Top 3 mistakes new kayakers make (and later regret!)

When I started my business in Shelburne in 2016 I got more than few "looks" when I explained to folks that I teach kayaking. I assume what was running through people's minds was some version of the following: "What's there to learn? Bum in seat, pull water with paddle and off you go, right?" In some ways, it is that simple. But it doesn't take new paddlers too many experiences to realize they might be missing something. After teaching kayaking to almost 2,000 people over the past 5 years, here's the top three mistakes new kayakers make:

#1: Not taking a "learn to kayak" course. Many of us buy kayaks and whatever gear we think we need and then hit the water. I'd be lying if I said I didn't start the same way. I started whitewater kayaking without taking any training or watching any videos (pre-YouTube). I'm lucky to have not been turned off (or worse, injured or dead) by more than one sketchy experience. 

Taking a "learn to kayak" (Paddle Canada's Basic Kayak Skills) training course teaches basic kayak paddling strokes, safety techniques such as how to assist another paddler safely re-enter a kayak in deep water, clothing and gear to use, kayak features and design, how to safely tie down a kayak, and much more. Most of these one day courses are around $125-$150 which is a fraction of the cost of a kayak and equipment. Many of the skills and techniques are not difficult, but not knowing them can be the difference between having a very bad experience and having a short "upside down experience" that you laugh about with friends after the fact. 

 #2: Buying a kayak and equipment before trying it or before taking a training course (see above). Kayaking is a gear intensive sport right up there with other self propelled outdoor adventures such as climbing and ski touring. Many new kayakers quickly learn that the new gear they have purchased isn't quite right. Paddles are too long. Kayaks are too short. Safety gear meets the minimum requirement, but isn't practical. Trying equipment provided by an instructor or even taking a course and asking the instructor why they use specific gear, can save you a lot of money and help you enjoy kayaking much more. 

#3: Taking the wrong training. I'm sometimes surprised by the number of clients who want to learn to roll their kayak before anything else. Depending on the type of kayaking paddlers see themselves participating in, this can be a good goal. Rolling is a fundamental skill in whitewater kayaking and many aspiring whitewater paddlers are wise to start working on this skill early. For lake touring and sea kayaking however, rolling is an advanced skill. Instructors start teaching this skill when participants are introduced to rough water, strong currents, and surf. I often find aspiring sea kayakers/lake tourers who start with kayak rolling training lack experience with their paddle (sometimes referred to as "blade awareness"). They are also uncomfortable being upside down in their kayak, progressing slowly compared to paddlers who have previously spent time learning fundamental skills and re-entry techniques in training such as Basic Kayaking and Paddle Canada's Level 1 Skills.  

Although there's still a bit of snow on the ground as I write this, now is a great time to contact instructors and look for training opportunities this season. Many of our programs fill up quickly so don't delay asking questions and finding the right training that fits your paddling goals. All the best,

Matt DeLong

Certified Paddle Canada Beginner River Kayak Instructor TrainerCertified Paddle Canada Level 1 Sea Kayak Instructor Trainer, Level 3 Sea Kayak Instructor SKGABC Level 3 Lead Guide

Owner, Candlebox Kayaking - Go kayaking. Have Fun.

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