6 Tips for Overcoming Fear while Sea Kayaking - Kayak Hipster

As kayakers we're often exposed to intimidating situations out on the water. These are 6 things I like to do to handle and overcome fear.
Thanks to Chris for catching that epic tumble on his drone. Here's his channel: / @ckrandomness
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[@Shearwater6]

While screaming doesn’t help you overcome your fear it does give you something to do during it.

[@Dontwantahandle111]

😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣

[@bahrain7274]

1) take classes 2)support group of paddlers (go with a trained group 3) pacing ( spend time learning the waves before you surf them) 4) practice (seat time) 5) appropriate gear (wear good safety and comfortable ) 6) visualization (visualizing things before it happens , preparing yourself)

[@CommunistCentral]

You forgot the most important one, #7 Go Rolling

[@sgvern1]

Thank you for being so honest about your fears, and your oopses. Most videos just try to show how easy it is to de things. I appreciate your honesty and your teaching.

[@Sugarfoot108]

Well done Luke. It's quite rare to see honest videos like this that helps make people realise that we are all on a learning journey. I took a different and probably slower approach. I often found that in groups there was no middle path, so I mostly self-taught. Not for everyone as you do need awareness of limitations and yet stretch yourself gradually.

[@KayakHipster]

Ian Smith thanks, really appreciate the input. That's why good paddling groups are so helpful. Hard to find, but worth it.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Incredible video. What your doing for our sport is so awesome. Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@KayakHipster]

Headwaters Kayak thanks so much! Cheers

[@fingersmcginty]

I can't thank you enough for this fantastic series, it is a great confidence builder for beginners (me) but I'm sure more advanced paddlers find lots of good tips here too.

[@whollyman]

Fantastic contribution, thank-you soo much for this. Perfect mixture of visuals and talking head on how to escalate our self-challenge within that tension between two fundamental needs, thrills and survival. I very much enjoyed how you come clean with your anxiety and all the strategies you put in place to not be thwarted by this powerful emotion once out in the open water.

[@susannewilliams]

This is excellent and can be used on ALL more demanding sports. Thank you! Yeah.

[@jepz11]

My fear became appatent when I got a blind panic attack. You do not wish that upon your worst enemy. Followed by a journey over years towards dealing with my fear, starting by finding out by what it is triggered. Turns out it is the feeling of, not being in control of my kayak. The only I knew to do is: practise, practise. Next step was going along with leaders I trust, and slowly push my limits to more rough water. And build confidence in my skill, by learning to roll reliably. The crown of this career was last summer, I took courses in white water paddling, and it became a feast. My fear is not gone, I still can feel it. But my fear now only puts me on edge. This career brought me happiness.

[@ianham]

So cool to see you and your buddies out there paddling. I like watching videos that remind me that yeah these things are possible and that I will make progress every day I'm out on the water. I'm trying to progress on SUP at the moment, but have a fondness for kayaking and many of these videos apply for any watercraft IMHO. Thanks for the great video.

[@ckrandomness]

I agree on all points. As someone who really enjoys expanding my skill set and the process of learning, it all rings true. I am often fighting a lot of anxiety in the rough stuff, but I really enjoy it, and following a long discussion with Jedi Master Will Bigelow, I also came to recognize that I am not going to eliminate the fears, but I *will* manage to cope with them, and hopefully even feed off of them. This is my primary reason for pushing surf days this year. TOo much time in between results in very slow growth, and makes it hard to stay in front of the anxiety.

[@KayakHipster]

Chris King right there with you. Will was also a great help with rolling for me. He is an all around Jedi for sure

[@Inkling777]

I'll add a helpful #7. When panic sets in, use tactical breathing to bring yourself back in control. Search online for what it means.

[@truenorth365]

Very meaningful video Luke! I always like to meet new people with diffrent skillsets and learn from them. Kayaking is a very broad aspect of enjoying the outdoors. Navigation, survival, camping, rescue-skills etc. Great video, as always! thumbs up from Sweden

[@KayakHipster]

Magnus Persson thanks man, really appreciate it. Cheers!

[@geekazoid]

What a terrific video! Excellent, so helpful.

[@cterrell1343]

good video and I appreciate and respect your honesty and healthy attitude to the sea. This is my own plan as I get back into sea kayaking after a long gap. Visualisation and floor exercises are very valuable too, it really does help. I add holding my breath while practising being upside down, to try to add and accustom to the pressure of the urge to breathe but staying relaxed. I'll look up more of your series. Thank you.

[@cyclotherapist]

I really enjoy your videos and this one was very helpful. I was at Lumpy last week and definitely got a lot from great coaching. Thanks for what you do with these videos!

[@jybritt]

I'm just getting into sea kayaking, and these videos are really helpful.

[@KayakHipster]

jybritt fantastic, welcome to the club!

[@alankinsella4249]

Top notch advice, thanks for sharing

[@sierraroush118]

Rad videos thanks for making them! Really amazing shot and info!

[@KayakHipster]

Sierra Roush thanks!!

[@Darthification]

I don’t kayak, but I swim, surf and sometimes go paddling (on the surfboard). Most of these tips can be adapted to basically anything involving being in the ocean and feeling comfortable. Thanks for sharing!

[@thomasdennis8067]

GREAT idea to just sit in the chop and swells in a lot of different angles to get comfortable with what might happen to the boat and just reacting...THANKS for posting!!!

[@jacquiepotterharvey5439]

Just found your channel tonight. Impressed.

[@chrislavigne1212]

Great video, i see too many paddlers who get out of there comfort zone and just panic. They go out and there just not mentally prepared for what could happen. This video makes them think oh what if this happens and what if that happens. Great job! Also I encourage your suggestion on coaching.

[@KayakHipster]

Chris Lavigne thanks! Absolutely. I see that in myself when I work on things, as well as students I work with as they learn. Thinking about it ahead of time is a huge help for me, and so is working with coaches for sure. Cheers!

[@JonasAlexanderson]

Nice video Luke. I like the way you mix in "action scenes" , it makes it more interesting to watch. And good advises you have there.

[@KayakHipster]

Jonas Alexanderson thanks, really appreciate it. I need to cover my face as much as possible. Who wants to see me talking for 7 minutes?!

[@JonasAlexanderson]

LOL! I'm just home from a short kayak trip testing my new Hero 6. We will see what comes out of that.

[@KayakHipster]

Jonas Alexanderson fantastic! Let me know how it does. I've been finding mixed reviews. Some people are not happy with noise in low light. I've only been using kayaking and it's been superb so far.

[@fahritopcu]

spectacular

[@romakayak]

Good advice, well-done!

[@duesouth180]

Very good advice. Thanks for your video.

[@KayakHipster]

Todd Mitchell thanks!

[@queenslatino4996]

Very good video. this is like the fourth time I watched this video. Your are a extraordinary kayaker

[@Ash-cy7yw]

Great video, good information. Nice action video interludes.

[@stefanomoretti3664]

very solid advice

[@dorotab2115]

Thanks for your video. I avoid the scary situation as possible but I must face more of a challenge as not everything is predictable. Just today the sea in Scotland was quite rough and I was scared to go near to any rocks. Never thought about taking such a class. Great idea!

[@bowrudder899]

All good advice!

[@Domine31064]

This was so excellent and helpful!

[@KayakHipster]

Bob D fantastic to hear. Cheers!

[@daveanderson8776]

I am just starting out and very timid at this point but thing taking classes will definitely help me build my self confidence up ! , Thanks brother 🤙🏻

[@trickyricky9953]

Brilliant.

[@Dongato632010]

Thanks great video... From Peru.

[@explorermike19]

OMG, Kayak Hipster, where do you get these great ideas for unique vid topics. This is another excellent video. Everybody has times of self doubt or fear in the water sometime. Great advice on how to work through it. You ROCK, man! Another thing that can help: music while paddling. Music can turn scary to fun.

[@steevoridgeline]

great video, thank you 👍🏻

[@mattsloan32]

Great video, just subscribed. Just starting out myself and this is great info and inspirational as well.

[@KayakHipster]

911 Tech thanks so much, thanks for letting me know. Cheers!

[@christopherbrown1958]

Great video, we just got back from Maine - rock gardening as well as surfing at the Mid coast rendezvous-spend most of the weekend in between terrified and excited- loved all of if but realized that I need more seat time as you say to feel more comfortable - this was helpful and good to know we are doing most.

[@KayakHipster]

christopher Brown man, Maine is beautiful for sure. I find there's a fine line between terrified and excited, and it's ok to be a little scared, but too much of it and you don't spend time learning, just being in survival mode. So I'm right there with you.

[@suedenim9208]

@@KayakHipster I decided a long time ago that fear and confidence are yin and yang that require the right balance.

[@groundpounder8855]

Excellent information thanks for sharing!

[@KayakHipster]

Ancient Stone thanks!

[@explorermike19]

Kayak Hipster, You are great

[@RonK]

Think, there's one thing really standing out, and this would be "know to roll". I assume, being able to roll safely cuts the number of reasons for fear almost in half or so

[@edwardrackley9152]

Great Content!

[@PVLocalFirst]

Luke, i thought you might like this: The word KayaK is a palindrome in at least 14 languages; Armenian, Azerbaijani, Bask and English as listed here, QajaQ in Greenland, KajaK in Africaans, Albanian, Macedonian, and Denmark, CaiaC in Romanian and Catalan, কায়াক in Bangla, कायाक in Nepali, and QayaQ in Inuit, Yup'ik, and Alutiiq tribes. A perfectly balanced word for a perfectly balanced boat. -Daniel Luke Finn

[@qaannat]

You are spot on...

[@KayakHipster]

Thanks!

[@markmorris5969]

thank you bro love the video

[@KayakHipster]

mark morris thanks!

[@elroykez]

Great video

[@MsXtinaforever]

Hi Luke, I really liked your video, especially since you showed a mistake. Thank you! First one I've seen in a serious kayaking video. Your advice is spot on.Cannot stress the importance of visualization enough, especially when learning a new skill. In the past I have tended to minimize the importance of this. Your video has helped me rethink this approach. Thanks!

[@KayakHipster]

Vee&A fantastic, I'm glad it was helpful. And absolutely, why wouldn't I show a mistake and how I plan on learning from it. We're all learning something, at different levels. This is where I'm at. I love looking back at older videos and seeing the progress. Cheers!

[@bullylove4]

Nice video. Was great to have you out to surf on Long Island, even if conditions could have been better. For me, I don't have a lot of experience paddling in general. I only got into it after watching Chris and Alan practice skills in Alan's pool. I was more interested in the challenge of the skills but then Chris took me out into a tide race and 1 ft waves and from there it was all about rougher water and surf. For me, I get so much out of re-watching footage. It's especially great when I get different angles too. Boat mounted go pros, other people's helmet cameras (even if they are kind of nauseating to watch) and drone views are great learning tools for me. I like to really analyze what happened and compare it to what I felt and thought and did in the moment. You implied this in your video when talking about reviewing footage of that ride where you braced on the wrong side. Chris and I watched that footage a few times. I think we both find watching footage of other people helpful too. Like in that example, you say you braced on the wrong side (shore side) but you switched to trying to brace into the wave pretty fast, which we thought was a nice quick correction. I thought it looked like because of the way the wave was breaking, the wave pushed your balance shore side as you dropped down the face (awesome btw, looks sick lol;)) I don't know how it felt to you (that would be even more helpful to hear a deeper analysis of your experience) maybe you were already leaning that way or maybe it pushed you and it's a good way to see how a wave shape can quickly effect your balance/position and next time it might be possible to compensate already having an idea of what it might do in your head (in the moment visualization ;)) Maybe I don't know what I'm talk about lol but I feel like I've "experienced" more kayaking than I've gotten to actually experience so far just by reviewing footage. I think that leads to being about to visualize situations that I've seen other people encounter. Also to go along with safety, i think having someone on shore while surfing it a good way to help keep an eye on everyone. It's not always necessary but it is a way for someone to participate without necessarily being in the surf. I didn't surf last time because my skill level didn't meet the requirements of the conditions but someone not comfortable in the water can still be valuable on shore. Not only can you learn by watching, it's also easy for to have a radio next to me and scan the water to keep track of where everyone is at and relay if I see someone who might be having trouble with something. In the words of Chris, "you're not just a mascot." 😆 -Shannon King

[@KayakHipster]

bullylove4 those are very good and extensive points. I agree completely. Being on the shore is excellent for keeping track of the group. It's hard enough when we can't even keep an eye on each other. So what I did is the following on the tumble: was edging just a little bit into the wave. The moment the wave stood up, I dropped. As I dropped, stern remained in the wave, and the right edge of my bow touched down first. That's what made me fall a bit to the right - here's where if I had been edging hard to the left into the wave, as I fell I would have remained edging into the wave, and probably would have been able to take the pounding of that curl. The other option would have been to commit to going over to the right, tucked and gone for the roll. I would bet if I remained calm and followed the drop of the wave, the wave itself would have probably rough me up on the other side. So much to keep testing, trying and learning. Can't wait to make my way out there with you guys again.

[@rullelars3448]

I like your T-Shirt !

[@KayakHipster]

RulleLars haha, thanks!

[@Bolga4K]

Cool video with great tips. I had to overcome my share of fear back when I was doing longboard surfing in So Cal. :-) Hey, it's a bit off topic, but have you tried using the DJI Mini 2 for any of your kayaking videos?

[@charlesm7646]

Great video. Hey, I’m new to sea kayaking and looking to buy a decent used kayak. Would you know where I could look in the N.Y. Area? Thanks!

[@leonardocasas1602]

gran video ,!!maldito Billy Russo!!! jaja

[@donnaw.509]

Great video. Thank you! 🛶. I like to think of all the 'what ifs' and visualization.

[@KayakHipster]

donna W. thanks!

[@dalethebelldiver7740]

I’m planning a trip that includes rough tidal flows and heavy inlet chop. Due to converging currents. My fear is the huge population of sharks in this area. If I miss the the mark the currents will flush me right through the shark area and in very rough water that has no consistency.

[@MrTjharrigan]

Hobuck Beach, PNW? Our fave local training /church

[@bernarddugas5251]

What kayaks do you paddle, have you tried the Delphin

[@zepedaherbey]

@Kayak Hipster: What kind of Kayak are you using when you rolled? (the black one)

[@EvanAagaard]

What's the make of that black paddle with the white tip?

[@7blueblaze]

Great video (thanks). I noticed the narrow bladed paddles, any benefits (or takeaways) of them versus the regular size kayak blade paddles used with kayaks?

[@KayakHipster]

WoodCravings pros and cons to both. I think it comes down to preference. This video has a quick overview of each kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqmxaaykgsSLhLc

[@davehaggerty3405]

The Greenland style wood paddles I made had the same amount of surface area as a medium size blade paddle. With the narrow & longer wooden paddle if you over powered a stroke it would simply cavitate and not dig in and catch hold. This resulted in slow starts. It also protected sore muscles and ligaments from over exertion and further damage without sacrificing your top speed. I paddled with one exclusively for a year leaving my carbon-fiber blade paddle home. You might think a person could just take it easy with a blade paddle. But when surprise situations happen you tend to give it all you got. With a wooden paddle it makes sure you have a little left to make it back to shore.

[@asaied100]

great video, what gloves are you using and what is the maker of the carbon fiber greenland with white tips ? thank you

[@KayakHipster]

asaied100 I can't remember if I'm wearing glacier gloves here or NRS hydroskin ones. The paddle is made by Gearlab.

[@William-Bill-Munny]

Often considering all your options and knowing what they are helps, like you said hipster - seat time. More often than not it is much safer to paddle in behind a wave - close enough to follow it to shore where it will pull you along with it. Its no drama and doesn't look as cool as the "surf it in" method but you get to keep all your gear and dignity while watching your friends flail in the surf. At least that is how we used to beach land in California shore break with sizable waves. Being a surfer helped and paying attention to what was possible made getting in through very large surf a lot less hairy - as long as the shoreline was not too steep with backwash. This is what worked best for us - great videos!

[@KayakHipster]

Robert R. That's a great tip, thank you for sharing. I'm sure being a surfer helps tremendously in reading wave sets, spotting rips and finding the safest ways in and out of the surf.

[@markscott4059]

Staring to learn how to roll. roll. I this video very helpful on learning the proper technique. Any suggestions for someone who tends to panic once your upside down with the spray skirt on? Not sure why I have this anxiety? I’m a very good swimmer and not afraid of big or deep water. Until I’m upside down in my kayak. Very frustrating..

[@chrismitchell2386]

I'm the same way. Try getting into shallow water where a buddy could stand beside your boat. Roll it over and just hang out upside down. Look around. When you're ready to come up, tap the hull and have your buddy pull you upright. Do that until the panic starts to subside a little. Practice visualization like he said and eventually it'll feel normal to be upside down - the picture from where you sit is the same whether you're upright or not :). I found that ear and nose plugs helped A LOT at first, too.

[@kenkoellner9421]

At which shoP did you take the rock class in RI?

[@emmanuelgarcia9611]

Hey do yo do any trips in LI ? I would like to kayak with you !

[@rosstheriot6164]

I just got out there and did it its alot easier than in a canoe

[@emilymclaughlin3655]

do you recommend paddlers wear helmets? I see you wearing them and sometimes in georgian bay it's all water and rock. when we go out to islands there's usually shoals as well. Waves can be big. So I'm thinking about landing amongst the shoals in bad conditions.

[@magnushultqvist]

If you paddle where there ar risk of your head smashing against something, yes without a doubt.

[@ahmedlz9495]

sea kayaking for me is just a relaxing time but dude you are not in military you need to enjoy

[@foolanhi8183]

Ahmed Lazhar stfu

[@sailor8083]

The best tip is get into the water when it is cold and rough and you planned to get in. It is the best preparation for when it is unplanned. I hate cold water and still get in just for practice.

[@KayakHipster]

Sailor 808 absolutely. It's always great to practice what you don't think will happen so you can be better prepared for it. 👍

[@SwimWithMermaids]

I want the shirt you’re wearing.

[@ch11ew12y]

Never surf a shore break. Thats when the waves curl up and land on sand not water. A 3' shore break can break your back easily.

[@loopsfourtwentythousand8354]

Do you think an ocean kayak Malibu is good for these kinds of waves

[@jessicasawyer1799]

What is kind of paddle is the little black one your using?

[@MrAussieJules]

Its called a greenland paddle.

[@manhonlee7691]

👍

[@aaronlalvani8175]

Where can buy a good Greenland paddle?

[@misscandy84]

Kayak in ocean is insane

[@fernando51764]

Con fondo plano corres la ola de lado....

[@KayakLife]

Best take away ... have fun with what you got :) Grew up in Maine so total got you on surfing the hell out of 1 ft too haha ;) So ... let me ask you Luke, whats your top 3 favorite kayaking experiences that keep popping up in your mind thus far for 2017? Or is that for another video?

[@KayakHipster]

Kayak Life right, but in Maine you had some incredible scenery for camping and touring. We've only paddled there once for a trip and can't wait to go back. That's a great idea for a video. So far I would say Norway tops anything I've ever done on the water. Meeting and paddling with Daniel in Mexico was fantastic, and I would think Lumpy, SSTIKS & HRGF were all awesome events so I don't know if I could pick one of the three.

[@KayakLife]

Kayak Hipster thats a perfect answer. I too had so many great experiences as well. For me I started paddling again after taking off 5 years and reteaching myself again. I learned consistency is important when growing as a paddler with dynamic and bigger conditions. Its been a wonderful experience. Thanks for sharing. Love seeing you drop in and then stand up arms in the air stoked.

[@KayakHipster]

Kayak Life I'm glad you're back at it. Consistency and practice is crucial. And of course, I was pumped after that wave knocked me. Up and ready for the next one! If you're not getting tossed around from time to time, you're not going to be learning anything new...

[@moo6672]

Just interested to know: why don't you use a paddle leash? Using a paddle leash gives me a lot of security....

[@ahmedlz9495]

i hope i could one day buy my own sea kayak i live on an island and i can't afford to buy one unfortunately 😥

[@everythingbakingmore4078]

My kayak flipped ones Now I can't go on any small water craft without having a panic attack.

[@AaronAdventurez]

what kind of paddle is that?

[@KayakHipster]

aaron _overland that's a Greenland paddle. In my earlier videos, you can find one where I explain some of the differences between it and the more common euro blade.

[@spencer123123123ify]

I like the part where you talked about gear that makes you feel more comfortable like a surf hood. Kayak instructors talk a lot about safety gear but not so much comfort gear. If you're freezing cold in a 2 mil wet suit in west coast waters while learning to roll, you probably won't have too much success.

[@robertjehn2891]

Did you get the Idea for this video from a seths bike hacks video?

[@KayakHipster]

Robert Jehn I did not, shoot me a link, I'd love to check it out. I had just gotten back from working on bigger waters than I'm used to, and had also gone out surfing (that wave that knocked me over) the weekend before. I was thinking a lot about having paid a lot of $$ to make my way to the west coast for a festival and still holding back in some situations because of fear - and looking for ways to work through it.

[@robertjehn2891]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4DaZ397fbZ1rbs He's a professional youtuber. His videos are really entertaining. Great video btw

[@KayakHipster]

Robert Jehn that's a fantastic video. Interesting how across different sports we can feel exactly the same when it comes to fear.

[@misscandy84]

Can yu say kayak in ocean sharks no different then a surf board bite right through ir

[@jt3512]

I notice you have an accent. Where are you from?

[@rajgill7576]

Ok these were not fears I had... Monterey Bay is a great white shark spawn and just last week when I was out there the shark advisory said there was a group of about six 6-8foot juvenile whites. What do you do about sharks man

[@Michael-vu1ob]

Are you ever worried about sharks?

[@RedfishInc]

1. Stay off of the ocean.

[@jacquibrookes8257]

Phew....too fast!

[@mikaeels.6477]

You never once mentioned life jacket when speaking about safety equipment. I would think that's one of the most important things

[@MrAk474life]

Rule number one: Strap everything down

[@josephinebennington7247]

Take a breath, a pause, man! You’re machine-gunning me, and you’re losing the effect of your own sound comments.