You vs. Nature - Learn to Kayak

TIP 1: Decide between sea or river kayaking
River/whitewater kayaking is fast-paced, vigorous and physically challenging, while sea kayaking is more relaxing. Decide which area you want to go into.

“There are a lot of different reasons why people get involved— personal challenge, risk-taking, or just to enjoy time outside,” Lautt says. “Some of it’s competitive, especially the whitewater scene. In Manitoba it’s really just about getting out and having fun with people, enjoying yourself on the water.”

TIP 2: Get some instruction
“(Beginners) need to take lessons, or they will develop bad habits,” Lautt says. With lessons, new kayakers will have access to resources, get coaching from certified instructors, get exposure to the locations around the province and meet people in the kayaking community.

There are beginner lessons available at FortWhyte Alive, where you can take the eight-hour flat water-kayaking course, designed to introduce the basics of kayaking to people with little or no experience.

Another way to get started is to take the beginner river kayaking weekend at WAVpaddling where you go on a two-day excursion, which includes a day of introductory river paddling.

“It is for pure beginners,” Lautt says. “The experience is a bit more holistic as it gives a real feel for the paddling experience, camping at the river, learning how to read the current and some safety skills.”

TIP 3: Gear up
A good place to start is by buying a lifejacket, paddle, sprayskirt to keep the water out, helmet for river kayaking, water, food, first aid kit and sunscreen. Some other items mandated by Transport Canada are a whistle, bailing device, 50 feet of floating rope, light beacon for night paddling and a TC approved lifejacket.

TIP 4: Get connected
Once you’re more familiar with the sport, try to meet up with others in the kayaking community and plan your own excursions. This is also a great way to know exactly where to find second-hand equipment, and a chance to talk with experienced kayakers. The Manitoba Whitewater Club is volunteer-driven and is specifically for whitewater enthusiasts. Haylock encourages interested individuals to try out kayaking, and has some words of advice: “Take lessons, make some paddling friends …make sure you’re aware of the environment you’re going out into, get some gear, dress appropriately and have fun.”

For more information visit wavpaddling.ca and mbwhitewaterclub.ca.�