Water Safety – Always wear a life jacket. Pay attention to weather conditions: air temperature, wind conditions, water temperatures
Don’t kayak alone
Life Jackets: Understand WHY you need to wear a life jacket, How to wear a life jacket that fits you best, which life jackets to AVOID wearing and why
White Water Kayaking vrs Flat Water Kayaking
Flat Water Kayaking – "Sit on Top" kayaks vrs "Sit IN" kayaks – we own both kinds
Different types of kayaks – (short, long, 2 person, 1 person, wide, narrow)
What is required when you kayak w/ me – come to my house, help load, plan on 30 min. to load
What is needed if you kayak on your own – whether you rent or buy a kayak – Yakama or Thule Cross Bar, Kayak T-Poles, straps
Where to buy or rent a kayak – Any Outdoor Recreation Retail Store, also check online at KSL, Craigslist, etc. Know what to look for to avoid a costly mistake.
Water safety – study the weather and water conditions before getting in the water, check the weather report before you go, weather can change rapidly, don’t paddle out to the middle of a lake/reservoir if there is questionable weather, stay near the shoreline, know when to get out of the water
My favorite CLOSE bodies of water, within 15 – 30 min. of my home: Jordan River, Great Salt Lake, Little Dell Reservoir
More favorite places to kayak in Utah: Mirror Lake, Fish Lake, Lake Powell, Jordanele Reservoir, Deer Creek Reservoir, Pineview Reservoir, Utah Lake, Bear Lake, Green River, etc.
When we start kayaking this spring – As soon as the air temp is 65 or above
What to wear – life jacket, wet shoes when it gets cold, keen sandals for carrying the boat down to the water, layered clothing, swim suit, shorts, hat,
What to take w/ you in your kayak – rope, clear waterproof bag for food, water bottle, snacks, jacket, clothes, towel, sunscreen, hat
What about car keys/cell phones when kayaking – I keep them in my life jacket zipper. IF you are new to kayaking, I strongly advise NOT taking car keys, wallet or cell phone OUT on the water if possible. Find a safe place away from the water to keep these items. I take a cell phone with me on the water for emergencies
Exercises you can do at home in preparation for kayaking: Pushups, situps, etc.
Posture when you are in the kayak – sitting up straight
Sitting on a pad vrs a seat with a back rest: Not using a back rest will work your stomach muscles more but you can get a back ache and it's very uncomfortable for long kayaking outings
Training on and off of the water – Kayaking works: Arms, Shoulders, Stomach, and Back.
Why I love kayaking: It's a great cross-training sport and compliments my hiking. I especially love kayaking after hiking since I find it relaxing and uses completely different muscles.
Securing your waterproof bag to the kayak – using the bungies
Where to hold on if you are being pulled - If you are in the water and someone is towing you to shore, learn where you can and can not hold on.
DANGERS: Wind drifting – If you don’t pay attention, you can drift quite a ways while taking a rest, eating or just relaxing. Always be observant. Keep an eye to the sky and pay attention to drifting.
