Safety Tips For Kayaking Alone. What You Need To Know Before Going On The Water.

Thinking About Going Kayaking Alone? Read This Before You Go.

Kayaking is a relatively safe and user-friendly activity. Once you get the hang of it, kayaking is very relaxing. But one common phrase paddlers often hear is “never kayak alone”. Sure, it’s easy to understand why people would say this. But it’s not a good blanket statement because it completely ignores the fact that kayaking alone can be safe—and incredibly fun.

Beginner? Don't Go It Alone.

So we should modify this to say that you should never kayak alone if you are a beginner. There are risks and hazards involved when you are kayaking alone. Granted, the risks are also present even if you are in a group. But you understand that kayaking alone is riskier.

That said, there are a lot of kayakers that love paddling alone. There are only a few things you need to learn and master before you can take on such a big responsibility. So the good news is that with practice, you can eventually do this on your own.

If you have worked towards increasing your skills and paddling alone, here are a few safety tips to remember.

1. Check the Weather.

Weather conditions can change quickly, and this is perhaps the most dangerous part of paddling alone. You need to be able to adjust accordingly. But to stay safe, do not go kayaking when the weather isn’t favorable. High winds and waves can easily swamp a small watercraft, regardless of your skill level.

Before heading out, check your local marine weather conditions. This is available with the National Weather Service.

Checking the weather isn’t just about trying to decide whether to go kayaking or not. It’s also necessary so that you can dress accordingly. Cold water can prove to be a big hazard because if you get immersed in cold water, you can easily get hypothermia. You need to be more conservative with your clothing choices if you are planning to paddle in cold water.

As much as possible, paddle in calm conditions close to the shore, especially if it’s your first time kayaking alone.

2. Choose a Suitable Destination.

Choose a paddling location that is appropriate for your skill level. An ideal kayaking environment has protection from wind and waves. It should also have a good access point for launching and landing. Try to choose a kayaking location with lots of places to go ashore. Bonus points if the place has minimal motorized boat traffic.

Quiet lakes, calm bays, and riverways without noticeable current are ideal locations.

3. Tell Your Friends.

You can paddle alone, but you should make sure people know where you are going. Paddling alone is riskier, and even the most experienced paddlers can run into trouble sometimes. After taking your paddler’s safety course, you might be tempted to think you can handle everything—and maybe you are right. But you will still be wise to have a friend onshore who knows your location.

Make a plan and then give it to someone who is staying onshore. Include your time and location of departure, your anticipated route, and time you expect to get back. Don’t forget to check in once you make it back so that people know you have arrived home safely.

4. Do Not Forget Your Safety Gear.

If you are experienced enough to go paddling alone, you wouldn’t forget this one. Always wear a life preserver: a properly-fitting US Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device. Some people take the life jacket off because they find it uncomfortable. This is why you need to invest in a kayaking-specific life jacket. These are designed to be as comfortable and unrestricting as possible, so you can sit and paddle smoothly. Also keep a cell phone that is in a water proof case or a water proof bag.

Expect to be in the water at some point on your trip. It doesn’t hurt to expect the worst. Wear protective footwear and clothing that can get wet. Pack your gear in a waterproof bag, and then secure it to your boat so you don’t lose items along the way.

Bring at least two signaling devices like whistles, as well as waterproof flashlights.

5. Paddle Responsibly.

You’ll be surprised by how many people need to hear this particular safety tip, but here it is anyway: do not drink and paddle. Drinking alcohol and kayaking do not mix. This is a very simple safety rule, but some people don’t take it into consideration.

Just like skilled drivers, skilled and or responsible kayakers will not drink alcohol before paddling. It dulls your senses and affects your judgment. In the water, you need to be as alert as possible.

6. Do Your Research.

Once you’ve chosen your paddling destination, do your best to learn everything you need to know about it. You should also check if your boat is suitable for that specific body of water. Not all boats are created equal. Learn what paddling conditions your boat is suitable for.

7. Practice Re-entering Your Kayak.

This one is to ensure your safety in the event that you do fall over and your kayak capsizes. You need to practice this before you ever need to do it for real. Re-entering a sit-on-top kayak is a lot easier than re-entering a sit-inside kayak because it won’t swamp. But whichever type of kayak you are using, if you can re-enter it confidently, then you should be fine.

If you have all these skills and knowledge, then nothing short of inclement weather can stop you from enjoying a relaxing kayak adventure on your own. If you have reliable self recovery skills; know how to navigate; have great solo launching and landing skills; and equipped with all the necessary tools, then you have nothing to worry about. “Never paddle alone” is applicable if you are unprepared.

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To make your solo paddling trip even more convenient, get a roof rack carrier for your kayak.

If you’re not renting a kayak for these amazing outdoor expeditions, you will want an easier way to carry around your kayak while driving from one place to another. Normally, you will need to strap on your kayak to the top of your car by physically lifting it yourself. But with the EZ Rec-Rack Top Loading System, you can easily load your kayak and secure it in less than 2 minutes!

It also secures your luggage carriers, camping gear, and of course, the kayak itself. It is compatible with most accessories currently in the market. This handy invention was created and patented by Ira Mercurio, a kayaker himself who realized how difficult it was to load and unload kayaks all by yourself. Check out EZ Rec-Rack on this profile as well.

You can get the EZ Rec-Rack Roof Top Carrier for a price of under $680. Get yours today!