The Golden Rules of Kayaking | Kayaking For Beginners

[@PaddleTV]

Take your FREE online ACA Paddlesports safety course here: americancanoe.org/paddlesports-online-course/

[@Bertie..]

Should have watched this six months ago. I bought a cheap 10' rec kayak, no buoyancy chambers at all. I live on Annapolis Basin which has strong tidal bore from the Bay of Fundy. I have been having lots of fun playing in the eddies and tidal bore, keeping close to shore. One day three weeks ago I went out on a nice calm day, decided to venture further out to faster current. The weather changed rapidly, wind picked up and waves became choppy. I was about 1km from shore so started heading back in when I started to get a sinking feeling. The kayak was filling up with water - bonehead me had forgot to put the rear plug back in after I drained it and it quickly swamped from the waves. I looked around, no boats in sight and knew I couldn't get the water out of the boat. Fortunately for me I'm trained in survival swimming (ex navy diver), water temp around 50F, air around 65F. I figured 30 to 60 minutes swimming on my back before hypothermia sets in. It took me 45 minutes to reach shore, the current was also pulling me out. I started shivering as soon as I got out of the water (shorts & T & kayak PFD). I made it to a local house and they helped me warm up, took an hour before shivering subsided. I called the regional search and rescue to let them know (Fishing boat found my kayak later that day). Lots of lessons learned. I broke all your rules, except #3 (I use a Greenland paddle). I have now bought a proper sea kayak ( they were hard to find 6 months ago) and watching YT videos to remind myself that at 65 I'm not a know it all ( I river kayaked many years back). I would also add to your rules - don't buy a kayak without minimum of one buoyancy chamber.

[@Celisar1]

Extremely scary! So glad you made it!

[@Sting1090]

That is insane ly scary

[@TheReaper1416]

Another one is DO NOT OVERLOAD YOUR KAYAK, check the max weight it can carry and take 10-20 pounds off so in case it fills with water it won't sink. Also when it's carrying you plus lots of gear make sure it's distributed evenly with the center of mass being as close to the middle as possible. When it's overloaded the kayak is harder to steer, you can't go as nearly as fast and if you have most of the heavy gear on top it will cause it flip a lot easier as well as make it harder to get back on the kayak when you fall off.

[@deaninchina01]

My golden rules would include planning. Know the weather forecast is king! And always assess what is actually happening while you are on the water. Do your own risk assessment. Having thought about what could go wrong and how you will get out of it means in the panic of something actually going wrong means you make much better decisions. Set boundaries and stick to them. It’s easy in the excitement to think it’s going to be ok to go out in worse conditions. Practice your rescue skills, be it rolling, re-entry, towing or swimming with your boat. Enjoy the Big Blue!!

[@K9River]

I have a pfd like what you wore in the video. I got sucked under a hydraulic. As soon as it let me go, I popped up like a cork. Didn't have to push or swim up. Surprisingly effective and well balanced.

[@gustavoguti27]

The PFD must fit you correctly, be appropriate for your weight and be really tight. If you fall into the water with a lose pfd or if it's too big it will go up to your head making really difficult to move your arms and keep your head over the water. Sorry for my bad English

[@maymee83]

Great advice thank you. Your English is great BTW 👍🏼

[@rumitcu]

Another golden rule: choose your paddling partners wisely. Usually, the corollary to this is never paddle alone, but that mostly applies to whitewater under most circumstances. Obviously, you know this, but I think it deserves to be included with the others.

[@lucassmith2504]

Great advice. You your questioning getting along with somebody use a canoe on a river. You find out pretty quick if you like them or not.lol

[@jackiehooks8613]

I'm 71 at first I bought a cheap kayak to see if I liked it and if I could do it without hurting my arthritis so bad and as it turns out it help me so I bought a nicer one and I love it a tribe perception sit on top it's so stable I really like it.

[@kazeryu17]

Another golden rule, linked to preparing for a capsize is anticipate the worst, even if you expect nothing to go wrong. If your on a recreational kayak on calm water, your probably not going to get wet, and your things will probably stay dry, but you should dress to swim, and keep your belongings secured in proper containers. Write, and FOLLOW a float plan( especially if your kayaking in a coastal area), and give a copy to somone you trust on dry land, that way, rescue crews will have a better chance at finding you if you go missing.

[@kayasper6081]

Underlining the importance of wearing a PFD is a good thing. Here in Spain I still frequently see people without wearing anything, sometimes up to one kilometer from the coast. Very risky.

[@shark_13777]

Thanks for this video! I'm going kayaking for the first time with my family, and this helps.

[@cbcoop8169]

New to kayaks, thanks all information makes things safer.

[@just-dl]

I’d add for preparation for capsize “put everything you want to take home in a dry bag and/or secure it to your boat. For me, that includes a paddle leash, but another kayaker who I greatly respect suggests not using them to avoid entanglement. (I believe losing my paddle is more likely than getting entangled so, i’m sticking with it).

[@sergeantcrow]

Time is moving too fast for me... so I have jumped straight into the sea with a Point 63 16' kayak.. and into rough weather... :). Exhilarating!

[@PaddleTV]

Can't wait to try that kayak!

[@sergeantcrow]

@@PaddleTV If you don't mind that it's 10 yrs old with only 1/2 way to fully dropped Skeg, and you ever find yourself in Dublin... You are welcome to jump in it and head off where you want...

[@Ocalaman]

In Florida, we also have to look for gators nearby. They can float up quickly sometimes.

[@p8ntballaxx]

Over 80% of boat drowning deaths occurred while not wearing a pfd. Preventing my untimely death seems smart

[@Dman9fp]

Yep and they're not expensive, it just seems like people don't like wearing the cheap ones because they're not comfortable... But 50 or 60 bucks for your life,? Seems worth it to me

[@mjp96]

what does pfd STAND for?

[@tranquility9325]

​@mjp96 personal flotation device or life jacket

[@tranquility9325]

​@@Dman9fpthey have gotten very expensive over the years. However some are super basic so they are more affordable.

[@josephv8786]

Fell in love with WW and rivers 😁👍🏼

[@donalddumas6987]

I was on choppy and windy waters yesterday in an Advanced Elements Sport kayak. I'm still a novice. It wasn't so bad when an island sheltered my craft from the wind. I tried to go around the island but the wind was too strong, the bow kept bouncing up then splashing down again. Water was splashing into the kayak every time. The possibilities of what could have occurred are the kayak flipping end over end or getting a lot of water in it. Turning around brought the kayak sideways. For the water itself it would have been ok. However, the vessel is so light that the wind could have picked it up from hitting the side and causing it to capsize. I used the Advanced Frame kayak in worst conditions and had no problems because it sits lower in the water and I am centered in it.

[@JeepWrangler1957]

Well done. I teach paddle craft safety for the Coast Guard Auxiliary. I’m not an expert but you don’t have to be an expert to practice safe paddling.

[@PaddleTV]

I couldn't agree more! Thanks!

[@tedstriker2000]

I had a few months on open water, though on day 1 of a kayaking course in a swimming pool ....while upside down , i lost grip on the pool rail...I went to exit the boat as my nose filled with water, I forgot I had a skirt on as I generally used a sit on top ....I pushed to exit but the skirk held me in...and I couldnt get out...I panicked losing air. There were 12 others around the pool and nobody knew I had an issue. I forced myself out taking the skin off my thighs, choking on water, gasping my last breath. This was the closest I came to drowning - - In a 2 mtr supervised pool

[@PaddleTV]

Yikes! That's a scary situation. Have you hopped in a kayak since?

[@danbev8542]

Lesson number 1: practice a wet exit! Learn to pop the spray skirt, then push down & away from the boat.

[@rungavagairun]

I have a sit on top kayak. Got it about a year ago. Took it to the lake a couple of weeks ago and practiced re-entry from deeper water. What I found was that sandals made it much harder to propel myself up and onto the boat. I slipped them off and tossed them on the boat, then it was much easier to get on top of it. It was a fun challenge and, even though I don't typically paddle in situations where I'm likely to flip and I've never flipped my kayak in the year I've been using it, I now know how to do it.

[@PaddleTV]

Great to hear!!

[@davehaggerty3405]

Small craft advisory includes kayaks! I’ll never make that mistake again!

[@matthewwhelan1447]

The first time I flipped my kayak I just left the harbor and had to figure it out the fun way in high waves. We practiced flipping the next week so there wasn't a issue next time.

[@staceyremick8557]

Thank you im a beginner paddler ,planing my first kayaking trip and your videos have helped me so much to prepare and paddle more efficiently.keep the video coming would love to see a video on how to prepare and pack for a trip carring your gear in your kayak.places to check out and gear you recommend.and if you have already made a video please let me know. Thanks again.

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks Stacey! I've got a few different videos like the ones you've described. If you do a search on my channel, you should find them.

[@latinaries]

Okay, but that tip to paddle with the torso rotation is definitely something that I needed to hear lol thank you!

[@PaddleTV]

My pleasure!

[@ombrom.6040]

It's nice to know that with fishing Kayaks I want to stay in class 1 waters but at some point I might want to try getting in some bigger waters

[@BackpackingWithJason]

Great tips. I’m 48 and I love the whitewater 👍🏻👍🏻

[@keystonedaytrip238]

Nice ! 👍🏼

[@rgsparber1]

I had done 3 of the 4 things but not climbing back into my AirVolution. It is near impossible to flip… except when climbing back in! Of course, I had my PFD on. Now I understand (and now do recall you saying) that the trick is to reach across the far gunnel. It is a workout. The kayak did take on water but that was a bit of luck because it exposed two pin holes under my seat back area. It should be easy to patch.

[@dazauto107]

I have just got a kayak like that and your post has really made me think. There are no carry handles in the middle to grab, like my last kayak. I'm wondering - as the kayak is so stable - if a heel hook rescue technique could be used. Or would a paddle float still be needed. You have made have realized that I'm definitely going to need to practice this. Thank you.

[@dfdsd5810]

Thank you very much! You always have a total view from beginner to experienced 👍👌

[@turtlepurple9304]

Hi Ken in this video your paddling my boat (Dagger Stratos 14.5L) my question is what type of water will it handle. would you runn class 3 0r 4 white water in it being long for a white waterboat ??? thankyou

[@witherow321]

I've done class 3 and 4 and open water ocean kayak and canoeing never had formal training but did have many experienced mentors this is very sound advice for people I went out the other week and was practicing roll over and bracing and then decided to try reboarding after a failed roll over and it wasn't as easy as it was when I was 20

[@bonkersme950]

Great sensible advice! Thank you 😁

[@girmakibatuberihie]

Is it safe to paddle in water bodies like lakes and rivers where there are hipoos😮

[@lisam7036]

I always enjoy watching your videos. Thanks again for the information

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

Thanks again, Ken. 👍🙂🚣‍♂️

[@MsBeeMaya1]

you're awesome dude, I love your channel. i've just started a kayaking course, and I'm finding your videos very cool and informative

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks! Hope the course is going well!

[@josieheinrich-y1p]

do you haveto chose a side when paddling river or is that kjust for boats

[@keystonedaytrip238]

I’m 54 and beat up as a result of a rough n tumble early adult life ; I just bought my 1st WW boat 👍🏼 I love recreational kayaking but feel drawn to white water

[@PaddleTV]

You're going to love it! Just take it slow and get some quality instruction. I've seen too many people go too big, too quick, without proper guidance, and then a bad experience ends the whitewater journey.

[@johnburns6247]

Very good professional quality video! Will definitely watch more of your videos! Thank you

[@PaddleTV]

Great to hear! Thanks for the note!

[@grexm]

Does anyone know what brand and model boat Ken is paddling in 1:17 - 1:21?

[@rgsparber1]

Outstanding advice! Thanks Ken.

[@erikaliver5007]

Great video. Well spoken

[@larsthorwald3338]

I'm not planning to get into white water. I saw "Deliverance" and I don't want to end up like Ned Beatty.

[@girmakibatuberihie]

Canoe and Kayak club in Lake Tana Bahir Dar

[@learntechwithruth2147]

I’ve never capsized but what exactly is the chance that you end up under the kayak and freaking out?

[@bencovebris]

fairly low chance but always a possibility - most people find a way out and to the surface very quickly. my reccomendation is make a habit of falling out and getting back in your boat in a safe place close to the shore at the end of every trip so it becomes habit and you dont have to do it for first time with no experience of what it feels like something you may learn is it can be harder to tip over than you expect depending on your boats primary and secondary stability

[@davidsutherland4280]

Really depends on the type of kayak. If it’s a sit-in slalom with a spray deck - fairly easy for the inexperienced and in murky flowing water. World of difference from a nice clean warm indoor swimming pool during training.

[@deaninchina01]

Very high if you have not practiced it. A lot of being in a rescue situation is not instinctive and the very first thing you need is to be comfortable about what you need to do. Upside down in the water is disorienting.

[@senseikramer8958]

What life jacket is that? I need on just like that.

[@ajinkyakumbhare4723]

I couldn't find the stroke video link. Can you linked it here please? I love your videos. Thanks for your videos.

[@moeharri]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIm8hXiXp5qdbLs

[@rustynutscarclubofnc4355]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIm8hXiXp5qdbLs

[@BeMoreWeird]

Your videos are excellent

[@PaddleTV]

I appreciate that!

[@thesoulcanvasexperience]

Can you please drop a link for the PFD you're wearing?

[@PaddleTV]

That's the NRS Chinook. They designed it for 'kayak fishing' but I think it's great for any recreational kayaking with high back seats. bit.ly/2TaEAG9

[@beepb0t]

Are there paddle specific PFDs you recommend?

[@42WasTheAnswer]

Oh yea man, there is. Google paddle specific PFDs. There is a ton of styles that don’t limit your movement. Choose your fave color.

[@kristaps2010]

Three of rules relates to safety and one to technique. I would say all these rules also relates to enjoyment of paddling. Rule one - choose appropriate level river and weather conditions. You don’t want to go in level 3 whitewater struggling and capsizing if you can do only level 1. Don’t go into sea when wind is blowing off coast, plan the rain. Plan so you can enjoy your time on water. Another rule, Appropriate clothes - you know how bad choice of clothing can make you feel. Can be too hot, too sweaty, too cold, too windy, too wet :) and blistery palms and uncomfy wet shoes if dragging boat on shallow water. Dress appropriate so you can enjoy the paddling and concentrate on fun and sightseeing. Rule - correct paddling technique- will make day and night difference how you enjoy paddling. No hurting shoulders and back, no suffering and exhaustion. You’ll enjoy paddling, will glide faster, will be able to control your boat and avoid the Trees :). PDF rule - you don’t want to capsize in fast moving water without a PDF. Even if water looks still it can be moving fast enough to get you in trouble. Enjoy the paddling!

[@kayakbob5715]

My home water is " the saint" in missouri

[@davidapodaca6827]

When you're paddling what do you do with your phone, wallet, & keys?

[@PaddleTV]

Great question! I usually bring my phone with me for communication and photos. I usually have it in my lifejacket pocket in a waterproof case. As for wallet and keys... I bring them in a small dry bag, which I clip into my kayak, so that it won't ever float away if I swamp. A quick tip... if you put your wallet and keys in a drybag with other gear (like extra layers) make sure they're at the very bottom, so that if you pull out a piece of gear, you won't accidentally pull out the wallet or keys and have them drop into the water.

[@tombowater2589]

Great advice! 👍🏻

[@kevinbrennan2004]

Great tips, but in my view, you missed a few things.. Remember to; - plan and tell people where you are going, paddle with a friend, stay well hydrated, by carrying water, wear appropriate clothing, that protects you against the elements.. Know you did cover that one though in part..

[@nm2795]

Very well said.

[@JDL3777]

I agree, something he definitely should’ve brought up

[@woofna1948]

I was all in, Ken, thinking that this was the best video that I've seen you in. But no. For some inexplicable reason, when you got to Rule 2, you couldn't bring yourself to say the words wetsuit or drysuit. And worse yet, you fell into the "gotta be comfortable paddling and swimming" fallacy - which always shortchanges dressing for the water temperature due to a false assumption about "overheating". So yeah, another set of "Golden Rules" from PaddleTV that gloss over cold water safety. One star, well earned.

[@PaddleTV]

While I definitely appreciate your commitment to paddling safety, I don't think we'll ever agree on this topic, because I don't see it being as black and white an issue. I didn't fall into the 'gotta be comfortable paddling and swimming' fallacy, because it's not a fallacy. You can and should be comfortable doing both, unless the temperature differential between the air and water is too much. Furthermore, hyperthermia (overheating) is not a false assumption, and it's unsafe to dismiss it. Heat exhaustion or heat stroke are very serious and debilitating conditions. I've dealt with two paddlers over the years, both of whom developed very serious cases of heat exhaustion. It was a scary and serious experience for everyone. Once again - we'll have to agree to disagree on this topic.

[@woofna1948]

@@PaddleTV Sure, we can disagree, but the facts aren't on your side of the argument. In your reply, you perpetuate two familiar myths: 1) that air temperature has any relationship to cold water safety and 2) the "overheating" concept as a reason for not dressing for the water temperature. First, when you capsize, the air temperature may be warm, but if the water is cold, you better be wearing thermal protection - and I don't mean a "Paddling Jacket", I mean a proper, well-fitting wetsuit or a drysuit with enough insulation underneath it. That's not disputable. Second, we discuss the overheating myth in detail on our website here:www.coldwatersafety.org/overheating. We also have a section that discusses how to keep your cool in the heat. It's in our gear section here: www.coldwatersafety.org/hot-weather. The technique is simple. I don't doubt your assertion that you've dealt with heat exhaustion. What I'm saying is that heat related medical problems are very easy for paddlers to prevent, and the idea that you have to skimp on thermal protection out of fear of overheating is pure nonsense. I would like nothing better than to have PaddleTV embrace a sound cold water safety perspective, and I invite you to visit our website and read the science-based information there. Read what we say about overheating. Practice the techniques for keeping cool. You'll find that they work like a charm. Again, there is absolutely no reason why any paddler should experience heat stress, let alone heat related medical problems. If they do, it's because they don't know what they're doing. In that regard, you could go a long way towards promoting paddlesports safety by simply directing people to our website.

[@tranquility9325]

​@woofna1948 he's got more experience than everyone on this thread. You could argue with anyone about anything and apparently you enjoy that. Go to therapy.

[@mjp96]

I hate acronyms that not explained. Therefore, what is a PFD

[@PaddleTV]

Personal Flotation Device.

[@tlk1432]

What to do if you encounter a shark while kayaking on the sea?

[@tlk1432]

What if they start circuling around you?

[@keystonedaytrip238]

You’re gonna need a bigger boat 😳

[@deaninchina01]

I paddle off Newcastle Australia and out home waters are Great White breeding grounds. Sharks mostly mind their own business. Stay calm, group up with your paddling buddies and stop paddling, the splashes can attract their attention. And marvel at seeing them in their home, just like seals, whales and dolphins!

[@darinalexander1007]

👍🏾👍🏾

[@nathanjasper512]

I'm not into whitewater because my main reason for kayaking is fishing.

[@sterlgirlceline]

👏🏻👏🏻😊⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@WanderingWelshGirl]

Went on my inflatable kayak today for the first time and I'm hooked already, absolutely love it!! Lots of helpful advice on your channel, thank you ☺️👍🏻🛶

[@DB-cx6cb]

My golden rule is to get a kayak 🤣

[@pieterstrydom1746]

Never panic and paddle in groups. Never paddle alone

[@tranquility9325]

I always paddle alone. Don't have anyone to go with. But I do bring my cellphone and put it in a waterproof bag in case of emergency.

[@hayesdlhs]

I'm a new paddler. I love going down alligator infested rivers with no PFD, by myself in the middle of the night, with no light but the moon, with an overloaded kayak not made for rivers, right after a hurricane. Just lights my fire man. Your boring.

[@wendywells7958]

good luck!

[@sergeykopylov652]

I'm bad example. I don't wear PFD. I have it in my boat.

[@42WasTheAnswer]

Remember it’s useless if you bonk your head and pass out for a moment. Also, If you capsize, who knows where it’s gonna end up...

[@sergeykopylov652]

I don't paddle white water at all We don't have big waves here (sad about that) Our water most calm and quiet My kayak 28 inches beam wide and 18ft long (that is big and stable boat) Yes, I know about ricks. Upd: risks)

[@42WasTheAnswer]

Here is one more thing. Here in the Pacific Northwet* it gets wet and miserable...the PFD keeps ya kinda warm, and blocks wind. I have a Kokatat brand. Top quality, very happy with it. Be safe, ✌️

[@sergeykopylov652]

@@georgekatsinis5224 risks

[@jamesdjesse]

Who made you the rule maker?

[@PaddleTV]

Well Jim, I just like to share my 30+ years of paddling experience, which has included winning a whitewater world championship title, leading kayaking trips around the world, and teaching thousands of people to kayak. If you don't want to listen to the rules I've come up with from those experiences - rules that are designed to help people get out and safely enjoy the water - then feel free to ignore and go elsewhere.

[@keystonedaytrip238]

He’s a seasoned expert with many years of experience . Get your advice elsewhere if this doesn’t suit you

[@wendywells7958]

@@PaddleTV so helpful to me!!!

[@tranquility9325]

So out of line.