You’re in for a treat when you visit Lover’s Key, Florida for your first kayaking trip! Before you get your kayak rental, it’s good to familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of kayaking.
Check out our kayaking tips for beginners below!
Kayaking Tips for Beginners
There’s a little more to kayaking than just sticking the paddle in the water and moving it. There’s equipment, clothing, and other things to consider.
Read on to find out more!
Dress with the Water in Mind
For the majority of the year, it’s hot, hot, hot in Florida. You’ll want to wear typical summer attire such as t-shirts and shorts when you go kayaking.
Even though the weather can reach blistering temperatures, water is slow to heat. If you fall in, it’ll likely be cool enough to give you a chill. And then there’s the breeze to think about, which will make you feel cold if you get wet.
In wintertime, which is the high season for Florida, this temperature difference is especially true. Air temperatures often fluctuates from the 50’s into the high 70’s and 80’s in the afternoons, whereas the water stays steadily in the 60’s.
Rent the Right Paddle
Recreational paddles are different from those developed for intense whitewater rapids. Those paddles are short so as to allow for easy, quick paddling.
Recreational paddles, on the other hand, are longer as they’re built for leisurely paddling. Even so, your size and the size of your kayak matter when it comes to picking out a paddle.
The shorter you are, the shorter your paddle should be. A paddle that’s too long will be tiresome and troublesome to paddle. Likewise, a taller person will find a shorter paddle inefficient and will be unable to reach the water.
That said, if your kayak is bigger, you may need to consider a longer paddle regardless of your size.
Wear Buoyancy Aids
Buoyancy aids are a kind of lifesaving vest that allows for more movement in the arm and neck areas. Because they are built for physical activity, they are more appropriate to wear while kayaking.
It is recommended you wear a buoyancy aid even if you’re a strong swimmer. If you fall out of the kayak, you could hit your head or sustain some other injury. Buoyancy aids will help keep you afloat if you are rendered unable to swim for whatever reason.
Maintain Correct Sitting Posture
One of the most important kayaking tips for beginners is to maintain correct sitting posture.
Sitting upright in the cockpit can be tiring, but staying upright is better than straining your muscles.
Bend your knees and make sure there is enough space for your legs to move around.
Paddle Correctly
When your paddle is in the water, pull it towards you. But don’t pull too hard or grip the paddle too tightly. Doing so will hurt your arms and hands as well as tense them up so they can’t move as freely.
Additionally, maintain your balance by staying upright with your nose lined up with the tip of the boat. When you’re balanced, you won’t have to worry about the kayak overturning and throwing you into the water.
Finally, paddle lightly, not roughly.
Check out More Fun Activities!
Kayaking isn’t the only activity that Lovers Key Adventures covers. We also make sure Lover’s Key visitors can enjoy our best fishing, biking, and hiking spots!
For more information about all of our activities and rentals, please feel free to reach out to us today!
Lovers Key Adventures
8700 Estero Blvd,
Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
239-765-7788
