Some people might think that kayaking is only for rivers and lakes, but they would be wrong. Kayakers can explore the ocean just as easily. In fact, there are many benefits to kayaking in the ocean.
can you kayak in the ocean? yes, you can! kayaking in the ocean offers a unique and thrilling experience that is sure to excite any kayaker.
Keeping in mind all of your needs here we come up with the best possible solution for you.
Table of Contents
Is Kayaking In the Ocean Hard?
Kayaking in the ocean may seem intimidating or even impossible, but it’s actually a lot easier than you might think. Kayaks were made to be able to travel through water, and they will hold up well as long as they are properly taken care of. However, there are a few things that you need to know before kayaking in the ocean.
Can You Kayak In the Ocean?
Kayaking in the ocean may seem intimidating or even impossible, but it’s actually a lot easier than you might think. Kayaks were designed to travel through water and will endure as long as they are cared for. However, there are a few things to consider before kayaking in the ocean.
So, you can easily kayak in the ocean without any problem, but you need to be aware of the following points.
- Waves, currents, tides.
- Swimming is prohibited or very dangerous
- The kayak needs to be heavy enough not to flip over with the weight of the person in it. So you need to make sure it’s heavy enough before taking the plunge.
- Never use your finger as a gauge for how deep water is.
What Type Of Kayaks Are Available for Ocean Kayaking?
When it comes to buying a kayak for ocean paddling, there are two options. You can choose an inflatable kayak or a hardshell kayak. The choice between the two will depend on your intended use for the kayak and who is going to use it.
Inflatable Kayaks
Inflatable kayaks are best suited for people who want to go on camping trips because they’re lightweight and compact when deflated. Most of them have several air chambers so even if you puncture one of them, you won’t sink.
They also come with backrests, thigh straps, foot braces and storage spaces for carrying gear on multi-day trips. A downside is that they take more effort to paddle than hardshells because of their low density.
Hardshell Kayaks
Hardshell kayaks are best for people who want a reliable and sturdy kayak for extended expeditions at sea. They’re sturdier than inflatable kayaks so they can better resist waves, wind and harsh conditions.
The downside is that they weigh more so you have to carry them from your car to the water and back again every time you go out. If you live close to the ocean, however, this may not be a big problem.
What Kind Of Gear Do You Need for Ocean Kayaking?
Kayakers using inflatable kayaks need to make sure they have all the necessary equipment for multi-day expeditions: shelter, sleeping bags, comfortable backpack, cooking equipment and a first aid kit. They also should bring plenty of water and food from home in reusable containers. When it comes to packing clothes, pick items that are lightweight but quick to dry if wet.
Hardshell kayak enthusiasts will need a life jacket that fits well over a thermal undershirt and wool sweater or fleece jacket to keep warm at night. A pair of watertight pants can protect them during rainstorms while a rash guard shirt protects their skin from the harsh sun. A hat is essential as are sunglasses to protect the eyes.
For any kayaker using an ocean, it’s also important to have a waterproof phone case or dry bag for their smartphone. This is essential since most of us use our phones nowadays for navigation purposes. You’ll also want to pack some sunscreen, lip balm and insect repellent on sunny days as well as a first aid kit similar to the one mentioned above.
How to Choose the Right Location for Ocean Kayaking?
Choosing where you want to go kayaking in the ocean is another important consideration before hitting the water. For beginners, it’s best to start off around sheltered areas close to home until you get used paddling over deep waters. To start with, look for beaches that are protected by headlands or reefs.
Once you’re more familiar with your kayak, you can try paddling along other areas like bays and inlets where the waves are less likely to tip you over. However, it’s best to stay away from open waters since it can get dangerous when there’s a storm or the wind is picking up speed.
What Safety Precautions to Take While Ocean Kayaking?
The most important thing is to train so you become a strong and confident kayaker before going out on a trip alone. Since solo kayaking is different from tandem kayaking, ask experienced friends or family members to help you practice maneuvering your boat in difficult situations such as when the wind picks up speed or waves start crashing into rocks.
It’s also important to consult weather reports before you go out kayaking since they can provide valuable information about what conditions to expect on a given day. This will allow you to better prepare for your trip and choose the best outfit as well as equipment based on the tides, currents and wind speed.
What Is the Best Time Of Year for Ocean Kayaking?
The best seasons for do-it-yourself ocean kayaking are autumn and winter because of relatively mild temperatures and fewer crowds at popular spots such as beaches that require permits.
If you’re looking for somewhere further away from home with less people, try visiting remote areas around spring or summer where local holidays occur in some countries such as China and Japan. Otherwise, there are always kayaking tours that take you to these amazing places.
How to Paddle in the Ocean Waves?
When it comes to paddling in the ocean, you need to maintain complete control of your kayak at all times. Paddling along or across the waves requires a lot more energy than kayaking over flat waters since you have to constantly adjust your speed and direction while making sure not to get thrown overboard by rough conditions.
Make sure that you sit lower in the front part of your boat while leaning back slightly while maintaining an angle that allows you to easily see what’s ahead of you without having too much weight on one side or another. This should allow your kayak to move forward effortlessly through relatively calm waters while giving you enough strength for surf-like conditions where waves are higher and stronger.
Conclusion:
In the end, proper preparation is essential for kayaking in the ocean. It’s important to have a good understanding of how tides work and what weather conditions to expect so you can prepare accordingly by bringing extra clothes or equipment depending on the forecast.
We hope that this guide about can you kayak in the ocean is very useful for you.
FAQs
1. Do I need a Licence to kayak in the sea?
No. kayaking in the sea is legal without a licence anywhere throughout Europe except for Northern Ireland where you need to have your boat registered with the Northern Irish Waterways and have some relevant insurance.
2. Where can I get more information about ocean kayaking?
You can contact British Canoeing or Scottish Canoes if you want further information about ocean kayaking.
3. Can I take a Paddle Board in the sea?
Yes, you can use a paddleboard in the sea but it is not recommended because of the amount of buoyancy required to keep it afloat and its lack of stabilizing qualities that protect both user and board from being thrown forwards or backward over waves.