Top 10 Tips for Beginner Kayakers

[@PaddleTV]

Check out my new KZbin channel! www.youtube.com/@KenWhitingAdventures is now the place to find all my paddling adventure videos, while PaddleTV will focus on Instruction and Gear Reviews.

[@grahamashby1409]

One of my top tips would be to make sure you buy a kayak with a decent foot brace so that your feet and legs don't flop about in the boat doing nothing. So many beginners' kayaks (especially inflatables) are compromised because of their sub-standard foot brace systems. Anyway, love your videos, presenting skills and production values Ken. Always have. Brilliant.

[@Rottingboards]

Thanks for the tips!! Your channel is so professional. I don't know what you have done in your past life but you have the gift of gab.

[@PaddleTV]

Wow, thank you!

[@3ravines275]

My wife and I tried padding from the first time. We are hooked. We found your video to be a perfect answer to the many questions we had during our adventure. Keep up the good work.

[@slighwentwalking2025]

I'm new to paddle sports....8 years from my very 1st kayaking experience. I started watching paddle TV when I got a kayak and learned so much. Paddle strokes and rules even where I should paddle. Learning how to paddle safely has opened a world of opportunities...I can't thank you enough 👍

[@PaddleTV]

That's awesome to hear! So glad I could help!

[@dlgage1987]

Great info and I definitely needed this. Been canoeing for a few years, but a kayak is a different beast.

[@collin711311]

Just bought a kayak, I've drank a few beers, and wanted a channel to watch to get me excited for my next adventure and maybe learn a thing or two. Thank you, great video!

[@dreman5547]

Hey Ken the one tip aI have for new paddlers is to use a paddle leash because if you drop your paddle in the water and there’s a breeze you might have to go in after it and then it might be hard to get back in your kayak or there could be jellyfish or sharks 🦈

[@6yjjk]

I layaked to work in February, in the UK, for a bet. Got into the boat but drifted across the canal, had to paddle back with my hands to get the paddle from the bank. Got to work and couldn't type till lunchtime - but I won the bet :P Spent my winnings on a paddle leash!

[@D3f1anCE]

@@6yjjk Never use a paddle leash...if you tip over with it attached to you or your boat, it could tangle underwater and prevent you from getting out and back to the surface. id rather lose the paddle tbh. but you could always get a spare and have it on the boat under your deck bunjees and deploy that to chase down the errant paddle.

[@GTN355]

@@D3f1anCE If you only use it when taking a break for a snack or to drink some water I don't see the issue to be honest : I do it all the time! When I continue to paddle then the leash is attached between my left and right deck line with two small karabiners that are also used to attach it to the D ring attached to the paddle when in use.

[@petougao]

Magsafe for paddle leash.

[@tinad2847]

I’m a novice paddler who only paddles occasionally. But, I have one tip and one question. Tip: I wear fingerless paddling gloves to prevent blisters. Question: What are the pros & cons of using a kayak paddle that has offset vs straight blades? BTW, I noticed another person’s tip about getting a paddle leash. I also think that’s a good idea.

[@petougao]

Less flutter. Gloves are great advice. They also improve comfort.

[@Dutcharmytent]

This has to be my new favourite channel, I have a 2.5 mtr Dagger Infrared in my retirement.

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks! Nice boat!

[@omf2007]

Great video - good info/tips. Thank you! Also, not having your seat belt on the one time you need it...or your life jacket, is more than life changing. Many times it's life ending.

[@justinlavergne6099]

Im watching all your videos now should have done so before going out i got a sit in its semi closed

[@josejimenaz]

Great words for a water sport🎉

[@jerrys576]

Ken you do a great job & service to the paddling world. You know the #1 thing no one talks about? COST! Th amount of $$$$ you will spend to be fully fitted for kayaking. Kayak,paddle,PFD, proper clothing & footwear. Then there are the extras!!! Cockpit cover,sprayskirt,deck bag,bilge pump, on & on. I've been kayaking for 6 yrs now. Scared to total up what I have spent on all this stuff.

[@GTN355]

Still cheaper than my photography hobby : I blew 10K on it just like that... 😅 Another thing no one talks about : Having enough room for all the kayaking stuff !!! - Storage for your kayak. - Storage for your paddle(s). - Storage for your dry clothing : Pants/Top or Suit. - Storage for the clothing you wear underneath your dry clothing... - A place to both store and dry your watershoes/gloves/PFD/splashdeck... And so on...

[@6yjjk]

I like to tell friends trying kayaking with me to use the paddle like a spoon; they get that instinctively. Less easy to explain upside-down, though, and I'm thinking of tipp-exing a smiley face onto the blades, since there are no logos on a cheap Intex paddle.

[@PaddleTV]

Ha! Good point.

[@paulrhyan1370]

A little long winded but very informative (I hit the thumbs up). I'm thinking of buying a kayak to do some fishing at some of the water holes here in Southwest Florida. Your video(s) will be very helpful for me when deciding on the kayak (and gear and accessories) I'll purchase. The advice on paddles as well as footwear was not something I had considered at first. I'm glad you included this information. Thanks.

[@PaddleTV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@FelTheDwarf]

@@PaddleTVit wasnt long winded lol

[@Celisar1]

I really appreciate your channel! have watched so many of your videos and love how you present them and your unwavering dedication. Thank you! PS my biggest problem is still that I get totally soaked by water that runs down the pedal shaft. I have a pedal that’s long enough and of course drop rings and I try to use the pedal less steep, but I still get wet pants so that I’m forced to use a sit in kayak with a splash guard. That sucks!

[@PaddleTV]

I get drips on my lap as well. It's hard not to get any drips on your pants, without paddling in an awkward way. The drip rings dramatically reduce the amount of water, but don't stop it altogether.

[@saveliykolpakov2293]

Спасибо за ваш труд! Очень рады когда есть ноты для баяна/аккордеона. Слава Богу!

[@GTN355]

Forget about everything and start with buying a drysuit or dry top + dry pants and the right clothes that you will wear underneath !!! Seriously the best kayaking related money I have ever spent! 😬👍👍👍👍👍

[@PaddleTV]

It's hard to go back, isn't it??

[@GTN355]

@@PaddleTV Sooo hard that you are almost bummed out when the sun is shining and your fancy clothes are too warm for the beautiful weather! LOL! 😬

[@6yjjk]

@@GTN355 Drysuit is the absolute MVP. Not least for the mosquito-proofing!

[@LynnBauldree]

My advice for new peddlers is to never go alone. Always go with a buddy.

[@tranquility9325]

Some of us have no choice

[@1st-of-time67]

Thanks for share ❤

[@carolemartin6892]

Great tips! How about a spray skirt for a sit in kayak.

[@petougao]

Not needed to boot

[@tranquility9325]

If it's a recreational kayak, they don't make spray skirts for them. I didn't know that when I got my first kayak. But touring kayaks do have spray skirts to fit them.

[@TomAlderman1978]

I have those same pair of astral shoes.. I really like them.

[@PaddleTV]

Yup! Astral makes good water shoes!

[@MattLevin-q9n]

​@PaddleTV which model? Do you have gear reviews on Astral paddle shoes? I need a shoe with zero drop, very flexible and with a wide toe box.

[@GTN355]

@@PaddleTV Ask JOBE to send you some of their watershoes to Review : They are like regular sport/running shoes but then with a lot of waterdrainage added 😬

[@VictorElGreco]

Excellent presentation as usual. 👏🏻 I would add some such advice as “consider what *waters* you will be paddling in”. That will guide many of your other choices. 😌

[@PaddleTV]

Good point!

[@user-rr5js6xn4s]

Really helpful 👌

[@AdamIsTheBest]

Great tips! Love the video!

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks!

[@garzapedroa]

I'm planning to start kayaking with a X500, hopefully won't be so challenging

[@PaddleTV]

That's a great boat! Make sure you get the 2nd generation version, which came out last year. It's much more stable than the original X500.

[@conniewaite1371]

Lots of good info! Thank you.been wanting a paddle board for fishing and maybe camping. Dont really want an inflatable .just a couple of tie down straps and a seat with a back.any suggestions?

[@PaddleTV]

I don't have too much knowledge of the different paddle board models unfortunately. There are too many to keep track of, and I don't spend much time on them. Sorry I can't be more helpful!

[@conniewaite1371]

@@PaddleTV that's ok,I like to follow you.there are probably more boats then you can review in a lifetime,lol.seems you can find one you like then they upgrade it and you want to try that one

[@THE-RIVER-RAT]

Great video Ken with some really good advice for new paddlers. I would have to say also (try B4 you buy) what I mean by this is hire a kayak for the day or even a few days, just to be 💯% sure you like kayaking BUT YOU WILL...

[@PaddleTV]

Nice addition!

[@saturninopizarro3532]

Hey Ken! I have a Sea Eagle 385FT. I'm 5'6 and the width is 3 feet. Would you suggest a 240 paddle size? Thanks

[@daniellong2100]

Iam in gridlock,so many choices. Iam 74 and overweight but experienced diver and good in water. Gone from 13 ft SEA EAGLEsik,paddle to this. Have a truck with 5 ft bed,would like electric motor for back up but?… From tiny to big. The bill keeps running up in my. Don’t mind spending the money but don’t know where to start.

[@nero.s1261]

@paddletv I just started having fun on a very very cheap Air Kajak,don´t even mind mentioning it´s flaws but you couldnt get any cheaper while call it "Kajak". Just for weekend activity paddling down a 4km per hour river(~2,5mph). A friend of mine also got the same one and just keeps annoying me about a Lifejacket. As a Lifeguard i´m not about to wear one on this very mild river, but im curious about the buoyancy of these west´s?! Im on the standpoint that any lifejacket which doesn´t lift my head up while overstrech it, so i can breath while im unconsious, is a waiste of time while wearing it. Looking up my training books, a Lifejacket under 240NM upthrust isn`t gonna do anything to save my life?! So my question is: Are wild river Kajaking Lifejacket´s anything else on this chart or is there another meaning to a lifejacket whilst kajaking.(Like just keep you afloat so that you are visible for a savior?) And huge thanks for making my start kajaking a whole lot easier! Not only with this Video but also (your accent on your bodymotion while filming) any other video!

[@PaddleTV]

Great to hear you're loving kayaking! You're right that paddling PFDs are NOT designed to keep your airways open if you're unconscious. Lifejackets are designed to that. The problem with lifejackets for paddling, is that they're uncomfortable to wear, which means most people take them off. Paddling lifejackets are more like swimming aids. The great thing about them is that they're comfortable to paddle with, and so there's no reason to take them off. They also don't impede your paddling movements, which traditional lifejackets do, because they're not designed for activity. They're designed to float an unconscious person.

[@GTN355]

Interesting information, but you forgot one thing : A drysuit or dry top + dry pants give you a lot of bouyancy too! And when you combine a 50N or 70N PFD with those then it's seriously difficult to not float away... 😬

[@jimtaylor6930]

If someone with bad knees with a sit inside makes it hard to get in and out and flexibility. In every video I've seen that talks about sitting inside, never mentions . What type is better for someone with bad knees and flexibility. I guess it's figured no one has bad knees and is very flexible. I tried to sit inside one and had to have help getting out of it. Should have seen it, the sit inside had to be put on its side so I could crawl out of it.

[@zenon3021]

anyone know if inflateable kayaks or portable kayaks like the Oru kayak are worth the money (for tooting around the lake on camping trips), or do they lack in things like comfort & durability?

[@GTN355]

Don't do it! Get something 100% Dropstitch or some kind of Pakayak or TRAK 2.0 like model and don't forget your PFD 😉

[@soljarka]

Oru is worth it. It has its quirks (for instance, it requires partial disassembly to access storage compartments), but with proper care it lasts long and performs well. Inflatable kayaks are only good for whitewater.

[@mimishope3266]

I heard it is nothing like an actual kayak.

[@nhansen197]

Talks about fancy shoes, wears sandals. :)

[@PaddleTV]

:)

[@dzonnyblue3065]

I suffer from Thalassophobia and getting ready for my first Kayak Adventure wish me a good luck !