Kayaking Safety Tips
Kayaking involves a bit more than hopping on the kayak and paddling away into the ocean view. When you go on a tour with Desoto Kayak Tours, your tour guide will give you instructions, so even the most inexperienced kayaker will be able to paddle with ease. But it’s always a good idea to have a few kayaking safety tips, especially if you’re renting a kayak and aren’t on a tour.
Kayaking Safety Tips
Keep an Eye to the Sky
It’s important to keep an eye on the weather. It’s never a good idea to go out on the water in a kayak when there’s a small craft advisory, or if there’s bad weather coming in.
Dress for the Weather
Typically here in Sarasota – Bradenton area the weather is warm. You’ll want to dress for summer weather, meaning shorts and tee shirts. It can even be a good idea to wear a SPF sun shirt to protect from sun burns.
Protect Yourself from the Sun
The mangroves do provide sun protection, but it is very important to wear a hat, sunglasses and sunblock. These items will not only help protect from sunburns, but polarized sunglasses will help you to see sea creatures in the water a bit more easily.
Never Paddle Alone
Just like swimming, always use the buddy system when kayaking. Don’t go out on the water alone.
Bring Water Safety Equipment
Not only is it important to bring a PFD (Personal Floatation Device), but bring a whistle or horn, as well as something that can reflect the sun, such as mirror.
Emerson Point Preserve is one of the best area’s to go kayaking. The shallow protected waters of the Preserve, coupled with the exotic mangrove tunnels provide many homes to the areas ecosystem. The chances of encountering manatees or bottlenose dolphins in these shallow waters are pretty good! Our kayak launch location in Emerson Point Preserve in Palmetto is just a short drive from Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and Venice. Book your kayak tour today!
