For beginners, embarking on your first kayaking adventure can be both exciting and daunting. The open water offers endless opportunities for exploration, but it can also be intimidating for those without prior experience. One may subconsciously fear the potential risks that they may face whilst on the water, or that they are not good enough.
Acknowledging this, let's take a dive into the numerous techniques that can be used to boost your confidence on the water!
1. Choose Calm Waters
One of the best ways to build confidence is by starting in a controlled, calm environment, allowing yourself to ease your way into the wonderful world of kayaking. Choose a small lake or a river with little-to-no currents so that the experience is less intimidating and easier to navigate, with minimal risks.
2. Kayak with friends
A good way to overcome the fears that come with trying new experiences is by bringing your friends. This is because you tend to be more confident when accompanied by close companions, making the experience more comfortable, and potentially adding a humorous approach to failure.
3. Attend a beginners’ kayaking course
Enrolling in a beginner’s kayaking class can be incredibly beneficial. Professional instructors can teach you essential techniques and how to handle different situations on the water, building a beginner’s skillset and confidence. It is important to learn the appropriate health and safety practices that you must undergo when kayaking in order to avoid any potential incidents on the water, and learning from a qualified professional helps to build a beginner’s confidence as it helps beginners to feel assured when they tackle the waters alone.
To find a beginner’s kayaking course near you, visit your national governing body on British Canoeing. Here is a list of the phone numbers for each region of the UK:
- Paddles Up Training (England) - 0300 0119 500
- Paddle Scotland - 01887 292040
- Paddle Northern Ireland - 07526691171
- Canoe Wales - 01678 521 199
Another option for beginners to gain knowledge and understanding of the basics of watersports is by visiting The Home of Paddle UK | The NGB for paddling and paddlesport.
4. Understand and Respect Safety Practices
Building upon the points made in the last section, knowing you are well-prepared for emergencies can significantly boost your confidence. Understanding basic safety practices and emergency procedures will make you feel more secure. The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) have a water safety code, which can be used as a guideline for beginners and contains the following pointers:
- Stop and think - Take time to assess your surroundings. Look for the dangers and always research local signs and advice.
- Stay together - When around water, always go with friends and family. Ensure that you are at a venue where there is a lifeguard present.
- Call 999 - Ensure that you call the coastguard if you encounter a problem.
- If you fall off your SUP or kayak, ensure that you stay afloat to avoid drowning and panic, and call the coastguard/shout for help.
5. Ensure you have Appropriate Equipment
Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD) and carry essential safety equipment like a whistle, a bilge pump, and a paddle float. The Sandbanks Style Single Seater Kayak is a great option for beginners who want to tackle the waters alone due to its balanced rocker profile and its small size. This can be found on our website: https://asgardaquasports.com/products/sandbanks-style-optimal-single-seater-kayak. Alternatively, for those of you who prefer paddle boarding, the Fatstick Pure Art iSUP is a great first SUP due to its small size and ‘all rounder’ status, and can be found on our website: https://asgardaquasports.com/products/fatstick-pure-art-106-inflatable-stand-up-paddle-board-package.
6. Set Achievable Goals
A good way to build confidence on the water is by setting achievable goals that work towards a larger objective, such as traveling 30 minutes to a nearby island, or going 15 minutes without falling off of an SUP, allowing by overcoming challenges, increasing your confidence. Another good example of this is by practicing a safe fall into the water in the instance of an emergency, allowing beginners to become more comfortable in a stressful situation.
Conclusion
Building confidence on the water is a journey that takes time and practice. By starting small, learning from experts, and gradually increasing the challenge, you can become a more confident and skilled kayaker. Remember to stay calm, respect safety practices, and enjoy the process. Happy paddling!