9 Tips for Solo Paddling / Kayaking Alone - Weekly Kayaking Tips - Kayak Hipster

@cormacobric reached out with the request for this topic. I thought it was a great idea, so here's 9 tips that can help you when paddling alone.

Please comment below with questions or if you'd like to share any other tips you like to do when you're on solo adventures.

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#kayak #seakayak #kayaktips

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[boatman]

I worked for years as a professional Maine Guide teaching sea kayaking and for the past 25 years I've been a licensed boat captain running charter boat trips. Other than that I have basically done everything by myself. I've hiked, bicycled, snowshoed, cross country skied, canoed, kayaked, sailed, and motor boated many thousands of miles solo. I've even done some solo ice climbing although I must admit that did mot turn out to be as enjoyable as I might have hoped for and I can't say as I recommend it. The secret to all my solo travels and activities was knowing my limits and staying within them. Much is made of the supposed safety of groups but truth be told in the out of doors world when all is said and done we must all ultimately rely upon ourselves. A group of 3 sea kayakers caught in a storm quickly becomes 3 individual sea kayakers caught in a storm and how well things turn out has more to do with individual judgement and skill than with the "group." This is not to say that group activities are bad and beginning outdoor adventurers can learn much from the more experienced, and in a very real sense be more safe. But the blanket prohibition against solo outdoor adventure sometimes places too high an emphasis upon depending upon others and too little on depending upon oneself.

[Bsuepify]

Finally a Solo video, im so tired of watching videos and going to boating classes and being stopped by river control being told I need to kayak with a buddy. It's like people are so dumb they don't know how to take care of themselves so they need to take another person with them. I get there is always a chance of an accident but frankly If I had to do any of my kayaking, camping, and hiking with a buddy I would just have to stay home and do nothing. I only have my work friends and they are all Barbie dolls that smoke weed and don't do anything with nature. So solo trips are the only way I can get out and have fun, though I take all the precautions just in case something happens.

[jt]

I do everything alone. But I follow my instincts, and if something doesn't feel right, I won't do it. No one around here is into nature like I am, and this area is very self absorbed, ppl are deep in their own zone. I have done things alone my entire life but when it comes to the water, I am more cautious than usual.

[chrismaggio]

I am usually alone, and honestly I rarely have more than 4 or 5 of those tips going on at any one time. I should. These are good and practical ideas. Thank you for making me feel guilty and thinking twice (I do mean that! Thank you)

[dawoollyman]

Great for me since I usually go alone. It's not by choice but I understand the fear I often feel is actually healthy. Thanks!

[GooshawnXD]

My duck kayaks with me so I'm never paddling alone 😆😆
Great tips. First thing I do when I get a new kayak is flip it and make sure I can get back in. I do so often on lakes so I'm ready if it happens on the river. I used to keep my dry bag strapped in the kayak until the one time I flipped it for a swim and my foot got caught in it. I was able to get out of it quickly but I'm glad it happened in calm waters and that I could learn from this mistake.
It's like knowing how to change a flat on your car....something you just really need to know how to do before any trip.

[martincheesman]

Thank you, I like that your posts are very informative and to the point.

If I may add, if in open water it is best to have a lash from you to the boat. That way the boat won’t get blown away from you and rescuers can see you much more easily.

[johnjacob]

I really want to get into Kayaking but non of friends seem interested enough to join me. I don't mind going out by myself, I actually love to be out by myself. I just don't want to be out there alone while I'm learning something new and potentially dangerous.

[andyroubik]

Good video, thank you! To truly know the ocean one must go to it as one would go to a sweetheart, alone!

[ALFarrell-kvok]

On solo paddles, I wear a snorkeling mask and snorkel around my neck and ready to don. Attached to the inside of the kayak on each side with thin pieces of fishing line, I have snorkeling fins. If unable to get back on board, I can don my mask, snorkel, and fins and more powerfully and quickly swim to shore even without using my hands. I can instead use one hand to hold the rope I have attached to the front of my kayak for towing to shore. I always use a paddle leash attached to a point to the front of my kayak seat. If falling out of the kayak when capsizing, I can keep hold of the paddle to keep the boat from getting away from me in wind, current, or waves.

[erintoby]

Good tip I heard was to make sure you wear a water bladder on you with fresh water. You can survive and be more comfortable if you have fresh drinking water while waiting for rescue.

[CaptainNicBlake]

I just got my first kayak last summer (inflatable) and I try to stay as safe as possible. This video is great!

[GITMachine]

3 paddlers if possible is great advice. I find the 3rd paddler is the one who ends up grabbing the gear that always seems to float just out of reach :)

[kayasper]

I am planning a monster solo trip, so your ideas about padlling solo are very welcome. Thanks.

[truenorth]

Good tips all of them! When going solo, I think of less open water and perhaps follow a coastline instead. A small tent/tarp and a warm sleepingbag is good to have with you if stranded (bad weather). Thanks for sharing!

[dragiwolf]

Thx I just got a kayak and this helps a lot!

[chuckk]

Thanks for the great info. I usually paddle solo and often in the same locations so I may get lazy about prepping for all eventualities. This is a great reminder video on the things I should keep in mind since I am on my own. Really enjoy your videos so keep them coming!

[finnsteiner]

Awesome vid! Solo paddling can be a rewarding and introspective activity. Thanks for opening up a conversation on this subject - some feel it is a taboo subject. All of your points are great - all things I do on expedition too! Have fun and stay safe out there guys :)

[rochmel]

Great video. I am new to kayaking and am planning my first trip away from my home river in a few weeks time. I thought I'd got all the bases covered but you have pointed out a couple of things I hadn't thought of! Thanks. i'm now going to check out some of your other videos!

[trailtrashoutdoors]

New subscribers here from Trail Trash Outdoors! What great suggestions and tips! My brother and myself recently purchased our first kayaks and any tips and tricks will help us have a safer trip. Thanks! Much love-TTO