Whether you’re a beginner or have been paddling for years, certain mistakes can affect your safety, comfort, and overall kayaking experience.
By identifying and correcting these common errors, you’ll not only enhance your performance but also get more enjoyment out of your time on the water.
Let’s find out what are some common mistakes most kayakers do. I’ll also discuss how you can avoid or fix them to make the most of your kayaking time.
Read on.
1. Improper Paddle Grip
Many kayakers grip their paddles too tightly, leading to fatigue and reduced efficiency.
The “death grip” can cause painful blisters and contribute to repetitive strain injuries in your wrists and shoulders.
Instead, hold the paddle with a relaxed grip, keeping your hands shoulder-width apart. Your knuckles should be aligned with the blade edges for optimal control and power transfer.
Think of holding a small bird – firm enough that it won’t escape, but gentle enough not to harm it. Practice this grip on land first, making conscious adjustments until it becomes natural.
You’ll notice immediate improvements in your endurance and paddle control.
2. Neglecting Weather Conditions
Failing to check weather forecasts before heading out can turn a pleasant paddle into a dangerous situation.
Beyond just looking at the chance of rain, pay attention to:
- Wind direction and speed (anything above 10-15 knots can significantly impact your paddling)
- Water temperature (crucial for determining appropriate clothing)
- Tide times and heights (for coastal paddling)
- Potential thunderstorms or squalls
- Visibility conditions (fog can be especially dangerous)
Use multiple weather sources and apps specifically designed for water sports. Plan your route to account for weather changes, including identifying potential shelter spots or exit points.
Always have a “Plan B” destination in mind.
3. Skipping the Pre-Launch Checklist
Don’t rush to get on the water without adequate preparation.
Develop and follow a comprehensive checklist that includes:
- Safety gear: PFD (ensure it’s well-fitted), whistle, flashlight, first aid kit
- Navigation tools: map, compass, GPS (with backup batteries)
- Communication devices: phone in waterproof case, VHF radio if appropriate
- Emergency equipment: paddle float, bilge pump, spare paddle
- Hull integrity: check for cracks, loose fittings, or damage
- Hatch covers: ensure they’re properly sealed
- Clothing layers and sun protection
Create a laminated checklist and store it with your gear. Make it a ritual to go through each item before launching.
4. Poor Posture
Slouching or leaning too far back not only reduces paddling efficiency but can lead to serious back pain and fatigue.
The right posture includes:
- Sitting upright with your back straight
- Feet firmly pressed against the foot pegs, knees slightly bent
- Thighs engaged with the thigh braces
- Relaxed shoulders, pulled slightly back
- Head upright, looking forward
Adjust your kayak’s outfitting to support good posture. This might include adding foam padding or adjusting the backrest.
Consider filming yourself paddling to analyze and correct your posture. Many paddlers benefit from core-strengthening exercises off the water to support better paddling posture.
5. Ignoring Clothing
The old adage “cotton kills” is especially true in kayaking.
Pick clothing that includes:
- Base layer: Moisture-wicking materials like merino wool or synthetic fabrics
- Insulation layer: Fleece or neoprene depending on water temperature
- Outer layer: Waterproof, breathable materials like Gore-Tex
- Footwear: Quick-drying shoes with good grip
- Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses with retainer strap, sunscreen
For cold water paddling (below 60°F/15°C), consider:
- Wetsuit or drysuit
- Neoprene gloves and boots
- Skull cap or hood
Invest in quality gear and always pack extra layers in a dry bag.
Remember, hypothermia can occur even in mild conditions if you’re wet and exposed to wind.
6. Inefficient Forward Stroke
The forward stroke is your bread and butter, yet many kayakers waste energy with poor technique. An efficient forward stroke involves:
- Catch phase: Plant the paddle blade fully in the water near your feet
- Power phase:
- Rotate your torso, keeping arms relatively straight
- Push with your top hand while pulling with your lower hand
- Engage your core and legs against the foot pegs
- Release phase: Remove the blade cleanly at your hip
Avoid these mistakes:
- Relying too much on arm strength
- Paddling with a “windshield wiper” motion
- Letting the blade wander too far from the kayak
Practice with a mentor or coach who can provide feedback. Video analysis can also be incredibly helpful in refining your technique.
7. Disregarding Weight Distribution
Improper loading affects your kayak’s stability, tracking, and handling. Distribute the weight evenly by following these:
- Heavier items stored low and centered in the kayak
- Balance between bow and stern (slightly bow-heavy is often ideal)
- All gear secured to prevent shifting
- Right use of bulkheads and float bags
Use these packing guidelines:
- Create a gear map for your kayak
- Use dry bags of different colors for easy identification
- Keep emergency gear easily accessible
- Consider the impact of water weight if kayak camping
Test your loaded kayak in calm conditions before attempting longer trips or challenging water.
8. Not Practicing Self-Rescue
Many kayakers never learn self-rescue techniques until they need them – when it’s too late. Practise these before hitting the water:
- Wet exit: Practice releasing the spray skirt and safely exiting the kayak
- Assisted rescue: Both as rescuer and swimmer
- Self-rescue techniques:
- Paddle float rescue
- Cowboy scramble
- Roll (for more advanced paddlers)
Follow these guidelines:
- Start in controlled conditions (pool or calm, shallow water)
- Practice regularly, at least monthly during paddling season
- Simulate realistic conditions (fully dressed, loaded kayak)
- Practice with your regular paddling partners
Consider taking a safety course annually to refresh and upgrade your rescue skills.
Relying solely on GPS devices can leave you stranded if technology fails.
Learn these skills before going out.
- Map reading: Understanding topographic and nautical charts
- Compass use: Taking bearings and plotting courses
- Natural navigation: Reading water patterns, weather signs
- Understanding local hazards:
- Tidal ranges and currents
- Submerged obstacles
- Weather patterns
- Restricted areas
Navigation practice:
- Take a navigation course
- Practice planning routes of increasing complexity
- Learn to estimate distance and time based on conditions
- Maintain a paddling log to record experiences and lessons learned
10. Paddling Beyond Your Skill Level
Do an honest assessment of your paddling skills. A few kayaking trips don’t make you an expert. The more you hit waters, the more you learn.
Challenge yourself gradually rather than taking on conditions beyond your abilities. Develop your skills progressively:
- Identify skill gaps and create a development plan
- Take lessons from certified instructors
- Join a paddling club for mentorship and group learning
- Progress through conditions systematically:
- Protected waters
- Light wind and small waves
- Moderate conditions
- Gradually more challenging environments
Create a personal paddling progression plan:
- Set specific, achievable goals
- Document your experiences and lessons learned
- Regular skill assessment and practice
- Always maintain a safety margin in your paddling choices
Conclusion
Just like other activities, kayaking needs continuous learning and improvement too.
Take the time to develop proper techniques, stay informed about safety practices, and most importantly, enjoy the unique perspective and freedom that kayaking offers.
The more you focus on correcting these errors, the more rewarding your paddling adventures will become.
Whether you’re exploring serene lakes, navigating coastal waters, or running rapids, the investment in improving your skills will pay dividends in the form of safety, enjoyment, and the ability to tackle new challenges with confidence.
