Kayaking Dangers

Kayaking is a fun outdoor sport that can be enjoyed by anyone. However, there are some dangers that you should be aware of before you decide to go kayaking.

It's important to know what dangers could lie ahead when you're out on the water. There are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of injury or death.

WhichTableGame is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.

What is the danger of being in a kayak?

Kayaking is a fun outdoor sport, but it can also be dangerous if precautions are not taken. Here are some tips on how to stay safe while having fun on the water.

Wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at all times when you're in your kayak. This way, if something does happen while you're out paddleboarding, you'll be properly equipped to handle it. Make sure that your PFD fits well and that it's comfortable enough that you don't mind wearing it for long periods of time.

Drowning

According to the National Safety Council, water drownings are the most common cause of accidental death for children between the ages of 1 and 14.

Approximately 200 people die each year due to drowning. It can be more dangerous to kayak if you are wearing a life jacket. It will make it difficult to grab onto stuff, and more likely that you'll lose your footing if something is floating above you. If you are not wearing a life jacket then it's not just your body that can get into trouble - it's also your gear!

Getting Too Cold

The water can be very cold, and it's easy to get hypothermia if you're not prepared. Wearing a wet suit and gloves, as well as other waterproof gear will help. You should also try to find out if the area that you are going kayaking is near any dangerous currents or tides, since that can also increase the risk of drowning.

Getting Lost

It's easy to lose sight of land while kayaking, especially if there are no reference points nearby. This is most common when people paddle in large bodies of water. It's easy to get confused, especially when you're tired. One way to prevent this from happening is to navigate using a compass and a map.

Running Into Something in the Water

Kayaks aren't the fastest boats in the water, and a collision with a larger vessel or a log can really damage your kayak and potentially injure you. To avoid this, it's best to stay in open water when you're kayaking, and avoid places that are too crowded.

Injuries from Falls

The most common injuries that kayakers suffer is from falling out of their boat into shallow water when they miss a wave or when they hit something underwater. If you do fall off of your kayak, make sure you don't go into cold water, but instead hold on to it until you are sure that your kayak is stable. Make sure that you are wearing a life jacket as well.

Ticks and Mosquitoes

The water can be very polluted with these insects, and they can transmit infections such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus. So it's best to be prepared when you're in the water with your kayak. If you're going to get wet, wear impenetrable clothing, and be sure to bring insect repellent.

Exhaustion

Kayaking can be very tiring, especially for beginners or if you go out on the water by yourself. It's important to pace yourself so you don't get exhausted too quickly. Be sure to stop periodically so you can rest and drink water. Also, make sure that you don't kayak on your own until you are at least an adept kayaker (meaning that it takes less than 90 minutes for 10 km).

Eddies and Rip Currents 

These types of currents tend to be stronger than normal in large bodies of water such as lakes. They can pull kayakers down to the bottom in a matter of seconds, so it's important to stay extra alert while you're out there.

Getting Stuck

Kayaking can be fun if you're not trying to go very fast, but if you do try to go too fast, you could run into a current, something that is stuck to the bottom of the river, or even into shallow water where you are not equipped to handle it.

It's important that you are able to handle changes in your kayak by using the right technique.

Hitting a Snag or Rock

This can cause damage to your kayak and can even leave you stranded. If you see something poking up from the water, it's important to not try to hit it, but instead paddle around it. You don't want to end up getting hurt.

Improper Boat Handling

It's possible for a kayak to capsize if it's not handled correctly. It's important that you know the right way how to handle a kayak, and if need be, seek out professional help from a coach or instructor.

Being Struck by a Buoy of Wood, Metal, or Ice

A boat can get stuck on the side of this object, and if it does, there's no way that you'll be able to move it without capsizing the kayak. The chances of this happening increase with larger boats and more water on top of them; thus kayakers should make sure they don't try to run over these objects on purpose.

Severe Weather

Kayaking is best done in warm waters, and it's important to avoid storms. Winds and heavy rains can cause the water to be dangerous and even lead to flooding, which means that there will be more debris floating around that can damage your kayak.

Conclusion

All in all, kayaking is a fun activity and it's best done in areas where the water isn't too busy. It does come with some risks, but if you follow some of the tips we've provided above, you should be able to stay safe and enjoy yourself while you're doing it.

The right gear for this activity can really increase how much you enjoy it. For example, a kayak that tracks well will allow you to travel at a lower effort level and stay comfortable while you do it. You'll also want a kayak that is easy to control, so that it's easier for you to navigate through different obstacles in the water.

These are just a few of the tips we have for staying safe when you're kayaking. We recommend checking out the other articles on our site if you want to learn more. We also provide apparel like clothes and protective gear like life jackets, wet suits and paddles.