Are you ready to try kayaking for the first time or want to train your children on how to do it?
Then it’s imperative to learn some of the safety basics first. Any water activity involves certain risk, but you can minimize that it with the proper know-how. Your friends at Yak Shack Watersports would like to offer a few pointers.
Best Ways to Stay Safe While Kayaking as a Beginner
- Get Some Proper Equipment – Before even selecting a kayak, always make sure you put on the right safety equipment. This includes Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), AKA life jackets. That alone makes a substantial difference for water safety among beginners or advanced kayakers alike. Then, you’ll want to make sure you have other helpful items like paddles, a whistle, and the kayak itself. You can stop by our shop in Bradenton and rent them anytime. Our kayaks range from $40 to $90, suitable for single participants or tandem kayaking. Finally, given our sunny Florida location, you’ll want to dress for lots of UV rays with sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.
- Pay Attention to Weather/Water Conditions – Obviously, you don’t want to begin your kayaking hobby during a t-storm or hurricane. There are other subtle hazards to watch for as well, though. The water temperature, currents, and tides all affect how you would maneuver to protect yourself while kayaking.
- Learn Basics Kayaking Techniques – Here’s where it really pays to have an instructor show you proper kayaking form. It’s easy for beginners to over-exert themselves with inefficient strokes, leaving them exhausted after the first half hour. You should also familiarize yourself with the safety signals and hand gestures kayakers will use to give directions or indicate distress.
Join Yak Shack Watersports for a Private Kayaking Tour!
Our guided private kayaking tours are a terrific way to learn the basics, including how to judge difficult water conditions. Under our guidance, even young children can learn how to do this safely and get great exercise all the while. These are delightful two-hour excursions where you get the chance to check out gorgeous locations like Anna Maria Island, Emerson Point, Coquina Beach, and Neal Preserve.
Yak Shack Watersports is the best spot in Bradenton to take advantage of kayaking tours, rent equipment, and enjoy a ton of fun for adults and children. Our team can show you the ropes so you can safely kayak anywhere around Florida. You can contact us anytime to schedule a tour or learn more by calling 941-223-9711.