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How to Stay Safe

Kayaking In The Rain? Detailed Guide

Published September 6, 2022

Did you know that kayaking in the rain can be extremely dangerous? Especially if you’re not used to it. It is a fact that once kayaking in the rain, your visibility is typically limited, and your ability to gauge how fast you’re moving will also be far reduced. But if you are still adventurous enough, you might be interested in learning how to stay safe kayaking in the rain. So, here is a detailed guide on how you can stay safe and protected while also enjoying kayaking in the rain.

This detailed guide will share simple tips on how to prepare and what to do to stay safe when kayaking in the rain.

So let’s get started.

How To Stay Safe Kayaking In The Rain? Summary

How to Stay Safe Kayaking in the Rain?

Prepare for the worst, and hope for the best. When planning to go kayaking in the rain, ensure that you are prepared in case things go wrong. So here are some most important things that can help you stay safe kayaking in the rain.

Wear a Raincoat and Pants, but Keep Your Arms and Legs Free:

First of all, wear a raincoat and pants. It’s important to be as waterproof as you can get! But don’t forget to keep your arms and legs free, so they don’t get trapped with the raincoat or anything else when you paddle.

It will help you to move around more easily, which will be important if you get into trouble. Also, ensure that your raincoat is not too heavy or bulky before entering the water. If it’s bulky, it will make it harder for you to paddle and steer your kayak, which could be dangerous if there is a strong wind or current.

Have Accessories That Are Waterproof or Water-Resistant:

If you’re planning to go kayaking in the rain, it’s important to have some waterproof or water-resistant accessories. You don’t want your phone or wallet getting wet! Make sure they are stored away in a dry bag, which will keep them safe from any splashes of water that may come flying at you while on the water.

This will help you to enjoy your kayaking experience instead of worrying about losing something important! Besides, keeping your personal belongings safe while kayaking in the rain will help you to keep your mind on the activity instead of worrying about what might happen.

Choose the Right Kayak for the Conditions:

Choosing the right kayak for your needs can be difficult, but it’s important to do so. You don’t want to be out on the water in a kayak that isn’t safe or comfortable for your body type or skill level!

So it’s important to choose the right kayak for the condition. For example, if you are in a strong rain condition, you should choose a heavy kayak with a flat bottom hull. It will keep your kayak stable even in powerful windy conditions and keeps you safe while kayaking in the rain.

Be Aware of the Water Conditions:

kayaking safety tips like looking around

You must be aware of your surroundings and conditions when you’re out on the water. You don’t want to get caught in a situation where you are unable to escape from danger if something happens.

For example, if you are kayaking in a strong current, it would be wise to stay close to shore where the current is less powerful. If you find yourself in an area with power boats or jet skis, make sure they see you before crossing their paths.

This will help you stay safe and sound while kayaking in the rain.

Be Prepared for All Weather Conditions:

You must be aware of your surroundings and conditions when you’re out on the water. You don’t want to get caught in a situation where you are unable to escape from danger if something happens.

For example, if you know that there will be heavy rain along with lightning during your trip, it will be easier to bring the necessary equipment with you. Similarly, if you know that there will be high winds, bringing the right kayak with you would be wise to get back to shore easily.

That’s why it is important to be prepared for all weather conditions.

Know Your Limits:

Please do not push your or your kayak’s limits when you are out on the water and it’s raining. This is especially important if you are going out with a group that might not be as experienced as yourself. If you know that there will be high winds and waves, do not go out on the water when conditions are unsafe.

This will help you keep yourself safe and prevent you from injuring yourself or others.

Make Sure Your Gear is Protected:

When you are out on the water, it is important to ensure your gear is protected from the rain. This includes making sure that your boat does not take on any water and that all of your equipment is in good working order. If a leak in your boat or something breaks, you might have trouble safely returning to shore.

Similarly, if your equipment breaks or malfunctions, this could mean that you will not be able to perform the tasks that need to be done. If a piece of gear breaks while you are out on the water or it starts raining heavily, ensure you have everything necessary to fix it before continuing with your trip.

Bring Along a Travel First Aid Kit:

Just like you would for any other trip, it’s important to bring a first aid kit. You never know what could happen while on the water, and it is best to be prepared for any scenario.

But make sure that the first aid kit should be portable and easy to carry around in case you need to evacuate. If you are going on an extended trip, ensure enough room for additional supplies in your first aid kit.

Don't Go into Deep Water:

Avoid going into deep water if you are new to the water or not confident in your swimming abilities. Water exceeding your height can be dangerous because it makes it difficult to get out of a situation if something goes wrong.

So try not to go into deep water, especially when it’s raining, because you can’t see how deep the water is. Even if you are a good swimmer, try not to go into deep water because it makes it harder for rescuers to reach you in case something goes wrong.

Try to Keep your Kayak Towards Shore:

Try keeping it towards the shore when you are in your kayak. This will make it easier for rescuers to reach you if something goes wrong. If a strong current could sweep you out into deeper water, try to paddle parallel with the shoreline so you can get back to land easily.

So these are some tips that can help you keep yourself safe while kayaking in the rain. All you have to do is strictly follow these guidelines, and you will be able to enjoy your kayaking trips even if it’s raining.

Additional Safety Tips while Kayaking in the Rain

The above-mentioned guidelines are useful for intermediate or experienced kayakers, but if you are a beginner and want to go out on the water when it’s raining, you should strictly follow these additional guidelines.

Wear a life jacket:

Wearing a life jacket is not only important for beginners but also a must for all kayakers. Even if you are an advanced paddler and have been kayaking for years, wearing a life jacket is still recommended. Not only does this help you stay afloat in case of an accident or fall off your kayak, but it also ensures that you get back to land quickly if something goes wrong on the water.

Prepare your boat and gear:

Before heading out on the water when it’s raining:

  1. Check your boat for holes and cracks that might leak.
  2. If you see any, fix them before going out, so your kayak doesn’t sink.
  3. Ensure that your paddles are in good condition and don’t have any loose or missing parts.

Make sure you're visible to other boaters:

If you’re heading out on the water when it’s raining, wear a brightly colored hat and jacket. This will help other boaters see you and avoid hitting your kayak. If you’re going out with others, stay together so that if someone falls overboard, they’ll be able to get back in quickly.

Stay dry and warm:

If you’re out on the water in a kayak, make sure that you stay dry and warm. This will help prevent hypothermia, which can be very dangerous. Also, if it’s raining outside, wear waterproof clothing and rain gear, so your clothes don’t become soaked with water.

Check the weather forecast before you go out (check several sources):

This will help you to anticipate what the weather will be like and plan accordingly. If there is a chance of lightning or thunderstorms, avoid going out on the water during these times.

Conclusion

So this is how you can stay safe kayaking in the rain. I hope you have learned to enjoy kayaking even if it’s raining. But remember, if you are uncomfortable in the weather conditions, don’t go out on the water. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Jay Schwartz author of Kayak Guidance

About the Author - Jay Schwartz:

Hey there kayak lovers! I’m Jay Schwartz, the author here at Kayak Guidance! You know water sports – you know me! My life is all about it. Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Fishing, Snorkeling and so much more. I love to share my passion and knowledge with all of you. 

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