Section 2: Learning to Sea Kayak

How do I learn to kayak?

There are lots of options:

1. Buy a boat, take it out and paddle, teach yourself from harsh experience. Books and some videos are available. See the list at the end of the FAQ. Seidman's _The Essential Sea Kayaker_ and Foster's _Sea Kayaking_ are particularly good for beginners. This can be a dangerous way to go.

2. Go on a guided trip. Most outfitters provide guides, equipment, and instruction.

3. Take a class. Many shops that sell sea kayaks have an instructional program. The American Canoe Association and other national paddlesport organizations also offer sea kayak instruction.

4. Join a local club and paddle with some experienced paddlers. Many clubs offer some level of kayak instruction.

********

Am I ready to go kayaking on my own?

Turing test for sea kayaking, or, are you ready to do a coastal kayaking trip on your own?

These questions are not intended to tell anyone that they can or can't go out kayaking on their own. They are simply a quick survey of the knowledge/skills that are helpful in coastal kayaking. You have to decide for yourself what you are capable of.

Equipment

Do you own your own boat(s)?
What kind?
What size/kind of hatches does it have?
Does it have watertight bulkheads?
What sort of deck rigging has your boat got?
Does it have a rudder?
Can you fix your boat if it breaks?
Do you have a spare paddle?
Do you have a paddle float?
A pump?

Loading and Camping

Have you ever paddled a loaded boat?
Have your ever loaded a boat?
What sort of camping equipment do you own?
How comfortable are you camping in bad weather conditions?

Cold Water

Have you ever dealt with cold water conditions?
What kind of paddling clothes do you have to deal with cold water?
What are the effects of cold shock?
Do you know how to prevent it?
What are the symptoms of hypothermia?
What about hyperthermia?

Travelling in Seas

Do you know how far you can travel in a day with a loaded boat?
How about in a headwind?
How about with following seas?
Do you know your limits with respect to wind/weather/sea conditions you are comfortable paddling in, or have you only paddled calm seas?
Would you know when it is not safe to paddle?
Have you ever paddled in surf?
Do you know how wind/weather/topography/tides affect sea conditions?

Signalling

Do you own a weather radio?
How about a marine VHF 2-way radio?
Do you know different ways to signal for help if you need it?
What types of signalling equipment do you own?

Rescues

Do you know how to reenter your boat with or without assistance should you tip over and have to exit?
What sea conditions are you capable of doing this in?
Have you ever tipped over and exited your boat?
Do you have a roll?
How are your braces?

Navigation

Can you navigate in a kayak if you can't see your destination?
Do you own a compass?
Hand held or deck mount?
Do you know how to use a nautical chart and protractor?
Do you know how to correct for magnetic declination?
How do you decide when not to go?

Tides and Tidal Currents

What do you know about tides and tidal currents?
How do they affect sea conditions?

Injury

Do you know what to do if someone gets hurt?
Are you prepared to tow?

Experience

Have you ever taken a coastal kayaking class?
Have you ever gone on an extended kayaking trip?

********************************************************************************