How to learn to kayak

So you’ve heard about kayaking; would love to try it but don’t know how to begin, where to go or what to do.

That was me about twenty years ago. I loved to canoe, wanted to try kayaking, but didn’t know how to start.

So if you don’t own a kayak and don’t know anyone that kayaks then how do you start?

I was lucky, the local sporting outfitter in my town was having a kayak demo day on a lake by my home. They gave me a quick paddling lesson, supplied the pfd, and told me to get in a kayak and go paddle around.

That was it. I was hooked! This was the beginning of kayaking for me. I was lucky that an opportunity came around.

But before you run out and buy a kayak, you should try to paddle different types of kayaks to find the one that best fits your style and the type of paddling you want to do.

Now that sounds like a great idea, but if you don’t know anyone who has a kayak, how do you try different types of kayaks?

Here are a few suggestions:

• Check with your local kayak or outdoor outfitters to see if they have a kayak demo day. Ask if they offer kayak lessons.
• Check with your State Parks, to see if they have guided kayak tours or kayak rentals. You may find places to kayak.
• Check with kayak clubs in your area.
• Attend a kayak race or kayaking event.

Sometimes races or events have outfitter sponsors that can answer questions, give information, or have demo kayaks. By attending a race or event you would have an opportunity to see different types of kayaks and speak with other kayakers. Many races and events look for volunteers to help out.

Search our races & events page for the events near you. You can search by U.S. State or by month.

You don’t need a racing kayak to enter a race. Many kayak races have different categories for different size and types of kayaks. There are kayak races for whitewater and flatwater.

• Check with kayak rental companies. Many rental companies are near rivers and lakes.  Many will take you to the water, pick you up, and bring you back. Some may have guides.
• Take a kayaking trip (kayak tour) from a travel touring company. There are many different types of kayaking tours and kayaking trips you can go on.

Here are some of the many different types of kayaks available.

Recreational kayaks
Sit on Top
Inflatable kayaks
Tandem (2 person kayak)
Whitewater Kayaks
Fishing kayaks
Sea Touring kayaks
Touring kayaks
Kayaks for kids

For more information on kayaking, check out our Paddling How section or click on the links below:

How to choose a kayak

How to choose a kayak paddle

Choosing a roof rack

First Aid Kits for paddlers

Storing a Kayak

Kayak Safety

Looking for more information on beginner kayaking click here to find kayaking books and dvds.

My kayak is a Perception Swifty, which is 9.5 ft long and weighs about 38 lbs. This kayak is easy to handle and very stable with a wide cockpit to easily get in and out of. When I paddle, I use a spray skirt to cover the cockpit to keep the water and hot sun off my legs.

I love to paddle on lakes and rivers (some whitewater) and my Swifty is easy to maneuver and control especially with the adjustable foot braces.

The carry handles on the Swifty makes it easy to carry and I have no problem securing the kayak to my roof rack and kayak rack. One thing that is a must with the Swifty is a cockpit cover. I bought mine for $20 and it’s great at keeping those spiders and bugs out of the boat. When I’m not using my Swifty I hang it on a kayak sling.

I have been kayaking for twenty years and have paddled many different types of kayaks but the Swifty which is great for beginner and experienced kayakers is the only kayak I have ever owned.

The only disappointment I have about my Swifty is when I bought it, they didn’t offer it in all the cool colors that they have now. It’s tempting to get a new colorful one.  

What’s your kayak?

If you’re looking for a kayak then check out our how to choose a kayak page to help you choose the right kayak for you!

If you’re looking to buy a kayak, then check out our shopping for great deals for kayaks page. You can find some great deals on kayaks from online stores.