Things You Need to Know about Kayaks Before Getting into the Water

The splashing of water as you paddle through the adventurous water routes is reason enough to love kayaks. Their canoe-like structure empowers you to scull your stress away as you find yourself at the peak of your adrenaline rush. However, just like every good thing, kayaking also takes its sweet little time to paddle your way to near perfection. But fortunately, the required time, in this case, is only as short as reading this article.  
Keep on reading to understand the lock, stock, and barrel of kayaking, if you're stepping into the waters for the first time. Even if you're a connoisseur, our tips will support your endeavor to make the most of your time on the waters.  
Happy Kayaking!  

What is a Kayak?  

Although this information would do little to technically help you paddle the kayak, knowing it would increase your knowledge about the sport. You can leverage this information to show off your awareness among your friends and family.  
Kayak means a "hunter's boat." Thousands of years ago, Inuits were the first people to use these canoe-shaped boats by covering them with animal skins. They confidently got on these kayaks for traveling and going on hunting expeditions across waters. Today, the kayaks we use are made for one or two people. However, the ones made in those days by Inuits were only for one person.  
Today, some of the most popular kayaks are made with foldup technology. When used in their true size, these kayaks can hold a passenger weighing a maximum of 280 lbs (136 kg). Despite being foldable, they perform like their hard-shell counterparts. You will find them to be highly stable for beginners and advanced users. Also, these tough products are built to endure rocks and other obstacles just like a standard kayak.  

Are Kayaks and Canoes Similar?  

Kayaking and canoeing are often used synonymously in many places around the world. However, a slight distinction in their paddles makes them unique. The paddles of a canoe have one blade on each side, whereas the paddles of kayaks have two blades on each side. These blades are placed at an angle of 90° from each other for better resistance against the rough waves.  

Unmissable Benefits of Kayaking  

Now that you've got a better understanding of kayaks, check out the reasons that make this activity electrifying.  
Thrilling vacation activity: If you live in an area near a water body, your weekend holiday itineraries will always be exciting with sessions of kayaking. Call your friends and family to enjoy a mini vacation near a lake. Set up a tent and take your folding kayaks out for a ride.  
Rides across every water body: Kayaks of the best quality are tough, durable, and resistant to rough waves. They survive every type of water body, from ponds to oceans, while keeping you safe.  

Must-Knows before Kayaking in Water  

Ready to kayak? Wait. Read these points to complete your preparation holistically. These tips will ensure a safe kayaking experience by preventing injuries and mishaps.  
Types of kayaks: You can either rent a kayak for one-time events or purchase it at discounted prices for the long term. Inflatable kayaks can be easily transported from one place to another. You can fold and pack them in your bag for a short trip to any nearby beach. On the other hand, touring kayaks come with closed cockpits for a comfortable sitting experience. You can ride for long hours on such kayaks.  
Handle the paddle: Once you have the right length of a paddle according to your height, the next step is to learn the right way to manage it. Place your arms at a width slightly wider than your shoulder on the shaft. This shaft is the area you are supposed to hold the paddle from. The convex side of the paddle blade should be facing downwards. This helps you in paddling faster.  
Paddle strokes: Practice these basic paddle strokes to multiply the fun of kayaking.  
Sweep: Push your toes against the front of the kayak and sweep the paddle in a half-moon arc, ending near the kayak's stern (back side of the kayak). While doing this, ensure that your torso moves along the paddle to make the sweep swifter.  
Forward: Locate your toes and dip the paddle alongside. Bend forward and drag the paddle behind to move the kayak in the forward direction.  
Reverse: To move the kayak backwards, look behind and drag your paddle from the stern of the kayak to the area parallel to your toes. 
Weather conditions: Check the weather forecast twice before putting your kayak in the water. The best type of weather condition is calm waters and dry air. Avoid kayaking in fog, busy waterways, unstable weather, or polluted waters to save yourself from injuries. 

To sum it up

For beginners, Tucktec's fold-up kayaks offer the sturdy experience of moving through rough waters without cracking or puncturing. Their kayak can be folded thousands of times and it will not lose its original shape. You can read the folding kayak reviews on the website before purchasing one. They talk about the flexibility, ease of setting up, and stability of the kayaks.  
Grab your folding kayak from the sale on Tucktec's website while the discounted stock lasts!