Last Updated on July 24, 2022 by Cristina
Is It Easy To Flip A Kayak? Kayaks are the best when it comes to recreational activities on the water. If you have an upcoming kayaking trip, then you should be excited. Focus on the fun and entertainment you’ll have. There might be a little feeling of fear in your heart. That’s the fear of your kayak tipping over and not being able to turn it back.
In all sense of it, do these kayaks tip over easily? Thinking about it, you’ll find out that kayaks do not flip that easily. It is safe to use, especially when the instructions are followed. If at all there is a situation of a tipping kayak, there are ways to stay calm. People going on recreational kayaking should learn how to flip a kayak.
Kayaks are not designed to flip over and the only way your kayak would flip depends on two things. A kayak flipping over depends on the type of kayak you have, and the water you’re paddling on. With a recreational kayak, tipping would be difficult when paddling on a semi calm water. With a sea or ultra-light kayak, there is every possibility of flipping when whitewater paddling.
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How To Prevent A Kayak From Flipping Over?
Preventing a flip might be a little difficult. But with a few tricks, you should be able to reduce flipping chances. If you’re just starting with kayaking or you have been kayaking for a long time, practice these tricks frequently. Mastering the techniques would take time but when you get used to it, there won’t be any problems.
These techniques will come in handy if at all you find yourself in a flipping kayak. There are many ways to prevent a kayak from tipping but we would discuss 4 common ways. These are: pick the right conditions, balance your kayak, use a low brace, and use a high brace.
Pick The Right Paddling Conditions
Before going into kayaking, you should have gone through a series of classes or practice for the sake of paddling. When you get on a kayak, be sure to put your paddling skills to play. Judging by your experience, use the skill you’re most comfortable with. Take note of the weather because it determines how calm the water would be. When the wind is very strong you would notice the waves go higher. These strong waves cause flipping so you should be careful. Make kayaking plans when the weather is fair. Do not be in a rush.
Balance Your Kayak
When picking a kayak, check out the balance. A well-balanced kayak reduces the risks of flipping over. Instead of balancing the kayak with your torso, fill it up with gears equally. With this, the weight is balanced from length to length and from width to width. Your kayak should be balanced no matter your sitting position. All these will make things easier and prevent struggles for balance on the water.
Use The Low Brace
This technique helps in recovering balance when you lose it. You can also use this method to prevent yourself from losing balance. This trick is very simple and efficient as well. It is advised that people who kayak practice this move because they can easily turn to it when the kayak is about to flip. Take the posture that suits you to maintain your grip when paddling.
Bring the paddle near your hip with the blade pointing downwards on the side where you’re about to lean. Allow your knuckles to point downwards and your elbows high enough. This position will make your paddle climb upwards to the surface.
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Use The High Brace
This is the upgraded version of the low brace. It is not helpful when your kayak tilts very far over aside. It is very powerful and the best recovery stroke you can use when experiencing a capsize. The high brace follows the same concept as the low brace but there are differences. The high brace is done when you are under the paddle blade and pulling it down for support. While the low brace is done when you’re over the paddle blade and when shoving it down.
What To Do If You Experience A Capsizing?
Kayaks are designed to be stable and give proper balance while on water. Yes, accidents happen but you should be able to control them. Knowing the steps to take when this unfortunate incident happens helps in keeping you together. Now let’s talk about what to do when you have a tipping kayak.
- Remain Calm: Being calm in every situation helps in maintaining your health. When your kayak starts flipping over, remain calm. Your kayak would be able to float when the right technique is put in place. It is possible to fix things and get in your kayak within minutes.
- Wear a Personal Floating Device: Individuals are advised to wear a personal floating device when they go on the water. A PDF is very essential, and it is one of the gears you should have in your kayak. Take it with you no matter your experience or destination.
- Practice a Flipping and Re-entering Technique: This is very important for all that love kayaking. Do not wait until emergencies present themselves before you learn how to flip and re-enter your kayak. Practice this technique in shallow and calm water. Build your confidence as well before getting on the water.
Conclusion – Is It Easy To Flip A Kayak?
When dealing with a flipping kayak, only fast actions are required. There is no time to be slow so you need to put all your lessons to play. If you find yourself in calm water, swim to shore and wait for support or assistance.
We have come to the end of our article. By now you should have a basic knowledge of all the techniques needed if your kayak is flipping over. You have the answer to all the questions regarding a tipping kayak. Will you make use of our information? We hope this article helps you when the time comes. If you enjoyed our piece, share your comments below and send them to your friends.
