Kayaking can be scary for non swimmers but actually there is no shame or risk if you don’t know how to swim. Being a child or adult, you might not have a chance to learn swimming that never means you can’t enjoy other water sports.
Though kayaking for non swimmers is possible but it’s safe only when one adopts the safety measures. If you’re the one unaware of swimming but amateur kayer, keep reading to make your adventure safe!
Can You Kayak Without Knowing How to Swim?
Yes, you can kayak without knowing how to swim by following a little safety guidelines. These guidelines can range from taking the kayaking classes to personal safety measures. Also, there are some ways to make your emergencies less risky, so you should have knowledge of all these things.
Remember that knowing how to swim never guarantees that you are safe during kayaking. So, you should also learn other immunity tips to be safe when kayaking. But swimming is an additional security layer for swimmers and such swimmers will be at low security risk.
Tips to Kayak Without Knowing How to Swim
Following the initial safety rules and regulations for kayaking is same for both swimmers and non swimmers. These can be paddling techniques, choosing the right equipment, learning the risks, and being vigilant while being on the water.
But if you don’t know how to swim and want to kayak, you shoud follow some additional guidelines as well. Here are the most important tips to follow;
Use a Life Jacket
A life jacket can help you prevent the drowning risk when kayaki as a swimmer and entangled in an emergency. Though it’s essential kayaking equipment for you whether you are a swimmer or not but using it as a non swimmer is inevitable.
Kayak in Groups
To minimize the risks, try to kayak in groups. When you are in the company of your friends, they will not leave you alone in any situation. So, your paddling adventure will be far more secure than being alone.
Learn the Kayaking Basics
Being a non swimmer may be okay for kayaking but you should learn the basics of paddling. The basics include choosing the right material and equipment, using the right paddling techniques, following the rules, and how to act in emergency. All these things will make your adventure safe even if you are unaware of swimming.
Choose the Right Kayak
Kayak shape and size matters a lot in maintaining the stability. Based on your paddling technique, choose between the sit on the top and sit in the yak kayak style. Also, choose the right size for maximum safety.
Choose the Kayak That Fit the Outriggers
Outriggers are kayak stabilizers that add buoyancy to kayak when it’s on the water. Always choose the right kayak type that fits well to your outriggers so that you can align them in rough water or any other situation.
Conquer Your Fear
Fear makes a man awkward, so always conquer your fear for water when learning the kayaking. Especially, you should follow this tip when entering this world as a non swimmer. You can try start kayaking trials at first, learn how to float, and learn how to hold breath to cope up the water fear.
Choose the Right Spot and Weather
Water and weather conditions make a great difference during kayaking. Kayakers suffer a lot on wavy and rough waters or in bad weather. Moreover, kayak alongside the bank to be safe during any emergency. This way you can access the bank quickly if you get stuck in an emergency.
Why Swimming is Important For Kayaking?
Swimming is an important factor to kayak for both safety and fitness perspective. When you know how to swim, you can enjoy this water sport during your paddling adventure.
Also, if you get stuck in any emergency due to weather or rough water, you swimming skill can help you prevent the drowning risk. So, try to learn swimming if you want to be a kayaker. Otherwise, follow the above listed tips for security purposes.
Is Kayaking Safe for Non Swimmers?
Yes, kayaking can be safe for non swimmers but only when they know and follow certain risk preventions. Kayaking has couple of adjacent risks that can be avoided by following certain guidelines. So, follow the above tips if you are kayaker with a poor swimming skill.
Conclusion
Kayaking has certain safety risks and drowning is one of them. Especially, youe kayaking adventure can be risky if you neglect both security tips and swimming. However, you can enjoy paddling safety even if you don’t know how to swim by following certain safety rules. Always be vigilant when you are on waters and keep noticing your surroundings for a safe paddling.
FAQs
How to stay safe when kayaking as a non swimmer?
You can be safe on water when paddling as a non swimmer by using PFD, conquering your fear of water, and learning the kayaking basics. Also, choose the right safety and kayaking equipment to be safe.
I can’t swim, can I kayak?
Yes, you can still kayak even if you don’t know how to swim. It’s possible by following the safety rules and tips to make your adventure safe. Always use the life jacket and keep the essential first aid material in your kayak.
What are the risks of kayaking without knowing how to swim?
When you remain in touch of water for long time without knowing how to swim, you can be in trouble. The largest risk in such a situation is the fear of drowning. But be safe by using the essential tools, kits, and material if you kayak as a non swimmer.