| If you're looking to break into the world of water | | | | Sit-on-top kayaks provide an easy entry and exit, |
| sports, or you want to add another activity to the time | | | | making them beginner-friendly. Also, sit-on-top kayaks |
| you already spend at the lake, kayaking may be just | | | | are hard to tip over, which can be great when you're |
| the sport for you. Kayakers, or paddlers, get great | | | | first learning! |
| exercise while exploring some of our country's most | | | | Get Paddling |
| beautiful bodies of water. | | | | In order to enjoy kayaking, you will need to learn the |
| The Gear | | | | proper technique. It may be a good idea to take some |
| If you're just breaking into kayaking, you may want to | | | | paddling lessons initially. Lessons will allow you to learn |
| rent equipment for your first couple of trips until you | | | | the correct method of holding and maneuvering the |
| decide whether or not this is an activity you want to | | | | paddle, and the instructor will be able to catch any bad |
| make a long term investment in. If you're going as part | | | | habits you may have before they become ingrained. |
| of an organized adventure tour, they will likely be able | | | | The basics of good paddling are an overhand grip and |
| to arrange a rental for you. If you're going it on your | | | | short, smooth strokes. Paddling a kayak engages your |
| own, you should be able to find a rental outfit near | | | | upper body, so expect to feel fatigue in your arms and |
| your destination by conducting a simple search online. | | | | shoulders if you are new to the sport. If you plan on |
| Once you've been bitten by the kayaking bug, you | | | | making kayaking a new hobby, you should begin a |
| may decide you want to invest in your own equipment. | | | | program of upper body conditioning and strengthening |
| In order to be prepared and enjoy your kayak in | | | | exercise to help you improve your skills. |
| safety, you should purchase the following: suitable | | | | Safety First |
| kayak, appropriate footwear, paddles, a life vest, and a | | | | Though lake kayaking is not an inherently dangerous, |
| spray skirt (to prevent water from getting into your | | | | its is still important to take proper safety precautions. |
| kayak.) | | | | Always wear a life vest or personal flotation device, |
| Selecting the kayak that is right for you is dependent | | | | you never know when an emergency may arise. Also, |
| on a variety of factors and it is advisable that you | | | | you should keep your swimming skills strong, practice |
| consult an expert at your local sporting goods outfitter | | | | them frequently. Finally, be sure to apply sun protection, |
| to achieve your best fit. However, for most beginners | | | | lake water is reflective and the last thing you want to |
| either a recreation or sit-on-top kayak will be a good | | | | deal with after a long day on the water is a painful |
| choice. Recreational kayaks are best for day use and | | | | sunburn. |
| offer great stability, as well as being fairly affordable. | | | | |