Many people think spring and summer are the only good times for kayaking. But fall kayaking has its unique benefits. It’s still warm enough to go out on the water, but cool enough to ensure you don’t overheat. Plus, you can kayak along a river and see some beautiful fall foliage as you go.
Nevertheless, kayaking in the fall requires different preparation than in the spring or summer. Here are some tips to get you started:
Incorporate layers
Again, fall is cooler than the previous two seasons, but as you start moving, you’ll likely warm up. You’ll want to dress in layers so that you can stay warm when you’re cold but can ditch the extra layers once you get too warm. Each layer should have moisture-wicking materials such as high-tech polyester, as opposed to cotton which can soak up and hold water. And as always, have a personal floatation device on to ensure your safety.
Take advantage of midday temperatures
Midday is when temperatures are highest. So, it’s best for you to launch when you can take full advantage of the warmer, afternoon weather. Kayaking too early or too late could cause you to get too cold, no matter how much you’re moving.
Know your skill level
Most people start kayaking for the first time in the spring and summer. So, if you’re kayaking in the fall, chances are you’ve been doing this for at least several months now. Your confidence level is going up, and you’re beginning to try out more and more challenging waters. But don’t get over-confident. Always keep in mind what you’re capable of handling to ensure you don’t get stuck in a situation you don’t want to be in. Stay by the shoreline where the water is calmer, especially if you’re kayaking in a lake.
Beginner and avid kayakers alike need a proper dock to launch off from. At V-Dock, we offer a wide variety of docks for you to choose from. Look through our website to get started!
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