By Marc Fredmen
Kayaking is a great outdoor activity and is pursued eagerly by people of all ages. However, among all the surface water sports, kayaking has arguably the maximum women followers. This is mainly because it is not a hardcore power activity and can be enjoyed at a leisurely pace and is relatively less strenuous. There are several activities, locations and camps dedicated exclusively for women kayakers that are receiving tremendous response.
Why Women Like Kayaking?
Kayaking is a great combination of fun, adventure and leisure. Hence, this is precisely what attracts women to kayaking so much. Flatwater kayaking allows traversing the secret waterways and exploring the beautiful wilderness that spans along these meandering routes. Women enjoy this form of leisure activities than the adrenalin rush of the fast rapids of whitewater kayaking. Also, flatwater kayaks are usually quite stable and thus easy to navigate. Also, instead of working out in a gym or a treadmill, kayaking is a fun way to stay in shape.
Tips for Women Kayakers
Although, there is not much difference between men and women kayakers, there are a few tips that can help women kayakers to greatly improve their performance and ensure safety. Some of the important tips are as follows:
1. Although there is no doubt that women can be equally skilled kayakers as men, it is always advisable to venture out with a companion rather than kayaking alone. This becomes even more crucial with respect to whitewater kayaking. Whitewater kayaking involves negotiating huge rapids, gushing waters and strong currents. These are difficult conditions and it is always good for a woman kayaker to have a companion around during emergencies.
2. Also, it is vital that women kayakers choose kayaking gear with great care. Women have a naturally smaller built and can have difficulties in fitting snugly in the cockpit. In such cases, it is recommended to use hip wedge pads which give great support and help women in fitting properly in the cockpit.
3. Also, it is important for women to use drysuits that would protect tem from not just the water but also from other any external elements.
4. Women who intend to go alone must remember that they must select a kayak that is lighter so that they can easily carry it to the water by themselves. In such circumstances, an inflatable kayak can be a great option.
5. Also, there are special gloves made for women paddlers as their hands are smaller. Thus, women paddlers must opt for these gloves in order to get a firm grip on the paddle.
Kayaking Camps for Women
Considering the increasing popularity of kayaking among women, there are exclusive training camps and workshops for women kayakers. These camps provide a great opportunity for women paddlers to interact with like-minded women and exchange tips on kayaking techniques, equipments and other technical details.
In fact, many kayaking schools and organizations have started exclusive batches for women for specific age groups with batches even for women above 50 years of age. Many of these camps also have lady instructors to teach every minute aspect of kayaking.
With so many initiatives and programs for women kayakers, it is not surprising that women kayakers are seriously posing a challenge to their male counterparts.
About the Author
Marc Fredmen, an expert in kayaking and a writer, provides great guidance for kayaking enthusiasts. Novice paddlers can learn few basic instructions on sea kayaking here.
I realize this article was well intended but as a woman kayaker I wonder, what other external elements does a dry suit protect from other than cold water. Why would an inflatable kayak be preferred to a lightweight kevlar or rotomolded kayak or perhaps the option of a hullivator to assist getting the kayak off the roof of the car. No woman is going to wear gloves to large for their hands. Using the proper equipment for anyone is important. What year is the person who wrote this living in?
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