Florida is home to a multitude of outdoor adventures to explore. But with all the rivers, springs, and lakes, kayaking stands out as the best to experience. If you are looking for the perfect outside adventures in Florida, kayaking should be at the top of your list. Aside from kayaking is a fun water sport, it is also a good form of workout for the legs, arms, and torso. Kayaking basically challenges the whole body. However, to enjoy the entire experience, especially as a beginner, you must plan adequately. There is so much to consider, and that’s why this article will help you discover how to plan for your first kayaking in Florida.

Choose a Destination

Florida offers endless options when it comes to kayaking spots. Consider checking out for reviews of places to kayak in Florida because, as a first-timer, you must rely on others’ feedback. Each spot offers different types of kayaking. Calm waters are the best for a beginner, with some scenic surroundings. However, if you love a good thrill, then Florida offers wild rivers that can satisfy your adrenaline rush when you become a seasoned kayaker. Choosing the right place also depends on the activities you wish to accompany the main one, such as fishing, hunting, paddling, or camping. This is critical because you can spend less time in the water as a starter, which will leave more room for engaging in other activities when you get tired. Ensure you are not in one of those isolated spots for safety measures. Be sure to have company in case your kayak capsizes.

Pack the Right Essentials.

Going kayaking for the first time may have you needing clarification about the essentials you should pack. Considering you will be out in the sun for hours, a sunscreen cream should be at the top of the list. Also, consider carrying sunglasses and a huge hat to shield you from the hot sun in Florida. But most importantly, understand the type of clothing necessary for kayaking. Be sure to carry light clothes such as swimsuits, as they are flexible and perfect for the water environment. You could enhance your experience further by carrying sunshirts that would shield you from sunburns. Ensure you pack some extra clothes because being in the water, you cannot underestimate the fact that you could get extra wet, bearing in mind you are a first time, and when you miss the proper navigation, you may find yourself in the river. Kayaking is a water sport that takes much of your energy. Adding to the fact that it is outdoors with the sun, your body risks dehydration. It would be best if you carry a reusable water bottle to keep you hydrated throughout the day. Finally, remember a first aid kit to offer you a solution to medical emergencies; your health should also be prioritized.

Learn Basic Skills

Before you go for a kayaking experience in Florida, consider learning some basic skills. There are tons of videos and tutorials. The water world is wild. Therefore, you must discover some rescue maneuver skills to keep you safe. You can utilize that on the internet to understand how the kayak works. Also, learn the basic steering and paddling techniques, and boost your confidence before you get to the actual kayaking. You could also enquire from your friends who often go kayaking and get first-hand information from seasoned kayakers.

Pick the Right Kayaking Route

Understanding kayaking routes as a beginner is an important fact to consider. Carry out this exercise only on well-known paths because the course of a river could take you with the flow, making you lose the bearing. Also, follow a good route with calm waters that will not change the course to a wild flow. It could be most disappointing when your fun moment turns into a nightmare. Be sure to choose comfortable routes and enjoy the experience as you learn to become a pro kayaker. Consider kayaking routes that could offer you an excellent wildlife sighting. Do more than aim at kayaking. Be sure to capture the moment of the wildlife behaviors but do not disturb their natural behavior. Also, follow the instructions of the guide when you encounter wild animals.

Choose the Right Kayak

Many factors depend on the type of kayak that best suits your needs. The process can be daunting, but when you have what you need in mind, it could be easier for a guide to help you pick the right one. Kayaks are selected based on their experience level in kayaking. They come in different sizes, material types, and shapes. The type of water you will be paddling on should be your first option when choosing a kayak. Fresh and salty water makes all the difference. This is because salty waters tend to eat up some materials that make a kayak. Consider the type of water you will be paddling: lakes and ponds or ocean waters. Ponds and lakes are calm waters that best use sit insides, or sit-on-top kayaks could do a perfect job. However, when you choose the coastline, consider a kayak with better features to protect you from the impact of the tides and the strong wind currents. An open-water coastline could benefit from a kayak featuring rudders or skegs to keep you stable in the waters.

Put Safety First

Water’s environment should be cautiously approached because the waters could turn wild at any moment. First, consider kayaking with a tour guide who knows well what to do in case of an accident occurrence as you kayak. A tour guide will choose paths that are less risky without sacrificing the fun part. They also know the rescue process. Be sure to have a life jacket or personal floatation devices, but most importantly, be a swimmer. Swimming to the shore could save you a lot when your kayak capsizes, even for seasoned kayakers. Weather check is also a safety measure, and avoid choosing a weather day that has strong winds and tidal effects as Florida’s weather is very unpredictable.

Lastly, choosing to kayak is the best decision you have made so far for outdoor activity. The waters are able to calm your mind from long days of constant working. It is a nice way to unwind. You will also work out your body, burn some calories and stay fit. Do not stop at the first time. Practice more to make it your most enjoyed hobby.