Complete Guide to Kayaking for Beginners: How to Get Started
Kayaking is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding ways to explore the great outdoors. Luckily, it’s also an easy sport to start at any age, making kayaking fun for beginners.
If you’re new to kayaking, follow the proper steps and tips to stay safe. While kayaking is relatively easy, you’ll have much more fun on the water if you're well-prepared.
Ready to get started? Here’s our complete kayaking guide for beginners.
At Skyhook, we offer a wide range of kayak tours suitable for beginners and pros alike. Check out our paddling trips if you’re inspired to start kayaking.
What is Kayaking?
Let’s start this beginner’s guide to kayaking by covering what exactly kayaking is (and isn’t).
Kayaking is a water sport where you paddle a small, narrow boat called a kayak using a double-bladed paddle. You sit inside the kayak and move through the water with the paddle.
You probably already knew this, but you might not know the difference between kayaking vs. canoeing.
You use a single-bladed paddle with canoeing and aren’t ‘enclosed’ in the boat. In a kayak, you sit in the boat and use a double-bladed paddle.
Kayaks come in different sizes and shapes for various activities, but recreational kayaks are the most common for beginners.
These are stable and easy to manoeuvre, ideal for calm waters like lakes, slow-moving rivers, and coastal areas.
Different Types of Kayaking
If it’s your first time kayaking, then it’s essential to understand the different types of kayaking that exist and what skills each one requires:
Recreational kayaking: This is perfect for beginners. Recreational kayaks are stable and easier to use, ideal for calm waters like lakes and gentle rivers. They’re great for a relaxing day on the water.
Touring kayaking: Ideal for those looking to take longer trips. Touring kayaks are designed for speed and efficiency over long distances. They’re great for exploring larger bodies of water, like big lakes and open waterways.
Whitewater kayaking: This is for thrill-seekers. It involves navigating fast-moving rivers and challenging rapids. Whitewater kayaking requires skills and specialised equipment to handle rough waters safely.
Sea kayaking: This activity involves exploring the open ocean and coastal areas. Sea kayaks are built to handle waves, currents, and rough seas while providing stability and efficiency for long-distance travel.
Each type of kayaking offers a unique experience, so it’s essential to choose the right one based on your interests and skill level.
How to Go Kayaking: 7 Easy Steps for Beginners
Wondering how to start kayaking in the first place? Whether you’ve booked your first kayak tour or are considering buying a kayak, here are a few steps and tips around kayaking for beginners.
1. Choose the Right Kayak
First, you must pick a kayak that suits your skill level and the type of water you’ll be paddling on.
Beginners should start with recreational kayaks, which are stable and easy to handle. When choosing, consider your size, weight, and comfort.
Try out different models to find the best fit for you.
2. Get the Essential Gear
Before hitting the water, you’ll want to know what to wear for kayaking and be prepared with all the right gear. Here’s a quick overview of all the necessary equipment (beyond your kayak):
Paddle: Choose a double-bladed paddle that matches your height
Personal Flotation Device (PFD): Always wear a well-fitted PFD for safety, no matter where you paddle or how experienced you are
Spray skirt: Use this on sit-in kayaks to keep water out of the cockpit
Helmet: A helmet is essential if you’re planning to kayak on rough waters or rapids
Dry bag: You’ll want to store valuables like your phone and keys in a waterproof bag.
Clothing: Wear quick-drying, moisture-wicking clothes, and consider a wetsuit for cold water. We always recommend dressing in layers to make it easy to warm up or cool down as needed.
Other items: Always try to bring sunscreen, a hat, and a waterproof jacket
3. Learn the Basic Paddling Techniques
Learning how to start kayaking is just a process of learning the proper paddling techniques.
Proper paddling is critical to a smooth kayaking experience. Here’s how to do it:
Grip the paddle: Hold it with both hands, keeping your elbows slightly bent
Forward stroke: Reach forward and dip the blade into the water, pulling it back to move the kayak forward
Reverse stroke: Make the opposite motion to slow down or move backwards
Sweep stroke: Extend the paddle outward in a wide arc to turn the kayak
4. Practice Kayak Entry and Exit
Getting in and out of a kayak can be tricky, especially when kayaking for beginners.
To enter, approach the kayak in shallow water. Sit on the edge of the kayak, slide your legs in, and lower yourself onto the seat. To exit, paddle to shallow water and reverse the process.
5. Learn Kayak Safety
Before going kayaking, you need to take safety seriously.
First, always stay hydrated and bring plenty of water.
Second, always check the weather forecast before you go. Be mindful of changing conditions and be prepared for the weather with the right gear. It’s also important to inform someone of your kayaking route and expected return time before you go.
Finally, remember to go slow. Paddle at a comfortable pace, especially as a beginner. This is safer and helps you enjoy the views along the way.
Get the genuine experience
6. Master Some Basic Maneuvers
As you start to gain confidence in your kayak, you might want to practice some advanced techniques:
Edging: Tilt your kayak slightly to increase stability
Bracing: Use your paddle for support to prevent capsizing
Self-rescue: Learn how to re-enter your kayak if you capsize
Learning these moves can be seriously helpful in certain emergencies while you paddle.
7. Explore Calm Waters
For beginners, kayaking is best done on calm waters like lakes or slow-moving rivers. This allows you to build your skills and confidence before tackling challenging environments.
How to Get Into Kayaking
While you could go out, buy yourself a kayak, and teach yourself, this isn’t the best approach when kayaking for beginners.
Doing so is expensive and could be dangerous. It would be silly to invest in a kayak before trying it out.
The best way to start kayaking is by booking a guided tour.
These tours provide all the necessary equipment to get a feel for kayaking without the upfront cost of buying any gear.
Plus, you’ll have an experienced guide to teach you the basics, show you how to paddle correctly, and help you get comfortable on the water.
Look at our range of fantastic kayak and canoe tours worldwide for the ultimate beginner’s kayak experience.
If a guided tour is unavailable, you could rent a kayak to get started. Many lakes, rivers, and coastal areas have rental shops where you can rent a kayak by the hour or day.
The rental usually includes the kayak, paddle, and PFD.
If you have a friend who kayaks, ask if you can borrow their kayak and join them on a trip. This way, you can get a hands-on introduction with someone who knows what they’re doing.
After a few experiences on the water, you’ll have a better idea of whether you want to pursue kayaking. You’ll also have a better idea of the type of kayak that best suits you.
10 Clever Kayaking Tips for Beginners
If you’re new to the sport, here are some of our top kayaking tips and tricks to remember before you head out.
1. Start on Calm Waters
Always try to start your kayaking journey on a small, calm body of water like a lake or a slow-moving river. Avoid areas with strong currents or heavy boat traffic when you’re just getting started.
Calm waters are much easier to navigate and help build confidence without the challenges of rough conditions. A trip like kayaking Scotland’s lochs and rivers would be ideal for first-timers.
2. Go with a Friend
Never kayak alone, especially as a beginner.
Always bring a buddy who can help you if you run into trouble. If possible, go with someone experienced who can offer guidance and support. Always stay close together and make sure you can communicate quickly.
3. Always Wear a PFD
Always wear a PFD (personal flotation device) when kayaking. Make sure it fits snugly but comfortably, allowing you to move freely.
A PFD is essential for safety, even for strong swimmers. You should never remove it while on the water, even if you feel hot or uncomfortable.
4. Check the Weather
Before heading out, check the weather forecast and know what to expect.
Avoid kayaking in poor weather conditions, such as heavy rain, strong winds, or thunderstorms. Choose a sunny, calm day for your first few trips to keep things simple and enjoyable.
To build on this, you should always plan your route when researching the weather. Consider factors like winds and currents to help you plan a safe trip.
5. Know Your Limits
Don’t push yourself too hard on your first outing. Keep your paddling time under two hours, and stay close to the shore.
As a beginner, you should only paddle farther out if you can comfortably swim back. It’s better to explore near-shore areas where it’s easier to find help.
We’d also recommend trying to do some kayaking exercises before your first long trip to help you prepare.
6. Dress Appropriately
Wear quick-drying, moisture-wicking clothes suitable for the weather. If the water is cold, wear a wetsuit to add valuable warmth if you fall in. Always dress for the water temperature, not just the air temperature.
And yes, when kayaking for beginners, you should always expect to fall in at least once - embrace it.
7. Practice Getting In and Out Where it’s Shallow
Before heading into deeper waters, we’d recommend you practice getting in and out of the kayak on the shore.
Start in shallow water to get a feel for balancing as you enter and exit the kayak. This will help you become more comfortable and avoid tipping over.
8. Understand Safety Procedures
Learn what to do if you capsize or fall out of your kayak. Practice self-rescue techniques in shallow, calm water before venturing into deeper areas.
9. Start with Short Trips
Your first outings on a kayak should be short and enjoyable. Plan a simple route with a clear destination and a way back.
Make it an all-day event once you gain more experience and confidence.
10. Avoid Spray Skirts at First
If you’re using a sit-in kayak, avoid using a spray skirt until you’re comfortable with wet exits. A spray skirt can trap you inside the kayak if you don’t know how to remove it quickly in case of a capsize.
Summary
Learning all the kayaking basics shouldn’t be too tricky or intimidating for beginners. Just ensure you’re well prepared, and you’ll have a fantastic time wherever you go kayaking.
Ready to head out on your first kayaking trip?
A guided group tour is the best way for beginners to get a feel for kayaking in a safe and supportive environment. Check out our excellent kayaking tours for some ideas.
