| Recreational kayaking can be described as using a | | | | excess water as well as re-enter the kayak should |
| kayak that is meant for calm water and paddling near | | | | you tip. |
| shore. This can mean kayaking on a lake, a slow | | | | - Ask yourself if you are able to swim in the clothes |
| moving river or the shoreline of the ocean. Often | | | | that you are wearing. It is unlikely you would ever |
| times these kayaks do not have rudders, may have | | | | have to, but it is certainly possible. If you are not |
| open cockpits and sometimes are even inflatable | | | | able to swim in what you are wearing then you have |
| kayaks. It usually doesn't mean expeditions, | | | | a problem. Dress for the water as well as for the |
| whitewater kayaking or open water crossings. | | | | elements. |
| Keeping that in mind, if you are recreational kayaking | | | | - If you do have to swim to shore, is there help |
| do you know what safety tips you should consider | | | | nearby if you need it? Be aware of your |
| before you start paddling? | | | | environment, what is close by and where the nearest |
| Recreational Kayaking Safety Tips | | | | help is should you need it. There can be some |
| Recreational kayakers make up the majority of | | | | stunning isolated lakes an rivers that can be very |
| kayaking people. Often times those who purchase a | | | | tempting to paddle, but if there is no one else around |
| recreational kayak have had little to no training in | | | | and you are an inexperienced kayak, who will help |
| kayaking safety education. Whether paddling a | | | | you if you need it? |
| hard-shelled kayak or an inflatable kayak, there are a | | | | - If you do end up having to swim in the water, do |
| few points to remember and take note of before | | | | you have the right gear to get yourself warm once |
| you enter the water. | | | | you reach the shore? Always have extra gear and |
| - Only take a recreational kayak out on calm water | | | | warm clothes with you should you need them. |
| or slow moving rivers during very mild weather. The | | | | Recreational kayaking can be a huge amount of fun |
| recreational kayak was not built to withstand harsh | | | | and offer some excellent wildlife viewing as well as |
| conditions, whitewater rapids or choppy water. Take | | | | great exercise and a relaxing environment. Equip |
| not of the wind factor before heading out for the | | | | yourself with a little safety information before you hit |
| day. | | | | the water. Knowing you are prepared for the unlikely |
| - Stay close enough to the shoreline that you can | | | | event that things don't go smoothly will allow you to |
| easily get help or swim back if you needed to. | | | | relax and enjoy your ride. Stay safe, be prepared |
| Recreational kayaks are usually not equipped for | | | | and always keep your eye on the shoreline. |
| heavy flooding and can be difficult to bail out any | | | | |