So you’ve got the tools. You have your kayak. All that remains is for you to jump in and begin your adventure. Except that’s the difficult part…
You may be concerned about venturing out on your own. That is very typical! Knowing what you need to be able to accomplish or have is crucial for any water sport, especially if you’re alone. We encourage that you follow these rules to ensure your safety and enjoyment of the experience.
What gear should I bring for solo kayaking?
Reliable self-recovery abilities are self-evident! It’s a good idea to begin by kayaking with others – if your friends aren’t interested, join a group. This is so you may become accustomed to the activity and become acquainted with the skills required to maintain your safety at all times.
Practice solo launching and landing – you don’t want to tumble out of your kayak by yourself just to find that you can’t get back in…
Navigation skills/tools – plan your trip ahead of time. If you’re just starting out, stick to familiar routes until you’re comfortable going solo. It’s easy to get off track, so be sure you have the energy and particular awareness to get back home!
Signaling equipment should comprise a VHF radio, a mobile phone, a whistle, a flare pistol, a flashlight, and other items.
Personal Flotation Device – At all times, a buoyancy aid should be worn.
Waterproof bag/pouch – to keep personal belongings safe.
Weather forecasting – listen to your maritime prediction ahead of time so you can plan your voyage properly.
Water
A full and well-nourished stomach! Never go kayaking if you are hungry.
Even on group travels, the equipment listed above is always useful to have on hand. Remember to ease into solo paddling by starting with shorter trips in known locations. You can begin to challenge yourself more as you gain confidence and your skills become second nature.
Kayaking alone carries risks.
It’s critical to be aware of the risks and perils of paddling alone. Because you may not be able to rely on others to get you out of trouble, you must have the skills and attitude to deal with difficult situations. This is not to argue that solo kayaking isn’t enjoyable. That sensation of spending time to absorb nature and clear your mind is just unrivalled. The increased responsibility and caution required to do it alone comes with a fantastic sense of accomplishment. As you adjust and gain confidence, your motivation to study and practise grows.
Top Solo Kayaker Tips
Inform someone that you will be kayaking alone. Give them a deadline for hearing from you so they know how long they have to wait before raising the alarm.
If you rent a kayak, inform the company of your intended return date and who to call if something goes wrong.
Wear a personal flotation device at all times.
In case your kayak flips, secure your bag to the net.
Don’t freak out if something goes wrong! Take a deep breath, pause, and consider your options. Maintaining as much calm as possible will prevent you from making rash decisions.