How to go kayaking for your first time!

I think kayaking is the best sport in the world.!
There are so many different sides to this sport, from cruising around lakes to chasing waterfalls, getting amongst it in the ocean and everything in between. But no matter how what side of the sport you’re interested in, it all starts out the same way. Getting out on the water for your first time

I hope this video helps out anyone that wants to go kayaking for their first time and that maybe the small tips section of the video could be useful to beginner kayaks.

Comment below for the next tutorial I should make!

Check out my Instagram for more kayaking content

Filmed by Maria Leitner

The equipment used in this video :

Paddles

Where to buy :

[kayakvideos]

Been watching this channel for some time now and that’s the first time I’ve seen Bren swim 😮 😉

[chicklechives]

The beginner kayaks I would recommend are second hand. Loads of quality boats available for a fraction of the price of a new boat, and they retain their value when you want to move on to something else when you understand your preference in the sport through.

[darkustomerlinus]

I wish I could enjoy your videos for a long, long time, dear man😢
See you on the heavenly rapids

[KingstonKayakClub]

Check out your local clubs, they usually have kit you can use while you decide which element of the sport you want to do. Unless you have a big garage and a big bank account 😂.

Another great video 👍

[richardselves]

Well done for putting that on matey. Kayaking is the best activity ever.

[sun]

You had me worried that you weren't going to mention paddling with other people and clubs. Good video.

[glyn]

Enjoyed that 👌 been kayaking for a year and love it its always goid to watch films like this 👍🇬🇧

[chicklechives]

Great video btw, top tips which will make a huge difference to anyone using it for an intro

[mattd]

Nice video... just been given a basic kayak so I'm gonna give it a whirl with the kids... it looks fun!

[lorenzriegel]

couple Things I´d recommend you added:
1st Putting the knees under the Kneerests when you first get in
Second adjusting the footrests
third when you first try getting out of your kayak grab yourself a buddy to comfort you and even tough nothing should happen be there just in case
and fourth having a spraydeck on should in my opinion only be done after you´ve gotten out of your kayak with one at least once again with the supervision of somebody else so nothing happens
and most importantly fifth have fun!

[soundwarper]

I never really got kayaking until recently when you, Bren, appeared on The Ride Companion with Davi and Olly and following that, I looked up this channel.

Now I totally get it! Top stuff! 👊😎❤️

[kevinmchugh]

Brilliant would love to see you do a series for each stage of the pathway. Both equipment that helps progression and how to develop key skills.

[tiaxanderson]

I too love kayaking, though I'm a 'tourer' that love to camp out overnight to go even further beyond, but that also means my kayak isn't for beginners :P

Honestly, pretty good video (well presented, informational, well edited), only a few minor nitpicks of which I'll voice one and a half and leave some extra info.

On the spray skirt I only have an addition; make sure that the tab is free and outside the kayak when you put on the skirt. Do it again if needed. And when you need to exit, it's usually a bit easier (especially if the skirt is new) to pull forward and up when you pull on the skirt's tab. That way it'll clear the cockpit's coaming much easier.

You didn't really go into safety, so I'll just add that you should prepare for the water temperature not the air ("Prepare for submersion" is the mantra). Lower than 10-15 degrees C or 50-60 F and you should really think about a dry suit. So when you're beginning, aim for temperatures above that. You can always splurge on equipment if you're sure you want to do this.

Which leads into equipment, honestly even this was a little overkill. Find some cheap neoprene water shoes to protect your feet should you get out of your kayak, you never know what could be between the rocks or in the mud, but these shoes are smaller than normal one so you have more room inside the kayak and they're meant to get wet. If you have glasses, get a floating sports band for them. Obviously PFD and consider a helmet. Also invest in a drybag that can fit some warm pants/trousers, shirt, and a towel. That way if you do get drenched you can dry off and warm up in dry clothes. Since my advice is to only begin with warm air and water temps, you can just wear swimming trunks and a quick drying tee (synthetic usually drys quickly). If you don't have a helmet, think about a hat and sun cream.

We need a quick talk about kayak construction too. There are a few types, but I'll limit to skin on frame, where you have a frame and some material (used to be skin) is strung over it, plastic, and modern composite. Only do the entry demonstrated here if you have a plastic kayak. You can probably throw away a skin on frame before you hit the water, and even if the modern composite appears to be fine, they're just a lot more sensitive.

Finally, what about taking lessons? Most clubs allow you to observe even if they're training and often offer some sort of introductory course. And they usually have a select few beginner kayaks available (else you can always rent at a rental place if you're on the fence and just wanna try a few times before committing).

[PALSRide]

Even though I’m not new to this sport I’ll gladly watch any instructional videos you make because it’s not every day I get to watch a professional do it like this one I never thought about using my knees to pop the skirt

[dazfrombramley]

Nice intro. As a suggestion I think some in depth techniques for getting in and out of a kayak as this is (in my experience) the place where most people come a cropper - may be different scenarios such as by a lake (as above) by a wharf, if you have a friend, by yourself, using a paddle to give support etc

[DennyT]

Good job mate. Didn't make it to much. Been doing it for years, but still fun to watch.

[copastm]

Great video! I want to see a Next Steps video i.e. common issues/bad technique when learning how to paddle like spinning out, using your arms too much when taking a stroke, and posture.

[andrewnau]

This was great. Spreading the stoke is always the classy move 🤙🏼
You might think about sticking w/that helmet 😂

[JhonnyMorales-]

Hello from Colombia! Your videos are so awesome and very fun, and very useful. Could you make a video speaking about how and where to use each type of boat? (creek or half slice) thanks...

[jimnolen]

Can you do a roll class? I've been trying to roll and everyone has there own way and opinion.. I respect your opinion when it comes to anything to do with a kayak.