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Your first kayaking trip: choose the water before the gear
Prepare for a first kayaking outing with sheltered water, suitable instruction, a fitted lifejacket and a practical return plan.
For a first kayaking trip, choose sheltered water and qualified instruction before choosing a longer route. Calm-looking water can still have wind, current and cold-water hazards.
Start with the conditions
Check the marine or local water forecast, access rules and the return route. A wind that helps you paddle out may make returning difficult. For an unfamiliar location, a guided outing or an instructor-led session is a useful way to learn the local hazards and basic skills.
Wear and carry the essentials
- Wear a correctly fitted lifejacket suitable for paddling.
- Dress for getting wet and the water temperature.
- Carry suitable waterproof ways to call for help.
- Keep essential items secured and accessible.
- Tell someone the plan and expected return.
Practise before going farther
Learn how to control the kayak and what to do after a capsize with competent instruction in a suitable setting. Do not make a deep-water re-entry your first attempt far from shore. Check the craft and equipment rather than assuming a borrowed setup fits. I would make the first outing short enough to finish with energy left, then build distance as skills improve. Clean and dry water-contact gear properly before moving it to another lake or river.
Read next: Check, Clean, Dry: protect freshwater between adventures.
Sources and photo credit
Information checked 29 September 2026.
Photo: NPS. Original photograph; Public domain. Resized for web display.
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