Kayaks are a popular recreational boat, but can be tricky to master. In fact, some people think that they are not meant for beginners and that they can easily flip over. However, this is not the case. With a few tips from an experienced kayaker you will be able to use your kayak with ease and even enjoy yourself!
The kayak is a popular recreational boat, but it can be tricky to master. In fact, some people think that they are not meant for beginners and that they can easily flip over. However, this is not the case. With a few tips from an experienced kayaker you will be able to use your kayak with ease and even enjoy yourself!
How easily does a kayak flip?
If you are new to kayaking, then it is natural that you might ask yourself this question.
The truth is that the answer depends on many factors like the size of your body and strength, the design of the kayak itself, how much experience you have in general, etc.
Kayaks are more likely to tip for taller/heavier people (higher center of gravity), when paddling in rough water, when broadsided by speed boat wakes, and if your boat is waterlogged.
If you are lighter/shorter person – this will reduce the risk of tipping over. Using a larger boat will also increase stability.
Lastly, using a sit on top kayak is the best of them all. Even if you do manage to tip them over they are easy to flip right back and get on them. Their designed to drain out all the water and get you paddling again quickly.
Also keep in mind that while some companies advertise their product as being hard to flip over, this is not always true.
It is best if you check out some kayaking tips that experienced users suggest and then decide on your own whether or not it can be easily flipped over.
What are some tips for beginners?
The first thing I generally advise is to choose the right size and type of kayak or your size and experience level.
Smaller, shorter people can use smaller kayaks that sit lower in the water.
Larger, taller people should use sit on top and larger kayaks.
Beginners should use sit on top kayaks away from wildlife that could scare them into tipping like alligators or large mammals on the shore.
Lastly, practice tipping your kayak near the shore. Learn what it feels like when it goes over, how to safely get out of it, how to flip it back and get back in while in shallow water.
Repeat this flipping practice in deeper and deeper waters till you can do it easily in water where you can’t feel the bottom.
Flipping practice by far is the best way you can prepare for flipping.
Shore practice is also the best way to find the right size and type of kayak for your body type.
It’s best to do this with a rental place or during spring demo season when outdoor stores are showing off their new models. The more shapes and sizes you can try, the faster you’ll find the one that’s right for you.
How do I stop my kayak from flipping over?
Using the tips that I just mentioned, you should be able to choose the right size kayak for you to reduce the risk of flipping.
But how do you reduce this further?
Learn to brace!
Bracing is one of the easiest ways to stop a flip that’s happening.
It’s also one of the easiest ways to fully flip if you do it wrong.
That’s why we urge you to practice bracing on shore. You need to learn to turn the paddle flat against the water and slap it to push yourself back upright.
It’s easy and no risk to do this while in the kayak on the shore. Watch this video to see how it’s done.
Next, practice the same brace method while in the water and near the shore. That way if you flip it’s easy to self-rescue.
We recommend practicing bracing in an open top kayak at first then graduate up to whitewater or river kayak if you eventually intend to use a spray skirt. Whitewater and river kayaks let you also use your legs and hips to counteract a flip.
Is it common for kayaks to flip?
It’s not common but iIt’s not common but it also doesn’t mean impossible. Kayaks flip most commonly due to speed boat wakes, kayaks that are too small for the person, and inexperienced paddlers that haven’t learned bracing.
To reduce the risk of tipping over, choose a kayak that fits you well and learn to brace.
Get used to basic kayaking skills so you can self-rescue as quickly as possible if it does happen.
I always recommend going with a partner with more experience and practicing rescuing each other near the shore in safe conditions before doing the full journey.
What happens if your kayak flips over?
If your kayak flips, first get out of it safely. This is more true for kayaks with spray skirts than sit on top kayaks.
Spray skirts will hold you upside down underwater. It is vital that you practice pulling the spray skirt off many times on the shore before you even get in the water.
Don’t skip this step!
Once you are safely out of the kayak and up above the water line swim to pull the kayak close to you. Then flip it upright.
Lastly, re-enter the kayak by straddling up the back. Don’t try and get in from the side. It’ll just flip back over.
Watch this video to see how it’s done.
