Kayaking can be safe for non-swimmers if they take certain safety steps. Kayaking means sitting in a narrow, hard plastic boat and paddling down the river with a double-sided paddle. Non-swimmers that want to go paddling need to wear a life jacket the entire time, paddle with friends or a group, and practice rescue techniques near the shore before going out to paddle.
Is Kayaking Hard for Non-Swimmers?
Kayaking can be hard for non-swimmers, but it is certainly possible. The biggest hurdle is fear. You’ll be low and next to the water so that could cause some anxiety about flipping.
The easiest way to overcome that fear is to be prepared. Wear a life jacket at all times, go with a group or a guide, and practice self-rescue and group-assisted rescues if you (or someone else) flips into the water. Plus make sure the guide and group are aware of your swimming capabilities. This shouldn’t come as a surprise if an emergency occurs.
In terms of difficulty though, kayaking is no harder than other endurance sports like jogging, tennis, or biking. If you have the stamina to do these things then even if you can’t swim kayaking won’t be hard.
Overall the goal is to paddle and not to swim.
Is Kayaking Dangerous for Non-Swimmers?
Under controlled trips on flat or slow moving water, wearing full life jackets, and paddling with a group or a guide then no, kayaking is not dangerous even if you can’t swim. However, yes, it would be dangerous if a non-swimmer kayaked alone, went on a river with rapids without practice even with a group, or went on a lake with powerboats and wasn’t ready for a flip.
We did two articles (Is Kayaking Safe for Beginners? & Which is Safer: Kayaks or Canoes?) that go over the main dangers of kayaking and what precautions you need to take plus some beginner skill videos.
Can You Get Trapped In a Kayak?
Yes, if you are using a sit-in kayak with an attached spray skirt and your kayak flips you have the potential to get trapped under the water while sitting in the kayak. The solution is to pull the spray skirt release strap and push the kayak off then swim to the surface (or float using your life jacket).
If you plan to use one of these kayaks you MUST practice self-rescue with a guide or experienced friend to help you. I recommend practicing taking the skirt off while on shore. It takes some strength and you want to be comfortable with it before trying it even upright in shallow water. If not done correctly you could flip yourself.
Other types of kayaks (sit on top) will not trap you. They are designed to flip and reflip easily while draining all the water. You’re not attached to it either so there won’t be anything to hold you in the boat.
Do Kayaks Flip Easily?
This is a big concern for non-swimmers. The reality is that kayaks do flip easily for inexperienced paddlers in rough water conditions (wake from speedboats, ocean waves, etc.). For beginners with some intro lessons or some practice with an experienced friend then, no, you shouldn’t expect to flip easily.
If you’ve learned the dangers of the water, have a kayak that’s the right size for your body (that keeps your center of gravity low), and practice basic strokes, balance, and bracing then you shouldn’t flip easily.
We highly recommend practicing bracing. That’s the secret to not flipping in rough conditions.
How Do You Not Fall Off A Kayak?
The best way to avoid flipping is to know what could cause you to flip then learn how to brace to prevent yourself from flipping if and when those things occur.
You can avoid a lot of hazards to begin with by doing the following:
- Beginners and non-swimmers should stay paddle in the no-wake zone of reservoirs
- Avoid powerboats, jet skits, and other fast moving water craft that cause wakes
- Stay away from wildlife that could frighten you and cause a flip
- Learn basic strokes and balance prior to your first trip – do this with a friend or take a quick less
- Learn bracing – this is an advanced technique and is taught in three steps
- First on the grass on the shore so there’s no risk of flipping – learn what a brace is and how to do it
- Next in shallow water with a guide at your side (or experienced friend)
- Lastly in deep water
Will A Life Jacket Save You If You Can’t Swim?
Wearing a life jacket reduces the chance of drowning but it’s not guaranteed to save you from drowning if you can’t swim. Rough waters, getting hit and knocked out by a powerboat, and other things could overcome the safety benefits of a life jacket. Still, non-swimmers going kayaking should always wear a life jacket that is rated for the type of water they will be paddling on.
We also recommend that non-swimmers avoid white water, rough ocean kayaking, and powerboat areas. Plus you should always go with a guide, group, or experienced friend. In addition you should practice the skills outlined above with those in your group so you can rescue each other if something should happen.
Can Overweight Non-Swimmers Go Kayaking?
Yes, if they use a life jacket that’s sized for their weight and use a large enough kayak that keeps them stable where they feel confident then overweight, non-swimmers can safely go kayaking. They should go in groups with other experienced kayakers and practice basic skills before the first trip but anyone can go.
Top Tips For Non-Swimmers Who Want To Kayak
- Start with an easy, flat lake with low winds or a slow moving, wide river
- Always wear a life jacket suitable for your weight and body type!
- Avoid white water, rough ocean kayaking, and powerboat areas.
- Always go with a guide, group, or experienced friend
- Learn basic strokes and balance before your first trip (Youtube or ideally with a guide)
- Work on your fear of water – practice and classes will help a ton!
- Practice self-rescue with a friend by flipping near the shore in safe conditions – this will also build your confidence and you can do it in just 10 minutes!
- Avoid flipping by keeping your center of gravity low through leaning forward slightly with each stroke
- Learn bracing to prevent yourself from flipping if you are hit by a wave or knocked out by another boat