A PRO kayaker knows how much it is enjoyable to go in solo kayaking. It allows you to get closer to nature, refreshes your mind.
However, many paddlers don’t prefer kayaking alone because they consider it not the safest option to enjoy the sport. But the truth is, if you are well aware of the tips and tricks about how to kayak alone, you can confidently go on solo kayaking.
Let’s explore.
What is Necessary to Know When Kayaking Alone?
Before going solo kayaking, it is significantly necessary to know about a few specific factors. And make sure that you can follow those factors. These include,
- Reliable self-recovery skill
- The skill of good swimming
- Single launch and landing skill because the kayak can be stiff or bulky to carry without an additional pair of hands
Moreover, when you are kayaking alone, keep an extra paddle and kit for repairing and singling.
It would also be best if you decide to make your first solo kayak on a familiar route. Don’t seek new destinations. Learning about the weather forecast will be another wise decision. Getting caught in unaware weather is dangerous for solo paddlers.
Make a Short Trip
Generally, when you are kayaking in a group, you plan to kayak for a whole day.
Kayaking for a few hours is enough to feel the adventure in a solo kayaking tour. As stated earlier, choose a familiar tour where you have traveled in a group, and it is much safer because you don’t need to reveal unknown routes.
Once you get familiar with solo adventure, then plan for a longer trip.
9 Tips for Solo Paddling / Kayaking Alone – Weekly Kayaking Tips
Consider Having an Emergency Plan
You can make a solo trip by bike, kayak, or walking. It is mandatory to make an emergency plan and inform someone (it can be your family or friends) about your solo trip. Let them know your route plan, staying hours, activities, etc. Make sure to keep your smartphone with you and keep it in a water-proof bag.
Keep Your Belongings Secured
In solo kayaking, you are the only person who has to take care of every belonging available to you while solo kayaking. Take a water-resistant dry bag, and store all your belonging and place it in a secured place of the kayak.
Don’t Evaluate Your Strength
Since you have made a plan for your solo kayaking, make sure to follow the plan meticulously. When paddling on a short trip, don’t evaluate your strength. Don’t think to go beyond your plan and strength.
Kayak slowly and steadily, store some strength as you have to return to the shore, requiring a little bit of strength. Additionally, you may require to carry the kayak to your car after finishing the solo trip. Eating energy bars or having a slow-burning meal can be beneficial to store energy.
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Stay Calm
You will need to prepare yourself for any unwanted situation. Things can go wrong anytime. And if you do panic, the situation can go worse to worsen.
Keep yourself calm if any unwanted things happen. Take a deep breath and look for solutions. Call for help. Skilled and PRO kayakers keep themselves ready for any situation and know how to handle critical situations.
Gather Information About the Area
Commonly, a solo kayaker will want to explore a new place on a solo trip. But before you kayak to a new place, gather information on the area. If you are paddling over a canal or river, find out the land area and take notes of landmarks and distances between them. When kayaking on the sea, take a glance at the coastline’s topography so that you can avoid rocky areas quite comfortably.
Do I need to Follow Any Packing List when Solo Kayaking?
- Adequate water
- Smartphone
- Radio
- Torch or whistle
- Water-resistant bags
- Eye goggles.
- Sunscreen
- Sunglass
Final Thought
With the right preparation, solo kayaking can be a lot of fun. You may think these tips and tricks on “how to kayak alone” are suitable for the worst-case scenario. Don’t forget to consider following these factors since anything can happen anytime.
Be confident when kayaking alone and ensure taking the right equipment to keep you safe and secure. In addition, with the right preparation, any unwanted situation can easily be prevented.
Happy solo kayaking!
