What to Wear When Kayaking – A Woman’s Guide
Besides general kayaking essentials, a kayak, and a paddle, much thought goes into choosing the kind of apparel to wear. If you are just getting started with kayaking, you will be confronted with vast options when deciding what to wear.
Before setting out for any kayaking expedition, you must invest in layers made of materials that do not soak up water. This property comes in handy when selecting quality women’s workout pants and kayaking gear. Materials that do not absorb water do not wick up moisture when working out and will not only take moisture away from your skin but also weigh you down when you fall into the water.
For your sake, you also need to dress for the temperatures, both the water and the environment. Paying close attention to the temperatures is convenient, especially when you end up in the water and must spend some time getting back into your boat.
The Best Clothes Wear
The best outfits to wear on a kayak should be comfortable, especially when it gets wet. It is common to find some beginners in women’s workout pants or running gear while they need a wetsuit to keep them warm and dry during their entire expedition.
There are different types of wetsuits. Thick wetsuits, for instance, are ideal for cold conditions. The beauty of most wetsuits is that they have ample room to accommodate some swimwear underneath, or you might opt to go commando.
Overall, with experience, you can make informed choices on what to wear. This way, you can choose quality gear that matches your needs.
Kayak Uses
Military Kayaks
While kayaks are predominately utilised for recreation, they also have more serious uses. Over the years, these vehicles have been adopted by the military. Several organisations noticed their potential during World War Two. This included the Royal Marines Boom Patrol Detachment, British Commandos and Combined Operations Pilotage Parties. Kayaks were ideal for covert operations due to their compact size and silent nature. During WWII, the harbour of Bordeaux was raided in an event known as Operation Frankton. The commandos entered the coast via unique military kayaks.
Aside from actual combat, several armies have recognised the importance of kayaks for gaining reconnaissance. An excellent example of this is the Falklands War when these vessels allowed scouts to move silently past enemy patrols. The US Navy SEALs are reported to have utilised them for operations within Somalia in the early 1990s.
Over the years, several kayak models have been created specifically for military use. A unit of the UK Royal Navy called the Special Boat Service has its own two-person folding kayak revered for its mobility. This model is notable because it can be launched from a surfaced submarine. It is even possible for divers to exit a submerged sub while carrying a kayak and bring it up to the surface.
Kayaks are so versatile that paratroopers have been known to use them. The vessel may be dropped into the sea or held by the parachutist as they jump from the aircraft. Several branches of the US armed forces favour this method. However, Australia appears to be the country that has utilised kayaks the most for military operations. It was a key vehicle for them during the 1941 to 1945 Pacific War.
Kayak Safety
Kayaking is enjoyable, but with its exciting nature comes several potential hazards. It is vital that all kayakers know how to stay safe while out on the water. Every year the RNLI is called out to rescue people in these vessels.
Over the decades, there have been numerous tragic stories about kayak accidents. Readers can check out the BBC website to learn about specific cases. Many of them were caused by capsizing. The weather and tides can change dramatically in very little time. Consequently, people have to know the conditions before they launch their craft.
There are some types of kayaking that are more dangerous than others. A good example is white water rafting, which should only be undertaken by those with a high skill level. River difficulty is usually expressed on a scale from 1 to 6. 1 is used for areas that only have a small number of rough patches. Meanwhile, 6 denotes a genuine risk of death or injury. Therefore, it is essential that kayakers know the difficulty level of the body of water they want to travel through.
It might seem obvious but everyone operating a kayak has to wear a life jacket. If the vessel suddenly capsizes, a flotation device will increase the chances of the person’s survival. Those not wearing one will need to manually stay afloat until help arrives. Doing so will waste valuable energy, and the possibility of drowning can become more real.
Each kayaker brings a kit with them. It can contain a plethora of valuable items. Compasses are essential for navigation. There should be an appropriate amount of water available so that dehydration is prevented. The RNLI recommends that kayakers also bring a phone with them. Doing so will allow them to call the emergency services if they get into trouble. It is wise to keep the device in a waterproof pouch so that it does not get damaged.
While there are many ways to increase safety, the most important thing is to be well trained. Novices can take courses on how to properly utilise a kayak. Education allows them to better identify any potential hazards while out on the water. Kayakers should only launch into bodies of water that are appropriate for their skill level.
Kayak Fishing
Kayaks are ideal vessels for people who want to engage in fishing. Modern kayaks have very high traverse stability, which reduces the risks of capsizing. As a result, fishermen can travel further out to deep water, where their catch will be. Due to the small size of these boats, only one or two people tend to fit in them. However, it is possible for groups of kayakers to head into the water together.
While on a boat, fishing entails utilising a number of techniques. Readers can use Wikipedia to learn about these in detail. There is not much difference between fishing from a large boat or a kayak. In essence, they are the same. However, the pieces of equipment may have to be attached to the smaller kayaks in a slightly different fashion.
Since kayak fishing is so popular many of these vessels are manufactured with the necessary accessories. This includes rod holders, bait containers and anchor trolleys. Anglers will tend to seek out well-known game fish such as marlin, halibut, drum, snook, seatrout and tarpon. Others may prefer species that are revered for their taste. Good examples are tuna, cod and mackerel.
In the past, most people believed that boats needed to move at high speeds for trawling to be effective. As a result, kayaks were seen as an ineffective method. However, it is perfectly possible to snag fish even at paddling speed. When this was discovered, the popularity of kayak fishing soared.
Soft baiting is another way to attain a catch. The person will need to utilise soft lures and weighted jigheads. The lures tend to be in the shape of bait. Fishermen in the Southern hemisphere are more likely to engage in soft baiting because it negates having to use messy live bait instead.
If the person wants to fish very far out to sea, then they are unlikely to launch their kayak from the shore. Instead, the vessel can be stored on a larger boat. Once the vehicle reaches a certain point, the person will get on their kayak and seek out game fish. This is the ideal method for those wanting more excitement as the fish can end up dragging the kayak through the water.
In recent years freshwater areas have been seen as excellent locations for this type of fishing. Species such as largemouth bass, salmon, muskellunge and trout reside in these waters.
Kayak Fishing
Kayaks are ideal vessels for people who want to engage in fishing. Modern kayaks have very high traverse stability, which reduces the risks of capsizing. As a result, fishermen can travel further out to deep water, where their catch will be. Due to the small size of these boats, only one or two people tend to fit in them. However, it is possible for groups of kayakers to head into the water together.
While on a boat, fishing entails utilising a number of techniques. Readers can use Wikipedia to learn about these in detail. There is not much difference between fishing from a large boat or a kayak. In essence, they are the same. However, the pieces of equipment may have to be attached to the smaller kayaks in a slightly different fashion.
Since kayak fishing is so popular many of these vessels are manufactured with the necessary accessories. This includes rod holders, bait containers and anchor trolleys. Anglers will tend to seek out well-known game fish such as marlin, halibut, drum, snook, seatrout and tarpon. Others may prefer species that are revered for their taste. Good examples are tuna, cod and mackerel.
In the past, most people believed that boats needed to move at high speeds for trawling to be effective. As a result, kayaks were seen as an ineffective method. However, it is perfectly possible to snag fish even at paddling speed. When this was discovered, the popularity of kayak fishing soared.
Soft baiting is another way to attain a catch. The person will need to utilise soft lures and weighted jigheads. The lures tend to be in the shape of bait. Fishermen in the Southern hemisphere are more likely to engage in soft baiting because it negates having to use messy live bait instead.
If the person wants to fish very far out to sea, then they are unlikely to launch their kayak from the shore. Instead, the vessel can be stored on a larger boat. Once the vehicle reaches a certain point, the person will get on their kayak and seek out game fish. This is the ideal method for those wanting more excitement as the fish can end up dragging the kayak through the water.
In recent years freshwater areas have been seen as excellent locations for this type of fishing. Species such as largemouth bass, salmon, muskellunge and trout reside in these waters.