If you fancy getting into kayaking, there’s never been a better time – not only because it’s a great way to cool off in the scorching hot weather we’re experiencing lately, but also because there are so many routes into the sport today.
Some are more obvious than others, but it’s important to make sure you’re aware of them all so you can make the best choice for what you’ve got in mind.
You could walk into your local supermarket or sports megastore and buy an inflatable kayak today, or rent a sit-on-top kayak from any number of kayak hire spots tomorrow, and these are both fantastic ways to get your feet (and likely your bum) wet, but there’s a whole world and community beyond this that we’d be devastated if you missed out on.
When temperatures spike each year, we see an influx of people scratching the surface of that community by joining the various paddlesports-related Facebook groups; many ask for advice on whether a particular kayak is right for them or where best to take one they’ve just picked up. Either way, they’re usually met with a barrage of comments telling them to join a club, which is a good answer… but it isn’t the right answer for everyone.
For those who’ve already taken the leap and gotten themselves a kayak, there’s professional coaching, online tutorials, books, blogs (like this one!), or just getting stuck in and figuring it out through trial and error.
If you haven’t gotten yourself a kayak yet, there are independent specialist kayak shops that are a wonderland of things you’d never even imagined existed, as well as a thriving second-hand market, though this should be approached with care…
If you’re buying second-hand, you need to know how to tell the age of the kayak, especially if it’s of a plastic construction, as it may have become dangerously brittle. You’ll also need to know how to identify excessive wear and tear, and we’d recommend checking that any missing parts you might need are available before you purchase.
Most importantly; don’t believe everything you read on the internet – it’s worth asking at your local kayak shop about local events, clubs, centres, groups, rivers, etc., making sure you’ve got the right kit (and knowledge) to have a safe time, and maybe considering buying a guidebook to give you all the verified info on the best spots and how to enjoy them safely.
So, what is the best way to get into paddlesports? We believe the right answer depends on the individual, and often it’s a combination of several of the above – the depth and breadth of the sport is beautiful, and there’s something for pretty much anyone!
However you get started, and whichever craft you choose, we hope you have a great time on the water, and maybe consider sharing this post with anyone else you bump into who’s just beginning to figure it all out.
Happy paddling!
Pyranha / P&H / Venture