Kayak Guidance logo

Should I Kayak Alone?

Helpful Tips For Solo Kayakers

Published August 5, 2022

Kayaking is a fun activity that everyone can enjoy, whether they are alone or with friends or family. It’s a great pleasure when you go kayaking with your loved ones, but the biggest question is, “is it safe to kayak alone?” If you are also wondering if I should kayak alone, here is a complete guide for you.

If you are a beginner kayaker, then you are not advised to kayak alone because you are not experienced enough to face problems associated with the kayaking adventure. But, if you are an experienced kayaker, you should go kayaking alone because it is a different type of thrill you can enjoy.

So, here is a complete guide on why you should or shouldn’t go alone on kayaking adventures. Besides, we will also discuss some advantages and disadvantages of kayaking alone to help you understand its benefits and risks.

Should I Kayak Alone? Summary

Should I Kayak Alone?

should you kayak alone

If you are a beginner kayaker, then you are not advised to kayak alone because you are not experienced enough to face problems associated with the kayaking adventure. But, if you are an experienced kayaker, you should go kayaking alone because it is a different type of thrill you can enjoy.

The first thing that makes going kayaking alone dangerous is that there is no one else around who can save your life if something goes wrong. If you are on a lake or river with no lifeguards or other people around, then the only person who can help will be yourself.

But, kayaking alone also allows you to relax and enjoy nature without worrying about someone else getting in the way of your enjoyment. When going on an expedition like this, you must have time away from everyone else to fully enjoy what is happening around you without being interrupted by other people’s needs or expectations.

Finally, going solo allows you to focus solely on what’s happening in front of you without worrying about anyone else’s opinion. But, kayaking alone is only recommended for experienced kayakers, not beginners.

Advantages of Kayaking Alone

Here are some advantages of kayaking alone.

Listening to yourself:

You will be able to listen to yourself while kayaking alone

You can listen to your thoughts and processes without anyone else interrupting you. You can decide what kind of kayak or paddle you want based on your personality rather than what someone else thinks is best for you.

Besides, you will be able to focus on the task without worrying about other people’s reactions or reactions to your reactions. When you’re alone, there’s less pressure on you.

Enjoying the wildlife:

You know what’s better than being with people? Being alone.

And when you’re on your kayak and out in the middle of nowhere, it’s easy to forget about everything else and just enjoy the wildlife. You can watch birds fly overhead or see deer grazing in the distance. You’ll be able to see all kinds of animals, even if they’re just watching you from a distance.

You can even spot other people out there, look down at the water, and you might see another kayaker cruising along in their own boat. It’s like being on a movie set; you’ll never get bored.

Practicing your skills:

The most obvious advantage of kayaking alone is practicing your skills. You don’t have to worry about someone else getting hurt or distracted by the sound of your paddle or being afraid that you’ll run into someone.

So, kayaking alone is a great way to practice your skills. You’ll get used to not relying on anyone else and being able to handle anything on your own. You’ll also be able to focus on the task and not be distracted by other people or their needs.

This can help you perfect your kayaking technique so that you’re ready to go when you’re out with friends or family members.

Discovering what you like and don't like:

Kayaking alone is the best way to discover what you like and don’t like about kayaking. This can be frustrating for some people, but it’s also good if you want to be more confident in your abilities. You’ll have to work hard, but it will ultimately pay off.

You’ll be able to explore your own preferences and see where you fit in the kayaking world. Besides, you’ll be able to focus on your own company, which means less distraction. And you’ll have more time for reflection and introspection about your life when kayaking alone.

Building confidence:

Kayaking alone is a great way to build your self-confidence and learn how to manage your own time. You can choose your route, and the weather can be whatever you want. You get to see some pretty amazing sites while you’re out there and have no one else around but yourself.

You don’t have to worry about going too fast or getting lost in the middle of nowhere; you’re in complete control of everything that happens while you’re out on the water. If you want to stop for lunch, you can. If you want a break from paddling for a bit, that’s fine too. It’s all up to YOU!

Getting more comfortable with being out of your comfort zone:

When you kayak alone, you can choose to go at your own pace and enjoy the scenery around you. You don’t have to worry about being judged by others or having them judge you. If you want to go faster than the person in front of you, that’s up to you, and if they’re not comfortable with it, they can slow down.

You’ll also get used to being alone and being able to focus on yourself for a change. You might find this much more enjoyable than spending time with other people who can’t take their eyes off their phones or are constantly asking questions like, “Hey, do you know how to do this?”

Disadvantages of Kayaking Alone

Besides advantages, there are also some disadvantages that you should know.

There is no one to help you with equipment and loading if you have a hard time with this:

I think the biggest disadvantage of kayaking alone is that you are likely to have a hard time with equipment and loading if you have a hard time with this.

For example, if you are paddling away from shore and something goes wrong with your boat or equipment, there is no one to help you with this process. You will have to manage everything on your own, which can be very challenging when you don’t have the needed experience.

That is why kayaking alone is not recommended for beginners.

You do not have anyone to talk to and share an experience with:

Another big disadvantage of kayaking alone is that you do not have anyone to talk to and share an experience with. If you’re paddling down a river, it can be hard to chat with someone while you’re trying to navigate the rapids or just enjoy the scenery.

You are the only paddler, so if you get tired, there is no one to take over:

If you are paddling alone and you get tired, no one can take over. If you were on a kayak with another person, they could take over for you and keep going. So, keep in mind that you will be solely responsible for everything.

There is no one to notice your absence if you disappear while out of sight:

It’s possible to kayak alone, but you must be aware of the dangers. For example, if you get lost and don’t have a map or GPS, you’ll run out of food and water before you even realize it. Plus, there will be no one who will notice your absence if you disappear.

If you flip your kayak or have a mechanical problem, there is no one around to help:

If you decide to go kayaking alone, there’s a good chance that you’ll be the only person in sight. This means that if you flip your kayak or have a mechanical problem, there is no one around to help.

Helpful Tips for Solo Kayaker

When you’re solo kayaking for the first time, there’s a lot to think about. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

  • Plan ahead. Make sure you know where and how best to get there.
  • Pack snacks and water in a dry bag that can then be sealed shut with a zip-tie or other small sealant (like duct tape). This will keep your food and drink from getting soggy during the trip.
  • Ensure your clothing fits properly, so you don’t have any problems with chafing or blisters rubbing against each other.
  • Pack some extra clothes with you in case of emergency.
  • Don’t try to go too far or do too much too soon; this could cause injury. Know where your comfort zone is before pushing yourself further.
  • You’re out on the water; enjoy it! Take your time and enjoy the scenery. There will be plenty of time later to get things done once you’ve reached your destination.

Kayaking Alone: Conclusion

So these are the advantages and disadvantages associated with kayaking alone. I hope this guide will help you decide whether you can kayak alone or not. But, if you decide to go kayaking alone, follow the tips mentioned above and stay safe throughout your journey.

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. 

More to Learn About Kayaks!