| 6 Top (ish) Tips for Beginner Kayakers After a rather tragic amount of internet browsing, I have realised that it is a somewhat confusing world in which first-time kayakers must find their feet. This article combines the advice that I give to people getting into canoeing and kayaking, with a series of links to other more useful sources of information. So here we go, 6 top tips for the novice kayaker (because 5 is not enough and 10 is too cliché!) |  Enjoying the early days at Symonds Yat |
1. Network
We kayakers will often display similar characteristics to wild animals but trust me, we rarely bite. Networking with us is probably the best way to follow the other 5 tips in this list… maybe I shouldn’t bother writing the rest… but then I would have to do some real work.
| Most of us are sociable creatures and are very keen to help other people get out and enjoy the water. There are a range of groups on Facebook where you can meet other people, post your questions and receive a range of annoying and contradictory advice. Here are just a few: |  Wild kayakers. Fear not, networking is rarely this intimate. |
Alternatively, get in touch with me via Email or Twitter. I am happy to answer questions and have only ever bitten one person and even that was just a freak accident. And I chipped a tooth.
2. Try A Canoe Club
| The canoe club scene is not for everyone that’s for sure (fewer wild animal types) but it can be a great way to get into the sport and to start your networking. Canoe England has sponsored many clubs across the country to run Go Canoeing Starter Sessions throughout the summer. These are open to almost anybody and are a great way to turn up with no kit or experience, have a go, and get wet! Click Here to find a session near you. |  A Starter Session at my local club, Bath Canoe Club |
3. Think About Why You Want to Paddle
| This is not strictly necessary. It might just be my inner organised person trying to fight their way out again. The organised me found this to be a great way of making sure that your love for the sport doesn’t fade. For example, if you started paddling so that you could spend more time with the family, a three month whitewater expedition to Nepal may not be the best option for you. If however, you started paddling for the adrenaline rush, Nepal is probably a better choice for you than an open-boat trip down the Wye Valley. The organised me also feels that such considerations can come in very handy when making choices about kit, which brings me on to my fourth tip… |  It's the sense of adventure that does it for me |
4. Don't Rush Out and Buy All the Gear
No topic brings out the geeky side of paddlesports enthusiasts better than the topic of gear. I am almost reluctant to say anything about it given that such discussions nearly always ruffle someone’s feathers, “blah… blah… it’s dangerous to paddle naked… blah… blah”. It’s always the same argument.
In spite of my reluctance, the question of what to buy and when is probably the one question that I get asked the most, so I will sacrifice my sanity and give you my advice.
In spite of my reluctance, the question of what to buy and when is probably the one question that I get asked the most, so I will sacrifice my sanity and give you my advice.
| Firstly, don’t be the person with ‘all the gear but no idea’. Paddlesports kit is very shiny and colourful so it can be tempting to rush out and spend as much money as possible but the reality is, your needs will quickly change. It’s worth waiting until you are sure of your preferred discipline and have had a chance to steal… I mean try out some other people’s kit before you get your own. |  You can paddle naked, just choose your time carefully |
Having said that, it is important to stay safe on the water and one of the best ways to do that is to stay warm. Make sure that you steer clear of wearing cotton and go for some synthetic fibres instead. These will keep you much warmer and make you less likely to sink when you’re in the water.
 Appropriate clothing for the Scottish summer | Many beginners wear a wetsuit when they first start out. They do make you look a bit like a lycra-clad cyclist but the embarrassment is probably worth it for the warmth. If you can’t borrow one from a friend, Tesco’s Winter Sports Range (who knew?!) have some that start at around £35, or you can get some really good second-hand deals on ebay. Top tip alert! Wear a pair of old waterproofs on top of your wetsuit to keep the wind out and you will be pleasantly surprised (and slightly horrified) by the nasty warm fug that builds up inside. Also, dress for the weather when you get off the water when you are likely to be at your coldest. |
If you’re still confused about kit, don’t panic! Your local canoe club should be able to give you advice and will have all the kit you need to get out there and have a good time.
5. Stay Safe
I know what you’re thinking, “Yes Muuuuum”, but this stuff can be easy to gloss over when you first start out with your aspirations of a round the world voyage or some whitewater Chilean charging.
It seems pretty obvious that the best way to have a good time is to stay safe, so here’s how:
It seems pretty obvious that the best way to have a good time is to stay safe, so here’s how:
- Keep warm… done that.
- Fit your kit… It’s hilarious to watch someone’s flailing legs as they get their buoyancy aid pulled over their face when they are being scooped out of the water. Don’t be that person. Tighten your straps.
- Dream big by all means, but know your limits and listen to your gut… It takes bigger balls to walk away from something than to go ahead ignoring that feeling that something’s not right.
- If a swan seems angry, it’s not because he needs a hug.
6. Say Yes More
| This is more of a tip for life than a tip for kayaking but I like to think of it as a transferrable skill. I keep it in mind every time an opportunity comes my way and it is the starting point of most of the amazing and random activities which feature in my other blog posts. Since I started consciously saying yes more, I am simply happier. You can’t really ask for more than that can you? |  |
So there we go. 6 top tips for the beginner kayaker. It’s not a comprehensive list by any stretch of the imagination and they are tips rather than rules, but they’re not a bad start.
So get out there, have fun and remember… don’t hug swans…
So get out there, have fun and remember… don’t hug swans…
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