Get started in kayaking

 Great advice from Kurt Finch of Nomad Sea Kayaking...

Starting out in kayaking can be a daunting, confusing and frustrating exercise. Of course, most of us now have access to a wealth of information online but to some extent this can be part of the problem – how do we know which information is right for us? Buying from a retail outlet isn’t always a good solution  as you may just be sold what’s in stock and not necessarily what is best for your paddling needs. So here’s my advice on getting started.

First, find a local kayaking school. Ask friends and family for recommendations and do an online search. Contact the company and ask for advice – this should be comprehensive, expert and FREE, without obligation.
Next, get yourself booked on to a one-day course that will teach you the basic skills to manage and control your boat as well as how to deal with capsizes and recovery – fundamental for your safety!

With the basic skills under your belt and a good source of advice, buy yourself a boat, paddle and buoyancy aid and get out on the water... it's important to get plenty of paddling time in to ‘cement’ the skills you’ve been taught.

A good idea is to take advantage of local expert knowledge and experience and join a trip organised and led by a local paddling school. These schools are paid for their expertise so all you have to do is just turn up and paddle – no planning, no worrying about tides, weather or launch limitations. Guides should be BCU trained and qualified and your trip will need to be covered by the school's insurance. And of course you’ll have the perfect opportunity to get ideas on launch locations as well as loads of useful tips and advice – for nothing.

Basic Kit Requirements
To get you started here is some of the basic kit you will need to get on the water:
• Decked kayak with two watertight hatches (one fore and one aft), all round deck lines and a retractable skeg OR sit-on-top (SOT) kayak with at least one large hatch and a comfortable seat.
• A basic and cheap buoyancy aid – all UK sold buoyancy aids are CE approved and are of a high standard, so get a cheap unit just to get started.

• 215cm (no longer) fibreglass shaft paddle with plastic blades – pay as little as possible!
• One spare paddle – any type, but must ‘split’ down to two separate lengths for on-deck storage.
• A neoprene spray deck – make sure it fits correctly (decked boats only).
• A tow line with a large mouth opening for easy packing away.
• A good pair of ‘wet boots’, thick under soles and ankle protection – not cheap neoprene booties. The East Coast houses a lot of ‘stuff’ underfoot that will slice through a thin cheap boot – I’ve seen it many times, you have been warned!
• Use synthetic materials layered for warmth and venting to cool as needed. AVOID all cotton and denim, these materials are cold, heavy and take a long time to dry. Take professional advice before buying specialist paddling clothing – it’ll save you time and money!
• Ensure you have plenty of dry bags – nothing stays dry in watersports so you can never have too many dry bags. Use lots of smaller dry bags which make packing your boat and finding specific gear a lot easier.
• Plenty of fluids (hot or cold) and plenty of food and spare clothing in case of a capsize.

Be patient and learn the basic skills properly – never underestimate the water because if you do, it’s just a matter of time before it bites. Paddling with a local expert will get you started as well as give you a shortlist of launch venues. And remember; do your research and ask questions – advice is free of charge!