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.

Well, as much as we hate to admit it, for many of us, it’s getting near time to put up the kayak and canoe for the winter.

If you’re lucky enough to live in a warmer region you may not need to put up your boat just yet, or at all. But there will be times when you’ll want to store your boat for a while, so this post will be equally helpful to you.

There are several ways to store your kayak when the paddling season ends. You can hang them on straps, stand them upright, store them upside down, or on their side. But there are some pre-storage steps you need to do first, whichever way you choose to store your kayak.

When preparing to store your kayak:

• Wash it, especially if you paddle in salt water. Make sure to dry it completely.
• Cover the cockpit with a cockpit cover to keep bugs and other pests from making your kayak their home.
• Avoid sun and weather. This will help keep your kayak’s hull from deforming, cracking, or fading.
• Store your kayak off the ground. This will protect your kayak from moisture and extreme temperature changes.

To protect your kayak from the elements store indoors like a garage, basement, shed etc. If you do not have room to store indoors than store under a shelter or overhang.

If you do not have a shelter you can build a very simple one using a weather resistant tarp. You will want to hang the tarp over your kayak. Do not wrap or cover your kayak with the tarp because this may promote moisture and mold.

You can hang your kayak from straps or place it on sawhorses. You will want to support your kayak and distribute the weight evenly at several points along the length. You can use straps or cradles to distribute weight evenly.

Your other kayak, canoe and paddling equipment will need some pre-storage care as well, so:

• Don’t forget to clean and dry your life vest ( PFD), paddles, accessories, and store in a cool, dry, place. You can hang them or store them flat.

IMPORTANT! Protect your kayak against theft:

If you are storing you kayak outside, find a spot that is hidden from view. You don’t want to make it easy for someone to just carry it off. You may want to consider locking your kayak to heavy/non movable objects using a cable and lock.

If you need some of the essentials we’ve talked about in this article, here are a couple of links to reputable kayak, canoe and paddling gear dealers:

Kayak Cockpit Covers can be found at Altrec.com, just click this link to browse their selection.

Boaters World offers a simple $10.99 tarp, click here to take a look at it and see if it will work for you.

If you have any tips for our readers about storing a canoe, kayak or other paddling gear, please let us know by either leaving a comment on this post or clicking here to use our handy contact form.