Spring is a fabulous time of year to explore the coastal waters around Ocean Isle Beach by kayak or canoe. Kayaking has become a popular water sport that more and more families are trying their hand at and finding it to be lots of fun for everyone.
Paddling a kayak is a great way to explore the local rivers, inlets and other waterways. If you enjoy fishing you can even do that from a kayak!
If you find the big ocean to be daunting it’s ok to stay closer to shore. Just pay attention to the tides. It’s best to arrange your outing around the two hour window at high tide for easy launching and safe return. Any business renting kayaks will be happy to tell you where you can launch.
There is no better place to be outside than in Ocean Isle; and if being outside wasn’t enough, why not be outside and out on the water?
It doesn’t get much better than that! Kayaking is a great outdoors, on-the-water activity that will surely get you excited to be on the our Coast this spring. So, here are our Top Ten Tips for Kayaking along the Coast!
1) DON’T DRINK AND PADDLE
Avoiding dangerous situations on the water is surprisingly easy by following a few simple safety rules. The first one being, don’t drink alcohol and paddle. The two just don’t mix.
2) ALWAYS WEAR A BOUYANCY AID OR LIFE JACKET
Wearing a buoyancy aid is essential for any kayaker – whether you are a beginner or an experienced paddler.
You’ll read this in any kayaking for beginners guide. Buoyancy aids are like life jackets but allow more movement around the arms and neck, which make them much more suited to kayaking.
Even if you are a strong swimmer, you never know when you might get into trouble in the water.
Buoyancy aids will always be provided by kayaking schools, but if you are paddling alone we recommend buying your own or renting from a nearby watersports center.
3) SIT PROPERLY IN YOUR KAYAK
Learning how to sit properly in a kayak will make it so much easier when you start paddling. Your kayak might have a nice comfy backrest but don’t slouch. It’s best to sit up straight with your lower back and buttocks at 90 degrees to each other.
You’ll find foot pegs on each side of your kayak. Rest your feet here. Your toes should be pointed outwards and heels towards the centre. Your knees should be bent upwards and outwards, allow contact with the thigh braces. Read more about beginner kayaking techniques here.
4) HOLD THE PADDLE THE RIGHT WAY
This might sound obvious but plenty of people hold their paddle the wrong way when learning to kayak.
Hold the paddle with both hands just over shoulder distance apart. Make sure the concave part of the blade is facing you.
When you dip the paddle blade into the water, the concave part should sweep through the water. Check your knuckles are in line with the blade.
5) TIMING WITH THE TIDES
Make sure the spot you put in has sufficient water at low tide, or else time your trips to avoid low tide.
Wading thru pluff mud dragging a kayak is no fun.
One last suggestion…. Don’t drink too many cups of coffee before going out. There aren’t many “rest areas” in the marsh. Other than that, relax and enjoy, it’s a beautiful place.
Some of the best wildlife observations can be made from a canoe or kayak.
As you move along silently, it may be possible to get close to birds, which would otherwise shy away from humans, or possibly even a wild goat.
Happy Kayaking!
