A beginner’s guide to kayaking

03 Dec 2015

Kayaking is a great low-impact activity that works your body and allows you to enjoy your beautiful surroundings at the same time. Here’s how to get started.

A great workout for everyone

Not only does kayaking improve aerobics fitness, flexibility and strength, it’s also a great way to sightsee and check out parts of your city that are only visible from the water, says Angela Welsh, instructor at Sydney Harbour Kayaks. People of all fitness levels and abilities can go kayaking. 

“Kayaking is good for your core and when you paddle, it’s best to rotate your torso to engage your ab muscles and quads. Kayaking allows you to use the larger muscle groups too,” she adds.

What do you learn during kayaking lessons?

Signing up for classes mean that you can learn basic techniques like forward and reverse paddling, sweep strokes, the emergency stop, the hip flick, which helps to stop you from capsizing and draw strokes to help you go sideways. You’ll also learn what to do if you capsize and how to handle different weather conditions, too.

Where should you go kayaking?

There are many beautiful estuaries, rivers, harbours and lakes you can go kayaking on, but don’t go anywhere where there are ferries and boats. Ideally, it’s best to stick to a more protected area.

The best weather conditions

According to Angela, the lower the wind the better, although you can go kayaking in different conditions. Rain isn’t a problem either, as you can always pop on a spray jacket to protect you from the elements. 

“If the wind is under 10 knots, it’s perfect. Ten to 15 is good, but if it’s between 15 and 20 knots, it’s getting a bit windy and unsafe to go kayaking. If there are gale force winds up to 30 knots, people shouldn’t go out in those conditions,” she says. 

Safety tips

Whenever you are on the water, it’s important that you wear a protected flotation device, as well as covered shoes. Neoprene kayaking booties with rubber soles will protect your feet in case you get out of your kayak on a beach and there are rocks or oyster shells around, Angela recommends. 

“When going on a kayaking lesson or tour, it’s important to let your guide or instructor know if you have any medical conditions that might affect you during physical activities – such as asthma, a heart condition, diabetes, and so forth,” she adds. “That way, your guide or instructor will be aware, and can provide assistance, if needed.”