Adventure-filled activities such as kayaking ensure the most memorable vacations. If you have not tried kayaking before, being equipped with all the necessary information about the sport will keep you on the right track. Kayaking is an ideal watersport for those who want to stay away from mundane activities. Being a beginner should not deter you from trying your hand at this watersport.
What Should You Expect From Kayaking?
While kayaking is an exciting sport, you need to be knowledgeable about its ins and outs so you can enjoy it to the fullest. When you learn about kayaking, make sure you know where you want to go. The right gear is essential to ensure safety and a pleasant paddle. There are many types of kayaking for you to consider: sea kayaking, whitewater kayaking, recreational kayaking, touring, kayak fishing, kayak camping, and sit-on-top kayaking. You need to know what type of kayaking your destination offers because each type requires different skills and gear.
When renting kayaks on the Gulf Coast (and that includes Lovers Key State Park), you are typically looking at sit-on-top recreational kayaking.
Choosing Your Kayaking Gear
Now that you know the type of kayaking you will be enjoying, the next thing you need to think about is the kayaking gear you should purchase.
Expect hot weather and warm water in Southwest Florida for most of the year. It is therefore highly recommended to wear sun protection such as sunblock, hats, and SPF protective clothing.
You will typically be exploring back-bays, estuaries, and mangrove tunnels. Although some people might choose to go barefoot, some quick-drying, comfortable water shoes are a great addition to your beach wardrobe. If you need to get out of your kayak for any reason, closed shoes that won’t come off and float away will protect your feet from shells, mangrove roots and so forth.
A pair of polarized sunglasses will help provide relief from the glare as well as making it easier to spot things in the water such as fish, manatees, crabs, and dolphins.
A pair of gloves will also come in handy to prevent blisters. If you’re taking it easy and not going far, you can skip these, but so often the excitement of exploring takes over! If you don’t plan to do this often, a cheap pair of good fitting gardening gloves with fingers cut off works just fine. You could also try looking for gym gloves.
Kayaking Skills To Acquire
Although kayaking may appear to be effortless, you need to acquire necessary skills for paddling to remain effective. It might seem like some paddlers uses minimal exertion. This is partly true because they understand proper form and different types of strokes. Forward stroke may be the most common type, but other types are handy to learn. Some of the common types of kayak stroke include forward kayak stroke, kayak backstroke, kayak draw stroke, kayak reverse stroke, spin maneuver, and forward sweep stroke.
Place your hands shoulder width apart, with a loose overhand grip. Make sure the curve of the paddle is facing towards you. A good tip is to push the opposite hand (the one on the side that is out of the water) away from you, instead of pulling the side in the water towards you. It might take some time to perfect this technique, but once you get it, paddling is a lot easier.
Enjoyment should be your primary goal for choosing kayaking. Regardless of your reason for kayaking, be it for fishing, camping, relaxation or serenity, it is essential that you explore and have fun. One thing that makes kayaking more enjoyable is the bond you form with a group of kayakers who shares the same passion and goals as you. These days, there are many kayaking get-togethers and festivals you can check out. So try it out by renting, and who knows, it might just become a lifelong hobby.
With proper kayaking gear and equipment, skills, and knowledge, this watersport highly enjoyable. If you want to step out of your comfort zone and try something new, kayaking is a must-try activity.
Lovers Key Adventures
8700 Estero Blvd,
Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
239-765-7788
