Kayak Safety

There is no better feeling than escaping the busy city life and welcoming the great outdoors. Getting fresh air and scenery make for a great escape from the polluted, building filled concrete jungle you may be used to living in. There are so many things to do is with mother nature you might not have enough time to conquer it all. Camping, hiking, fishing and hunting are among many fun and exciting things you can schedule. All of these activities are also very cost efficient which helps when money may be an issue. One activity that is an absolute must, is kayaking.

Kayaking is one of the biggest adrenaline rushes you will ever experience in your life, hands down. If you are have no previous experience kayaking, you may want to receive some training and kayak safety classes from a professional before setting out on your own. This may cost a little bit of money, but it is totally worth it, in the long run. The reason for proper kayak safety training is; kayaking can be very dangerous if you are not aware of the proper techniques and safety measures.

 Kayaking claims multiple lives every year. Even if you survive a kayaking accident, you may be too far out in nature for anyone to know you are injured or in danger. That is why it’s always wise to let someone know your exact location before setting out on a kayaking adventure. You should also be aware of the water rapid classes before settling on your river of choice. Beginners should stick to class 1 or 2 rapids. While professionals can attempt classes 3 to 5, class 6 rapids are rarely attempted, even by the most qualified kayakers. Class 6 rapids are, hands down, the most dangerous form of waves known to man. Think of them as category 5 hurricanes. You begin being tossed around by waves from every angle and the threat of rocks and tricky slopes are basically, all you come in contact with. If your river of choice has a section that is considered a class 6, by all means, avoid this at all costs.

 Regardless of your skill level, proper kayak safety should always be practiced. Keeping a first aid kit, incase of injuries, is a must. Many times people can be thrown overboard and in turn, can receive broken bones, cuts and even a concussion. This is why you should not only carry a first aid kit, but also make sure everyone on board is equipped with a life jacket, to avoid drowning and helmets to avoid head injuries. You should always carry a knife with you while kayaking. The knife can serve many purposes when things go wrong. One of the most important objects you should have in your gear is a waterproof flare gun. Reason being; if no one knows where you are, the flare will let others know your whereabouts which can ultimately lead to your rescue.