10 Ways You Can Die in a Kayak and What You Can Do to Survive

Kayaking is fun and exciting. It is one of the best ways to enjoy the water at your own pace. Whether you are doing it alone or with other people, it is sure to be a good way to enjoy the outdoors. At times, it can also be frustrating, especially when you lack preparedness. At its worst, kayaking can result in death! With that, keep on reading and we’ll explore the most common ways you will die. More importantly, we’ll talk about the things you can do to survive.

10 Ways You Can Die in a Kayak and What You Can Do to Survive

1. Cold Water

2. Rolling Over

3. Lack of Life Vest

4. Sinking

5. Boats

6. Waves

7. Immovable Objects

8. Animals

9. Getting Stranded

10. Lack of Lights

1. Cold Water

Especially when you are kayaking in the winter, the extremely low temperature is one of the most serious risks to address. It becomes worse once your kayak flips and you are stuck on the water. You can die because of hypothermia. When it is extremely cold, your body will be sore and numb. You won’t be able to think straight. Because you are disoriented, it is hard to plan your next move. The best way to prevent this problem is by wearing the right clothes, especially ones made of materials that can keep you warm even when you are in the water.

2. Rolling Over

Via: https://www.calkayak.com/classes/kayak-rolling/

Rolling over is one of the mishaps that you would not want to happen when you are kayaking. Many things can lead to this incident. For instance, the culprits can be large waves or strong wind. It can also be because the kayak cannot support the weight of the user and the gears. So, before you go kayaking, take note of the weight that the kayak can support and make sure to not go above it. Research about the external conditions as well to ensure your safety in the water.

3. Lack of Life Vest

A life vest is a non-negotiable when it comes to your kayaking gear. Some people might insist that they are good swimmers, and hence, a life vest is unnecessary. Truth is, even if you are a professional swimmer, you need a flotation device that will help you when you are submerged on the water. It helps you to stay afloat without requiring a lot of effort on your end. Choose a life vest that is comfortable so that you won’t be discouraged to use it. The color is also important. It should be highly visible so that you can be easily seen by anyone approaching. This also makes it easier for rescuers to see you.

4. Sinking

If boats can sink, the same thing can happen in your kayak. Many things can contribute to this unfortunate situation. For instance, this can be because of having a weight that is beyond what the kayak supports. This can also be because of water getting in the kayak. It weighs the kayak down, causing it to sink. You must use the right type of kayak to prevent water from pooling in.

5. Boats

Via: http://maskgi.org/resources/getting-started/

When you are kayaking in a busy area, there is a risk that you will be bumping into boats. The bump can be extreme and can result in your death. This might sound like an exaggeration, but this can happen. A good solution is to avoid kayaking in a crowded spot with big boats, especially for novices. Flags, whistles, and reflective tapes will also help so that you can be easily seen.

6. Waves

Big waves can cause an accident when you are kayaking, and this can also be a cause of death. Research before kayaking to be sure that you are heading in places without large waves that you won’t be able to handle. If it is inevitable, at least, find a kayak that is rigid and stable enough to survive the big waves. You should also invest in your knowledge on how to get over the waves and survive in case the kayak flips.

7. Immovable Objects

Rocks, cliffs, and bridges are some of the most common examples of immovable objects that can lead to death when you are kayaking. Like with boats, what can happen is that you will accidentally bump into these objects. The kayak may lose its balance and sink. In turn, you will be on the water. If you don’t know how to perform self-rescue techniques, you will get stranded. Without a helping hand, especially when it is extremely cold, you might not get out of the water alive. So, always keep an eye on where you are heading. Especially if you are kayaking at night, make sure that there are lights so that you will be more aware of your surroundings.

8. Animals

As a part of situational awareness when you are kayaking, keep an eye on the animals that you might encounter along the way. Some of them might seem friendly at first, but they can be dangerous and put your life in danger. Crocodiles, alligators, sharks, otters, and seals are some of the creatures that might greet you. As always, it is best to research your kayaking destination for your peace of mind.

9. Getting Stranded

Via: https://kokatat.com/blog/how-to-gear-up-for-winter-kayaking

This is another unfortunate way by which you can end up dying during your kayaking trip. When you are stranded for hours, especially when it is extremely cold and without food to eat, you can die. A good thing to do is to avoid places that you are unfamiliar with. If you want to brave new kayaking territories, however, make sure that other people are kayaking in the area. Invest in gears that will help you find rescue whenever you are stranded.

10. Lack of Lights

Having no lights in your kayak can contribute to a fatal accident. For instance, when you are night kayaking in an area with large boats, the captain cannot see you because you are low on the water surface. You need to have lights, which will be a signal that there is a kayak. Otherwise, the boat can hit your kayak. You might end up stranded on the water, and you can die. With your lights on, it is easy to send a warning that there is someone on a kayak.

People can die when they are kayaking. When you are not careful, this is the same fate that you might end up suffering. Luckily, there are easy ways to avoid this. Knowledge is power. Preparation is the key. Be well-informed before you head out on a kayaking trip and prepare the essential gear. If possible, do it with a buddy or in an area where there will be an immediate rescue in case something bad happens to you

Learn to Swim: Paddle in Deep Water

A lot of people are scared of swimming because of the depth of the water. As long as your feet can touch the ground, there is no reason to be afraid since you will most likely not end up drowning. You can walk on the surface if you cannot swim. If the water is deep above your head, however, it is an entirely different story, and those who do not know how to swim can instantly panic.

If you want to learn the fundamentals of swimming in deep water, you need to master the art of paddling. This will keep you afloat when you are in the water. If you have no idea on how to do this right, keep on reading and learn from the steps and tips we’ll share to overcome your fear!

Learn to Swim: Paddle in Deep Water

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Paddle in Deep Water

1. Practice in Shallow Water

2. Use a Pool Noodle

3. Swim in the Deep Water

Pro Tips

Conclusion

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Paddle in Deep Water

To prevent accidents, you must do this exercise the right way. Also, proper paddling is important to conserve energy and prevent body pain after your swimming lesson. Here are the easy steps on how you can paddle in deep water.

Before starting to practice paddling in deep water, it is important to have a buddy. By having a companion who knows how to swim, someone is ready to extend a helping hand in case you drown. You’ll also be more confident to do the steps mentioned below if you do it with a friend.

1. Practice in Shallow Water

Start by practicing in a shallow part of the pool. This makes it easier to accustom your body to the water and to prepare for the next step. Stand on a shallow part of the pool. Hold your breath and enter the water while in a curled ball position. Hold to your shins as you sink your head in the water. The air in your lungs will allow your body to float. Your ribcage will act as your natural buoy.

As you hold your position, start breathing out. This will empty the air in your lungs. At this point, your body becomes heavier and you will start to sink.

Repeat this exercise until you are more comfortable under the water. This also makes it easier to stay longer in the water without catching up on your breath.

2. Use a Pool Noodle

A pool noodle is one of the best accessories for someone who is learning how to swim. This is a flotation device that makes it easier to conquer your fear of being in the water. It is a cylindrical buoyant foam that is made of polyethylene.

To do this exercise, get in the pool and find a place where the depth of the water is just above the chest. Grab the pool noodle and place it across the body. Hold the noodle in the middle. While tucking it under the armpits. Submerge your head in the water while gripping the pool noodle in the armpit. Use your arm and leg to move.

Aside from using a pool noodle, utilize other available swimming aids. It would be wise to wear goggles. This way, you can open your eyes without fear that water will get in. You will be more comfortable swimming if you can see what is around you compared to having your eyes closed. Kickboards and barrels will also come handy. They will help to build your confidence. This is the same benefit that you can yield from wearing armbands or water wings, which will also be effective in improving your buoyancy without exerting a lot of effort.

3. Swim in the Deep Water

After the two exercises above, you are now ready for the most difficult part of your swimming lesson. You should have already built your confidence and conquered your fear.

Stand in the shallow part of the pool. Dip your head in the pool and position your body horizontally. Use your arms and legs to move to the deep part of the swimming pool. Try alternating and simultaneous movements. Exert as much effort as possible to push yourself in the water, but make sure that you practice the right breathing techniques. This allows you to stay in the water longer.

Pro Tips

Via: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyA-Q7j2UOs

Aside from practicing the three steps mentioned above, below are some tips that will allow you to paddle efficiently and successfully in deep water.

• First, you need to understand that your body behaves the same way in deep water as it would in shallow water. This is enough to help you get over your fear. This means that floating and swimming in deep and shallow water are the same. The difference is just psychological.
• Practice treading with your face down in the water. You will end up paddling like a dog if you are a novice. There’s no reason to be ashamed. Even the best swimmers were once at that point in their lives. Open your mouth a little and relax your jaw. Hold your breath and start with a gentle and slow stride until you are more comfortable when treading water.
• When swimming in deep water, patience is a virtue. Do not be in a rush. This is exactly why in the steps mentioned above, we recommend that you start in the shallow part of the pool. This allows you to build your skills slowly but surely. Water familiarization, floating, and breathing techniques are all important to master as you build your confidence.
• Once you are comfortable paddling in deep water, now is the time to take it to the next level. This is possible by practicing different strokes that will allow you to efficiently move while you submerge your body in water. Dolphin stroke, butterfly stroke, and breaststroke are some of the strokes you need to learn.
• At all times, stay relaxed. When you are calm, it is easier to become more efficient in your movements. When you panic, your heart rate will be faster. When you are nervous, it will be more difficult to swim, and you might also end up catching your breath. You will become more inefficient.

Conclusion

In sum, learning how to paddle in deep water is one thing that every new swimmer must learn. There are three steps to do this. First, start by practicing in the shallow part of the pool. Next, use a pool noodle to practice the movements of your arms and legs. Lastly, move to the deep part of the pool as you paddle while practicing the right breathing techniques. Move your arms and legs to propel the body forward

What is Tandem Surfing: Everything You Need to Know

It isn’t every day that you see two people practicing tandem surfing. Most of the time, it is just one person on the board surfing the waves. Nonetheless, if you want to try something new, why not grab a large board and surf with a partner? However, be cautious. Tandem surfing is not as easy as it sounds. It requires practice and mastery of skills and techniques.

Tandem surfing is more than just surfing. It has influences of gymnastics, and even figure skating. It requires timing, coordination, and strength. If you want to try tandem surfing but clueless about how to do it, keep on reading and learn from the insights we’ll share.

What is Tandem Surfing: Everything You Need to Know

What is Tandem Surfing?

The Rules of Competitive Tandem Surfing

Finding a Partner

Finding a Board

Communication is Crucial

Striking a Balance

Doing It with Kids

Conclusion

What is Tandem Surfing?

Technically, tandem surfing is all about two people riding one surfboard at the same time. It is also considered as a sub-genre of surfing, which often involves two people of the opposite sex. It is believed to have started in Waikiki in the 1920s when a surfer boy is hired by women to carry them on the wave.

Today, tandem surfing is considered by many to be Cirque de Soleil on a surfboard. It is more than just a hobby but a show that includes acrobatics. It is a visual feast. Even in global surfing championships, tandem surfing is recognized.

To put it simply, you can also see tandem surfing as lifting, protecting, and displaying the beauty of a woman while putting her trust in a man. It is a competitive sport, although, some people do it as a hobby. Especially surf instructors, it isn’t unusual to see them carrying another person as they show off their skills and conquer challenging waves.

The Rules of Competitive Tandem Surfing

Via: https://www.surfertoday.com/surfing/what-is-tandem-surfing

Before talking about the rules that are present, we would like to mention that there is an organization responsible for running the competitions and protecting the history of this kind of surfing – the International Tandem Surfing Association. This is a regional organization that also includes fans and supporters.

Based on the rules of tandem surfing, the performance will have a 20-point scoring system – 10 points for wave riding and 10 points for lifting. Every lift has a corresponding point depending on the level of difficulty. Only the top four tricks shown by the participants will get a score in every wave. If there are falls and other mistakes, they will correspond to point deductions. Another major requirement is the full execution of every lift for at least three seconds.

Finding a Partner

For the success of tandem surfing, one of the most important is having the right partner. It requires teamwork, so work with someone you are comfortable with. You should complement each other’s skills, making it easier to ensure timing and coordination.

For males, physique and strength are two of the most critical. It involves lifting the other surfer, so the male surfer must be physically able to do so while riding the waves. Acrobatic experience also helps.

On the other hand, for females, find someone who is petite and athletic, preferably, a person with experience in gymnastics. Being flexible is a must. Lightweight and short girls are also great because they are easier to lift.

Finding a Board

Aside from working with the right partner, you also need to choose the right board. Pay attention to the rules and regulations of the competition. Using the wrong board can be a reason for disqualification regardless of how good you are.

Compared to the standard longboards, tandem surfboards are thicker, longer, and wider since it has to accommodate two people at a time. It must be strong enough to support the weight of the two people who are riding the board. The length is usually 11 to 12 inches. Meanwhile, the usual width is from 27 to 29 inches and the thickness is anywhere from 3 ¾ to 5 inches.

Communication is Crucial

Via: https://www.ocregister.com/2017/06/22/youll-flip-over-what-these-tandem-surfers-can-do-on-the-waves/

Tandem surfers need to maintain constant communication when showing off their tricks. Because tandem surfing is a complicated and difficult four-footed art, constantly communicating with your partners makes it less likely that you will commit mistakes.

Communication is especially important when someone is about to fall. You need to inform your partner so that he or she knows what to do to remedy the situation or to prevent a serious injury upon falling off.

Striking a Balance

Balance is important for tandem surfers, making it possible to stay on the board despite the waves. It is already hard being on the board on your own, so imagine how much more difficult it is when there are two people at the board. Striking a balance and staying charming can be a difficult endeavor.

For the surfer who is carrying the other person, it is important to maintain a proper stance. To add, physical strength, especially of the core, legs, and arms is also crucial to strike a balance. For the person being lifted, make sure to maintain a stable position and avoid unnecessary movements while keeping the weight at a minimum.

Doing It with Kids

Most of the time, tandem surfing is done as a competition. In instances when it is done as a hobby, it is commonly seen among parents and their children. It is easier for an adult to carry a child when surfing compared to having two adults on the board. To add, tandem surfing with children is a good way to let the little ones overcome their fear of water and to guide them as they learn how to surf.

Conclusion

In sum, tandem surfing is a sport and an art. It involves two people surfing on a board with elements of acrobatics or gymnastics. It is a century-old practice and now the subject of several surfing competitions. From the right choice of a partner to the right board, consider the things mentioned above if you are interested in trying tandem surfing