Before You Start Kayaking
Kayaking is a wonderful form of exercise that can be enjoyed as a relaxed way to get out in nature, as a form of outdoor adventure, for fitness, or even as a competitive sport. What kind of kayaking are you interested in? Below are a few things we’d like you to consider.
When kayaking, you’ll need to maneuver the kayak in the dock area, and getting in and out of the kayak requires normal mobility and coordination. Our courses teach the proper techniques for dock operations.
Kayaking trips usually last from one hour to a few hours. It’s important that you’re able to paddle at a comfortable pace for this duration. Kayaking is a water sport. Even though the goal is to paddle in a kayak, conditions can change and unexpected situations can arise. Capsizing in a kayak is fairly rare, but it’s still part of the nature of the sport. You’ll learn how to get back into your kayak during the kayaking course.
We always wear a life jacket - this is non-negotiable. Even with a life jacket, kayakers should know how to swim well enough to get back into their kayak or swim to the nearest shore.
If you have a medical condition that could affect your ability to function on the water and put you in dangerous situations, consider whether you feel well enough to go out on the water. No medical condition in and of itself prevents you from kayaking, but conditions that affect your balance or state of consciousness can pose unnecessary risks. Mental health conditions or a tendency to panic can also pose risks to paddlers. However, if your treatment is well-managed, you can certainly give canoeing a try. Be sure to inform your instructor about your medical condition before the course begins so that, if necessary, the instructors can assist you promptly. The club office can also help you assess whether this sport is suitable for you. These discussions are always confidential!
It goes without saying that canoeing and intoxicants do not mix. Instructors have the right to remove from the group anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Contraindications for Canoeing
- epilepsy
- inner ear problems and neurological disorders, if they affect balance
- other sudden disturbances of consciousness
Psychiatric causes include, among others:
- panic disorder with impaired balance
- Severe mental health disorders (disturbance of reality, suicidal tendencies/severe depression, paranoia)
- use of psychiatric medications (relative contraindication; e.g., SSRIs for mild depression have little effect)
- use of intoxicants or drugs
Respiratory limitations include
- uncontrolled acute or exercise-induced asthma
- impaired respiratory function due to lung disease
Cardiovascular causes include, among others
- cardiac arrhythmias, which are otherwise more common during immersion
- heart failure
- a recent heart attack, or
- high, untreated blood pressure.
Musculoskeletal System
- poor physical condition is a relative contraindication. When physical condition fails, susceptibility to panic increases.
- significant overweight
Diabetes
- uncontrolled diabetes treated with insulin