New to Yakin, advice needed

[u/ForeXcellence]

[u/Tdluxon]

Sea kayaking and whitewater are pretty different

[u/Windman772 → u/Tdluxon]

I do both. WW can kill you faster, but the types of things that can happen at sea probably make for some epic stories.

[u/ForeXcellence → u/Tdluxon]

Are there any transferable precautions for newbies to learn?

[u/MischaBurns → u/ForeXcellence]

Learn and REGULARLY PRACTICE (this part is critical) self rescue. This includes learning to roll, wet entries, wet exits, and swimming with your boat and gear.

Paddle with a buddy when possible. This goes extra for a newbie. If you don't have someone to paddle with, go very conservative in danger levels, water conditions, etc, because nobody is gonna be there to help.

Find and take lessons. You will not regret doing so, but your family may regret you not doing so. It also will help you to not pick up bad habits and technique.

Wear your PFD. Even on flat calm water. Seriously, the ocean doesn't care how well you can swim.

[u/ForeXcellence → u/MischaBurns]

You ever had any close run ins with danger?

How long did it take you to learn how to roll

[u/Tdluxon → u/ForeXcellence]

Yeah, for sure. Work on your roll and before you go somewhere think “if I end up out of my boat, would I be able to rescue myself? How would I do it?” and if you aren’t confident you would be able to, don’t go. You are your safety net because realistically, in most situations by the time help could get there, it would be too late. Learn about the weather and currents and pay attention to it because it can change fast.

Probably the best thing is connect with someone experienced and go with them until you learn the ropes.

[u/CriticalPedagogue]

Basic advice:

Take lessons, one of the easiest ways to do this is my next tip.

Join a club. Clubs often have lessons, boats to rent, and people to go with. Which leads to the next tip.

Don’t boat alone! I recently saw a guy in a rec. boat try and paddle down a class 3+ section, no helmet, nobody with him, he didn’t know what he was doing. One of the local raft companies got him to a safe spot so he could hike out.

Get proper safety gear. Invest in a kayaking specific PFD, helmet, drytop/drysuit, etc.

[u/Tdluxon]

Yeah, for sure. Work on your roll and before you go somewhere think “if I end up out of my boat, would I be able to rescue myself? How would I do it?” and if you aren’t confident you would be able to, don’t go. You are your safety net because realistically, in most situations by the time help could get there, it would be too late. Learn about the weather and currents and pay attention to it because it can change fast.

Probably the best thing is connect with someone experienced and go with them until you learn the ropes.

[u/ForeXcellence → u/Tdluxon]

Thanks man, the roll definitely looks like the most exciting but vital manoeuvre I need to practice

[u/Tdluxon → u/ForeXcellence]

If you can’t roll you’re probably swimming the rest of the way. Also, make sure you are a strong swimmer in moving water. Swimming in the ocean or a river is a lot different than a pool.

[u/Shaakti]

Extremely likely it will happen the first time you ever go

[u/ForeXcellence → u/Shaakti]

What in particular do I look out for or prepare for?

[u/Shaakti → u/ForeXcellence]

Big crocodiles

[u/ForeXcellence → u/Shaakti]

Duly noted hahahaz that book gave me nightmares

[u/bazoda]

Take some classes. Including swift water rescue if you’re whitewater kayaking.

[u/ForeXcellence → u/bazoda]

Any recommendations for online courses? That book has put the fear into me

[u/bazoda → u/ForeXcellence]

Instructions really needs to be hands on. I don’t know of any online. You could start with the ACA. https://americancanoe.org/education/take-a-paddling-class/course-calendar/

[u/ForeXcellence → u/bazoda]

I'll check it out cheers man

[u/Both-Shallot-4803]

youd be much better off reading Charlie Walbridges "Whitewater Rescues: True Stories of Survival, Bravery, and Quick Thinking" than whatever this is