The BKC Blog

Whether you’re looking for a new way to explore the nature around you or you’re itching to get back on your favorite water routes, investing in a kayak is a great choice. There are many different types, but this shouldn’t intimidate you. Getting into a kayak is easier than it seems once you know what to look for.

One feature or specification that you many have questions about is the length of a kayak. How does it impact your paddling experience? Is a longer kayak better? How do I figure out the right size kayak for me? We hear these questions a lot and wanted to provide some clarity.

How to Factor in Kayak Length

The most important thing you should consider when looking at kayaks is fit: does the kayak you’re considering fit you, where you’re planning to take it, and the body of water you’re using it in? Kayak length definitely impacts some of these factors, but it isn’t as big a player on its own in most cases.

Different types of kayaks are meant for different environments. After all, whitewater rafting requires a boat with vastly different proportions than one you’d take out on the lake. For river rapids you’d want a slightly shorter, more compact boat capable of making sharp turns easily, whereas on a lake or even in the ocean in some cases, you want something stable enough to not flip over on a whim.

Thankfully, categories of kayaks (i.e. recreational, touring, sea, fishing, etc.) usually take into account their environment and have balanced the ratio of maneuverability, speed, and stability accordingly. What you’ll want to check for, though, is how the cockpit is sized for your individual proportions. You want to have enough leg room to be able to safely free yourself in the case of an emergency, but not too much that you can’t brace the hull of the kayak properly.

We encourage you to physically sit in (or on) the kayak before buying it, in order to gauge how it feels for yourself. This will give you the best indication of how it’s going to perform in the conditions that it’s built for. A kayak’s length independent of its category or type isn’t going to impact its performance on the water. As long as you can get in and out of it safely and you’re not trying to take a recreational kayak out river rafting, you should have a good time! Grab some good company, pack some snacks, and get out in nature!

We encourage everyone to get out on the water during the summer, and kayaking is a relatively accessible way to do so. Whether you’re investing in your own boat and paddle, or renting from a local facility, it gets you out of the house and engaging with nature in an exciting way. Kayaking is a fun family activity and kayaking is a great way to exercise! There are a few things to prepare for if you’re new to kayaking, and that includes the technique that’s behind how to paddle a kayak.

You might not think it a technical ability right away, but any seasoned kayaker will confirm that skillfully paddling a kayak takes some work. From choosing the right paddle to maintaining the right posture throughout your paddling session, your technique and equipment matter in facilitating an enjoyable outing. Thankfully, it shouldn't take too long to get the hang of, especially if you have some tips to work from first.

Choosing the Right Kayak Paddle

What novice kayakers don’t always understand when they’re first starting out is that not all kayak paddles are the same. They differ in length and shape depending on what type of kayak you’re using or the environment you’re intending to use it in.

As a general rule, you want your paddle to be as short as possible, taking into consideration the type of kayak you’re in as well as your height. If you’re using a recreational or fishing kayak, those boats tend to be wider than something like a touring kayak which is longer and narrower. The wider your kayak, the longer your paddle will need to be, and a longer paddle will be necessary if you’re taller, as well. These proportions will allow for maximum leverage without sacrificing control of your kayak.

At Brooklyn Kayak Company, we recommend lightweight materials, such as fiberglass, and adjustable kayak paddles so you can easily customize the paddle’s length to meet your specific needs.

How to Paddle a Kayak: Technique

Once you have a properly- sized paddle, the next step will be learning how to move it through the water, so you actually go the direction you’re aiming for. It’s easiest to practice on calm water, like a lake or placid river. There will be different strokes you’ll learn for more intense conditions, such as rapids or ocean kayaking.  However, here are some essential tips to keep in mind regardless of what stroke you’re going for:

• Check your hand placement. If your hands are in the right place on your paddle, executing the techniques of your stroke will become easier. An easy way to identify where your hands should be is to lift your kayak paddle over your head with your elbows bent at 90-degrees (like a football goal) and move your hands in or out so that they’re in line with your elbows. The center of the paddle should be in line with the center of your body, so that the blades are the same distance from your hands on each side.
• Adjust your grip. How you’re gripping the kayak paddle will impact how easily you’re able to move and control it in the water. Make sure your knuckles are facing upwards, and you’re applying firm, but flexible, pressure on the ends of the paddle.
• Engage your core & stabilize abdominal muscles. Everything will be smoother, and you won’t tire as fast if your core is strong and consistently engaged throughout your kayaking adventure.
• Push from the shoulder. When you pull or push the blades of the paddle through the water, you should be doing so from your shoulder. Your abdomen shouldn’t move much, and you should try to keep your elbows bent at 90-degree angles.
• Keep your blades close to your kayak. This should be aided by your paddle being properly sized, but the closer you can keep the paddle blades to the sides of your kayak when they’re exiting and entering the water, the straighter your trajectory will be through the water.
• Use a sweep stroke to correct your path if necessary. This stroke is handy for beginners as it allows you to turn your kayak in the water. The goal is to create a “C” shape in the water by inserting a paddle blade into the water at your toes and then fully extending your arm out perpendicular to your body as you bring the blade around to the back of the boat. The further you extend your arms, the more your kayak will turn in the water.

These may seem like basic tips, but they’re the most helpful fundamentals in developing expert kayak maneuvers. Mastering these kayak paddle techniques will ensure your foundation is strong and help you conquer more advanced strokes more quickly.

Are you new to angling and unsure of where to start? Or are you a kayak fishing regular and looking to upgrade your boat? Regardless of where you’re at, there’s plenty to learn and brush up on surrounding fishing kayaks. Angling is a great sport that is accessible to anyone willing to do some research to understand what they most need from their kayak to have a successful trip.

Because you’re adding in more activity and different equipment when kayak fishing, there are naturally different features and considerations you want to be aware of when choosing a boat. From storage space to method of propulsion, many things differ when it comes to fishing kayaks.

Fishing Kayak Specifications

Now-a-days, there are many different types of fishing kayaks flooding the market. Kayaks are becoming more popular for this activity due to their increased stability and portability compared to a canoe, and because they are usually cheaper than motor- powered fishing boats.

When selecting a fishing kayak, keep in mind that size matters! Your fishing kayak’s length, width, and weight need to be considered - for stability and portability, and for casting-off and reeling-in securely. You want to be able to handle, balance, and transport your boat with ease and confidence.

The other aspect many consider when looking at fishing kayaks is the type— either sit-in or sit-on. Sit-in kayaks are a less popular choice for fishing, as you aren’t able to stand and move yourself around as easily when casting-off and reeling-in. It also tends to lack storage space compared to a sit-on model, and the sit-on kayak model is more optimized for draining water and mounting fishing accessories.

Additional Features for Fishing Kayaks

Fishing kayak add-ons can be extremely helpful in organizing your materials and allowing you to focus on the fishing experience while on the water. You don’t want to add too many.  However,  each additional feature adds weight and bulk to your boat which could negatively affect its handling and portability.

Every fishing kayak should have a few mounted aids or features, though, especially if you’re buying it new. Here are ones we find most helpful to consider as you navigate the purchasing process:

• Rod Holders—these mounts give you designated space to pack and store multiple fishing rods for your angling trip. Having this space allows you to come better prepared for the different types of fishing you’ll want to do while out on the water.
• Paddle Holder—you don’t want to be free balancing your paddle while trying to concentrate on reeling-in a fish, so having a secure place to mount or tie your paddle while actively fishing comes in handy.
• Pedal Drive—some anglers prefer to not deal with paddling at all while kayak fishing and instead install a pedal drive for their boat. This allows you to pedal and propel yourself forward in the water, which can be handy for keeping your hands free, but also adds some weight to your kayak.
• Trolling Motor—many anglers choose to buy their fishing kayak with a trolling motor or add a trolling motor to their boat. Trolling motors offer great advantages for your fishing experience and an opportunity to cover more area to catch more fish!
• Keel—this fin-shaped piece of plastic is attached to the hull and rests in the water for improved tracking and speed. This equipment is particularly helpful for open-water fishing in deep water.
• Ample Storage Space—sit-on-top kayaks usually have ample storage space, which comes in handy when you need to store bait, a tackle box, and your personal items without fear of them getting wet.

As we move into a warmer season of the year, the urge to get out of the house in any form is undeniable. What better way to enjoy the outdoors than on the water in a kayak? We encourage you to take the whole family out on the water with you, even children! Kayaking is a great activity for younger people as long as you’ve taken appropriate safety precautions.

Kayak safety is always important, but especially when you’re considering taking children out on the water with you. As long as you’ve practiced enough and planned your trip out well, the rest should go smoothly.

Know Before You Go: Kayak Safety for Children

Many of the ways you prepare a child to safely kayak are similar to those that you’d consider for yourself when just starting out. PFD’s, light, breathable clothing, adequate food and water supplies, SPF, and a fleshed-out travel plan are all still applicable kayak safety measures you’ll implement with children. Here are some steps to consider more intentionally to have a fun and safe paddling session with kids:

Be aware of their skill level

How intensely you need to prepare for a kayaking session largely depends on your child’s skill level and age. If they can’t swim yet, make sure they have a properly fitting PFD on at all times. If they are too small to manage paddling on their own, having them in the main compartment as a novice in your kayak is a great way to ease them into getting comfortable out on the water. Children 8 and younger are probably going to be beginners, and between ages 8-10 they can start getting comfortable helping paddle in a tandem kayak, and eventually move into their own small boat.

Practice the basics

If possible, investing in kayaking lessons or some more training-focused water sessions before taking a paddling trip is really helpful. Explaining and giving examples of what to do is only helpful to a certain extent—the best way to prepare a child to be out on the water is to give them practice time paddling, doing wet exits (when in a sit-in kayak, a wet exit involves getting out of the kayak after it tips), and balancing in the boat. Make sure the kayak and paddle aren’t too wide or long, respectively, as this will make it more challenging for your child to handle. Giving them different paddles to try and allowing them to discern which feels best is a helpful exercise.  

Avoid over-exertion + burn out

Sticking to calm waters with minimal  strong currents are the best conditions to have your kids practice kayaking. Whether it’s a formal lesson, or just a practice trip, you want to give children time to get comfortable and develop their skills properly before going out on a river or an area with strong rapids. You could also consider shorter excursions depending on how young your child is. High protein snacks and lots of water are also great to have on hand in the case of anyone overexerting themselves and need a break.

Plan for emergencies

In addition to over-exerting themselves, if you and a child are in separate boats, make sure you have towing gear ready just in case. Since they’ll still be developing their endurance, fatigue can sneak up on them unexpectedly. Explaining to them what to look out for and being prepared to support will are necessary steps in the learning process. If possible, keeping outings under an hour while they’re still getting the hang of it will prevent burn out

Kayak safety is something to be taken seriously, but if you do the research and come well prepared to your kayaking session, it’s not hard to implement and enforce. Don’t let the preparation for safety be a barrier to bonding with your whole family out on the water!

Whether you’re just starting out and exploring the world of kayaking, or you’re a skilled paddler, proper kayak safety equipment is non-negotiable when out on the water. Many stop at a personal flotation device, or PFD, so they’ll stay afloat if anything unexpected occurs, but kayak helmets are also a necessary piece of kayak safety equipment for head protection.

When to Wear a Kayak Helmet

Many who are familiar with kayaking as a sport will agree that for more high intensity sessions on a river require a kayak helmet. Those who have kayaked out on the ocean or done cave kayaking also recommend this kayak safety feature. Since you’re going at a more rapid speed in sometimes shallower waters, the chances of hitting your head when capsizing increase in these conditions.

We recommend that you wear a kayak helmet throughout the kayaking process. From scouting to actively paddling, a kayak helmet is known to come in handy. Even if you’re enjoying a calm lake paddle or are out on a low-rapids stream, it’s a good thing to have your helmet already on and fitted in case of an emergency. We’ve heard many accounts of those who unexpectedly lost their balance and got hit in the head by their own boat on the way down. Or, there’s times where the water is shallower than you think and there’s more rocks than you anticipated.

Head injuries aren’t anything to play around with, as you can get disoriented and not be able to get back to your kayak safely, or they can put you out of commission for a few weeks depending on the severity. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so investing in a well-fitting kayak helmet for every expedition is a must.

How to Wear Kayak Helmet Properly

Not all helmets are created equal. While a bicycle helmet may work in a pinch out on the water, investing in a kayaking helmet designed for paddling is much safer. An ill-fitting helmet doesn’t do you much good, though, so here are some things to look for when researching kayak helmets:

• The helmet should sit about 2 fingers width above your eyebrows. This ensures you’re properly protecting your forehead and temples.
• The chin strap should be tightened enough that you can’t fit more than two fingers between it and your chin. This will prevent it from sliding off or coming loose while paddling.
• The helmet should provide adequate coverage of the back of your head as well as the temple and forehead area. Ensuring you have a size that sits snugly but covers all these areas is important.
• Your helmet shouldn’t be uncomfortable--try on multiple sizes to see what works best for you!

The best kind of kayaking trip you can have is a safe one. Even if you’re just recreationally paddling on a lake, bringing along a properly fitting kayak helmet will ensure you can reap all the benefits and enjoyment of a kayaking session without worrying about injury along the way.

If you’re just starting out on your kayaking journey, the process of selecting a boat can be confusing. There are many different types, and it can be tricky to identify the features and style that you need for different boating conditions. The first hurdle you many come to is deciding between a touring and recreational kayak, as both are relatively beginner-friendly.

Recreational and touring kayaks sound quite similar, but they will actually give you very different experiences on the water. Depending on where you’ve kayaked before, you might have experience with a recreational kayak already. Understanding the pros and cons of each boat is helpful in making an investment that will serve you well in your paddling ventures.

Recreational Kayak Specs

If you’ve ever rented a kayak to go out on the lake or down a calm stream, you’ve probably been in a recreational kayak. These kayaks are wider and shorter than touring kayaks, which causes them to move at a more leisurely pace, and be more stable and easy to turn than a touring kayak.

The wider length is what most contributes to the recreational kayak’s stability. This is a great pro for those new to the sport of kayaking, such as those interested in fishing, or taking pictures while out on the water. You are able to focus less on not tipping over and develop your paddling technique more with this type of kayak. Additionally, it allows you to take in the views around you better while you’re out on the water.

This can also be a great type of boat for group travel. Its accessibility opens itself to groups of all ages and skill levels, so if you have more than one you can easily bring a friend or family member out on the water with you. Recreational kayaks tend to be less expensive than other types of kayaks, so there’s even fewer barriers to entering the sport of kayaking with this type of boat.

The only thing to note with this type of kayak is that, because of the extra width, it’s not the best at cutting through waves or maneuvering in strong currents. In this respect, you will want to stick to calmer waters like a lake or low-rapids river. You’ll still reap all the benefits of kayaking in these locations, as it’s a great way to see the nature around you or get in a low-impact workout with a change in scenery.

Touring Kayak Pros & Cons

Touring kayaks are a great pick for more experienced kayakers. These boats are more adept at navigating extreme water conditions, like rapids or ocean waves, so they do require a moderate familiarity with kayaking to be able to balance and steer in them.

Touring kayaks are slightly more narrow and longer than recreational kayaks. In combination with their more angular hull designs, they’re better suited for a more active kayaking session where you’re met with a lot of turbulence and strong currents that you have to navigate. This design also enables them to move faster through water, so you’ll be moving at more than a leisurely pace through these conditions, as well. Fast reaction times, core strength for balancing, and an ability to think further upstream are key for trips in touring kayaks.

What you gain in hydrodynamic ability with a touring kayak, you may lose slightly in stability and ease of steering. The longer the boat, the more challenging it is to make turns, as you have more boat to redirect. So if you’re not used to it, the handling of touring kayaks can have a learning curve. Similarly, since the kayak is narrower, you may need to balance more intentionally so as not to tip over. You can track in a straight line better because of these features, however, which is helpful in staying on course out on the ocean or when navigating strong river rapids.

At the end of the day, the type of kayak you invest in most depends on the environment and experience you’re looking for. Recreational kayaks are a great investment for beginners and those seeking less intensive expeditions, ready to explore the lake and river scenery around them.  Touring kayaks are best for those looking to reap the more athletic benefits of kayaking and challenge themselves to navigate more challenging currents. Either way, you’ll win by getting on the water and enjoying the outdoors! Happy Kayaking!

Fishing out on the water, especially during the summer, is a great way to combine sporting and getting out into nature. It can be a bit of a hassle when fishing boats are larger, as that limits the spots you’re able to visit and doesn’t always allow you to get your friends into the activity. Kayak fishing is the best of both worlds in this respect!

Long time anglers will enjoy the new challenge of converting their fishing set up into a kayak, and those new to the sport will enjoy the portable, lower barrier option to fish while boating. It’s great exercise for both your mind and body, so learning how to best outfit your fishing kayak is key. You will need a few essential features to ensure you have the best experience possible.

Fishing Kayak Set-Up

While you don’t necessarily need a completely outfitted kayak to start fishing in it, there are features and considerations to take into account so you’re most optimally prepared. If you come from just a kayaking background, this could be particularly helpful to understand how to modify your recreational kayak. If you’re coming from the fishing camp, there are fishing kayaks you can invest in, and it’s good to know what features to look out for on those vessels.

Here are our recommendations for fishing kayak features:

Sit-On Kayak with Good Stability

While most traditional kayaks are sit-in, this design forfeits a good deal of storage space and isn’t always easiest to stand in or get out of in the case of an emergency. For these reasons, most fishing kayaks are some version of sit-on-top kayaks to allow for better mobility and stability while you’re casting off.

Anglers have found that longer, slightly wider, and more angular kayaks are best for stability. While you’ll be able to stay afloat with one or a combination of these features, you’ll be relying on your reflexes and comfort on the water to not capsize while reeling in a fish. Especially if you stand while doing so, there’s a slight learning curve with this part of the kayak fishing experience that is part of the fun for those into the experience. 

Rod Holders and Extra Mounts

These mounts are key when looking for a fishing kayak that will last you a while. No proper angler brings only one rod out on the water with them, and with a kayak especially you need a proper place to keep them while you’re out. Make sure your kayak has several rod holders so you’re able to travel with as many rods as you’d like so you don’t find yourself unprepared.

Similarly, some anglers enjoy having extra mounts for things like a GPS system, their phone, or a fish tracker of sorts for easy and safe viewing. A fishing kayak with extra mounts built in will save you time and improve the organization of your vessel overall. Extra mounts are a great add-on to look for or install yourself if you’re outfitting a recreational kayak.

Proper storage

Kayaks are smaller boats than some used to fishing in, so it’s key to optimize the amount of space you have. Your boat should have large, enclosed hatches in the bow, stern, and midship sections underneath which are great for storing anything you’d like to keep safe from the water. Dry bags are a helpful tool to keep in these areas as well for ease of access. Other storage spaces may include various mesh pockets or tank wells where you can situate various supplies or rigs mentioned in the previous section.

How much space you need depends on how minimalist a fisher or boater you are. As long as you have room for your tackle box, rods, cooler, PFD, and any valuables you want to keep dry, the rest is up to you to customize!

Rudders

This is an optional navigational tool that is helpful when combined with a trolling motor or pedal motor of sorts. A rudder helps with tracking and keeping you on a steady course through the water. This steering assist is great when the weather is rough, or if you don’t want to worry about steering or staying on course while casting off.

You can install rudders on recreational kayaks, but it’s a really nice feature to find pre-installed on your fishing kayak as it better allows you to fish with both hands.

Pedal or Trolling Motor

As mentioned in the previous section, these features are nice additions to ensure hands-free navigation while out fishing. Many anglers choose hands-free navigation to enjoy and experience the freedom of fishing, rather than needing their hands to paddle to propel the boat. Investing in a kayak with a pedal or trolling motor will allow you to more easily traverse the water while not sacrificing mobility or concentration.

Don’t be intimidated by the additional features of fishing kayaks--it’s a great activity that anyone can try. These are simply our recommendations for add-ons that make kayak fishing easier and more streamlined to have a good time.

NOTE: BKC offers many of the kayak accessories mentioned here, but also know that our kayaks can accept third party accessories like additional rod holders, a fish finder, etc. You can purchase those at https://scotty.com/, https://www.yakattack.us/.

Getting out on the water for a paddle is a great summer activity for people of all ages. With the weather usually being more pleasant and the waters warmer, a low-impact family kayaking adventure is just the thing to bond over this summer.

Whether the grandparents are visiting, or you have young children itching to get out of the house, kayaking is a relatively safe and engaging activity to do together despite what you might initially think. Share the love of nature and paddling (or pedaling) with your loved ones today!

Why You Should Take the Family Kayaking

Many imagine themselves sitting and calmly paddling along on flat waters when they hear “kayaking”. This is definitely one of the experiences you can have out on the water, but there’s a lot more going on physically to keep you and your boat moving along smoothly. Additionally, you can seek out rapids to kayak down, or even take on ocean kayaking for a more intense experience. Regardless of how you get on the water, you’ll reap the health benefits of exercise with kayaking.

Even though you’re seated while in the boat, kayaking is great exercise in a number of ways. It can help you strengthen and tone necessary muscle groups, provide a low-impact cardio activity, and help you develop regular exercise habits that get you out in nature. In our books, kayaking is great exercise!

Kayaking Exercise Benefits

Strength training

While there aren’t any formal weights involved, there are elements of strength building inherent to this style of activity. The water resistance that you experience when pulling your paddle through the water builds strength, especially if you move into water with a stronger current or rapids.

In addition to paddling, loading up your kayak and gear, transporting it to the waterfront, and unloading again can be a workout in itself if you are going solo. These benefits are particularly impactful when you’re first starting out with kayaking.

You can enjoy strength-training kayak exercise for legs when using a pedal kayak. The same water resistance that benefits your arms when paddle kayaking, will get your legs in shape – quads, hamstrings, and calf muscles – with a pedal kayak!

Full body workout

Kayaking is definitely beneficial exercise for your arms, but what most don’t realize is that it engages your core, lats, and back muscles in a meaningful way, as well. It takes good core and lower back stability to maintain proper posture and balance while paddling--the twisting paddling motion as you cross over from one side to another further tones these muscle groups as well.

Your legs are used mostly for stability as well, while your core is engaged, as you can brace and correct with them if the boat starts to tip over. Regardless of the type of kayak you have, your legs are a key tool in helping shift your weight as necessary across your journey to keep on course, steady yourself, or respond quickly to your environment.

Low-impact cardio

Unlike jogging or running, kayaking requires constant movement without the extra strain on your knees or other joints. With kayaking you’re usually seated, and the main paddle movement is in your arms and shoulders, while your lower body steadies and balances throughout the journey, or pedals when using a pedal kayak. In this respect, kayaking is considered a relatively low- impact exercise.

Versatile & adaptable exercise

The variety in scenery, location, and difficulty level of the place you choose to paddle or pedal contributes to kayaking being good exercise. Just as though  it’s not the most exciting or healthy to run the exact same course everyday, so, too, is it not always the best to kayak the same route every time. Whether you’re looking for an ocean adventure, thrilling rapids, or a relaxed river paddle or pedal, each provides variety and further training in whichever area you need.

Stress relief

While stress is mental and emotional in nature, it does have physical manifestations, as well. Not only does exercise of any kind help manage and mitigate the long-term impact of chronic stress on your body, it can do a lot of good for your mental health, too. We already know the benefits of being in nature for your mental health, and kayaking allows you to throw in some mild-to-moderate exercise with it, too! An activity that is good for both your mental and physical health is a no-brainer in our book!

So whether paddling, pedaling, on calm waters, or taking on the rapids, kayaking is a great exercise workout for the whole family.

Kayak fishing is a hybrid sport has taken people by storm lately. Kayaks can be more accessible and easier to transport than a traditional fishing boat, plus you can take a fishing kayak out without the gear if you want diversity in your water activities. In this respect, kayak fishing allows the best of both worlds!

If you’re looking for a new water sport to take up, or you’re wanting to take your kayak experience up a notch, kayak fishing is for you! There are a couple things to consider before you hit the water, so read on to learn more.

Kayak Fishing Boat Recommendations

Experienced anglers say that the best fishing kayak is the one you already have. This holds true in most respects, as most sporting kayaks will allow you to get out on the water more easily than traditional fishing boats. There are modifications and add-on rigs that you can purchase or DIY as you go, in order to have an easier time out on the water.  So, if you already own a boat, you don’t need to worry about having to find a new one.

If you don’t have a boat already, and you’re particularly looking to get into kayak fishing, it’s helpful to look for a boat with features pre-installed. Regardless of where you’re starting from, here are some things to keep an eye out for:

• Rod Holders. Mounted rod holders are a kayak angler’s best friend. These allow you to have both hands free while paddling between fishing spots and gives you the ability to pack multiple rods with you for your trip. You can DIY them from a milk crate or find a professional mount that you’d like installed.
• Sit-On-Top Kayak Design. For fishing, sit-on-top kayaks allow you more mobility, comfort, stability, and storage space than a sit-in kayak. With a sit-on-top fishing kayak, your legs are free to stabilize the vessel while casting off or reeling in.
• Comfy Kayak Seat. Planning to be out fishing on the water all day? Then consider the comfort of a padded, adjustable kayak seat to save the wear-and-tear on your back! Find an ergonomic kayak seat design that supports your back--proper posture and form will aid your cast-off technique.
• Fish Finding Device. Whether it’s Sonar or GPS, most find it helpful to have a navigation system aboard. This is particularly nice when exploring new areas, so be sure it’s mounted in a place that’s easily- accessible and visible while paddling.
• Rudder and Anchor. These two pieces are optional, but helpful depending on your style of fishing. If you’re more of a troller who casts while moving, a rudder can allow you to better follow biting fish. If you prefer to stop moving and see what comes your way, an anchor can help avoid unwanted drifting and further stabilize your vessel.

How to Get the Hang of Kayak Fishing

Whether you’re an experienced kayaker, angler, neither, or both, it will take a bit of adjustment to get the hang of fishing from a kayak as opposed to a regular boat. The learning curve is half the fun when taking on a new challenge, though. Here are some tips to flatten the curve and help you hone your kayak fishing technique:

• Invest in a fishing paddle. Kayak fishing paddles tend to be wider and lighter than traditional paddles. You’ll be out fishing for a while and the structure of the paddle can help prevent fatigue. Finding one with a tether helps keep track of it while using your rod, and if you can find one with a measurement guide on it as well, that’s even better.
• Find longer fishing poles. Due to the width of a fishing kayak and the mild waves that any balance shifts can cause, it’s helpful to be able to cast further out so fish won’t be wary or sense anything disturbing.
• Organize & Optimize storage space. A kayak is a smaller boat than you might be used to, but particularly sit-on kayaks can allow for a decent amount of storage space. You want to be prepared with a variety of gear while you’re out, so keep it organized so you won’t lose time scrambling to find what you need.
• Come prepared with versatile lures. It’s less time- consuming to stick to single-hook baits, easy-to-fish lures, especially as a beginner. Chances are you won’t come across just one type of fish, though, so keep in mind the diversity of your bait, as well.

Warmer weather is right around the corner for most of us, which opens up lots of opportunities to get out on the water! Kayaking is even more enjoyable in fair weather when you can observe the beauty of your area’s natural environment in full bloom. That being said, it’s still important to go out prepared and safe to ensure you’ll be able to enjoy future adventures.

Kayak safety is important whether you’re planning for an extreme rapids trip, an ocean angling adventure, or a relaxed river paddle. Peruse these tips to ensure you’re prepared for a fun and safe outing!

Essential Kayak Safety Equipment

Personal Flotation Device (PFD)

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) are a kayak safety staple. If you capsize, you’ll be lucky you had one on. Keeping your head above the water with minimal effort during an emergency is key for maintaining energy and focus. They are also a nice layer of insulation in colder waters.

The US Coast Guard requires that you have a PFD with you whenever you’re out on the water, so be sure to invest in one before you get out there. Additionally, they aren’t much use if you don’t have it on prior to an emergency, so make sure it fits and you actually put it on BEFORE you paddle.

First Aid Kit

Just like you might have a travel kit stashed in your car, you should have some type of first aid kit for your kayak, as well. There are paddling-specific first-aid kits available but a homemade one will also work fine if you can’t find one. Make sure you have this kit properly stored in a marked, waterproof dry bag so nothing is damaged when you need it.

Bilge Pump

This is a more advanced type of bail that’s very effective in clearing a large amount of water out of your kayak. You can most easily find a simple hand pump that will make your life easier than sponging or scooping up the excess water. If you’ve capsized, a bilge pump will be key to getting back on track with your trip once you’ve re-entered the boat.

Tow Line

A tow line is good to have on hand, especially if you’re travelling with a kayaking party. Tow lines allow you to assist a fellow kayaker who has become injured or overly tired. If you kayak alone, you should still be prepared with your own in case you need to rely on a passing boat to get you out of a jam.

Communication Device

From whistles and signals to phones and radios, you’ll want to come prepared with some way of getting other people’s attention in case of an emergency. We recommend having a whistle on you as well as an electronic device with longer range in case you can’t reach anyone with just noise. VHF radios are quite reliable in case you’re somewhere with limited cell coverage.

Appropriate Protective Gear

You should be dressed for submersion whenever you go to kayak, but you should also be sure to protect yourself from elements outside of the water, as well. As we move into warmer weather, the sun is a more constant companion on these paddles. Being equipped with a quality SPF sunscreen at the minimum is key. It is also recommended to bring a hat, sunglasses, and lightweight long sleeves and pants to ensure you don’t risk harmful UV exposure.

Kayak safety is essential to all kayakers. The best, most enjoyable paddles are those that you come prepared for. Never underestimate being ready for the worst regardless of how many successful trips you have under your belt. Know your limits, be aware of your surroundings and weather forecasts while you’re out, and it never hurts to take a friend along with you for an extra pair of hands. Happy paddling!

Some hear kayaking and think of a serene, meditative bout on the water. Others seek out the strong rapids to race against. Whether you’re looking for calm or an adventure, kayaking is a sport that can provide both, especially when you add fishing skills to the mix.

Kayak fishing might not sound the most exciting to those unfamiliar with it, but it actually can be quite engaging and allows you to develop more advanced kayaking skills. Beyond that, it is quite beneficial for both your physical and mental health. Everyone could use an outlet like this to destress, especially in this current climate.

Kayak Fishing Health Benefits

Mental Health Boost

It’s been well documented that doing any amount of physical activity has a positive impact on the chemistry of our brain. If taking a walk around the block can put you in a better mood, imagine how you’ll feel after spending a few hours out on the water surrounded by scenic views. Your serotonin could be off the charts!

What you might not be familiar with is the impact engaging with nature has on our mental health. It relaxes, invigorates, and helps us unwind. Even if you’re kayaking in an urban setting, being on the water and hopefully reeling in some fish can still have a great impact on your mental health.

Lower Blood Pressure

In addition to its positive impact on our mental health, nature also has a positive impact on blood pressure and cardiovascular health. The calming effect of green space further relaxes us and helps the stress of everyday life melt away. Just 30 mins a week has shown to have a positive impact, which you cover in no time out on the water.

Particularly with kayak fishing, you’re even closer to the water than in a regular fishing boat, so the connection to your setting will be amplified!

Full Body Workout

It may not seem like it initially, but angling engages multiple muscle groups. The arms and shoulders will definitely get a work-out, but so will your core and legs. Especially with balancing, casting off and staying right side up in the kayak, bracing and steadying yourself with your legs and core will be key in having a successful angling trip. Each cast off and paddle stroke will get easier as you get used to balancing and flexing these different muscle groups. Kayak fishing is great exercise!

Low Impact Cardio

Although you work a lot of muscle groups while doing it, kayak fishing is relatively low impact as far as exercises go. It’s a great way to get moving without exerting a lot of strain on your joints and provides a full-body low impact cardio exercise.

Its impact is further amplified if you stand to cast off. This not only further improves your posture and gets your body upright, but it allows you to use your core muscles, balance, stretch and re-energize yourself amidst your angling journey.

Safe Social Activity

You can use kayak fishing as a way to gain some quality alone time, but it’s also a great way to bond or hang out with others. Whether you’re casting off from a tandem kayak or separate boats, it never hurts to have a friend come along for the ride.

This can be especially beneficial to anglers who are looking for other people who enjoy the hobby. Or you could use it as an opportunity to share it with a young family member who hasn’t been on the water before. Any way you choose to do it, angling has potential for you to engage with others as well as nature.

Now that you’ve learned how beneficial this activity can be for your social, mental, and physical health, get on out there! Whether it’s your first or hundredth time, kayak fishing has lots to offer everyone. Happy fishing!