Imagine the scene: a person and his kayak glide slowly over the clear waters of a mountain lake; around them evergreen trees and a delightful silence, broken only by the faint sound of the paddle cutting the water.
If you’ve started fantasising without even realising it, it’s probably time to make this dream your own and take kayaking or canoeing lessons!
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A CANOE OR KAYAK TEACHER?
With a little preparation and a person who teaches you the basics of sport, in a short time you will be able to take the liberty of paddling independently in wonderful corners of the world.
In this article we see what are the most important things to know to start kayaking or canoeing.
Paddle and go!
What you need to know before you start kayaking or canoeing
A trip out of town by kayak or canoe is ideal for those who love to spend quiet hours in nature and escape from the daily routine. Even a few hours of navigation are able to put you at peace with the world. Despite this, both kayaking and canoeing are sports that must be tackled with the right preparation.
To start kayaking or canoeing you will need:
- Know the difference between the two boats.
- Know perfectly the safety rules for safe navigation.
- Have the appropriate equipment with you.
- Choose with care and common sense the ideal location for your kayak trip: relying on those who already know the trails is the best choice!
If this list seems too demanding and you don’t think you can do everything independently, our advice is very simple: take a course with a kayak or canoe teacher who can teach you the basics of sport.
In the meantime, we’ll give you some useful information.
Knowing the difference between kayaking and canoeing
The biggest difference between kayaking and canoeing lies in the structure. Canoes are larger and heavier, with a wide frame and open top, similar to a rowboat – they are designed to carry more passengers and gear. Kayaks, on the other hand, have a smaller and more elegant structure, and are designed for recreational purposes and for faster navigation, such as rapids, paddling in the open sea or river tours.
Because of this structure, getting aboard a canoe is generally easier than getting on and off a kayak. Getting into a kayak, on the other hand, is a bit more complicated because you have to slide your legs inside the cockpit, keeping your balance so as not to overturn the boat.
The other big difference between canoeing and kayaking is rowing. Because canoes are bulkier and heavier, they require more effort, often of two people together. Compared to kayaking, therefore, it may be more difficult to learn how to paddle correctly.
The kayak paddle is gripped by keeping both hands in the center of the paddle and alternately plunging each end into the water. The architecture of the kayak paddles reduces wind resistance and allows you to properly submerge the tip while switching sides.
Safety rules for canoeing or kayaking
Especially when you are a beginner, a kayak or canoe trip shouldn’t be underestimated. Paddling in a river or in the open sea is undoubtedly a fantastic experience, but it is necessary to know the basic safety rules that will avoid any nasty surprises.
For Italian law ( Dlgs 229/2017 ), canoes and kayaks are both categorized as boats and therefore must comply with the relevant regulations, including:
- They cannot depart more than 1 mile from the coast, although individual shipping offices may reduce or extend this limit based on maritime traffic or local conditions – inquire about the limit set for the location you will be sailing to. < / li>
- If you do not go more than 300 meters from the coast, there is no requirement for safety equipment.
- If you sail beyond 300 meters from the coast, you will need to have a life jacket for each person on board.
- No licenses or navigation certificates are required, but you must always carry a valid identity document with you.
In addition to those required by law, there are other important safety rules to remember when preparing for a canoe or kayak trip:
- Better to go out in company and not alone.
- Bring your phone , so you can ask for help in case of problems .
- Always check the weather before you go out and make sure no thunderstorms, lightning, strong winds or fog are expected.
- Make sure you are well prepared physical and good health : if you don’t feel at the top, better postpone it.
- Go kayaking only if you have already taken a course and are familiar with climbing on the boat after a fall and with the maneuver of the eskimo roll.
To take a kayak or canoe course and learn all the practical and theoretical basics, look for a kayaking school in your area or canoe or kayak teachers on Jopla!
The equipment to go out in a canoe or kayak
To go out in a kayak or canoe and enjoy every minute of the experience, it is essential to bring the right equipment with you.
First of all, the regulation states that life jackets must be suitable for your body: whether it is expanded or inflatable , look for one that suits you comfortable and that allows you to move without hindrance. Choose it based on your weight, not your clothes size!
The jacket must also meet specific requirements: CE marking, ISO 12402 certification and a performance level of at least 50N.
In addition to the jacket, bring with you a canoe helmet that protects you in case of impacts and shoes with resistant and preferably water-repellent soles.
If you go on a trip in particularly cold waters, don’t forget your wetsuit.
Regardless of the temperatures, always keep the following handy:
- Sunglasses with polarized and anti-reflective lenses.
- A hat with visor.
- Sunscreen with high protection.
- A microfibre sheet .
- A waterproof case for your mobile phone . & nbsp;
- A water bottle and some snacks.
- A waste bag .
Starting to practice kayaking or canoeing is an experience of great connection with nature: doing it safely and with an expert guide will allow you to live your first trips serenely and constantly improve your technique.
Have a nice job!
