9 Tips for Solo Paddling / Kayaking Alone - Weekly Kayaking Tips - Kayak Hipster

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John Rau - 5 years ago

I don’t have a lot of friends, so I don’t have a lot of people to paddle with, therefore I usually go alone. This was very helpful!

Aidan - 5 years ago

fantastic video and very well presented

Robert Crain - 5 years ago

One thing any solo kayaker needs to remember. If you can not self rescue then you need to be prepared to die if you capsize. Self rescue could be as simple as swimming to beach. Do not expect someone to come out and rescue you if you capsize and are paddling solo. Push your comfort zone when with a group but paddle with in your limits when solo.

Monkey N Around - 5 years ago

Excellent advice for those looking to paddle alone.

Takentime S - 5 years ago

old fart here and I am learning to kayak and am solo. At my age if I want to do things with a little adventure then solo is usually the only way. Matter of fact been doing risky things solo most of my life. Did not want to endanger my wife.

Rochmel - 5 years ago

Great video. I am new to kayaking and am planning my first trip away from my home river in a few weeks time. I thought I'd got all the bases covered but you have pointed out a couple of things I hadn't thought of! Thanks. i'm now going to check out some of your other videos!

Norman Sufrin - 5 years ago

Loving your vids mate.

Joseph Saeteurn - 5 years ago

how do you deal with sharks that bite your kayak and sinking? i will NEVER go out alone.. no fish or adventure is worth it!

Joseph Saeteurn - 5 years ago

the incident at bean hollow beach and cannery row did show up on your map because i knew about those ones. good.. the one that happen up north by sonoma coast didn't even show up. i get my source from my fellow kayak community forum (up and down west coast) from first hand experience over some article by someone who doesn't even fish the deep blue. not to say it's not accurate. it's not reliable if people don't report it. everything little things that deals with GWS will be posted on the forum for all to see. from shark sighting, to hearing a thump under the kayak to just pain shark washing up on beach. but thank you for your link. i will try to remember some incidents from years back to see if ti makes the map. memory is getting bad.

Calcium Chloride - 5 years ago

I might have not been looking in the right place for statistics, then. The only data I could find showed under 20 boat/craft attacks, and under 100 non-fatal attacks. I don't know whose butt you have to kiss to make sure your attack gets included in those numbers, but if you've got more trustworthy data please post a link.
https://www.surfer.com/features/hard-numbers-shark-attacks-2017/

https://www.trackingsharks.com/2018-shark-attack-map-bites/

Joseph Saeteurn - 5 years ago

yeah? tell that to the people who said the same thing as you.. and then they become a victim by a GWS. attacks on kayakers are common and not make the news because it's NOT a fatality. most time, they bite the kayak or thrown the person off it.

Calcium Chloride - 5 years ago

There's probably a separate video for that, but you are already much more likely to get hit by lightning or kill yourself with a power drill making home repairs than to be a victim of shark attacks (with only 5 human shark fatalities worldwide reported in 2017). https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/shark-attacks/odds/compare-risk/

Outside TV - 5 years ago

What’s up Kayak Hipster crew? This is an awesome video, thanks for sharing your tips about paddling by yourself, especially the safety ones! This is why we think it would make a great addition to our video of the month contest! Just upload it to http://campfire.outsidetv.com/home and you could have the chance to win a kayak, cooler, and be featured on Outside TV! See you on Campfire!

10. comment for 9 Tips for Solo Paddling / Kayaking Alone - Weekly Kayaking Tips - Kayak Hipster

Rodrigo Schettino - 5 years ago

sharing my tip..
i fixed a cart on the kayak. i just need to turn it upside down when i land to move it out of the water.. no assembly needed.
check this video https://youtu.be/DLs98HuKjNs cheers..
@yoga_surf_reggae

Mark Balli - 5 years ago

Great advice. You have a great head on your shoulders.

Maples and me - 5 years ago

Nice video with helpful advices. I'm going solo quite often because none of my friends are into kayaking as much as I am or even less. :) I recently started to do solo multi day tours and tend to prepare more for all eventualities as I would when paddling with others. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and tips.

Kayak Hipster - 5 years ago

Glad it was helpful! Cheers

John A - 5 years ago

Great video!!! Thanks for putting it together!

Kayak Hipster - 5 years ago

Thanks! cheers

J T - 6 years ago

I do everything alone. But I follow my instincts, and if something doesn't feel right, I won't do it. No one around here is into nature like I am, and this area is very self absorbed, ppl are deep in their own zone. I have done things alone my entire life but when it comes to the water, I am more cautious than usual.

tranquility - 5 years ago

I do everything alone also. I even went on the mo river alone. BUT, I was hyper aware of everything, and I stayed very close to the shoreline. A friend dropped me off and picked me up. Everything went well but initially I was scared to death lol.

whollyman - 5 years ago

It is SOO different, to be alone with nature. Recently however, while camping on a deserted island I was woken at dawn by multiple shots fired kinda close - OMG, hunting season!!!

Matthew Hoopes - 5 years ago

I'm the same. I really enjoy going solo most of the time. The general consensus says never go as lone and if you believe that, then you're probably better off never going alone because you're sensed aren't tuned. Anyway, it's nice to see others who take joy in solitude adventures

247addiction - 6 years ago

J T me too. I go on solo hikes a lot because my friends aren’t as adventurous as me. I now find I enjoy my solo hikes better than waiting for someone. Much more relaxing.

Vik RM - 6 years ago

Great video. I paddle locally alone, but we are building a group of paddlers and the idea of three makes sense as a core group. Much appreciated safety advice..thank you. Keep the videos coming..

Kayak Hipster - 6 years ago

Vik RM great to hear. Paddle safe and keep it up! Cheers.

PaddleDogC5 - 6 years ago

I go out alone a lot. I have cell in a Dry-Pak, and two VHF radios. One on deck with short bungee and Scotty clip, and one on my PFD with bungee and Scotty clip.

Kayak Hipster - 6 years ago

PaddleDogC5 nice!

Ghostlore - 6 years ago

3 paddlers if possible is great advice. I find the 3rd paddler is the one who ends up grabbing the gear that always seems to float just out of reach :)

Kayak Hipster - 6 years ago

Ghostlore that's a great point! Floating hat, or glasses... very often paddle...

John Jacob - 6 years ago

I really want to get into Kayaking but non of friends seem interested enough to join me. I don't mind going out by myself, I actually love to be out by myself. I just don't want to be out there alone while I'm learning something new and potentially dangerous.

whollyman - 5 years ago

Please don't let that stop you. Exactly as people suggest, start small, with humility, and work your way up. Group no group, don't worry about that, follow the precaution principle, always underestimate your skills while committing to improving them and over time you will gradually acquire experience and confidence. I bought a folding kayak, I have not taken any lessons, nor done any group outings, and this summer I logged two overnight trips to islands on large bodies of inland waters, i.e., Lake Champlain in New England, it was absolutely fantastic. I plan on moving up to coastal waters one day.

David Rougely - 5 years ago

I had the same problem. I took a kayak safety class and then started venturing out on my own. I'm still doing mostly smaller lakes to fish from the yak in but as they say Rome wasn't built in a day. You gotta get out there and follow your passion. You just have to make sure you have all the safety precautions in place. I did recently join a local Facebook group in my area. Going to start going out with them over this summer. Good luck to you.

PaddleDogC5 - 6 years ago

Get some lessons or clubs may do it for free.

Kayak Hipster - 6 years ago

John Jacob the best way to do this would be to find a local paddling group near you. They can help you go for local paddles, show you what the area is like, and help with gear as well. Paddling is one of those things that you should always start with a group, and then find ways to paddle alone after learning about the area, conditions, and gear to keep you safe.

Ray Andrews - 6 years ago

Excellent concise tips, well presented.

Kayak Hipster - 6 years ago

Ray Andrews thanks! Really appreciated.

20. comment for 9 Tips for Solo Paddling / Kayaking Alone - Weekly Kayaking Tips - Kayak Hipster

Andy McKenna - 6 years ago

Solid advice! Was a pleasure to meet you at #Lumpy2017. I primarily paddle solo and this is good reinforcement that we should always hone those skills needed to reduce risk.

Kayak Hipster - 6 years ago

Andy McKenna likewise! Absolutely. It's always good to get others' opinions on what they do when they paddle on their own

Little PAW 1969 - 6 years ago

Good video!

Kayak Hipster - 6 years ago

littlepaw1969 thanks!

Chuck K - 6 years ago

Thanks for the great info. I usually paddle solo and often in the same locations so I may get lazy about prepping for all eventualities. This is a great reminder video on the things I should keep in mind since I am on my own. Really enjoy your videos so keep them coming!

Kayak Hipster - 6 years ago

Chuck K thanks! Really appreciated. Keep on paddling!

Vincent O'Connor - 6 years ago

Great video, well done.

Magnus Persson - 6 years ago

Good tips all of them! When going solo, I think of less open water and perhaps follow a coastline instead. A small tent/tarp and a warm sleepingbag is good to have with you if stranded (bad weather). Thanks for sharing!

Kayak Hipster - 6 years ago

Magnus Persson absolutely. And keeping your tent and sleeping bag in a drybag is also very important. Nothing worse than a wet sleeping bag...

dawoollyman - 6 years ago

Great for me since I usually go alone. It's not by choice but I understand the fear I often feel is actually healthy. Thanks!

Kayak Hipster - 6 years ago

dawoollyman it's absolutely healthy, but understanding the risks and being prepared for them makes it a bit safer. Also, learning to paddle within your limits as well in terms of locations and conditions. I think the hardest thing to do is turning around when conditions are too much, or choosing to not even go in if needed.

Marko Kovac - 6 years ago

Great video but I would add one small not so usuall thing to do but it is at Tip 5 or more correct at 3:25. If you capsize and wind takes your kayak away you have huge problem! Dress apropriate is always good but in solo kayaking you should never lose your kayak cause there is more than one reason to keep your kayak always with you.
To not lose it on solo kayaking in area of strong wind you should always have rope which is connecting you and kayak. That rope can be simple rope tie to your PFD and kayak. Problem is how long that rope should be, cause sometimes rope can be complication if is long and going in the Sea and bodering you.
That is custom thing to do. Conclusion is that is always good to be tied to your kayak but also that connection (rope) should be simple and quick able to relase (like quick relase).
It's easy to be general after battle but if Andrew McAuley (movie Solo - 2008) was tied to his kayak on journey from Australia to New Zealand his body would be find not only kayak. :(

Kayak Hipster - 6 years ago

Marko Kovac interesting point. I think a lot of people would disagree with you on being tied to the boat, even if you have a quick release. But I do get your point and yes, that was absolutely tragic.

But I think overall these tips are more for local paddling and small time exploration. I think for that type of expedition, the rules are multiplied by quite a lot!

Still, thanks for pointing that out. Cheers!

C - 6 years ago

Great Video. Thanks.

Kayak Hipster - 6 years ago

COBric no prob! Thanks for the suggestion.

Finn Steiner - 6 years ago

Awesome vid! Solo paddling can be a rewarding and introspective activity. Thanks for opening up a conversation on this subject - some feel it is a taboo subject. All of your points are great - all things I do on expedition too! Have fun and stay safe out there guys :)

Kayak Hipster - 6 years ago

Finn Steiner thanks! I completely agree. I don't know why some paddlers chose to completely ignore solo paddling. It can be absolutely fantastic if it is done safely and with proper preparation.

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