One of the most important aspects of getting out on the water when kayaking is ensuring that you stay safe throughout your whole expedition. From changes in weather to unexpected changes in the course of the water you’re following, being prepared is key to ensuring your safety and the safety of those around you.
Kayaking can be a really enjoyable and relaxing hobby, but at the end of the day, you are also outside in nature, dealing with waterways which can often be unpredictable and sometimes dangerous.
At Cambridge Kayaks, we are experts in ensuring that our customers get the most out of their kayaking experiences, including ensuring they pick kayaks for sale that are suitable for their abilities and skills.
Here in our latest blog post, we’ll be sharing our top tips for staying safe on the water – whether you’re heading to the coast or paddling along inland waterways.
1. Always have safety equipment on you
It goes without saying that you should never go out on the water without a life belt or flotation device. It doesn’t matter what type of water you’re kayaking on, having a life jacket is the number one safety precaution you need to take before you set out on your trip. It’s also important to ensure that your flotation device fits correctly in order to provide effective protection if you were to fall into the water.
When considering what to wear kayaking, it doesn’t matter what type of water you’re kayaking on; having a life jacket is the number one safety precaution you need to take before you set out on your trip.
2. Plan your journey and tell someone where you are going
Ensure you have your entire journey planned out before you set off. Getting lost and disorientated could result in you staying out a lot longer than planned and potentially getting cold as nighttime rolls in.
You should always have on you a means of contacting someone if you do get into trouble (for example your mobile phone), however, you should bear in mind that if you are out on the open water you could end up having very little mobile signal. Because of this, we always recommend that you let someone know where you are going and what time you should be back, so they can raise the alarm if they become worried about your whereabouts.
3. Be aware of the weather forecast and the times of high and low tide
In the UK, the weather can change in the blink of an eye. You may set off in the morning with glorious sunshine, but by lunchtime, you could be dealing with torrential rain. Consequently, it’s important that you check the weather forecast before you set off and dress appropriately for the weather. The best thing to do is to layer up, so you can add or remove layers depending on what the weather does. Of course, if the weather looks terrible, it’s best to not venture out at all!
For those who enjoy coastal kayaking, always check the times of the high and low tide as well, so you know how best to plan your journey according to what the sea is doing.