Interested in kayaking? Read on!

Kayaking is a paddlesport along with canoeing and stand up paddleboarding, that runs a full gamut from sedate to thrilling, combining the joy of being on the water with the excitement of exploration.

As a beginner, understanding the importance of safety, choosing the right equipment, and being aware of environmental factors can make your kayaking adventures enjoyable and worry-free. Let’s take a quick dive into the essential aspects of kayaking, including safety measures and equipment selection.

Buoyancy Aids (PFDs): Wear One. Always.

A personal flotation device (PFD)—commonly called a buoyancy aid (BA)—is not optional. Think of it like a seatbelt, but for water. Even if you’re the most confident swimmer in the world, a PFD could save your life if you capsize or get unexpectedly tired. And no, wearing one doesn’t diminish your masculinity, bravery, or general sense of coolness. It just means you’re not an idiot.

Know Your Waters

Kayaking is not just “sit in boat, paddle go brrr.” Different waterways come with different risks:

🚣 Canals & Lakes – Usually calm, but beware of boats, strong winds, and unexpected shallows.
🌊 Rivers – Can range from peaceful to “Oh no, I’ve made a mistake.” Whitewater, in particular, is not for beginners—get some training first.
🌊 Sea – Tides, currents, and changing weather can turn an easy trip into a survival exercise. Check forecasts, know the tide times, and never underestimate the sea.

There are loads of apps and websites to check water conditions—Navionics, Windy, Magic Seaweed (for coastal conditions), and the Met Office are all your friends. Use them.

And if you’re thinking of taking up whitewater or sea kayaking, get formal training. In the UK, British Canoeing offers excellent courses through their PaddlesUp website.

For most paddlers, start by looking for a local club if you want a “taster” session or two to see if paddling is for you!

Choosing the Right Kayak (Because Not All Boats Are the Same)

Buying a kayak isn’t quite as simple as picking the prettiest one (though no judgment if you do). Different kayaks serve different purposes, and choosing the wrong one could leave you either wobbling uncontrollably or moving at the speed of a drifting log.

The Main Types of Kayaks

🛶 Sit-on-Top Kayaks – Stable, easy to use, and great for beginners or casual paddling. Downside? You’ll get wet. They’re also kinda slow.

🚤 Touring Kayaks – Longish, efficient, and ideal for long-distance paddling. A great choice if you’re planning multi-day trips.

🌊 Sea Kayaks – Designed for coastal paddling, these are fast, narrow, and built to handle waves. Great for long journeys, but can feel a bit wobbly at first. The sports cars of the kayaking world.

🌊 Whitewater Kayaks – Short, maneuverable, and built to survive being repeatedly hurled into rocks. Not ideal for straight-line paddling but excellent for rapids.

Before you commit to buying one, try a few out. Many paddling shops have demo days, and clubs often have loaner boats. There’s also a thriving second-hand market, especially for plastic (polyethylene) boats—which are durable and more affordable than fancy composite ones.

In addition to a PFD and a boat, some other gear to consider includes:

Essential Gear: What You Actually Need 

Aside from your actual boat, there are a few other essentials:

🦺 Buoyancy Aid (PFD) – We’ve already covered this. Wear one. No excuses!

🌧️ Cagoule (“Cag”) – A waterproof top that keeps wind and spray off. If you don’t like being soaked, get one.

🩱 Wetsuit or Drysuit – A wetsuit keeps you warm when (not if) you get wet. A drysuit keeps you completely dry and is essential for winter paddling. If you’re going with a wetsuit, be sure to get a paddling-specific one if possible. If I’m totally honest, paddling in a wetsuit kinda sucks though.

🛶 Paddle – Paddles come in types, different lengths, and materials. Don’t just buy the cheapest one—it makes a huge difference to efficiency and fatigue. If in doubt, ask your local paddling shop, and be sure to get one designed for the type of paddling you’re actually wanting to do.

👞 Water Shoes or Neoprene Boots – Kayaking barefoot sounds fun until you step on a sharp rock.

🗺️ Map, Compass, or GPS – If you’re heading into more remote areas, know where you are (and how to get back).

A Few Golden Rules for Happy Paddling

✔ Check the weather – That calm lake can turn into a wind tunnel in about 10 minutes.
✔ Tell someone where you’re going – Because disappearing without a trace is not ideal.
✔ Don’t annoy other water users – Yes, you technically have the right to be on most navigable waterways, but that doesn’t mean you should block a canal or cut across a fisherman’s line.
✔ Respect nature – Avoid disturbing wildlife, don’t land on protected areas, and for the love of all things good, don’t leave litter behind.
✔ Learn to capsize safely – Because at some point, you will.