Solo Kayaking

“I took a kayaking lesson on Saturday and we practiced resues with other people, but I'm wondering how hard it is to turn your kayak over alone and get back in. I realized that I really need to practice skills in calm water before I head out into the ocean. I've been messing around down in Newport Bay in California where it's calm. Does anyone out there kayak alone?”

“I would strongly recommend you practice your rolling technique and in the meantime, get a paddle float and learn to perform self-rescue techniques. There are a lot of people who are not proficient at rolling but who are competent solo kayakers. You must be able to get back into the boat if you have to bail. Sounds like you need a few more lessons or a lot more practice before you go out into the open ocean.”

“I think you're right Father Goose. Before yesterday's lesson I thought it would be easy to move from the bay to the ocean, but now I know that I was wrong. I'm going to practice more in the bay and then one or two more lessons before I go out in the open ocean.”

“One of the biggest concerns if you manage to capsize or roll a kayak is to be able to get back in or turn upright as soon as possible. This is way it is essential to learn the eskimo roll till it becomes second nature. Hypothermia and fatigue will follow quickly if you spend too much time out of your kayak.”

“Oh, now I get it. Violin, is that you?”

“What do you mean?”

“I think you posted on the wrong thread?”

“I solo kayak but not on a ocean. Mostly on rivers.



I built a sea Kayak just havnt had a chance to use it!!”

“Methinks thou dost protesteth overmuch.”

“Cool Prowler. Did you build from a kit? If so, whose?”