A Complete Beginner’s Guide

A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Kayaking: Embarking on a Water Adventure from Scratch

I first came into contact with kayaking in the summer three years ago. A friend dragged me to a reservoir in the suburbs and rented a plastic boat. As soon as I sat in it, I almost fell into the water. Only then did I realize that maintaining balance was much more difficult than I had imagined. But now, I can easily paddle a kayak to the middle of a lake to fish, and I have even tried short river trips. If you also want to try this sport, this guide will help you avoid many detours.

Why play kayaking?

Many people think kayaking is a professional sport, but in fact, it’s even easier to pick up than cycling. I initially just wanted to find an outdoor activity that wouldn’t expose me to the sun, and ended up discovering.

Unique perspective: View the scenery close to the water surface, and you can get close to birds and fish.

Stress reliever: The sound of the paddle splashing through the water is particularly soothing; it’s much more interesting than going to the gym.

Last summer in Qiandao Lake, I rowed into a reed marsh. Suddenly, a kingfisher landed half a meter away from the bow of my boat – an experience you could never have while walking or driving.

Choosing a Boat: Don’t Be Fooled by Merchants

I made a mistake with my first kayak. I bought a long and slender “racing model” on the recommendation of the salesperson. But when I tried to turn it in the park lake, it felt like driving a truck. Later, I swapped it for a second-hand leisure kayak and only then did I truly enjoy it.

Which one should a beginner buy?

Recreational Boat (Recommended!):

• Features: Wide, short, and stable. Even the inflatable boats you see at supermarket entrances can be rowed.
• Suitable for: Park lakes/quiet rivers. Budget: 1,000 – 3,000 yuan.
• Lesson learned: Don’t buy inflatable ones! Mine leaked after just three uses, and the patches were heavier than the boat itself.

Fishing Boat:

• Features: Comes with a stand for fishing rods, but it’s slow.
• Real experience: A friend bought the model with swivel seats, but the center of gravity was too high. When he got excited about catching a fish, the boat almost capsized.

Ocean Boat (Novices Beware):

• Features: Long and narrow, fast but extremely difficult to balance.
• Blood and tears: Last year, I rented one in Zhoushan. As soon as I left the shore, the waves knocked me sideways, and I swallowed a lot of seawater.
• Suggestion: Rent a few times first to make sure you like it before buying. I found a 90% new Decathlon recreational boat on Xianyu for 800 yuan, which was half the original price.

Essential Equipment List (with Pitfall Records)

Apart from a boat, these few things can help you suffer less:

1. oar

• Aluminum paddle (100-200 yuan): My first paddle. After rowing for an hour, my hands were so sore that I couldn’t hold chopsticks.
• Carbon fiber paddle (600 yuan+): After gritting my teeth and upgrading, it felt like switching from a kitchen knife to a Swiss Army knife.
• Little-known fact: The curved side of the paddle blade should face you. I got it wrong the first three times…

2. Life jacket

• You must buy professional water sports ones! Ordinary life jackets will choke your neck, and paddling is like practicing chokeholds.
• My choice: NRS’s fishing model, with a hollowed-out back design, so it won’t be uncomfortable when sitting.

3. Waterproof bag

• The repair cost for a phone that falls into water is enough to buy ten waterproof cases.
• Recommendation: Buy one with buoyancy. I was able to retrieve my GoPro thanks to this feature.

4. Fashion Mysticism

• incorrect demonstration: Wearing a cotton T-shirt for the first time, after it got wet, I stuck it on my body and tried the “Ice Bucket Challenge” for half an hour.
•  Correct operation: Quick-drying sun-protective sleeves for clothes. Even in the hottest weather, just pour water on them and you’ll feel cool.

Self-taught wild tricks for kayaking.

The standard movements taught by the coach are very important, but these tips can help you get the hang of it faster:

1. The Secret to Not Capsizing When Boarding a Boat
2. Wrong posture: Jumping onto the boat while standing (don’t ask me how I know).
3. Correct method: Hold onto the dock/embankment, sit down first with your buttocks, then draw in your legs.
4.  A folk method for turning a corner
5. A single stroke of three times on one side will definitely turn the boat, which is much more intuitive than learning the “sweeping oar” technique.
6. Emergency brake: Both oars push water in opposite directions simultaneously. It has been tested and can prevent hitting a child’s swimming ring.

3. What to do after capsizing?

• Try capsizing on purpose in the shallow water once. I practiced twice and then I wasn’t afraid anymore.
• Remember to shout “Oh my God!” when the boat capsizes – don’t laugh, it really helps relieve tension. The best place for beginners to play in the water.

Based on the venues I have run at over the past two years, I recommend:

• City park lakes (such as Beijing Olympic Forest Park): Lifeguards are available, and the rental fee is 50 yuan per hour.
• Slow-flowing area downstream of a reservoir: The water flow is slow, and you can have a picnic at the same time.
• Inner bays at the seaside: Check the tide table. It’s easy to get stranded when the tide goes out.
• Never go: Popular river rafting channels! Last year, in a scenic area in Zhejiang, I saw a novice stuck in a crevice between rocks, waiting for rescue, with their pants torn.

To Those Who Fear Water

I actually have a bit of a fear of the deep sea, but I’m fine in calm waters. We can start with that.

• Sit on the moored boat for 10 minutes to get used to it;
• On the first attempt, row close to the shore;
• Bring a friend who can swim – although it’s likely he’ll be laughing at your clumsy moves.

The last piece of honest advice

What I find most appealing about kayaking is that sense of freedom to just go whenever you want. Last week, after work, I tied my kayak to the roof of my car and went to the river to paddle for half an hour. It was much more relaxing than scrolling through my phone. Remember:

• The first time is always a bit chaotic;
• Getting wet is a must;
• Photos of capsizing are the most worthy to post on Moments.

What embarrassing things happened to you the first time you went boating? Welcome to share in the comment section~ (Mine was dropping the oar in the water and paddling back to the shore with my hands…)