ʻO kahi alakaʻi o ka hoʻomakaʻana

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. Kahi, 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. Ka lole ola

• 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. E hoomanao:

• 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…)