You just bought your first inflatable kayak, and you’re dying to launch it into the water to explore the estuary, swamp, or coves around you. That’s great, but to avoid scares or accidents, some very basic safety rules are necessary. I’ve been doing this for a long time, so I’ll tell you the most basic things about kayak safety.
KAYAK SAFETY: AVOID SCARES
I never tire of repeating that water is not the human environment. We can be there for a little while. If we stay longer, hypothermia and drowning are very lethal possibilities. Also, in the water we are exposed to very powerful elements (wind, waves or currents) from which it can be difficult to escape.
With all this I don’t want to scare you. I want to instill responsibility in you. Normally when there is a kayak accident, a series of imprudence and unforeseen events are linked that we must avoid.
CHECK THE FORECAST
Inflatable kayaks are very sensitive to wind. I explain the reasons here. That’s why it’s best not to sail on windy days. Or avoid the hours of the day when the wind increases in intensity. Weather conditions have an unpredictable degree. But if we consult the weather forecast, they are quite accurate. For the sea I have a lot of faith in windguru. For everything else eltiempo.es
Along these lines, you have to check the tides, which can generate very powerful currents. Or a significant change in the embarkation or disembarkation area. In the sea it doesn’t hurt to check the waves. Inflatables are very sensitive to the influence of waves.
CARRY BASIC SAFETY EQUIPMENT
When kayaking it is very important to wear a vest. It protects us thermally and helps us float in the water. It’s a bit like a helmet on a bike. Better to wear it because we may not have time to put it on in case of need. World statistics insist that there was a vest in serious kayak accidents.
Another basic element is a way to ask for help in case of a problem. The most basic thing is a smartphone in a
In an inflatable kayak it is important to be able to solve an occasional puncture. Therefore, yes or yes, you must carry a repair kit. And know how to use it, which is not so simple. And of course, I always carry the inflation pump (attached with a rope) to replace any air loss.
Something that I would recommend in an inflatable is a leash. At one end you hold the kayak. On the other, your ankle with a velcro closure. The approach is simple. If by any chance you jump into a swim or capsize, a gust of wind can take your inflatable to such a great distance that you cannot reach it by swimming. With the leash attached to the kayak, you will not be left floating alone in the middle of the water.
You can carry more accessories for safety. But these are the most basic.
RECOMMENDED CLOTHING
The clothes we wear also matter. As we are going to use the inflatable in summer, we should wear clothes that protect us from the sun. Related to this, you have to bring water and sun protection. If you were sailing in winter, warm and waterproof clothing.
SAIL IN COMPANY
Try not to sail alone. A good companion in their kayak (and you in yours) is an important element of kayak safety. They can help you, or call the cavalry in case of accident or problem. For this to work you must sail at a distance that is not very large. If your partner is so far away that they don’t realize you’ve fallen into the water… we’re not getting anywhere.
NAVIGATION PLAN
It is necessary before starting, to know where you leave from, where you arrive, the approximate duration, the stops and who is in the group. That info should be known by all the members of the team, and someone on land. That way someone will be able to notify the rescue services, and give information that is very important for any rescue operation.
Related to the above in an inflatable kayak try to separate yourself as little as possible from the shore. That way you will not be at the mercy of the wind.
It is also advisable to participate in some
kayak course
where they teach us the basics of this sport and thus solve many situations. If you have any questions about kayak safety
