There are many different types of kayaking you can enjoy. And if you’re new to this water sport, it’s normal not to know and understand them all yet. For today, let’s keep our focus on flatwater kayaking.
It’s one of the most popular ways to practice this activity, especially for beginners. But you might not be sure what flatwater kayaking is exactly and what it involves. Thus, here’s all the information you should know about this paddling term, starting with a short definition.
What Is Flatwater Kayaking?
Flatwater kayaking consists of paddling a kayak on a flat or calm body of water. It’s often practiced in small lakes, ponds, or anywhere else with no waves, strong winds, and currents. Flatwater kayaking is the easiest and safest way to kayak, which is great for beginners and recreational paddlers.
Although paddling along in flatwater is quite simple and involves fewer risks, there are still a couple of things you must know before getting started. Without proper knowledge and preparation, your kayaking adventures won’t be as fun and safe as they could be.
Besides that, you might also be more interested in another variant of the sport. Either way, my article will help you figure out whether or not flatwater kayaking is for you and where to begin if it’s the case.
What Are The Other Types Of Kayaking?
First of all, you should know all your options before choosing one. So it’s essential to take a look at every type of kayaking. In general, this paddling sport is divided into two broad categories: Flatwater Kayaking & Whitewater Kayaking.
The main difference is the type of water you will kayak in. When it comes to flatwater kayaking, the water is calm and exempt from waves and currents. For example, paddling in a small lake or pond would fall into this category.
On the other hand, you have whitewater kayaking. This second variant of the sport is done in turbulent water, such as what you can find in rapids and the sea. I’m more familiar with this type of paddling because my dad used to have a river kayaking school.
For each kayaking type, you also have sub-categories. In flatwater kayaking, you have three options: you can do it for recreational, fishing, or touring purposes. Then, whitewater kayaking includes everything from sea paddling to running rivers and surfing waves in rapids.
I’ve already explained all of them in my article about the different types of kayaking. So you can read it if you want more information about every variant of the sport.
Is Flatwater Kayaking For You?
Now that you know what makes flatwater paddling unique, it’s time to figure out whether or not it’s the type of kayaking you should get into. I don’t want you to waste time reading this article if calm bodies of water aren’t the right environment for you.
Consider Your Paddling Experience!
One of the most important considerations for determining what kayaking type will fit you the most is your experience with the sport. For beginners, it’s much more simple and easy to start with flatwater kayaking.
It’s already hard enough to learn the basic paddling skills in a calm environment that there’s no need to add whitewater into the mix. Many of my friends spend more time in the water than on the boat when they try kayaking in rapids without any prior experience.
Thus, I would definitely advise you to start in water conditions favorable to your progress and where your likelihood of capsizing is low. Learning in currents and waves isn’t impossible, but it will take way more time before you can actually have fun and be comfortable paddling.
What Type Of Kayaking Adventures You’re Looking For?
If you have some knowledge and skills, now you have more freedom to choose. Kayaking in flatwater and whitewater is a whole different game. Some people prefer to stick with calm water, while others would rather go down rapids or paddle in waves to get some adrenaline.
Your kayaking experience will mainly depend on the environment you plan to go in. In small lakes and ponds, you can have a wonderful day paddling and relaxing on the water. For adventurous people, running rivers might sound much more fun.
So the type of kayaking you should choose will vary according to your preferences. I would rather spend my day surfing waves than paddling on a calm body of water. However, it can still be fun to cruise around and enjoy nature from time to time. (Some people prefer that, and it’s OK!)
Keep Your Location In Mind Too!
Although your experience and what you want are essential to consider, you might not have as many choices as you may think. The type of kayaking you can enjoy will also depend on what’s around you.
If there’s no river and you’re not near the coast, flatwater might be your only option. So make sure you have somewhere near you can enjoy the kayaking type adapted to your skills and preferences. Otherwise, you might end up spending more time in the car than on the water.
Flatwater kayaking isn’t for you? Check out my article about sea kayaking.
Best Places To Go Flatwater Kayaking!
Once you have figured out flatwater kayaking is for you, it’s time to find an appropriate spot for your next adventure. Any body of water that’s not too large and has no waves or currents should be ideal for getting started.
Small lakes, ponds, and even bays generally have vegetation to block you from the winds. Marshes and swamps can also make great places to go flatwater kayaking. As long as you find a flat body of water in which you can launch and navigate easily, you should be alright.
Flatwater Kayaking Gear List!
Before heading to the perfect flatwater kayaking spot, you must have some gear. With the right equipment, your paddling adventures will be more safe and enjoyable. Thus, here’s a short list of the essentials you need for this water sport.
- Kayak.
- Paddle.
- Lifejacket. (Personal Flotation Device)
You only need these 3 things to go kayaking in flatwater. A boat, something to maneuver it, and an object to keep you afloat if it flips over should be enough to get started. Just make sure you choose the right kayak and equipment to navigate in it.
However, you could bring many other accessories to make your paddling adventures even more safe and fun. In some cases, a bilge pump, spray skirt, dry bag, whistle, and paddle float could be very helpful on the water.
Besides equipment, you should also have proper clothing for kayaking. Since you may capsize, you should dress for immersion. Depending on the water and air temperature, you should wear something warm enough that can dry relatively quickly.
What Are The Different Types Of Flatwater Kayaks?
It’s essential to know that each kayak model is designed for specific water conditions. For flatwater kayaking, you will need a boat meant to be used in this environment. You generally have two choices: recreational or touring kayaks.
Recreational Kayaks
Recreational models are the most popular and make up a major part of the kayak market. They are ideal for flatwater paddling because of their high primary stability, which means they don’t feel tippy in calm water.
As recreational kayaks are very stable and easy to use, it’s also an excellent option for beginners. In this category, you also have to choose between two cockpit designs. There are sit-on-top and sit-inside models.
Sit-On-Top VS Sit-Inside Kayak
If you want a more user-friendly kayak, you should opt for a sit-on-top. An open deck will often provide more stability, freedom of movement, and it’s easier to enter or exit the boat.
On the other hand, a sit-inside cockpit is more likely to keep you dry, warm, and improve your performance on the water. Each recreational boat design has pros and cons, but they are both suitable for flatwater kayaking.
Thus, which one you should choose will mainly depend on the type of adventures you plan to do and your preferences. Whatever you end up with, it doesn’t really matter as long as it allows you to spend quality time and paddle comfortably on calm water.
Touring Kayaks
Another option is to get a touring kayak. It’s kind of a recreational sit-inside boat but made longer and narrower to go faster and track better in flatwater. So it’s generally used by advanced paddlers for long trips in open water.
Less stable and easy to maneuver than recreational kayaks, they aren’t as beginner-friendly. That’s why I would generally not recommend touring models unless you already have some paddling skills and experience.
Best Kayaks For Flatwater Paddling!
Once you have figured out which type of kayak you need, you still have to select the right model. With all the options out there, it can easily get overwhelming and complicated to find the perfect boat for you. So here are some of the best flatwater kayaks you should consider!
- Best Inflatable Kayak For Flatwater → AdvancedFrame
- Best Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak → Ocean Kayak Scrambler 11
- Best Sit-Inside Recreational Kayak → Wilderness Systems Pungo 120
- Best Touring Kayak For Flatwater → Delta 14
How To Get Started With Flatwater Kayaking?
There are many ways to get into this water sport. Since flatwater kayaking is relatively simple, you can start on your own. Nonetheless, asking for some help and advice from a more experienced paddler is always a good idea.
Rent or Borrow The Kayak Gear!
For your first experience, you don’t have to buy a kayak and all the paddling equipment. You can either rent it or borrow it from someone you know. I highly recommend giving flatwater kayaking a try before making a significant investment.
Just find a nice spot and rent a kayak there. It can be a great and affordable way to tip your toes into the sport. You can pay for one or two hours, and it should be enough to see whether or not it’s an activity you enjoy. Learn more about how much it costs to rent a kayak!
The person at the rental shop should also be able to guide you and give you some beginner advice. However, it’s also possible to learn by yourself with practice. If you like your first experience and want to spend more time paddling on the water, you should get your own gear.
Another option would be to ask for help from an experienced paddler. Most kayakers love to share their knowledge and help beginners get into this sport. We all remember how it was at the start, so if we can help you, we generally will.
One of your friends might even have an extra kayak you could borrow to get your feet wet. So before spending money, you should probably look into your network to see if someone already practices flatwater paddling. This person might even become your kayaking buddy!
Take A Class or Tour!
If you prefer to be taught or guided by someone and you don’t know anybody to do so, you have two choices. You can either sign up for a kayaking class or tour. In both cases, you will get a boat, essential gear, and some company.
The main difference is that a class will focus more on learning paddling techniques, while a tour won’t. So if you want more in-depth information and help to start flatwater kayaking, taking a class would be a better idea.
Depending on your situation and preferences, there are many ways to get started. Whatever path you choose, you will eventually have to find the proper equipment, learn how to kayak, and improve your paddling skills.
Tips For Beginners To Flatwater Kayaking!
Although this activity is quite straightforward, it can still be challenging. But there are some things you can do to make your first experience as easy and simple as possible. So here are my tips for every new flatwater paddler out there.
- Start In A Small & Calm Body Of Water!
- Find An Easy Place To Launch!
- Pick A Sunny & Windless Day!
- Don’t Go On The Water For Too Long!
- Have Fun!
Last Thoughts About Flatwater Kayaking!
Finally, flatwater kayaking consists of paddling in calm water. It’s a very popular type of kayaking, especially for beginners. Nonetheless, intermediate and expert paddlers can also enjoy a relaxing day on a lake.
I hope my article has helped you learn more about this fun sport. Now you should be ready to get started. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to gear up and plan your first or next flatwater kayaking adventure.
See You On The Water!
