How to Make the Most of Your Kayak Rental Experience

Kayaking is among those activities that allow you to relax and reconnect with nature and yet have an amazing exercise. As a first-timer or a well seasoned paddler, you can get the most out of your kayak rentals without getting in the boat and paddling away. With a small bit of preparation and the right attitude, your trip can become memorable.

 

Choosing the Right Kayak

Kayaks are not uniform and your choice of them can either make or break your experience. A recreational kayak is appropriate in calmer lakes, or gentle rivers. Touring kayak could be the superior choice in case you are going to open waters or need more speed. Make sure you ask questions before your rent, to ensure you are getting something within your skill level and the kind of water you will be paddling in. Comfort is important as well check the seat and the foot rests.

 

Plan Around the Weather

The weather will make your kayaking experience big time. Check the weather conditions before you go, e.g. the wind velocity, rain, or even storms. Light winds may be nice, but strong winds make paddling more difficult than it should be. And, when you know you are going to be out a long time, take sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat--you would not believe how much the sun bounces off the water.

 

Bring Only the Essentials

Travelling light is preferable when you use kayak rentals. A dry bag (usually small) is useful to keep all kinds of things, such as your phone, wallet, snacks, or an extra layer of clothing. Whatever you take will, of course, have to be stored in a safe place against splashes, or even a potential capsize. Bring water bottles--you will be amazed at how thirsty you can get out on the water.

 

Learn the Basics Before You Paddle Off

Even when you have kayaked before, spend few minutes going through the basics. This involves the training of how to hold the paddle, the forward and backward strokes as well as learning how to steer. Most rental places will provide you with a brief overview- don not ignore it. Getting the proper technique early will prevent you getting tired too soon and you will enjoy the trip more.

 

Take Your Time and Explore

You just want to keep paddling and paddling, but some of the most memorable things are when you just go slow. Cruise the coast, and watch the wildlife, or simply pull up and take a break and listen to the silence of the waves. In case you are renting a longer period, take a small rest of stretching your legs and taking a snack.

 

Respect the Water and Environment

Kayaking provides you with a front row seat to nature and so it is necessary to respect it. Do not scare off wild life, follow marked paths and carry all the waste you brought with you. When paddling in shallow water, watch out that you do not wreck underwater vegetation or habitat.

 

Ending Your Trip Right

When your time is over, leave the kayak clean and in the same condition in which you received it. It is a minor gesture that makes it easier to rent out the place again and a pleasant gesture to the staff. Stop and think about what you liked best--it can guide you in your next trip and perhaps even encourage you to take a different kind of water or kayak the next time out.

 

The best way to utilize your kayak rentals is not hard, it is just a matter of preparing, being safe and actually experiencing it. A short adventure that you will remember long-term is possible with the correct strategy upon every trip.