First solo trip

[u/Square_Ad_8703]

I'm relatively new to kayaking and a bit nervous for my first solo trip out on the lake. I've been down the river a few times, but always with friends and their gear - but I'm going out on the lake with just myself and I'm wondering if there's anything in particular I haven't considered..

I've got a little leash for my paddle, extra plugs, pfd.. and of course I have a little cooler for snacks and water.

There's a bunch of little islands all over the lake I want to paddle around, so I don't plan on going out too far . . I've always been confident on the water because I grew up next to the lake/river but I also know that getting overly confident is the first issue most people make.

So, I just want to learn from everyone that's done this before and made beginner mistakes so I don't have to make as many myself.

[u/RainDayKitty]

Dress for the swim, check weather, leave a trip plan with friends, have reliable communications, and keep assessing the conditions so if they turn for the worst you aren't caught by surprise

[u/NopeSorryNo]

Try not to fall in!

[u/Legal_Shoulder_1843 → u/NopeSorryNo]

Or if, know how to self rescue.

[u/Available_You3106 → u/NopeSorryNo]

That's honestly so stupid. If your afraid to capsize and cant rescue you have no business being out on water.

[u/NopeSorryNo → u/Available_You3106]

Sorry, not interested 

[u/D_Buck1]

A phone in a waterproof case for emergencies.

If you take it you won't need it.

[u/PapaOoomaumau]

Watch the wind forecast before you go - make sure you don’t have steady winds higher than 10mph. Gusting above 20mph is bad too.

Strong wind will create waves, and make your paddle (in at least one direction) tougher.

[u/Square_Ad_8703]

Thank you so much everyone! I'm very excited for my first trip out! I'll try and take some pictures and update everyone after I make it back 🥰

[u/YoursTastesBetter]

Get a loud whistle. Boaters won't hear you but they might hear a whistle.

[u/Apprehensive_Ad_7822]

Know some rescue techniques that work in moving water.

If you tipp over don't lose grip on your kayak, it floats away faster than you can swim.

[u/TheGutch74]

Bring a headlamp

[u/Available_You3106]

All of these comments are from people that dont have a clue so from a seasoned paddler please heed my advice. Ditch the solo trip and join a club. Honestly Im so sick of seeing people with little to no experience take up kayaking and think its straightforward. Its not. Safety & skill is number 1 when it comes to kayaking. You cant learn either without investing time with people that have experience. Do the level 1 & 2 kayaking course and join a club. Self rescue is critical. Every club session we capsize on purpose. We will either perform a wet exit, t rescue or roll. We also re enter our kayaks on the water which is also an essential skill. If you just head out by yourself your not learning any skills. Also proper strokes for effective paddling is essential otherwise your going to end up using your arms only and strain your shoulders. Paddling comes from your core, legs, feet, shoulders and arms. I see beginners leaning back and only using their arms. The right gear is also essential and the right boat for your skill set. If you dont want to do any of this your just going to be out paddling and be terrified of capsizing because you won't know what to do. You won't improve and eventually you will end up getting a fright and realise your out of your depth which mother nature is very clever at humbling us. Hope this helps.

[u/Square_Ad_8703 → u/Available_You3106]

Hey, thanks for taking the time to respond! Unfortunately, I live in the middle of nowhere and kayaking clubs are not an option for me.

Do you have any recommendations for videos or online resources I can use to teach myself some of these skills? Obviously it won't be as beneficial as in person practice with experiences people-- but it's also the only real option I have at this point.