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What are Some Important Things to keep in Mind While Kayaking?

Author: Above & Beyond Alaska
by Above & Beyond Alaska
Posted: May 07, 2022

Nowadays, as all the tourist places are opening up with the easing of restrictions, people are excited to visit new places and indulge in traveling to exotic places. For the millennials going for an adventure, tourism is on the top of the bucket list.

There are various adventurous sports that millennials can indulge in while visiting tourist places in Alaska. Perhaps Alaska is among the various destinations that are seeing a mad rush of visitors. The scenic locations in Alaska provide one with the opportunity to pursue various exciting activities.

One of the most sought-after adventurous sports in Alaska is kayaking. Kayaking in the Auke Bay or going in search of the mighty whales is once in a lifetime opportunity. However, if you are planning for your next kayaking tour to Alaska, then there are a few things that you need to keep in mind.

Kayaking may seem to be a very easy activity but it should not be taken lightly because it is a physically and mentally demanding activity. While in the middle of the water you need to keep certain important things in your mind to avoid getting yourself in trouble.

Here in this article, we will discuss the things you need to adhere to for enjoying your kayaking tour.

Take the weather into account

The first thing that you need to do before you pack your bags for going on your kayaking tour is to take an advance note of the weather while you will be visiting the kayaking destination. Nowadays, getting weather information about a place is very easy and you can look it up on the internet.

You are going to spend considerable time in water and taking the weather into account is imperative. Moreover, you must also be prepared to face abrupt changes in the weather and plan accordingly. Planning for your kayaking while taking into consideration the local weather predictions can save you from any nasty surprises due to changes in weather.

Besides that, knowing the temperature of the water is also very important as you need to dress accordingly. If the water is cold, then you should pack a wet suit or dry suit that will keep you warm.

Don’t forget the life jacket

You are going for an adventure water sports and the importance of a life jacket or your personal floatation device cannot be stressed much. There are many rules and regulations that guide the wearing of life jackets while kayaking or canyoning.

The life jacket not only prevents your drowning when you accidentally fall off your kayak but also adds insulation to your body by keeping you warm in the cold waters of Alaska. There are many designer life jackets available in the market and you can choose one that is best suited for you.

Most of the time it is seen that people take their life jackets off because it becomes uncomfortable. This is why you must choose which fits you.

Hone your skills

Well, many people just jump in the water with their boats and then find it difficult to paddle in the water. This is because wind and waves can make it really difficult for you to navigate the waters smoothly if you don’t have any prior experience in kayaking.

If you are a beginner, then consider going to places with a good flat area for launching and landing, minimal boat traffic and multiple locations to go ashore. However, if you are a seasoned person in kayaking then nothing comes as a barrier for you & you can head out to explore the waves.

Waves & currents

This is one of the least talked about but most important things that need every kayaker’s attention. When you are paddling in water that are known for their strong waves and currents, then you should get first-hand information on how strong the waves are & in which directions the currents flow.

You need to do some research and ask your local tour operator who can add some valuable information to your kitty. Most of the time people are seeing paddling against the current which makes it really difficult; however, when you are having adequate knowledge, then you can paddle with the current and enjoy your day.

Finally

The above-discussed factors are some of the important things that you need to keep in mind when you are going kayaking. However, the list is not limited to these factors and there are a lot of things that you should know before heading out. The best thing you can do is have a word with your tour operator to get first-hand knowledge about things to expect on your kayaking tour.

About the Author

Alaska is known for its high snow-capped mountains that are visited by people across the world for trekking activities. Trekking is one of the most popular outdoor activities that everyone likes to indulge in.

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Author: Above & Beyond Alaska

Above & Beyond Alaska

Member since: May 04, 2022
Published articles: 3

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