackle rivers, streams, and creeks where rapids or white water is present. It’s an extremely dangerous sport which is why different rapids and rivers are classified with a difficulty rating to help kayakers determine which whitewater sites match their abilities. In addition, the kayaks themselves are usually specialised.

Getting Started: What Equipment do I need?

The first commitment is deciding what type of kayak to go for. As a beginner, starting with a more stable recreational kayak or a sit-on-top type is a good place to start. Once you have your kayak sorted, here are some other essentials to get in place before your big adventure:

Paddle – you won't get very far without one!
Paddle leash – a super piece of kit to ensure you don't lose your paddle, and if the budget stretches, they also double up for keeping other vital items attached to your kayak.
Buoyancy aids – as a beginner, it's always advisable to invest in buoyancy aids. This is particularly important for whitewater or sea kayaking, regardless of experience. They perform like a lifejacket but offer more movement for the arms and neck, which you don't want to restrict when paddling.
Helmet – whether a beginner or an expert, most kayakers know to wear a helmet for safety.
Wet shoes – made from neoprene, they have rubber soles to provide grip when walking on slippery surfaces—and no, trainers won't suffice as they simply get waterlogged!

Wetsuit – whilst you might get away with shorts and a t-shirt in the summer, the water is still cold, so using a cagoule or dry top to keep warm is still advisable. However, investing in a wetsuit is the best, especially if you plan on kayaking year round.
Dry bag – Basically, you'll need one of these to keep all your stuff dry, whether that's spare clothes, a towel or a mobile. Dry bags are watertight and perfect for kayaking.
Throw ropes – an essential part of your safety equipment; a throw rope is a bag of floating rope designed to throw to get yourself or someone else out of trouble.
Trolley – perhaps a luxury item, but if you're a long walk to the river, sea or lake, then a kayak trolley will definitely make your life easier!

Where to Kayak!

Kayaking in Wales, kayaking in Cornwall, kayaking in London, kayaking in Scotland – wherever you choose in the UK your guaranteed a unique experience!

With a multitude of options to choose from, deciding where to take your kayak on holiday may be a little tricky to narrow down. However, whether you’re looking for lakes, rivers or seas, there’s plenty going on throughout the UK and the wider world to tempt your interest! For example, local Cornishman Mark Meardon has over 30 years of experience in the sport and offers sea kayaking around the beautiful Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Those ladies who want a female only experience can take a Ladies Only Wild Camping Weekend for a once-in-a-lifetime breathtaking experience. If you fancy something a little more northern, Lost Earth Adventures have some truly stunning experience days in Yorkshire, The Peak District and Cumbria. Further north, for kayaking in Scotland, Sea Kayak Argyll & Bute are on hand with guided tours to observe nature along the wild Atlantic coastline, mountains, lochs and open seas. And for those wanting a little less country, why not try kayaking in London, on a unique sightseeing tour with London Kayak. You’ll also find a plethora of adventurous exploits at Much Better Adventures, where the world is your kayaking-oyster!

Learn to Kayak

The best time to learn kayaking is the summer months when the waters are calmer and it’s warmer! Basic skills can be learned in just a few hours if you’re kayaking in protected bodies of water, and taking a kayak class with a qualified instructor is the best way to learn quickly and safely. A sit-on-top kayak is better for beginners to learn the skills, and once you have the basics down to a T, it then comes down to practising and perfecting your technique over time. Yes, you can’t become Mallory Franklin or Liam Heath overnight!

Kayaking Water Safety

Whilst kayaking is all about having fun and adventure, you don’t want the day to end in disaster, which is why being prepared makes common sense.

Keep your mobile within reach in your dry bag so you can call for help if needed.
Wear a buoyancy aid.
Wear a helmet; this is especially important if you're whitewater kayaking or if you're paddling rivers or lakes where overhanging branches can strike you
Wear appropriate clothing for the conditions. A wetsuit is advisable.

Free Shipping On Orders over £35.00

Balmy Fox