Solo Kayaking | Is It Safe to Kayak Alone or Risky?

Kayaking is a user-friendly and generally safe pastime. I tell you, once you master it, you cannot resist admitting that kayaking is the wonderfully soothing and relaxing activity you ever have.

But while kayaking is considered a safe and enjoyable pastime, many kayakers wonder if is it safe to kayak alone or is it risky. The answer to this question is not simple, as there are many factors to consider before deciding to go kayaking alone.

In this article, we will explore the safety concerns of kayaking alone and what factors to keep in mind before embarking on a solo kayaking trip.

Is it Safe to Kayak Alone? Exploring the Risks and Safety Factors to Consider

Although kayaking alone can be a rewarding experience that provides you with a sense of adventure and freedom that may be difficult to achieve when you are going kayaking in a group.

While kayaking alone, you have the opportunity to explore at your own pace and choose your own route. And the best part is you can also experience the peace and solitude of being alone in nature. AH, THAT’S MY THING!

But solo kayaking is not all rainbows and butterflies; it also inherits some underline dangers. As in, if something goes wrong, there is no one else there to help you. If you capsize or become injured, you may be stranded and unable to call for assistance.

Additionally, the unpredictable nature of weather and water conditions can make solo kayaking more dangerous.

Factors and Risks Affecting the Solo Kayaking

If you are thinking of kayaking alone, read this before you go.

1- Your Skill level

Your kayaking experience and skill level are critical factors to consider before kayaking alone. If you are a beginner or inexperienced kayaker, it is advisable to stick to kayaking with a group until you have gained enough experience to be comfortable kayaking alone.

As you become more experienced, you can gradually increase the difficulty of your kayaking trips.

2- Must Check The Weather Conditions Before Going

You can not ignore this, weather conditions can change rapidly, and it is essential to check the forecast before you head out. High winds, thunderstorms, and other adverse weather conditions can make kayaking dangerous. If you are unsure about the weather conditions, it is best to postpone your trip until the weather improves.

3- Check for the Water Conditions

 Water conditions can also change quickly and can be difficult to predict. Factors such as currents, tides, and water levels can affect your safety while kayaking.

So, before heading out, make sure that you have researched the water conditions in your desired kayaking location, including the depth, temperature, and any hazards that may be present.

4- Check your boat

Once you’ve decided where you’re going to paddle, try your best to study everything there is to know about it. Also, you should confirm that your boat is appropriate for that particular body of water. Not every boat is made the same. Before going for solo kayaking, find out what kinds of paddling situations your boat can handle.

5- Must Check Your Equipment

Proper kayaking equipment is critical for a safe and successful solo kayaking trip. You know what that means right?

It means no cracks or leaks; I repeat no cracks and leaks. And please do not ignore it. Also, the things you will need at all times are a life jacket, carry a whistle, a paddle float, and a bilge pump in case of an emergency.

Additionally, you should bring enough food, water, and clothing to stay comfortable for the duration of your trip.

6- Stay in Touch With Your Friends And Family

Staying in touch with your friends and family is crucial; they must know your location. Communication is a must when you are solo kayaking.

You should always let someone know your intended route and expected return time. You must carry a waterproof radio or mobile phone in case of an emergency.

7- Navigation: For What To Do If You Get Lost

This is the most important advice that you will not find anywhere else. Navigation is another critical factor to consider when kayaking alone.

You should ensure that you have a detailed map of your intended route and a compass or GPS device to help you navigate. You should also have a plan in place for what to do if you get lost.

8- Never Drink and Paddle

You’d be shocked at how many people need to hear this specific safety advice, but I’ll give it to you anyhow: never paddle while you are drunk. Do not mix kayaking and alcohol together it would be extremely dangerous.

Even though it’s really a  basic safety rule, some people ignore it.

Like experienced drivers, pro kayakers won’t drink before paddling. It distorts your attention and impairs your judgment. You need to be as attentive as you can while in the water.

9- Experience

Experience is the most crucial factor in determining whether is it safe to kayak alone or not.

If you are a beginner, don’t be so desperate to go alone, it is best to start kayaking with a group and gradually build up your skills and experience over time. As you become more experienced (as you soon will be), you can start to venture out on solo kayaking trips. And that will be the best experience you would ever have in your life for sure.

10- Practice

If your kayak happened to flip more often on your trip, this one is to guarantee your safety.

“Practice makes a man perfect”. It is an old saying I know but is extremely relatable to kayaking. It is just that before you ever need to perform something in real life, you must rehearse.

For most people that re-entering a sit-on-top kayak won’t swamp, getting back in is much simpler than getting back into a sit-inside kayak. Nonetheless, if you can securely re-enter your kayak, regardless of the kind you are using, you should be alright.

Above all of that, a common saying that kayakers frequently hear is “never kayak alone.” Well, it is simple to understand why someone would say this. It’s not a good generalization, though, as it completely shuts the eyes of the fact that kayaking alone can be both safe and a lot of fun.

The Never Paddle Solo Rule

“The Never Paddle Solo Rule” is a principle that many kayaking organizations and experts advise, which simply means that kayakers should never paddle alone.

This rule is based on the idea that kayaking alone can be extremely dangerous, and that having a partner or group can significantly reduce the risks associated with kayaking.

This sounds dreadful, right? here is why it is recommended to follow this rule.

Why You Should Follow “The Never Paddle Solo Rule”

1- There Will Be No One to Help You

First and foremost, kayaking alone means that there is no one there to help you if you encounter difficulties or an emergency situation. Like, if you capsize, get injured, or encounter other unexpected challenges, having someone there to help can be critical for your safety and survival.

2- It is Lonely and Isolating

Other than the risks associated with it, kayaking alone can also be lonely and isolating. Because it is the most enjoyable and exciting when you kayak with a partner or group, providing the opportunity to share the adventure and bond with your loved ones who share your love of kayaking.

3- When You Kayak With a Partner/Group

It is great when you go kayaking with a partner or group as they can provide an additional level of safety through shared knowledge, experience, and skills. When paddling with others, you can benefit from their knowledge of the water and weather conditions, their experience in dealing with challenging situations, and their skills in navigation and rescue techniques.

Well, the “Never Paddle Solo Rule” is an important principle to keep in mind when planning a kayaking trip. I would suggest that kayaking with a partner or group provides numerous benefits and can significantly reduce the risks associated with kayaking alone.

However, if you really want to go kayaking alone, taking extra precautions and following the recommended safety guidelines that are mentioned above, can help ensure a safe and incredibly awesome experience.

Final Words – Is Solo Kayaking risky

In the end, I would not regret saying that kayaking alone is an extremely exciting and rewarding experience but you cannot shut your eyes to its risks, even experienced kayakers can find themselves in difficult situations at times due to water conditions changing unexpectedly and etc.

What I think is that it’s a wise practice to take extra caution when venturing off alone – such as following the factors mentioned above, including checking the weather conditions, like avoid areas with high currents/rapids, having the proper equipment, telling someone where you are going and when you plan to return, and carrying a communication device before embarking on a solo kayaking trip.

I must say,  that with these precautions taken care of you could have an enjoyable experience exploring new waters safely!

Happy safe Solo Kayaking!

fAQs – Is it safe to kayak alone