One of the most popular activities for tourists visiting the Outer Banks is ocean kayaking. On calmer
days, some visitors enjoy paddling up and down the beach with the dolphins, while others love surfing
the huge surf of the Outer Banks.
Others paddle out into the waves in kayaks outfitted with all the appropriate fishing gear in the hopes of
catching one of our numerous prize fish. People with little or no kayaking expertise may now enjoy this
gratifying sport thanks to a new kayak with inboard motor.
However, there are a few things you should know before you go.
Importance of a Life Jacket
Unless you are wearing a life jacket, kayaking is not safe in any body of water, especially at sea. It is why
the coast guards will ask you to carry the life jacket before going into the water. However, keeping it and
not wearing it or losing it in the water can cause a lot of risks.
Many people underestimate the force of water, and wearing a life jacket is the easiest method of
staying safe in the water. There are no excuses because all kayaks come with life jackets. Specific kayaks
are better than others.
Anyone who kayaks at sea should utilize the life jackets to save your life if some accident happens in the
ocean. The modern kayaks with the inboard motor are beneficial as they are entirely waterproof and are
capable of tipping over if you fall without filling them with water.
It makes it simple for the rower to return and continue. A seat kayak, which needs to get filled with
water and paddled back to the beach, will not be able to do this. Only the most experienced kayakers
should attempt to paddle out into the water while seated in their kayak.
Know the Time When You are Leaving
Sometimes in a day, the water is too rough to venture outside. Therefore, you should wait for a better
day if the waves are more than 2-3 feet high. Even so, if you decide to attempt surfing, its a good idea
to familiarize yourself with your wave patterns before going. Breaking waves are usually always in
groups of 6 to 8, followed by a quiet period. Therefore, you should avoid going out in the water at such
times.
Going to the Shore
Ensure that all hatches are adequately shut and that the drain plugs are secured. It will prevent water
from entering the boat while you are at sea. When driving your kayak in the waves, there are a few
things to bear in mind to ensure that the ship does not hurt you or others.
Waves usually force people to stand between the kayak, leading to most accidents. You can prevent
such accidents by making sure that neither you nor anybody else in your group is standing in the middle
of the kayak. Moreover, you should hold the kayak firmly so that it does not slide away from you. If
possible, avoid landing your kayak on a crowded beach as well.
