Kayaking is one of the best water sports you can do all around the world. But where I live (in Canada, Quebec), it’s generally practiced in rivers. Not a long time ago, I wondered if it was possible and safe for me to kayak in the ocean during my next trip to the US. So let me tell you everything I’ve learned the hard way and with some complementary research.
Can You Kayak In The Ocean?
You can kayak in the ocean if you have the right equipment and know what you are doing. First, you must have a sea kayak because it’s the only type of boat designed to paddle on the ocean. Then, you also need to understand the potential dangers and safety measures to take before heading out into saltwater!
For example, I did bring my whitewater kayak to try using it on the ocean. No surprise, it was a bad idea. I end up paddling for hours, trying hard to pass the coast waves without ever succeeding. The place wasn’t ideal for kayaking, but you get my point. Don’t head out in the ocean without a proper boat and some preparation.
Here’s a video you should watch that’s all about recreational kayaking in the ocean!
Sea Kayaking VS River Kayaking | What’s The Difference?
It’s like comparing mountain biking to road cycling. Theoretically, it’s only one sport, but every bike enthusiast knows riding on wild trails is nothing compared to doing so on smooth pavement.
Before getting into more details, you should know why kayaking is not the same thing in a river and the ocean. It will help you understand if paddling on the sea can be something you would like to try. Thus, here are the main differences between the two variations of this water sport.
Waves & Currents
You will find waves and currents in both rivers and oceans, but the water features are unique to their environment. On a river, the downstream flow is relatively predictable, and waves are immobile. In the ocean, everything can change quickly from the tide to rip currents passing by coast waves.
That’s why it’s essential to understand the environment in which you plan to paddle. Whether it’s to kayak in a river or the ocean, you must know the potential risks related to the type of water. Don’t worry; I will get to it shortly.
Boat Design | Sea Kayaks VS River Kayaks
Different water streams also come with distinctive boats. Sea kayaks and river kayaks don’t have a lot of points in common. In fact, they have designs made for practically opposite types of padding. So here’s more information about each of their construction.
River Kayaks
If you’re used to paddling in rivers or lakes, whitewater and recreational kayaks are generally shorter and wider than boats used in the ocean. Maneuverability is essential to turn on a dime if you want to go down rapids and avoid obstacles such as rocks or fallen trees.
Pros:
- Maneuverable.
- Stable.
- Portable.
Cons:
- Slow.
- A Little To No Storage Room.
Sea Kayaks
In the ocean, paddlers need more power and speed because there’s no downstream current to help them go forward. That’s why sea kayaks are long, narrow, and have a V-shaped bottom part. It’s essential to go fast and break waves without getting pushed back.
Another unique feature of the sea kayak is the hatches, which are two compartments in the front and back. It’s very convenient to carry and keep your stuff dry on paddling adventures, but it’s also essential for your safety. They are filled with enough air to make the boat float even if your sitting place is full of water.
Pros:
- Fast.
- Break Waves.
- Storage Place.
- Added Buoyancy.
Cons:
- Hard To Maneuver & Turn Quickly.
- Complicated To Carry & Transport.
Paddling Experience
In my opinion, kayaking in a river isn’t comparable to doing it in the ocean. Since the water environment and boat design are totally different, you can almost consider them as two separate sports. Here are some of the principal differences you should know concerning the overall experience before investing in a sea kayak.
Going down in a river is easy because you follow the current. Sometimes you don’t even need to paddle. When it comes to sea kayaking, navigation requires more work and effort.
Therefore, most people agree that paddling in the ocean is better to exercise than in a river. Sea kayaking is an endurance sport, even if it doesn’t seem like it. You also typically spend more time in the ocean than a river and, moving against winds, currents, or waves is more demanding physically. And believe me or not, kayaking can be exhausting, especially in the ocean.
How the boat responds to your moves is another huge difference between sea and river kayaking. With one paddle stroke, my whitewater kayak can make at least a 360 degrees turn. On a kayak designed for the ocean, it would probably take 50 strokes for the same result.
The last consideration to make your final choice is the type of adventure you’re looking for. If you enjoy river kayaking for the adrenaline, don’t expect to feel the same on the sea.
On the other hand, paddling in the ocean will allow you to see beautiful landscapes, do some exercise, and enjoy nature. Unless you’re surfing on coast waves, river kayaking in whitewater is the way to go for extreme sports enthusiasts!
Is It Dangerous To Kayak In The Ocean?
Now that you have more information about sea kayaking, it’s time to understand the risks related to this sport. Even if it’s not the most dangerous activity in the world, there are still some things you should know before grabbing your paddle and heading out into the saltwater.
In rivers, it’s easy to capsize because of the rapids and whitewater. There are also many other dangers, including rocks, sticky holes (stopper waves), and getting stuck underwater. But what about the dangers of kayaking in the ocean?
Capsizing
Like for any other paddling sport, there are chances you fall in the water. But in the sea, there are two problems after capsizing. First, the land is often very far, so you have to know a self-rescue technique because swimming to the coast is rarely an option.
Once you’re back in the boat, there’s another potential danger you should consider: Hypothermia. You can get cold quickly if your clothes are wet, it’s windy, and you have nothing to keep you warm.
Temperature & Weather
In the ocean, the temperature can also change suddenly. That’s why it’s essential to have the proper equipment and be ready for any eventuality. Otherwise, you’re exposed to serious risks.
The wind, storms, and lightning are some of the potential dangers you might face in the open water. Nature is beautiful, but it’s also full of surprises. So please make sure to check the weather every time you plan an ocean kayaking trip.
Waves & Currents
The second type of danger is related to unpredictable sea conditions. Even if it’s not easy to notice it while paddling, rip and tidal currents are powerful.
When the time has come to get back on land, they can be problematic. But don’t panic because it won’t help. Instead, you have to stop fighting against the current and paddle on the sides to go out of it.
The waves can also be a potential risk in the ocean. Even if you have an appropriate kayak to handle them, they can still result in a capsize. Near the coast, waves might also push your boat on rocks or corals, which is not safe.
Sharks | Will They Attack Kayaks?
Many people wonder if sharks can be dangerous to kayakers. In general, you shouldn’t be too worried about sea predators while paddling in the ocean. But shark attacks rarely do happen on kayaks because they can look like a seal or sea lion from the bottom.
In the Global Shark Attack File, I’ve found 30 cases where kayaking is the activity related to the incident from 1900 to 2016 in the US. Among them, only 6 attacks were fatal.
Therefore, sharks aren’t the main danger for kayakers. However, I always recommend making sure the spot where you plan to paddle is safe and take precautions not to encounter ocean predators.
Bottom Line: Is Sea Kayaking Dangerous?
Overall, you can kayak on the ocean safely if you understand the risks and take precautions to avoid them. Paddling sports are relatively dangerous, but everything should be alright if you wear a life jacket, have the right boat, and know the area well.
Thus, sea kayaking is safe if you’re well-prepared for such an adventure.
Use The Right Type Of Kayak For The Ocean
As I already told you, there are different boat designs. Thus, some of them are more appropriate to paddle in the ocean than others. Sea kayaks have a longer and narrower shape to break waves and navigate faster on the water. That’s why they are the best option for this environment.
Most touring kayaks can also be suitable to go in the ocean because they are practically the same as sea ones. The only difference is that they generally have a larger cockpit, and their hull won’t handle waves as well.
But you may only have another type of boat and wonder if you can safely use it in the ocean. Thus, here are a few things you should know before heading out on the coast beach with your river kayak.
Can You Use A Whitewater River Kayak In The Ocean?
Sea kayaking with a river kayak can be possible and safe to a certain extent. With such a small and slow boat that won’t float on itself in case of capsizing, you should stick to short trips in calm areas. It’s also essential to stay close to land because paddling in the open ocean is dangerous without the right kayak.
Learn more about using a whitewater kayak in the ocean!
Can You Use A Recreational Kayak In The Ocean?
Generally longer than boats used for whitewater, recreational kayaks are more appropriate for paddling in the sea. Depending on the design, they can also have space for storage and be suitable for self-rescue in open water. So rec kayaking in the ocean is possible, but it’s not the safest option.
To make your river kayak more appropriate for the sea conditions, you can add flotation in the back and front. It will help for buoyancy, so the boat won’t sink if you fall into the water.
You also need to wear protective equipment such as your life jacket and appropriate clothing. Then, the only thing left is to check the area and conditions are safe before heading out into the ocean.
What About Crossover (Hybrid) Kayaks?
Another great option you can use in both rivers and open waters is the crossover kayak. It’s a combination of boat designs that’s versatile enough for pretty much any type of paddling. On the other hand, its multi-functionality doesn’t make it the best choice for one specific purpose.
The maneuverability and stability are good enough for whitewater, but the long and narrow design is also appropriate for touring. So crossover kayaks are the perfect compromise to enjoy paddling in the river and ocean with the same boat.
So, What Type Of Kayak Is The Best For The Ocean?
The ultimate solution would be to opt for a sea kayak because it’s the perfect boat for this purpose. Its design will allow you to break through waves and go fast in the open water. Thus, I highly recommend having one if you’re serious about getting into ocean kayaking.
Touring boats can also be well-suited to paddle in the sea. For whitewater and recreational river kayaks, I wouldn’t recommend them for this type of water unless you don’t have any other choice. Then, you can invest in a crossover if you only want one versatile boat.
Beginner Tips For Sea Kayaking!
As you can see, going down a river isn’t the same as paddling in the ocean. With a different environment, boat, and new risks, there are many things you should understand before making the transition. Thus, here’s some information everyone must know to kayak in the sea safely.
Gear Up Properly.
The kayak isn’t the only piece of equipment you need to go into the ocean safely. It’s also necessary to have a paddle, personal flotation device, bilge pump, paddle float, dry bag, and appropriate clothing.
Don’t forget food and water too, it’s essential to stay hydrated and have something to eat when you’re in the ocean. There are also many other accessories and personal items you can bring on the boat to make your adventure more enjoyable.
Master One Capsize Recovery Technique.
There are two main ways to rescue yourself if your kayak flips over in the water. First, you can perform the Eskimo Roll. It’s the fastest and most convenient method to recover from a capsize, but it requires a lot of practice.
The second option is called the wet exit and self-rescue technique. It consists of exiting the kayak, turning it over on the right side, and climbing back in it with the paddle float. Whatever technique you choose, make sure you can perform it reliably because you must know how to recover from a capsize.
Start With Short & Easy Paddling Adventures.
In the beginning, you should not go too far or long in the ocean. Take the time to understand the basics and improve your paddling skills before heading out on extended or overnight sea kayaking adventures.
People with some experience in rivers might have a small head start, but it’s not significant. So I highly recommend every beginner to start slowly and gradually improve. It’s the best way to keep your first kayak expeditions as fun and safe as possible.
Know The Area, Rules & Conditions.
Before kayaking somewhere, you should make sure the spot is safe for your level of experience. You also need to check out the weather, tide, and wind forecasts for heading out into the open sea when the conditions are appropriate. Then, you can’t get away from the local regulations, so every paddler must know them.
Have Fun!
Finally, don’t forget why you wanted to kayak in the ocean at the start. Even if there’s a huge learning curve, you should always keep a smile on your face. Paddling sports can be fun, so I highly recommend making the most from them!
Last Thoughts About Ocean Kayaking!
With the right equipment and preparation, paddling in the sea can be as enjoyable as in the river. But you must understand that it’s a whole different experience. If you enjoy kayaking, there’s no reason not to explore as many variants of this sport as possible.
I hope my article has given you enough information and tips to get started the right way. Now it’s time to gear up, do some more research, and go practicing in the water to improve your skills. The best way to see if you like to kayak in the ocean is to try it.
See You On The Beach!
