Kayaking is one of the fastest growing water sports, the reasons are clear: it allows you to have fun and get in touch with nature, discovering new beautiful landscapes from a privileged point of view. Nowadays it is extremely easy to rent or buy a kayak and try this exciting sport activity, but before letting yourself go to the thrill of this sport, it is useful to know the essentials. Let's see them together.

How to kayak

Equipment

If you intend to try some kayaking, you must first check that you have all the necessary equipment with you to carry out this activity. Know that the type of boat depends on the water you are about to tackle: there are types of kayaks for calm waters and others for rapid waters and the size and shape vary drastically. So choose the place where you want to go kayaking according to the type of boat and your technical and sporting skills.

Kayaks can be equipped with floats that create air spaces to help prevent sinking; a life jacket should be worn at all times and a helmet is usually required for navigating the rapids. Furthermore, in the various safety equipment we find: a whistle to ask for help; ropes to throw to help other paddlers; a life jacket and neoprene shoes to protect you from any risks and from the bottom of the river. Appropriate clothing such as a wetsuit and a waterproof jacket is recommended, which protects against cold water, temperatures and wind.

Kayaking in and out

Keep the kayak on dry ground to learn how to paddle properly. If it is the first time you are trying this sport it is likely that you need some training before being able to enter the boat correctly.

Paddling correctly

Sit with your back straight and knees slightly bent. Most boats have small footrests that you can adjust to relax your feet and maintain proper position. Before setting off with the kayak, adjust the footrests and the seat to be able to assume an optimal position.

Choose the paddle according to your needs

Dip one side of the paddle into the water, curved side down. Pull the paddle towards the stern of the kayak and out of the water. As soon as one side of the paddle comes out of the water, you will have to repeat the instructions with the other side. Continue paddling in a smooth motion without moving your hands from their position on the paddle.

Choose the place to go kayaking

Before starting the sport, carefully study the place chosen for kayaking. Knowing the route you are about to take will be useful to avoid possible accidents and to make you feel safer during the course. Also, follow the weather report before leaving and find out about the depth of the waters where you will go.

Kayaking and safety

Kayaking is a sport for everyone, safe and fun, but we must not forget a series of recommendations to follow before practicing it. In addition to always carrying a life jacket with you, don't forget a signaling device and a torch that can fit on the bow of the kayak. These devices, in addition to being extremely useful in case of need, also make it easier to help in case you get lost.

Before leaving, find out about the possibility of purchasing sports insurance, this type of policy, in fact, is highly recommended for all those people who practice adventure sports during their travels. Furthermore, one of the main advantages of sports insurance such as Totalsports is that it insures at any time: during sports practice and during the rest of the trip. For this reason, by purchasing a sports policy, you can count on the guarantees of a travel insurance: problems with transport or luggage, and with those of a sports insurance: health problems, accidents, problems with sports equipment , search and rescue, reimbursement of previously booked lessons. And don't forget that, if you are injured while practicing one of the sports covered by the policy, the insurance insures spending in the rehabilitation center of your choice.