Kayaking hazards and dangers you shouldn’t ignore

In a kayak, there are simply a number of danger signs that you cannot ignore. If you’re lucky, you can spot those signs early on, way before disaster ensues, says biology major and water sports enthusiast Anouk Govil. But if you are not, you can learn things the hard way and have an injury or two while kayaking.

Inappropriate waterways

You are likely to get injured if you kayak or canoe in a waterway that isn’t the right fit for your skill level or for which you don’t have the right equipment for. To prevent this, research on factors like air and water temperature, as well as currents and tides. Ask the locals if you must.

Rapids

This is water flowing over an obstruction, which then leads to turbulence. This is usually formed by boulders present below the surface.

Undercuts or potholes

These are submerged hazards that don’t typically affect passage overhead. They can, however, trap a capsized kayaker under a riverbank’s edge, as well as entrap a person against a rock.

Paddling alone

While serious paddlers will possibly scoff at this advice, beginners can find it quite challenging to kayak alone especially if they are in unfamiliar territory. Winds and currents can easily whip the water into a state of danger, and a greater level of decision-making is necessary when you’re out there by yourself.

Lack of self-rescue techniques

There are all types of these methods today that can protect kayakers, from inflatable outriggers to paddle floats that can provide much needed stability, says Anouk Govil. Don’t miss out on these rescue measures that can mean the difference between surviving and not making it when facing a dangerous situation.

Anouk Govil is a junior scientist, water sports enthusiast, and queen of open mic who resides in Venture, CA. Read more about her hobbies on this page.