2. Vanatau
The exotic destination of Fiji is lure enough for many travellers, but for kayakers, Vanatau offers an additional attraction. 90per cent of Fiji is made up of bodies of water, allowing a huge array of places to enjoy watersports. And with blue waters, a tropical climate and the chance to snorkel and swim whilst you’re exploring by kayak, it is one of the world’s top spots.

3. Menorca
For those who love nothing more than to travel to Spain, the island of Menorca actually offers some amazing kayaking. The rugged coastline of beaches, cliffs and bays are often inaccessible by land, and kayaking provides the perfect means to explore places not often visited by the average tourist. Using Spain car hire rental will allow you to easily get around the island, and by taking to the sea you can gain a completely different experience of this favourite destination.

4. Zambezi
For a trip though Africa, Zambia’s Zambezi is probably one of the best kayaking destinations in the world. With the water body also being known as the ‘Everest of rivers’ there are a multitude of places on the river that you can explore, allowing for no two trips to this destination to be the same. Unlike other calmer waters, if you take on Zambezi then you can expect adrenalin, thrills and foaming waters. It is not an easy river to kayak on so more turbulent areas are best left to those with a little experience. However, with the aide of guides, even beginners and intermediate paddlers can enjoy Victoria Falls and the stunning river that flows from it.

5. Glacier Bay
America has a great range of climates, scenery and culture to explore if you’re travelling across different states. It also provides a variety of kayaking spots, the best of which is Alaska’s Glacier Bay. If you crave nothing more than taking in beautiful views of cold and wild territory, then this destination is for you. Sea kayaking will allow you to explore the fjords and rugged coastline of the state, providing an experience like no other.

- Pack a first aid kit
- Inform someone of your plans
- Directional awareness
- Check the current
- Check you have a life jacket and helmet
- Check the weather conditions

Don’t Kayak Alone

This point is widely debated but only experienced kayakers should attempt to kayak alone. A group can provide safety and be able to assist if you get in to difficulty. Most would be advised not to kayak alone.

No Drink or Drugs

Alcohol and drugs don’t mix well with water sports. Alcohol can increase the rate at which hyperthermia sets in and cause disorientation.

Never Exceed the Boats Weight Limit

This will destabilize the boat and increase the likelihood of capsizing.

Weather Conditions

Make sure you check the weather conditions before setting out. You will need to ensure you have the right type of clothing. Changing weather patterns can also cause difficulties.

Check the Waterway

It’s important to understand the waterway you are entering. You don’t want to put yourself in a position where high-speed boats are operating. Its surprising how many people get caught out by this.

The most important thing to remember is to use common sense. If it feels wrong avoid doing it.

These are some of the basic things you should look for. Kayak insurance is typically very cheap and helps protect you for almost all eventualities.

The park provides the following guidance on this trail:

“Start at the Lewis Lake boat dock, and follow the west shore. Then head north to Lewis Lake Channel. Crossing the open water of Lewis Lake is not recommended, due to sudden storms. Stay close to shore and start early to avoid the wind. Allow four to six hours of paddling to reach Shoshone Lake.”

There are of course many other routes in which visitors can explore. There are many who head to the park to explore the waterways at their own leisure. These are often experienced kayakers. Visitors should spend time researching a suitable route for them.

Kayak hire in Yellowstone is fairly cheap and a must for any visitor. The views from a kayak are like no other and lets you get close to wild animals such as elks, moose, eagles and badgers.

Now that you know that paddle blades have a top and a bottom we will move on to looking at direction. As mentioned earlier in this article it is amazing how many people you see holding a paddle backwards. The key thing to remember here is that the concave or smooth side of the paddle should always be facing you. This helps generate more powerful strokes.

Once you have looked at the design and position of a paddle you should move on to determining your control grip. If you are right handed then your control grip is your right hand and vice a versa. The hand you use as your control grip never changes position. The grip of your other hand will be much looser.

The next step is to actually go ahead and grip the paddle. Here, the distance between your hands should be slightly over the width of your shoulders. Your grip should also not be too tight. People are often think you have to grip the paddles tightly but this is not the case. It causes more strain and limits your control.

It’s a case of practice makes perfect.

You will want to find somewhere with a relatively flat shoreline and back your kayak up to as close to the side of the river as you can. So effectively the backend of the kayak will be up on the side of the shore.

Prepare for Exit

First thing you will need to consider is your paddle. In most instances you will be able to place it on the shore. Once you have done this you will need to push your legs together, place your hands behind your hips and lift yourself off the seat.

Begin Exit

Once you have lifted yourself out of the seat position yourself on top and at the back to the seat. Then lean the kayak to one side so that you can place your hand on the shoreline. At this point you should then lift your leg on the other side of the kayak out of the kayak. Remember to keep your balance here.

Step Out
Place the leg you have just moved into the riverbed and steady yourself. Now move the other leg into the centre and attempt to stand up. Finally make your way up the shoreline bringing your kayak with you.

It’s as simple as that.

Decide on how you want to enter the Kayak
This often depends on the type of kayak you are using. If you are using a recereation kayak then you might want to get in on dry land and push yourself into the water. If you are going to attempt to enter a kayak while it is in the water then you will need to make sure that the water is shallow.

Put your kayak in the Water
When putting your kayak into the water make sure you start with the bow (front) first. Grab the grab loop at the back of the boat and position the cockpit in water that is shallow enough to stand up in. Once in this position you should move on to attempting to enter the kayak. When doing this keeps your hand in contact with the boat at all times.

Getting In
Place your right leg into the kayak and into position. Shift your weight over the kayak while keeping your left foot on the ground. Once your right leg is in move the paddle to your left hand and hold it behind you. Once there sit down on the back of the cockpit and balance yourself.

The next step is the most important and easy to get wrong. Grip the paddle with both of your hands on either side of your body. Use your right leg to steady yourself and slowly lift your left leg up and into the kayak.

Once you have both legs inside the kayak steady yourself once more and slide into the cockpit. You can then attach your spray deck. It takes time to master this and many people take the time to practice on dry land first. Just keep with it.

- Line up two kayaks next to each other on the ground.
- Place all of your gear inside of the kayaks.
- Place one person at the front and one person at the back of the kayaks.
- Both people should be facing the same way.
- Pick up the kayaks by the grab loops.
- When both people are ready begin walking.

Boat Over The Shoulder Technique
This is the most common method used for carrying whitewater kayaks. It should be noted this approach can cause bruising and injuries. It should be avoided where possible.

- Place your gear inside your kayak.
- Stand on one side of your kayak.
- With one hand grab the far side rim of the kayak.
- Use your other hand to balance the kayak as you lift it up.
- Hold the kayak over your shoulder.
- Do not let the full weight of the kayak rest on your shoulder.

There are several variations of these techniques, which people have developed. You will find these across the web.

source: dwstucke

Wooden kayaks can be both bought commercially or built by yourself. There are many great companies out there who craft beautiful looking wooden kayaks. They are well worth the look. However more and more people are looking into making their own kayaks. There are many reasons for why people are choosing this option.

The main benefit to building your own wooden kayak is the cost savings you can make. It is much cheaper to build your own kayaks than buying an expensive ready made one. Building your own kayak also gives you a sense of achievement and lets you completely customize the kayak to your needs.

Although there are many upsides to making your own there are a couple of key things to consider. For example the maintenance involved in keeping the kayak in good working condition. A custom build means that you will have no manuals to consult and repairs will most likely have to be made by yourself.

There are many books and online guides which can give you guidance on building a kayak. It’s important to do your homework and check the validity of these guides. There are many options to consider and you should note that most self-build kayaks will not be suitable for white water rapids.

source: christopher dick

Sprint kayaks are designed to be fast. They make use of a slim line design and engineered to help cut through the water. The aim is to create as little drag on the water as possible however the design means that these types of kayaks overturn easily.

It is important to note at this point that there are different types of sprint kayaks. If you are not part of a team then you will need to get your own. This can be expensive. Spirit kayaks are custom by nature so you should do your research first. If it’s your first sprint kayak then you might want to try and get a design that offers a bit of stability.

Sprint kayaks handle quite differently to other types of kayaks so when you receive your kayak you should take sometime to familiarize yourself with it. Most people tend to take their new kayak to the river. This is a great place to practice with your new kayak.

So if you enjoy agile and fast paced kayaking then a sprint kayak could be the option for you.