What You Should Have When Kayaking

For a beginner, just finding the gears that will be used in kayaking is difficult. So, today, I’ve compiled different gears that you will need. These are the following:(For your boating needs, you can refer to rayomarine.com-a distributor motorboats, sailboats, yachts, and kayaks in the Philippines.)

Kayak

Choosing the right kayak will be very difficult for a beginner like you because it will cost you a lot of money if you will be choosing the wrong one. Thus, it must be chosen carefully. To give you an idea, Kayaks have different types which depend mainly on the type of adventure you will be choosing. There are kayaks that can be used for recreational purposes like fishing or just simply touring the sea, kayaks are also used in racing, surfing and also for military purposes.

Paddles

When comparing a car and a kayak, the kayak will be the car and the paddle will be your steering wheel. Thus, having the best paddle will make or break you in terms of safety and maneuverability.

Factors in choosing the paddles:

1. Paddle length- There are certain steps in choosing the paddle length. If you are a beginner, you should know first the ideal paddle length. So, what is right paddle length?

You can try this:

a. Put the center of the paddle on your head.
b. Hold it with both of your hands, creating a 90 degree angle on both of your elbows.
c. Check if there is 4 to 5 inches distance from your hands to the blades.

If steps b and c are achieved, then you have chosen the right paddle for you.

What to keep in mind

Choose a paddle that fits you. Remember that: "the longer the arms, the longer the paddle; the shorter the arms the shorter the paddle"

Note: Paddling techniques also affects paddle length.

Material used to create the paddle- For me, this is the main factor that should be considered because this would definitely make or break your adventure. Regardless of durability and weight factors, choosing the right paddle should depend on your preferences. But I will give you a list that will help you decide.

material	Pros	Cons
Fiber Glass	Light and Durable, maintenance free	slightly expensive
Carbon Fiber	Lighter than fiber glass	expensive, less durable than fiber glass
Aluminum and Plastic	Inexpensive	Least durable when compared to carbon fiber and aluminum, heavy

2.Helmet

Helmets are also essential to kayak world because it helps you protect your head from different hazards that you might encounter. Whether it might be branches of trees, boulders, compact sands, logs, your boat, paddle or just anything, you should always be ready. If you are to search for kayak helmets on the net, its price ranges from $35-$350 without helmet accessories. It might also be helpful if you will include helmet accessories that will give you additional comfort for your adventure. You may choose from different accessories like: nose plugs, head phones and thermo caps.

3.Personal Flotation Device

Personal Flotation Devices are things that help its wearer to float in the water. Floating devices may vary, there are devices for men, women, dogs and children.

Finding the right size

Floating devices should be categorized according to age and gender. For adult men, floatation devices should be chosen according to chest size, the floating device should be tight and fit to the adult. For adult women, it is preferred to choose specialized floating devices for women with foam for different cup sizes for comfort. For kids, weight will be the main consideration in choosing the proper size.

To be continued…(What You Should Have in Kayaking part 2)