The Ultimate Beginners Guide for Ocean  Kayaking Adventures

As its name implies, ocean kayaking involves paddling across large, open waters. Ocean kayaking is more physically demanding than flat water kayaking. Plus, you need the right gear to follow safety protocols and re-learn kayaking basics.

Unlike lake kayaking, where the surrounding mountains protect you from the wind and the water is relatively calm and flat, you will have to deal with other vessels, waves, tides or currents, and wind on the ocean. In short, you are more exposed when kayaking in the ocean.

This can be discouraging for some, but many kayakers paddle in the ocean for leisure, sport, exploration, experience, and fishing.

What You’ll Need for Ocean Paddling

1. Kayak Ocean kayaks are typically between 28″ to 34.5″ wide. The wider width allows better stability in the water and room for you to sit in or sit on the kayak comfortably.

The length depends on whether you prefer to paddle alone (solo) or with a partner (tandem sea kayak). An ocean kayak also features a v-shape. This feature offers better tracking, meaning the kayak can stay in a straight line when paddling.

2. Sit-on vs. Sit-in A sit-on-top kayak like the Malibu Two ocean kayak has an open cockpit. As its name implies, you will sit on top of the vessel, providing a better view as you sit above the water level. Fishing kayaks usually have this design.

On the other hand, a sit-inside kayak is the opposite. Instead of sitting on the kayak, you sit inside the enclosed cockpit. Sit-in kayaks also position you below the water surface rather than above.

3. Kayak Paddle You need a suitable paddle for your sea kayaking experience to be seamless. Unlike paddles for canoes, the ones used in kayaks have blades on both ends and a middle grip.

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