Top 6 mistakes to avoid on your kayak excursions
Mistakes to avoid on your kayak excursions:Going on a kayak excursion is a unique adventure that will allow you to have wonderful contact with nature, visit incredible places, including some that you can only access using this versatile boat.
However, when you decide to go on a kayak excursion, like any other type of trip, there are factors that you must take into account when planning your trip.
It is very common that sometimes, some details are overlooked and we end up forgetting them completely, but when it comes to kayak adventures these mistakes can be harmful to your health, and can even threaten your life and your safety.
On the contrary, if you take the necessary precautions, you will be prepared for the majority of unforeseen events and your excursions will be so rewarding that in a short time you will want to repeat them.
Table of contentsÂ
1 Adventure alone by kayak
2 Forget about sun protection and hydration
3 Not carrying an emergency kit in your kayak
4 Not checking the weather conditions before venturing out
5 Go beyond what you can get
6 Forget the repair kit
7 Do not wear a life jacket
Adventure alone by kayak
No matter how expert you are in kayaking, it is always advisable to go on an excursion in the company of a group of friends or family.
A common mistake many people make is going on a walk all alone. Although going alone can be relaxing, it is a dangerous decision, because in cases of emergency you will not have anyone to help you.
Many expert kayakers consider traveling accompanied as one of the main rules that must be followed. This is because many people today are still alive thanks to the fact that they were accompanied on their excursions.
It is no secret to anyone that kayaking is a water sport, depending on where you practice it, it can be considered an extreme sport, which has many risks involved.
Going with your kayak is the wisest decision you can make.
And more if you are going to go to the sea. And if not, look at some news in the newspapers, like this one from El PaÃs in which it is recounted how an Argentine was rescued in the water after spending two days adrift in a kayak.
Forget about sun protection and hydration
In the practice of any sport where you are exposed to the sun, and where caloric expenditure is high, it is essential to be protected from environmental factors and to be well hydrated. Kayak excursions are no exception to this important rule.
Being exposed to the sun for so many hours, coupled with the energy demands of kayaking, can cause heat loss or dehydration in a matter of minutes. For these reasons, it is essential to always be equipped with a canteen filled with water.
A common mistake is waiting until you are very thirsty to drink water. In these cases, it is advisable to take small sips of water every so often, in order to keep your body hydrated.
Additionally, another mistake kayakers make, especially novices is hiking without proper sun protection and clothing. Although exposure to the sun is necessary to synthesize vitamin D, prolonged exposure can be detrimental to your health and can have fatal consequences, in the short, medium, or long term.
Regardless of the date of the year, there are clothes designed to protect you from the sun and weather factors, and even today there are smart clothes that adapt to both cold and heat.
Not carrying an emergency kit in your kayak
A fatal mistake is forgetting the emergency kit. A first aid kit should be an essential part of your kayak equipment, being as important as your paddle or your own equipment.
This kit can save your life in the event of an emergency.
Remember to always keep the first-aid kit stocked, with the medicines and materials that will help you to act in the event of an accident. Each kit must be adjusted to the needs of the crew and must be adapted to the length of the journey.
It is important to include in this kit instruments such as knives, compass, energy bars, flashlights, flares, and anything else that can save your life in an emergency (you can consult our section on kayak accessories ).
And you also have to take into account if you have any kind of limitation or a crew member needs a specific medication. It is especially important in these cases to carry extra doses of medications in case any unforeseen event happens that forces us to spend more hours than planned on the excursion.
Failing to check the weather conditions before venturing out
Many people who hike often make this mistake, which can cost them their lives. Failure to check the weather conditions before going on an excursion can turn your adventure ride into a tragedy.
It is important that you take into account that kayaking, being an outdoor water sport, is directly affected by weather conditions.
Therefore, before leaving home, it is not enough to look at the sky to check if it is cloudy or sunny, you must go further, and review weather reports from experts. This part of planning will not only save you the hassle, but it can also save you from a hard time.
Not to mention if you’re going to go out to sea. In this case, it is advisable to check the expected weather conditions and local information about the area where you are going to sail.
Go beyond what you can get
No matter how adventurous you are, it is important that you take into account your capabilities and limitations, they will show you how far you can go.
A common mistake is planning strenuous rides without having trained enough beforehand. This implies that when you have to return, your strength may be weak and you may have a hard time.
When planning your trip, take into account the time and effort of the trip, so that you can go and return safely. And it counts in this planning not only with you but with the crew members who are going to be part of the excursion.
Forget the repair kit
Although the kayaks are made with resistant materials that adapt to different environments, carrying the repair kit can save you a bad time.
You will not be the first person that without thinking about it in the middle of the excursion, the kayak breaks down due to receiving a blow, but with the repair kit, this will only be a small mishap that you can solve immediately.
It is also important that you take into account the kayak you are carrying and what waters you are going to navigate. For example, it is generally a bad idea to navigate through rocky areas, but it is even worse if you are sailing with an inflatable kayak, as the chances of you hitting will be extremely high.
Do not wear a life jacket
No matter how good a swimmer you are, not wearing a life jacket is a huge mistake that can cost you dearly. There are different types of vests that adapt to the size of the crew member, some even have comfortable pockets that allow you to store small useful accessories, such as a whistle or knife.
The color of the life preserver must be such that it is easy to see at sea by any other vessel. Make sure to always include the vest as part of your clothing and safety accessories.
Now, these are just some of the mistakes that you should avoid on your kayaking excursions so that you can enjoy this fun activity, safely and not turn your day out into a bad experience that you will not forget.
Thank you very much for reading this post
