Sunday, November 28, 2010

Safety Tips For River Kayaking

River kayaking is one of many sports that gives us the advantages of doors to get real and enjoy the beauty of nature and fresh air. Whether you're kayaking on the river with experience, one must remember that safety is paramount when you are in water. Unfortunately, many of the accidents are in the water, and you do not really want to ruin your summer fun.

Regardless of your experience with kayaking on the river, a lifejacket or flotation vest is one of the most vital pieces of equipment that must accompany you. The life jacket is one of those items that could indeed save your life, if something happens to you and you cannot swim or remain afloat due to some unforeseen circumstance or occurrence. It has happened before that somebody has bumped their head and become unable to swim to safety, due to being unconscious or even semiconscious.

Depending on the environment where you choose to go river kayaking, a helmet may also come in handy, especially if the river concerned has many rocks and faster flowing water. In the event that you capsize, the helmet will protect your head from bumps against these rocks or the river bottom. If the river is not too rough you may be able to get away without the helmet, but you shouldn't chance that in faster flowing waters.

Another passive danger that many of us are not aware of when rather kayaking, or even outdoors is that of the sun, therefore a peek, or even wide brimmed hat combined with a strong protection sunscreen is necessary to protect you from the harmful UV rays of the sun. If you really wanted to you could also bring your sunglasses along, however just be aware that you might lose them in the water, if you capsize.

Should you be going to a remote area, for your river kayaking adventure, ensure that you take sufficient amounts of drinking water, to prevent from dehydration and heat exhaustion. The water in the river may not necessarily be fit for drinking, and you did not want to risk becoming sick, whilst enjoying your day out in nature.

One should also familiarize themselves with the environment in which they go kayaking, especially possible currents and danger areas of the river or environment. Unless fully experienced it would be a good idea to steer clear of these danger areas, to prevent any possible injury or unpleasant accidents or experiences.

River kayaking can provide some of the best fun and exercise, however we have to place safety as the number one priority, so that we may enjoy the experience without any unfortunate or unnecessary mishaps or accidents, which could in any way be avoided by proper planning and sensible behavior when outdoors.

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