Sea Kayaking Basics
Posted on 22. Aug, 2009 by Morgan in Sea Kayaking
Sea kayaking is a great way to explore the open ocean without the complexity and expense of a motorboat or sailboat. Sea kayaks can be launched directly from the beach or from the same launches used for larger boats. Sea kayaking originated in Alaska and Northern Canada and were initially used as a quick and agile sea vessel for hunting walrus and seals. Evidence of sea kayaks can be found as far back as 4000 years ago. Sea kayaks have become much more sophisticated over time and now there are a multitude of options for adventuring into the Ocean with a kayak.
So how can you pick the a sea kayak that is right for you?
There are a number of factors to consider when buying a sea kayak. Your height and weight are two key factors to consider when buying a kayak as they will dictate the dimension of the kayak you should buy. Whether you are buying a used or new Kayak it is easy to look-up the weight range for the kayak you are looking to buy. When looking at a weight range you will be the most satisfied if you find your weight in the middle of the range. Thus if you weigh 160 lbs you’ll want to find a kayak with a weight range between 130 lbs and 190 lbs – this would provide for the ideal loading of the kayak. When a kayak has a passenger that falls in the middle of the weight range it will be submerged in the water to the DWL (Designed Waterline) which will yield peak performance for the design.
Another metric you should pay attention to when buying a sea kayak is sinkage. Sinkage is the amount of weight added to the kayak that will cause it to sink one inch in the water. While you will still be able to paddle the kayak fine when it is submerged one or two inches further than normal, speed and manuverability will be reduced.
The next metric to look at when buying a sea kayak is the front height of the cockpit. The front height is the amount of space in the front of the kayak which is a major determinant in how easy it will be to get into and out of your kayak. This will also determine your own mobility within the kayak. If you want to have more free movement of your legs then you’ll want to pick a kayak with a larger front height. Another advantage of a higher front height is that you will have less water in your kayak since it must splash at a greater height to enter the kayak.
Along with front height, the rear height of your cockpit is another important metric to consider when purchasing an ocean kayak. Higher rear height will allow for better seats which will make a big difference for long kayaking trips. Like front height, a higher rear height will also help to prevent water from entering the kayak. The only major downside of a high front and back height is maneuverability. With a tighter fit in the kayak you can respond more quickly and move the kayak with your body without your legs bouncing around inside.
If you have found the perfect kayak and are ready to hit the open ocean – here are a few tips to help make your kayaking experience more enjoyable and efficient.
- Sit-up straight and keep your spine aligned – this will not only allow for greater comfort over time but is also the way to ensure the most efficient paddling
- Paddle size and the curve of the blade play a larger role than you might think. The more curve you have to your blade the more pressure you will be applying to the water and thus more grip you will have. The size of your paddle will also decide how much water you can push and thus the speed of your boat.
- Get in a rhythm – kayaking at a consistent pace will ensure you maintain proper speed and direction while also limiting the chance of injury.
- Make sure your paddle is properly aligned each time it enters the water – it should be oriented at a 90-degree angle with the kayak for maximum efficiency
One of the most important skills for sea kayaking is launching a kayak through surf. If you plan to launch from the beach this is a skill that you’ll have to master to avoid getting smashed by waves. Follow the steps below to successfully launch your kayak from the beach:
- Place your kayak at a 90-degree angle to the water running onto the beach (i.e. facing directly out into the open ocean)
- Bring your kayak into the water after a wave breaks and the water is receding back into the Ocean
- Start paddling hard to get past the shore break
- Slow down as you enter deeper water (don’t rush-into the surf zone – take your time here)
- Paddle through whitewater waves (right after a wave has broken) by paddling directly into them with a strong forward stroke
- When you’re ready to head through the break zone keep your paddle perpendicular to the wave (think of spearing the wave) and head directly through the wave
- Once through the wave paddle-out further immediately to make sure you are not sucked back into a wave
- That’s it – you are now past the waves and able to enjoy the open ocean!
