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Basic Kayaking Equipment for Beginners
from: Maxx Adventure TravelWhen you decide to take up kayaking you'll be surprised to discover there isn't a lot of equipment required for kayaking. You'll need a kayak, of course, and a paddle, life jacket, helmet and spray skirt, which are the recommend basics.
If you're going to do kayaking for surfing and doing tricks, you'll be looking for what's called a playboat. For rocky rivers, kayaks are called creek boats. But if you're just starting out, you'll want a traditional river kayaks since they provide a quick and stable ride.
However, one kayak doesn't fit all. The size and shape of the kayak you'll purchase will be determined by the your height, weight, and the type of water the kayak will be used. If you check with a Kayak dealer, they should have a stock demo kayak available so you can test one out before you buy.
If your budget doesn't allow purchasing a new kayak, you'll be able to pick up a used kayaks for considerably less. Check your local classifieds for used kayaks, or online auctions.
Once you have your kayak, the first accessory you'll need is the right paddles. This requires taking the length, weight, material and blade shape into consideration, along with your height, torso size and paddling style. Taller people with long torsos and paddlers who like a slow ride are going to need longer paddles, of course. Shorter people with short torsos and paddlers who like to paddle fast will likely benefit the most with shorter paddles.
Kayaking paddles are made from wood, fiberglass, carbon fiber or aluminum shafts with plastic blades. For beginners, consider aluminum shaft paddles are a good choice. If you're already into other water sports chances are you already own a life jacket, if not, this is an essential for kayaking, in fact, they're required by law. You can purchase a life jacket at discount stores, sporting goods stores and boating equipment stores as well as online stores and auctions such as eBay. Life jackets, also called personal flotation devices (PFD), should be choosen based on their PFD rateing for the type of kayaking being used. Type III PFD's are often the most comfortable for paddling.
The kayaking helmet you purchase should be good quality and fit well. As with many other sports gear, helmets have are now bought as a fashion item as much as for function. Head gear is available in a large variety of designs, colors and styles.
Spray skirts are used to seal the cockpit when kayaking and keep also to keep water out of the inside of the kayak and keep the kayaker dry. Different skirt styles are need for different types of kayaking. Whitewater spray skirts are usually made of neoprene. Touring and recreational spray skirts are often made of nylon. Sea kayaking skirt styles could be either neoprene or nylon.
All kayaking spray skirts feature a grab loop which allows the boater to break the seal quickly if necessary. Skirt designs include cords for boat attachments, pockets as well as adjustable suspenders and waistbands. Since the spray skirt fits around the wearer's waist, waist circumference is the usual standard for sizing. The size of the Kayak cockpit may also be a factor.
Optional kayaking gear worth considering includes a dry bag, a dry top and a spray jacket. A small dry bag protects and stores food and other small items. A dry top is a water proof jacket good for cold water paddling. Spray jackets are waterproof and you can pick them up in long or short sleeve styles.
To take up the sport of kayaking doesn't require investing in a lot of expensive equipment. However, training is important for beginners, but the basics are easy enough to learn but you'll want to maintain a continual learning program, and as your experince grows, you'll be able to master all the advanced strokes that will keep you coming back to kayaking for the fun and excitement.
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