The places to use a River Kayak
Suppose you are looking for a new outdoor activity or just trying to stay in shape and have fun while doing it. Consider river kayaking. It’s easy to do and is often more relaxing than other water activities. Here are some tips on how to get started with this exciting activity. Be sure to use a river kayak.
What makes the river kayak different?
A river kayak is built specifically for going down rivers. It has a low profile and is lighter in weight than a standard kayak. Because they are lighter, they are often seen as less durable. River kayaks aren’t as maneuverable as ocean kayaks. Still, you can use them on flat water and whitewater (moving water with rapids).
What does the river kayak have in common with other kayaks?
Every kayak is paddled in the same way, and you use your paddles to propel yourself.
It helps to have some basic paddling skills before using a river kayak. For instance, you need to know how to lean back and forth to move through the water properly. It would be best to learn the basics before your first trip, but it may take several trips before you have gotten the hang of using a river kayak.
Depending on your paddling skills and level of experience, you may be able to use this kayak right away. The basics will give you a good idea of what to look out for and ensure that you are safe when you go out on the water.
Taking care of my kayak
You can use a river kayak for both flatwater and whitewater, but you have to take different precautions for each. Dry your kayak when you are out on flat water and ready to stop paddling. If you leave it wet, you will get mildew and mold growing on it.
You can also leave a coat of wax on your boat if it’s made from polyethylene. The wax will help protect it from the sun’s UV rays and even from water seepage.
When using your kayak in moving water, you need to make sure that you clean it thoroughly after each use.
Cleaning means getting under the deck to make sure that all of the sand and mud are removed. You should wash off any mud with lukewarm water and add a little mild soap if needed. Rinse your kayak thoroughly and dry completely before storing it in a shaded area or covered with a UV protectant cover.
Lengthen time of river kayak use
A river kayak can last for many years. Unless you bring it into whitewater that damages the kayak, you will have a nice amount of time before you need to replace it. You might want to replace them every few years if you see an upgrade in the newer models you want.
Ensure that you choose a kayak with the right match for your skill level and type of use.
Storing a river kayak
Owning a boat garage is a good option, but you can store your kayak in the back of your truck. Trunk storage might also work for you. River kayaks are designed for rugged conditions. You want to store it in such a way that takes into account its natural shape and environment to minimize any possible issues down the road.
Keeping water out
That is your priority and is pretty simple.
It can be done by using a few easy steps. First, make sure that the cockpit is completely sealed and watertight. The sealing can be done by stuffing foam in the opening.
Or, using a large plastic zip-lock bag that fits nicely and snug over the opening. Try to stuff the bag as tight as you can into the opening so that water can’t seep in from the sides.
Repeat this on the other end of your kayak by stuffing the kayak’s open ends with foam. Sealing the ends will help ensure that no water gets into your hull, leading to rusting or mildewing down the road.
Another great way to keep out water is to cover your kayak with a tarp when it is stored in your trunk. A tarp is easy to manage and can help keep any water from getting in should there be rain.
Consider the position of your kayak in your truck bed.
Since you’re not storing it outside, you don’t have to worry about extreme sun or heat damaging your boat. Still, you want to make sure that water may have gotten into your kayak if it has been raining.
Any water left in your kayak could lead to mildewing or rusting. If you use a truck bed cover, make sure that your kayak is not touching the tarp. It is important not to trap any moisture underneath the tarp.
Tie down your kayak, so it can’t move around and possibly touch the tarp. Another thing you want to take into account is wind damage. If your area has a lot of wind, you may want to consider a different location for your kayak.
Wind can do a lot of damage to your kayak, particularly on the open water where waves are a constant threat. Use a boat cover or a similar type of protection for the vessel when not used.
A final thing to consider is the water that might creep into your truck bed.
If it rains, you’ll want to make sure that this water can’t get into your kayak. You may want to stuff a tarp or plastic bag between the kayak and truck bed to prevent this. Properly storing a kayak of any size, you need to do these steps to not damage your prized possession over time. Of course, you also need to make sure that it will fit in your vehicle, so do some measuring before purchasing or building a cart.
You can easily repeat these steps for your kayak if you love the water and kayaking.
Some people like their kayaks in their vehicles, while others prefer to have them stored on racks. Still, others prefer to keep them outside, regardless of the potential damage from extreme temperatures and weather.
If you’re lucky enough to have a place where you can keep it inside, great! You could also try to find a kayak storage rack. Many kayaks will last for several years in the elements. You’ll want to do everything you can to protect it from the elements, though, so that it doesn’t disintegrate prematurely.
If you have a car and drive down the road, you’re going to want to make sure that your kayak isn’t getting banged up in the process. You should always put it in the back of the car if possible and make sure that it is strapped down to bounce around.
If you don’t have a car, there are various types of carriers you can get.
The kind you use will depend on your kayak’s size and how you want to transport it. Always protect it as much as possible. That means that if you’re going to keep it outside, try to find a way to protect it from the elements. If you can’t, at least cover it when not in use, so that dirt or debris doesn’t get all over everything.
If you do keep it outside, or if you’re using a carrier to transport your kayak, you’ll want to make sure that it is facing the direction of traffic. When your kayak faces the traffic, it doesn’t get damaged as easily by cars going around your vehicle. You do not want anyone taking out any of their frustrations on your kayak!
When your kayak is damaged or banged up in storage, you might need to do some repairs to ensure that everything is as good as new if you know how to do repairs, great! You’ll want to make sure that you clean off any dirt, dust, or debris accumulated on the kayak’s surface.
Inspect all of the hardware to make sure that nothing needs to be tightened or replaced. When you’re done, you can hop on and go for a ride!
Don’t own a car or truck? There are other ways of transporting your kayak.
Most vehicles can strap a kayak onto the roof if you have good straps and know what you’re doing. Transporting your kayak is probably something that most people shouldn’t try if they have never done it before. Learn how to transport, or it may just be easier to rent a car or truck and do it that way.
Creating a home for your kayak is one of the best things you can do. You’re going to want to find a way to protect it, and hopefully, you’ll be able to keep it outside. If possible, try to find a place that provides shade to get too hot or cold. Once you’ve done this, you can enjoy using it whenever you want.
If you need to transport the kayak back and forth or don’t have a car at home, there are other options for storing it. You can find kayak carriers that strap onto your vehicle and hold your kayak securely in place.
Wrap Up
If you are looking for a kayak to use on moving water or whitewater, then a river kayak is a perfect choice. This type of kayak was specifically designed for this activity and can be used by novices and experienced paddlers. Keep re reading to learn more about choosing a river kayak for your needs and other items to bring on your next trip.