No matter how experienced you are in the water, anyone can have an emergency situation happen to them out of the blue while kayaking.
Whether it's a sudden storm, suddenly fast rapids, or an unexpected capsizing, it's important to know what to do in an emergency and how to react. To keep yourself and anyone else with you safe, here are four tips to help you avoid a kayaking trip gone wrong.
Whether you've been kayaking your entire life or are a complete newbie, you should never venture onto the water by yourself.
Always have at least one other kayaker with you who is old enough and capable enough to be able to assist you in an emergency.
Also, however many kayakers you have with you, each kayak should contain limited emergency supplies. These supplies ought to include a first aid kit and rope that can be used to tow a kayak back to shore. You should also keep a life preserver in every kayak in a place where you can easily reach it.
In addition, even if you aren't required to wear a life vest by law, you should wear one at all times. And you should especially wear one when you're ocean or white water kayaking.
While kayaks are generally safe and secure vessels, waves from passing boats, ocean currents, or rapids can cause it to flip.
In the event that your kayak flips, it's important to always remain calm.
Getting out of a kayak is easy. However, it is important to know your surroundings.
Before going kayaking, be sure to protect what is known as the "wet-exit."
First, instead of trying to spring yourself out of the kayak and into the water beneath you, bend forward until your face is nearly level with the kayak to prevent your head from hitting a rock under water.
Second, push the kayak up and away from your body and swim to the surface. If you're wearing a life preserver, it should be much easier to free yourself.
If you have never been white water rafting in Class V rapids, you should definitely save doing so for after you've gained a lot of experience kayaking in easier rapids. It's very important that you work your way to such a challenging course.
Besides, no matter where you kayak, you'll likely find something to enjoy (whether it's jetting along the water, the quietude of nature, or the waterside scenery). And sticking with where you're comfortable while you develop your skills is the best way to get the most out of the sport.
Regardless of where you are kayaking, it's important to wear the right equipment.
If you're going kayaking through whitewater rapids, a helmet is a must. In addition, always have a hat and sunglasses that can protect your face and eyes from the sun.
You should also bring a windbreaker for recreational kayaking or a wetsuit for more advanced kayaking.
Keep these four tips in mind when setting out on your night kayaking trip, and you'll have a much easier time avoiding whatever emergencies or disasters that can be avoided.
