Is advisable that the first out in the kayak do after making adequate training on safety aspects and basic navigation. It is also advisable, as far as possible to navigate in the company and if possible accompanied by more experienced kayakers.
The sport of kayaking, like any other sport involving the nature, can be dangerous, unpredictable and physically demanding. Always apply common sense and provides the following tips for beginners to kayak
1) Plan all your kayaking routes:
A. Check weather reports and sea conditions during the period of time you're going to be in the water. It is important to look at the trend of the meteorological variables even before and after the expected range navigation. The forecast may not be accurate. It provides an anticipation of adverse weather conditions.
B. Consider your fitness and other possible physical limitations. Do not overestimate your abilities, be honest with your limits.
C. According to this information, select shipping point, route and point of disembarkation avoiding open sea navigation. Try to sail close to the coast where to find a shelter if necessary. Not far more than 2 nautical miles from a safe landing point.
2) Communicate your plan to people known indicating the route, the start and arrival. . Also reports any change in the route before or during navigation
3) Prepare your navigation device:
The kayak:
A. Use a safe kayak that has adequate buoyancy and lifelines. In case of emergency not separate yourself from it because it can act lifeguard float.
B. Carrying a spare paddle.
C. Paddle float.
D. Bilge pump, sponge or container.
E. Charts, topographic maps, paths.
F. Guidance systems: compass navigation in the foredeck
G.Spare warm clothing in waterproof bag.
Image 1: Kayak equipment by Scotty
The paddler:
A. Always use a flotation aid or life jacket. Make sure it is properly seated.
B. Avoid hypothermia: Different combinations of thermal, waterproof shirts, neoprene or dry suits provide comfort against the moderate cold
C.Secure your photoprotection: The sun and the sunlight reflected from the sea produce heat stroke, burns and chronic skin diseases. Use sunscreens, clothing and hats that filter frequencies harmful UV sunlight. Also eyes should be protected with suitable glasses to avoid direct and reflected solar radiation. The glasses also avoid splashes which can cause eye irritation.
D. Wear a helmet if the activity requires.
E. It includes in your computer telephone and / or VHF radio.
F. Out rescue and towing.
G. Guidance systems: navigational compass, bearing compass, quadrant vest.
Image 2: Essential Kayak gear by Randy Leake
In an accessible place and kayak
A. Always carry enough water and food.
B. Distress signals (whistle, waterproof flashlight, strobe lights, flares red).
C. First aid kit.
D. Duct tape and basic repair kit.
4) Check equipment and capabilities before sailing.
A. Check the condition of the material. In particular check for rechargeable batteries can be downloaded in the absence of use, bilge pump operation and calibration of compass.
B. Check that the spray skirt is perfectly positioned and that the casings are tightly closed.
C. Check the correct operation of the keel or rudder and are ready for use.
D. Check that your physical condition is suitable for navigation planned always thinking that you should keep an energy reserve in case any incident happens not provided.
E. Try to have the proper training to use properly all equipment.
F. Before starting the route, it is a good practice to test the re-entry maneuvers the kayak rollover you have previously taught.
5) Safe browsing
A. Try sailing in company.
B. Avoid embark / disembark in surf with waves of more than 50 cm.
C. Always know your situation helping the reckoning and through orientation with map and compass or optionally with GPS.
D. With swell must navigate far enough from the coast and shallow water to avoid tipping due to the waves.
E. Pay attention when navigating near headlands, points and piers where the wind can be accelerated and the sea becomes agitated and unstable.
F. If you surprise a strong wind or current toward a dangerous coastal area, set the course to keep in the safe zone and that best addresses in the kayak toward shelter.
G. If you surprise a strong wind or current towards the open sea, sets the course to avoid being dragged. With this wind it is dangerous situated more than two nautical miles offshore. Try to steer the kayak out of the wind.
H. Avoid navigate in poor visibility but if you're surprised or fog gets dark while browsing, first orientate the compass, the sun, the sound of the surf or wave direction. Second, try to stay in the safe navigation not wander too far from the coast or too close to the breakers and third, locate and go to a safe landing point. If you think you may have other vessels in the area it emits acoustic signals and uses a watertight flashlight or strobelight so that you can be reached.
6) In emergency situation
A. If unfortunately and despite well-planned navigation, you're in an emergency situation it is highly recommended to think about the situation before you act rashly. You must observe the conditions that have put us in difficulty, assess the situation and make the best possible decision in time for our security we get worse not. If you do not know what to do in case of trouble, stay calm, conserve energy, take protective measures against cold injury and tries to help.
B. If you believe the conditions exceed your ability to control the kayak or find a safe place, launches a distress message in time with the phone number of maritime emergencies 900 202 202 or through channel 16 VHF station. You must be prepared to communicate your position as clearly and accurately as possible the rescue service. In any case follow the instructions of rescue personnel.
Image 3: by Turismo
Here we show you some tips for kayakers:
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