The basic safety rules apply regardless of the experience of the paddler, and they must be followed by absolutely everyone who goes out on the water.
Since kayaking is a water sport that can only be practiced outdoors, the following are mandatory:
- Always wear a life jacket.
- Before getting into the kayak, make sure that all zippers/locks on the life jacket are fastened, well secured and not torn.
- Be sure to wear a protective helmet. You can slip when getting in or out of the kayak and be seriously injured.
- Do not paddle too far! Especially if you are a beginner kayaker.
- Plan your trip carefully and in advance. Tell your family and friends the route of your trip.
- Carefully check all your equipment every time you plan a kayak trip. Even the smallest tears or damage cannot be ignored and needs to be fixed or repaired.
- Always stay as close to the shore as possible. Exceptions may be areas of the sea coastline where waves are actively forming.
- Always follow the rules of navigation in the waters where you are.
- Learn how to send an SOS signal.
- Do not panic if you find yourself overboard. Learn self-rescue techniques. Practice them!
- Always try to sail in groups. The recommended minimum is three kayaks.
- Choose a route and level of difficulty that suits your physical fitness.
Safety rules for beginners:
In addition to the above, inexperienced paddlers should be doubly careful and make extra efforts to avoid any danger or injury during kayaking.
You should know how to launch your kayak and basic paddling techniques, as well as basic paddle movements (how to cast off, how to dock sideways, how to deploy the kayak efficiently and quickly, etc.) This will help you to control the kayak. A kayak trip will only be successful if you use the correct paddling technique.
It is quite safe to start kayaking in a group of experienced kayakers of at least 3 people with you. This will help you learn a lot in the shortest possible time.
Planning a kayaking trip alone can turn out to be a disaster for you, as you may not foresee all the potential threats.
Plan your first trips in calm, stagnant water (or in a slow current). This will allow you to get used to the need to paddle steadily and steadily.